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The Confidence Shoppe opened its brick-and-mortar store in downtown Waxahachie last year with a mission.
"What we sell is confidence," Confidence Shoppe Founder Trudy Hankins said.
The store carries a wide range of sizes from small to 3X; unusual for a boutique.
"When I would go shopping with my daughters, we weren't the same size," Hankins said. "We went to their stores, then we went to my stores, and I hated that."
"It's really hard to say nothing in this store fits me," Hankins' daughter and Confidence Shoppe CEO Camry Hankins said, explaining why she and her mother wanted a store where everyone could find something. "They're like, 'oh, you have plus size? Oh, this is a 3X? Oh, you have two XLs? Wow!' I feel like that should not be such a surprise."
The mother/daughter business duo wants their customers to change the conversation they have with themselves in their heads.
"No negative self-talk here," Trudy Hankins said. "And I think it's really important to connect to the human side of customers. They're not just dollar signs," Camry said.
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Their goal is to help women of all sizes look and feel good.
"This fits, I look good in it, I'm confident," Trudy Hankins said. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/waxahachie-boutique-sells-clothes-and-confidence/3040749/ | 2022-08-05T00:43:38 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/waxahachie-boutique-sells-clothes-and-confidence/3040749/ |
HARVEYS LAKE, Pa. — Charred rubble is all that remains after flames tore through a home near Harveys Lake.
Firefighters were called here to Tulip Road in Lake Township around 4 p.m.
No word yet on a cause or if anyone was hurt in the fire.
Want to see what was in news in 1983? Head on over to WNEP's YouTube. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/flames-level-home-in-luzerne-county-tulip-road-in-lake-township-wnep/523-f3f607ec-65c4-4fee-82ec-bfbc8210cd35 | 2022-08-05T00:46:47 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/flames-level-home-in-luzerne-county-tulip-road-in-lake-township-wnep/523-f3f607ec-65c4-4fee-82ec-bfbc8210cd35 |
HANOVER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A man has been sentenced for a shooting in Luzerne County.
Malik Macon was sentenced to 12 and a half to 25 years in prison after shooting at a man back in 2020.
Macon was found guilty of aggravated assault and being in possession of an illegal firearm.
Want to see what was in news in 1983? Head on over to WNEP's YouTube. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/man-sentenced-for-shooting-in-luzerne-county-malik-macon-hanover-township-wnep-2020/523-d828baed-c92a-44b0-a149-0e4ae70c1e74 | 2022-08-05T00:46:49 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/man-sentenced-for-shooting-in-luzerne-county-malik-macon-hanover-township-wnep-2020/523-d828baed-c92a-44b0-a149-0e4ae70c1e74 |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/democrats-push-for-bill-to-ban-assault-weapons-in-philadelphia/3326468/ | 2022-08-05T00:51:14 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/democrats-push-for-bill-to-ban-assault-weapons-in-philadelphia/3326468/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/local-summer-camp-opens-doors-for-ukrainian-refugees/3326477/ | 2022-08-05T00:51:20 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/local-summer-camp-opens-doors-for-ukrainian-refugees/3326477/ |
BRADENTON, Fla. — The Bradenton Police Department is searching for a 14-year-old girl they said hasn't been seen since late Tuesday.
Jenaci Nieto, 14, was last seen around 11 p.m. at the Family Resource Center in Bradenton. Police say she ran away from the facility with another young woman.
The teen is described as 5 feet, 2 inches tall and approximately 140 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie and shorts.
Anyone with information on where Nieto may be is asked to call the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300 or Det. Juan Torres at juan.torres@bradentonpd.com. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/bradenton-search-14-year-old-girl/67-8caa2d03-0113-4f1f-a578-82e163cb8843 | 2022-08-05T00:54:52 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/bradenton-search-14-year-old-girl/67-8caa2d03-0113-4f1f-a578-82e163cb8843 |
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. – A special tribute after a horrific tragedy.
Emily Bivins was a victim of a triple homicide that happened in Pittsylvania County in 2019 that left the Southside shaken.
Emily’s brother, Matthew Bernard was charged with brutally murdering her, her one-year-old son, and their mother.
Later that year, Bernard was found incompetent to stand trial.
Emily was the wife of Blake Bivens, a major league baseball pitching prospect, who said his life was destroyed after the incident.
“Your love and kindness changed countless lives, including mine,” Blake wrote about Emily in a social post.
Three years later, Emily has surely not been forgotten.
A music scholarship has been set up in her memory and will cover the costs of youth piano lessons – a scholarship that could change lives and make a lot of people smile, just like Blake said that Emily did years ago. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/04/music-scholarship-set-up-in-honor-of-local-murder-victim/ | 2022-08-05T01:05:14 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/04/music-scholarship-set-up-in-honor-of-local-murder-victim/ |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – ‘A Knight with Kendall,’ originally promoted as a ‘drag extravaganza,’ took centerstage at Lynchburg’s Academy Center of the Arts on Thursday after it was moved from Jefferson Forest High School due to residents’ concerns.
Organizers of ‘A Knight with Kendall’ said the show was meant to be a fundraiser for the school’s theatre program.
Kendall Mullins, a 2017 graduate of the Jefferson Forest program, said he has performed five previous fundraisers at the school and called them ‘family-friendly.’
Spence White, director of the Cavalier Theatre, said that after they moved the show from Bedford County to Lynchburg, they raised about $2,000 – and that was before the theatre doors even opened.
White said that money is almost triple what they made from any of their previous shows.
“It’s the best outcome of an unfortunate situation. I think I will have a larger audience than I’ve had before,” Mullins told 10 News ahead of the performance.
“The folks that wanted this [show removed from] Bedford County, they succeeded in that. I’m not really happy about that; but the fact is, unintended consequences, I think it’s been more beneficial to our theatre program,” said White.
The performance was a pay-what-you-can show. White said as a precaution, they would have security at the event. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/05/drag-extravaganza-receives-support-after-concerns-moves-show-to-lynchburg/ | 2022-08-05T01:05:20 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/05/drag-extravaganza-receives-support-after-concerns-moves-show-to-lynchburg/ |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – It’s no secret that staffing shortages are an issue for school divisions across the United States.
But after Lynchburg City Schools held a news conference last week and told 10 News it was “too early to tell” how many teachers and staff members they have for the upcoming school year, we wanted to follow up.
Unfortunately, to no avail.
During the July 27 news conference, Superintendent Dr. Crystal Edwards acknowledged that they, like other school divisions, are facing challenges and are doing everything they can to fill spots.
“We have had, over the last couple of weeks, many people join Lynchburg City Schools,” said Edwards.
The superintendent pointed out that an online portal, listing more than 200 jobs, does not represent the exact number of vacant positions at LCS.
That’s when 10 News asked leaders, “Can you give us any type of ballpark figure on how many new hires you have or how many vacancies you still have?”
Dr. Reid Wodicka, LCS Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Strategic Planning responded, “We have a number of people who are still asking to join, still applying to join the Lynchburg City Schools. People want to be here, so we’re still processing through those.”
And on Wednesday, six days after the LCS news conference, 10 News sent a follow-up email, asking to estimate where LCS currently stands as well as questions regarding Tuesday’s school board meeting, where the issue was brought up and statistics were ignored.
“We don’t have the actual number right now, but we should have it pretty soon,” Human Resources Director Lakrisha Scott told LCS Board members during Tuesday’s meeting.
We were told that administrators were not available for comment Wednesday and a spokesperson said no one was available on Thursday, either.
10 News has requested a statement but has not heard back yet.
LCS students will return to their classrooms in 12 days – on August 16. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/05/lynchburg-city-school-leaders-sidestep-questions-about-staffing-vacancies/ | 2022-08-05T01:05:26 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/05/lynchburg-city-school-leaders-sidestep-questions-about-staffing-vacancies/ |
PUTNAM COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — A Facebook post from Putnam County Sheriff Bobby Eggleton has awakened controversy over how abandoned vehicles can be dealt with if they’re not on your property.
“We don’t have to have junk cars sitting in our driveways. We don’t have to do that,” Eggleton said. “We’re a beautiful place. Let’s clean it up.”
In his Facebook post, Eggleton said he won’t stand for it any longer. When abandoned vehicles become a safety and health hazard, Eggleton said something needs to be done.
“I don’t want to bother people. That’s the last thing I want to do, but as the sheriff, I’m not going to sit back and do nothing,” he said.
Critics are responding saying he doesn’t have the right to seize their property, but he says the law is on his side.
“When I ran for election, I said I would clean up Putnam County. That doesn’t just mean drugs and that doesn’t just mean that side of it. The violation of the law is the violation of the law,” Eggleton said.
The law says that any enforcement agency which has knowledge of or discovers abandoned property may take possession of either private or public property provided that a thirty-day notice is given to the property owner or owner of the vehicle.
“I send them a letter and then after the letter, we can take action,” Eggleton said. “Have we at this point? Not at all.”
Since the Facebook post, he’s gotten several complaints from neighbors about certain properties to look into and one of those properties is in Scott Depot.
“This particular photo right here has 54 vehicles,” Scott Depot resident said. “It’s not fair to the property owners that lives in this subdivision.”
This person didn’t want to be identified but says the spot in Scott Depot has been a sore subject for some time, and the property owner has been written up three times by the department of environmental protection but nothing happened, until now.
“We have a new sheriff, thank god, in Putnam County,” a Scott Depot resident said. “And I believe he’s actually going to take it to heart and do something.”
Doing something to improve the scenery, but also protect the rights of property owners. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/when-does-a-mess-in-someone-elses-yard-become-your-business/ | 2022-08-05T01:13:57 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/when-does-a-mess-in-someone-elses-yard-become-your-business/ |
ATLANTA — An off-duty Atlanta police officer said a man tried to get inside his car and his home Thursday evening.
Officers responded to a home at Proctor Street NW for an attempted home invasion call.
When officers arrived, they confronted the suspect. That's when the suspect opened fire and the off-duty APD officer returned fire with his city-issued weapon, according to APD.
APD said the off-duty officer was not injured during the time of the incident.
"At this time, the suspect is still outstanding. This is still an active investigation," APD said. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/attempted-home-invasion-apd-office-home-proctor-st-nw/85-e13005d5-a163-42d2-9e0b-744f36830b2e | 2022-08-05T01:25:34 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/attempted-home-invasion-apd-office-home-proctor-st-nw/85-e13005d5-a163-42d2-9e0b-744f36830b2e |
Updated CDC recommendations call for face masks in 5 Arizona counties, but not Maricopa
Updated federal guidance for the first time in weeks has lifted an indoor face mask recommendation in Arizona's most populated county.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated Maricopa County at the "low" COVID-19 community level on Thursday, meaning face masks are not explicitly recommended for most people in indoor public areas.
Maricopa County had been designated at the "high" level since July 14. The guidance is updated weekly and ranks counties as low, medium and high, or green, yellow and orange.
Counties that were designated at the "high" level on Thursday were Mohave, Navajo, Apache, Yuma and La Paz. The CDC recommends residents in counties with a "high" designation wear face masks when in public areas indoors regardless of vaccination status.
In addition to Maricopa County, other counties designated low as of Thursday are Yavapai, Pinal and Greenlee counties. Coconino, Gila, Graham, Cochise, Santa Cruz and Pima counties are all in the medium community level.
Nearly 42% of counties across the country were designated as "high" as of Thursday's update.
Navajo and Apache counties have been designed as high since June 9. La Paz has been ranked high every week since June 23 (except for July 7), Mohave since June 30 and Yuma since July 14.
The metrics are based on a county’s COVID-19 hospital bed use, COVID-19 hospital admissions and case rates for the virus over the past week.
COVID-19 Aug. 4 update:Cases increase by 15,034, with 74 new known deaths
Face masks are not explicitly recommended for residents in counties at the medium level except for certain people, including those who are immunocompromised, at high risk for severe disease, or have a household or social contact at high risk for severe disease.
The CDC also recommends "enhanced prevention measures in high-risk congregate settings" in communities designated at the medium level.
Areas of the country with large swaths of counties in the "high" designation include Florida, Kentucky, West Virginia and Louisiana.
While face mask recommendations have changed, a CDC map of COVID-19 virus transmission indicates that transmission remained high in 94% of U.S. counties as of the most recent update.
Reported COVID-19 cases in Arizona have continued to increase at a relatively consistent weekly pace.
State health officials on Wednesday added 15,034 new COVID-19 cases and 74 new known deaths over the weeklong period ending July 30. June and July have seen relatively similar weekly case additions.
Case counts are still far below the winter, state data shows. Case numbers in recent months likely are not showing the full picture of infections as many more people have used at-home test kits and may not report positive results to their doctors or county health departments.
Arizona, like other states, is seeing an ongoing case increase largely driven by two contagious subvariants of the virus, BA.4 and BA.5, with BA.5 the more dominant of the two.
The contagiousness of BA.5 likely is contributing to reinfections and infections of people who are fully vaccinated and boosted given its contagiousness and ability to evade antibodies.
Reach the reporter at Stephanie.Innes@gannett.com or at 602-444-8369. Follow her on Twitter @stephanieinnes.
Reach the reporter at Alison.Steinbach@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-444-4282. Follow her on Twitter @alisteinbach.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2022/08/04/cdc-lifts-mask-recommendations-maricopa-county/10241028002/ | 2022-08-05T01:25:48 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2022/08/04/cdc-lifts-mask-recommendations-maricopa-county/10241028002/ |
1 dead after motorcycle and tractor trailer crash in Flagstaff near I-40
One person is dead after a tractor trailer and motorcycle collided near Interstate 40 and Westbound Country Club Drive on August 4.
According to Flagstaff officials, around 9:30.m., a motorcycle and tractor trailer collided as both vehicles exited the I-40 freeway and attempted to turn left on Westbound Country Club Drive.
Sheri Gustafson, 49, of Phoenix, died at the scene of the crash after the motorcycle she was operating was struck by the back of the tractor trailer, according to officials.
Officials said the driver of the tractor trailer stayed on the scene until police and medical personnel were at the scene.
The truck driver was taken to Flagstaff Police Department for tests and he showed no signs of impairment, according to officials.
Reach Breaking News Reporter Jodicee Arianna at Jodicee.Harris@gannett.com. Support local journalism, subscribe to https://www.azcentral.com/. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-traffic/2022/08/04/motorcyclist-dead-after-crash-tractor-trailer-flagstaff/10242496002/ | 2022-08-05T01:25:54 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-traffic/2022/08/04/motorcyclist-dead-after-crash-tractor-trailer-flagstaff/10242496002/ |
Bodycam footage released of man fatally shot by Phoenix police in mental health facility
The Phoenix Police Department released bodycam footage Tuesday evening from a police shooting on July 19 that left 22-year-old Matthew Begay, a member of a mental health facility, dead.
The footage was included in a critical incident briefing, an edited video with some additional information about what officers say happened, released by the department. Public information officer Sgt. Brian Bower narrated the events of the incident and provided context to the footage and dispatcher audio released.
Since 2019, the Phoenix Police Department has produced videos with summaries of police shootings that include some body-camera footage, 911 calls and a narration of the events that led to the shooting.
The morning of July 19, police responded to a 911 call from the manager of a group home, which serves those with mental health challenges, near 111th Avenue and Camelback Road about a resident threatening to jump out a second-story window, according to Bower.
In the released call audio, the group home manager can be heard saying, “I have a member who wants to kill himself.” When the dispatcher asked for more details, the manager said the member was “standing on the window.”
Police also said the dispatcher placed a simultaneous call to a contracted mental health company to request a mobile crisis team. On the released audio from that call, the dispatcher for the mental health company said they had a “25-minute ETA.”
Bower said that on the way to the call, a supervisor asked for a Phoenix Police Crisis Intervention Team member to respond, and there is an audio clip of the request, but Bower said the supervisor was told no one was available. Bower said the team includes both detectives trained in mental health situations and officers with at least 40 hours of crisis response training.
The first two officers entered the group home at 10:15 a.m. on July 19, and the group home manager, who had placed the 911 call, directed them to Begay.
On the bodycam footage, the two officers are seen walking up the stairs, stopping on the landing between floors when they see Begay standing at the top of the stairs with his hands in his pockets. An officer can be heard asking Begay to “just come down here so we can talk.”
Begay stood in front of the stairs and told officers he would not let them up.
“I ain’t coming down," he said.
The officers stayed on the middle landing while speaking with Begay, and Bower said they negotiated with him for about 15 minutes. In an audio clip, officers can be heard requesting a Crisis Intervention Team member again, but were told there was still no one available.
Two more officers arrived at the scene during the negotiation, but remained at the bottom of the stairs, Bower said.
At 10:31 a.m., bodycam footage shows an officer asking Begay, “You trying to fight? Is that what you’re trying to do?”
“Trying to die,” Begay responded.
Shortly after, Begay is seen taking a knife from his right pocket. He took two steps down the stairs with the knife in hand, while officers backed up. The officer wearing the camera from which the bodycam footage was taken drew his gun and pointed it at Begay.
“If you don’t drop it right now, I’m going to shoot you,” the officer said.
Begay also pulled out a long string and held it in his left hand. He was then about halfway down to the middle landing. The officer wearing the camera stood on the landing while the other officer stood just below the landing.
Begay took one more step down the stairs before the second officer pulled out a stun gun and shot Begay with it. Begay turned slightly, but it did not appear to have much of an effect on him.
After the stun gun was fired, Begay took one more step. The officer wearing the bodycam fired three shots with his handgun at Begay, which caused Begay to fall forward onto the middle landing, Bower said. He fell onto his back, and he is seen grabbing his abdomen.
All four officers then moved in, and in the footage captured on the bodycam of the officer who fired the stun gun, the officer who fired the shots is seen placing his foot on Begay’s left arm.
According to Bower, officers carried Begay to the home’s front patio to better provide Begay medical aid and to move him away from the three people who were still upstairs.
In footage from another officer’s bodycam, officers are seen administering CPR to Begay on the front patio. Bower said the officers continued giving medical aid to Begay until the Phoenix Fire Department arrived and transported Begay to a hospital. Bower said there he died from his injuries.
While the name of the officer who fired the shots has not yet been released, Bower said the officer has been with the Phoenix Police Department for two years and is assigned to the Maryvale Estrella Mountain Precinct.
Bower said the incident is still under internal investigation, as well as a criminal investigation overseen by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Law enforcement officers have shot at least 36 people in Maricopa County so far this year, according to analysis by The Arizona Republic
Suicide, crisis hotlines for Arizonans
Services for Arizonans in crisis include:
- Dial 2-1-1 to reach 211 Arizona.
- The National Suicide Prevention Line is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 in English and 1-888-628-9454 in Spanish. It's free and confidential for those in distress who need prevention or crisis resources for themselves or loved ones.
- La Frontera Empact Suicide Prevention Center's crisis line serves Maricopa and Pinal counties 24/7 at 480-784-1500.
- Teen Lifeline 24/7 crisis line serves teens at 602-248-8336 for Maricopa County and 1-800-248-8336 statewide.
- The Trevor Project Lifeline serves LGBTQ youth at 866-488-7386.
Reach breaking news reporter Sam Burdette at sburdette@gannett.com or on Twitter @SuperSafetySam.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/08/05/bodycam-footage-released-of-man-fatally-shot-by-phoenix-police-at-mental-health-facility/10240168002/ | 2022-08-05T01:26:00 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/08/05/bodycam-footage-released-of-man-fatally-shot-by-phoenix-police-at-mental-health-facility/10240168002/ |
The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce is soliciting input on its strategic plan.
The chamber board recently met at Agave Mansion in Michigan City to talk about the chamber's recent successes and future goals. It plans to have a board retreat later this year to start crafting a new strategic plan.
Cynthia Roberts, dean of the School of Business and Economics at Indiana University Northwest, has been helping with the chamber's strategic planning efforts.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, and the resulting changes in the economic climate, it is a perfect time for the chamber to reflect upon their past service as well as develop a strategic direction for the future,” Roberts said.
The chamber represents businesses across the greater Michigan City area, giving them opportunities for networking while working to promote growth and economic development in the lakefront city in LaPorte County.
The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce board plans to gather feedback from community stakeholders, committees, focus groups and one-on-one partner conversations as it crafts a new strategic plan to identify its future priorities. It also will collect data from a survey of the public.
“While we build a pathway to create a stronger chamber, everyone’s voice is extremely important in this process. We are inviting everyone to participate in the conversation,” President Katie Eaton said.
People have until Aug. 11 to take the survey online. To take the survey or for more information, email keaton@mcachamber.com, visit MichiganCityChamber.com or call 219-874-6221.
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Open
Bombers BBQ is now serving up its beloved brisket and other slow-cooked meats in Crown Point.
The acclaimed military aviation-themed barbecue joint has built up a fervent following at its original location at 435 Ridge Road in Munster. It reached a deal with Darin Jacobs, who owns Rosati's pizzerias in Munster, St. John and Valparaiso, to open franchises.
Jacobs, a longtime bombers customer, on Monday opened the first Bombers BBQ franchise at 35 W. 112th Ave. next to Cold Stone Creamery and Three Monkeys Pub in Crown Point. He's eyeing future locations in St. John and Valparaiso.
"It's definitely the barbecue smoking shows on the Food Channel," he said. "We carry more than most. We sell smoked turkey that's the most tender turkey you've ever had. Our best customers are those who smoke or barbecue themselves because they know what they're looking for. They come in, ask how we prepare our food, understand it makes sense and keep coming back."
Jacobs hopes to open more franchises after establishing the Crown Point location.
"We're thinking of Valparaiso and St. John once we feel comfortable we've replicated it in Crown Point," he said. "This is the freshest, best-tasting barbecue around."
"Everything is fresh, smoked that day," he said. "Not to disparage other barbecue restaurants, but if they say they close at 9 p.m. and then close at 9 p.m. the meat's not all fresh."
The new Bombers BBQ in Crown Point seats 80 people in a former furniture store and another 24 on an outdoor patio. It has a liquor license that lets it serve 12 types of beer, half craft and half domestic.
The 5,000-square-foot restaurant is decorated with the same military aviation theme, inspired by how founder Chris Cole's relatives served as pilots in World War II and Vietnam.
"We've had a lot of military people come in and say they appreciate it. They like to take it all in," Jacobs said. "Some people don't know where the name comes from or think it's because the food is the bomb, but it's because both Chris Cole's relatives were bomber pilots."
Bombers BBQ in Crown Point has the same menu as the original Munster restaurant, adding banana pudding. It smokes its meat fresh every day, selling it until it runs out and closing early if sold out.
"We smoke meat daily and stay open until we sell out," he said. "If we still have some left we donate it or let employees take it home. But we're pretty good at estimating how much we'll need based on the previous day's sales."
Spirit Halloween will return to 1525 U.S. 41 in Schererville this Halloween season. Long located every fall at the former Ashley Furniture big-box in Schererville, it moved across the street last year to the Crossroads of America shopping center anchored by Strack and Van Til.
Though it's still beach season when many have little more than beer and sunshine on their mind, to paraphrase the artist who just played Hammond's Festival of the Lakes, the Halloween retailer already posted "coming soon" and "now hiring" signage at the location.
The seasonal pop-up is known for occupying vacant commercial real estate for a couple of months, selling a wide array of Halloween costumes like Jason Vorhees hockey jerseys, as well as Halloween decorations like the styrofoam headstones you can plant to make your front lawn look like a cemetery.
The local chain of barbecue joints in Munster, Crown Point and Griffith is coming to Merrillville, near the busy intersection of U.S. 30 and Interstate 65.
It's taking over the former Fresh to Order space at 540 81st Ave., where it will share a strip mall with Planet Fitness and Catch Table and Tap.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is coming soon to Crown Point.
The restaurant at 146 E. 109th Ave. is now hiring for a variety of positions, offering sign-on bonuses. It offers Greek favorites like grilled lamb, tzatziki, village salads, rice and pita bread. The menu includes many handhelds such as gyros, wraps and Greek burgers.
For more information, call 219-274-7335, email greatgreeknwi@gmail.com or find the business on Facebook.
True BBQ has opened its long-awaited third location in downtown Griffith, where it's bringing smoked meats and another late-night spot for drinks.
The modern barbecue restaurant took over the former Twincade space at 106 N. Broad St. at the corner of Broad and Main streets in downtown Griffith.
True BBQ first opened in Munster in 2014 and recently opened a second location in downtown Crown Point.
It's owned by Progressive Dining Group, which also owns Bullpen Luxury Bar & Grill, Gino's Steakhouse and The Links in Schererville.
The True BBQ in Griffith has the same menu, which includes baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs and smoked rib tips. It offers full slabs of ribs for $16 on Mondays. Other barbecued meats include turkey, andouille sausage, pork belly, pork shoulder, brisket, corned beef and chicken.
The menu also features steaks, pasta salads and appetizers. A full bar serves up craft beers, artisan cocktails and a wide selection of whiskeys.
Catering toward dinner and drinks in Griffith, True BBQ is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. It's closed on Tuesdays.
Port of Peri Peri's ship has sailed in Schererville.
Signs posted outside the Portuguese peri peri chicken restaurant in Shops on Main on U.S. 41 have said it was temporarily closed "for improvements" for some time.
But now the Port of Peri Peri sign on the building facade has come down. And Shops on Main owner Regency Center is listing the 2,388-square-foot restaurant space as available for lease.
Sports Clips left its longtime spot in the Crossroads of America shopping center anchored by Strack and Van Til and Walmart and moved a few miles north in Schererville.
The sports-themed hair care chain, in which customers can watch sports on television getting their hair cut, moved to 336 Indianapolis Blvd. in a newer strip mall by McAlister's Deli and Buona Beef.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Bombers BBQ, True BBQ and Great Greek Mediterranean Grill opening; Port of Peri Peri closed
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Bombers BBQ, True BBQ and Great Greek Mediterranean Grill opening; Port of Peri Peri closed
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Open
Bombers BBQ is now serving up its beloved brisket and other slow-cooked meats in Crown Point.
The acclaimed military aviation-themed barbecue joint has built up a fervent following at its original location at 435 Ridge Road in Munster. It reached a deal with Darin Jacobs, who owns Rosati's pizzerias in Munster, St. John and Valparaiso, to open franchises.
Jacobs, a longtime bombers customer, on Monday opened the first Bombers BBQ franchise at 35 W. 112th Ave. next to Cold Stone Creamery and Three Monkeys Pub in Crown Point. He's eyeing future locations in St. John and Valparaiso.
Joseph S. Pete
Brisket the top seller
It has three smokers on site, two for the restaurant traffic and one for catering. It will cater to as few as 50 people and as many as 500.
Top sellers include brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, mac and cheese and jalapeno cornbread.
"The brisket is by far the No. 1 seller," he said. "It's the recipe and because we made everything fresh."
Joseph S. Pete
Drive-through for online orders
It has a drive-thru pickup window for online and phone orders.
"It's a trend," Jacobs said. "The drive-through at Rosati's is 20% of our business and growing. This is perfect for pickup."
Barbecue has taken off in Northwest Indiana in recent years, with many new barbecue joints opening.
Joseph S. Pete
Further expansion planned
"It's definitely the barbecue smoking shows on the Food Channel," he said. "We carry more than most. We sell smoked turkey that's the most tender turkey you've ever had. Our best customers are those who smoke or barbecue themselves because they know what they're looking for. They come in, ask how we prepare our food, understand it makes sense and keep coming back."
Jacobs hopes to open more franchises after establishing the Crown Point location.
"We're thinking of Valparaiso and St. John once we feel comfortable we've replicated it in Crown Point," he said. "This is the freshest, best-tasting barbecue around."
Joseph S. Pete
Meat smoked daily
"Everything is fresh, smoked that day," he said. "Not to disparage other barbecue restaurants, but if they say they close at 9 p.m. and then close at 9 p.m. the meat's not all fresh."
The new Bombers BBQ in Crown Point seats 80 people in a former furniture store and another 24 on an outdoor patio. It has a liquor license that lets it serve 12 types of beer, half craft and half domestic.
The 5,000-square-foot restaurant is decorated with the same military aviation theme, inspired by how founder Chris Cole's relatives served as pilots in World War II and Vietnam.
Joseph S. Pete
Open daily
Bombers BBQ will be open in Crown Point from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
For more information, call 219-613-4444, visit bombersbbq.com or find the business on Facebook.
Joseph S. Pete
Open until sold out
"We've had a lot of military people come in and say they appreciate it. They like to take it all in," Jacobs said. "Some people don't know where the name comes from or think it's because the food is the bomb, but it's because both Chris Cole's relatives were bomber pilots."
Bombers BBQ in Crown Point has the same menu as the original Munster restaurant, adding banana pudding. It smokes its meat fresh every day, selling it until it runs out and closing early if sold out.
"We smoke meat daily and stay open until we sell out," he said. "If we still have some left we donate it or let employees take it home. But we're pretty good at estimating how much we'll need based on the previous day's sales."
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
It's almost the most spooktacular time of year.
Spirit Halloween will return to 1525 U.S. 41 in Schererville this Halloween season. Long located every fall at the former Ashley Furniture big-box in Schererville, it moved across the street last year to the Crossroads of America shopping center anchored by Strack and Van Til.
Though it's still beach season when many have little more than beer and sunshine on their mind, to paraphrase the artist who just played Hammond's Festival of the Lakes, the Halloween retailer already posted "coming soon" and "now hiring" signage at the location.
The seasonal pop-up is known for occupying vacant commercial real estate for a couple of months, selling a wide array of Halloween costumes like Jason Vorhees hockey jerseys, as well as Halloween decorations like the styrofoam headstones you can plant to make your front lawn look like a cemetery.
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
True BBQ hasn't stopped growing.
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon to Merrillville
The local chain of barbecue joints in Munster, Crown Point and Griffith is coming to Merrillville, near the busy intersection of U.S. 30 and Interstate 65.
It's taking over the former Fresh to Order space at 540 81st Ave., where it will share a strip mall with Planet Fitness and Catch Table and Tap.
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is coming soon to Crown Point.
The restaurant at 146 E. 109th Ave. is now hiring for a variety of positions, offering sign-on bonuses. It offers Greek favorites like grilled lamb, tzatziki, village salads, rice and pita bread. The menu includes many handhelds such as gyros, wraps and Greek burgers.
For more information, call 219-274-7335, email greatgreeknwi@gmail.com or find the business on Facebook.
Joseph S. Pete
Now open
True BBQ has opened its long-awaited third location in downtown Griffith, where it's bringing smoked meats and another late-night spot for drinks.
The modern barbecue restaurant took over the former Twincade space at 106 N. Broad St. at the corner of Broad and Main streets in downtown Griffith.
True BBQ first opened in Munster in 2014 and recently opened a second location in downtown Crown Point.
It's owned by Progressive Dining Group, which also owns Bullpen Luxury Bar & Grill, Gino's Steakhouse and The Links in Schererville.
The True BBQ in Griffith has the same menu, which includes baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs and smoked rib tips. It offers full slabs of ribs for $16 on Mondays. Other barbecued meats include turkey, andouille sausage, pork belly, pork shoulder, brisket, corned beef and chicken.
The menu also features steaks, pasta salads and appetizers. A full bar serves up craft beers, artisan cocktails and a wide selection of whiskeys.
Catering toward dinner and drinks in Griffith, True BBQ is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. It's closed on Tuesdays.
Port of Peri Peri's ship has sailed in Schererville.
Signs posted outside the Portuguese peri peri chicken restaurant in Shops on Main on U.S. 41 have said it was temporarily closed "for improvements" for some time.
But now the Port of Peri Peri sign on the building facade has come down. And Shops on Main owner Regency Center is listing the 2,388-square-foot restaurant space as available for lease.
Joseph S. Pete
Relocated
Sports Clips left its longtime spot in the Crossroads of America shopping center anchored by Strack and Van Til and Walmart and moved a few miles north in Schererville.
The sports-themed hair care chain, in which customers can watch sports on television getting their hair cut, moved to 336 Indianapolis Blvd. in a newer strip mall by McAlister's Deli and Buona Beef.
Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times since 2013 and blogs about craft beer, culture and the military.
Steelworkers will take home bonus checks of upwards of $14,000 for the three-month period that ended on June 30, U.S. Steel Media Relations Manager Amanda Malkowski said.
Customer complaints have mounted as Old National Bank has integrated First Midwest Bank branches. Customers have complained about debit cards being declined, being locked out of their accounts online, being allowed to overdraft their accounts without warning and having to wait for hours on the phone.
The cost of gas has dipped under $4 a gallon at a few Region gas stations, including BP in Dyer, Murphy USA in Valparaiso, Speedway in Wanatah, Family Express in Hobart and Valparaiso and Sam's Club and Costco in Merrillville as of Monday, according to GasBuddy.com.
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 filed unfair labor practice charges against California-based SOLV Energy and recruiter Aerotek charging they are recruiting workers from outside Indiana for the Mammoth Solar Farm Project and paying them "substantially lower than Indiana standards." | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/michigan-city-chamber-seeks-input-for-strategic-plan/article_edb0de3f-efcc-5113-8f33-3042d5a469ed.html | 2022-08-05T01:27:36 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/michigan-city-chamber-seeks-input-for-strategic-plan/article_edb0de3f-efcc-5113-8f33-3042d5a469ed.html |
SOUTH HAVEN — The Friends of Portage Township, Inc., will host a Friend in Me 5K Run and Walk Sept. 3.
The group is a nonprofit organization charged with fundraising for the development and sustainment of Portage Township parks and improving the quality of life for the Portage Township community.
The benefit will be held at Haven Hollow Park, 330 W. 700 N., South Haven. Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. with the race beginning at 8 a.m.
Cost for pre-registering before Sept. 3 is $30 for participants age 11 years and up. Participants age 10 years and younger is $15. Day-of-race registration will be $35 for ages 11 years and up and $30 for 10 years and under.
Water will be available at the start and finish and at one point on the racecourse. Refreshments will be provided after the run.
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Race awards will be presented to top finishers in the following categories: Top overall male and top overall female, top male masters and top female masters (40 and over) and top 3 in the following age categories: 10-and-under, 11-12, 13-14,15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-and-up.
Proceeds from this event benefit the construction of an ADA compliant walkway connecting playgrounds and amenities at Haven Hollow Park.
Register for this event at https://runsignup.com/race/in/valparaiso/townshipfriends5k | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/friends-of-portage-township-plan-fundraiser/article_25bc69a5-2e00-58f8-84af-a1ada5e2e030.html | 2022-08-05T01:27:48 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/friends-of-portage-township-plan-fundraiser/article_25bc69a5-2e00-58f8-84af-a1ada5e2e030.html |
The Michael Jackson Memorial went missing from his childhood home five years ago.
Joseph S. Pete
Paul King, who makes the Steel City Storm videos for YouTube, found the Michael Jackson Memorial that went missing from his childhood home five years ago.
Joseph S. Pete
The Michael Jackson Memorial went missing from his childhood home five years ago.
Joseph S. Pete
The Michael Jackson Memorial went missing from his childhood home five years ago.
GARY — A Region mystery has been solved and it was a real thriller.
Five years ago, the Michael Jackson memorial that was carved from stone after his abrupt death in 2009 mysteriously disappeared from its longtime pedestal in the front yard of the Jackson childhood home in Gary.
The massive 5,000-pound granite monument featuring images and song lyrics of the King of Pop had for years greeted visitors to the house at 2300 Jackson Street where the world-renowned Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and Jackson 5 were raised.
Then in 2017, it vanished without a trace.
It turns out, the disappearance may not have been the work of a smooth criminal. The huge memorial didn't go very far.
Gary documentarian Paul King, whose Steel City Storm videos have more than 1.7 million views and about 8,000 subscribers on YouTube, discovered the monument while shooting a video at the house.
It was tucked away under tarp and bricks in the backyard of the neighboring home, which was originally supposed to be a Michael Jackson museum that has not yet opened.
"When it came down, people were really upset," King said. "People come from all over the world to see that house and the monument is part of it. People were outraged. I don't know why they took it down when it was donated to the city. People should be able to see it."
Gary police told The Times in 2018 that the monument was taken down when Janet and Randy Jackson visited their family home in Gary in October 2017. Lt. Thomas Pawlak said the department reached out to the family and found out that it was taken down to do a video shoot and would be put back up after some landscaping work was done.
"My understanding is the memorial is private property as is 2300 Jackson St.," city of Gary spokesman Michael Gonzales said. "If it’s there and under a tarp, I don’t know any details."
King said the monument appears to have been left behind the neighboring house for years, given the condition of the tarp draped over it and the skids it rests on.
"It's just sat there under a tarp on some skids at the house next door," he said. "I was walking around the house just looking and there it was. It's a shame that it's just sitting there."
The landmark statue was unveiled in June 2010. On the front, the black granite monument reads "King of Pop Michael J. Jackson August 29, 1958 to June 25, 2009. Hometown of Michael Jackson – Gary, Ind. Never can say goodbye." It features an image of Jackson moonwalking against a backdrop of the moon.
The statue was originally located at the U.S. Steel Yard in downtown Gary, where it was displayed for his memorial service the July after his death.
It stood outside his childhood home since Katherine Jackson, other family members and then-mayor Rudy Clay unveiled the "beautiful piece of art" in front of hundreds of cheering fans who sang "We are the World" in June 2010.
"It's a big slap in the face to the King of Pop that the plaque is just sitting there in the backyard," King said. "The city just put signs on the highway and the street directing people to the Jackson House. You would go there expecting to see a monument."
King hopes it will be restored to where it was originally displayed.
"Nobody really knows why they took it down and never put it back," he said. "It's a mystery. There's no official explanation. It's a tourist attraction and an impressive plaque. Nobody knows why it was taken down. It would be cool if bringing attention to it got it put back up. It's beautiful and they're trying to bring tourists in to see the house."
Over the years, King has filmed more than 1,100 Steel City Storm videos in his native Gary. He's often chronicled Michael Jackson sites, such as the schools he attended, Lucky's Lounge where he did his first paid performance, Gilroy Stadium where he sung in a talent show and Steel Town Records that put out the first Jackson 5 album.
He wishes more of the buildings associated with the Jackson family had been preserved and more was done to highlight their legacy, given their outsized impact on pop culture in the 20th century.
"Almost nothing's been preserved beside the house," he said. "There's nothing for tourists to do and look at. It's a huge missed opportunity. There are all those Michael Jackson fans who still come to the city of Gary. At least open the museum and sell souvenirs."
He hopes the city will do more to recognize its native son, one of the most critically acclaimed and best-selling musical artists of all time.
"It's a damn shame they took the memorial down," he said.
Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times since 2013 and blogs about craft beer, culture and the military.
Gary native Freddie Gibbs, who grew up at 17th Avenue and Virginia Street on Gary’s east side, was nominated for a Grammy Award for best rap album for "Alfredo," a collaboration with hip hop producer The Alchemist that dropped in May.
The Gary Housing Authority has been tearing down 14 largely vacant and badly blighted buildings in downtown Gary in a demolition spree that's clearing away the crumbling remnants of its glory days as a regional shopping destination.
Akyumen, a LA-based tech company, plans to take over the long-underused and financially troubled Genesis Convention Center, which it will turn into its corporate headquarters.
The historic structure at at the corner of Massachusetts Street and Seventh Avenue in downtown Gary has been razed to make way for a new housing development.
Paul King, who makes the Steel City Storm videos for YouTube, found the Michael Jackson Memorial that went missing from his childhood home five years ago. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/michael-jackson-memorial-that-mysteriously-disappeared-from-his-childhood-home-found/article_28c406d8-a80a-5c09-b941-7229e1865616.html | 2022-08-05T01:27:54 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/michael-jackson-memorial-that-mysteriously-disappeared-from-his-childhood-home-found/article_28c406d8-a80a-5c09-b941-7229e1865616.html |
Flagstaff police are investigating the death of a motorcyclist following a crash on Interstate 40.
Just before 10 p.m. Wednesday night, a motorcycle and tractor-trailer both tried to make a left turn onto westbound Country Club Drive to exit the freeway. The turning truck’s trailer hit the motorcyclist, a 49-year-old Phoenix woman named Sheri Gustafson.
Gustafson was killed in the crash. Detectives and an accident reconstruction team responded to the scene.
The truck driver willingly submitted to a sobriety test called a DRE (Drug Recognition Expert). For the test, he was transported to the Flagstaff Police Department. There, investigators determined that he had not been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
This crash is still under investigation. Police are asking any witnesses or anyone with information about the crash to contact Detective Joe Gilbert at 928-679-4120, or email at jdgilbert@flagstaffaz.gov. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/flagstaff-police-investigate-fatal-motorcycle-crash-on-freeway/article_339ecf60-1446-11ed-8723-97c5cc829e28.html | 2022-08-05T01:29:05 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/flagstaff-police-investigate-fatal-motorcycle-crash-on-freeway/article_339ecf60-1446-11ed-8723-97c5cc829e28.html |
NAZ Elite has bolstered its presence on the track, adding four athletes to the roster all coming out of college careers.
The team made the official announcement early Thursday that it was bringing aboard Krissy Gear, Olin Hacker, Abby Nichols and Adriaan Wildschutt.
“They are going to give us a presence at a high level on the track that we haven't had in a while," Ben Rosario, NAZ Elite executive director, said Wednesday of the incoming squad.
NAZ Elite is working a balancing act with the new editions. With no long-term plans on moving them to the road or preparing them to be marathoners in the initial works, the athletes are expected to bring strong performances to the track for the team and stick to the surface.
That hasn't always been the case in the past for NAZ Elite, as most athletes had previously joined the team knowing longer distances on the road were part of the plan.
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“This is a very different group," Rosario said. "In the past we have had these athletes come in and really the long-term focus has been eventually moving to the marathon, and with these four, that’s not the case at all. We actually think the track is the best place for them and it really rounds out our team in that way.”
Rosario said only a few days ago he was talking to head coach Alan Culpepper about how they nailed down such a strong group -- which has produced, according to NAZ Elite, 19 All-American performances combined while competing in the NCAA.
“I don’t know that we could have sifted it much better. We got exactly what we wanted. We wanted multiple high-level people. We didn’t just want to sign one superstar. We wanted a couple men and a couple of women so we could make a big splash, and I think we’ve done that," Rosario said.
Gear, owner of a 4:09 1,500-meters PR, joins the team not too far removed from winning a NCAA indoor title with the distance medley team from the University of Arkansas. A University of Wisconsin product, Hacker starts his pro career coming off some speedy personal bests and a national 5000m title of his own that he won in April at the outdoor meet.
Wildschutt, Rosario said, was the first to sign officially with the team, with the others putting ink to their deals last week. He was the NCAA's cross country national runner-up in 2021 and just recently set his 10K personal best at the Payton Jordan Invitational at 27:38.54 while taking second place.
“These are the best of the best,” Rosario said of the group as a whole.
NAZ Elite's roster is now at 16 athletes.
While Wildschutt was the first to sign, he'll be the last of the group to make it to Flagstaff, as the native of South America has one master's degree class to finish at Florida State University.
Nichols, who attended Ohio State University before closing out her college campaign at the University of Colorado, won three Pac-12 titles, getting conference gold at 10000m and 5000m in May after claiming the cross country title in 2021 at 20:25.4.
“This was the whole impetus behind bringing in Alan Culpepper as the new coach and making the commitment financially to bring in the top athletes,” Rosario said.
And NAZ Elite's new head coach, who was announced to the position in May, is being handed quite a "first class" to start with.
“He feels like he connects with this level of athlete better than he does any other level," Rosario said.
Moreover, Rosario said pulling in the foursome took a team effort, explaining that assistant coach Jenna Wrieden played a large role in getting the athletes to Flagstaff and staying in communication with them while Culpepper teased to them the type of training they should expect to see. Rosario, meanwhile, explained to the athletes what the team is about and what it seeks moving forward.
The connection overall, Rosario said, was clear when three of the four made a group visit to Flagstaff not long before agreeing to deals.
“Their visit out here went so well. They enjoyed Flagstaff, they got along really well with Alan and Jenna. They got along with me and their future teammates," Rosario said. "We had a nice dinner at one of the athlete's houses one night, and it was like they were already on the team they fit in so well.”
Mike Hartman can be reached at 556-2255 or at mhartman@azdailysun.com. Follow him on Twitter @AZDS_Hartman. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/naz-elite-this-week-4-newcomers-to-boost-teams-presence-on-the-track/article_b56f659e-1433-11ed-829c-7bb4b2782b5d.html | 2022-08-05T01:29:11 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/naz-elite-this-week-4-newcomers-to-boost-teams-presence-on-the-track/article_b56f659e-1433-11ed-829c-7bb4b2782b5d.html |
BLOOMINGTON, Minn — The Mall of America has lifted a lockdown following a shooting inside the building.
Bloomington Police confirmed at 5:40 p.m. that shots were fired inside the mall earlier Thursday afternoon and said the suspect fled the mall on foot.
Police secured the scene at the mall but "have not located a victim."
The North entrance is closed and the mall will remain closed for the remainder of the night, according to mall officials. Metro Transit service to he mall has also been halted for the rest of the night.
Bloomington Police confirmed just before 5 p.m. that the department had "numerous officers" on scene "working an active incident" inside the mall.
In a later tweet, Mall of America called it a "confirmed isolated incident" but would not specify a shooting.
Ava Malloy, an employee at Air Traffic Toys in the Mall of America, spoke to KARE 11 over the phone while in lockdown. "I turned off the lights and everyone's huddled behind something," Ava said.
"We were working with customers and then all of a sudden there were people running in the store. There was probably about 25 to 30 people and we looked and thought they were kids just goofing around," Macy's employee Brenda Wachello said via phone while taking cover inside the store. "And then people were saying, 'There's a shooter."
KARE 11's Morgan Wolfe spoke to a woman who said she heard "two gunshots above the DSW." The woman was able to leave the mall, but said her daughter had to stay inside during the lockdown.
Wolfe spoke with employees at the Nike store in the mall and they say a fight started between two groups of men. One of the men in a white tank top took out a gun and started shooting. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/mall-of-america-shooting-lockdown-lifted/89-a727b712-90e1-4c6b-bb7e-5d76a254e507 | 2022-08-05T01:30:28 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/mall-of-america-shooting-lockdown-lifted/89-a727b712-90e1-4c6b-bb7e-5d76a254e507 |
Be careful what you wish for.
That’s the lesson emerging from the GOP primary in Legislative District 17.
Sen. Vince Leach, an incumbent from a different district, worked behind the scenes to ensure his home area of Saddlebrooke was included in the new LD 17, a Republican-dominated district wrapping around Tucson from the northwest side to the southeast.
He got what he wanted — Saddlebrooke became part of the district that is otherwise almost completely in Pima County.
And now he’s on the verge of losing. With almost all the votes counted, Justine Wadsack was leading Leach by 1,493 votes — a margin of 4.75 percentage points.
And all the votes from Pinal County, Leach’s stronghold, have already been counted.
Research by a Democratic-aligned firm last year showed that in October 2021, Leach’s senate staff began working on a letter to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, arguing in favor of a Republican-leaning district that wrapped around Tucson and included Saddlebrooke.
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The letter went out on the letterhead of the mayor of Marana, Ed Honea, and was signed by Honea, Leach and four others. The Southern Arizona Leadership Council also weighed in with their support.
Before long, LD 17 became the most overtly gerrymandered district in Arizona.
The chair of the redistricting commission, Erika Neuberg, even acknowledged out loud she was trying to draw a district for Southern Arizona Republicans, although partisan groups are not supposed to be considered “communities of interest” under the law.
“I am focused on ensuring some accountability in the Tucson area for right-of-center folks, a community of interest, to not be neglected,” she said.
It wasn’t just Leach who got what he wanted, but the Southern Arizona Leadership Council as well. They had claimed that they needed more Republican representation in the Tucson area so that they could get proposals more easily considered in the Republican-controlled chambers at the Capitol.
Of course, they already had Republican representation — Rep. Mark Finchem, for one, and Leach for another. It just wasn’t representation that would carry their water.
Now they could find themselves in a similar situation. The three winners of the GOP primaries for House and Senate in LD 17 were part of a slate that called themselves the “Arizona Freedom Team”: Cory McGarr, Rachel Jones and Wadsack.
These are not corporate Republicans in the mold of Gov. Doug Ducey, the kind that are more likely to concern themselves with the priorities of the council, which is made up of local CEOs and other business leaders. They are more like Finchem — Trump-aligned conservatives.
Wadsack herself has dabbled with the QAnon conspiracy theory and stormed a Vail school board meeting last year protesting mask mandates, although she has no children in the district.
With Leach out of the way, the Democrats are gunning for the seat now, giving stronger backing to candidate Mike Nickerson than they probably would have otherwise.
“I think Mike can beat her — easily,” Pima County Democratic Party Chair Bonnie Heidler said. “A pastor, a moderate, a sane person — come on.”
Pima County Republican Chair Shelley Kais did not return an email or phone call seeking comment before deadline.
So, for the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, too, the lesson may be — be careful what you wish for.
Spend big, still lose
Democrats in Legislative District 18 grew increasingly surprised as mailers supporting senate candidate Morgan Abraham filled their mailboxes this summer.
They weren’t just from Abraham’s well-funded campaign, which had spent about $243,000 as of the last campaign-finance report. Beyond that, outside groups have spent at least $107,000 supporting Abraham, as well.
They were funded in large measure by homebuilding and other real estate interests, as well as the Arizona Chamber of Commerce. Abraham runs a real-estate investment firm focused on affordable housing.
Abraham has already been serving in the Legislature, because he was appointed to serve out the state House term of Stephanie Stahl-Hamilton, who had replaced Kirsten Engel in the state Senate, when she stepped down to run for Congress. But he served in a different chamber, representing an old district.
Priya Sundareshan, a faculty member focused on environmental law at the UA Law School, had spent a comparatively paltry $64,000 as of the last report. But she was leading Abraham by 2,686 votes in the latest tally — a margin of about 8 percentage points — and Abraham has conceded.
Abraham received some pushback for his financial support, including a letter by former state legislator Tom Chabin to the precinct committeemen in the district, which is heavily Democratic. Chabin accused Abraham of being allied with utility companies and urged support for Sundareshan. That caused its own stir in the party.
Now Sundareshan will face Republican Stan Cain in the general election.
Hernandi lose one
The three Hernandez siblings — Daniel, Consuelo and Alma, who call themselves the “Hernandi” — have run up a remarkable record of wins in their parallel political careers.
Daniel Hernandez started in 2011 by winning election to the Sunnyside school board, then the state Legislature in 2016. Alma Hernandez won election to the state House in 2018, and their sister Consuelo won election to the Sunnyside school board in 2018 and now the state House.
She led the three Democrat candidates in Legislative District 21 with 46% of the votes, to second-place finisher Stahl-Hamilton’s 33% and third-place finisher Akanni Oyegbola’s 22%. The top two move on.
Alma Hernandez and her current seat mate in the state House, Andres Cano, were the only two Democratic candidates in the new Legislative District 20.
So, though the pioneer Hernandez politician will be out of office soon, for the first time in a decade, his sisters will carry on the family tradition in the state House.
“For us, Tuesday night was both good and bad,” Alma Hernandez said by text message. “But at the end of the day, public service for our family isn’t about winning or losing.”
Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/political-notebook-surprise-win-shakes-up-tucson-area-senate-race/article_0bb8f7d2-1423-11ed-8100-af235679960b.html | 2022-08-05T01:34:07 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/political-notebook-surprise-win-shakes-up-tucson-area-senate-race/article_0bb8f7d2-1423-11ed-8100-af235679960b.html |
Gas prices in Midland again trail the drop in prices across the state, according to AAA Texas.
In this week’s report, the organization showed the average price of gasoline dropped 11 cents, which was 3 cents less than the decrease across the state. That continued the trend seen in the city for weeks. In fact, AAA Texas reports prices are down 57 cents in Midland over the last five weeks. The state average has dropped by 85 cents during the same period of time.
AAA Texas also reported the average in Midland ($3.81) was the second highest of the 27 largest metropolitan areas (College Station-Bryan’s was the highest at $3.85). The state average this week was $3.64.
AAA Texas reported crude prices are falling as the energy industry factors in a possible economic slowdown. Additionally, demand for gasoline fell week-to-week and regional supplies increased. Both factors are helping push retail fuel prices lower, according to AAA Texas.
“Texas has the lowest gas price average of any state in the country according to Gasprices.AAA.com,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster in this week’s report.
Across the region, Midland posted the highest price, 8 cents higher than Odessa ($3.73). Other prices across the region included $3.44 in Abilene (a decrease of 14 cents this week), $3.56 in Lubbock (a decrease of 19 cents), $3.57 in Amarillo (a decrease of 13 cents), $3.58 in El Paso (a decrease of 21 cents) and $3.67 in San Angelo (a decrease of 9 cents – the smallest weekly decrease in the state).
AAA Texas also reported that the price compared to the same time in 2021 has increased 79 cents in Midland. The state average is up 80 cents during the same period.
The price in Midland was also down 71 cents since June 11 when a new record average in Midland was established ($4.52). The average across the state is down $1.06 since its record was established on June 15.
Highest averages across the state
This week
College Station-Bryan $3.85
Midland $3.81
Odessa $3.73
Beaumont-Port Arthur $3.73
Galveston-Texas City $3.72
Wichita Falls $3.72
Victoria $3.72
Texas $3.64
National $4.14
Last week
College Station-Bryan $3.95
Midland $3.92
Wichita Falls $3.87
Beaumont-Port Arthur $3.87
Galveston-Texas City $3.85
Houston $3.85
State $3.78
National $4.28
Source: AAA Texas | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Gas-prices-in-Midland-down-71-cents-since-record-17352587.php | 2022-08-05T01:34:16 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Gas-prices-in-Midland-down-71-cents-since-record-17352587.php |
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Midland Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 181st house in program history last week, continuing the nonprofit’s commitment to building affordable housing in one of the most expensive markets in the country to buy and develop land.
Construction of the house, located in the 800 block of Wolfberry Court on the city’s southeast side, was funded by Pioneer Natural Resources. It’s the fifth house the company has dedicated with the Midland agency.
“Habitat is very blessed to have wonderful community partners like Pioneer, and we are very thankful for their donation,” said Joey Hopkins, the organization’s executive director. “Pioneer has been a faithful partner for many years, and through their partnership, countless lives have been changed by the transformational power of homeownership.”
Since it was established in 1991, Habitat is among a handful of local organizations that have led the way in building affordable housing in the Permian Basin.
Habitat uses what it calls a “partnership model” to help deserving, hard-working families realize the dream of home ownership. Each participant in the program contributes at least 350 hours of “sweat equity” at the worksite and completes a home ownership education program. Successful candidates are then awarded a 0% interest mortgage.
With its exploration operations solely based in the Permian Basin, Pioneer has been able to forge a lasting relationship with Midland Habitat for Humanity.
In addition to dedicating five houses since its partnership began in 2012, Pioneer and its employees have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to the agency and contributed thousands of hours in labor to help make home ownership attainable for some of the neediest families in the Permian Basin.
The company is planning another home build for the fall.
Last November, Pioneer donated more than 35 acres of land to the nonprofit valued at nearly $2 million. The gift marked the largest land donation Midland Habitat for Humanity had ever received.
“Habitat is the most effective organization in the Permian Basin in partnering with families to provide financial literacy and home ownership,” said Emily Statton-Smith, vice president of Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors and associate general counsel at Pioneer Natural Resources. “Pioneer has consistently provided land, funding and volunteers to Habitat as our city continues to find solutions for rising home and mortgage costs.
“Together, we are changing families in the Permian Basin in meaningful and long-lasting ways,” she added.
Online: | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Habitat-Pioneer-partner-to-build-house-on-SE-side-17351548.php | 2022-08-05T01:34:19 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Habitat-Pioneer-partner-to-build-house-on-SE-side-17351548.php |
ATLANTIC CITY — A large group of law enforcement officers, elected officials and community activists walked through several housing complexes here Thursday evening, talking to residents and giving out oranges and other snacks.
“Our goal was to have the community meet top law enforcement officials in a non-threatening manner,” said Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz.
State Attorney General nominee Matt Platkin was there, as was Atlantic County Prosecutor nominee William Reynolds.
Both are on the schedule for the state Senate’s Judiciary Committee to vote on their nominations by Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday.
It was the 7th annual community walk sponsored by the Atlantic City NAACP, the Atlantic County Coalition for a Safe Community and the Fellowship of Churches of South Jersey.
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Some residents of Stanley Holmes Village, an Atlantic City Housing Authority complex, were sitting outside to try to catch a breeze or watching kids play in kiddie pools. They were visited by about 100 walk participants.
Keisha Tolson was outside with her 1-year-old grandson, and said the community walks often stop in Stanley Holmes.
“It’s a good idea,” she said of the outreach to residents.
But she said she already knows many of the officials and police officers.
“I went to school with her,” she said of one city officer.
Platkin said after the walk it was an important effort, but what matters is how police officers conduct themselves year-round.
“Continue this work every day,” Platkin said. “When people see you in uniform, they should see you this way.”
Reynolds said his office, which sent many representatives to the walk, is there to help in any way.
“We want to make Atlantic City and Atlantic County a better, cleaner, safer place to live and visit,” Reynolds said.
The State Police also sent representatives.
Also on the walk was Acting Police Chief James Sarkos, State Sen. Vince Polistina and Assembly members Don Guardian and Claire Swift, all R-Atlantic; and Assembly members Eric Simonsen and Antwan McClellan, both R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic; and Council members LaToya Dunston and Muhammad Zia. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/community-walk-introduces-top-cops-to-atlantic-city-residents/article_020e7bb4-1449-11ed-b34b-d33cf3f89bb6.html | 2022-08-05T01:35:21 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/community-walk-introduces-top-cops-to-atlantic-city-residents/article_020e7bb4-1449-11ed-b34b-d33cf3f89bb6.html |
GREENSBORO — FaithAction International House is again looking for an executive director.
It's the second time in a year — after Eniris Riddick, hired in February, took a job with the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation as one of two program officers overseeing the organization's social and economic justice area. She bested a pool of 125 applicants for positions with the Winston-Salem based foundation.
Riddick has previously worked for a number of nonprofits, including Catholic Charities and Family Services Inc.
She served as FaithAction's interim executive director in 2021 after David Fraccaro left.
The award-winning organization focuses on service, outreach and advocacy.
"We were very excited to have her with us as long as we did and we are sad to see her go," said Adriana Adams, who chairs the organizations's board.
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In a news release from the foundation, Riddick says that she wants to help the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation further its goals.
"The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is a pillar in the community, an organization that embraces change and continues learning and adjusting to the emergent needs of North Carolina," Riddick said. "I am excited to start working to continue moving their mission forward."
Adams said that the agency's board will meet later this month to discuss a search for a new executive director but that their outreach continues.
"I'm really confident in our amazing staff," Adams said.
At FaithAction, Riddick helped to successfully write much-needed grants as she worked to further the group's mission of supporting immigrants, among other things.
FaithAction has long been celebrated on a national stage for its support and problem-solving for the diverse immigrant community. The 26-year-old agency won a share of a $1 million international prize in 2019 for its innovative and thoughtful approach for getting immigrants, the homeless and other people a form of identification that is recognized by agencies — populations that typically don’t have the necessary documents needed to get traditional forms of ID. The idea was replicated in other communities and states.
FaithAction’s mission took on a heightened urgency during the coronavirus pandemic. The agency received $200,000 in emergency funds that were used to help 2,000 local immigrants and refugees who were out of work or experiencing some other hardship related to the pandemic.
Many didn’t qualify for federal stimulus checks meant to provide financial aid. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/for-second-time-in-a-year-faithaction-searches-for-a-new-executive-director/article_0f95e2a2-143c-11ed-a178-cf2ec7135cf2.html | 2022-08-05T01:39:18 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/for-second-time-in-a-year-faithaction-searches-for-a-new-executive-director/article_0f95e2a2-143c-11ed-a178-cf2ec7135cf2.html |
GREENSBORO — Guilford County commissioners on Thursday approved spending about $4.3 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding for several projects, including two aimed at boosting staffing for EMS and rural fire departments. Other projects funded will protect seniors and children from abuse and increase residents' access to healthy food.
The money comes from the $104 million the county was allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act. Under federal rules, the money has to be obligated by December 2024 and entirely spent by December 2026. Thus far, the county has obligated $17.5 million.
Commissioners had heard the proposals at a previous work session, but wanted more details about how much the programs would cost after the ARPA money runs out.
After getting more details, commissioners unanimously approved the following:
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• Guilford County fire academy: $1.1 million to recruit and train 72 candidates at GTCC’s fire academy. The county would reimburse fire districts a maximum of $15,600 for each candidate trained. The annual cost after 2026, when the ARPA money runs out, was marked "not applicable" on county documents.
• Guilford County EMT/paramedic training academy: $400,000 through 2026. This also includes equipment, technology upgrades and supplies. The program offers two academies per year with 10 students each. The county aims to add 80 employees over the next four years using this academy, which recently graduated its first class. It would cost the county $74,000 annually after 2026.
Both academies pay trainees while they go through training.
• Children’s Home Society: $350,000 over two years to recruit, train and license an additional 150 foster families in Guilford County. This is expected to be one-time funding by the county.
• Family Justice Center/Department of Social Services: $1.5 million through 2026 to a special protective services team. It would include five dual investigators for adult and child protective services (three in Greensboro and two in High Point), two social workers (one in each city) and one supervisor for both locations. The annual cost to sustain the program after 2026 is estimated at $468,676.
• N.C. Cooperative Extension: $885,133 for a countywide plan to coordinate data-sharing and communication to align resources for food security in Guilford County. The annual cost to sustain the program after 2026 is estimated at $188,421.
Commissioner Mary Beth Murphy said she was especially excited that the fire academy passed, relating that she learned of one fire department in the unincorporated area that was down two shifts.
“Their guys are working 48 (hours) on and 24 (hours) off,” she said. “We are certainly at a very critical point in this and it absolutely I believe deserves our investment.”
She also related a story of a McLeansville native who was waiting on this funding so he could train to join that fire department.
“He has been recruited by Chapel Hill, by Carrboro and by another department across our state to come and work and go through their academy and he turned them down because he sees McLeansville as his hope,” Murphy said.
Commissioner Alan Perdue said the academy funding was imperative: “We have the best trucks. We have the best equipment. But without people to put on those trucks, we don’t have a fire department, we don’t have EMS, we don’t have law enforcement."
Guilford County Emergency Services Director Jim Albright said after the meeting that the county’s fire academy would begin in January. He added that he is working with the county attorney to work out a sponsorship agreement that the fire departments can use to keep the candidates who are trained with the local departments.
“You don’t want to spend the money to train somebody through an apprenticeship program and then they go (elsewhere to work),” Albright said. “It’s a 26-week training process. We certainly want a return on that investment.” | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/guilford-commissioners-ok-using-arpa-funds-for-fire-academy-other-programs/article_de55d3b6-143e-11ed-aa88-b72c78ad5395.html | 2022-08-05T01:39:24 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/guilford-commissioners-ok-using-arpa-funds-for-fire-academy-other-programs/article_de55d3b6-143e-11ed-aa88-b72c78ad5395.html |
BANGOR, Maine — Real estate developers in the Bangor have a plan that could help turn an underutilized piece of land into new housing opportunities.
Louie Morrison is leading a project to create Maine's first tiny home community.
Morrison's plan is to build 37 tiny homes to rent or resell on the current property of Bangor's Martel Mobile Home park.
He says only a quarter of the lots on the property are being used, which leaves a number of lots empty or with abandoned trailer homes.
Morrison says he's been working with engineers, contractors, and developers, and the next step in the process is taking the idea to city hall Friday afternoon.
“Forward thinking, you know, meeting with the city is obviously going to be the most important part and selling this idea to them and hopefully getting their full 100 percent support," Morrison said.
Affordable housing has been on the minds of city leaders, and Morrison says he's looking to do just that. He says he doesn't expect the prices to reflect the current high-priced rental market.
“I don't foresee the rents having to be anything like what you're seeing in the typical rental market," Morrison said.
Last week, he said he closed on a deal to buy the mobile home park in Bangor.
Morrison says for the people currently living on the land, he has no intentions of kicking them out. His plan in the future may be to buy their home or may even give them one of the new tiny homes.
Morrison is meeting with city leaders Friday afternoon. If he gets approval, he said he's expecting to start the project soon.
"We bought it on speculation hoping, praying that the city will work with us and allow us to do what we want to do." | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bangor-could-be-home-to-maines-first-tiny-home-community-affordable-housing-maine-martel-mobile-home-park/97-9e6fbcd0-fa18-40fa-87cc-302933678fcc | 2022-08-05T01:39:31 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bangor-could-be-home-to-maines-first-tiny-home-community-affordable-housing-maine-martel-mobile-home-park/97-9e6fbcd0-fa18-40fa-87cc-302933678fcc |
BANGOR, Maine — The Bangor State Fair returned Thursday afternoon with the distinct smell of fair food in the air.
There will be live bands, rides, a demolition derby, and more over the four-day event.
"There's lots to look forward to. It's just a great way to get out [and] see your friends, go on some rides, eat some food, and do all the normal summer things," Abigail Michaud said.
Michaud said while preparing for this year's event, she realized that it's the fair food that most people seem to look forward to.
"I run our social media pages and website, and that's the biggest thing everyone is like, 'Is there going to be dough boys, funnel cakes, and ice cream?' and all the other things people love to eat at the fair," Michaud said.
Some say their favorite part is the food, while others say it's about enjoying their time and taking it all in.
"Walking around, running into people you haven't seen for a long time. Listening to great music," Allison Ames said.
The fair draws in crowds from all over the state. David Martin said he used to live in Maine but has since moved to Florida. Since he found himself back in Vacationland, he figured it would be a good opportunity to check it out.
"I used to work in this area and saw the fair all the time and thought, 'Why not? Let's take an opportunity and catch it,'" David Martin said.
Admission on Thursday and Sunday is $5, while it's $7 on Friday and Saturday.
Click here to see what's going on over the next four days. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bangor/bangor-state-fair-returns-with-four-days-of-food-rides-and-music-entertainment/97-a5e5e977-8c91-4dc5-b955-a890fe361c5c | 2022-08-05T01:39:37 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bangor/bangor-state-fair-returns-with-four-days-of-food-rides-and-music-entertainment/97-a5e5e977-8c91-4dc5-b955-a890fe361c5c |
BLOOMINGTON, Minn — The Mall of America has lifted a lockdown following a shooting inside the building.
Bloomington Police confirmed at 5:40 p.m. that shots were fired inside the mall earlier Thursday afternoon and said the suspect fled the mall on foot.
Police secured the scene at the mall but "have not located a victim."
The North entrance is closed and the mall will remain closed for the remainder of the night, according to mall officials. Metro Transit service to he mall has also been halted for the rest of the night.
Bloomington Police confirmed just before 5 p.m. that the department had "numerous officers" on scene "working an active incident" inside the mall.
In a later tweet, Mall of America called it a "confirmed isolated incident" but would not specify a shooting.
Ava Malloy, an employee at Air Traffic Toys in the Mall of America, spoke to KARE 11 over the phone while in lockdown. "I turned off the lights and everyone's huddled behind something," Ava said.
"We were working with customers and then all of a sudden there were people running in the store. There was probably about 25 to 30 people and we looked and thought they were kids just goofing around," Macy's employee Brenda Wachello said via phone while taking cover inside the store. "And then people were saying, 'There's a shooter."
KARE 11's Morgan Wolfe spoke to a woman who said she heard "two gunshots above the DSW." The woman was able to leave the mall, but said her daughter had to stay inside during the lockdown.
Wolfe spoke with employees at the Nike store in the mall and they say a fight started between two groups of men. One of the men in a white tank top took out a gun and started shooting. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/mall-of-america-shooting-lockdown-lifted/89-a727b712-90e1-4c6b-bb7e-5d76a254e507 | 2022-08-05T01:39:43 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/mall-of-america-shooting-lockdown-lifted/89-a727b712-90e1-4c6b-bb7e-5d76a254e507 |
AUGUSTA, Maine — As the U.S. faces the effects of a 9.1 percent inflation rate, more and more people are doing what they can to make ends meet.
"I was laid off in December," Sebrina Reynolds said.
She has been using the Augusta Food Pantry for a few months and calls it a "blessing."
Reynolds also said she has seen an increase in the number of cars coming to the food bank, especially now that things are becoming more and more expensive.
Bob Moore, the executive director of the food bank, said he and his team are seeing that increase, too, specifically on Thursdays when it's open to the public, rather than appointment only on Monday through Wednesday.
"When we started it was probably 35 to 40. It hovered around 60 a year or so ago, but we're noticing now it's hovering around 75 to 85," Moore said.
The folks who are using these resources run the gamut. Some, like Reynolds, have been out out of work. Others, like Cynthia Estabrook, are on a fixed income.
"Food is so expensive, and it really helps a lot," Estabrook said.
She said she's concerned essentials are going to become more expensive.
"Stuff that you really need, you know, toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, all that stuff," Estabrook added.
The Augusta food bank said it has seen a 67 percent increase in clients in the past two years. Good Shepherd Food Bank works with the Augusta Food Bank. But it's not just food prices that are bringing people to food banks across the state.
"[It's] also the increase in gas prices, so there's competing resources for this discretionary spending. It's really not. It's necessary spending," Dawn DiFiore of Good Shepherd said.
Food bank leaders want to remind people that even as food prices rise, they are still committed to helping people who are struggling. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/outreach/feed-maine/inflation-food-bank-need-grocery-costs/97-d365a9e7-c8cb-4aa0-b4ec-ca124b5fd0d2 | 2022-08-05T01:39:49 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/outreach/feed-maine/inflation-food-bank-need-grocery-costs/97-d365a9e7-c8cb-4aa0-b4ec-ca124b5fd0d2 |
PORTLAND, Maine — The Portland Fire Department responded to a report of an all-hands woods fire at Evergreen Cemetery on Stevens Avenue on Thursday afternoon.
Approximately 2 acres burned along the edge of the woods, according to Portland Fire Marshal Jason Grant.
Firefighters have reportedly contained and extinguished the fire.
Grant said the Maine Forest Service will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Brentwood Street at Hamblet Avenue to Newman Street have now reopened.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/portland/portland-fire-dept-responding-to-fire-at-evergreen-cemetery-maine-blaze/97-ec47ce45-573a-4b04-bf56-70c4d50d2f93 | 2022-08-05T01:39:56 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/portland/portland-fire-dept-responding-to-fire-at-evergreen-cemetery-maine-blaze/97-ec47ce45-573a-4b04-bf56-70c4d50d2f93 |
Health department confirms second case of monkeypox in Lubbock
Lubbock's Health Department on Thursday confirmed a second case of monkeypox in the county.
With over 6,600 cases in the state, this case comes at a time when the Biden Administration declares the monkeypox outbreak in the U.S. as a public heath emergency.
As of Aug. 3, the CDC reported 527 active cases in Texas.
Tiffany Torres, epidemiologist for the City of Lubbock Health Department, said the health department is only offering vaccines to those who have had close contact with a confirmed case. On July 13, the city confirmed its first probable case, the A-J reported at the time.
According to the CDC, monkeypox is transmitted though close contact or intimate contact with an infected individual or contact objects that have been touched by an infected individual. The virus can also be transmitted through bodily fluids and hugging.
Symptoms of monkeypox are:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Respiratory symptoms
- Rash
More information can be found on the health departments website.
Suspected or confirmed monkeypox cases in Lubbock County can be reported to the health department at 806.775.2935. | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/04/health-department-confirms-second-case-of-monkeypox-in-lubbock/65392708007/ | 2022-08-05T01:43:05 | 1 | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/04/health-department-confirms-second-case-of-monkeypox-in-lubbock/65392708007/ |
SEATTLE — A new mural aiming to share local baseball history often overlooked will be on display in the Seattle Mariners' new taproom and restaurant that will open later this month across the street from T-Mobile Park.
That is where they are putting the finishing touches on the new space in SODO and paying tribute to baseball’s diverse history at the same time.
Artist Damon Brown said he is just trying "to tell the whole story in one mural."
Brown set out to share the overlooked stories that include the Seattle Steelheads, a professional all-black team that played in 1946.
"We have negro league players, teams that were here in Seattle, various teams, different cultures, Japanese teams," Brown said.
Brown worked with Dave Eskenazi, a baseball historian, as he created the mural.
"Every community had a baseball team," said Eskenazi.
Eskenazi’s research was used so the mural could honor the local teams that did not make headlines in the past.
"You read about the professional teams, the major league team, the minor league teams, the Pacific Coast League in the region. But you didn't read so much about the Mikado club in the Japanese community that played other teams in the region," said Eskenazi.
Those teams being recognized now means so much for Brown.
"Pride, pride for my state. I didn't know we had a piece of history like that. I didn't know so much history was here," he said. "It is important. For so long these stories have not been told. For so long we haven't had a seat at the table."
"I think to just be able to be part of telling history and preserving history is a whole different feeling," Brown added. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/mural-pacific-northwests-baseball-history/281-84d444a8-198e-4571-bce1-c962c8e0aebc | 2022-08-05T01:43:28 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/mural-pacific-northwests-baseball-history/281-84d444a8-198e-4571-bce1-c962c8e0aebc |
GREENSBORO — People in the unincorporated areas of Guilford County and Pleasant Garden will soon see an increase in their trash bill.
After a public hearing in which no one spoke against the increase, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners approved allowing three contractors to raise their rates to a maximum of $25.50 per month with no consumer price index increase allowed. The figure was less than what two of the three contractors had sought for weekly garbage collection and twice monthly recyclables pickup.
The vote was 8-0. Commissioner Carly Cooke was absent.
Republic Services covers about 85% of the unincorporated areas, while GFL Environmental and Randolph County Garbage Service cover 14% and 1%, respectively, in Guilford County.
Republic Services had sought an increase from $21.50 to $26.56 — a rise of 23.5%. GFL Environmental offered two possible increases from its current rate of $21.50: An increase of $26.05 — a 21.2% bump — along with an annual “urban consumer price index adjustment” beginning next July; or $27.35 without the consumer price index adjustment — a 27.2% increase.
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Randolph County Garbage Service sought a 16.2% increase from $18.50 to $21.50.
The companies cited increased costs for labor, diesel fuel, plastic carts, truck parts and waste disposal as reasons for the increase.
The license agreements would be good through July 2025, though they can be amended annually if needed.
Commissioner Mary Beth Murphy said she didn't want to approve a rate with a consumer price index adjustment because "it is worth the dialogue and the discussion that comes from inviting people back each year if you so wish to seek an increase.
"I think it gives us an opportunity to continue to balance the needs of our citizens and what we're hearing from our constituents with the services that you all are providing."
In Thursday night's motion, commissioners also limited the charge for backdoor pickup to current rates: $3 each for Republic and GFL Environmental, and $7 for Randolph County.
Norma Yanez of GFL Environmental said Thursday night that the companies have not had an increase since July 2019, noting that operating expenses have risen since then.
It was the same sentiment echoed by Shane Walker of Republic Services, who said that the county's rate has not kept pace with the company's actual costs.
"What's unique about this is we've had two increases since 2008," he said. "We've been kind of stuck in the mud for many, many years." | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/rate-for-trash-removal-going-up-for-residents-in-unincorporated-areas-of-guilford-county-and/article_5ddb0ade-143f-11ed-8e49-5705de63b893.html | 2022-08-05T01:43:33 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/rate-for-trash-removal-going-up-for-residents-in-unincorporated-areas-of-guilford-county-and/article_5ddb0ade-143f-11ed-8e49-5705de63b893.html |
LOS ANGELES — A speeding car ran a red light and plowed into cars Thursday in a fiery crash that killed at least four people, including a baby, just outside of Los Angeles, authorities said.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m., a Mercedes sedan caused a crash involving as many as six cars near a gas station in the unincorporated Windsor Hills about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of downtown LA, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Several people were flung from the cars and two vehicles caught fire. Television reports showed the blackened and mangled cars, as well as a child's car seat among the debris covering the street.
Three adults, including one who was pregnant, and a baby were killed, according to the Highway Patrol. Six or seven cars were part of the crash.
Nine people were injured, including six children, authorities said. Eight of the victims were hospitalized.
It wasn't immediately known whether the driver of the Mercedes was among those killed or injured.
One of the victims, Debra Jackson, told KCBS-TV she was about to get out of her car to pump gas when she heard a big explosion.
"The flames just went over everybody," Jackson said. "The flames went over my whole car and they told me to jump out of my car... because I was trying to get out of my car, to go to the gas pump. And I jumped out of my car and just left my car sitting right there."
Witness Veronica Esquivel told KCBS-TV she was near the gas station when the tragedy occurred.
"I was about to pump gas and all of a sudden, I hear all of the noises from all of the collisions, and then the fire explosion and I saw things, metal and things flying in the air," she told the TV station. "So, I just covered myself behind the pump."
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Watch more from ABC10: Car sent off Capital City Freeway after being hit by alleged street racer, couple says | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-crash-kills-4-injures-9/103-0d1798c6-2686-4793-911f-7ad4e5350fbf | 2022-08-05T01:49:29 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-crash-kills-4-injures-9/103-0d1798c6-2686-4793-911f-7ad4e5350fbf |
NAPA, Calif — A Legionnaires' disease outbreak in California's wine country has caused one death and nearly a dozen hospitalizations since mid-July, and public health officials have found one possible source of the bacteria that causes the illness, authorities said Wednesday.
High levels of Legionella bacteria were found in a water sample taken from a cooling tower at Embassy Suites Napa Valley, although none of those who were sickened had visited or stayed at the hotel, according to a Napa County statement.
“The cooling tower has since been taken offline, which mitigates any ongoing risk to public health," the statement said.
County and state public health investigators have been working with hotel staff to “remediate the source of exposure” but “we must continue to investigate other cooling towers and water sources in the outbreak area, as it is common to find more than one source,” Dr. Karen Relucio, the county's health officer, said in the statement.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by a bacteria that grows in warm water. It was named for the outbreak where it was first identified, at a 1976 American Legion convention in Philadelphia.
People can get Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in water vapor containing the bacteria.
“Outbreaks are commonly associated with buildings or structures that have complex water systems, like hotels and resorts, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and cruise ships," according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The most likely sources of infection include water used for showering, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and cooling towers."
The disease isn’t contagious, and can be treated with antibiotics, but can be dangerous for some people, such as those with pre-existing conditions. Symptoms include muscle aches, fever and chills.
A dozen Napa County residents have been hospitalized with the disease since July 11. Three remain hospitalized and one person died, the county said.
That person was over the age of 50 and had "risk factors for severe disease,'' the county said.
“Although Legionnaires’ disease is a rare infection, this is a reminder that the bacteria that cause it are common in nature and can be found in man-made water systems” and managers of those systems should take steps to prevent the growth and spread of the bacteria, Relucio said.
There were about 10,000 reported cases of Legionnaires' disease in the United States each year, but the disease is probably underdiagnosed and the real annual figure may be much higher, according to the CDC.
Watch more from ABC10: Newsom declares State of Emergency due to monkeypox outbreak | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/legionnaires-outbreak-napa/103-1b6d0bc4-646e-45c3-9060-85e2a586129e | 2022-08-05T01:49:35 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/legionnaires-outbreak-napa/103-1b6d0bc4-646e-45c3-9060-85e2a586129e |
GRANT COUNTY, Wash. — Northern leopard frogs are endangered Washington species. But, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) scientists gathered tadpoles from the Potholes Reservoir in the Columbia Basin Wildlife area and took them to the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park (NTWP) to raise them.
In the hands of NTWP, the tadpoles will be raised to fully grown frogs. During this time, the frogs will be kept under close observation. The frogs will be observed closely to make sure they are growing healthy and are ready to be released.
There’s a reason why these frogs are so important.
In a video accompanying the press release, Emily Grabowsky, northern leopard frog biologist for the WFDW said, “Amphibians are a really indicator species since they can absorb things through their skin and rely on water. If amphibians are doing poorly, that often means something is going on with the ecosystem that we can improve.”
The frogs will be released later this month at the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge in Grant County. Biologists hope this project will help give the frogs a head start as they make their way through the wild.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/endangered-frog-species-released-in-grant-county/293-c28d339f-e329-4644-b6fe-b954d2e41056 | 2022-08-05T01:49:41 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/endangered-frog-species-released-in-grant-county/293-c28d339f-e329-4644-b6fe-b954d2e41056 |
PROCTOR, Vt. — Weeks after surviving one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California history, the Holden family just wanted a new home.
The family of seven couldn't find anything nearby to replace their house reduced to ashes in the 2018 Paradise fire. It proved too daunting to rebuild in a town that looked more like a deserted war zone than the tight-knit community they loved.
So they started looking farther afield for a place that, unlike California, did not seem under constant threat from wildfires, droughts and earthquakes.
"When you are left with nothing, you start thinking 'I don't want to go through anything like this again,'" Ellie Holden said.
"I don't want a tornado. I don't want a hurricane. I don't want a flood. I don't want a fire," she said. "As you are looking at a map of the United States, you can basically put an X through the whole western part of the country. Even Idaho, Montana, everywhere they were having droughts."
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EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of an ongoing series exploring the lives of people around the world who have been forced to move because of rising seas, drought, searing temperatures and other things caused or exacerbated by climate change.
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After two years renting a house in upstate New York, the family found its way to Proctor, Vermont — a town of fewer than 2,000 near the Green Mountain National Forest that was once known as the marble capital of the world. The couple, both 40, loved the small-town feel and open space that reminded them of Paradise.
Ellie's husband James found an engineering job. The family bought 192-year-old Valley Acres Farm with 237 acres (96 hectares) of forest and meadows.
"I felt excited to go to a new place and be out of the fire place," said 10-year-old Soraya Holden, one of five children, as she walked alongside the family's herd of goats behind an old dairy barn. She ticked off the area's perks — rock climbing, gymnastics and a climate that's "not burning hot."
Families are increasingly factoring climate into a move as temperatures and climate-induced disasters rise. Several reports earlier this year highlighted the trend. One found that 2021 was the deadliest year in the contiguous U.S. since 2011 — with 688 people dying in 20 climate and weather disasters with a combined cost of at least $145 billion.
Scientists warn it's hard to blame climate change for any single event. But with disasters piling up, some residents in hard-hit areas are concluding that staying in the line of fire is no longer an option.
"I think that the interest in climate havens is fundamentally about hope — wanting to have a safe place to escape the worst impacts of climate change," said Nicholas Rajkovich, an associate professor in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University at Buffalo. "But regions, counties and cities need to work to plan for the population change, combined with the impacts of climate change, that they will see."
While little data exists documenting this phenomenon, there have been reports of U.S. families heading to cooler destinations not touched dramatically by climate change. Communities close to Canada — such as Cincinnati, Duluth, Minnesota, and Buffalo, New York — are popular landing spots. Another Paradise family also chose Vermont.
The Holdens lost everything in the Paradise fire, joining thousands who never returned. The 2018 blaze in the Sierra Nevada foothills destroyed 19,000 structures and killed 85 people. Only several thousand of the 27,000 residents chose to remain and rebuild.
After the family barely escaped the flames in cars, they lived in their trailer on a friend's property, then in their church parking lot. When they returned to their home five months later, all that remained was a "pile of ash and the chimney," James Holden said.
"Every landmark that you know is gone. That was the thing that was strange," he said. "Coming into town, that is when you realize the devastation... Ninety-five percent of the town burned. Every store... The used car dealer. It was a lot full of burned hulks now."
The few things the Holdens recovered are now boxed in the dairy barn — a burnt trombone, plant hanger, piano brackets, a jewelry box, a ladle, wedding silverware.
"As we are going through the ash and we are finding these things, it makes it more beautiful because you've just lost everything that was your old life," Ellie Holden said. "It's this piece of evidence that we had this life. We had a house. We had these things. We were happy."
Initially, the family wasn't ready to give up on Paradise. All the children, now 4 to 15 years old, were born there, and Ellie Holden's grandparents had lived there.
Taking a "this fire is not going to destroy us" attitude, James Holden moved the trailer from the church parking lot back to the family's two-thirds of an acre of charred land. Before the fire, they had fruit trees, a huge vegetable garden and chickens.
For three months, they relied on rain water — and when drought hit, bought a water tank and trucked in water for drinking, cooking and bathing. James Holden set up a solar power system for electricity. For internet, they used cell phone hot spots.
"We were living in ashes. The kids were filthy constantly from that black ash," Ellie Holden said. "We didn't have any community left. All our friends had either moved to (nearby) Chico or... somewhere across the country. There was nothing left that we loved. There were no trees, no forest."
Then, the couple started considering Vermont. They previously had toyed with farming in the East. But the idea really took hold after the fire.
James Holden's research indicated Vermont wasn't at great risk of tornadoes, wildfires or hurricanes and seemed more hospitable from a climate perspective. It was, according to a climate assessment last year from University of Vermont scientists, getting hotter and wetter. But it was nothing like California.
Before buying the farm, the family watched YouTube videos of Tropical Storm Irene's devastation a decade ago. They talked to insurance agents and took solace that their home had not been flooded and that Proctor and nearby Rutland weren't wiped out. The water only reached the two-lane road running alongside their property, not the house.
"Sure, anything can happen anywhere you live. Your house can burn down from an electric fire. Anything can happen," Ellie Holden said. "But we got to the point where we wanted to mitigate risk that we could."
Their new home hasn't come without challenges. The dairy farm hasn't operated since the 1990s and needs lots of work. The skyrocketing cost of construction materials has slowed renovations. Uninsulated parts of the house can fall into the single digits in winter.
But they feel blessed they found a new life. They have a small herd of goats to clear away overgrown vegetation, and they sell eggs from their chickens. They also produce cut flowers for bouquets and heirloom vegetables from their expanding garden. Soon, they hope to make maple syrup and eventually build guest cabins in the woods.
"The hardest thing about the last three years has been our loss of that feeling of home, the loss of our community," Ellie Holden said. "We can finally say since moving to Proctor that we've found our home and have been welcomed into our new community."
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Follow Michael Casey in Twitter: @mcasey1
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Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP's climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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Watch more from ABC10: Flash Flood Warning: Mudslides and flooding create disaster for Sierra residents | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/california-fire-pushes-family-to-vermont/103-392479d4-4a9c-4234-9b46-83fcb6e02f92 | 2022-08-05T01:49:47 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/california-fire-pushes-family-to-vermont/103-392479d4-4a9c-4234-9b46-83fcb6e02f92 |
KLAMATH, Calif. — California firefighters made gains against the state's deadliest and largest wildfire of the year just as an entire eastern Washington town was being evacuated Thursday because of a blaze that was burning homes.
At about 1:30 p.m. the Adams County Sheriff's Office said on Facebook that about 10 homes in Lind had burned.
"At this time all residents of the town of Lind need to evacuate immediately," the sheriff's office said in the post.
Lind is a community of about 500 people approximately 75 miles (121 kilometers) southwest of Spokane.
The State Fire Marshal's office said the blaze had burned through about 3.1 square miles (8 square kilometers). Homes, infrastructure and crops were threatened. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Meanwhile, in California, forecasters warned Thursday that spiking temperatures and plunging humidity levels could create conditions for further wildfire growth.
After five days of no containment, the McKinney Fire in Siskiyou County near the Oregon border was 10% surrounded by Wednesday evening. Bulldozers and hand crews were making progress carving firebreaks around much of the rest of the blaze, fire officials said.
At the fire's southeastern corner, evacuation orders for sections of Yreka, home to about 7,800 people, were downgraded to warnings, allowing residents to return home but with a caution that the situation remained dangerous.
About 1,300 people remained under evacuation orders, officials said at a community meeting Wednesday evening.
The fire didn't advance much at midweek, following several days of brief but heavy rain from thunderstorms that provided cloudy, damper weather. But as the clouds clear and humidity levels drops in the coming days, the fire could roar again, authorities warned.
"This is a sleeping giant right now," said Darryl Laws, a unified incident commander on the blaze.
Weekend temperatures could reach triple digits as the region dries out again, said meteorologist Brian Nieuwenhuis with the National Weather Service office in Medford, Oregon.
"The heat, the dry conditions, along with afternoon breezes, that's the kind of thing that could keep the fire pretty active," he said Thursday.
The blaze broke out last Friday and has charred nearly 92 square miles (238 square kilometers) of forestland, left tinder-dry by drought. More than 100 homes and other buildings have burned and four bodies have been found, including two in a burned car in a driveway.
The blaze was driven at first by fierce winds ahead of a thunderstorm cell. More storms earlier this week proved a mixed blessing. A drenching rain Tuesday dumped up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) on some eastern sections of the blaze but most of the fire area got next to nothing, said Dennis Burns, a fire behavior analyst.
The latest storm also brought concerns about possible river flooding and mudslides. A private contractor in a pickup truck who was helping the firefighting effort was hurt when a bridge gave out and washed away the vehicle, Kreider said. The contractor's injuries were not life-threatening.
The progress against the flames came too late for many people in the scenic hamlet of Klamath River, which was home to about 200 people before the fire reduced many of the homes to ashes, along with the post office, community center and other buildings.
At an evacuation center Wednesday, Bill Simms said that three of the four victims were his neighbors. Two were a married couple who lived up the road.
"I don't get emotional about stuff and material things," Simms said. "But when you hear my next-door neighbors died ... that gets a little emotional."
Their names haven't been officially confirmed, which could take several days, said Courtney Kreider, a spokesperson with the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office.
Simms, a 65-year-old retiree, bought his property six years ago as a second home with access to hunting and fishing. He went back to check on his property Tuesday and found it was destroyed.
"The house, the guest house and the RV were gone. It's just wasteland, devastation," Simms said. He found the body of one of his two cats, which he buried. The other cat is still missing. He was able to take his two dogs with him to the shelter.
Harlene Schwander, 82, lost the home she had just moved into a month ago to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law. Their home survived but her house was torched.
Schwander, an artist, said she only managed to grab a few family photos and some jewelry before evacuating. Everything else — including her art collection — went up in flames.
"I'm sad. Everybody says it was just stuff, but it was all I had," she said.
Meanwhile, firefighters expected Thursday to fully surround a 1,000-acre (404-hectare) spot fire on the northern edge of the McKinney Fire.
To the southeast, wet weather was a concern for burn scars from last year's big wildfires along the Sierra's eastern front. The weather service issued flood watches for Thursday and Friday along the California-Nevada line. They included areas burned in the Caldor Fire east of Sacramento and the Tamarack Fire west and south of Lake Tahoe.
Despite the scattered storms, California and much of the rest of the West is in drought and wildfire danger is high, with the historically worst of the fire season still to come. Fires are burning in Montana, Idaho and Nebraska and have destroyed homes and threaten communities.
Scientists say climate change has made the West warmer and drier over the last three decades and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. California has seen its largest, most destructive and deadliest wildfires in the last five years.
In northwestern Montana, a fire that has destroyed at least four homes and forced the evacuation of about 150 residences west of Flathead Lake continued to be pushed north by winds on Wednesday, fire officials said.
The Moose Fire in Idaho has burned more than 85 square miles (220 square km) in the Salmon-Challis National Forest while threatening homes, mining operations and fisheries near the town of Salmon.
And a wildfire in northwestern Nebraska led to evacuations and destroyed or damaged several homes near the small city of Gering.
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Weber reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press reporters Lisa Baumann in Seattle, Amy Hanson in Helena, Montana; Margery Beck in Omaha, Nebraska; and Keith Ridler in Boise, Idaho, contributed to this report.
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Watch more from ABC10: Fire damages about a dozen homes in North Sacramento | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/fire-gains-washington-town-evacuated/103-9c942f2d-2aeb-4dfa-b540-0482b6e0b122 | 2022-08-05T01:49:53 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/fire-gains-washington-town-evacuated/103-9c942f2d-2aeb-4dfa-b540-0482b6e0b122 |
NAPLES, Fla. – With Collier County Schools set to return next week, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office shared an exclusive look with NBC2 into their “Threat Management” program, a part of their Real-Time Operations Center initiative.
“The program is one-hundred percent focused on crime prevention. We are trying to stop crimes before they happen,” said Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk.
The program, started in 2019 as part of a pilot program aimed at reducing crime in Collier County, focused on utilizing technology to prevent crimes before they are committed.
“We are identifying potential threats in real-time, and making sure those threats are dealt with as quickly as possible,” said Sheriff Rambosk.
24/7 video surveillance on more than 100 traffic intersection cameras, artificial intelligence, and a fleet of drones provide low-risk law enforcement methods that consistently assist officers in the field.
“Our entire team hopes to be a model for other areas to follow we want to be the standard,” said Sheriff Rambosk.
Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk was joined by Republican Congressional Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, who represents most of Collier County in Florida’s 25th district.
“Collier County is a role model. We are working on legislation in Washington about protecting our school and this area needs to be what we look at as a success,” said Diaz-Balart.
Diaz-Balart commended the Collier County Sheriff’s Office for their reduction in crime, citing numerous reports of fewer violent offenses.
The Congressman has been actively campaigning for heightened school security measures on Capitol Hill, and plans to use the Collier County Sheriff’s Office plan as a model for future bill development.
“Our kids in Collier County are safe. Parents need to know that,” said Diaz-Balart.
Collier Collier begins their new school year on Wednesday, August 10th. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/04/collier-county-looking-to-prevent-future-crimes-through-threat-management-program/ | 2022-08-05T01:57:11 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/04/collier-county-looking-to-prevent-future-crimes-through-threat-management-program/ |
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — An elderly dog was found malnourished and neglected in a Cape Coral Home.
Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) removed a 15-year-old pitbull named from Boo from a home on SE 32nd Street.
According to the LCDAS report, the owner is in the hospital. His brother was taking care of the dog when he had his own medical emergency on July 30, that’s when first responders found Boo.
Neighbors said the brothers are ill.
The dog was found in a dark room with mounds of feces on the floor.
LCDAS said the dog had no food and water.
The dog was severely malnourished and was just skin and bones.
Ronnie Rossiter has lived on SE 32nd Street for 15 years and knows the owners. She said he hadn’t seen Boo in months.
“I had no clue I thought the dog had died,” Rossiter said.
Rossiter wishes her neighbors would have asked for help.
“One part of me makes me mad because they didnt ask I always ask them and then I run across if you need any help please you know,” Rossiter said.
Boo is now in LCDAS custody.
As of right now the owner is not facing animal cruelty charges. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/04/elderly-dog-found-neglected-and-malnourished-in-cape-coral-home/ | 2022-08-05T01:57:17 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/04/elderly-dog-found-neglected-and-malnourished-in-cape-coral-home/ |
Investigators say lightning was the cause of two Southwest Florida house fires that happened this week.
A home was struck Tuesday on Armsdale Avenue in Charlotte County. Then on Wednesday a Fort Myers home on Fawn Ridge Drive also caught fire after being struck.
Fire officials say there were no reported injuries in either incident, but there was extensive damage caused to the Fort Myers home.
“It was like mayhem in here. It was just fire trucks, lights, loud, everyone was just out of their houses. It was kind of like a block party,” said Mike Morris, who lives in the neighborhood.
Neighbors along Fawn Ridge Drive say they saw and felt the bolt that struck the home.
After the close call, they said they’re considering investing in lightning rod attachments.
“That was the first scare we’ve ever had. That was the first time we’re like wow ok this actually might be a problem,” said Morris “Like we don’t want to get our house struck by lightning.” | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/04/lightning-strikes-cause-multiple-house-fires-across-southwest-florida/ | 2022-08-05T01:57:23 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/04/lightning-strikes-cause-multiple-house-fires-across-southwest-florida/ |
After threatening legal action when state lawmakers passed legislation that undermined his company’s plans to build a casino in Richmond, Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins announced Thursday night that he will focus on promoting a casino referendum in 2023 instead of this fall.
Speaking at a community meeting in the city district where national media conglomerate Urban One has sought to build a nearly $600 million casino resort, Liggins said he has asked the city to suspend its plan to hold a second casino referendum this year because of the legal situation and uncertainty about whether it could be litigated and resolved before the election process begins next month.
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After 51% of Richmond voters rejected the casino plan last year, the Virginia General Assembly in June adopted a budget that included a provision prohibiting Richmond from holding another referendum until 2023, and only after the state completes a study about the potential economic impact a casino located in Petersburg would have there, about a 30-minute drive south of Richmond.
“This has created a legal conflict and a huge cloud of doubt,” Liggins said before an audience of approximately 100 people at the Satellite Restaurant and Lounge on Richmond Highway, about one mile from the proposed casino location at the Philip Morris industrial complex off Interstate 95.
“We don’t think that a protracted legal battle is in the best interest of the city of Richmond and the state of Virginia, and also would probably not get decided in time for us to have early voting in late September,” he said.
In a statement Thursday evening, the city announced it would file a petition to remove the question from the ballot for this year’s election.
“Understanding Urban One’s reason, the city stands ready to move the proposed One Casino and Resort forward in 2023,” the statement reads. “This temporary delay will not deter Urban One or the City of Richmond from working together to ensure a bright future for our residents.”
After last year’s referendum, several state lawmakers and officials from the city of Petersburg pushed to amend the state’s new casino gambling law so that Petersburg residents could decide whether a casino should be built there.
The casino law, originally adopted in 2020, authorized only Richmond, Norfolk, Danville, Bristol and Portsmouth to permit casinos with the approval of local voters. Voters in every locality but Richmond have since approved casino plans in their communities.
While legislative efforts to add Petersburg to the list failed earlier this year, Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Richmond, and other lawmakers sought to block a second Richmond referendum this year through a budget amendment.
Richmond officials said at the same time that they wanted to roll the dice again, often highlighting how $30 million in projected annual tax revenue for the city had been left on the table. Seeking to make the project more appealing to voters in a second vote, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney also proposed cutting the city’s real estate tax by 2 cents if the referendum passes.
Urban One and city officials have contended that the budget provision was “unlawful,” as the Richmond City Circuit Court had already granted the city’s request for another ballot referendum prior to the adoption of the state budget.
In a joint statement after the state budget was passed, both Urban One and the city said they would work together to resolve the issue, potentially “through litigation,” to still hold the referendum this year.
Carl Tobias, a University of Richmond law professor, said the law is clear “that Richmond cannot hold the referendum this fall.”
“The budget would generally supersede any prior court order, and someone would probably challenge Richmond’s efforts to conduct the referendum, if the city decides to proceed,” Tobias said in an email Thursday. “If there were no court challenge and the referendum passes, a court might nullify it.
Just hours before the meeting Thursday night, Morrissey’s office disclosed that he and Del. Kim Taylor, R-Dinwiddie, had sent a letter to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin asking him to intervene if the city moves forward with holding another referendum. Both lawmakers’ districts include Petersburg.
Though Morrissey had supported the One Casino and Resort project in Richmond last year, he has since advocated for allowing Petersburg to hold its own referendum.
In the letter to the governor, the two state legislators said they had contacted Keith Balmer, the city’s elections director, to determine whether the city has ordered him to include the referendum question on the election ballots for this year. The letter says they “were not provided a definitive answer,” as Balmer said the city had not told him what to do yet.
“We find this answer unacceptable and shows Richmond’s intent to possibly ignore the law,” the letter to the governor says. “We are respectfully requesting that you direct the Attorney General’s Office to utilize its legal authority to prevent Richmond from placing the above mentioned referendum on the November, 2022, ballot.”
Balmer told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in an interview Wednesday morning that he had asked city officials to let him know within the next three weeks, as he must soon print the ballots so that the city’s office of elections can be ready to send out mail-in ballots and begin early in-person voting on Sept. 23, in accordance with state election law.
In an interview Wednesday, before he and Taylor sent the letter to the governor, Morrissey said city leaders have been making a mistake in continuing to promote the idea that another referendum could be held this fall.
“I don’t know what to say. ... They’re misleading their constituents,” he said. “It shows complete and utter disregard for the laws of the commonwealth.” | https://richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/update-urban-one-ceo-asks-richmond-to-focus-on-casino-referendum-in-2023-instead-of/article_ac66101d-18a8-52d8-933b-4371cc041b6c.html | 2022-08-05T02:05:08 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/update-urban-one-ceo-asks-richmond-to-focus-on-casino-referendum-in-2023-instead-of/article_ac66101d-18a8-52d8-933b-4371cc041b6c.html |
The Associated Press has obtained nearly 12,000 pages of sealed records from a child sex abuse lawsuit against the Mormon church. The documents offer the most detailed and comprehensive look yet at the church’s so-called “help line” for dealing with child sex abuse accusations against officials and members. Families of survivors who filed the lawsuit said they show it’s part of a system that can easily be misused by church leaders to divert abuse accusations away from law enforcement and instead to church attorneys who may bury the problem, leaving victims in harm’s way. One victim was 5 when her father told his bishop that he was sexually abusing her. The abuse went on for seven more years, while the bishop failed to report it to authorities.
When an Arizona bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church, learned that a member of his ward was sexually assaulting his 5-year-old daughter, he followed church policy and called the Mormon Abuse Help Line.
The bishop later told law enforcement that church attorneys in Salt Lake City who staff the help line around the clock said that because he learned of the abuse during a counseling session the church considers a spiritual confession, he was legally bound to keep the abuse secret.
Paul Douglas Adams, a U.S. Border Patrol employee living with his wife and six children in Bisbee, Arizona, continued abusing his daughter for as many as seven more years, and went on to abuse a second daughter. He finally stopped in 2017 with no help from the church only because he was arrested.
The Associated Press obtained thousands of pages of sealed court documents that show in detail exactly how the church’s “help line” can divert abuse complaints away from law enforcement, leaving children in danger.
Takeaways from the AP’s investigation:
THE CLERGY-PENITENT PRIVILEGE
The seven years of secrecy in the Adams case began when church attorneys in Salt Lake City advised Bishop John Herrod and later Bishop Robert “Kim” Mauzy they were exempt from reporting requirements under the state’s child abuse reporting law because of the law’s so-called clergy-penitent privilege.
“You absolutely can do nothing,” Herrod said he was told during an interview with federal investigators.
Arizona’s child sex abuse reporting law, and similar laws in more than 20 states, says clergy, physicians, nurses, or anyone caring for a child who “reasonably believes” the child has been abused or neglected has a legal obligation to report the information to police or the state Department of Child Safety. But it also says that clergy who receive information about child neglect or sexual abuse during spiritual confessions “may withhold” that information from authorities if the clergy determine it is “reasonable and necessary” under church doctrine.
An Arizona attorney who is defending the bishops and the church in a lawsuit filed by three of the Adams children, told the AP that Herrod and Mauzy — and by extension the church — were acting within the law and in accordance with their “religious principles.”
“These bishops did nothing wrong. They didn’t violate the law, and therefore they can’t be held liable,” said William Maledon. He also called the Adams children’s lawsuit “a money grab.”
THE HELP LINE
The Associated Press obtained nearly 12,000 pages of sealed records from an unrelated child sex abuse lawsuit against the Mormon church in West Virginia, which show that the help line is part of a system that can easily be misused by church leaders to divert abuse accusations against church members away from law enforcement and instead to church attorneys, who may bury the problem, leaving victims in harm’s way.
It was established in 1995 when legal claims of sex abuse against churches were on the rise.
Officials of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in sworn statements included in the sealed records that the help line is staffed by social workers who destroy records of all calls at the close of each day.
When the social workers receive calls about abuse that may present a risk to the church — such as abuse committed by prominent church members, abuse perpetrated during church activities, or especially egregious instances of abuse — the calls are referred to attorneys with the Salt Lake City law firm Kirton McConkie. The church maintains that all calls referred to the attorneys are protected by attorney-client privilege, leaving no record of the accusations accessible to prosecutors or victims’ attorneys.
The lawsuit filed by the Adams children alleges: “The Mormon Church implements the Helpline not for the protection and spiritual counseling of sexual abuse victims...but for (church) attorneys to snuff out complaints and protect the Mormon Church from potentially costly lawsuits.”
THE SURVIVORS
Miranda and Matthew Whitworth adopted the Adams’ younger daughter when she was just 2 years old. Miranda said when they met, the toddler wrapped her arms and legs around her head, buried her face in her neck, and refused to look up to say good-bye to her mother’s family.
“It was the craziest thing,” Miranda Whitworth said. “It was like when you see a baby monkey or baby gorilla cling to their mother, and they just won’t let go.”
The couple said they joined the lawsuit to push the church to change its policy so that any instance of child sexual abuse is immediately reported to civil authorities. “We just don’t understand why they’re paying all these lawyers to fight this,” Matthew Whitworth said. “Just change the policy.
Nancy Salminen, a special needs teacher in public schools, adopted the older Adams daughter, MJ, after providing her with foster care when she was 12 years old. Today, MJ is a bubbly 16-year-old who plays in her high school band and proudly dons a crisp new uniform for her job as a fast-food restaurant.
“She had every excuse to fail and to just fold into herself and run away,” Salminen said. “But instead, she came back stronger than anyone I’ve ever known.”
THE UPSHOT
Paul Adams died by suicide in jail before he could stand trial on federal child pornography charges and state child sex abuse charges.
Leizza Adams pleaded no contest to two counts of child abuse and served two-and-a-half years in state prison.
Judge Wallace Hoggatt called the abuse endured by MJ and her younger sister “one of the most horrendous cases of child molestation” he had ever encountered.
Today, the lawsuit filed by the Adams children in Cochise County Superior Court, as well as a criminal investigation by the Cochise County attorney, continue to unfold.
“I just think that the Mormon church really sucks. Seriously sucks,” MJ told the AP. “They are just the worst type of people, from what I’ve experienced and what other people have experienced.” | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/4-takeaways-from-aps-mormon-church-sex-abuse-investigation/article_4f509e7d-a604-5aaf-9a1d-3aaef5dd8654.html | 2022-08-05T02:08:02 | 0 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/4-takeaways-from-aps-mormon-church-sex-abuse-investigation/article_4f509e7d-a604-5aaf-9a1d-3aaef5dd8654.html |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A judge deciding if three Pennsylvania counties have to certify May primary vote counts including ballots lacking dates on their return envelopes learned this week that a fourth county is in the same situation — and there may be more.
The legal dispute has held up certification of primary results for governor and U.S. Senate, and created problems for a Republican state House member who has just filed a lawsuit seeking to withdraw from his reelection contest.
Rep. Matthew Dowling's district is in Fayette County, where the primary results have not been certified. Until he is deemed the winner of the nomination, the state isn't letting him withdraw, and there's a looming deadline for local party officials to pick a substitute.
Gov. Tom Wolf's administration is suing Berks, Fayette and Lancaster counties in an effort to force them to report ballots in envelopes without handwritten dates. Days after a lengthy hearing in the Commonwealth Court case, lawyers for the Department of State and Fayette County separately told Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer that Butler County also has not officially reported such votes.
It is unclear how the oversight occurred. Butler County's lawyer informed a high-ranking state elections official in a June 21 letter that Butler County “will not be canvassing ballots which are not compliant with the statutes of this commonwealth.”
“We followed the law,” the chair of Butler County's Board of Commissioners, Republican Leslie Osche, said Thursday. Osche declined to comment on a statement in a Tuesday letter to Cohn Jubelirer from Michael Fischer, a lawyer representing the Department of State, that the agency “may take further action shortly with respect to Butler County if necessary.”
Department of State press secretary Grace Griffaton wrote in an email Thursday that state officials from her department were evaluating their options.
“It is disturbing that certain counties are refusing to certify valid ballots cast by their voters despite guidance on this issue from the department, and rulings from both state and federal courts," Griffaton said.
State law requires handwritten dates on mail-in ballot return envelopes. But after a 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision in May that said the dates weren't needed in a contested Lehigh County judge race, the Wolf administration told counties they must include the disputed ballots in their tallies reported to the Department of State. After the three counties did not, the state filed suit.
In addition to the official certification of primary winners in the races for governor and U.S. Senate, the issue has also held up certification of primary winners in congressional and state legislative contests in districts that include parts of the three counties, said Fayette County's attorney Tom King.
There are also questions about the status of Bradford County, where officials sent in certification before being pressured by the state, after which the county's election board submitted a separate document that describes the uncertified ballots from undated envelopes.
“We agreed early on, the three commissioners, not to certify nor to count illegal ballots, which we deem those to be,” Republican Bradford County Commissioner Doug McLinko said Wednesday. “They weren't counted. But they were sent in separately because of the threat of a lawsuit.”
In the Fayette County contest, three-term incumbent Dowling announced he was dropping out last month after being charged with driving under the influence.
“It has been an extremely frustrating position to be in right now, having made the difficult decision to move on in my private life and not go through this election cycle already,” Dowling said Thursday.
On Monday, Dowling and four voters from the Republican majority district sued acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman, one of Chapman's lieutenants and the Fayette County Board of Elections, seeking a Commonwealth Court order that he be allowed to withdraw. The lawsuit says the deadline to replace him on the ballot is later this month. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/4th-county-adds-to-ballot-dispute-as-candidate-sues-to-quit-pennsylvania/521-5a768ed4-1276-4157-9ddd-6b7efe1337df | 2022-08-05T02:09:29 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/4th-county-adds-to-ballot-dispute-as-candidate-sues-to-quit-pennsylvania/521-5a768ed4-1276-4157-9ddd-6b7efe1337df |
LEBANON, Pa. — On Thursday, Dr. Mehmet Oz joined local supporters for a campaign event at the Red-Headed League in Lebanon.
With the midterm elections just three months away and a recent FOX News poll favoring Democratic candidate John Fetterman by 11-points, Dr. Oz is hoping to close the gap.
“I’m very excited about the campaign," said Dr. Oz. "We are going to win. Lebanon County is a good reason why.”
Dr. Oz chastised Fetterman throughout the event, saying he’s incapable of addressing economic issues facing Pennsylvanians.
“Once Pennsylvania find out how radical John Fetterman is, they're not going to want that," argued Oz. "They want someone who stands for values of our commonwealth and knows what the people desire.”
Beyond inflation and the economy, abortion has been a hot-button issue nationwide, as Kansas recently voted to maintain abortion rights in the state. While positioning himself as a pro-life Republican, Dr. Oz trusts voters to make their own choice about abortion in Pa.
“As a United States Senator, part of my job is to make sure that Pennsylvania can make its own decision about abortion," said Oz. "I trust local people to run their own health and have their values reflected in Harrisburg.”
John Fetterman has routinely criticized Dr. Oz for not being a legitimate Pennsylvania resident and says he would help take away abortion rights.
Pennsylvania Democrats are also alleging Dr. Oz violated financial disclosure laws, saying he failed to disclose income from the sale of two properties and did not disclose ownership of a New Jersey condo.
Dr. Oz says the claims are frivolous.
“They’re trying to muddy the water," said Dr. Oz. "What’s afflicting Pennsylvanians: the murder rate in Philadelphia, the high inflation, the cost of gas going through the roof that’s affecting our farmers, these are the topics that people wanna talk about, kitchen table topics.” | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/dr-oz-campaign-stops-through-central-pa-us-senate-race-midterms-lebanon-county/521-7d1326ea-2e3a-4b23-95cb-081de7f86acc | 2022-08-05T02:09:36 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/dr-oz-campaign-stops-through-central-pa-us-senate-race-midterms-lebanon-county/521-7d1326ea-2e3a-4b23-95cb-081de7f86acc |
Northampton County Council voted 8-1 Thursday night not approve a tax-incentive law that could help jump-start redevelopment of the massive old Dixie Cup plant in Wilson.
Instead, council intends to deliberate a new ordinance at its Aug. 18 meeting and consider whether to support the tax-abatement mechanism known as LERTA, or Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance.
Council spent about 90 minutes hearing public comment and debating the pros and cons of the now-disapproved LERTA. Discussion also centered on the project to breathe new life into the former paper products manufacturer on South 24th Street, with its once well-known giant Dixie Cup landmark on a rooftop.
The borough and Wilson Area School Board approved LERTA pacts in the spring for the property and to help the prospective buyer, New Jersey developer Nick Tsapatsaris. He said previously he plans to put in a “last-mile logistics” facility, which is considered the final step of a delivery process from a distribution site to an end-user.
Under LERTA, county, borough and school property taxes would be frozen for a number of years at current assessment rates, then be increased before a new assessment based on the improvements leads to a hike in tax revenue from the property.
Council members said they have supported other LERTA proposals in Northampton. But on the Dixie plan, some said they could not approve something that included what they said is an unusually long 14-year tax break. A LERTA can typically run a decade.
Most council members balked at approving a separate LERTA in the form presented Thursday.
“This is the most generous LERTA I have seen come across,” Council member Kevin Lott said to Wilson solicitor Stanley Margle III. “I keep hearing about the dilapidated Dixie Cup. Shame on the owner; broken windows are a maintenance issue.”
Lott and others on council argued Margle and borough officials should have enabled council to have discussions on the LERTA. Instead, they accused the developer of trying to move the project forward to his advantage. A telephone message left with Tsapitsarias, who was not at the meeting, was not returned.
Some on council seemed to signal support for redeveloping Dixie Cup, which over years has become an eyesore with hundreds of broken windows visible from the neighboring streets. An environmental cleanup is also required, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
“I feel something needs to be done; the issue is how do we do it,” Council member Kerry L. Myers said.
The owner, Joseph Reibman of Salisbury Township, said he is nearing a deal with Tsapatsaris on the site but stopped short of answering when the sale is expected to be completed.
Reibman said the building, which for years has been largely vacant, is in disrepair, in need of a new roof, elevators and more. But, he said, Tsapatsaris is a developer who will “do the buidling correctly”
In the early storage days under Reibman, the property, which sits off Butler Street and is near Route 22, was used for distributing ALPO pet food, Hefty trash bags and other products. But the market for the complex dried up around 2010 as more modern warehouses were being built in the Lehigh Valley, and previous attempts to resurrect the 600,000-square-foot business complex have failed.
The developer could proceed without the county’s approval for the LERTA. Less than 10% of taxes generated go to the county, while the school district and borough would reap far greater percentages.
Even if council were to approve a LERTA for Dixie Cup, county Executive Lamont McClure has said he would veto it. McClure said passing a LERTA means taxpayers will subsidize an industry, warehousing, that many oppose over anticipated increase in traffic and more concerns.
Several Wilson-area residents who spoke at council’s meeting echoed those and other issues.
“What leverage does this body [county council], and the community at large, have in determining the future of the site?” asked Armando Moritz-Chapelliquen, a borough resident who has circulated petitions against the redevelopment.
He also questioned why the borough and school officials approved their LERTA proposals without the developer providing more specifics about his plan for the massive space.
Contact Morning Call journalist Anthony Salamone at asalamone@mcall.com. | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-northampton-county-council-dixie-cup-20220805-xyeq4co4rjc77mabzdqkuduila-story.html | 2022-08-05T02:13:48 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-northampton-county-council-dixie-cup-20220805-xyeq4co4rjc77mabzdqkuduila-story.html |
Nebraska came up a half-point short of winning the Kansas-Nebraska Junior Cup on Thursday, tying Kansas 4-4 in the day’s singles matches and leaving the two day event tied at 8-8.
The event came down to the last match of the day, where Olathe, Kan., golfer Tyler Strong rallied from two holes down with seven to play to defeat Omaha’s Jackson Benge 2 & 1 to give Kansas the tying point and help his team retain the cup.
Nebraska got wins from Columbus’ Brock Kuhlman, Elkhorn’s Trevor Gutschewski, and Lincoln’s Thomas Bryson, as well as halves from Omaha’s Kolby Brown and Ashland’s Coltrane MIttag, to score its four points.
Bryson won all three of his matches in the two-day event.
It is the fourth time in seven years the teams have tied in the event. Because Kansas was the last team to win outright, it retained the cup. | https://journalstar.com/sports/local/late-rally-helps-kansas-team-tie-nebraska-to-retain-junior-cup/article_b9bf424b-0186-5d9e-b987-28f7855c8518.html | 2022-08-05T02:13:54 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/sports/local/late-rally-helps-kansas-team-tie-nebraska-to-retain-junior-cup/article_b9bf424b-0186-5d9e-b987-28f7855c8518.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A Hillsboro police officer is suing a pair of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, claiming they unlawfully stopped and arrested him in August 2020.
According to the suit, Edgar Garfias was driving home from work on Tualatin Valley Highway when the agents stopped him and said they had a warrant for his arrest. Court documents say that while complying with their orders to show them his hands, Garfias reportedly told the agents they had apprehended the wrong person and showed them his police identification.
Despite telling them he was an off-duty officer, the suit claims one of the agents asked Garfias about his “legal rights to be in this country.” After Garfias allegedly told the agents he was born “here,” they continued to tell him he was under arrest.
Garfias claims the agents ordered him out of his car and held his hands behind his back. The agents allegedly showed Garfias a picture of the person of interest and asked if it was him. According to the suit, the person pictured bore no resemblance to him other than they appeared to be of the same race.
The suit states that Garfias has lived in Washington County, Oregon his entire life and has served as a Hillsboro Police Officer for over four years.
Eventually, Garfias said, the agents realized he was not the person of interest and told him he was free to go.
The agents then reportedly told Garfias they had been following him and his family for days and knew his work schedule.
The lawsuit claims Garfias “was substantially distressed” by the incident “and generally feared that he would be wrongfully arrested, detained, prosecuted and/or deported by ICE agents.”
KOIN 6 News reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but a spokesperson says they don’t comment on pending litigation. | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/court-docs-hillsboro-officer-suing-ice-agents-for-unlawful-arrest/ | 2022-08-05T02:16:56 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/court-docs-hillsboro-officer-suing-ice-agents-for-unlawful-arrest/ |
Judy Marie Abma, 81, of Coos Bay, passed away on July 30, 2022 in Coos Bay. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, www.coosbayareafunerals.com, 541-756-0440.
Matthew S. Oliver, 70, of Coos Bay died July 31, 2022 in Coos Bay. Cremation rites under the direction of Coos Bay Chapel 685 Anderson Ave. 541-267-3131. www.coosbayareafunerals.com
Gwendolyn "Gwen" Y. Skattebo, 63, of North Bend, passed away on July 30, 2022 in Coos Bay. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, www.coosbayareafunerals.com, 541-756-0440.
Clyde R. McGarrell, 39, of North Bend, passed away on July 31, 2022 in Coos Bay. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, www.coosbayareafunerals.com, 541-756-0440.
Joyce Lee Hatfield, 70, of North Bend, passed away July 31, 2022 in North Bend. Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131 www.coosbayareafunerals.com
Michael Floyd Castor, 68, of Coos Bay, passed away July 29, 2022 in Coos Bay. Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131 www.coosbayareafunerals.com | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/august-5-2022-death-notices/article_3ef5c870-11e2-11ed-9f37-7bf2a94ad85d.html | 2022-08-05T02:17:41 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/august-5-2022-death-notices/article_3ef5c870-11e2-11ed-9f37-7bf2a94ad85d.html |
A Celebration of Life for Janis Lynette Caranchini Cole, 73, of Coos Bay, will be held Sunday, August 21, 2022, 11:00 am at Tugman Park, Lakeside, OR. Kent Mulkins will be speaking. Come share your fondest memories. Potluck (no grill/electric); bring your own chair.
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Detroit bank robbery suspect said he had a bomb; he walked out with cash
Mark Hicks
The Detroit News
Detroit police released images Thursday of a suspect wanted in connection with a bank robbery last week on the city's west side.
The suspect walked into the bank in the 19100 block of Telegraph around 11:45 a.m. July 29 and presented a note announcing a robbery, investigators said in a statement.
The man said he was armed with a bomb then showed staffers a black, cylinder-shaped device, according to the release.
Workers handed the suspect an undisclosed amount of cash. He fled the business and was last seen walking west on Seven Mile from Telegraph, police said.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Detroit Police Department at (313) 596-5840. Crime Stoppers of Michigan accepts anonymous tips at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/08/04/detroit-bank-robbery-suspect-said-he-had-bomb-he-walked-out-cash/10241689002/ | 2022-08-05T02:22:55 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/08/04/detroit-bank-robbery-suspect-said-he-had-bomb-he-walked-out-cash/10241689002/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/pa-joins-multi-state-effort-to-improve-medical-aid-for-working-dogs/3326610/ | 2022-08-05T02:31:14 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/pa-joins-multi-state-effort-to-improve-medical-aid-for-working-dogs/3326610/ |
What to Know
- More polio has been detected in Hudson Valley wastewater samples, this time Orange County, according to NYS health officials, which it says further indicates potential community spread of the virus declared eradicated in 1979
- The CDC detected polio in samples taken from June and July in two geographically different locations in Orange County and has linked those to samples from Jerusalem, in Israel, and recent samples from London, England
- The Rockland County case was an unvaccinated patient who had a vaccine-derived strain of the virus that indicates it would have been contracted by someone who got a live dose used by a country outside the US; in rare instances, people given the live virus can spread it to other people who haven’t been vaccinated.
There are new concerns about the potential spread of polio in New York, with the state health commissioner saying there could be "hundreds" of people infected as new evidence shows the virus has been found in samples from multiple counties.
The CDC has detected more polio virus in more Hudson Valley wastewater samples, now in Orange County as well — and state health officials are now warning that the latest environmental evidence "further indicates potential community spread" of a childhood disease that the United States declared eradicated more than four decades ago.
The state health department, which launched wastewater surveillance earlier this month after officials announced the first confirmed U.S. polio case in nearly a decade in an unvaccinated patient in Rockland County on July 21, says the CDC confirmed the presence of the polio virus in samples taken from June and July in two geographically different locations of Orange County, officials said.
While there are no active confirmed polio cases in the county, according to the local county executive, it has a much lower polio vaccination rate (59.45%) among 2-year-olds than the state average (79.1%), which makes the community vulnerable.
New York health officials sought to underscore the point in a Thursday statement.
"These environmental findings—which further indicate potential community spread—in addition to the paralytic polio case identified among a Rockland County resident, underscore the urgency of every New York adult and child getting immunized against polio, especially those in the greater New York metropolitan area," it said.
That call to get vaccinated was later emphasized by New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett, saying that the total number of people infected may be far higher than many would expect.
"Based on earlier polio outbreaks, New Yorkers should know that for every one case of paralytic polio observed, there may be hundreds of other people infected,” Dr. Bassett said. "Coupled with the latest wastewater findings, the Department is treating the single case of polio as just the tip of the iceberg of much greater potential spread. As we learn more, what we do know is clear: the danger of polio is present in New York today. We must meet this moment by ensuring that adults, including pregnant people, and young children by 2 months of age are up to date with their immunization – the safe protection against this debilitating virus that every New Yorker needs."
To clarify, that does not mean everyone is at risk. According to the CDC, 99 percent of people who have gotten the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) — the only polio immunization given in the U.S. since 2000 — are fully protected from getting the virus. However, it is those who are not vaccinated that remain at risk.
Health officials said the samples from the confirmed Rockland County case appear genetically linked to two collected from the early June samples from Rockland County and samples from greater Jerusalem, Israel, as well as to the recently-detected environmental samples in London. The Rockland County resident had no known travel to London, officials said.
Wastewater surveillance is a critical detection tool that can assess potential community spread of polio, New York health officials say, and they're testing samples throughout the state to be thorough in their investigation. Those get sent to the CDC. Learn more about polio from NYSDOH here.
In the Rockland case, health officials have said the patient had acquired a “vaccine-derived” strain of the virus, meaning it probably originated in someone who had been inoculated with a live vaccine — available in other countries, but not the U.S. In rare instances, people given the live virus can spread it to other people who haven’t been vaccinated.
As to the wider implications, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative said last week that genetic and epidemiological investigations are attempting “to determine possible spread of the virus and potential risk associated with these various isolates detected from different locations around the world.”
Polio, once one of the nation’s most feared diseases, was declared eliminated in the United States in 1979, more than two decades after vaccines became available. Its discovery in Rockland County prompted a local vaccine drive.
“Given how quickly polio can spread, now is the time for every adult, parent, and guardian to get themselves and their children vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Dr. Bassett. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/hundreds-may-be-infected-with-polio-virus-nys-top-doctor-says-urging-vaccinations/3811499/ | 2022-08-05T02:32:51 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/hundreds-may-be-infected-with-polio-virus-nys-top-doctor-says-urging-vaccinations/3811499/ |
WATERLOO – The Iowa Irish Fest has launched a new and improved festival app, bringing a community of festival goers together all in one convenient app on your smartphone. The app is available for free download on the Google Play Store. Our app team is working with Apple to get the app up and running in the Apple App Store as soon as possible.
From the schedule to the festival map to the weather, you can keep your weekend organized using the app.
The annual Iowa Irish Fest will take place Friday through Sunday in the Lincoln Park area of downtown Waterloo. Tickets are currently on sale at IowaIrishFest.com.
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. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/irish-fest-app-ready-to-download/article_0545a656-3e5d-560a-9f04-27c992a38aeb.html | 2022-08-05T02:35:52 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/irish-fest-app-ready-to-download/article_0545a656-3e5d-560a-9f04-27c992a38aeb.html |
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark — Day in and day out, the Fayetteville Public Library hosts all kinds of events for a variety of organizations.
Northwest Arkansas advocacy group for LGBTQIA+ youth, The Equality Crew, planned a back-to-school event that was supposed to happen at the library this weekend. The organization canceled the event, citing safety concerns.
The back-to-school festival would have included a resource fair, picnic, concert and dance party.
"We thought it was an opportunity to get resources into the hands of a population of students who may not feel comfortable with some of the traditional outlets in regards to school supplies," said David Johnson, Executive Director of the Fayetteville Public Library.
The library was just going to supply the space for the event. Soon after posting information about it online, Johnson says complaints started rolling in. Many of the concerns centered around a drag show associated with the dance party.
"I know from an administrative standpoint, we were unaware until the promotional materials went out that there was going to be any sort of, quote-unquote, 'drag,' performance or appearance," Johnson said.
Fayetteville parent Paul Heck is among those who voiced their concern.
“It’s not appropriate for a drag show to be put on for children in a bar in Dallas, Texas, much less than a taxpayer-funded, you know, facility, such as a library where we actually encourage children to go to,” Heck said.
Online posts called for the cancelation of the event and encouraged people to call the library and its board members.
Johnson says in addition to the drag show, there were also concerns about whether or not there would be adult supervision.
"Anytime we have an event that involves minors, parents are allowed to be there. And there were going to be adult chaperones," Johnson said.
The Equality Crew declined 5NEWS' request for an on-camera interview, but released the following written statement Thursday, Aug. 4:
"The Equality Crew was scheduled to host a Back to School Festival on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at the Fayetteville Public Library. This event was co-organized by The Equality Crew and the Fayetteville Public Library. The Library was to provide space for all components of the Back to School Festival which included a Community Resource & Connection Fair, a Community Picnic & Concert, and a Dance Party. The Library was also supporting the event with event management, teen library, and facilities staff.
The Community Resource & Connection Fair and Community Picnic & Concert were free and open to the public. As with most school and community dances, the Back to School Dance Party was open to incoming middle and high school students. Registration for the dance was free but required so that The Equality Crew could ensure safety by collecting emergency contact information for each attendee.
The Equality Crew and the Fayetteville Public Library recruited approximately one dozen volunteers to act as chaperones of the dance. These volunteers were required to pass a background check, national sex offender registry check, and undergo extensive training including Arkansas Mandated Reporter Training and Promoting the Emotional Well-Being of LGBTQ+ Youth. The venue would not safely allow for 200+ youth along with 2 or more parents to remain in accordance with fire safety codes.
The Equality Crew previously hosted a prom with over 150 students (open to only 10th-12th graders) in attendance and over 50 background checked and trained volunteers with no incidents of abuse, neglect, or injury. This event proved to provide a valuable safe and inclusive space for students who otherwise may have not been able to enjoy such a milestone due to an increasingly discriminatory and anti-LGBTQ+ environment across our state.
On Thursday, July 28, 2022, The Equality Crew was made aware of several direct communications made to the Fayetteville Public Library regarding the Back to School Festival. After reviewing the publicly posted communications and noting that they were increasing in violent and threatening language towards potential attendees, parents, volunteers, and organizations, we made the difficult decision to cancel the event. This was largely due in part to the increasing number of violent and disruptive attacks on parents, children, and organizers seeking to serve members of the LGBTQ+ community or provide inclusive programming, particularly in public library spaces around the world.
LGBTQ+ youth in the state of Arkansas, and across the nation, are historically underserved and experience anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination from multiple angles. In a 2019 survey, GLSEN found that the vast majority (87%) of LGBTQ+ students in Arkansas regularly heard anti-LGBTQ+ remarks and experienced bias-based victimization at school. Nearly three-quarters of students reported experiencing at least one form of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and at least 90% of LGBTQ+ students in Arkansas did not have access to in-school resources and supports. Furthermore, The Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2021 found that 94% of LGBTQ youth reported that recent politics negatively impacted their mental health. Research shows that having support at home and school and in their community is the strongest defense against attempted suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. The Trevor Project reports that LGBTQ youth who had access to spaces that affirmed their sexual orientation and gender identity reported lower rates of attempting suicide than those who did not. Yet only 14% of LGBTQ+ youth in the South report having access to LGBTQ+-affirming community events.
According to preliminary results from our LGBTQ+ Youth Survey, youth in Northwest Arkansas reported a need for safe and inclusive events, such as prom and back to school dances.
We are disappointed, sad, and upset that this vital event could not safely take place. We will continue to move forward with regular monthly programming including events for LGBTQ+ youth in a safe and inclusive manner with increased attention to security and de-escalation needs. We know many students and families were looking forward to the Back to School Festival, including the resources and community connections to be provided. We encourage you to reach out to The Transition Closet for any back-to-school clothing needs. We have also developed a Back to School Guide for LGBTQ+ Students and Families that is accessible on our website (www.theequalitycrew.org/resources), along with our Affirming Teacher and School Staff Database.
We look forward to gathering with you again very soon, and hope you have an amazing school year!"
Johnson says library staff met with members of the organization earlier in the week.
"They expressed apologies and concern for the response that we were receiving, and that we all agreed that we can be better at what we do. Moving forward having learned lessons from this," Johnson said.
He says that in the wake of this incident, the library will be reviewing its processes.
"We want to just continue to support everyone in this community and make sure that everyone feels like they're getting the best value for their invested tax dollars," Johnson said.
Those who planned to attend the event can click here for helpful resources.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/lgbtq-back-to-school-event-canceled-controversy-fayetteville/527-70ef323d-3a6c-4ea5-a369-2bd59ef960b1 | 2022-08-05T02:38:44 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/lgbtq-back-to-school-event-canceled-controversy-fayetteville/527-70ef323d-3a6c-4ea5-a369-2bd59ef960b1 |
INDOT drops proposal to block Riggin crossover on Muncie Bypass
MUNCIE, Ind. — The proposed blocking of the crossover and left turns at the Muncie Bypass/Riggin Road intersection won't happen, the state announced on Wednesday afternoon.
The proposal from the Indiana Department of Transportation had drawn sharp criticism from local residents, including emergency responders, city and county officials and farmers in the area of the intersection. Opponents argued that, far from the stated objective of improving safety along the bypass/U.S. 35, such a closure would cause risks to public safety, increase emergency response times and exacerbate issues caused by earlier changes further along the bypass.
Earlier:Officials, farmers, public decry plan to close Riggin/Bypass intersection
INDOT announced in a release Thursday afternoon that "it will not move forward at this time with a proposed intersection modification project on U.S. 35 at C.R. 300 N./Riggin Road near Muncie.
"In response to public feedback and additional traffic data analysis, INDOT has placed the project on hold and will continue to monitor traffic conditions and crash data at the intersection," the release stated. "Should data in the future point to an increase in crashes and elevated safety risks, INDOT will work with stakeholders to determine the best path forward to make the intersection as safe as possible for all users."
This article will be updated.
Contact Robin Gibson at ragibson@gannett.com or 765-213-5855. Follow her on Twitter @RobinGibsonTSP.
STAY INFORMED AND SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: Subscribe today using the link at the top of this page. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/08/04/riggin-crossover-on-muncie-bypass-wont-be-blocked-by-indiana/65392655007/ | 2022-08-05T02:38:47 | 1 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/08/04/riggin-crossover-on-muncie-bypass-wont-be-blocked-by-indiana/65392655007/ |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — November is just around the corner, which means polling places are set to get busy again.
While there are some issues on the ballot every time you vote, have you ever stopped to think about how those issues got there in the first place?
For example, the issues with recreational marijuana and the Pope County casino were both denied by the state board of election commissioners on Wednesday.
Though they were denied, that doesn't mean the issues are done. They could appeal to the Arkansas Supreme Court – the lawyer for the group behind recreational marijuana said they have already planned on doing that.
Getting to this point is a long process, though.
It used to be that those who were behind issues would have to bring their initiative to the Attorney General's office, where revisions would be made. Once that happened, signatures were then collected, and those were brought to the Secretary of State's office for certification.
That was the old process. The new process has those behind initiatives bring everything – both signatures and the ballot issue – forward all at once.
Signatures go to the Secretary of State's office for certification, and the issue then goes to the State Board of Election Commissions for discussion.
There is a tight turnaround from the Commission to November – they have from August to November for the Arkansas Supreme Court to decide.
"Could it be better if it was moved to a different time? Sure," Chris Madison, legal counsel for the Commission, said. "But I'm not in the legislature, I don't have that control."
Madison said that he knows an appeal over the issues is likely to happen.
"I gave my business card to the attorneys for the different sides and said, 'When you file your lawsuit, let me know and I'll accept service,'" Madison added.
It's another potential step in the process of getting an issue on the ballot.
Though you may have found yourself thinking that a lawsuit isn't a good thing – Madison would disagree.
"You're spending a lot of state resources and time on something that's never going to change the bar," he said. "Whereas here, you push the responsibility on the petitioner to work on getting it right."
In fact, while there's more work for those behind an issue to do, Madison said it's actually better for the state.
"The process can work, and we've seen that happen with everything over the last few years," Hardin said. "Medical marijuana, and then the casino amendment passed in 2018, along with many other items, so it can work."
Scott Hardin with the Department of Finance said it could be too soon to tell if the changed process is actually better. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/vote/how-issue-on-arkansas-ballot/91-5954f07e-374e-41d6-bf06-9ef1d4b6a57e | 2022-08-05T02:38:50 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/vote/how-issue-on-arkansas-ballot/91-5954f07e-374e-41d6-bf06-9ef1d4b6a57e |
SAN ANTONIO — Free prizes and neighborhood pride.
Those are the two things officials hope will make a dramatic difference in a critical blood shortage impacting the region now.
Officials with the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center recently announced that procedures at some local health care providers are being postponed because of a lack of blood.
The most recent inventory revealed there is less than one full day's supply of Type O blood at the center.
To sweeten the deal and get people to donate, the center is offering donors their choice of incentives including t-shirts and gift cards.
And they're hoping home town pride will offer an extra reason to give.
Thursday is the start of the "Summer District Challenge," which runs through August 12.
City council members will sponsor blood drives in their respective districts for bragging rights to see who can bring in the most donors.
A spokesman said this summer, hospital orders for blood have increased, but donations lag. They said population growth in the region has increased the demand for blood by 15 to 20% this year.
The following schedule and much more information can be found at www.SouthTexasBlood.org/SAChallenge or by calling 210-731-5590.
City councilmembers joining in the Summer District Challenge are:
• Mario Bravo, District 1: Gabriella's Smile Foundation on Aug. 9
• Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, District 2: Claude W. Black Community Center on Aug. 12
• Phyllis Viagran, District 3: Harvey E. Najim Family YMCA on Aug. 9
• Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia, District 4: St. Vincent de Paul Parish Center on Aug. 8
• Melissa Cabello Havrda, District 6: Courtyard by Marriott SeaWorld on Aug. 9
• Manny Peláez, District 8: John Igo Library on Aug. 12
• John Courage, District 9: Walker Ranch Senior Center on Aug. 8
• Clayton Perry, District 10: IDEA Judson on Aug. 4 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-blood-donation-free-items/273-e0a19694-b019-47a3-9145-66fb6dfa343d | 2022-08-05T02:47:24 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-blood-donation-free-items/273-e0a19694-b019-47a3-9145-66fb6dfa343d |
Stark County COVID level on the rise to 'medium' risk on CDC chart
The level of COVID-19 infections in Stark County is on the rise again.
The levels of infection are still nowhere close to the heights of the Omicron wave of December and January.
But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday raised its COVID-19 Community Level rating for Stark County to "medium" from "low."
Stark County is now one of 19 Ohio counties at medium risk level. That includes Wayne, Holmes and Medina counties. Two counties in Northwest Ohio, Seneca and Hancock counties, are at "low." The remaining 67 counties in Ohio, including six that border Stark County are at "high." Summit and Cuyahoga counties are at "high."
What got Stark County on the medium list is the rate of new COVID hospitalizations over the prior seven days per 100,000 in population now exceeds the benchmark of 10 and is at 11.7. An estimated 43 people sick due to COVID were admitted to area hospitals, an increase of nearly 19% from the prior week.
If Stark County's infection rate now at about 186 per 100,000 in population rises above 200 per 100,000 in population, then the county would be likely to reach the numbers to make the "high" infection list.
Rising COVID infection rate in Stark County
Stark County for the week ending Wednesday had nearly 186 confirmed COVID infections per 100,000 in population. The number reached about 800 in January.
“I’m not a bit surprised. I can tell you in general that transmission is high," said Canton Health Commissioner Jim Adams. "This current variant BA.5 (a subvariant of the Omicron variant) is very infectious. ... Fortunately, the symptoms (tend to be)very mild.”
Adams said vaccinations and boosters have prevented many serious illnesses.
And that increased hospitalization "it's a reflection of the increased number of infections in the community," but "less and less people are getting severely ill," Adams said.
"Our first line of defense of course is vaccination," he said. "We want to make sure people are vaccinated and stay current with the vaccination recommendation."
He said people ages 50 and above, many would have gotten their second booster shot by now. While it's recommended those under age 50 who are adults have a first booster shot.
Recommendations
The CDC recommends: "Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions."
Adams said, "You can take personal control and avoid situations where you know you're going to be exposed. ... You still want to avoid crowded situations. ... Indoor situations tend to be more risky than outdoor situation. It's always appropriate to wear a mask. People can make a choice to make a face mask. It never hurts."
But Adams added that it's most important to wear a mask if the person has been infected with COVID for about 10 days.
The Ohio legislature last year removed the authority of local health departments to impose general mask mandates. They can only be imposed on specific people diagnosed with a specific disease or on people who've come in direct contact with someone diagnosed with that disease.
Charts on CDC's website indicate that there have no Stark County deaths attributed mainly to COVID since March.
The CDC updates community level ratings of infection each Thursday based on data collected for seven days ending the prior Tuesday or Wednesday.
Data on CDC's page on Stark County say the following:
- Nearly 6% of inpatient hospital beds in Stark County are occupied by people confirmed to be infected with Covid-19.
- Stark County had 689 confirmed cases of Covid from July 28 to Wednesday, an increase of nearly 12% from the prior week.
- For the seven days ending Aug. 1, the percentage of people testing positive for Covid was 15.31% out of 2,935 tests performed.
- About 68.3% of adults living in Stark County have gotten at least one dose of a Covid vaccine. Counting children, that percentage drops to 59%. For those ages 65 and older, the percentage of those vaccinated is 88%.
- About 3.2% of intensive-care unit beds are occupied by Covid patients, a decrease of 1.7% from the prior week.
Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. Twitter: @rwangREP. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2022/08/05/cdc-stark-county-covid-infection-rating-goes-from-low-to-medium/65392727007/ | 2022-08-05T02:48:08 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2022/08/05/cdc-stark-county-covid-infection-rating-goes-from-low-to-medium/65392727007/ |
ARIZONA, USA — Rumors that El Jefe, the only known jaguar living in the United States, has been spotted and is alive and well in Mexico are true, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.
The nonprofit said Thursday El Jefe’s fate had been unknown for seven years, but Thursday, several Mexican nonprofits announced that he’d been spotted in central Sonora, 120 miles south of his last sighting in Arizona.
While El Jefe's return is promising, the nonprofit said there are concerns the animal's journey back to the United States could be blocked by the border wall. Experts are also concerned that the jaguar's last known territory, Arizona's Santa Rita Mountains, is threatened by the construction of a copper mine.
Center officials said two other jaguars have recently had their journey thwarted by the border wall, failing to arrive in Arizona where it appeared they had been headed.
Experts said El Jefe was born sometime around 2010, which makes him at least 12 years old. Those who spotted him said he still appears to be in great condition.
“We know he’ll need to leave the breeding population eventually, and when he does it’s reasonable to expect him to head back home to Arizona,” said Chris Bugbee, a scientist with the Conservation CATalyst and the Center. “Perhaps he’ll return to live out his golden years in the Santa Rita Mountains.”
Center officials said El Jefe had been photographed repeatedly by remote cameras in the Santa Rita Mountains for over three years. He was one of only five verified jaguars to be photographed in the United States, or immediately south of the border, since 2015.
In 2016 Conservation CATalyst and the Center released the first video footage of El Jefe, the only known wild jaguar in the United States at the time.
Experts said northern jaguars' future is still uncertain, but El Jefe has given conservationists hope.
“El Jefe has once again shown us that it isn’t too late to restore these magnificent, endangered cats to the U.S.,” said Dr. Aletris Neils. “We don’t want to see him poached like the jaguar Yo’oko, or impeded by the border wall like jaguars El Bonito and Valero. We hope El Jefe can still find his way back home.”
Background
Jaguars, the third-largest cats in the world after tigers and lions, once lived throughout the American Southwest, with historical reports on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the mountains of Southern California and as far east as Louisiana, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.
Jaguars disappeared from their U.S. range over the past 150 years, primarily because of habitat loss and government predator-control programs intended to protect livestock. The last verified female jaguar in the country was shot by a hunter in 1963 in Arizona’s Mogollon Rim.
Jaguars are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and now have a federal recovery plan, and more than 750,000 acres of protected habitat north of the border, experts said.
El Jefe, which means “the boss” in Spanish, disappeared from his home in the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona in late 2015.
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/el-jefe-arizonas-infamous-jaguar-spotted-in-mexico-after-7-years/75-85f2fadd-f9c9-405a-886e-dfef9806c246 | 2022-08-05T02:53:34 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/el-jefe-arizonas-infamous-jaguar-spotted-in-mexico-after-7-years/75-85f2fadd-f9c9-405a-886e-dfef9806c246 |
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – An Orlando man was sentenced Thursday afternoon to 40 years in the Florida State Prison and 45 years of sex offender probation for 30 felony child sex crimes, according to the Office of the State Attorney.
Tyler Thompson, 24, was arrested last year after taking a 13-year-old girl — who had been reported missing — to a local hotel room in Edgewater, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
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In that case, the state attorney’s office said that the 13-year-old was reported missing after failing to show up for her after-school basketball game. A deputy later tracked her down to a hotel where she was found with Thompson, officials stated.
Officials added that when she was found, the girl ran to the responding deputy and “gave him a hug.”
“The sentence was a fitting end to an ugly and disturbing crime,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said. “The defendant is a sexual predator who will have 40 years to reflect upon the fruits of his perverse sexual proclivities.”
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Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/05/orlando-man-sentenced-to-40-years-in-prison-for-30-child-sex-crimes/ | 2022-08-05T02:54:05 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/05/orlando-man-sentenced-to-40-years-in-prison-for-30-child-sex-crimes/ |
MILL HALL, Pa. — It was a toasty night at the 49th annual Clinton County Fair.
There's a little something for everyone at the fairgrounds near Mill Hall.
Families dined on all the fair favorites: pizza, sausage sandwiches, and even some ice cream to cool off.
There are also rides and games for the kids.
Vendors say even the heat and storms earlier in the evening can't put a damper on the fun.
"Over the years, this fair has been really good to us. We enjoy coming here, and we have good crowds. It's just that the weather is a little bit against us today. Just come out and enjoy the food and the rides," said vendor Robert Snyder.
The Clinton County fair runs through Saturday.
Want to see what was in news in 1983? Head on over to WNEP's YouTube. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/clinton-county/toasty-night-at-clinton-county-fair-mill-hall-pa-wnep/523-29992d30-aaae-49dd-b793-fce69f048b9a | 2022-08-05T03:01:42 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/clinton-county/toasty-night-at-clinton-county-fair-mill-hall-pa-wnep/523-29992d30-aaae-49dd-b793-fce69f048b9a |
WAYNE COUNTY, Pa. — According to PPL, more than 1,500 homes and businesses in Wayne County are still without electricity.
Nearly 1,300 are still in the dark in Luzerne County and more than 700 in Lackawanna County.
Officials are working on repairs, hoping to turn the lights back on overnight or early tomorrow morning.
For the most up-to-date information on the outage, check out these outage maps:
Want to see what was in news in 1983? Head on over to WNEP's YouTube. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/wayne-county/thousands-without-power-in-area-luzerne-lackawanna-wayne-counties/523-4b286e45-0cdc-4276-b07d-dfc9ea52fa45 | 2022-08-05T03:01:48 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/wayne-county/thousands-without-power-in-area-luzerne-lackawanna-wayne-counties/523-4b286e45-0cdc-4276-b07d-dfc9ea52fa45 |
Hattiesburg Zoo plans to open a water park in 2023. What else is new?
A new water park will be coming to Hattiesburg Zoo with nine water slides, two bucket dump stations, water-play areas and more.
Hattiesburg officials announced the $10.5 million project during a news conference Wednesday night at Kamper Park Pavilion.
"Serengeti Springs is going to be a one-of-a-kind experience that is only available here in the Pine Belt," said Jennifer Payne, chair of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission Board of Directors. "We want to make sure Serengeti Springs is the ultimate Pine Belt summer destination."
Tropical animal exhibits will be included at the water park and the zoo will offer animal presentations throughout the year.
Want to see a baby sloth? Get up close with new outdoor display at Hattiesburg Zoo
Phase 1 of the 3½-acre Serengeti Springs water park is scheduled to open in summer 2023. Construction is set to begin in August.
Funding for the zoo expansion comes from Convention Commission earnings and the city's 2% tax on restaurants, which supports the Hattiesburg Convention Commission. Once the water park opens, it is designed to be "self-sufficient and profitable," according to a news release from the Convention Commission.
What's happening to Cameron Field?
To make way for the park, Cameron Field, which has stood at the gateway to Kamper Park for decades, will be relocated to Jaycee Park, near Hattiesburg High School.
"I know at the same time we are celebrating the construction and renovation of Jaycee Memorial Park … there may be some mixed feelings," Mayor Toby Barker said.
'Labor of love':Hattiesburg, Jackson among cities honored for historic preservation
Kamper Park was donated to the city in 1907 by its namesake John Kamper, co-founder of Kamper and Lewin Manufacturing Co., which had two mills to process lumber from the Pine Belt's rich yellow pine forests.
The University of Southern Mississippi's football games were played on Cameron Field when the university was Mississippi Normal College. In addition to the early football games, the field was home to Dixie Boys Baseball, Hattiesburg High School's softball team and more.
"There's a lot of history that happened on Cameron Field at Kamper Park," Barker said. "There are a lot of treasured memories for families that were made on that field."
New baseball, softball fields to get artificial turf, be ready by 2023
Barker said the new food court at Serengeti Field will tell the stories of Cameron Field. In addition, signs will be placed to commemorate the history of the field.
"I know change can be challenging," Barker said. "I remember reading an old article in the Hattiesburg American about the mixed feelings that we were having when the Dixie Youth Baseball teams moved from Jaycee Park to Tatum Park, but what a positive move that has been. And now, 20 years later, there will be new chapters of both Jaycee Park and Kamper Park."
When is the baby due?:Hattiesburg Zoo's giraffe Sue Ellen is pregnant. It comes as a surprise.
The new park will feature two ballfields with synthetic turf on the infields and modern-day amenities to host tournaments, Barker said. The ballfields will be able to drain up to 40 inches of rainfall per hour.
Commemorative signs, papers engravings and other memorabilia will be relocated to "keeping that story alive as Dixie Boys Baseball moves to its new home," Barker said.
“Today marks the beginning of a bold future for Kamper Park, Dixie Boys baseball and Hattiesburg High School softball,” said Barker. "It shows what we as a community can accomplish when we think big, work together and share resources for the collective good of the next generation."
The new baseball and softball fields are expected to be ready for the 2023 baseball season, city officials said.
For more information about the transition to Jaycee Parl or to purchase a commemorative jar of dirt from Cameron Field, visit yourpennyatwork.com/cameronfield.
For information on the Kamper Park expansion and Serengeti Springs, visit hattiesburgzoo.com.
Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge. | https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2022/08/04/hattiesburg-zoo-serengeti-springs-water-park-open-2023-cameron-field-jaycee-park/10231483002/ | 2022-08-05T03:06:14 | 1 | https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2022/08/04/hattiesburg-zoo-serengeti-springs-water-park-open-2023-cameron-field-jaycee-park/10231483002/ |
Hoosier taxpayers are likely to receive a $200 rebate check from the state, instead of $225, sometime in the next few months.
State lawmakers appear to have reached an agreement on a plan to return a portion of Indiana's record $6.1 billion budget reserve, but decided Thursday to reduce by 11% the value of the payment recommended by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb to ensure more Hoosiers are eligible to receive it.
"This will still be over $1 billion back to our citizens," said state Rep. Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville, chairman of the budget-writing House Ways and Committee.
If enacted, Hoosier taxpayers will receive a $200 payment later this year, on top of the $125 automatic taxpayer refund checks already in the process of being distributed as result of excess state revenue from the 2021 budget year.
The proposal provides that another 300,000 to 900,000 adult Hoosiers who didn't file a income tax return last year, and missed out on the $125 payment, would be eligible for the $200 as a future tax credit.
Brown said the tax rebate provisions added to Senate Bill 2 are part of an overall agreement with the Senate that includes depositing $1 billion in a state teacher pension account and spending an additional $103.5 million to support pregnant women, children and families in connection with the pending adoption of a near-total abortion ban in Senate Bill 1.
The revised legislation also eliminates the 7% sales tax on children's diapers, boosts income tax benefits for adoption, requires studies of Indiana's Medicaid rates and contraceptives availability, and establishes a panel to examine doula services for pregnant women.
Items from House Bill 1001, Senate Bill 2 and Senate Bill 3 that didn't make the cut include a 1 cent per gallon reduction in Indiana's record-high gasoline tax, a six-month sales tax holiday on residential utility bills, and a requirement that each Bureau of Motor Vehicles license branch display a poster directing customers to pregnancy resources.
Democratic lawmakers also were unable to persuade the Republican House majority to include in the measure a 5% cost-of-living increase to pension payments for retired state and local government employees, authorization for pharmacists to prescribe and distribute hormonal birth control, and a $300 income tax credit, instead of $100, for teachers purchasing school supplies.
"We had an opportunity to help teachers get supplies to use in their classrooms, to help students get the most out of their education. Instead, House Republicans once again refused to help the very people we trust with the future of our children," said state Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage.
If Senate Bill 2 is approved by the House Friday, the Republican-controlled Senate need only consent to the revisions to send the legislation to Holcomb to be signed into law.
Meet the 2022 Northwest Indiana legislative delegation
Even if a tax and spending agreement is soon reached, Hoosiers likely won't see any benefits from it until late September or October — depending on what's in it and how long it takes to implement.
On Friday, the Indiana House voted 93-2 to advance its family and children spending plan to the Senate, while the Senate voted 46-1 to send its proposal for "wraparound services" to the House.
Competing proposals to reduce taxes and increase spending on pregnancy and child care programs may end up being just as divisive as abortion during the special session of the Indiana General Assembly.
The gas prices Hoosiers pay in August will consist of 80.8 cents per gallon in taxes, including the state sales tax on gasoline, the state gasoline tax, and the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gas tax.
At the request of the governor, the General Assembly will meet July 25 to consider returning $1 billion of the surplus to taxpayers in the form of $225 payments to each eligible adult in the state.
"Hoosiers need sustained relief, and suspending Indiana’s record-high gas tax immediately would accomplish that," said state Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster.
Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday issued an official proclamation directing the General Assembly to convene on July 6 “in order to consider and address the current adverse economic conditions."
The Republican chief executive outlined a plan Thursday for Indiana to pay $225 to all adult Hoosiers in July or August, on top of the $125 automatic taxpayer refund payments already going out. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/indiana-lawmakers-poised-to-approve-200-tax-rebate-for-hoosiers/article_798c6b37-aeeb-5ecb-babe-04dfdf22a67a.html | 2022-08-05T03:09:59 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/indiana-lawmakers-poised-to-approve-200-tax-rebate-for-hoosiers/article_798c6b37-aeeb-5ecb-babe-04dfdf22a67a.html |
The 60th Long Beach Island Lifeguard Tournament will be held at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the 22nd Street beach in Barnegat Light on LBI.
The competing teams are six-time defending champion Harvey Cedars (2015-2019, 2021), Barnegat Light, Ship Bottom, Surf City, Beach Haven and Long Beach Township.
Harvey Cedars won last year by one point over Barnegat Light, with 107 team points to BL’s 106. Ship Bottom was third with 72 points.
“Every year is really tough,” said Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol Chief Randy Townsend. “All the patrols have great teams and great athletes here on LBI.”
Nearly all the races are out to flags 500 feet from shore and back again, and they can be easily seen by the crowd. There will be eight races on Friday and 11 more on Saturday. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/two-day-lbi-tournament-starts-friday/article_7c303210-1436-11ed-b4f0-07ada7b8ab72.html | 2022-08-05T03:10:57 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/two-day-lbi-tournament-starts-friday/article_7c303210-1436-11ed-b4f0-07ada7b8ab72.html |
A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church was set on fire early Tuesday morning. A 22-year-old man has been charged with first-degree arson in connection to the blaze.
Photo from the Boise Fire Department Facebook page
A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church was set on fire early Tuesday morning. A 22-year-old man has been charged with first-degree arson in connection to the blaze.
Photo from the Boise Fire Department Facebook page
A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church was set on fire early Tuesday morning. A 22-year-old man has been charged with first-degree arson in connection to the blaze.
Photo from the Boise Fire Department Facebook page
A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church was set on fire early Tuesday morning. A 22-year-old man has been charged with first-degree arson in connection to the blaze.
Photo from the Boise Fire Department Facebook page
A 22-year-old man has been charged with first-degree arson in connection with a fire that extensively damaged a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building on South Maple Grove Road in Boise early Tuesday.
According to a spokesperson with the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Joshua M. Blair is also charged with felony burglary in connection with the incident. He is being held in the Ada County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
The fire occurred in southwest Boise at 5645 S. Maple Grove Road shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the sheriff’s office.
Fire crews arrived to find an active fire on the first floor that moved into the attic space. They were able to quickly knock down the blaze but not before the church sustained significant fire damage, the sheriff’s office said.
A witness told deputies they saw a man wearing a black sweatshirt leave the church area right before the fire started. Deputies began searching the area when a man approached them and provided information that led them to Blair who was sitting in a truck nearby, the sheriff’s office said.
Blair was allegedly wearing a black sweatshirt and one of his hands was bleeding. Deputies determined he injured his hand when he broke a window to get inside the church, the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies determined Blair allegedly set the fire on purpose and arrested him on the first-degree arson charge, booking him into jail just after 5 a.m. Tuesday. He is also charged with burglary because the sheriff’s office said he broke into the church with the intent to set it on fire.
The charge of first-degree arson is punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Blair’s next court appearance is set for Aug. 11. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-man-charged-with-arson-in-connection-with-church-fire/article_687ac4c7-530f-5406-ac3c-84eaeb02f174.html | 2022-08-05T03:13:42 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-man-charged-with-arson-in-connection-with-church-fire/article_687ac4c7-530f-5406-ac3c-84eaeb02f174.html |
Pedestrian hit, killed in car crash near Butler Motel 6
A 56-year-old Flagstaff man was killed Wednesday night while crossing the road near Motel 6 on East Butler Avenue. The crash happened after dark.
Kee Begay was hit by a vehicle around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night. He died on the scene.
Flagstaff police officers who responded called a detective and crash reconstruction team to launch an investigation. Police said they do not believe speed was a factor in the fatal crash.
For his part, the driver stayed at the scene of the crash and cooperated with responding officers.
Investigators performed a field sobriety test and said the driver did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Police investigate fatal motorcycle crash on Interstate 40
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Flagstaff police are investigating the death of a motorcyclist following a crash on Interstate 40.
Just before 10 p.m. Wednesday night, a motorcycle and tractor-trailer both tried to make a left turn onto westbound Country Club Drive to exit the freeway. The turning truck’s trailer hit the motorcyclist, a 49-year-old Phoenix woman named Sheri Gustafson.
Gustafson was killed in the crash. Detectives and an accident reconstruction team responded to the scene.
The truck driver willingly submitted to a sobriety test called a DRE (Drug Recognition Expert). For the test, he was transported to the Flagstaff Police Department. There, investigators determined that he had not been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
This crash is still under investigation. Police are asking any witnesses or anyone with information about the crash to contact Detective Joe Gilbert at 928-679-4120, or email at jdgilbert@flagstaffaz.gov.
Storm in metro Phoenix causes flight delays, power outages
PHOENIX — Monsoon thunderstorms dropped more than a half inch of rain on much of metro Phoenix on Thursday morning, causing power outages and delaying dozens of flights out of Sky Harbor International Airport.
Southwest Airlines workers said lightning struck a generator, causing a server to go down and delay dozens of the carrier’s flights for several hours.
Utility companies said nearly 6,000 households in metro Phoenix lost power at the height of the storm around 5 a.m.
Fire officials in the Phoenix suburb of Peoria said a supermarket’s roof partially collapsed about 30 minutes before its scheduled 6 a.m. opening.
There were no reported injuries and investigators were trying to verify the collapse was storm-related.
In northwestern Arizona, Mohave County Sheriff’s officials said the body of a man was recovered from a wash east of Kingman a few hours after heavy rain hit that area Wednesday night.
Sheriff’s deputies said a pickup truck was spotted submerged in sand and a body later identified as 64-year-old Steven Jerome Tucker of Kingman was found in the vehicle. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/pedestrian-hit-and-killed-near-butler-motel-6-in-flagstaff/article_da001f66-1465-11ed-8823-e7d09f863ca5.html | 2022-08-05T03:17:50 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/pedestrian-hit-and-killed-near-butler-motel-6-in-flagstaff/article_da001f66-1465-11ed-8823-e7d09f863ca5.html |
ATLANTA — Attorneys for three people accused of setting fire to a Wendy's in 2020 will face a judge Friday in a motion hearing. The fast food restaurant was the backdrop of where Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed by police.
John Wade, Natalie White and Chisom Kingston were indicted on two counts of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson, both in the first degree, Fulton County court documents show, accused of igniting flames at the Wendy's on University Avenue in Atlanta.
White was given a $10,000 bond during her first court appearance in June 2020. She posted bond and left jail under a house arrest order, where she had to wear an ankle monitor and wasn't allowed to use social media. White's attorney insisted she was part of the protest following Brooks' death but did not set the fire.
Court records show her legal team filed a severance, asking a judge to separate her case from Wade and Kingston's. The two were arrested shortly after White.
The three are accused of endangering lives by burning down the Wendy's where 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks was killed. Prosecutors say the three worked and conspired together to commit arson.
Protests persisted at the fast food restaurant after June 12, 2020, when Brooks was shot by Atlanta Police Department officer Garrett Rolfe. Police said the gunfire went off after Brooks ran from Rolfe after grabbing the officer's Taser and discharging it. Rolfe is accused of kicking and stepping on Brooks as he lay dying in the parking lot.
Rolfe, along with then-officer Devin Brosnan, who helped detain Brooks, are both now facing trial. The two also recently filed a federal lawsuit accusing the city of violating the officers' constitutional rights following the shooting.
Both maintain that they “used the least amount of force possible in their attempts to arrest Brooks,” given Brooks’ violent resistance -- and all according to city policies -- and that the officers were in fear for their lives, acting in self-defense.
The officers remain employed by the police department but are not on active duty. Rolfe was initially fired after the shooting but reinstated by a city board in May 2021, finding his firing did not comply with city policies. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/motion-hearing-people-indicted-rayshard-brooks/85-adcddbd0-0259-438e-926a-3489c08507b8 | 2022-08-05T03:18:29 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/motion-hearing-people-indicted-rayshard-brooks/85-adcddbd0-0259-438e-926a-3489c08507b8 |
A Fort Wayne woman who was carrying 20,000 fentanyl pills in Allen County last year was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison Wednesday.
Madison McCoy, now 19, had pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. In addition to the prison term, United States District Court Judge Holly Brady also sentenced McCoy to five years of supervised release following incarceration.
Police discovered the more than 2 kilograms of pills June 16, 2021, in a black 2007 Audi with Texas license plates that McCoy was driving, according to court records. They estimated the drug’s street value at $500,000.
Police had pulled over McCoy about 2 a.m. for speeding and other traffic violations as she went from Interstate 69 toI-469 south of Fort Wayne.
McCoy, who was 18 at the time, told police she had marijuana in the vehicle. Officers found two marijuana roaches in ashtrays and two packages wrapped in dark plastic under a sweatshirt on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat, court documents said.
The packages contained multiple vacuum sealed bags full of small blue pills stamped with “M30.” The pills are known as fake Percocet.
McCoy told police a man in Fort Wayne she didn’t know gave her money to drive to Detroit to pick up the packages, according to court documents. A man in Detroit she didn’t know placed the packages in her car.
She said didn’t know what the packages contained, court documents said.
The FBI led the investigation with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department and Indiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery prosecuted the case. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/courts/fort-wayne-woman-sentenced-for-fentanyl-trafficking/article_eaffca4c-144b-11ed-8584-ebe07d4785dd.html | 2022-08-05T03:18:29 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/courts/fort-wayne-woman-sentenced-for-fentanyl-trafficking/article_eaffca4c-144b-11ed-8584-ebe07d4785dd.html |
ATHENS, Ga. — The University of Georgia is honoring its history Thursday with a new residence hall.
UGA leaders held a dedication ceremony to celebrate the naming of Black-Diallo-Miller Hall, the university's newest living quarters.
Tucked away on Athens' Baxter Street, the residence hall highlights Harold Alonza Black, Mary Blackwell Diallo and Kerry Rushin Miller, the first African American students to enroll as freshmen and complete their undergraduate degrees at UGA.
The hall will house 525 first-year students starting this fall, marking the 60 years since the three icons enrolled as freshmen, and all three were there to see their legacy solidified on campus.
“I would like to thank my family and friends who are here,” said Miller, who was the first African American to earn a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from UGA in 1966 and shortly thereafter began an extensive professional career in the telecommunications industry. “I am so honored to have this building bear the name of Miller on it.”
Diallo earned a bachelor's and master's degrees in French literature at the university and later earned a doctorate from Emory University. Diallo retired last year after teaching at historically Black colleges and universities Morehouse College and Florida A&M University.
Black took the opportunity to reflect upon his time at UGA and the impact the new residence hall will have on new students.
“It’s going to be almost 60 years to the day that I walked into Reed Hall as a freshman that freshmen will enter this building. I can guarantee you one thing: the atmosphere will be a lot warmer, a lot more welcoming than it was 60 years ago,” said Black, the University’s first African American male freshman and the first African American graduate of the Terry College of Business. “It was an interesting time, an interesting experience, and I want to thank everyone past and present who helped make that possible.”
Portraits of all three honorees are on display in the building's lobby. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/mynews/athens/black-diallo-miller-residence-hall/85-da334109-5736-4cbe-b854-305f40d90700 | 2022-08-05T03:18:32 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/mynews/athens/black-diallo-miller-residence-hall/85-da334109-5736-4cbe-b854-305f40d90700 |
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana House approved a major change to Senate Bill 2 – a combination of proposals addressing inflation relief and funding for women and families – during a long session Thursday afternoon.
Amendment 37, introduced by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville, was passed by a 67-28 vote.
The amendment is a compromise between Republican leadership in the House and Senate and combines elements from the original texts of three separate bills. The two supermajority caucuses entered the special session with drastically different ideas on their budget bills but appear to have ultimately reached an agreement.
As amended, SB 2 would send $200 automatic taxpayer refund payments to Hoosiers who filed taxes last year, $25 less than Gov. Eric Holcomb’s initial proposal. It would also provide a $200 refundable tax credit to people who aren’t eligible for the refund but who receive Social Security benefits and aren’t claimed as a dependent on anyone else’s tax return this year.
SB 2 would now transfer $1 billion in 2023 – if the state has sufficient funds – to the pension stabilization fund, a priority of Senate Republicans, and would cap the state gas tax at 29.5 cents until July 1, 2023.
The new SB 2 also incorporates elements of both chambers’ proposals for funding aimed at assisting women, children and families.
It includes $45 million for the new Hoosier Families First Fund, money that would be allocated by the state’s budget agency to the Department of Child Services, the Family and Social Services Administration, the Indiana Department of Health and the state’s Department of Homeland Security. From there, it would provide funding for new and existing programs including those that support pregnant and postpartum women, assist foster and adoptive families and help low-income families with young children.
In addition, SB 2 would now give roughly $29 million in funding directly to existing programs, including $10 million for the Child Care and Development Fund voucher program and $10 million to expand the Nurse Family Partnership program.
However, the amendment cut additional funding for Medicaid coverage for supplies and services to $700,000 – significantly less than the $30 million first proposed in the House.
It also removed requirements for Medicaid coverage for prenatal screenings as well as labor and delivery, as well as a requirement for license bureaus to display signage encouraging Hoosiers with questions about adoption, foster care or pregnancy to visit a state website.
The adoption tax credit would be refundable and would still increase under the new version of the bill, from $1,000 to $2,500 – a quarter of the $10,000 introduced in the Senate’s first plan.
A short amendment to SB 2, put forward by Rep. Ann Vermilion, R-Marion, also passed the House. It directs the Indiana Department of Health to evaluate the feasibility of local health departments providing low- to no-cost birth control.
The Republican-controlled chamber defeated many changes proposed by House Democrats, often by wide margins, but one amendment came within a single vote of passage.
Rep. Rita Fleming, D-Jeffersonville, proposed allowing pharmacists to prescribe hormonal birth control, a practice already allowed in at least 20 states. Lawmakers from across the aisle spoke in support of the proposal, including Vermilion and Rep. J. Michael Davisson, R-Salem. However, it ultimately failed 49-48.
House Speaker Todd Huston said he talked with Fleming after the vote about the future of that issue during next year’s session.
“It’s something I’m going to make sure we work on next year, that we vet,” Huston said. “I would say it will have a lot of attention next year getting it across the finish line.”
The total expenditure on services for women, children and families – the wraparound services portion of SB 2 – checks in at around $80 million, Huston said.
As for the rest, it checks the boxes for each caucus’s major priorities: paying down the pre-1996 Teacher’s Retirement Fund for the Senate and providing automatic taxpayer refunds for the House.
Rep. Brown said Huston and Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray were able to find common ground on the bill and that he’s confident the Senate will “look favorably” on it today. He also said he’s glad the taxpayer refund was included.
“This is people getting their money back so they can use it how they see fit,” Brown said.
The governor announced he’s “extremely pleased” with the advancement of SB 2 in a statement released following Thursday’s session. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/house-senate-republicans-reach-compromise-on-spending-plan/article_513ad368-1453-11ed-bbff-fb5776d64d32.html | 2022-08-05T03:18:32 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/house-senate-republicans-reach-compromise-on-spending-plan/article_513ad368-1453-11ed-bbff-fb5776d64d32.html |
A Fort Wayne man accused of stabbing his pregnant wife at least 48 times is now charged with attempted murder.
Under the formal charges filed Thursday, Brandon K. Williams, 41, now faces 20 to 40 years in prison if convicted.
The Allen County prosecutor’s office also filed five other felonies against Williams: aggravated battery that results in loss or impairment of a bodily function; domestic battery with bodily injury on a pregnant woman; domestic battery by means of a deadly weapon; strangulation, victim is pregnant; and intimidation.
No bail amount is listed in the current charges, but under initial charging information it’s listed at $92,500. Williams remained in Allen County Jail as of Thursday afternoon.
Williams originally faced 16 years on his highest charge in his initial charging information. His new information has no court dates set.
He is accused of stabbing his wife, Wydreka Williams, in their home July 31. She survived. Fort Wayne police were called to the home about 5:30 p.m. by someone who heard a commotion while on the phone with the wife, court documents said.
After police arrived and knocked on the door, they heard a woman who sounded as if she was in distress yelling for help. Officers knocked a second time before entering and finding Williams and his clothes “completely bloody,” court documents said.
Wydreka Williams was on the floor, moaning and gasping as she continued to yell for help. The couch she was next to was also covered in blood, according to the probable cause affidavit.
She told officers that she’d been stabbed at least 40 times, that she was going to die and to “tell everyone I love them,” court records said.
Wydreka Williams was taken to the hospital and found to be 24 weeks’ pregnant and to have “multiple fractures throughout her body,” Fort Wayne Police Department Officer Christopher C. McBride wrote in the probable cause affidavit. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/man-charged-with-attempted-murder-in-stabbing-of-pregnant-wife/article_4fb0d284-1437-11ed-aa53-03dacddb0690.html | 2022-08-05T03:18:34 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/man-charged-with-attempted-murder-in-stabbing-of-pregnant-wife/article_4fb0d284-1437-11ed-aa53-03dacddb0690.html |
Adjacent single-family housing developments with more than 200 lots, some described as estate-sized, have been proposed for the Huntertown area.
New Venture Development Corp., Fort Wayne, represented by Ric Zehr, has applied for rezonings from agriculture to single-family residential and approval of primary plats for developments named Beaumont and Broad Acres Extended.
Beaumont has 165 lots on 191 acres, and Broad Acres Extended has 53 lots on 29 acres in Eel River Township in northwest Allen County.
The acreage for Beaumont is bordered by Carroll Road on the south and Hathaway Road on the north. Hand Road lies east of the proposed developments. Broad Acres Extended is immediately west of the already-approved Broad Acres development, which was also advanced by New Venture.
Beaumont lies mainly to the west and north of Broad Acres Extended.
The developer notes in application documents that without rezoning of the Broad Acres Extended property, Beaumont would have all its surrounding property in agricultural zoning. The rezoning of Broad Acres Extended’s land would allow Beaumont to qualify as adjacent growth, which is encouraged in the county’s comprehensive plan.
The application also says water and sewer lines from Huntertown will need to be extended and, given the size of some lots, no sidewalks are planned for Beaumont, which would have a single access point from Carroll Road.
A site plan shows Beaumont would have a dozen planned lakes, including some related to stormwater control, and is bordered on the north by the Geller Drain.
The developer says the developments will serve a trend of residential rezoning and growth from the sale of “generational farm family ground” and is supported by Huntertown as an area of targeted growth.
A market exists for the properties because only seven family homes are for sale in Eel River and only 381 countywide – when the expected amount would be 2,500 to 3,000 listed homes.
“This represents a housing crisis” the application says, adding that the development represents $24 million in investment and $6 million in tax and other revenue. No information about pricing of lots or homes is included in the applications.
The plans are scheduled to have a public hearing at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 15 in Room 35 of Citizens Square. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/more-than-200-homes-proposed-for-eel-river-township/article_acf9f0a0-142e-11ed-9fb5-53683c38878f.html | 2022-08-05T03:18:35 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/more-than-200-homes-proposed-for-eel-river-township/article_acf9f0a0-142e-11ed-9fb5-53683c38878f.html |
One Florida man died Thursday and another was sent to a hospital after falling through the roof of a Waterloo commercial building in the 2300 block of County Road 27.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call about 11:30 a.m. They discovered Kevin L. Rogers, 24, of Laurel Hill, Florida, was working with a contractor on the metal roof of a previously burned, 24-foot structure when he fell through a hole. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second worker, identified as William J. Rogers, 24, of Laurel Hill, Florida, was working in the same area at the time and also fell through the roof. He was taken to a hospital in stable condition with rib fractures.
Although both men were wearing safety harnesses at the time they fell, the equipment wasn’t secured. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/one-killed-one-injured-working-on-waterloo-roof/article_9fccf932-145f-11ed-8f94-9bfa8e7c7440.html | 2022-08-05T03:18:41 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/one-killed-one-injured-working-on-waterloo-roof/article_9fccf932-145f-11ed-8f94-9bfa8e7c7440.html |
Man found dead with gunshot wounds inside vehicle in Phoenix
Jodicee Arianna
Arizona Republic
Phoenix officials said that they are investigating a homicide near 36th Drive and West Tamarisk Avenue that occurred Thursday morning.
Officials said they received a call around 10:30 a.m. about a shooting near south 36th Avenue. Peter Hernandez, 37, was found inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds.
Hernandez was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries, according to officials.
Officials said this case is a homicide and ask anyone with information to contact the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377).
Reach Breaking News Reporter Jodicee Arianna at Jodicee.Harris@gannett.com. Support local journalism, subscribe to https://www.azcentral.com/. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/08/04/37-year-old-dead-after-being-found-vehicle-phoenix/10243414002/ | 2022-08-05T03:44:35 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/08/04/37-year-old-dead-after-being-found-vehicle-phoenix/10243414002/ |
WASHINGTON — Four people have been taken to a nearby hospital following a lightning strike in Northwest D.C.
In a press conference Thursday night, officials explained that just after 6:50 p.m. officials received a call about the lightning strike in Lafayette Park involving multiple people.
U.S. Secret Service agents and U.S. Park Police officers were standing nearby when the lightning strike happened and was able to help the victims until first responders arrived.
According to a tweet from DC Fire and EMS, the four people were at the park outside the White House when the lightning strike happened. Witnesses tell WUSA9 that the four people were standing under a tree when the lightning strike hit.
The four people, two men and two women who have not been identified, were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. All four are currently in critical condition, according to officials.
There is no word on how old the victims may be or why they were in the park.
Officials advise the public to go indoors and seek shelter whenever there is lightning or thunder.
"If it roars, go indoors," a DC Fire/EMS official said during the press conference.
This is a developing story. More details will be added as they become available.
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WATCH NEXT: CRAZY lightning strike over Washington D.C.
WOW! Our cameras caught the lightning over D.C. Aug. 6, 2019, as big storms rolled through. Click here to watch and subscribe to the WUSA9 YouTube channel. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/four-people-critical-condition-lighting-strike-dc/65-4132d822-9842-4ce0-8093-3a902ee9ac86 | 2022-08-05T03:45:16 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/four-people-critical-condition-lighting-strike-dc/65-4132d822-9842-4ce0-8093-3a902ee9ac86 |
At the SPCA of Texas shelter in West Dallas, people looking to adopt a dog notice something as they walk from kennel to kennel – the dogs are all adults.
That’s because the puppies find homes first, often the day they come in.
"Adult dogs are here for weeks or months,” said Maura Davies, SPCA’s vice president of marketing and communications. “It's a big difference."
Davies sees it all the time.
Older dogs just don't get the love puppies do.
"We need homes for big dogs,” she said. “We have so many big adult dogs that are looking for fabulous homes."
She says the big dogs have advantages, too.
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"Adult dogs often can be potty trained,” she said. “They might know tricks like sit, shake, lay down. A lot of times they can be a lot calmer. Puppies out there, you need to teach them everything."
To encourage more big dog adoptions, the SPCA is running a special -- just $25. That includes spay or neuter surgery, a chip, and all the vaccines they need.
It’s a bargain, considering fees can range up to $150.
"I know a lot of people out there are looking for puppies,” Davies said. “But now's the time if your family is ready to adopt, please come out and adopt a big dog. They need homes too."
To learn more about Clear The Shelters 2022 and search for adoptable pets in your area, visit cleartheshelters.com. You can also donate to your local animal shelters and rescue groups by visiting clearthesheltersfund.org. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/clear-the-shelters/big-dogs-not-just-puppies-wait-in-shelters-for-new-homes/3040970/ | 2022-08-05T03:45:23 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/clear-the-shelters/big-dogs-not-just-puppies-wait-in-shelters-for-new-homes/3040970/ |
As flames quickly took hold of hundreds of acres in Tolar, on the west side of Hood County, the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department answered a call for help.
“Myself and Dakota got on the truck and we head down there. We were going to try and go help put it out,” said Isom Williams.
With a brush truck, Williams and Dakota Hoes were attending to spot fires when conditions deteriorated.
“The wind kind of picked up and spread it in front of us and behind us,” said Williams.
When they tried the only way out, the truck bottomed out on a rocky path.
“The fire was moving too fast,” said Hoes.
The firefighters were forced to flee on foot.
“We asked, ‘How are we going to get out of here?’ And then adrenaline kicked in, and we just started running,” said Hoes.
Through flames, the men rushed to another crew about 30 yards away.
It wasn’t until Hoes began removing gear that he realized he’d suffered burns to his arms and ears, requiring treatment in Parkland’s burn unit. He was released from the hospital Wednesday night.
With 100 grass fires under their belt so far this year, Hoes said these volunteers are well aware of the risk they take each time they head out.
“You always think about worst case scenario, but you try to put that at the back of your head. You want to get the job done first,” he said.
Especially as high temperatures and dry conditions turn Texas communities into tinder.
Hoes faces six weeks of recovery. Then, he’ll rejoin teammates like Williams, who even after this close call, stands ready to help. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/cresson-firefighter-released-from-hospital-after-suffering-burns-in-hood-county-wildfire/3040986/ | 2022-08-05T03:45:30 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/cresson-firefighter-released-from-hospital-after-suffering-burns-in-hood-county-wildfire/3040986/ |
WNBA star Brittney Griner was sentenced Thursday to nine years in prison after being found guilty in a Russian court on drug charges.
It was close to the maximum despite Griner's emotional plea that it was an accident. The sentencing opens the door to a potential diplomatic deal to bring Griner home through a prisoner swap.
“Not only is she a great player but she actually helped change my life,” said, Damion McKinney, Griner’s friend and former coach.
McKinney is a former coach for DFW Elite, a traveling basketball team that he says has some of the best players in the region on its roster.
McKinney says he helped drive to Houston, Griner’s hometown, to watch her play basketball in high school and recruited her to the team.
“When I saw her, I couldn't believe my eyes. I said this is the best player in the country,” he recalled.
McKinney says he recruited Griner again to play for Baylor University. In her first year, the team went to the Final Four.
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“Her junior year, we went 40-0 and we won the national championship and she kind of finished the job that she set out to do,” McKinney said.
Together, he says they won seven Big 12 championships, and that he’s seen her during highs and lows.
He says he recognized Griner's reaction when a Russian judge read the crushing verdict: Guilty of possessing and smuggling drugs.
“I know that expression, I’ve seen that expression in games so I saw the disappointment, I saw the anger,” McKinney said.
Griner was arrested in February after vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage at a Moscow airport.
She pleaded guilty and before being sentenced, she apologized.
“I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn't end my life here,” Griner said, caged in a Russian courtroom.
But the judge ignored Griner's pleas sentencing her to nine years, one year less than the maximum.
Now, attention turns to the potential for a prisoner swap between Washington and Moscow.
Friends and McKinney say Griner's experience makes her uniquely prepared to deal with adversity and hope negotiations between the two countries intensify.
“I really believe that it’s going to happen and she will be freed,” said McKinney, who now owns Fly Swift, a youth basketball training program.
Griner's Russian attorneys called today’s sentence "absolutely unreasonable" and accused the court of ignoring the evidence and Griner's admission of guilt. They say they plan to file an appeal.
In a statement, President Joe Biden called Griner's sentence "unacceptable" and said his administration is working to bring her and another American prisoner, Paul Whelan, home as soon as possible. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/she-helped-change-my-life-griners-friend-former-coach-reacts-to-9-year-sentence/3040937/ | 2022-08-05T03:45:36 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/she-helped-change-my-life-griners-friend-former-coach-reacts-to-9-year-sentence/3040937/ |
KIRKLAND, Wash. — The Kirkland Police Department is asking for help looking for a missing Indigenous woman.
Taci A. D. Marson, 26, was last seen leaving her group home on the 13400 block of 89th Avenue Northeast around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2. She did not return.
Marson has a developmental delay. She left her phone behind and may not be able to find her way back home.
Marson was last seen waring a multi-colored scarf, a black jacket and blue jeans. She has black hair and brown eyes and she is 5'8''.
Kirkland police are asking for the public's help looking for Marson. If someone sees her, they can call 911 and report the sighting to local police. Additional tips can be sent to Kirkland Police Detective Sergeant D Quiggle at DQuiggle@kirklandwa.gov or by calling 425-588-8076.
A Missing Indigenous Persons (MIPA) Alert has also been issued regarding Marson's disappearance. The MIPA Alert system went into effect on July 1 in an effort to help address the Missing Indigenous Women and People crisis in Washington. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/police-ask-for-help-searching-for-missing-indigenous-woman-kirkland/281-9f806eda-2688-44cf-a3bd-907ae51e37b4 | 2022-08-05T03:51:05 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/police-ask-for-help-searching-for-missing-indigenous-woman-kirkland/281-9f806eda-2688-44cf-a3bd-907ae51e37b4 |
SEATTLE — Seafair is celebrating its 73rd season and the nearly 3,000 volunteers who make the event possible -- including Seafair royalty.
Seafair royalty has been part of the event's history since its inception. The royalty greeted visiting dignitaries, attended ceremonial events in the city and played an ambassador role to encourage more people to take part in Seafair.
Seafair picks individuals who are celebrated for their philanthropic contributions to the area and for inspiring their communities.
Shellie Hart was chosen to become Seafair royalty in 2016 and she will become the first ever returning queen in Seafair's history. Hart is a longtime radio personality who has most recently been with WARM 106.9 for 10 years.
Her work in the community includes being a fan engagement emcee with the 4 time WNBA Champion team the Seattle Storm and the PA voice for OL REIGN.
"It’s an absolute blast. My job through all of these community events and through Seafair is that people have a good time and make memories!” Hart said.
Rich Gray is an award-winning actor and composer who has worked with many local theaters including the 5th Avenue Theater, ACT Theatre, Seattle Children’s Theater and ArtsWest. He’s also an assistant theater professor at Cornish College of the Arts. Seafair’s King Neptune for 2022 says he’s thrilled to spread the joy again.
“To be King Neptune you have to love the city, smile, wave, be outgoing and willing to have fun with people. That’s pretty much the job description!” laughed Gray.
He retains the crown he wore in 2019 and says a few years off have helped to gain a new perspective on Seafair’s legacy. “What traditions do we want to maintain and what new traditions do we want to start?”
This year's Miss Seafair is a Ph.D. student in epidemiology at the University of Washington. Anne Massey says she’s been attending Seafair her whole life and is thrilled to have been chosen for the honor. Massey says it’s through a scholarship application that she learned about Miss Seafair.
Massey studies outbreak detection and response as well as gun violence, and her dissertation is focused on suicide prevention. She does academic research, works closely with the Washington State Department of Health and county health departments as well as assists students through STEM mentorship.
Seafair is a registered a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides scholarships and educational opportunities beyond the community celebrations they’re known for.
More than 30 official Seafair events reach more than two million people and it’s a hefty annual slate of events for a dedicated bunch.
“Seafair is a summer celebration but as Seafair we have to remind ourselves that this is a non-profit and there are hundreds of volunteers who have been a part of Seafair for a number of years,” Hart said. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seafair-royalty-king-queen-miss-2022/281-18dd1ff5-755f-4ddc-b1e0-15367b6e00e0 | 2022-08-05T03:51:11 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seafair-royalty-king-queen-miss-2022/281-18dd1ff5-755f-4ddc-b1e0-15367b6e00e0 |
A five-time convicted felon who randomly attacked a 62-year-old man in downtown Lincoln last year has been sentenced to three to five years in prison.
Gabriel A. Sterling, 36, told Lancaster County District Judge Kevin McManaman at his sentencing Thursday that he didn't remember the incident.
"But that still doesn't excuse anything. There's a reason I didn't remember and that's because I chose to use drugs," he said.
Sterling said he was sorry about his actions.
"He was out enjoying himself on a walk, minding his own business, and I had absolutely no reason to approach him," he said.
Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Jessica Murphy said Sterling, a five-time convicted felon, shows the dangers of drug use and how it can alter a person's state of mind "to the detriment of a stranger walking down the street who ends up assaulted."
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At about 7:45 a.m. Feb. 5, 2021, police were called to 11th and N streets on an assault. A 62-year-old man told them a stranger had charged him and punched him repeatedly in the head and body.
He had been knocked unconscious and suffered significant injuries to his face from the beating and a gash on his elbow from falling to the ground that required a half dozen stitches.
Security video from a nearby apartment building caught the incident, and officers ultimately identified Sterling as the attacker.
McManaman said when he reviewed the video he was able to see the nature of the crime and the presence of significant violence. When Sterling hit the victim, the victim fell limp to the ground, he said.
"(He was) just a fellow out walking on the city streets of Lincoln, as far as I can tell. Which should be safe," the judge said. "People should be free from assault."
He said the safety of the community was important here, then gave his sentence, rejecting defense attorney Bill Chapin's argument for probation. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-man-sentenced-to-prison-for-attacking-stranger-downtown/article_9681135f-da62-5952-bc96-1f772fc65cce.html | 2022-08-05T03:54:06 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-man-sentenced-to-prison-for-attacking-stranger-downtown/article_9681135f-da62-5952-bc96-1f772fc65cce.html |
DECATUR, Texas —
Inside of the Decatur Livestock Market, buying and selling cattle is normal.
This week, however, the amount of ranchers that rushed there to sell their cattle, was not.
The livestock market’s owner, Kimberly Irwin, told WFAA the drought is the culprit. It has created challenging conditions around feeding livestock, and it’s forcing ranchers to sell their cattle in droves.
Martin Muñoz, a rancher in Covington, showed up to sell his cattle and buy others at a low cost on Monday.
“I need some money,” Muñoz said. “I’ve got a family I need to feed. I need to swap in some cattle.”
The lingering drought began to lower his water tank last year. It’s where he secures water to feed his cattle.
“My tank’s got no water. Nothing," Muñoz said.
His grass is gone due to the drought, and the price of hay has skyrocketed.
Several ranchers told WFAA that even hay is hard to come by these days, and it’s not the healthiest option for raising cattle and calves.
The owner of the exchange says ranchers brought more than 2,500 head of cattle this week, a 50% increase from the 1,500 head they would receive during a normal week this time of year.
On Monday, the auction, that usually ends at three in the afternoon, was expected to last until three in the morning.
TCU’s Ranch Management Program Interim Director Jim Link said it’s a snowballing effect on Texas’s top commodity.
“2011 was pretty tough, but it wasn’t as hot as this as long. We didn’t have the rain, but we didn’t have the 90 days of triple digit weather,” Link said.
He doesn’t anticipate the drought’s impact on cattle will impact the supply chain or an increase in meat prices.
“It really wont effect the supply as much as a lot of people would think,” Link said. “A lot of these cows are going to town and they’ll be hamburger. The general populations demand is for hamburgers.”
What happens next will depend on the amount of rainfall this fall.
“If we get two or three more years of this [drought] in a row, it’s really gonna get tough,” Link said.
Munoz remains optimistic.
“The good Lord, one of these days will send us some water,” Munoz said.
When people’s livelihoods are on the line, the rain can’t come soon enough. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-ranchers-rush-sell-cattle-amid-drought/287-149c7ee8-a6ad-424c-a317-3c76b951dbaa | 2022-08-05T03:55:01 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-ranchers-rush-sell-cattle-amid-drought/287-149c7ee8-a6ad-424c-a317-3c76b951dbaa |
EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — A beloved El Dorado Hills soccer player is being remembered for the mark she left on people near and far. Sophia Torres died earlier this week after being hit by a driver while she was out on a run.
However, her family and friends want people to reflect on all the good she brought to the world.
"Sophia is such a larger-than-life personality. You know, she just made an impression where ever she went," said Katie Blough, who is the Head Coach with the Girls Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Program.
Torres, a San Juan Soccer Club player, died on Monday after being in the Intensive Care Unit for 20 days. The 13-year-old was fighting a battle after she was hit by a car driving down Serrano Parkway. Officials said no one was at fault.
Family and friends want the focus to be on Sophia's impact on others.
"Since there's such negativity in the world right now, she always brought positivity, and like when it was in really hard times, she would always bring so much like happiness and so much brightness to the world and to the team," said Gabby Ferraro, who is Sophia's teammate.
The club said the outpouring of love has been huge.
It's been coming in from all around the area, with some even creating a memorial at the fields where Sophia trained at.
"You're never prepared for something like this. We as our soccer community... it brought us so much closer here at San Juan. It was just unbelievable the outpouring of love from Northern California to Southern California to across the nation," Blough said.
With Sophia playing on a top five team in the country, she was very well known. Ferraro said Sophia's memory is keeping them strong.
"She was just such a loving person, and like Katie said, her smile and her laugh was so contagious - like you would just look at her and she'd be smiling and the whole team would be smiling," Ferraro said.
Leaving behind a smile on the faces of those who knew her is exactly what Sophia's friends say she would have wanted.
"We want to celebrate her, and we don't want it to be something that is this sad, depressing story. We want to focus on the light that she was," said Blough.
Sophia would have turned 14 in just a few days. Her family is having a celebration of life service this Saturday at the District Church in El Dorado Hills at 1 p.m. and everyone is invited.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/eldorado-hills/sophia-torres-el-dorado-hills/103-9ed958cc-29c6-498a-b937-8b95b4551fdd | 2022-08-05T03:55:27 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/eldorado-hills/sophia-torres-el-dorado-hills/103-9ed958cc-29c6-498a-b937-8b95b4551fdd |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A ballot measure that would require the City of Sacramento to create homeless shelter space and begin enforcing a camping ban could be at risk of being removed or drastically altered, according to a coalition of community members who worked with City Hall to draft the measure.
Discussions on the Emergency Temporary Shelter and Enforcement Act of 2022 began in early January as a traditional ballot initiative and later moved to discussions with Sacramento City leaders as an initiative that would later be sent to the ballot by council.
If approved as is, the measure would require the City of Sacramento within 60 days to identify and establish enough emergency shelter space equal to 60% of the city’s homeless population. It would also make homeless camps of four or more unrelated people illegal, which could be enforced by police.
Finally, the measure would create an abatement and complaint process for businesses and residents to report any damages or injuries from homeless camps on city-owned property.
Daniel Conway is chair of the coalition known as Sacramentan’s for Safe and Clean Streets and Parks, which is backed by businesses, public safety, labor and community groups. The coalition had worked with council to approve language in the measure that would be approved in April to be voted on by the public in November.
Now, Conway says there have been discussions in City Hall to amend the measure to include requirements contingent on actions by Sacramento County leaders, which could mean any enforcement of the measure may take years.
“Now, at the 11th hour, the city is looking to break it’s promise to our coalition and our community and that frankly is unacceptable,” Conway said at a Thursday press conference in front of Old Sacramento City Hall. “The people of Sacramento have an expectation that they will have a voice this November, and yet now, we see that the city is trying to take away the voice of the people of Sacramento.”
As Conway and other members of the coalition spoke, they were interrupted by the voices of another coalition of community groups and homeless advocates, which is vehemently opposing the measure.
A woman who only identified herself as Shelly, said “housing” not simply shelter was the only way to approach the issue. She said simply housing people in tents was not dignified and should not be considered.
“It’s forcing. It’s coercive. There is nothing voluntary about it,” she said.
Changes to ballot measures must be completed by Aug. 12. It is unclear if or how City Hall may respond. ABC10 reached out to each Sacramento City Councilmember and Mayor Darrell Steinberg but requests for comment were not returned.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento-homeless-shelter-enforcement-initiative-jeopardy/103-62a7ba6a-f99a-4185-8db8-88c21c44e695 | 2022-08-05T03:55:30 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento-homeless-shelter-enforcement-initiative-jeopardy/103-62a7ba6a-f99a-4185-8db8-88c21c44e695 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Police say a chase came to an abrupt end after a suspect drove into a home near South Sacramento.
The Sacramento Police Department said the incident happened after officers tried to do a traffic stop on a suspect with felony warrants. The suspect stopped briefly before taking off and led officers on a chase that ended with the truck crashing into a home.
One person in the home was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect was detained and will be booked for outstanding warrants and charges related to the chase.
Photos: Truck crashes into Sacramento home
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/south-sacramento-chase-crash/103-124a4df8-4b87-4b58-9c1c-7417fa2e7e13 | 2022-08-05T03:55:32 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/south-sacramento-chase-crash/103-124a4df8-4b87-4b58-9c1c-7417fa2e7e13 |
STOCKTON, Calif. — A connector ramp closure due to planned construction on a heavily traveled Stockton interchange could cause delays this weekend.
The closure impacts Interstate 5 in the area of Highway 4 - Stockton's Crosstown Freeway, according to Caltrans.
Beginning at 10 p.m. Thursday, the connector ramp to the crosstown in the eastbound direction from Southbound I-5 will close. The connector ramp will not re-open until 5 a.m. Monday.
The closure means that those attempting to reach downtown Stockton or Highway 99 from Southbound I-5, north of the crosstown, will not be able to use the crosstown freeway.
As an alternate route, commuters can take the Charter Way exit of I-5. Charter Way connects to Highway 99 at Golden Gate Avenue. Commuters hoping to get to the downtown area can take Charter Way to El Dorado Street and head north.
Taking the Fremont Street exit from Southbound I-5 before the crosstown will also land commuters in Stockton's downtown area.
Click HERE to see ABC10's traffic map.
Watch More Stockton News from ABC10: Stockton's Victory Park pool could return by 2024 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/weekend-closure-crosstown-freeway/103-cc79ff95-c95a-4586-8d47-bcf8567d5692 | 2022-08-05T03:55:32 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/weekend-closure-crosstown-freeway/103-cc79ff95-c95a-4586-8d47-bcf8567d5692 |
TAMPA, Fla. — Mayor Jane Castor presented the proposed budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year to Tampa City Council Thursday, with an emphasis on strengthening resident services, workforce development and increasing housing affordability.
The theme of the budget is centered around Resilient Tampa and the development of long-term plans and investments for the future of Tampa, the city announced in a news release.
Continuing the trend from years past, Castor is devoting $5.5 million in general fund money and $20 million overall for housing-related services. In the last three years, the city of Tampa has committed more than $100 million to that sector.
According to the city, "one of the biggest drivers in this year’s budget is the new contracts with the City of Tampa’s three unions, who represent most of the City’s workforce." This includes the approved raises of 18.5 percent over the next three years for police, firefighters and transit workers.
“I felt it was important to stand behind the men and women who serve our residents so well,” Castor said in a statement. “To keep us resilient, we need to be able to recruit and retain the talent we have. Like the families we serve every day across Tampa, city employees are also facing higher costs of living. This pay increase is not only well deserved, but necessary.”
Areas where the city plans to improve include
- Strengthening resident services
- Enhancing workforce development
- Increasing housing affordability
- Improving infrastructure and mobility
- Establishing sustainability and resilience within the city
The city hopes to speed up construction and save money by proposing the addition of two construction crews to handle routine water pipeline work, rather than relying on private sector contractors, the city of Tampa says.
In addition, Tampa is in the works to create transit corridors to improve transportation across the city, connecting the Westshore District to Downtown and continuing to the University area.
Continuing the city's clean energy initiative, Castor said the city also "intends to install hundreds of new solar panels and implement new energy savings programs."
According to the city, Tampa has an "outstanding" credit rating. This helps with stretching dollars far wider than other communities are able to, the city says.
"A crucial part of that is maintaining more than 22 percent of the city’s budget in reserves, a practice Tampa will continue in 2023," the city says.
Castor says she hopes to work with Tampa City Council and finalize the budget. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-mayor-jane-castor-2022-2023-budget/67-21417389-52af-4892-9c75-4204f0f5ecc5 | 2022-08-05T04:06:29 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-mayor-jane-castor-2022-2023-budget/67-21417389-52af-4892-9c75-4204f0f5ecc5 |
Lee esta historia en español aquí.
A 15-year-old boy riding his bicycle was struck by a school bus that left the scene in Camden County Wednesday evening, authorities said.
“The school bus initially stopped, but then left the scene prior to police arrival,” Pennsauken Township police said in a release.
Police said the crash happened around 5:30 p.m. on the 1600 block of Bethel Avenue.
The teen’s mother, Maritza Rodriguez, told NBC10 and Telemundo62 how her son, Manuel, had been biking with some of his friends. She described the moments after the collision when the bus driver drove off.
"When she knocked my son down, it seems she noticed, she stood up, got out of the bus, asked if he was okay, but when my son told her he was hurt, she got on the bus and sped up," Maritza explained.
Authorities said the bus company and the driver were identified and are cooperating with the investigation.
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"This whole situation saddens me because she's a bus driver, she deals 100 percent with children and she should have thought twice before leaving my son," Maritza lamented.
Manuel was treated for minor injuries, including some bruises and scratches, at the hospital and has returned home.
"Thank God that there were older men who witnessed the whole thing," Maritza said.
“It was like slow motion when I looked over at him,” witness Ron Ramey said to NBC10 and T62. “He flipped off the bike the opposite way of the bus. If he would’ve went the other way, he might be dead today. And the bike was just all over.”
Police requested that anyone with information on the incident contact Pennsauken Police at 856-488-0080. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/school-bus-driver-flees-after-striking-teen-in-camden-county/3326740/ | 2022-08-05T04:06:58 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/school-bus-driver-flees-after-striking-teen-in-camden-county/3326740/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/local/how-a-redesigned-school-calendar-helped-these-dallas-isd-students/3037211/ | 2022-08-05T04:07:08 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/local/how-a-redesigned-school-calendar-helped-these-dallas-isd-students/3037211/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/local/how-childrens-health-works-to-helps-young-patients-cope/3039899/ | 2022-08-05T04:07:15 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/local/how-childrens-health-works-to-helps-young-patients-cope/3039899/ |
The virtual cat hero from the new video game sensation “Stray” doesn't just wind along rusted pipes, leap over unidentified sludge and decode clues in a seemingly abandoned city. The daring orange tabby is helping real world cats as well.
Thanks to online fundraising platforms, gamers are playing “Stray" while streaming live for audiences to raise money for animal shelters and other cat-related charities. Annapurna Interactive, the game's publisher, also promoted “Stray” by offering two cat rescue and adoption agencies copies of the game to raffle off and renting out a New York cat cafe.
Livestreaming game play for charity isn't new, but the resonance “Stray” quickly found from cat lovers is unusual. It was the fourth most watched and broadcast game on the day it launched on Twitch, the streaming platform said.
Viewers watch as players navigate the adventurous feline through an aging industrial landscape doing normal cat stuff — balancing on railings, walking on keyboards and knocking things off shelves — to solve puzzles and evade enemies.
About 80% of the game’s development team are “cat owners and cat lovers” and a real-life orange stray as well as their own cats helped inspire the game, one creator said.
“I certainly hope that maybe some people will be inspired to help actual strays in real life — knowing that having an animal and a companion is a responsibility,” said producer Swann Martin-Raget, of the BlueTwelve gaming studio in Montpellier, in southern France.
When Annapurna Interactive reached out to the Nebraska Humane Society to partner before the game's launch on July 19, they jumped at the chance, marketing specialist Brendan Gepson said.
“The whole game and the whole culture around the game, it’s all about a love of cats,” Gepson said. “It meshed really well with the shelter and our mission.”
The shelter got four copies of the game to give away and solicited donations for $5 to be entered into a raffle to win one. In a week, they raised $7,000, Gepson said, with the vast majority of the 550 donors being new to them, including people donating from Germany and Malta. The company also donated $1,035 to the shelter.
“It was really mutually beneficial,” Gepson said. ”They got some really good PR out of it and we got a whole new donor base out of it.”
Annapurna also bought out Meow Parlour, the New York cat cafe and adoption agency, for a weekend, as well as donating $1,000. Visitors who made reservations could buy “Stray” themed merchandise and play the game for 20 minutes while surrounded by cats. (The game also captivates cats, videos on social media show.)
Jeff Legaspi, Annapurna Interactive’s marketing director, said it made sense for the game's launch to do something "positively impactful and hopefully bring more awareness to adopting and not shopping for a new pet.”
Annapurna declined to disclose sales or download figures for the game, which is available on PlayStation and the Steam platform. However, according to Steam monitor SteamDB, “Stray” has been the No. 1 purchased game for the past two weeks.
North Shore Animal League America, which rescues tens of thousands of animals each year, said it hadn't seen any increase in traffic from the game but they did receive more than $800 thanks to a gamer.
In a happy coincidence, the shelter had just set up a profile on the platform Tiltify, which allows nonprofits to receive donations from video streams, the week the game launched. The player channeled donations to the shelter, smashing her initial goal of $200.
“We are seeing Tiltify and livestreaming as this whole new way for us to engage a whole different audience,” said Carol Marchesano, the rescue's senior digital marketing director. Usually, though, organizations need to reach out to online personalities to coordinate livestreams, which can take a lot of work, she said.
About nine campaigns on Tiltify mention the game “Stray,” the company’s CEO Michael Wasserman said. JustGiving, which also facilitates charity livestreams, said it identified two campaigns with the game.
For his part, Gepson from Nebraska reached out to an Omaha resident who goes by the name TreyDay1014 online to run a charity livestream. Trey, who asked that his last name not be used, has two cats, one of which he adopted from the shelter.
Last week, he narrated to viewers watching live on the platform Twitch as his cat character batted another cat’s tail and danced along railings.
“If I found out my cat was outside doing this, I’d be upset,” Trey said, as his character jumped across a perilous distance. Moments later, a rusty pipe broke, sending the tabby down a gut-wrenching plunge into the darkness.
“That is a poor baby,” Trey said somberly, “but we are okay.”
A $25 donation followed the fall, pushing the amount raised by Trey for the Nebraska shelter to over $100 in about 30 minutes. By the end of four and a half hours of play, donations totaled $1,500. His goal had been to raise $200.
“This has opened my eyes to being able to use this platform for a lot more good than just playing video games,” Trey said.
To learn more about Clear The Shelters 2022 and search for adoptable pets in your area, visit cleartheshelters.com. You can also donate to your local animal shelters and rescue groups by visiting clearthesheltersfund.org.
AP business writer Matt O'Brien contributed to this report. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/clear-the-shelters/stray-cat-video-game-brings-some-benefits-to-real-cats/3040542/ | 2022-08-05T04:09:38 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/clear-the-shelters/stray-cat-video-game-brings-some-benefits-to-real-cats/3040542/ |
Parked overnight: Keizer Chick-fil-A opens to camped out patrons
At 6:30 a.m., more than 40 cars on Thursday sat in the drive-thru line honking in excitement while employees cheered at the opening of Chick-fil-A, Keizer's newest fast food restaurant.
Over two dozen people waited overnight for a taste of the restaurant's famous chicken. About a half hour before the official opening, more than 30 people stood in line outside the front doors with water bottles and blankets in hand. Human resources manager David Jones gave fist bumps to customers standing in line. "The last three weeks have been a whirlwind," Jones said. "I'm just excited so many people are pumped up."
One of the people in line was McKenna Brewer, a hairdresser in Salem. She was at Chick-fil-A with two friends since around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night. Brewer said she would drive two hours with her friends to get Chick-fil-A when she lived in Eugene and is excited she's closer to one now.
In celebration of the opening, Brewer wore a shirt that read "Chick-fil-A Babe," which was a Christmas present from her niece and sister-in-law who know of her love for the fast food franchise.
Brewer wasn't the only one who camped out. Blake Altman, a junior at Sprague High School in Salem, spent the night in the drive-thru line. He and his friends were the first in line to be served. He ordered a chicken burrito and a spicy chicken biscuit. He also showed off his Chick-fil-A plush toy and cup that employees were giving out to customers.
As orders flashed on the screen inside, employees worked together to get the orders out, smiling and saying the signature Chick-fil-A phrase, "my pleasure," as they handed food out.
By noon, traffic near the restaurant was being redirected. Orange cones and people holding stop signs to control the flow of traffic could be seen on the road as the parking lot was nearly full.
The restaurant is the first Chick-fil-A location in the mid-Willamette Valley and the ninth overall in Oregon.
Clint Peebles, the Keizer location's owner, is a Willamette Valley native. He graduated from Oregon State University and has held positions as an operations manager and a sales and customer service manager prior to joining Chick-fil-A.
“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to pursue my dream of owning a restaurant alongside my family and friends,” Peebles said in a press release. “I’m excited to begin this new chapter in Keizer serving delicious chicken with memorable hospitality.”
Chick-fil-A is honoring 100 local heroes in Keizer through free Chick-fil-A meals for a year.
The Keizer location is located at 5655 Ulali Drive NE. It is open from Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dine-in and 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. for drive-thru. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/04/parked-overnight-keizer-chick-fil-a-opens-to-camped-out-customers/65392174007/ | 2022-08-05T04:11:11 | 0 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/04/parked-overnight-keizer-chick-fil-a-opens-to-camped-out-customers/65392174007/ |
Road repairs underway for Marion Street Bridge and Salem Parkway
Expect evening traffic delays. The Oregon Department of Transportation is replacing the driving surface on the Marion Street Bridge and making surface repairs to OR99E/Salem Parkway.
The repairs to Salem Parkway will go from Chemawa Road NE to South Street NE. Crews will work from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Work on the Marion Street Bridge will be from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Friday.
The project on Salem Parkway is expected to take at least another two weeks, according to Steve Kubishta with ODOT.
ODOT is advising drivers to expect ramp closures and to prepare for single-lane closures. Detour routes will be marked with signs.
The Marion Street Bridge has not been paved since 2011. The cost of the project is estimated to be about $6.9 million. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/salem-oregon-marion-county-road-repairs-underway-for-marion-street-bridge-and-salem-parkway/65392255007/ | 2022-08-05T04:11:17 | 1 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/salem-oregon-marion-county-road-repairs-underway-for-marion-street-bridge-and-salem-parkway/65392255007/ |
NITRO, WV (WOWK) — Crews are on the scene of a working fire at the Nitro Supermarket, according to Metro 911 dispatchers.
Officials say this came in just after 10:40 p.m.
They say crews are on the scene.
There is no word on any injuries.
13 News has a crew there. We are working on getting more details confirmed. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/crews-on-scene-of-working-fire-at-nitro-supermarket/ | 2022-08-05T04:16:46 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/crews-on-scene-of-working-fire-at-nitro-supermarket/ |
Eastpointe prisoner who fled custody found, arrested
An 18-year-old Eastpointe prisoner who escaped custody this week was captured Thursday, police said.
Devonta Deshawn Moore and two relatives were arrested by the Eastpointe Police Special Investigations Unit and detectives near Brighton around 7:10 p.m., representatives said in a statement.
Michigan State Police and Livingston County Sheriff's officials also helped.
Moore was expected to be arraigned Friday in the 38th District Court on charges of escape while awaiting trial for a felony and assaulting/resisting/obstructing police, records show.
Detectives also seek charges through the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office against the two people arrested with him, police said Thursday.
The arrest came two days after authorities said Moore had fled officers while being transported to a van for prisoners. They searched the area for the Eastpointe resident who had been wearing belly chains.
Moore was arraigned Monday on two charges, domestic violence/assault and being a disorderly person, in connection with a July 31 incident, according to court records.
He was accused of hitting an 8-year-old sibling, WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) reported. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2022/08/04/eastpointe-prisoner-who-fled-custody-arrested/10243652002/ | 2022-08-05T04:24:52 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2022/08/04/eastpointe-prisoner-who-fled-custody-arrested/10243652002/ |
DES MOINES, Iowa — Saving Iowa's sensitive crops and insects from pesticides is the goal of Fieldwatch.
FieldWatch is a national mapping tool alerting pesticide applicators of where to steer clear.
But in order for the tool to work, farmers and beekeepers need to register their crops and hives, making the app's accuracy driven by usage.
While Bob Walters, CEO of FieldWatch says it's hard to know the exact number of crops and insects saved, the best evidence of its success lies with vegetable producers.
He says early on they were losing a lot of crops due to pesticide applicators, now the crop loss is almost insignificant with the amount of producers and applicators using the tool.
"It doesn't matter if they're spraying from a tractor or from a plane, it doesn't matter if they're spraying along the roadsides or spraying for mosquitoes or spraying agricultural land. They use the tool and so they're aware," Walters said.
Within FieldWatch there are a couple different registries, including "DriftWatch" and "BeeCheck."
Walters says in Iowa, beekeepers must register their hives to minimize the loss of crops and bees from the accidental contamination or drift of chemical spray.
That BeeCheck map is pictured below:
You can see the state is pretty much covered in red. About 38,000 colonies in total. And one local beekeeper wants to see even more red on here.
But to really help the bees, he also wants to give wings to the so called Iowa "bee rule" that uses this information to tell sprayers where and when they can use pesticides.
Jamie Beyer is abuzz with passion for bees.
"Beekeeping is one of the most educational tools on learning about nature than I've ever experienced," Beyer said.
An apiarist for 8 years, he's also the president of the Central Iowa Beekeepers Association.
And he's the first to admit — he likes to talk about bees a lot.
"Somebody finds out I'm a beekeeper, I'm surrounded by people with questions. They want to know about it. They want to know about what the problems the bees, they want to know just what I do," Beyer said.
Beyer says he takes any chance he can get to raise awareness about bees because it's working.
Iowa's honeybee population is stable and maybe even going up, according to Beyer.
"And that is because of the increased interest in keeping honey bees. There's a lot of people that are into bees," he said. "Now, they might only have five or ten hives or two hives. Those are hobby beekeepers, we're seeing a huge increase in those beekeepers."
Beyer likes the idea of a BeeCheck, even with its shortcomings.
"Unfortunately, it's not adhered to by 100% of the beekeepers out there, so some people are kind of private about where they keep bees. They're worried that somebody's gonna come in and steal their bees. So if they register their hives, everybody knows where their hives are then," Beyer said.
Beyer would like to see all beekeepers register and the spraying rules apply to not just commercial sprayers, but private ones as well.
"A private farmer in his own application does not have to abide by that rule. But like, where I keep my bees, the farmers that keep my bees, they still abide by it for the benefit of me," he said.
For Beyer, it's an instance where it pays to be neighborly and have conversations sharing strategies that will, hopefully, not only lead to more red dots on a map, but more bees pollinating and making honey across Iowa for generations to come.
He says pollinating alone is reason enough to protect the bees, as they are crucial to crops like almonds and apples.
As for Iowa, the state is ranked 16th in honey production nationwide. In 2021, Iowa beekeepers produced 2 million pounds of honey, valued at just over five million dollars. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/national-mapping-tool-to-help-save-the-bees-central-iowa-crops-insects/524-8b4f2226-4690-4773-afa2-a60f074ec69a | 2022-08-05T04:28:05 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/national-mapping-tool-to-help-save-the-bees-central-iowa-crops-insects/524-8b4f2226-4690-4773-afa2-a60f074ec69a |
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