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(WJHL) — Looking for something to do this weekend?
News Channel 11 compiled a list of events for all ages — available below!
Saturday, Aug. 6
What: Dog Days Riverfest 2022
Where: USA Raft Adventure Resort in Erwin
When: Friday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. through Saturday, Aug. 6 at 11 p.m.
More: For more information, click here.
What: Good Samaritan Ministries’ Community Back to School Picnic and Party
Where: Founder’s Park in downtown Johnson City
When: 11 a.m.
More: Festivities will include inflatables, a rock wall, games, hot dog lunch, music, a foam party, a fire truck and more.
What: 18th Homegrown Tomato Fest
Where: Kingsport Farmers Market at Center and Clinchfield streets intersection
When: 9-11 a.m.
More: The event will feature tomato contests, free tomato tastings, refreshments, cooking demonstrations, recipes, growing advice and more.
What: James Meadows at the Barrel House
Where: The Barrel House on Main Street in Jonesborough
When: 6 p.m.
What: Kingsport Axmen vs. Princeton WhistlePigs
Where: Hunter Wright Stadium
When: 7 p.m.
What: Johnson City Doughboys vs. Bristol State Liners
Where: TVA Credit Union Ballpark
When: 7 p.m.
What: Elizabethton River Raiders vs. Pulaski River Turtles
Where: Northeast Community Credit Union Ball Park
When: 7 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 7
What: Pups + Pints
Where: Tennessee Hills Brewstillery at 458 W. Walnut St. in Johnson City
When: 3-5 p.m.
More: Bring your pup for the chance for your furry friend to be named Tennessee Hills dog of the month. Dress them up to win prizes.
What: Brews & Tunes
Where: International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough
When: 4-7 p.m.
What: Yoga in the Park
Where: Jonesborough Repertory Theatre
When: 6-7 p.m.
Nothing on the list to your liking? The region has multiple lakes from which to choose — Boone, Watauga and Holston Lake. Don’t forget about the Nolichucky River, David Crockett’s Birthplace, Bays Mountain | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/need-weekend-plans-heres-a-list-of-events/ | 2022-08-05T18:44:25 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/need-weekend-plans-heres-a-list-of-events/ |
(WJHL) — Organizations continue to lend helping hands to communities that lost everything when fatal flood waters devastated 13 counties across eastern Kentucky in mid-July.
Ballad Health’s Niswonger Children’s Network on Friday announced it launched a diaper and baby wipe drive to deliver the necessities to affected families in the wake of the state of emergency that left at least 37 dead and displaced many more.
Those who can donate can do so by dropping goods off at all Ballad Health locations in Virginia, as well as Holston Valley Medical Center and Bristol Regional Medical Center until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10. Ballad team members can donate at all hospital human resources offices.
Drop-offs are available at the facilities’ main entrance and screening areas. For more information on locations, click here and search for Virginia sites under the locations tab.
A news release from Ballad Health states that it will accept baby wipes and diapers of all sizes and brands. The health system also continues to work with regional providers to send medical equipment and other needed supplies during the recovery efforts.
Ballad Health’s facilities do not extend into Kentucky; however, its facilities in Southwest Virginia have served many Kentuckians across the state line, and the region’s only children’s hospital — Niswonger — is the closest pediatric facility for a handful of Kentucky counties, the release reads.
“As they did with relief efforts for our neighbors in Buchanan County last month, our team members are leading a charge to provide tangible, much-needed support – diapers and baby wipes for some of the floods’ youngest victims,” said Chris Jett, chief executive officer of the Niswonger Children’s Network.
“Our children’s network serves many patients from Southeastern Kentucky, and many of our own team members are either directly affected by this horrible disaster or have family members and friends who have lost everything – even loved ones – literally overnight. We immediately went to work to find the best ways to send aid.” | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/niswonger-childrens-network-joins-ky-flood-recovery-efforts/ | 2022-08-05T18:44:31 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/niswonger-childrens-network-joins-ky-flood-recovery-efforts/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Riders on two different MAX lines can expect delays Friday morning after a collision in Milwaukie.
Just before 8:15 a.m., TriMet tweeted a MAX train crashed into a bumper at the end of the line at SE Park Avenue.
A spokesperson with TriMet told KOIN 6 the MAX operator was rushed to a hospital and two passengers complained of injuries. Another rider told officials he slept through the incident.
The agency said it was unsure how many passengers were onboard.
TriMet said the Orange and Yellow lines are delayed about 15 to 30 minutes. | https://www.koin.com/local/max-train-crashes-into-barrier-injures-operator/ | 2022-08-05T18:44:37 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/max-train-crashes-into-barrier-injures-operator/ |
DALLAS — A tractor-trailer appeared to be stuck under a train bridge on Interstate 35E in northwest Dallas on Friday afternoon, causing major traffic delays on the highway just north of Downtown.
Texas Department of Transportation cameras showed a trailer stuck underneath what appeared to be a train bridge on the southbound lanes of the highway at Commonwealth Drive.
This is near where I-35E merges with Texas 183/114, near the Dallas hospital district.
Helicopter footage showed all southbound lanes were blocked at the bridge.
No more information was immediately available from officials.
Traffic cameras showed several large trucks and heavy equipment responding to the scene. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/i35-traffic-dallas-stuck-tractor-trailer-backs-up-traffic-along-i-35e-near-downtown-dallas/287-6f26c9d6-9bb9-40ea-bc94-087a1341b081 | 2022-08-05T18:46:26 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/i35-traffic-dallas-stuck-tractor-trailer-backs-up-traffic-along-i-35e-near-downtown-dallas/287-6f26c9d6-9bb9-40ea-bc94-087a1341b081 |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The death of a Jonesboro police officer is being investigated after he reportedly had symptoms of "medical distress" before a training.
Vincent Parks, a patrolman for the Jonesboro Police Department, arrived for a training at Camp Robinson to participate in a physical training around 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, according to the Arkansas State Police.
Department of Public Safety Secretary Jami Cook told state police that the 38-year-old was "extracted" from the class formation that began at 1:30 p.m. when the reported medical distress began. Oxygen was provided to him.
Parks was reportedly able to walk to an ambulance, but was "stricken by cardiac arrest" once inside the ambulance, according to a press release from Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
He was pronounced dead upon reaching a nearby hospital.
Joe Dubois, a supervisor with the CLEST, gave state police more information, indicating "more than once" that Parks did not participate in the physical training part of the class.
Secretary Cook then asked state police on July 18 to conduct an "independent review" of what led up to Parks' death.
"The review was re-categorized as a criminal investigation based on statements contrary to the initial facts provided to Secretary Cook and subsequently provided to [us]," said Bill Sadler, public information officer for the Arkansas State Police.
He explained that it became a criminal investigation "to ensure that any possible findings of criminal culpability" wouldn't be compromised if the findings were to be shared with the prosecuting attorney.
Sadler would not comment further on the investigation until it was formally closed. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/arkansas-officers-death-training-investigation/91-1094c244-948f-43d5-bbab-cca3198060a4 | 2022-08-05T18:50:28 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/arkansas-officers-death-training-investigation/91-1094c244-948f-43d5-bbab-cca3198060a4 |
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-event-canceled-controversy-fayetteville/527-70ef323d-3a6c-4ea5-a369-2bd59ef960b1 | 2022-08-05T18:50:34 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/lgbtq-event-canceled-controversy-fayetteville/527-70ef323d-3a6c-4ea5-a369-2bd59ef960b1 |
CALDWELL, Idaho — Josh Carter could hardly hang on much longer to the tree that was keeping him afloat in the river. He was there for 18 hours before Caldwell law enforcement rescued him.
On Thursday, Canyon County Sheriff's deputies, Caldwell Police, Caldwell Fire Department and Canyon County Paramedics responded to a report of a man clinging to a tree in the Boise River.
Carter was found in extreme distress and laying on his back under a tree branch, a release by Caldwell PD said.
His head continued to go under water and he told Caldwell Police, the first to arrive, that he could not hold on any longer. The officers balanced on another tree limb to throw Carter a rope. Other officers ran into the water at high levels to help grab him and take him to shore.
Fire and paramedics arrived, the news release said, to assess his medical conditions. They discovered he had been there for 18 hours.
Caldwell PD later visited Carter in the hospital and found out he was almost hypothermic when they rescued him from the river. His core temperature was 93 degrees, it said, while hypothermia begins around 95 degrees.
"I never thought I'd hug a cop," Carter said.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/caldwell-police-save-man-clinging-to-tree-18-hours/277-8eab4530-0202-407a-83fb-d55c3881ec18 | 2022-08-05T18:51:12 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/caldwell-police-save-man-clinging-to-tree-18-hours/277-8eab4530-0202-407a-83fb-d55c3881ec18 |
Arizona Opera seeks veterans to perform onstage for season opener
The Arizona Opera wants to cast 12 local military veterans to perform in a show this season about a soldier's journey toward healing.
Veterans who are interested must apply by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10. Previous musical or stage experience is not a requirement. Rehearsals will be held from Aug. 11- Oct. 12.
“The Falling and the Rising” opens Arizona Opera's fall season and details the journey of a female soldier who falls into a coma after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a roadside attack.
The show is based on real-life interviews with soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland. Leaders of the group hope to create community and healing for veterans by sharing their stories through opera.
“Opera is an art form that is known for storytelling. It’s a perfect platform for veterans to lift their voices,” said Courtney Clark of Arizona Opera.
Arizona Opera was founded in 1971 and was originally known as the Tucson Opera Company. It expanded to Phoenix in 1976.
The nonprofit hopes to expand its programming for veterans beyond the 12 roles for its current production.
“[It's] a nontraditional avenue that promotes healing through the lens of opera,” Clark said.
Veterans who are interested in participating are asked to contact Phillip Woodmore at woodmore@gmail.com. Provisions will be considered for applicants who apply after the deadline. Veterans will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be paid for their work.
Arizona Opera was a 2021 Season for Sharing education grantee, receiving $7,500 to support free arts programming for K-12 students.
Arizona Opera's 'The Falling and the Rising'
What: A tale of a female soldier who falls into a coma after suffering a traumatic head injury from a roadside attack. Based on real-life interviews with soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Center.
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14, 15, 16.
Where: Herberger Theater, 222 E Monroe St., Phoenix.
Tickets: azopera.org.
Roxanne De La Rosa writes about nonprofits for The Republic and azcentral.com. Reach her at rdelarosa@azcentral.com. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/08/05/arizona-opera-search-veterans-perform-onstage/10226845002/ | 2022-08-05T18:54:13 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/08/05/arizona-opera-search-veterans-perform-onstage/10226845002/ |
A furniture delivery driver was killed in Fort Worth Friday morning during a carjacking, police say.
Fort Worth police told NBC 5 that a man was delivering furniture on the 3800 block of Reed Street when he was killed during a carjacking of the company truck.
Police arrived to find the man dead in the street. The truck, police said, was found a few blocks away.
No arrests have been made and no description of the man's killer has been provided.
Sign up for our Breaking Newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/furniture-delivery-driver-killed-in-fort-worth/3041508/ | 2022-08-05T18:59:29 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/furniture-delivery-driver-killed-in-fort-worth/3041508/ |
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News from around the state of Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/concerns-over-how-and-when-texas-history-is-taught-could-derail-states-social-studies-revamp/3041405/ | 2022-08-05T18:59:32 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/concerns-over-how-and-when-texas-history-is-taught-could-derail-states-social-studies-revamp/3041405/ |
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Picture it: A vacant Beverly Hills bistro has been transformed into the set of a 1980s sitcom about four women living in Miami — but it's also a working restaurant.
Reservations have been going fast at the newly opened The Golden Girls Kitchen. Some patrons have come from out of state to see the pop-up eatery.
Joe Saunders, of Cranston, Rhode Island, his two teenage children and their mother were visiting Northern California when they learned about the pop-up. So they made a special trip south just to see it.
“I was a little hesitant about coming but my kids' mom really wanted to come,” said Saunders, who was wearing a T-shirt referencing the sitcom's fictitious Shady Pines retirement home. “It's been a good time... the lasagna, the strawberry daiquiri and I'm going to have a piece of cake with ice cream, too.”
Thirty years after “The Golden Girls” ended on NBC, fans still can't let go of the sitcom about four housemates — Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia — bonding over aging, dating and cheesecake. The first month of reservations sold out before the pop-up opened July 30, which the internet deems National Golden Girls Day. It's just the latest example of the comedy rising to pop culture relevancy again. In just the past few months, the first ever Golden-Con fan convention was held in Chicago and a pilot for an animated, futuristic “Golden Girls” series is being shopped around.
Bucket Listers, an online events company, organized the pop-up. It had the blessing of Disney, which owns the rights to “Golden Girls." So, organizers were free to put Easter Egg references in the decor and the menu. Upon walking in, fans are immediately greeted by a bartender at the Shady Pines bar. Further inside is a replica of the women's kitchen counter, complete with a yellow wall phone. Behind the dining room is a recreation of Blanche's bedroom, including the iconic banana leaf bedspread and wallpaper.
“It has been so heartwarming to see my mom light up. I know that she’s watched the show at least 50 times each season,” said A.J. Maloney, 23, who came from San Diego with her mother, Shellee, 45.
Derek Berry, Bucket Listers’ director of experiences, has plenty of experience staging pop-ups. Since 2016, he has overseen half-a-dozen restaurant tributes starting with a “Saved By the Bell” diner in Chicago. “Breaking Bad,” “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Good Burger" have also inspired fast-casual diners. Berry's criteria for the pop-up treatment is if a show has “staying power” and people are constantly quoting it. “Golden Girls” was inevitable.
“Every time we announce a pop-up, we look at the comments. People are like ‘I love it, but you should have done this!’ And it’s always ‘Golden Girls,’” said Berry, who worked with a 45-member team.
One of the most fun aspects was working with executive chef Royce Burke to devise menu items and to name them. The choices of course include lasagna — which the Sicilian-born Sophia often cooked — and various flavors of cheesecake. There are also references to Scandinavian delicacies mentioned by Rose in her stories about her hometown of St. Olaf, Minnesota.
“I like all the St. Olaf items where you never knew if they were real or not,” Berry said. “We threw a couple on there. It’s so fun to see my staff and myself try to pronounce them.”
The pop-up only has reservations through late October. But its popularity has been beyond expectations. So much so that there are plans to take it on the road to New York, Chicago, San Francisco and, of course, Miami, Berry added.
“The Golden Girls” premiered in 1985. None of the four stars are alive. Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty all died in the late 2000s and Betty White died last December at age 99. Yet, because of cable reruns and streaming availability on Hulu, the show keeps finding new life and new, younger fans. The widely varying demographics of the restaurant's patrons are proof of that.
Moses Nicholas and his girlfriend, Johanna James, both 18 and from Los Angeles, had a date over vegan lasagna and vegan cheesecake. Their reservation was a surprise gift from James' mother, who knew both of them grew up watching “Golden Girls" in syndication and still catch it on Hulu.
“There's something so relatable to the show for me for some reason,” Nicholas said. “I just find it really funny and it's very comforting to watch.”
The couple's ages is just proof the show “never dies," James added.
Shirley Lyon and her three girlfriends, all of whom are senior citizens, came from Palos Verdes, California, with their own drinkware. The quartet, who call themselves “golden girls,” brought “Golden Girls” mugs they made but with their faces superimposed over the characters. Just being in the restaurant brought back the joy they feel when watching the sitcom.
“People here I think all love them,” Lyon said. “I don’t think anybody comes who hasn’t experienced how precious they are. I just love their friendship.”
Watch more from ABC10: Circus Vargas performs at the Galleria in Roseville | Here's what to expect | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/golden-girls-los-angeles-pop-up-restaurant/103-7dfbeced-00ee-4f1d-8565-81eb790f53ae | 2022-08-05T19:08:30 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/golden-girls-los-angeles-pop-up-restaurant/103-7dfbeced-00ee-4f1d-8565-81eb790f53ae |
HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing 17-year-old runaway who has not been seen since May.
According to the sheriff's office, Jacob Bedson was last seen on May 17 at a business in Spring Hill when he was out shopping with a Youth and Family Alternative (YFA) member.
Bedson is currently under the care of YFA, according to the news release.
Deputies say Bedson is 5-foot-9 and weighs 110 pounds. He has blue/gray eyes and curly blond hair.
The sheriff's office says Bedson is a frequent runaway and may be at or headed to a homeless camp near Hicks Road and Shady Drive in Hudson.
If you have seen Jacob please contact Hernando County Sheriff's Office at 352-754-6830 or 911. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hernandocounty/jacob-bedson-runaway-hernando-county/67-773c58c8-96f7-4e6b-abe6-b0868eb259f7 | 2022-08-05T19:09:39 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hernandocounty/jacob-bedson-runaway-hernando-county/67-773c58c8-96f7-4e6b-abe6-b0868eb259f7 |
TAMPA, Fla. — Two people were hurt Friday morning in a crash involving a Road Ranger on southbound Interstate 75 after Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, authorities said.
The crash happened around 10 a.m., according to Tampa Fire Rescue.
A man was driving a Honda Accord in the inside southbound lane when he failed to stop for a Road Ranger truck that was parked in the lane to clear roadway debris, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers say the crash sent the Road Ranger truck into a GMC Canyon that was in the outside lane.
The 30-year-old man driving the Honda was seriously injured and airlifted to Tampa General Hospital. The 47-year-old Road Ranger had minor injuries.
The 32-year-old man driving the GMC was not injured.
All lanes were reopened at 10:40 a.m.
Get live up-to-date traffic updates below or by clicking here. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/southbound-i-75-closed-bruce-b-downs-crash/67-3dad51fc-b098-4ad6-bbab-e63f492fb262 | 2022-08-05T19:09:45 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/southbound-i-75-closed-bruce-b-downs-crash/67-3dad51fc-b098-4ad6-bbab-e63f492fb262 |
A 6-year-old girl was punched in the chest and robbed of her Razor scooter in a violent ambush at a Brooklyn intersection in broad daylight late last month, and the NYPD said Friday it's looking for help to bring in her attackers.
According to police, the girl was in Williamsburg, near Throop Avenue and Bartlett Street, shortly before 6 p.m. on July 28 when "three male individuals" approached her.
One of them punched her in the chest with a closed fist while the other two grabbed her scooter.
All three ran off along Throop Avenue. The girl was treated at the scene. Her scooter was worth an estimated $30.
Police released surveillance footage of the suspects (above). Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Copyright NBC New York | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/6-year-old-nyc-girl-punched-in-chest-robbed-of-30-scooter-in-broad-daylight/3812685/ | 2022-08-05T19:17:27 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/6-year-old-nyc-girl-punched-in-chest-robbed-of-30-scooter-in-broad-daylight/3812685/ |
One of New York City's most understated icons -- Manhattan's only lakeside restaurant, the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park -- may not be closing its doors for good this fall after all.
NYC Parks plans to start a negotiation process to identify and reach an agreement with a new operator to run the restaurant as well as the snack bar and rowboat rental, the agency said Friday.
The current operator announced last month it planned to close Loeb Boathouse for good in mid-October. The city says it has worked to ensure catered events can continue there through New Year's Eve and to let the current operator out of the agreement sooner in order to make way for a new one.
"In accordance with Section 1-14 of the Concession Rules of the City of New York, Parks is utilizing the negotiated concession process, rather than a competitive sealed proposal process, in order to identify and install a new operator as quickly as possible," the statement said. "The concession will be operated pursuant to a license issued by Parks; no leasehold or other proprietary right will be offered. The concession is projected to expire no more than 10 years from the commencement date. The selected operator must also act in good faith to seek to accommodate any events already booked at the facility."
Interested in submitting a proposal or learning more? Reach out to this contact by Aug. 19.
The proposal submission process starts after that. Those will be evaluated on the bases of capital investment, improvement and designs; operating experience; financial capability; planned operations; and fee offer, the city says. The Loeb Boathouse is a New York City landmark, so any improvements are subject to approval by the Landmark and Public Design commissions.
Located on the eastern shore of the 72nd Street Lake in Central Park, the Loeb Boathouse was constructed in 1952 and has served as a unique dining and recreational amenity in one of New York City’s most picturesque locations.
News
The restaurant’s main dining room opens onto the lake and features accordion-style glass windows that fold back to allow the restaurant to become totally open to the lake during the warmer months, and close to allow for uninterrupted views with protection from the elements during the winter months. The building also includes an indoor bar with a large stone fireplace, a snack bar with indoor and outdoor access and seating, a Lake Room currently used for special events, restrooms for customers and the general public, and an enclosed courtyard accessible to the public.
Rowboats are also rented from an outdoor kiosk with boats stored on a series of wooden docks. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/central-park-manhattans-only-lakeside-restaurant-may-not-close-for-good-after-all/3812715/ | 2022-08-05T19:17:33 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/central-park-manhattans-only-lakeside-restaurant-may-not-close-for-good-after-all/3812715/ |
Massillon St. Mary's Elementary School gets new principal
Lucia Heddleson a veteran of Catholic education
MASSILLON − The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown Office of Catholic Schools has named Lucia Heddleson the new principal of St. Mary Catholic Elementary School and Preschool.
Heddleson, a resident of North Canton, comes to the diocese with 22 years of cross-disciplinary experience in a variety of Catholic and independent school settings.
Most recently, she has been an adjunct professor at Lorain County Community College since 2003. During that time, she also worked at Walsh Jesuit High School as a language teacher and at Laurel School as the chairperson for the world language department. Before working at Laurel School, she was the principal for St. Anthony of Padua School. She taught several subjects and headed the instructional leadership team and CCP programming at St. Edward High School, International Baccalaureate Organization World School.
Heddleson began her teaching career at Elyria Catholic High School, where she taught Spanish and religion.
Heddleson holds a doctorate in management, designing sustainable systems from Case Western Reserve University, a master's in humanities from John Carroll University, a master's in French from Florida State University and a bachelor's in Spanish and French from Ohio University.
Heddleson, her husband, Jon, and their daughter, Bella, are members of St. Paul Catholic Church in North Canton.
To learn more about St. Mary School call 330-832-9355. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/st-marys-school-in-massillon-gets-new-principal/65391900007/ | 2022-08-05T19:20:09 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/st-marys-school-in-massillon-gets-new-principal/65391900007/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A man serving life in prison for raping and trying to kill a 7-year-old Wichita girl is trying a new way to fight his conviction.
Corbin Breitenbach has filed a civil action against the State of Kansas. For him to be at a hearing on the matter next week, he has been moved from the prison in El Dorado back to the Sedgwick County Jail.
The child was attacked at a west Wichita apartment in June of 2017. In 2018, a jury convicted Breitenbach of attempted capital murder, rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated burglary. Judge Joe Kisner sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Last year, the Kansas Supreme Court denied Breitenbach’s appeal. He has also tried appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In his civil action against the State, Breitenbach claims judicial bias, prosecutorial misconduct, ineffective assistance of counsel, and that his sentence violates the Eighth Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. They are similar to the claims he made in his failed appeals.
He wants Kisner, District Attorney Marc Bennett, and the defense attorneys to be called as witnesses.
Robin Summer, the attorney for the State of Kansas, filed a response to Breitenbach’s hand-written motion asking the court to deny it.
A hearing is set for Aug. 10. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/convicted-rapist-sues-over-his-trial-and-sentence/ | 2022-08-05T19:26:17 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/convicted-rapist-sues-over-his-trial-and-sentence/ |
TACOMA, Wash. — A 2-year-old boy is recovering after finding and ingesting a fentanyl pill at a park in Tacoma Thursday afternoon.
A spokesperson for the Tacoma Police Department said the child and his mom were at Oakland Madrona Park around 1 p.m. Thursday when the mom saw the boy put something in his mouth. The mother told authorities her son started acting lethargic and realized something was wrong.
The boy's mother took what was remaining of the pill from the child’s mouth and called 911. Tacoma police said a responding officer determined the item was a fentanyl pill.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is found in varying degrees in illegal drugs, including opioids disguised as prescription painkillers.
The Tacoma Fire Department administered Narcan and performed CPR to stabilize the boy, who was then taken to the hospital. Tacoma police tweeted the boy was in stable condition Friday morning.
Metro Parks Tacoma was alerted of the incident.
A survey from the University of Washington’s Addictions, Drugs and Alcohol Institute revealed a stark increase in the intentional use of the deadly opioid fentanyl across the state.
Fentanyl, which took over from methamphetamine in 2020 as the drug most associated with overdoses in Washington state, is being linked to the increase in crime across the Puget Sound region.
That trend has resulted in Seattle police seizing nearly 650,000 fentanyl-based pills in 2021. Officers seized 63,000 fentanyl pills in 2020 and less than 200 in 2018.
Now, a proposal to declare fentanyl a public health crisis in King County is nearing full approval.
Download our free KING 5 app to stay up-to-date on news stories from across western Washington. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/tacoma/boy-ingests-fentanyl-pill-oakland-madrona-park-tacoma/281-7765d331-b4dc-409f-82c8-d236584e8c5b | 2022-08-05T19:28:21 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/tacoma/boy-ingests-fentanyl-pill-oakland-madrona-park-tacoma/281-7765d331-b4dc-409f-82c8-d236584e8c5b |
The Kenosha County Board earlier this week approved the appointment of the county's next public works director hiring the woman who led a similar City of Kenosha department for the last six years.
The board voted 17-3 confirming the appointment of Shelley Billingsley Tuesday night, but not before scrutiny from supervisors. Voting against the appointment were Supervisors Monica Yuhas, Jeffrey Gentz and John Franco.
Last month, County Executive Samantha Kerkman recommended Billingsley, a Paris resident, for appointment. She initially assumed the role as interim director on Aug. 1 before the official hiring on Tuesday.
Velodrome, Dream Playground issues
During deliberations, Yuhas asked Billingsley to address two issues during her tenure as the city’s public works director, including the delayed opening of Kenosha’s historic Velodrome, which had undergone a major yearlong renovation beginning in 2015. While the project’s completion and opening was set for the spring of 2016, cracks in the new track and a “void” below the surface forced the city to require the contractor to resolve the issues.
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“The Velodrome was installed by a contractor. We hired a firm to do the pipe inspection for that facility. We did have concerns about the settlement of a pipe, so we did some sonar testing and that’s where we determined that there were some voids underneath the pavement due to the storm sewer installation project that was done,” Billingsley said. “And we went back to the contractor and negotiated that through (the city’s) counsel and that was rectified.”
Yuhas further questioned Billingsley asking about the additional cost to the city for resolving the issue. Billingsley said she would have to go back to her notes and could not recall, adding that costs had changed “dramatically” since that time. According to previous published reports, the city delayed full payment of the $670,000 and eventually settled for an additional $25,000 payment to the contractor. The Velodrome reopened in spring of 2017.
Yuhas then questioned her on the installation of faulty flooring at the Dream Playground, the unique 15,000-square-foot playground open to people of all abilities at Petzke Park, 2900 14th Ave. The $1 million playground, which had originally opened in October 2015, was later closed in the spring 2016 to address flooring replacement. The flooring failed a majority of safety tests and had to be removed and reinstalled. Billingsley said the city had asked for and reviewed the materials for flooring that had originally met the specifications for the Dream Playground.
“But what had happened is the contractor had flipped the product on us without notifying us, without our approval of the specifications for the floor,” she said. “We found that out when we did the initial drop test, which is how we go about certifying the flooring. So, that floor was never certified, never accepted. We all found that through the investigation and testing of the floor after it was placed.”
A new contractor eventually replaced the flooring and the playground was re-opened in mid-November 2016.
Hiring, salary negotiations
Supervisor Jeffrey Gentz also opposed the appointment saying he could not support hiring a new director at or near the top of the pay range. According to Clara Tappa, the county’s human resources director, the top of the pay scale for the position is $139,683 annually. The starting pay for public works director is $100,491. Billingsley will earn $138,047 annually.
“Is that how we’re going to hire people is put them right at the top without working their way up the ladder?” said Gentz, who asked Tappa for further explanation.
“Our policy allows for hiring up to midpoint, with human resources director approval. Beyond midpoint, it requires county executive approval,” Tappa said. “Salaries, especially for positions at this level, are often negotiated.”
Gentz objected to the process saying that the county “is so tight on everything else” but can afford to hire at the top of scale.
“I don’t agree with that,” he said.
Billingsley began her career as an engineer with the City of Kenosha in February 2003. During her tenure with the city, she served as deputy director of engineering and deputy director of public works before becoming the public works director in 2016. Her last day as the city's public works director was July 28, according Steve Stanczak, the city's human resources director. Her final annual salary was $139,440.
Her qualifications and accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. She was recently elected vice president of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Public Works Association. Billingsley received two Project of the Year awards from the APWA in recognition of the construction of Kenosha Fire Station No. 1 at the former Bain Elementary School and various stormwater improvements.
Six finalists
Billingsley was among six finalists interviewed for the county position from a field of 14 applicants, according to Tappa, who was reached following Tuesday's meeting.
Supervisor Amanda Nedweski questioned Tappa on what the competitive wage was for the position in the geographic area.
The county is conducting an ongoing compensation study, with the public works director’s position among others under evaluation, Tappa said. She reiterated, however, that the county underwent negotiations in order to hire “a highly qualified candidate in this role to be competitive with other similar employers in our area.”
WATCH NOW: Evening at the velodrome
Velodrome
Cyclist Claire Kudlata lines up for the Junior 15-18 race. 2022 marks the 95 race season for the Washington Park velodrome.
Velodrome
Cyclist Trent Kasianowicz prepares for the Junior 9-14 race. 2022 marks the 95 race season for the Washington Park velodrome. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/watch-now-board-majority-approves-hiring-billingsley-as-kenosha-countys-next-public-works-director/article_154f7338-13b1-11ed-8348-3f7f03733a41.html | 2022-08-05T19:29:43 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/watch-now-board-majority-approves-hiring-billingsley-as-kenosha-countys-next-public-works-director/article_154f7338-13b1-11ed-8348-3f7f03733a41.html |
An Appeals Court has granted New Jersey a temporary, emergent stay of parts of a July 29 decision in a lawsuit over changes to the casino payment-in-lieu-of-taxes law.
The affected parts of Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Michael Blee's decision had ordered the state to pay the county $2.36 million this week and two payments of about $5.6 million on Aug. 15 and Nov. 15.
"The state has been granted a stay so we will not be required to make the payment as of now," Alyana Alfaro, Gov. Phil Murphy's spokesperson, said in an email Friday.
Superior Court Judge Joseph Marczyk previously ruled that the state had violated the terms of a 2018 consent order when it changed the rules of how casinos would make PILOT payments.
The new legislation removed internet and internet sports gaming revenues from what the state considered gross gaming revenues, and the county estimated that change would cost it about $5 million a year.
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"Enough is enough. They ought to meet their obligations," Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said on Friday. "But they want to prolong it as long as they can, whatever their reasons are."
Both parts of the July 29 decision requiring additional payments this year were temporarily stayed Thursday, as was an order that quarterly payments from 2023 through 2026 proceed under the terms of the 2018 consent order.
"This temporary stay and the other aspects of this order should not be interpreted as an expression of this court's view of the merits of the stay application," said the decision by Clarkson S. Fisher, a presiding judge of the state Superior Court Appellate Division.
The stay is pending a further decision by Appellate Court.
Levinson said lawyers for the state had accused him of acting in an emotional, political way.
"They were blaming me in open court, saying it's emotional and political, which is absolute total hogwash. I took an oath of office to represent the people of Atlantic County, and that's what I'm doing," Levinson said.
"If it was, we wouldn't have gotten decisions from two Superior Court judges and wouldn't have made a settlement with the state in 2018," he said.
Levinson also stressed that former Assemblymen Vince Mazzeo and John Armato, both D-Atlantic, voted against the legislation to change the PILOT in December. Armato had sponsored it, but removed his name from the legislation before it passed and Murphy signed it just before Christmas.
The state has filed a motion to appeal Marczyk's decision.
Attorney John Lloyd of Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi also argued the state had the right to change the PILOT law, and that it stood a good chance of winning on appeal, so the stay should be granted.
He also said the the requirement the state make millions in immediate payments was burdensome, and alleged Blee overestimated payments to the county.
County officials sued the state in December after the bill that amended the PILOT program to define casino gaming revenue as only coming from brick-and-mortar gambling became law.
The county had sued the state over the original PILOT legislation, and in 2018 the two parties settled that case. It awarded the county about 13% per year of the total PILOT paid by casinos, based on all casino revenues — brick and mortar, internet and sports betting.
Since 2017, casinos have made PILOT payments instead of paying property taxes as a way of stabilizing finances for Atlantic City. The casinos had successfully sued the city to lower their property tax assessments, sending city finances spiraling into possible bankruptcy in 2016. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/appellate-court-grants-stay-to-state-in-pilot-suit-wont-have-to-pay-millions-this/article_8e4ea786-14d8-11ed-9d6a-0b49179d3a82.html | 2022-08-05T19:33:13 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/appellate-court-grants-stay-to-state-in-pilot-suit-wont-have-to-pay-millions-this/article_8e4ea786-14d8-11ed-9d6a-0b49179d3a82.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — Tens of thousands of music fans from all over the country are expected to flock to Atlantic City over the next two weeks as the resort hosts two major music events.
"This is probably the most exciting weekend I have professionally every year," said Geoff Gordon, regional president of Live Nation, the promotional group that is putting the concert on during a press event on Friday. "To be able to do two shows on the beach is unbelievable."
For the second straight year, the rock band Phish will perform a three-day run of shows on the beach near Arkansas Avenue. The first show is expected to kick off Friday night.
After this weekend's concerts, organizers will have a quick turnaround to prepare for the inaugural TidalWave Music Festival set to begin Friday, Aug. 12. The TidalWave Festival runs through Sunday, Aug. 14.
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Nearly 100 workers were on hand Friday to put the finishing touches on the 80-foot by 20-foot stage, as well installing lights, sound systems, and other equipment for the Phish event.
Gordon said it takes nearly 10 days to construct it all. Then seven days to tear it all down. It takes a couple hundred people ranging from security, organized labor, and caterers to make the events possible.
The two events are presented by Live Nation and Country Nation in partnership with the city of Atlantic City and its Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA).
The CRDA's Deputy Executive Director Maisha Moore is excited to have the two events in town.
"We're trying to appeal to the visitors and to the locals as well," Moore said. "So having different diversities here in the city and hosting events like a country music festival is beneficial because it's going to bring in a new wave of people that have never been here before, and it's going to be an awesome experience."
CRDA helped Live Nation with grant money that was needed to fund the events.
This will be the fourth time that Phish performs in the resort. The band played a three-day show in 2010 that took place in Boardwalk Hall, and then again two years later in 2012 at Bader Field.
Last year's show on the beach attracted about 30,000 people according to Gordon.
"That's about the right number, that's normally what the cap is," Gordon said. "We should be pretty close to the same thing and the weather looks good. It's about 15 degrees cooler here than inland, so I suggest for anybody to come down and enjoy the weather and some great music on the beach."
The event will also have a big security presence, said Acting Chief of the Atlantic City Police James Sarkos.
“We have hosted Phish concerts and Live Nation for several summers. We have a very good security plan that is very extensive. The planning starts six months ahead," Sarkos said.
Atlantic City is also no stranger to hosting country music acts as well as notable artists including Brantley Gilbert, and Zac Brown Band, who have brought some country flair to the beach in the past.
It was the success of those individual shows, the Phish concerts, and Live Nation's annual Tortuga Country Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that sparked the idea to have a country music festival in Atlantic City.
"I said, 'we should put something on that is similar to Tortuga up north during the summer months," Gordon said.
Nearly 40 different acts will perform over the three days with country superstars Luke Bryan, Morgan Wallen and Dierks Bentley headlining Friday, Saturday, and Sunday respectively.
Organizers have also partnered with the non-profit organization, Rock The Ocean that focuses on raising awareness and funds for ocean conservation.
The festival will feature multiple stages and a conservation village, in which attendees can go to learn about ways to take better care of the ocean.
Gordon said that the turnaround won't be too much work.
"A lot of the main structures are going to stay the same it's just going from a Phish vibe to a Country vibe," Gordon finalized. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/tens-of-thousands-are-expected-to-flock-to-atlantic-city-for-back-to-back-concerts/article_5d2183f4-141f-11ed-857b-1367f7eef5ef.html | 2022-08-05T19:33:19 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/tens-of-thousands-are-expected-to-flock-to-atlantic-city-for-back-to-back-concerts/article_5d2183f4-141f-11ed-857b-1367f7eef5ef.html |
Indiana attorney general dismisses suit against some of alleged JPC Charities leaders
The Attorney General's Office on Thursday moved to dismissfour of the five individual defendants in its high-profile April lawsuit against the owners of some of Indianapolis worst-neglected properties.
The lawsuit seeks to use the muscle of Attorney General Todd Rokita's office to dissolve the corporations behind the properties, obtain the appointment of a receiver for the properties and permanently remove their directors.
At the heart of the issue: recent tax documents that stated the four individuals were the officers behind the badly-managed properties, even after the four say they resigned from the company.
Affidavits submitted by the four defendants stated that they had all resigned from JPC Charities, which is the parent company behind the mismanaged Indianapolis apartments, by August 2018.
This means they had ceased leadership of the organization more than a year before the hazardous and dangerous living conditions at the properties drew public attention through an advocacy effort by an informal neighborhood volunteer group called Nora Neighborhood Ambassadors and Patchwork Indy.
More: This landlord did not pay $1.7M in water bills. Residents at 1,400 homes may lose water.
Oron Zarum, a New Jersey-based landlord, who is the fifth individual defendant in the lawsuit, is still being sued by the attorney general. The lawsuit alleges that he is the president of JPC Charities. Zarum did not respond to a request for comment for this story.
The four individuals, Thomas Kern, Jason Cook, Tracy Hughey and Anatoliy "Tony" Shir had been sued for being "personally responsible for the misconduct alleged" in the attorney general's lawsuit, according to the dismissal. Along with Zarum, they were identified in the lawsuit as the directors and officers of JPC Charities on the basis of a 2016 registration by JPC Affordable Housing Foundation to do business in Indiana.
The affidavits of each individual respectively state that Kern resigned in March 2018, Cook resigned in September 2016, Hughey resigned in May 2016 and Shir resigned in August 2018.
When asked if the Attorney General's Office considers the lawsuit against Kern, Cook, Hughey and Shir to be a mistake, spokesperson Katlyn Milligan wrote in an email, "No, the individuals were named as defendants because of information known to us about the organizations from publicly available sources."
More on the Indiana AG:Indiana's attorney general could get jurisdiction over abortion-related cases. Here's how.
When asked on what basis their office concluded that Kern, Hughey, Shir, and Cook were, at the time of the lawsuit being filed in April, still active directors and officers of JPC Charities, Milligan pointed to the Form 990 tax filings made by the defendant companies with the Internal Revenue Service from 2016 to 2019.
The companies had claimed tax-exempt status for charitable provision of low-income housing.
"As previously stated," Milligan wrote, "those IRS 990 filings were later proven to contain inaccurate or misleading information as later alleged by Kern, Hughey, Shir, and Cook in their respective affidavits."
On the 2019, 2018 and 2017 Form 990 non-profit tax filing of JPC Charities, the most recent ones available, Zarum is listed as the president, Cook as secretary and treasurer, and Hughey as the director.
Similarly, the most recent filings for JPC Affordable Housing Foundation and Fox Lake AHF which are both companies associated with JPC Charities, in 2017 and 2018 list Zarum, Kern and Hughey as officers.
Fox Lake AHF is the landlord behind the notorious Lakeside Pointe apartments.
It's unclear whether the names were fraudulently included in the tax forms. The four defendants say in legal filings they were included without their consent.
When asked if they plan to investigate whether the four individuals were fraudulently included on tax filings, the Attorney General's office said it is not appropriate to comment on pending litigation. It added that the Internal Revenue Service is the federal entity with authority to determine whether a tax-exempt organization has properly claimed or maintained their tax-exempt status pursuant to federal regulations.
More on housing:Only tenants facing eviction will be eligible to apply for IndyRent from now on.
A board member who never served
In 2015, Rosenbeck had asked Hughey if she would help her by agreeing to be an initial member of the board of directors for JPC Charities, according to Hughey's affidavit. Hughey states that she agreed on the understanding that it was going to be a "short term commitment only until the first organization meeting of the board of directors", where other directors could be named to the board of JPC.
Hughey adds that she never agreed to serve on the board of any other organization, never was employed by them, never was aware of any meetings of JPC's board, and did not attend any board meetings.
"I served on the JPC board on temporary basis in a volunteer capacity and never received any compensation or remuneration for my service," she states in the affidavit. She resigned in May 2016.
Alleged leaders had resigned more than 4 years ago
In the affidavit, submitted in June and July this year, Shir and Kern provided copies of their respective resignation letters. Cook provided a copy of corporate meeting minutes documenting his resignation. An affidavit of Meredith Rosenbeck, who stated that she served as an attorney for JPC Charities until June 2018, backed up Cook and Kern's accounts of their resignations.
Kern, Cook and Shir stated in the affidavits that by resigning from JPC Charities, they resigned from all its subsidiaries. That would include Berkley Commons LLC, which owns the apartment complex that experienced a water-shut-off in February this year.
Kern, Cook and Hughey stated in the affidavits that they do not recall ever interacting with Zarum during their tenure at JPC or anytime thereafter. Shir stated he had limited interaction with Zarum during the 10 months he served at JPC.
Contact IndyStar reporter Ko Lyn Cheang at kcheang@indystar.com or 317-903-7071. Follow her on Twitter: @kolyn_cheang. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2022/08/05/todd-rokita-attorney-general-indiana-landlords-office-lawsuit-jpc-leaders/65393255007/ | 2022-08-05T19:35:00 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2022/08/05/todd-rokita-attorney-general-indiana-landlords-office-lawsuit-jpc-leaders/65393255007/ |
Final Fall Creek Trail extension underway in Indianapolis, connecting to White River Trail
No longer will the Fall Creek Trail fade into oblivion on the north side, where some may find themselves staring down Google Maps and a nearby trail map to find a logical connection back into town.
By the middle of next summer, the last piece of the puzzle connecting an uninterrupted trail network between downtown Indianapolis and Fort Benjamin Harrison will be complete, city officials said Friday.
Underway is the second and final phase of the Fall Creek Trail extension, a $4.6 million project that extends the trail from its current stop at Burdsal Parkway and the Central Canal southward to the White River Trail at Indiana Avenue and 10th Street.
The federally funded project will include about a mile and a half of new trail, and a 350-foot pedestrian bridge across Fall Creek.
Leveraging local dollars from the Circle City Forward initiative to attract state and federal grants, the Department of Public Works will spend $37 million on trails and greenways across nine different projects throughout 2022 and 2023, including this one.
More: Indianapolis to focus Circle City Forward dollars on trails. Here's where.
Some of the other projects include widening the Monon Trail, upgrading the White River Trail and the new Indianapolis Cultural Trail extension along Indiana Avenue, which is expected to wrap up next spring.
"It is a great time for trail riders in the city of Indianapolis," Mayor Joe Hogsett said.
City County Council President Vop Osili pointed out that these investments are being made in neighborhoods, like Riverside and Near Northwest, that have historically not benefited from infrastructure investment.
"Which in my mind makes these investments about much more than level roads and sidewalks," he said. "They're about leveling the playing field."
The new section of trail will roughly follow Montcalm Street, cross the creek on the bridge to Aqueduct Street, cross 16th Street and cut through Martin Park.
Contact IndyStar transportation reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/transportation/2022/08/05/final-fall-creek-trail-extension-indianapolis-construction-summer-2023/65393398007/ | 2022-08-05T19:35:06 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/transportation/2022/08/05/final-fall-creek-trail-extension-indianapolis-construction-summer-2023/65393398007/ |
PHOENIX — The cost is thousands upon thousands of lives.
Fentanyl is the deadliest drug in the country, and Arizona is a shipment hub.
"We have seized drugs that were intended to supply every state in the United States," said Cheri Oz, special agent in charge at the Phoenix DEA.
"Manufacturing is happening in Mexico, and it’s being trafficked right here in our backyard in Arizona."
The number of pills, powder, and packs of the synthetic opioid has gone up and over in recent years.
"In 2020 we seized 6 million fentanyl pills. In 2021 we seized 12 million fentanyl pills," Oz said. "The DEA in the entire U.S. seized 20 million pills. So more than half of those pills were seized here in Arizona.”
Oz says the culprit is the Sinaloa Cartel, which owns the drug routes in Arizona. However, the rise in seizures represents a change in business and new challenges.
“Six years ago with fentanyl, we didn’t seize any—it was kinda non-existent,” Oz said.
The reason for the change comes down to money.
"Fentanyl is a highly addictive substance, and hiding it in another product is a really good way to expand your customer base," Oz said.
Unlike other drugs, fentanyl is synthetic and it isn't limited to how much you can grow.
“We could give you an idea how much heroin could be made because we knew how many poppies there were. With this, we can't tell how much is manufactured.” Oz said.
Fentanyl is also easy to produce. It’s manufactured from chemical compounds mass produced in countries like India and China.
Before being shipped, the substance is made and pressed typically in Mexico with pill presses.
“They can do 10,000-20,000 pills an hour,” Oz said. "You can create a pill shape to look like anything you want."
In 2021—Arizona DEA seized 12 million pills of fentanyl.
The seizures saved lives, but investigators don’t know how much they missed.
"When we talk about seizing 12 million pills, we know we are impacting the cartels, but because [the amount produced] is unquantifiable we don't know how great that is," Oz added.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12 News YouTube playlist here. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/over-half-of-the-nations-fentanyl-pills-are-seized-in-arizona/75-9574d508-6cb2-47e7-b4a4-171f2a74007b | 2022-08-05T19:37:33 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/over-half-of-the-nations-fentanyl-pills-are-seized-in-arizona/75-9574d508-6cb2-47e7-b4a4-171f2a74007b |
NESCOPECK, Pa. — Newswatch 16 stopped by the Nescopeck volunteer fire station, where family members gathered after the tragic fire early Friday.
Crews were called to a single-family home along the 700 block of 1st Street in Nescopeck around 2:30 a.m. Friday.
At least three people died in the fire, and more are still missing, according to state police investigators.
A firefighter at the station said his children and grandchildren were in the home, and all are currently missing.
"I couldn't get in there to save them. That is the biggest thing that has been on me. I couldn't get in there to save them," said Harold Baker, a firefighter with the Nescopeck Volunteer Fire Company.
Baker tells Newswatch 16 that he was one of the first people on the scene when flames broke out at this home along 1st Street in Nescopeck.
"We pulled up and the whole place was fully involved. We tried to get in to them, but there was no way to get in to them," Baker said.
Baker also happens to have family ties to all 14 people who were staying in the home. He says he has not seen or heard from 10 of those family members.
"I also lost my son, my daughter, grandson, two other grandkids in there, my father-in-law, my brother-in-law, and my sister-in-law. All lost."
According to Baker, there were also 13 dogs in the home. He says not everybody was living there; several people were just visiting family.
"The kids that were there and my two kids were just visiting their aunt and uncle. Those were the ones who own the house. They were there visiting and going into the pool and all that."
The Red Cross is providing counseling services to the family and first responders.
You can also reach out to the Nescopeck Volunteer Fire Company.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/all-lost-firefighter-describes-nescopeck-blaze-that-took-family-members-1st-street-fire/523-316cf3c6-7b7b-4cdd-a1d1-60d797f169dc | 2022-08-05T19:38:33 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/all-lost-firefighter-describes-nescopeck-blaze-that-took-family-members-1st-street-fire/523-316cf3c6-7b7b-4cdd-a1d1-60d797f169dc |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Multiple employees of the City of Johnson City and their families reached out to News Channel 11 Friday stating that they had not been paid on time.
A city spokesperson issued a statement from City Manager Cathy Ball, who said the issue stems from the city’s transition to a new “enterprise software system.” The change to the new system occurred in April, and Ball said the city has been trying to fix issues with it since then.
“We understand and share our employees’ frustrations,” Ball stated.
Typically, city employee paychecks are deposited late Thursday or early Friday; however, that was not the case Friday. According to Ball, more time than usual was spent reviewing employee payroll because of the July 4 holiday.
Due to that extra time spent, Ball said the file containing payroll information was sent to the city’s bank Thursday evening – later than usual.
“Many employees’ checks have now been deposited, and our bank has assured us that all employees whose financial institutions are on eastern standard time will receive direct deposits by 6 p.m. today,” Ball stated Friday.
News Channel 11 obtained an email from Ball to city employees, in which she addressed the payroll issued.
“We understand that this may have caused some hardships, overdraft fees, etc., and we are exploring options for how to make that right.”
Johnson City City Manager Cathy Ball in an August 5 email to city employees
According to Ball, some staff have been reassigned entirely to focus on correcting the software issues the city is experiencing. She stated that the city’s highest priority is fixing the issues. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-city-employees-see-delay-in-paycheck-deposits-due-to-payroll-issue/ | 2022-08-05T19:39:12 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-city-employees-see-delay-in-paycheck-deposits-due-to-payroll-issue/ |
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A Daytona Beach man was sentenced to 30 years in Florida state prison Friday for shooting a police officer with an AK-47 in 2018, according to the Seventh Judicial Circuit state attorney’s office.
Raymond Roberts pleaded no contest to several felony charges in connection with the shooting of Daytona Beach police officer Kevin Hird, according to circuit officials covering Volusia and Flagler counties.
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“Our law enforcement officers willingly stand between us and those who would do us harm. When they are threatened and attacked by criminal elements in our communities – it is our duty to vigorously prosecute the offenders and seek lengthy prison sentences,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said in a statement. “This practice protects our officers and creates a safer environment for our family, friends and neighbors.”
The sentencing comes nearly four years after police said they responded to calls of a man waving around an assault rifle near South Street and South Martin Luther King Boulevard the night of Nov. 25, 2018.
According to investigators, Roberts, who was 40 years old at the time, fired multiple rounds at three officers, shooting Hird in his right arm. Police also added Roberts had previously threatened a Daytona Beach officer with firearms earlier that year.
News 6 has followed Hird, who endured two surgeries due to the shooting, on his journey to recovery over the years.
“The sound of the round, you’re not going to forget that. The crack of the round going past you. Yeah, you won’t forget that,” Hird told News 6 back in 2018.
Roberts was charged with attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This comes after Roberts previously entered a not guilty plea in December 2018.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/05/daytona-beach-man-sentenced-for-shooting-police-officer-with-ak-47-in-2018/ | 2022-08-05T19:43:35 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/05/daytona-beach-man-sentenced-for-shooting-police-officer-with-ak-47-in-2018/ |
COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – A missing child alert was issued Friday for a 17-year-old girl last seen in Collier County on Tuesday.
Octavia Joseph was last seen in the area of the 2600 block of Horseshoe Drive South in Naples on Tuesday, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
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Joseph was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with the phrase “ninjas floss better” printed on it, green shorts and black slippers, investigators said.
According to investigators, she has brown eyes and black hair with blonde tips and may be traveling in a silver Toyota Corolla with a red bumper.
She is described as being 5 feet, 6 inches and weighing 100 pounds.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts should contact FDLE at 1-888-356-4774 or the Naples Police and Emergency Services Department at 239-213-4844 or 911.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/05/missing-child-alert-issued-for-17-year-old-girl-out-of-collier-county/ | 2022-08-05T19:43:41 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/05/missing-child-alert-issued-for-17-year-old-girl-out-of-collier-county/ |
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Before you hit the beach in Volusia County this weekend, make sure you have a plan for off-beach parking if you don’t have a four-wheel drive car.
Beach safety officials said they are running into major problems with cars getting stuck with the sand being even softer than usual this time of year.
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The soft sand becomes a problem for drivers here every summer around this time, but Volusia Beach Patrol Deputy Chief Tammy Malphurs said because of the lack of storms this year, the problem started much earlier than usual and is only going to get worse.
“Pretty much half of our driving beach is four-wheel drive only now,” she said.
It’s a headache for beach patrol and drivers who get stuck.
“We have that red coquina sand drifting down from the north, so you’ll see that at the extreme north and south ends of the beach usually. But right now you’re seeing it everywhere,” Malphus said.
Many of those getting caught in the sand are the ones taking a chance and ignoring the “four-wheel drive only” signs.
“When one person gets stuck, it causes a chain reaction of stuck vehicles,” Malphurs said.
The beach patrol typically does what it can to tow the cars out, but this year, its become such a problem that the county’s concessions contracted with John Gardella.
“Most of the people I pull out are the ones who want to try it themselves. It doesn’t usually work out very well that way,” he said.
Gardella owns Sand Tow. He gets called directly from beach toll workers or customers and digs them out of the sand before towing them to a flat surface. He said he got these skills from his time as a Marine working in the desert.
“On a weekend, we could do 10, 15, even up to 20 (car rescues),” he said.
He said since June, he’s pulled out about 200 cars.
Malphurs said with Gardella now on the beach, it helps free up their officers to respond to emergencies.
The problem can easily be avoided by reading the signs and the sand.
“If you see the sand is very rough and rutted, it’s probably soft. The smoother the sand is, the better you are,” Gardella said.
Gardella said he costs much less than a typical tow truck but still charges anywhere from $40 to $100 per car.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/05/soft-sand-restricts-beach-driving-causes-big-problems-in-volusia-county/ | 2022-08-05T19:43:47 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/05/soft-sand-restricts-beach-driving-causes-big-problems-in-volusia-county/ |
ORLANDO – How much do you know about the candidates running for elected office this year?
[RELATED: VOTER GUIDE: What you need to know for the 2022 Florida Primary | Everything you need to know about elections in Florida | Everything you need to know to vote by mail in Florida ]
In the August election, Floridians will decide on:
- Democratic candidates for governor, attorney general and agricultural commissioner
- Republican candidate for agricultural commissioner
- Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate
- U.S. House races for both parties
- Florida Senate and House races for both parties
- County commission races (some counties have nonpartisan races, some counties have partisan races)
- School Board races
- County and circuit court judgeships
If you want to make sure you choose a candidate who suits your beliefs and priorities, you may want to do a little research.
Fortunately, there are voting guides out there that can help you with that, both partisan and nonpartisan.
First, learn what races you’re voting on
Registered voters should be getting their sample ballots in the mail from their county supervisors of elections. These ballots tell you exactly what races you’ll be deciding on based on where you live.
If you have not gotten your sample ballot yet, you can find your ballot on your county supervisor of elections website. Check out the links below.
- ORANGE COUNTY: View your sample ballot
- SEMINOLE COUNTY: View your sample ballot
- OSCEOLA COUNTY: View your sample ballot
- VOLUSIA COUNTY: View Your sample ballot
- BREVARD COUNTY: View your sample ballot
- MARION COUNTY: View Your sample ballot
- FLAGLER COUNTY: View Your Sample Ballot
- LAKE COUNTY: View Your Sample Ballot
- SUMTER COUNTY: View your sample ballot
- POLK COUNTY: View your sample ballot
Next, check out some of these voting guides
VOTE411 is a product of the nonpartisan League of Women Voters, a national group borne out of the Women’s Suffrage movement. Since 2006, the league has operated a national site that helps voters figure out how to vote, and also learn about the candidates they can vote for.
LWV sends out a questionnaire to all candidates, the same questions depending on the race, and it is up to candidates to fill out the questionnaire and return it. It’s entirely voluntary, so there may not be responses from every candidate.
Right now the league has responses from candidates in every election on the ballot this August.
To find your races, you just input your address. Then the system asks you what candidates you want to see, and whether you want answers in English or Spanish.
“It’s definitely a work in progress, and every year it gets bigger,” said Barbara Lanning, co-president for LWV in Orange County.
You can check out Vote411 on the League of Women Voters website.
Now, when you go through your ballot and you see all of the judges up for election, what do you do? Do you know who they are? Do you leave them blank?
The Florida Bar makes understanding what the heck you are voting for a lot easier.
The legal group has a voting guide called “The Vote’s in Your Court,” and it is an easy-to-read guide to understanding what the judges do, what the differences are between all the different courts, and why we vote for judges.
They also post candidate responses to a voluntary survey, like the League of Women Voters does. Not all judges submit these voluntary self-disclosure statements. The ones who do at least give you some information to work with.
Find “The Vote’s in Your Court” guide on the Florida Bar website.
One thing neither the League of Women Voters nor the Florida Bar does is endorse candidates. But other organizations do.
[RELATED: Election misinformation abounds. We debunk 34 Florida myths]
Looking for voting guides that are a bit more… partisan?
You can look up your county political parties online, and many of them should offer voter guides.
You can also check out the various organizations that operate in Florida. While not all of them do candidate endorsements, some of them offer legislative scorecards. These are ratings of how state lawmakers handle issues these groups care about.
Here’s a list of organizations with legislative scorecards and/or endorsements.
- Florida Education Association: This is the state teachers union.
- Equality Florida: One of the leading LGBTQ advocacy groups in the state.
- Florida Chamber of Commerce: This is the state’s leading business group.
- Sierra Club: One of the top environmental groups in the country.
- Americans for Prosperity: A small-government advocacy group with ties to the conservative Charles Koch.
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Florida: A union for government workers.
- Florida Family Action: This is a faith-based political group.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/05/trying-to-decide-what-florida-candidate-to-vote-for-these-guides-may-help/ | 2022-08-05T19:43:53 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/05/trying-to-decide-what-florida-candidate-to-vote-for-these-guides-may-help/ |
Volusia County Council explodes in anger over environmental meeting
DELAND — A public meeting scheduled for Aug. 13 at the Ocean Center was advertised as a chance to get into an in-depth discussion on the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a greenway network of essential habitat throughout the state that's going to expand soon with $300 million in federal funds.
But some allege the meeting was also going to be used by County Chair Jeff Brower for something happening 10 days later: The Aug. 23 primary election.
Detractors say Brower has been cheerleading for his handpicked slate of candidates running for open County Council seats, and the wildlife corridor meeting was becoming a choreographed show to make his candidates of choice look like desperately needed defenders of the environment.
Brower recruited a local woman who's involved in environmental causes to take a leading role in setting up the meeting, which was intended to be run by county government staff.
And the closing speaker at the Saturday meeting was set to be Arnie Bellini, a Tampa-area billionaire philanthropist who donated $20,000 last month to a Volusia County political action committee that supports the four County Council candidates endorsed by Brower.
Allegations about Brower and the environmental meeting were tossed around for weeks in private conversations and on social media. And then during closing comments of last week's County Council meeting, the accusations exploded into public view.
"Mr. Brower, last meeting you lied to me," charged County Councilman Ben Johnson. "You lied to this Council. You lied to the public, the people that we represent. You have made this a political event, a cheap political stunt to enhance your 'Volusia Values' candidates."
Recent activities of Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower:Volusia Chair Brower demands probe of proposed I-95/Pioneer Trail interchange project
Related coverage:Where do at-large Volusia Council candidates stand on exploding growth?
More related coverage:St. Johns District backs off proposal to sell 3,000 acres of Volusia conservation land
One of the lies Johnson alleged Brower told was that the event couldn't be postponed because the speakers were all lined up and organizers were eager to proceed. But Lisa Shipley, CEO of Bellini's Live Wildly organization and one of the meeting's organizers, emailed Brower in June to say the gathering probably should be delayed until late November or early December to let the impacts of the November election settle.
'You cannot justify what you have done'
Johnson read through emails and text messages that he said documented what happened, and he loudly berated Brower.
"This is wrong all the way around," Johnson said. "You have taken a wonderful event and bastardized it to the point that who can have trust in what is happening?"
Johnson told Brower that "sometimes I think you have lost your way."
"Mr. Brower, you can try all you want, but you cannot justify what you have done here, what you said and how you have deceived the people, including us," Johnson said.
Brower shot back that he fully stands by what he wrote in an email about not wanting to delay the workshop.
"I want the public to know what's at stake here so that they can weigh in to the candidates that are running. All of them," Brower said. "That's the political system of the United States of America. They need to know what's going on. They need to know the benefits of it. It's critical that we move forward with the wildlife corridor."
Brower went on to say that "it was not a political move to hurt anybody on this Council."
"The public deserves to know where we stand on preserving land or not," he said. "It doesn't need to be squashed. We have 200 people registered for it. It needs to move forward."
At the Council's July 19 meeting, Johnson had suggested the wildlife corridor meeting be postponed, but Brower quickly shot down that idea.
At last week's meeting, Johnson again suggested the meeting be postponed until after the Nov. 8 general election. Brower vigorously pushed back again, but about an hour after the County Council meeting ended Tuesday, county staff sent out an email notice announcing that a new date for the environmental conference will be scheduled at the end of the year.
'How can it not be political?'
After Brower and Johnson volleyed heated, ear-splitting comments between one another for several minutes, other Council members began to jump in. Councilwoman Billie Wheeler responded to Brower's insistence that the environmental meeting hadn't been politicized.
"How can it not be political when one of your speakers (donated) $20,000 to a PAC of your candidates that you have running? That's political." Wheeler said. "I have a real hard time with the county being involved in that."
Wheeler also said Brower wasn't transparent about local environmentalist Libby Lavette being involved in organizing the event.
On June 20, Brower sent an email to Deputy County Manager Suzanne Konchan and Lavette to introduce them to one another, and to let Lavette know that Konchan would be her primary contact for meeting planning "to speed everything up."
Brower asked the two women to discuss speakers and said "we really don't have much time to pull this off."
On June 21, Lavette wrote an email to Shipley saying she had sent her and a county employee a rough draft itinerary in a Google Docs file. Lavette told Shipley she could modify it as she saw fit, and Lavette instructed Shipley on the type of experts she believed were needed in one part of the program.
Also on June 21, Konchan sent an email to Lavette thanking her for her suggestions on people who could speak at the meeting.
A June 30 email from Shipley about locking in a date for the meeting in August and saying she was working on a meeting agenda was sent to Lavette, a county staff member, Brower and Palm Beach environmental attorney Lesley Blackner.
In a June email, Lavette accused county Resource Stewardship Director Brad Burbaugh of avoiding her.
"We need to talk immediately," she wrote to Burbaugh. "This isn't Russia. We don't have 20 years to make this happen. Why have you not contacted one person I put you in touch with that has committed to this event? Not ONE."
Lavette went on to write that Burbaugh's response to her requests were "unacceptable, intolerable and inexcusable."
'It created that political battlefield'
"You had stated at the very beginning that Libby Lavette was not involved in it," Wheeler told Brower. "Her name is all the way through this. ... She organized this. How in the world she got with staff and was able to organize a program like this, but all the way through it is her organizing and Mr. Bellini's $20,000. That's political. That's just wrong."
Brower maintained at Tuesday's Council meeting that Lavette had "nothing to do with the planning" of the wildlife corridor meeting, and she only helped promote it. He said county staff did all the leg work.
Wheeler didn't buy that explanation.
"The people deserve the truth, and what came out is not the truth," she said. "There was things behind the scene. 'Let's talk by phone and not on the emails.' ... All of us are for that wildlife corridor, and we all are in agreement, and to make it sound like we're not is so wrong because we all are. But it created that political battlefield, and that's a shame because it's a great cause."
Brower said the situation had devolved into "a political witch hunt." He said he can't control what people write on social media, but Wheeler said it's all documented in emails that Brower was involved.
Some emails show Brower suggesting the meeting be held at the Plaza Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach. A June 20 email from Brower said he was concerned county staff members were "moving away from" the meeting, and he said he wanted residents to see that the conference had "the full support of county staff."
Johnson doesn't see the county chair as the victim.
"Mr. Brower, you're one of the sneakiest politicians I've ever met, I believe," Johnson said.
'This is why people don't trust the government'
Councilman Danny Robins, who's running against one of the candidates Brower supports in the District 3 race, said "I want answers."
"I want an explanation," Robins said. "This has put us individually, staff members, this county, citizens, in a bad position. ... There's so much poison fruit attached to this. If anybody reads these emails. ... This is why people don't trust the government."
Robins said it's clear to anybody "something's not right."
"God almighty. This isn't good," Robins said. "I am sick and tired of things being twisted around on this Council. And the level of untruthfulness."
He noted that Blackner, the environmental attorney, was also involved in the wildlife corridor meeting, and in July she donated $1,000 to the FAIREST PAC that's supporting Brower's chosen candidates.
"This can't be ignored. It isn't right," Robins said.
FAIREST is an acronym for Floridians for Affordability In Real Estate and Sales Taxes. Ormond Beach business owner Russ Moulton runs FAIREST PAC.
Johnson also criticized Brower for urging state officials last week to investigate the Florida Department of Transportation's decision to waive environmental concerns regarding the proposed Interstate 95/Pioneer Trail Interchange project. Brower's very public request for a formal inquiry and letter to the governor didn't come with the backing of the rest of the Council, Johnson pointed out.
"You are one vote, Mr. Chair," Johnson said.
Four of the seven Council members voted last week to send a second letter to the governor saying Brower was only speaking for himself personally on the interchange.
Brower didn't back down throughout the tense exchanges with Council members. He repeated again that Lavette was not planning the environmental corridor meeting, but Robins said emails show Brower introduced her to others involved "as the go-to person to coordinate this event."
"You're digging your hole, but I'm not going to stop you. Keep going," Robins said.
"She was the go-to person for publicizing this and getting the public to come," Brower said. "She has nothing to do with planning the event."
The arguing, talking over one another and shouting into the microphones went on for nearly an hour.
"You think you're embarrassing me, I think you're embarrassing yourselves," Brower told Council members.
"I've never seen a bigger circus," Council member Heather Post said, adding that some of the people criticizing Brower were "holier than thou."
She said "it's insane" to think a Council member wouldn't talk to citizens involved in an upcoming meeting or effort.
"I just think this is absolutely ridiculous," Post said. "This is a way to circumvent, kick the can down the road and to not talk about the wildlife corridor because way too many people are making way too much money on development right now."
'November is too late'
Some say it all goes back to Brower pushing his slate of four candidates that could give the county chair a five-member voting bloc on the seven-member County Council.
On June 23, Brower authored a social media post saying, "This is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to elect a County Council that will actually represent you. Doug Pettit is the vote we need for the Volusia County Council at-large representative because he shares your concerns about the devastation occurring in our community by clear-cut overdevelopment."
The post went on to say that Pettit, a retired teacher and former business owner who has lived in Volusia County for 15 years, "is free to be your voice and is not beholden to the #DeveloperSlate that would be instructed to drain Volusia dry."
Brower wrote that if Pettit is elected, "he will join me on the first day of the new Council for the most productive day ever conducted to set in place policies that will improve our quality of life for generations."
The same day Brower wrote that June 23 post, Shipley sent Brower an email suggesting the wildlife corridor event be postponed to late November or early December.
"I have a lot of experience (over 30 years) with structuring events that build collaboration, create foundations of knowledge and inspire action," Shipley wrote. "Given that the November elections could create a shift in the targeted constituents within the county, in my mind the best use of time, energy and resources would be to postpone this event until after the elections."
A delay would also provide time to "develop a robust presentation," she said in the email.
On June 27, Brower emailed her back saying the wildlife corridor meeting needed to be held prior to Aug. 23.
"This is really disappointing to me," Brower wrote. "I understand it gives you more time for planning. However, the August 23 primary could end all political interest in the corridor. We need this before the elections so the public is better aware of what is being proposed and how it will work. Then the public can let their representatives and candidates know if they support the corridor or not. They do! November is too late."
Later that day Shipley wrote Brower to say she "was unaware that the public was the target for this event." She said the agenda she had been working on "probably wouldn't appeal to the public in a way that would inspire support."
Brower also sent an email to Bellini, the Tampa philanthropist who donated $20,000 to FAIREST PAC, saying the meeting needed to be held prior to Aug. 23.
Brower and FAIREST PAC have supported County Council candidates Pettit for the at-large post, Ted Noftall for District 3, Ken Smith for District 4 and Julio David Sosa for District 5.
Advertisements paid for by FAIREST PAC say the campaigns of Pettit and Noftall are funded "by average citizens, not big developers."
Some of their ads say Pettit, Noftall, Sosa and Smith are the "REAL Republicans for Volusia County."
Many of their ads focus on protecting the environment and holding down taxes.
In a July 12 social media post, Brower wrote that he, Pettit, Sosa, Noftall and Smith could protect Volusia County's budget and environment starting Jan. 5.
You can reach Eileen at Eileen.Zaffiro@news-jrnl.com | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/05/volusia-county-council-argues-over-politicization-of-environment/10234667002/ | 2022-08-05T19:50:32 | 0 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/05/volusia-county-council-argues-over-politicization-of-environment/10234667002/ |
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — A man's 911 call relayed a desperate need for help, a plea to come and rescue both himself and multiple others he said were "locked in chains."
The words were simple, but dire.
"I'm kidnapped," he whispered.
When asked who kidnapped him, the man answered quietly.
"Black Hammer."
That call led to a SWAT standoff last month at a home in Fayetteville and the eventual arrest of the leader of a self-styled revolutionary collective known as the Black Hammer Party.
According to the group, the Black Hammer Party was formed in Atlanta back in 2019, and it is considered extremist. Black Hammer members have openly said they have an alliance with the Proud Boys, which the Southern Poverty Law Center has classified as a hate group.
11Alive learned that the group's reported leader, Augustus Romain - known as Gazi Kodzo - is in custody following the incident on July 21 in Fayetteville. He is facing charges including aggravated sodomy, two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony and criminal street gang activity, and two counts each of being a party to aggravated assault, being a party to false imprisonment and being a party to kidnapping.
A 21-year-old man named Xavier H. Rushin, identified by the group as "Colonel Keenum," was also arrested and faces charges of conspiracy to commit a felony, false imprisonment, kidnapping, aggravated assault, criminal street gang activity and obstruction.
When asked where the kidnappers were going to be when police arrived, the man told the 911 operator that they were upstairs and that they had somebody watching them on-site.
Answering with distressed whispers, the man told the operator where he and "multiple kids" were being held.
"We are downstairs in the garage locked in chains," he said. "Please make them search this garage."
"Do you have any weapons on you?" the 911 operator asked.
"No, but I could die any second," he replied.
The man alerted the operator that the group's members had picked him up at an Amtrak station.
Arrest warrants obtained by 11Alive indicated two members of the Black Hammer group were held against their will in a garage at the Fayetteville house, and one was allegedly raped.
When officers arrived, they said nine people voluntarily came out of the home when officers arrived on scene.
The warrants do not make clear what later happened during the standoff to the two members who'd allegedly been locked into the garage.
A robot later searched the home and found a member, AP, "unresponsive with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head." AP and Rushin allegedly directed the two group members into the garage to be locked up at the direction of Romain.
Both Romain and Rushin are being held at the Fayette County Jail. Police have not yet offered any details about any of the other individuals who were at the home.
11Alive is not releasing the name of the victims due to the nature of the case. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/kidnapped-911-distress-call-black-hammer-party-home-fayetteville/85-a31cb60a-ee4b-445d-abc4-4890e842bf7c | 2022-08-05T19:50:49 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/kidnapped-911-distress-call-black-hammer-party-home-fayetteville/85-a31cb60a-ee4b-445d-abc4-4890e842bf7c |
SAVANNAH, Ga. — The white man who fatally shot Ahmaud Arbery after chasing the running Black man in a Georgia neighborhood says he fears he will be killed by fellow inmates if he's sent to a state prison to serve a life sentence for murder.
Travis McMichael, 36, faces sentencing Monday in U.S. District Court after his conviction on federal hate crime charges in February. His defense attorney filed a legal motion Thursday asking the judge to keep McMichael in federal custody.
Attorney Amy Lee Copeland argued McMichael has received “hundreds of threats” and won't be safe in a Georgia state prison system that is under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department amid concerns about violence between inmates.
On Feb. 23, 2020, McMichael and his father, Greg McMichael, armed themselves with guns and jumped in a pickup truck to chase Arbery after he ran past their home just outside the port city of Brunswick. A neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, joined the chase in his own truck and recorded cellphone video of Travis McMichael blasting Arbery with a shotgun.
The killing of Arbery became part of a larger national reckoning over racial injustice amid other high-profile killings of unarmed Black people including George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky.
In Georgia, the McMichaels and Bryan were sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of Arbery's murder in a state court last fall. They have remained in a county jail in custody of U.S. marshals since standing trial in February in federal court, where a jury convicted them of hate crimes. Each defendant now faces a potential second life sentence.
Once the men are sentenced Monday by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, protocol would be to turn them over the Georgia Department of Corrections to serve their prison terms for murder. That's because they were first arrested and tried by state authorities.
For Travis McMichael, “his concern is that he will promptly be killed upon delivery to the state prison system for service of that sentence,” Copeland wrote in her sentencing request. “He has received numerous threats of death that are credible in light of all circumstances.”
Copeland said she has alerted Georgia's corrections agency, “which has replied that these threats are unverified and that it can securely house McMichael in state custody.”
Greg McMichael, 66, has also asked the judge to put him in federal rather than state prison, citing safety concerns and health problems.
Arbery's family family has insisted the McMichaels and Bryan should serve their sentences in a state prison, arguing a federal penitentiary wouldn’t be as tough. His parents objected forcefully before the federal trial when both McMichaels sought a plea deal that would have included a request to transfer them to federal prison. The judge ended up rejecting the plea agreement.
“Granting these men their preferred choice of confinement would defeat me,” Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, told the judge at a hearing Jan. 31. “It gives them one last chance to spit in my face.”
A federal judge doesn't have the authority to order a state to relinquish its lawful custody of inmates to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, said Ed Tarver, an Augusta lawyer and former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
“She can certainly make that request," Tarver said of the judge, "and it would be up to the state Department of Corrections whether or not they agree to do that.”
Copeland's court filing refers to a prior agreement between the judge, prosecutors and defense attorneys to keep the McMichaels and Bryan in federal custody "through the completion of the federal trial and any post-trial proceedings.” She argued that means Travis McMichael should at least remain in federal custody through appeals of his hate crime conviction. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/lawyer-arbery-shooter-fears-hell-be-killed/85-f94695ca-1698-4430-aaa7-f2ba196069ca | 2022-08-05T19:50:55 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/lawyer-arbery-shooter-fears-hell-be-killed/85-f94695ca-1698-4430-aaa7-f2ba196069ca |
Guilford County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a fatal shooting Thursday night that happened in the eastern part of the county.
Deputies responded at 9:44 p.m. to the 100 block of Pinewood Acres Drive and located Timothy Adam Collie, 48, who died at the scene, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.
Additional details have not been released.
Authorities ask anyone with information to call Detective J. Allen at 336-641- 5963 or Guilford County Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/update-guilford-county-deputies-id-victim-of-fatal-shooting-thursday-night-officials-say/article_537dec42-14b6-11ed-9ba4-8f77d7d23156.html | 2022-08-05T20:05:00 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/update-guilford-county-deputies-id-victim-of-fatal-shooting-thursday-night-officials-say/article_537dec42-14b6-11ed-9ba4-8f77d7d23156.html |
DALLAS (KDAF) — A new report from WalletHub is looking at which states have the best and worst early education systems in the country.
The report looked at data from all 50 states and Washington D.C. measuring the quality of early education in each state. Metrics included topics like share of school districts that offer a state pre-K program, number of pre-K quality benchmarks met and total reported spending per child enrolled in pre-K.
So how did Texas do? The Lone Star State ranked 25th (1st being the best and 51st being the worst). Here’s how Texas ranked across a few key metrics:
- 18th – Share of 3- and 4-year-olds Enrolled in pre-K, pre-K Special Education and Head Start
- 10th – Income Requirement for State Pre-K Eligibility
- 34th – Total Reported Spending per Child Enrolled in Preschool
- 12th – Total State Head Start Program Spending per Child Enrolled in Preschool
- 48th – Monthly Child Care Co-Payment Fees as a Percent of Family Income
The best states for early education were as follows:
- Arkansas
- Nebraska
- Maryland
- Washington D.C.
- Rhode Island
- Alabama
- Oregon
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- New Mexico
For the full report, visit WalletHub. | https://cw33.com/news/local/report-ranks-which-states-are-the-best-worst-for-early-child-education-where-does-texas-rank/ | 2022-08-05T20:07:35 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/report-ranks-which-states-are-the-best-worst-for-early-child-education-where-does-texas-rank/ |
TOPSHAM, Maine — The Topsham Fire and Rescue Department responded to a waste material pile on fire at Grimmel's Industries, a waste facility in Topsham, around 3:46 a.m. Friday.
According to a news release issued by Deputy Chief Gerard “Gerry” Pineau of Topsham Fire and Rescue on Friday, crews arrived at the scene to find a 20-foot wide by 40-foot high fire on a pile of "fluff," also known as the material that is extracted from metal waste.
The release reported that "slag," or metal shavings that are produced from extracting "fluff" from metal waste, as well as a conveyor belt and its motor were also on fire at the scene.
Crews quickly contained the fire and spent four hours overall on the scene extinguishing and overhauling the fire, according to the release.
The release states there were no injuries. Equipment loss because of the fire was estimated at $1,000 according to the release. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/slag-and-fluff-ignite-at-industry-waste-facility-in-topsham-maine/97-8e536f2d-abc6-480a-b69e-b6689bc117ee | 2022-08-05T20:13:18 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/slag-and-fluff-ignite-at-industry-waste-facility-in-topsham-maine/97-8e536f2d-abc6-480a-b69e-b6689bc117ee |
MAINE, USA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services will start its annual raccoon rabies vaccination program on Saturday, officials say.
A news release from the department stated on Friday that it will cooperate with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to distribute about 385,000 oral rabies vaccine baits across northeast Maine.
The vaccine will be distributed from Saturday through Wednesday, the release stated. Crews will spread the baits by ground and air over a 2,650-square-mile area as part of rabies prevention efforts.
Officials described the baits as fishmeal-coated cubes or sachets about one-to-two inches big. And while people and pets can't get rabies from contact with the baits, they shouldn't touch them, the release stated.
"The distribution area includes places such as Burlington Township, Carroll Plantation, Chester, Houlton, Lakeville, Lee, Lincoln, Mars Hill, Oxbow, Patten, Prentiss Township, Springfield, Stacyville, T3 R1 NBPP, T7 R3 NBPP, Webster Plantation, Weston, and Winn," the release stated. "Wildlife Services will spread the baits by airplanes in rural, wooded areas. Crews from Wildlife Services will spread baits from vehicles in the more populated areas, such as Houlton."
For more information, click here. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/usda-will-distribute-wildlife-rabies-vaccine-in-northeast-maine-animals-health-safety/97-1c2081b8-6914-4f97-8475-c8d20dd38e08 | 2022-08-05T20:13:24 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/usda-will-distribute-wildlife-rabies-vaccine-in-northeast-maine-animals-health-safety/97-1c2081b8-6914-4f97-8475-c8d20dd38e08 |
World records are falling to the tune of hundreds of rip-roaring voices reverberating around SwimRVA in Chesterfield this week, as the Richmond area hosts more than 1,000 swimmers of wide-ranging ages and backgrounds in the 2022 U.S. Masters Swimming Summer National Championship.
SwimRVA executive director Adam Kennedy said the event is the first swimming national championship ever held in the state of Virginia.
The bidding process for securing USMS summer nationals dates to 2016, and the event was initially scheduled for summer 2020 before the pandemic derailed those plans.
Among the competitors Wednesday through Sunday are 86 swimmers from Virginia Masters, and more with in-state connections from clubs such as Alexandria Masters and Club Tribe, a William & Mary alumni team.
Characters of interest abound. Actor Cooper Thornton, who appeared on popular sitcoms The Office and Parks and Recreation, swam Thursday, as did Abbas Karimi, an Afghan refugee who was born without arms, fled the country at 16 years old and recently became a U.S. citizen.
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They all have one thing in common -- a love for the water, and the peace they find therein.
***
Nobody can see Caycee Buscaglia cry through her goggles.
A Midlothian native who went to Midlothian High, Buscaglia started swimming when she was 10. She was an All-American swimmer at East Carolina University, and the sport has always been a foundational component of her physical and mental wellbeing.
Buscaglia's husband, Bruce, passed away unexpectedly in spring of 2016 of acute leukemia, a condition he didn't even know he had.
Caycee Buscaglia's mom died of cancer when the former was in her late 20s. Her father died by suicide not long after. Buscaglia was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. She's around the same age her mother was when she passed away.
"I've swum through a lot of tragedy," Buscaglia, 57, said Thursday, sitting on the steps of the SwimRVA entrance hall, dripping wet after winning her heat in the 100-back.
"Lots of things to overcome, but swimming has always been my happy spot. Nobody sees me cry with the goggles on."
Buscaglia is two years removed from her own surgery. She's got the "all-clear" that her cancer was in remission from doctors about two weeks.
"So this has been a celebration week for me," she said with a smile, noting support from friends who've traveled to the area from around the country for USMS masters.
Buscaglia, the LMSC (local masters swimming club) chair, waved to friends and supporters passing her Thursday as she talked. She was thrilled when she touched the wall, having only returned to competition in June after a pandemic-induced hiatus.
Buscaglia's daughter, Caroline, swims at Virginia Tech. And her son, Ryan, ran cross country at Maggie Walker and Virginia. She said athletics have been a cherished source of comfort and normalcy for her whole family.
Buscaglia will swim for Swim Across America this year to help raise money for cancer research. A backstroke specialist, he's got a few more heats this weekend.
She's been looking forward to USMS summer nationals in Richmond for years, swimming outside in lakes and open water during the pandemic to stay active.
"We were so excited, and then COVID hit," Buscaglia said. "Sports are our family. ... This is important to me to be back around people who are passionate about the same things I'm passionate about."
***
From SwimRVA to the Capitol Building, 99-year-old Willard Lamb gets his fair share of fanfare these days.
The World War II veteran has broke 91 FINA Masters world records across different age groups throughout his swimming career, including five so far this week as of Thursday.
The last time he weighed all of his medals, it came out to roughly 22 pounds.
"When you're in the age group by yourself you always get first place," Lamb quipped Thursday after breaking his world record with a 2:28.17 in the 100-back and making his way through throngs of congratulatory supporters.
He learned to swim when he was 12 and currently swims a mile three times a week at his local YMCA in Vancouver, Wash. That's 52 laps of freestyle on a 25-yard pool, then eight laps of backstroke.
"And that's my workout for the day," he said matter-of-factly.
"It's a big surprise about swimming, but when you get older, you feel so new in the water. I'd recommend the exercise to any old people. You think you're done but when you get in the water you're relaxed and you enjoy it."
Lamb, who turns 100 on Christmas Eve, spoke Thursday, holding the most recent medal to add to his collection.
The Washington state native is getting set for a trip to Washington, D.C. and the Capitol Building with his coaches soon, the next stop for one of the most accomplished masters swimmers of all-time who has become somewhat of a celebrity in the community.
His race drew thunderous cheers Thursday, from seemingly every competitor, organizer and fan in the place.
***
When Virginia Masters member Ron Collins swam the 50-fly Thursday, it must have felt an incredibly short time in the water compared to his more lofty swimming endeavors.
A Yorktown native, Collins, 60, swam at Virginia Tech, graduated in 1985 and has completed what he called the "Triple Crown of open water swimming."
He finished the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim in 8 hours and 26 minutes on June 23, 2002; traversed the English Channel Sept. 5, 2004 in 14 hours and 7 minutes; and completed a crossing of the Catalina Channel, swimming from Santa Catalina Island to the Southern California mainland in 10 hours, 5 minutes and 29 seconds on Sept. 10, 2013.
And those are only a few of his many achievements in ultra-distance, open-water marathon swimming. But Collins, who lived in Florida for much of his life before moving back to the area in 2020, is "more of a pool swimmer nowadays."
Collins hopes USMS summer nationals' arrival in Richmond will help usher in more enthusiasm for the sport in the area. Masters swimming is a little more mainstream in Florida, he said.
He came back to Virginia during the pandemic to help sick in-laws, and his wife is currently battling breast cancer.
"It's been a real challenge, never thought I'd be here," he said, looking around at swimmers passing him and his old team, St. Pete Masters, sitting in the bleachers.
"What swimming meant to me, coming to Virginia, is something I recognized as being there for my whole life. ... When I came (to Virginia Masters) they accepted me like family. They're offering to cook meals after surgeries. It's really been a big deal. We moved to a house right behind the pool so that it could be a centerpiece of life. ... My whole life was just gone, and (swimming) gave me something that was recognizable, that I could count on. It was really something else."
***
A small group of former William & Mary swimmers formed Club Tribe in 2014, just hoping to swim some relays together.
"We had no ambition for it to grow, it just immediately started growing organically," said Kyle Ahlgren, a 1997 W&M graduate who co-captained the Tribe swimming team.
Ahlgren penned an opinion piece published in the Virginian Pilot in October 2020 advocating for the reinstatement of seven sports teams, including swimming, after the university in September of that year announced they were being cut for financial reasons tied to the pandemic.
He said Club Tribe was involved in helping save the sport at William & Mary. The team has 62 swimmers at USMS nationals, and is comprised of about half W&M grads including 24 former Tribe swimmers, plus members with connections to the program and one current W&M swimmer, Julie Anderson.
"We do view it as a way to represent William & Mary and get William & Mary swimming out there. It's been very difficult keeping this program alive and continuing to have to convince the administration that this is a valuable thing," Ahlgren said.
"One of the things they're looking for is national prominence, a national footprint. We have in the last eight years created one of the very best teams in the country, one of the most elite masters teams out there. And we're here to represent you, we're here to show that the William & Mary swimming diaspora, the William & Mary swimming footprint, is important, it's real and we're here."
Club Tribe's membership ranges from ages 19 to 76, and Ahlgren said it's got a large contingent in Blacksburg, plus members from other parts of Virginia. They meet virtually and many train independently.
There were discussions of Club Tribe joining Virginia Masters in order to make a run at a regional championship, but it didn't happen because Club Tribe meets too sparingly, Ahlgren said.
"We targeted this meet and went all-in. We're trying to win the local club division, that's an audacious task," he said.
"These meets are very special for us, we try to rally as many people as we can and come together, it's a lot of fun."
***
Elsewhere Thursday, the pool erupted as one when 50-year-old North Carolina Masters swimmer Erika Braun set the world record for her age group with a 29.45 heat in the 50-fly.
And club teams went head-to-head in relays to conclude the day, as groups beneath banners on the side of the pool cheered on teammates with national and world records on the line.
On Sunday, USMS will award two team titles based on collective results, one regional, Virginia Masters' division, and one local for smaller groups like Club Tribe. Entry to SwimRVA is free to the public. | https://richmond.com/sports/local/swimming-has-always-been-my-happy-spot-world-records-fall-at-usms-summer-nationals-at/article_e7f9cd0f-670a-54ec-8799-5d1f86ac122d.html | 2022-08-05T20:19:52 | 1 | https://richmond.com/sports/local/swimming-has-always-been-my-happy-spot-world-records-fall-at-usms-summer-nationals-at/article_e7f9cd0f-670a-54ec-8799-5d1f86ac122d.html |
More North Dakota counties have been moved into an elevated risk level for coronavirus transmission, as weekly COVID-19 cases in the state approach 2,000.
Cases have been rising the past four months, driven by highly contagious mutations of the omicron variant of the virus. The state Health Department's coronavirus dashboard on Friday showed 1,952 confirmed cases in the past seven days, up 4% from the previous week, up 23% from a month ago and up 80% from two months ago.
BA.5, a subvariant of omicron, has become dominant in the U.S. and has driven a surge in new infections worldwide. Health officials say it has shown a remarkable ability to get around the protection offered by infection and vaccination, according to The Associated Press. It's believed to be the subvariant that recently sickened President Joe Biden.
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"BA.5 and its sublineages continue to be the main circulating subvariants of omicron in North Dakota," state Medical Services Section Chief Kirby Kruger told the Tribune. "Of specimens collected and sequenced since July 3, 68.1% have been in the BA.5 lineage. Of specimens collected and sequenced since July 24, 92% have been in the BA.5 lineage."
The weekly COVID-19 case totals this summer are still nowhere near North Dakota's pandemic peak last January, when the highest seven-day total reached 15,850. And while statewide cases have been rising recently, the total for Burleigh and Morton counties has been sliding since mid-July. There were 232 new cases in the two counties over the past week, down from the previous three weekly totals of 264, 323 and 331.
Burleigh and Morton counties still are considered at high risk for COVID-19 transmission, however. Twenty-one other North Dakota counties also are at high risk, and 20 are considered at medium risk, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The total of 43 is up 13 from last week. The other 10 counties are considered at low risk.
County risk levels can be found at https://bit.ly/3Clifrq. The CDC recommends that people in high-risk areas wear a mask indoors in public and on public transportation, regardless of vaccination status.
There were 91 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in North Dakota over the past week, up from 74 the previous week. Coronavirus patients still make up a low percentage, however -- about 4.5% of occupied inpatient beds and 5% of intensive care unit beds statewide.
Federal data showed two new virus-related deaths in North Dakota in the past week, raising the state's pandemic total to 2,309. County-level death data is not available. There have been 259,2709 confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Dakota during the pandemic that began in March 2020.
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Federal data shows that North Dakota continues to have some of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country: 67% of adults in the state are fully vaccinated, with the rate for all vaccine-eligible people -- age 5 and older -- at 60.6%. The national averages are 77.1% and 71.4%, respectively.
COVID-19 booster shots are recommended for people 12 and older. North Dakota's first booster rate is 46.3%, compared to 49.7% nationally. Second booster doses are available for three main groups of people:
- All adults 50 years and older.
- All people 12 years or older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
- Adults 18 to 49 years who received two doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
State Health Department guidance and resources for businesses is at https://bit.ly/3w0DpKj.
Go to https://www.ndvax.org or https://bit.ly/3N3IMxb or call 866-207-2880 to see where COVID-19 vaccine is available. Information on free public testing and free test kits is at health.nd.gov/covidtesting. More detailed pandemic information is at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/more-north-dakota-counties-at-elevated-risk-for-covid-19-weekly-case-total-nears-2/article_7f1588c6-14c8-11ed-98b2-e78730c18d36.html | 2022-08-05T20:21:20 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/more-north-dakota-counties-at-elevated-risk-for-covid-19-weekly-case-total-nears-2/article_7f1588c6-14c8-11ed-98b2-e78730c18d36.html |
Bloomfield Hills makes cutoff on road to FEMA funding
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday that Bloomfield Hills made the benchmark for further review on its proposed flood relief project.
The proposed $200,000 project would "research and update current and future anticipated water flows, including watershed boundaries and overflow routes, review the impacts of new floodplain elevations on infrastructure and emergency access, and evaluate potential risk-reduction strategies with local stakeholders to strengthen the overall resilience of Bloomfield Hills," the agency said in a statement.
FEMA, through the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, would pay for 75% of the proposed $200,000 project, with the remaining falling on either Bloomfield Hills or the state of Michigan, according to the release.
The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program help states and communities reduce the risks associated with flooding through projects including property acquisition, structure elevation and flood planning.
The Friday announcement isn't distribution of money but a decision on the status of sub-applications for the current grant cycle, officials said Friday.
FEMA is slated to work with applicants identified for further review before making a final award decision.
The money Bloomfield Hills would potentially receive comes from $160 million in funding given out by the FMA, according to the government.
“FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance program or FMA seeks to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage across the nation,” Tom Sivak, regional administrator of FEMA Region 5 said. “The data collected by Bloomfield Hills officials will help ensure future mitigation projects are effective in protecting the city from the dangers of our changing climate and other disasters risks they face in the future.”
Bloomfield Hills officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/08/05/bloomfield-hills-makes-cutoff-road-fema-funding/10247201002/ | 2022-08-05T20:22:22 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/08/05/bloomfield-hills-makes-cutoff-road-fema-funding/10247201002/ |
Parents of Oxford High suspect created 'pathway to violence,' prosecutor says
Pontiac — Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald is asking a circuit judge to permit evidence in the trial of the parents of the accused Oxford High shooter because it allegedly reveals “they had a role in creating a pathway to violence for the shooter.”
In a motion to Judge Cheryl Matthews this week, McDonald wrote James and Jennifer Crumbley “played a much larger role than just buy their son a gun and there were many potential acts of ordinary care beyond simply locking up that gun that could have prevented this shooting.”
McDonald wrote how Ethan Crumbley, dating back to the age of six years old, was exposed to parental arguments, alcohol and substance abuse, and marital infidelity. Purchases at a local liquor store totalled nearly $4,000 in the year of 2021 alone, according to the filing.
Mathews ruled in June that the parents' horseback-riding activities, possible marital infidelity and the presence of alcohol or marijuana in the home were inadmissible as evidence. It came after the Crumbleys' attorneys argued that personal matters regarding the couple — such as extramarital affairs — are not relevant to the charges against them and should not be heard by the jury.
Defense attorneys have indicated they plan to call Ethan Crumbley to testify in their respective cases.
McDonald’s argument focused on how the jury needs information on the household created over years by the parents, “the household their son was born into, raised, and where he ultimately formed his plan to terrorize the community.”
“…this evidence fits squarely within the shooter’s pathway to violence,” McDonald wrote. “It is important to note that each piece of this evidence, taken in a vacuum, does not prove gross negligence. It is the cumulative effect of it, taken together that sheds light on the environment created by the defendants and the backdrop for their actions and inaction in the days immediately leading up to the shooting.”
James and Jennifer Crumbley are each facing four charges of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of Hana St. Juliana, Madisysn Baldwin, Tate Myre and Justin Shilling — all victims of the Nov. 30 in their school allegedly by fellow classmate Ethan Crumbley, then 15 years old. The Crumbleys could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the offenses.
The Crumbleys, who in their own legal filings have identified the son as the responsible shooter, have claimed they had no reason to expect their son was dangerous or that they could have prevented the shooting from occurring. They have referred to his actions as his “insanity” and the teenager’s attorneys have indicated they will seek an insanity defense for their client.
Crumbley’s parents have been charged because of alleged gross negligence that included them purchasing him a handgun and purportdly providing access to it as well as disregarding his need for psychiatric counseling despite his pleas for help.
McDonald wants an opportunity to have oral arguments on what evidence should be permitted at the couple’s Oct. 24 trials. No pretrial hearing is scheduled yet.
But McDonald appears to be using a new argument in a bid to get some of the blocked evidence readmitted for trial.
The FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit has recognized that the “pathway to violence” is a “set of behaviors” leading up to an act of targeted violence, such as a mass shooting. The model has been studied by law enforcement, universities and researchers as a “risk assessment and management tool” McDonald wrote.
In her filing, McDonald wrote Matthews how the parents allegedly:
- "Exposed their son to years of chaotic, toxic conflict” in which his “violent tendencies flourished.”
- Were aware he was troubled, complaining of demons but instead of seeking counseling they “bought him a gun.”
- "Were not just in constant conflict, or who just exposed their son to conflict but who actively inserted him into the conflict.”
“The evidence demonstrates the defendants’ priorities were anywhere but on their son,” McDonald wrote. “…defendants would loudly argue between themselves on a consistent basis, so much so much that neighbors in Oxford, Lake Orion and even as far back as when they lived in the state of Washington distinctly remembered it.”
The son’s text messages and entries in a person journal corroborate he was frequently “put him squarely in the middle of parental disagreements.”
Investigators have interviewed neighbors and others who said the couple fought and drank to excess, oftentimes leaving their son unsupervised,” McDonald wrote.
Evidence shows the Crumbleys spent “thousands of dollars on food deliveries, alcohol and horse-related expenses, compared with negligible amounts on medical care, all while their son was manifesting signs of mental distress, expressing those manifestations to the defendants, and asking them for help,” McDonald wrote.
The prosecutor quoted from the teenager’s own journal: “My grades are failing, my parents hate each other, we have no money, I have zero help for my mental problems and it’s causing me to shoot up the f------ school…”
In another journal entry: “This morning I woke up to my mom having one of her worst rants about how we have no money and can’t pay the bills. This just furthers my desire to shoot up the school or do something else. I have no happiness (sic) or optimisum (sic) left in me as I am a burden to my parents.”
Expert testimony concerning the “pathway to violence” will assist jurors in understanding the why of mass shootings, not just the what, McDonald wrote. This will include examining assessing threatening or concerning behaviors and risk factors exhibited by the teenager and others, McDonald wrote Matthews, showing how shootings are not unavoidable tragedies but if risk factors are identified and addressed, are preventable.
Because of a gag order by Matthews, neither the defense attorneys nor the prosecutor could discuss matters raised in McDonald’s 22-page legal brief to Matthews.
Ethan Crumbley faces multiple felony offenses that can carry up to life in prison. He remains in isolation from adult inmates in the Oakland County Jail and is not expected to go to trial until Jan. 17.
mmartindale@detroitnews.com
(248) 338-0319
. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/08/05/parents-oxford-high-suspect-created-pathway-violence-prosecutor-says/10249789002/ | 2022-08-05T20:22:28 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/08/05/parents-oxford-high-suspect-created-pathway-violence-prosecutor-says/10249789002/ |
PENNSYLVANIA, USA — The developer of a major pipeline system that connects the Marcellus Shale gas field in western Pennsylvania to an export terminal near Philadelphia pleaded no contest Friday to criminal charges that it systematically polluted waterways and residential water wells across hundreds of miles.
Dallas-based Energy Transfer Operating agreed to independent testing of homeowners' water and promised to remediate contamination in a settlement of two separate criminal cases brought by the Pennsylvania attorney general. Under a plea deal, the company will also pay $10 million to restore watersheds and streams along the route of its Mariner East pipeline network.
A judge heard and approved the plea at a hearing in Harrisburg on Friday.
"We are holding Energy Transfer accountable for their crimes against our natural resources," Attorney General Josh Shapiro said at a news conference after the hearing.
The company’s Mariner East 1, Mariner East 2 and Mariner East 2X pipelines are designed to carry propane, ethane and butane from the Marcellus and Utica Shale gas fields to a refinery processing center and export terminal in Marcus Hook, a suburb of Philadelphia. Construction wrapped in February.
Mariner East has been one of the most penalized projects in state history. The owner has racked up tens of millions of dollars in civil penalties and state regulators repeatedly have halted construction over environmental contamination.
The attorney general stepped in last October, charging Energy Transfer with illegally releasing industrial waste at 22 sites in 11 counties and willfully failing to report spills to state environmental regulators. The company fouled the drinking water of at least 150 families statewide, prosecutors have said.
Under the plea agreement, residents who live near the pipeline and have private water are entitled to request independent testing. More than 800 residents along the pipelines’ route have been notified of the availability of the testing, and residents have until Aug. 19 to sign up.
Though Energy Transfer’s state permits already require it to fix the damage its pipeline construction caused to waterways and residents’ water supplies, prosecutors said the plea deal goes a step further by requiring the company to submit to independent water testing by geologists picked by the attorney general’s office. Previously, Energy Transfer itself had been testing residents’ water in response to complaints.
The company must abide by the independent experts’ recommendations on how to restore the fouled water, which could include treatment systems or new water wells.
Another part of the plea deal requires Energy Transfer to pay $10 million to address contamination of groundwater and streams.
The money is a drop in the bucket to a pipeline company with surging profits. Energy Transfer reported this week that its net income jumped 90% in the second quarter, to $1.33 billion, as the company’s pipelines carried record volumes of natural gas liquids.
Shapiro, a Democrat running for governor, has long complained that Pennsylvania’s criminal environmental laws are too weak. His office said the statutory maximum for the crimes for which Energy Transfer was charged amounted to only $1.45 million, making a plea deal more beneficial to victims than taking the case to trial.
“This conviction locks in a landmark agreement when the commonwealth had maximum leverage,” Shapiro said Friday. “Even if we had won every single count at trial, Energy Transfer would've walked away paying just pocket change for their crimes. ... Nothing more would have come to make our water cleaner and safer, and residents would've been screwed.”
An email was sent to Energy Transfer seeking comment on the plea deal.
The Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance, a trade group, said that most of what it called Mariner East’s “construction woes” had already been addressed by state environmental regulators.
“Hopefully this brings closure to the issue, because it’s time to put the past to rest,” said the group, adding that Mariner East is operating safely.
Residents who live near the pipeline and some state lawmakers have said Mariner East should be shut down entirely in light of the criminal charges, but the administration of outgoing Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has long ignored such calls to pull the plug.
Friday's plea deal also resolves a separate criminal case involving the Revolution pipeline, a 42-mile pipeline near Pittsburgh that runs from Butler County to a natural gas processing plant in Washington County. In that case, prosecutors alleged Energy Transfer's negligence led to a 2018 gas explosion and fire that destroyed a home, a barn and several cars, collapsed six high-voltage transmission towers and prompted an evacuation.
Energy Transfer pleaded no contest to 14 criminal counts in the Mariner East case and to nine criminal counts in the Revolution case. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/mariner-east-pipeline-development-attorney-general-josh-shapiro-pennsylvania-pollution/521-94898bc5-ada7-4f64-8e63-3623c0830878 | 2022-08-05T20:23:42 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/mariner-east-pipeline-development-attorney-general-josh-shapiro-pennsylvania-pollution/521-94898bc5-ada7-4f64-8e63-3623c0830878 |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Keep the drinks cold and the clubs at the ready North Texans as August is National Golf Month!
NationalToday says, “National Golf Month is celebrated in August each year, and we promise to bring you the best golf puns around, as well as some golfing tidbits which are sure to be un-fore-gettable; and have you going clubbing (the outdoor kind, on the green). Whether you want to golf like a pro on an actual course or try your hand at mini-golf, we urge you to give it a go — it’s a lot more fun than it looks!”
We know how important it is to get your gold on over the weekend, especially when the weather is on your side. So, we checked out a report done by Top100golfcourses in association with TaylorMade of the best golf courses in the state of Texas.
“Jockeying for position at the head of the Texas table were Dallas National and Whispering Pines, both of which opened their tees for play in the new millennium but their bid to top the state rankings came rather unstuck in 2016 when the new Tiger Woods and Beau Welling design at Bluejack National was unveiled,” the report says.
Quick look at the top 10 courses in Texas
- Bluejack National
- Whispering Pines
- Dallas National
- Colonial
- Austin Golf Club
- Boot Ranch
- Brook Hollow
- Preston Trail
- Spanish Oaks
- Escondido
For more from this report, click here! | https://cw33.com/news/local/report-says-these-are-the-top-golf-courses-in-texas-happy-national-golf-month/ | 2022-08-05T20:24:29 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/report-says-these-are-the-top-golf-courses-in-texas-happy-national-golf-month/ |
Shelby Krutke rides her horse on Thursday during the 4-H dressage competition at the McLean County Fair.
CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH
4-H member Ella Mennenga, 13, poses with one of her goats, Pudding, in the sheep and goat barn at the McLean County Fair on Thursday.
Mateusz Janik
Alaina Kelley, 10, poses with her mother Nikki Kelley and horse Scotty in the horse barn at the McLean County Fair on Thursday.
Mateusz Janik
Bryce Hoffman shearing his sheep in the sheep and goat barn at the McLean County Fair on Thursday.
Mateusz Janik
4-H contestants and attendees walking through the beef and dairy barn at the McLean County Fair on Thursday.
Mateusz Janik
Brianna, right, and Bryan McCall with their daughter Harmony, 2, who was petting the litter of 2-week old piglets in the Food & Farm Fun Zone at the McLean County Fair on Thursday.
Mateusz Janik
Shelby Krutke competes Thursday at the McLean County Fair.
BLOOMINGTON — The summer after Avani Rai's fifth grade year at Benjamin Elementary School, she became interested in robotics. Her father signed her up to compete in the McLean County Fair's 4-H projects.
But he also signed her up to compete in public speaking and leadership — without telling her.
"I was a shy kid, that was totally out of my comfort zone and one my worst nightmares, but I remember coming to terms with it and checking out public speaking books along with my daily assortment of 'Harry Potter,'" recalled Rai, who is now 17. "Once I stepped on the stage and started speaking, I began to soar."
Now entering her senior year at Normal West High School, Rai has taken up extracurriculars that include the speech and mock trial teams, and Future Business Leaders of America.
"4-H is really where I got my start in public speaking," she said, "and now I want to go into law when I grow up because of that."
The McLean County Fair continues this weekend with children and families participating in a plethora of 4-H show events ranging from visual arts and aerospace to crops and livestock.
Historically, 4-H has been known for agriculture and livestock, and the fair includes exhibitions for sheep, goats, cattle, pigs and other animals.
In the last 20 years, however, the 4-H program — which is overseen by the University of Illinois extension — has expanded into other areas such as computer science, interior design and theater arts, said McLean County 4-H Youth Development Educator Katie Buckley.
"We get a lot of preconceived notions that 4-H is only for people who live on farms and that's just not the case," Buckley said. "They're learning skills about a specific project area; they're talking to judges and communicating. Essentially, they're learning how to show the best of themselves."
Buckley said 4-H members usually trend from ages 8 to 18. Children ages 5 to 7 are introduced to the Cloverbuds program that encourages younger kids to explore the different aspects of 4-H.
This was 10-year-old Alaina Kelley's first time competing in a 4-H event, and she even brought home a first-place ribbon in horse jumping as a novice with her horses, Scotty and Lainey.
"I got involved with 4-H after I got a horse," Alaina said, "and then my trainers told me about 4-H and I thought it would be fun to join."
"We love horses and she's been riding the little pony rides at the fair since she was probably 3 years old," said Nikki Kelley, Alaina's mother. "I always wanted a horse when I was young, and so she got one first and then I got one, so we get to do it together."
Ella Mennenga, 13, was showing her family's herd of over 30 goats in the livestock area. She has been raising her own goats for the better part of six years.
"Both my grandma and my dad had goats growing up, so I kind of wanted to try it out," Ella said, "and now we've had them for a long time."
Bryce Hoffman and his daughter Finley, 12, and son Cannon, 9, walked, washed, and dried their sheep around the fairgrounds to get them ready to show.
"In our family it's kind of a tradition that started with my dad," Hoffman said. "He was in 4-H, then all of his children were 4-H members and now all of his grandchildren are in 4-H and are learning about responsibility, what it means to have a good work ethic and how to care for animals. These are important life skills."
The litter of 2-week-old piglets at the Food & Farm Fun Zone also drew the attention of 2-year-old Harmony McCall, who eagerly wanted to pet the piglets and seemingly could not be separated from them, said her parents Brianna and Bryan McCall.
Brianna McCall said she and her husband both grew up attending the fair each year and since Harmony was born, they started their own tradition of bringing her along to experience the fun and see the animals up close.
"We brought her last year and she loved it, and now this year she's even more excited to see the animals," Brianna said. "Hopefully as she gets older and we have more kids, this will be a big part of our lives."
4-H enrollment fees will be waived from Sept. 1 till Oct. 31 for anyone interested in participating. Individuals can learn more about enrolling from 4-H officials at the fair in Cloverleaf Hall or visit bit.ly/mclean4H.
The McLean County Fair continues through Sunday.
Photos: Preserving agriculture at the McLean County Fair for our children
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IT'S COUNTY FAIR TIME
MCLEAN COUNTY FAIR PREP CONTINUES
Contact Mateusz Janik at (309) 820-3234. Follow Mateusz on Twitter:@mjanik99
Museum officials agreed to give a tour of the dome interior to Pantagraph journalists as part of a new series, "Off Limits," that seeks to offer a glimpse into places that are typically restricted.
McLean County 4-H animal shows and projects will continue virtually this year after the cancellation of the fair, which longtime 4-H member Callie Yoder said was heartbreaking. "That is our family tradition," she said.
While the McLean County Fair was canceled this year because of COVID-19, 4-Hers were able to show their projects virtually and youth who show livestock also could show their projects in person under a vastly different format.
Brianna, right, and Bryan McCall with their daughter Harmony, 2, who was petting the litter of 2-week old piglets in the Food & Farm Fun Zone at the McLean County Fair on Thursday. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/watch-now-mclean-county-fair-brings-annual-learning-experience-for-4-hers/article_97268b3a-14d3-11ed-8fed-2fe4d8306c58.html | 2022-08-05T20:25:37 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/watch-now-mclean-county-fair-brings-annual-learning-experience-for-4-hers/article_97268b3a-14d3-11ed-8fed-2fe4d8306c58.html |
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – Authorities are on the scene of a reported shooting on Charleston’s West Side.
According to Metro 911 dispatchers, the call came in at approximately 2:20 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5 in the 500 block of Hunt Avenue and 6th Street.
Charleston Police say one person was shot in the head and taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Authorities say multiple shots were fired but no other injuries were reported. According to police, a vehicle was also struck by gunfire, but there is no threat to the community.
CPD says multiple people have been detained, but no arrests have been made at this time.
WOWK 13 News has a crew on scene and will bring you more details as they become available. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/1-critically-injured-in-charleston-shooting/ | 2022-08-05T20:25:57 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/1-critically-injured-in-charleston-shooting/ |
UPDATE: (4 p.m. Aug. 5, 2022): West Virginia State Police have released a photo of the alleged suspect vehicle after another vehicle with a child passenger was shot at on the interstate.
According to troopers, the suspect vehicle is described as a burnt orange four-door sedan with dark-tinted windows that has damage and peeling paint on the front end. Authorities say the license plate number is unknown.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the WVSP at 304-528-5555.
The driver of the vehicle that was shot at, Mike McKinney tells WOWK 13 News Reporter Lane Ball he was taking his son to daycare when the incident happened. McKinney says he started to take the I-64 ramp near Huntington High School when another vehicle began tailgating him.
According to McKinney, the other vehicle swerved around his car as they merged onto the interstate and forced him off the road. He says he saw a man and woman in the vehicle.
The woman allegedly started yelling out the window as the suspect vehicle passed McKinney’s vehicle and McKinney says he saw the man hold up what he believes was a handgun and allegedly shoot at the car.
McKinney said he pulled over and could smell gun smoke, and then noticed a bullet hole in the back driver’s side door. McKinney says the bullet barely missed his son’s leg, and did leave a hole in the boy’s blanket.\
HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) – An investigation is underway in Huntington into a report of shots fired toward a vehicle with a child passenger on the interstate.
According to the Huntington Detachment of the West Virginia State Police, a call came in around 9:30 this morning, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022 that shots were fired from one vehicle toward a second vehicle in the eastbound lanes of I-64 near the 16th Street entrance ramp.
Troopers say one bullet struck the rear door on the driver’s side of the vehicle, “narrowly missing” a 3-year-old in the back seat.
WVSP says the suspect vehicle is a small orange SUV, and they are looking at surveillance video to get a better description of the vehicle.
This is a developing story and WOWK 13 News will update this article with more details as they become available. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/shots-reportedly-fired-at-vehicle-with-child-passenger-near-huntington/ | 2022-08-05T20:26:04 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/shots-reportedly-fired-at-vehicle-with-child-passenger-near-huntington/ |
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On Aug. 9, 28 Texas Roadhouse locations in West Virginia, Kentucky and western Pennsylvania will donate 100% of their profits to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund.
The Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund was established to help victims of the flooding that hit eastern Kentucky starting on July 26, 2022.
Governor Andy Beshear says 37 Kentuckians have died as a result of the flooding, as of Aug. 5.
Texas Roadhouse officials say they are inviting people to come to these restaurants to help support those impacted by the flooding.
Locations include the Texas Roadhouse on 3100 Route 60 in Huntington, the location at 4110 Robert C. Byrd Dr. in Beckley, the location at 103 RHL Blvd. in Charleston, and the location at 501 Winchester Ave. in Ashland, Kentucky. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/wv-ky-pa-texas-roadhouse-locations-to-donate-profits-to-flood-relief/ | 2022-08-05T20:26:10 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/wv-ky-pa-texas-roadhouse-locations-to-donate-profits-to-flood-relief/ |
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Bentonville-based logistics startup FR8relay was selected as one of the six companies to receive mentorship and other partnership opportunities with Springdale-based meat giant Tyson Foods Inc.
According to a recent news release, Tyson Ventures, the venture capital arm of Tyson Foods, recently hosted its first Demo Day event for sustainability entrepreneurs and startups to pitch innovative solutions for a more sustainable food system.
“This effort is surfacing the best and brightest innovations to tackle complex industry challenges,” said John Tyson, executive vice president and chief sustainability officer of Tyson Foods. “We’re excited about the promise each startup brings to create a comprehensive approach to sustainable food production.”
To read more about this story please visit our content partner, Talk Business & Politics.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/tyson-ventures-picks-6-startups-inaugural-demo-day-bentonville-arkansas-fr8relay/527-c407dabe-d6ca-44d0-9c0c-e1be2f82562c | 2022-08-05T20:26:23 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/tyson-ventures-picks-6-startups-inaugural-demo-day-bentonville-arkansas-fr8relay/527-c407dabe-d6ca-44d0-9c0c-e1be2f82562c |
SALADO, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service is reporting a fire in Salado. Named the Mill Creek Fire, it's located off of Royal Ridge Drive.
As of now, authorities say over ten acres have burned with 15 homes threatened in the area.
The fire hasn't progressed but so far zero of it has been contained, according to reports. Texas A&M Forest Service is joined by the Bell County Strike Team in efforts to reduce the fire.
6 News will keep you updated as more information is released.
More on KCENtv.com: | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/10-acres-burned-15-salado-homes-threatened/500-846e6fed-7298-4b4b-b0cf-495986c8308b | 2022-08-05T20:29:07 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/10-acres-burned-15-salado-homes-threatened/500-846e6fed-7298-4b4b-b0cf-495986c8308b |
SAN ANTONIO — Frances Hall, the co-owner of the Bill Hall Jr. Trucking company, turned herself in to authorities in Bexar County after having an outstanding warrant for fraud out of Travis County since June 30.
Investigators with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation discovered that in the years between 2009 and 2016, Hall reportedly filed false payroll information to the Texas Mutual Insurance Company and concealed payroll reports in order to get lower insurance premiums, the DWC said.
All in all, officials say the scheme allowed the company and owners of the company to avoid over $9 million in insurance premium payments.
“The Texas workers’ compensation system is funded through premiums that employers pay,” says Travis County prosecutor Jessica Bergeman. “The system relies on the integrity of all who participate to ensure that workers’ compensation is viable and able to protect injured workers.”
Hall originally grabbed national attention in 2013 after being found guilty of killing her husband, Bill Hall Jr., when she chased after him on a rural stretch of 1604, then hit him with her SUV.
She also injured his mistress. In fact, at the time of the fatal crash, Hall was chasing the mistress, Bonnie Contreras.
She was later released from prison in 2016 after serving a short sentence.
If Hall is convicted of insurance fraud, she could face up to life in prison and a $10,000 fine, DWC said. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/frances-hall-facing-prison-time-for-insurance-fraud-crime/273-1336691c-845f-49c9-bc45-a20905c2035c | 2022-08-05T20:29:30 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/frances-hall-facing-prison-time-for-insurance-fraud-crime/273-1336691c-845f-49c9-bc45-a20905c2035c |
Several North Texas school districts are heading back to class over the next two weeks.
That means parents are already having to get their kids out of the habit of sleeping in and into waking up early again.
But there's a warning doctors have for parents when it comes to children getting enough sleep.
“I think a lot of families, unfortunately, wait until it's the last minute like the weekend before school starts to try to start shifting their schedules,” said Dr. Michelle Caraballo, a sleep medicine specialist with Children’s Health and an Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern. "If you try to put your child to bed at 9 p.m. after they've been going to bed at midnight for the last two months, they probably just won't sleep."
If you haven't started shifting your child's sleep schedule yet, doctors tell me now is the time.
"If your child's goal bedtime for the school year is 8 p.m. and over the summer they've been going to bed at midnight, we would suggest starting to shift back by about 15 to 30 minutes, every couple of nights. That’s about all your body can easily adjust to,” said Dr. Caraballo. “So tonight, make their bedtime 11:30 and then give them a couple of nights to adjust to that and then make it 11 o'clock and give them a couple of nights to address."
She says it can take several days to even up to a couple of weeks to shift the schedule back. The transition can be especially tough for teenagers.
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But there are a number of things parents can do right now to smoothly help kids get back on schedule.
If you have at least a few days or a week to prepare, start waking them up earlier in the morning so they'll be more tired by nighttime.
"As you shift their bedtime earlier and earlier also shift their wake time earlier and earlier. Even if that means getting them up before their bodies are naturally ready,” said Dr. Caraballo.
Avoid naps, if possible, for those 5 years of age and older.
“Because when you nap in the middle of the day, that sort of recharges your battery so to speak, and then you won't be tired at the goal bedtime,” said Dr. Caraballo. “You also have to enforce the no napping after school because if they come home – and most kids don't get home from school till three 3 or 4 o'clock – that's pretty late in the day to be taking a nap. So if they're napping, they're not going to get back in their regular schedule."
And keep electronics and social media scrolling out of the bedroom.
"I think it needs to be earlier in the evening, after school or after work. And then that hour before bedtime, I try to be really fiercely protective of that. It's not a time to be on your electronic devices,” said Dr. Caraballo. "The light, the noise – whatever it is that they're engaging in, as these are all stimulating activities, they really don't help the brain unwind and get relaxed and ready for bed."
So how much sleep does your child need?
Doctors say elementary kids need about 10 to 12 hours of sleep. By age 10 or 11, parents should aim for children getting about 10 hours of sleep.
Teenagers should aim for 7 to 9 hours but this age group often struggles with sleeping very little during the week and trying to “make up for it” on the weekends.
Sleep deprivation will also make it harder for students to learn. Here are some key things doctors say parents need to keep an eye out for in all ages right now:
- Hard for the child to wake up in the morning
- Child is sleeping in the car, bus or class
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Loss of interest
- Moodiness
- Behavior issues
- Hyperactivity (especially in young children)
If teachers see these issues happen every day at school, it should be reported to parents.
If you need guidance for your child, consult your pediatrician or visit the National Sleep Foundation website for more information. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/how-to-transition-kids-from-summer-break-to-school-sleep-schedule-this-month/3041431/ | 2022-08-05T20:30:39 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/how-to-transition-kids-from-summer-break-to-school-sleep-schedule-this-month/3041431/ |
On Friday the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation announced the six Richard Greene Scholars selected to receive $10,000 scholarships and represent each Arlington ISD high school in an internship program beginning their senior year.
The Richard Greene Scholars Program, named after the former Arlington mayor, was established in 1997 as a collaborative effort between the city and school district to pay tribute to the mayor that led the campaign to keep the Rangers in Arlington, the team said in a press release.
The scholars for the 2022-2023 school year are as follows: Emily Buchele (Lamar High School), Alexis Chukwunyere (Seguin High School), Brett Hoelscher (Arlington High School), Zoey Jackson (Martin High School), Cindy Luu (Bowie High School), and Maite Marin (Sam Houston High School).
The six students will be recognized during the pre-game ceremony on Saturday before the Rangers take on the White Sox at 6:05 p.m.
Over the past 25 years, the program has provided more than $1.3 million in college scholarships to 138 Arlington ISD students along with internships with organizations such as the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the Tarrant County Commissioners Court.
The team said that in 2018, the Richard Greene Scholars Program was recognized by the MLB, winning the Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence.
To learn more about the program, visit texasrangers.com/youtheducation. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/rangers-award-six-arlington-students-10000-scholarships/3041559/ | 2022-08-05T20:30:45 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/rangers-award-six-arlington-students-10000-scholarships/3041559/ |
The Pentagon rejected a request from the District of Columbia seeking National Guard assistance in what the mayor has called a "growing humanitarian crisis" prompted by thousands of migrants being bused to the city from two southern states.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin declined to provide Guard personnel and the use of the D.C. Armory to assist with the reception of migrants into the city, according to U.S. defense officials.
One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a decision not yet made public, said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency's food and shelter program has provided funding for the problem, and has indicated those funds are sufficient.
Muriel Bowser, the district's Democratic mayor, formally asked the White House last month for an open-ended deployment of 150 National Guard members per day as well as a "suitable federal location" for a mass housing and processing center, mentioning the D.C. Armory as a logical candidate.
The crisis began in spring when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, both Republicans, announced plans to send busloads of migrants to Washington, D.C., in response to President Joe Biden's decision to lift a pandemic-era emergency health order that restricted migrant entry numbers.
Since then the city estimates that as many as 200 buses have arrived, delivering more than 4,000 migrants to Union Station, often with no resources and no clue what to do next.
A coalition of local charitable groups has been working to feed and shelter the migrants, aided by a $1 million grant from FEMA. But organizers have been warning that both their resources and personnel were nearing exhaustion.
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"This reliance on NGOs is not working and is unsustainable -- they are overwhelmed and underfunded," Bowser said in her letter. She has repeatedly stated that the influx is stressing her government's ability to care for its own homeless residents and now requires a federal response.
Bowser sharply criticized Abbott and Ducey, accusing them of "cruel political gamesmanship" and saying the pair had "decided to use desperate people to score political points."
The mayor does not have the authority to personally order a National Guard deployment, an issue that has become emotionally charged in recent years as a symbol of the district's entrenched status as less than a state.
Her limited authority played a role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump. When it became clear that Capitol Police were overmatched by the crowds, Bowser couldn't immediately deploy the district guard. Instead, crucial time was lost while the request was considered inside the Pentagon, and protesters rampaged through the building. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/pentagon-denies-d-c-request-for-national-guard-help-with-migrants-from-texas-arizona/3041409/ | 2022-08-05T20:30:53 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/pentagon-denies-d-c-request-for-national-guard-help-with-migrants-from-texas-arizona/3041409/ |
Festival lineups have always catered to the mainstream. When it comes to the flyer, at least, it seems the big headliners are always the draw, and anyone with size 14 text or smaller isn't considered culturally important enough to spend hundreds of dollars to see. I think we’ve all come to terms with this festival logic.
So when the Outside Lands lineup was announced, I was both shocked that I could only recognize one Bay Area rapper on the ticket. How does the Bay Area’s biggest festival not include more rap talent from the area, especially when there’s so much? Sure, Green Day is cool, but so is Too Short. So is E-40. So where are all the Bay Area rappers and why aren’t they headliners?
The short answer is that the demographics of the bay have changed. Another short answer is that Bay Area rap has always been more local, and music festivals sell to the mainstreamers.
Enter Larry June. As far as I can tell, he’s the only Bay Area rapper on the ticket. (Editor's note: Symba, who is also performing at Outside Lands, was born in the Bay Area, but his festival bio describes him as "Los Angeles-based.")
Larry makes the kind of music that Mac Dre would co-sign and Drake would inevitably “borrow” for a verse at some point. June raps about his real life and the lessons he learns along the way. Whether he’s pushing green juice, financial stability or just discussing his many female friends, he has a way of taking the listener with him on the journey of an authentic bay life. Neither he nor his followers want it any other way.
I sat down with him to ask about what it means to perform at Outside Lands, a festival that doesn't necessarily do enough to promote local rappers, about what it means to carry the mantle of the Rap Gods who came before him, and what the future of Bay Area rap looks like, demographics be damned.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
SFGATE: Where do you consider yourself from specifically?
Larry June: San Francisco, that's where I was born. Only went to Vallejo for one year. I spent time in HP. I’m still in San Francisco now. Sorry, I know I’m boring.
SFGATE: As a local, where can people find you out in the city?
June: Honeybear Boba. Reno’s Liquor. Getting some calamari very peacefully. Honestly, I be biking and s—t. Recording music. Hanging with my female friends. Now that I’m 31, I’m so out the loop. Got my son full-time, so I do dad s—t.
SFGATE: As the only bay rapper on the outside lands ticket, how does that make you feel?
I mean I think it's super dope man. I worked a long time to get where I'm at. I know about the Bay Area hip-hop scene, and we don't get a lot of love like that, even for home-based things. They gave me a great set time. They showed a lot of love, and it makes me feel like everything I’ve been doing is paying off.
But I think Outside Lands, from what I know of it, is kind of catered to a whole different crowd anyway. Maybe they think the Bay Area rap is overdone. I’m so out of the loop. It's a whole new wave of music. The Bay Area is tricky when it comes to music, and I always wondered why there's not a lot going on hip-hop-wise here? So it's hard to say this should be one way, and then when something big does happen [for Bay Area rap], it might get shot up or something. It’s a lot of politics, man. I don't do politics. I just do me.
SFGATE: One thing I don't like about the bay is that people feel entitled. People think they are from somewhere, so they should be on. That kind of goes with the set times and people wanting to book you.
June: I’m one of the biggest artists in the bay and I don't even get radio play. I don't depend on that. It is what it is. Build your own thing up, and the money will come and you got to keep rocking. I would prefer it any other way.
SFGATE: How important is it to perform as Outside Lands?
June: It’s in my city, and I'm promoting the album right now, so why not? I'm not dying to do festivals, though. I don't care if there's 100 people in my set, I just keep pushing. I don't even care about set times or whatever, I just do my thing and go home.
I just understand the path that I’m on. I don't feel like a festival is going to make or break me. I'm very thankful for the opportunity, but I know that no one is going to make it happen but me. It won't be a festival, a radio or blog. I put in the ground work. If you blow up in the streets and make it happen in the streets, they're going to find you. They want to get whatever is hot in the streets.
SFGATE: Why should people stop and see your set?
My stage will be very dope. The show’s going to be amazing. A healthy and organic experience. Festivals are different, though. We did a solo show in Chicago that sold out in one day. We do Lollapalooza and it's way different. It’s going to be dope, but different.
I think it's cool when people don't know who I am. It's the fun part when people don't know who I am. I can walk in and leave with 200 more fans and that's the beauty of it. I don't even know what kind of people are going to be there. I just want to put on a good show and get back to the bag.
SFGATE: Where do you see the future of bay rap going?
June: I think anything is possible. I think there's going to be a new wave of young artists and someone is going mainstream. There’s a lot of talent in the Bay Area. And me, I'm a part of this, but I definitely think it can be a mainstream thing. The mainstream is definitely watching. The bay has always been a talented place. People come here to get ideas for their own stuff from what I see.
It's not a real industry here as far as music. It's like a techie world, and musically in the streets, so it's hard for people to grow. Maneuvering through the Bay Area is very tricky. It's why I avoid talking about certain things. It's all about how you move. | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/larry-june-outside-lands-interview-17354517.php | 2022-08-05T20:31:05 | 1 | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/larry-june-outside-lands-interview-17354517.php |
According to San Francisco bag makers Peak Design, the hottest neighborhood in San Francisco is Austin, Texas.
The 3-minute video begins by describing Austin as "nestled on San Francisco's southeast side," then Peak Design creative director Lawrence P. Lander (whose LinkedIn says he is an Austin resident) proceeds to give a tour of the Texas city that has seen an extraordinary influx of Bay Area residents in recent years.
The video shows Lander wandering around Austin, "San Francisco's hottest neighborhood," repeatedly referencing the city's "burgeoning crypto scene" with punch lines about how visitors should wait to "buy the dip" before shopping for cowboy boots. He hits up local landmarks like the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, which crosses over Lady Bird Lake (aka Town Lake to locals), which he points to when describing Austin as "the city by the bay." In another fun moment, the 360 Bridge is labeled the Golden Gate Bridge.
Sonic Drive-In, Dairy Queen and Whataburger get shouted out as local restaurants (to be fair, Whataburger does count). Lander also makes fun of the many, many scooters littering the city's landscape with an excellent "Friday Night Lights" quote ("clear eyes, full charge, can't lose"). In perhaps the most offensive moment of the video, he takes a swig of Lone Star and spits it out, an unnecessary insult to the National Beer of Texas.
Watch the full video below. | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/sf-austin-fake-travel-video-17354473.php | 2022-08-05T20:31:11 | 1 | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/sf-austin-fake-travel-video-17354473.php |
CLEWISTON, Fla. – Noella, the puppy that was thrown from a moving car in Clewiston, has been adopted.
Her adopter was excited to meet her after hearing about her situation on the news, according to the Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police search for person who threw puppy out of vehicle and onto Clewiston street
A concerned citizen contacted the Clewiston Police Department after witnessing Noella being thrown from a moving maroon Kia on July 22nd. She was taken to the Furry Friends where she was treated for fleas, ticks and bite marks on her face.
Clewiston Police believe she might have been involved in dog fighting.
Authorities are still looking for information involving Noella. Any tips can be submitted to SWFL Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-780-TIPS, or by submitting an anonymous tip online at southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/05/clewiston-puppy-thrown-from-moving-car-adopted/ | 2022-08-05T20:35:50 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/05/clewiston-puppy-thrown-from-moving-car-adopted/ |
COLIER COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has issues a missing child alert for a 17-year-old girl from Collier County.
Octavia Joseph was last seen in the area of the 2600 block of Horseshoe Drive South in Naples.
She was last seen wearing a white t-shirt that had “ninjas floss better” on it. She was also wearing green shorts and black slippers.
Joseph might be traveling in a silver Toyota corolla with a red bumper.
If you have any information you are asked to contact FDLE, or the Naples Police and Emergency Services Department at 239-213-4844. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/05/missing-child-alert-issues-for-naples-teen/ | 2022-08-05T20:35:56 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/05/missing-child-alert-issues-for-naples-teen/ |
MASON COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — One person is dead following an ATV crash on Lieving Road in Letart.
The Mason County Sheriff’s Office says a 53-year-old man died as a result of the crash. Their name has not been released at this time.
They say only the ATV was the only vehicle involved. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/fatal-atv-crash-reported-in-mason-county/ | 2022-08-05T20:38:47 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/fatal-atv-crash-reported-in-mason-county/ |
DALLAS — It's hot, really hot.
So hot, in fact, with little rain coming our way that drought conditions have worsened, causing cities in the DFW area to enact water restrictions.
We wanted to help keep track of which cities in our area have these designations. Here is a list (WFAA has reached out to surrounding communities and we'll update the list as we learn of/are notified of more):
Stage 2
- Cleburne
- The city of Cleburne announced on Aug. 5 it had moved from Stage 1 to Stage 2 drought response in its Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan. The Stage 2 drought response, effective Aug. 8, includes additional irrigation restrictions for residential and non-residential operations. During Stage 2, non-essential water is prohibited. Non-essential is defined as washing house windows, siding, eaves and roof with a hose without the use of a bucket and a hose cutoff valve; washing driveways, streets, curbs and gutters; washing vehicles without a hose cutoff valve and bucket; draining filling swimming pools; and flushing water systems. Outdoor unattended use of water (sprinkling of landscape vegetation) will be permitted only one day each week from March through October and only within the designated hours. No watering is allowed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The single watering day schedule for unattended irrigation is as follows: Friday for non-residential sites (apartments, businesses, parks, common areas), Saturday residential addresses ending in even numbers and Sunday residential addresses ending in odd numbers.
- Violators may be subject to penalties up to $500. Community members can report violations by calling 817-645-0977.
- For more information about water conservation and tips to reduce water use at your home, visit WaterIsAwesome.com.
- DeSoto
- The city of DeSoto announced on Aug. 5 it had moved to Stage 2 restrictions under the City’s Drought Contingency Plan. Stage 2 restrictions include mandatory reductions in residential and business irrigation systems as well as additional restrictions.
- DeSoto Water customers using automatic irrigation systems or hose-end sprinklers outdoors to water their lawns and landscaped areas will be limited during Stage 2 to watering once every five (5) days between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Permitted days will be based on the last digit of their street address. The following watering schedule shows which days watering will be allowed depending on the last digit of their street address:
- Last digit 0 and 5: 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th and 30th
- Last digit 1 and 6: 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, 26th
- Last digit 2 and 7: 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd, 27th
- Last digit 3 and 8: 3rd, 8th, 13th, 18th, 23rd, 28th
- Last digit 4 and 9: 4th 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th, 29th
- ***No watering on the 31st***
- Residents are permitted to water their lawns and landscaping with a handheld hose, watering container, or a drip system (IE: Soaker Hose) without penalty; however, the City requests that reasonable efforts are made to curtail non-essential usage.
- Residential hand-washing of cars or other vehicles is prohibited except on designated watering days between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Other non-essential water uses that are prohibited under Stage 2 restrictions include washing down sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or other hard-surfaced areas; using water for dust control; operating an ornamental fountain or pond that is not designed to recirculate water, and hosing down buildings or structures unless there is a fire protection benefit.
- Violators could face fines not to exceed $2,000 for each offense.
- To view the City of DeSoto’s Drought Contingency Plan and all of the restrictions that are put in place under Stage 2 visit our homepage at www.desototexas.gov.
Stage 1
- Carrollton
- The city of Carrollton said, effective Aug. 8, it will move into Stage 1 of its Drought Contingency Plan. In Stage 1, property owners or their tenants are not to water their lawns during the peak water usage hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Watering during the heat of the day depletes the City’s water supply and has a minimal effect on landscape because water is lost to evaporation from heat and wind. A mandatory landscape watering schedule will go into effect on Monday, August 8 including a two-days-per-week maximum for watering only from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.
- Guidelines for Stage 1 watering using automatic irrigation systems: If the last digit of the property address is an odd number, water on Saturdays and Wednesdays. If the last digit of the property address is an even number, water on Sundays and Thursdays. If the property is a non-residential (commercial, industrial, common areas, and parks), water on Tuesdays and Fridays. There will be no watering on Mondays.
- Enforcement actions for Carrollton’s Stage 1 Drought/Emergency Response Stages are as follows: On the first violation, a customer will be given a written notice of the mandatory water use restrictions. On the second and subsequent violations, citations may be issued to customers with fines not to exceed $2,000 per day. After two violations have occurred, the City may install a flow restrictor in the line to limit the amount of water that may pass through the meter in a 24-hour period. After three violations, the City may terminate water service to the customer.
- For more information on water conservation, call (972)466-3120, or visit cityofcarrollton.com/water.
More Texas headlines: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dfw-area-cities-water-restrictions-list/287-64afd0a8-79f2-4b35-8422-bebfa9c45d1c | 2022-08-05T20:43:32 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dfw-area-cities-water-restrictions-list/287-64afd0a8-79f2-4b35-8422-bebfa9c45d1c |
DALLAS — City of Dallas officials on Friday released their proposed budget for the fiscal year of 2022-2023, which begins Oct. 1.
As it stands, property taxes, police staffing and housing are all key priorities in Mayor Eric Johnson and City Manager T.C. Broadnax's proposal for the upcoming year.
Before it can be put into place, the budget -- totaling around $4.5 billion, up from $4.3 billion last year -- will have to be approved by the city council, which typically makes its final decision and approval in September.
Of the $4.5 billion in the budget, about $1.71 billion will make up the general fund -- up about 11%, or around $172 million, from last year.
"We're trying to make impactful decisions that are not only sustainable, but I think speak to the values and the desires of many people in the community," Broadnax said in a news conference on Thursday.
In backing their plan, both Broadnax and Johnson have pointed to a proposed reduction in the city's property tax rate -- from 77.33 cents to 74.58 cents per $100 valuation, a 2.75-cent decrease.
"We believe that that is significant," Broadnax said. "And, I think worthy, given the times we’re in, particularly given the property tax value growth people have experienced."
Ultimately, the city council will decide whether to approve or modify the proposed budget.
Here are several key takeaways on how the city plans to spend around $4.51 billion, according to the proposed plan.
Property taxes
The budget proposal finds the city lowering its property tax rate by 2.75 cents, from 77.33 to 74.58 cents per $100 valuation.
Mayor Eric Johnson called it the "largest single-year tax-rate reduction in modern Dallas history."
"I have been unequivocal that the top two priorities for this year’s budget should be public safety and tax relief for our city’s homeowners, renters and businesses," Johnson said. "I am pleased that the Dallas City Council will now have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to these same priorities by investing in making our neighborhoods safer while also delivering the largest single-year tax-rate reduction in modern Dallas history."
Police staffing
The city plans to hire 250 police officers and "invest in retention strategies," including "market-based compensation" for officers under the city's agreement with the Dallas Police Association union.
A large portion of the increase in the general fund -- about $70 million -- will be put toward police staffing and retention, Broadnax said.
Part of the retention strategy will include a retention bonus program and sick leave payout.
The proposal also includes plans to spend about $40 million to "equip first responders with the tools necessary to protect the community, including equipment and technology investments."
Arts, Culture, Quality of Life
The proposal also finds the city spending about $1.6 million to increase total library hours from 1,200 per week to 1,326 per week
It also includes expanding "proactive illegal dumping teams" to focus on cleaning up trash around library facilities.
The proposal further involves the addition of five positions to create a "Loose Dog Operations Team" in the wake of several high-profile dog attacks in the city.
Housing and homelessness
The proposed budget includes an effort toward housing 2,700 people by the fall of 2023 through the Dallas R.E.A.L Time Rapid Rehousing efforts.
Part of this effort would include establishing an "Emerging Developers Fund" to give organizations "funding resources to advance affordable housing."
Expanding outreach teams to the people without homes and providing more shelter for people in extreme temperatures are also included in the budget proposal.
Transportation and Infrastructure
The proposed budget would have the city spend $157.3 million on city sidewalks, streets, alleys and bridges.
Other proposed infrastructure expenses include: awarding contracts for the installation of about 75 miles of water and wastewater lines; repairing city-owned buildings with up to $9.5 million in funding; and spending almost $70 million to buy and replace city vehicles.
Building permit process
Part of the city's economic development plans include an effort to "reform the City's building permit process and improve the customers' experience."
The city has had a backlog of permit applications in recent years.
Part of the proposed "reform" includes hiring a customer service "meet and greet" team that would help people check on the status of their permit application, Broadnax said.
The city also proposes hiring more permitting clerks and support to help with technical issues, according to the proposed budget. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/how-dallas-wants-to-spend-45-billion-on-2022-2023-proposed-budget/287-4eae1f60-263a-4934-a8c2-009b3be8d9b3 | 2022-08-05T20:43:38 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/how-dallas-wants-to-spend-45-billion-on-2022-2023-proposed-budget/287-4eae1f60-263a-4934-a8c2-009b3be8d9b3 |
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. — The first migrant bus to travel from Texas to New York City arrived at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on Friday morning, Gov. Greg Abbott announced.
In April, Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to charter buses carrying migrants from Texas to Washington, D.C. The governor said Texas had become overwhelmed by open border policies.
Until now, those buses only took migrants to Washington, D.C., but now, migrants will travel to both D.C. and New York City.
In New York City, right to housing laws mean the area "is required to provide emergency shelter for every unhoused person," according to a release from Abbott's office.
"In addition to Washington, D.C., New York City is the ideal destination for these migrants, who can receive the abundance of city services and housing that Mayor Eric Adams has boasted about within the sanctuary city," Abbott said in a statement. "I hope he follows through on his promise of welcoming all migrants with open arms so that our overrun and overwhelmed border towns can find relief."
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/abbott-migrant-bus-new-york-city/269-b192b26f-d5da-434a-82c8-95065c3d3a7d | 2022-08-05T20:43:46 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/abbott-migrant-bus-new-york-city/269-b192b26f-d5da-434a-82c8-95065c3d3a7d |
WASHINGTON CO., Va. (WJHL)- After 13 years in the restaurant business and changes brought on by the pandemic, Santiago Figaredo made a big change of his own by taking his talents on the road, literally.
“We did a lot of research on the food truck industry, and we realized it’s one of the main growing businesses around the country,” said Figaredo.
His truck, Mexican Street Food – San Taco, first started serving up the Tri-Cities in February, and what they’re serving up is something different for this area.
“We do a lot of authentic Mexican street foods, we do everything on soft tortillas, everything is fresh and homemade and we cook from scratch,” he said.
It’s delicious food with an even tastier following, according to Figaredo.
“We have an Instagram and Facebook page, and that’s what is running today that people like to see and follow and see where you’re going to be and if it’s close to their location,” he said. “We get surprised about how many people just show up and support it and it’s amazing, the support of the community.”
However, with every new venture comes a learning curve. He said although he’s experiencing one as well with this new food truck, he’s taken it head-on.
“We’re learning, it’s a learning experience for everybody,” said Figaredo. “I travel quite a bit, and I get to see different cities, and it’s amazing to see more often than you see more food trucks all over, it’s just incredible.”
He said he tries to appeal to everyone with his truck by providing a variety of fresh meats, ranging from real meat to gluten-free and veggie options, he said he loves cooking all of it. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/first-at-four/food-truck-friday-mexican-street-food-san-taco/ | 2022-08-05T20:46:45 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/first-at-four/food-truck-friday-mexican-street-food-san-taco/ |
TAMPA, Fla — Police in Tampa said a young woman drove off in a stolen car with an 11-month-old baby inside of it Friday afternoon.
It happened around 4 p.m. by Siesta Court and N. Armenia Avenue. Police found a 2011 black Kia Optima about a mile away near N. Jamaican Street and W. Wilder Avenue with the infant still inside. The baby appeared hot but in good shape, a spokesperson for Tampa Police Department reports.
The child was sent to St. Joseph's Children's Hospital to be checked out and was reunited with their mother.
At this time, police say they're not sure how the person was able to steal the car. Authorities are conducting a search for the young woman near where the car was found.
According to police, the person in question is either in their late teen years or early twenties and was reported wearing a black jacket or a long-sleeved shirt with light-colored shorts.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/tampa-woman-steals-car-baby-inside/67-c6158163-f33e-4f5f-b9ca-e3070f4eee08 | 2022-08-05T20:51:51 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/tampa-woman-steals-car-baby-inside/67-c6158163-f33e-4f5f-b9ca-e3070f4eee08 |
MERIDIAN, Idaho — For the first time in 2022, the Ada County Mosquito Abatement District on Friday confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes.
The samples of mosquitoes that tested positive were collected near North Five Mile Road and West Nazareth Way (just south of McMillan) in Boise and East Deer Flat Road and South Cloverdale Road in Kuna.
Mosquitoes collected in late July in Elmore and Payette counties also tested positive for West Nile.
West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted through mosquitoes to people and large animals, including livestock. It's not typically spread through person-to-person contact.
Truck-mounted mosquito abatement treatments have begun in the areas surrounding the detection sites. The Ada County Mosquito Abatement District will continue to monitor and treat mosquito populations throughout the district to control mosquito populations and prevent West Nile from being transmitted to humans and livestock.
Ada is the third county in Idaho where West Nile has been detected this year in mosquitoes. No human cases of West Nile have been reported so far. 16 people in Idaho were infected with the virus in 2021.
To help prevent the spread of West Nile virus, the following precautions are recommended:
- Drain or pump standing water weekly from flowerpots, planter bases, bird baths, toys, cans, gutters, pet dishes, buckets and old tires.
- Ensure screen doors and windows are tight-fitting and in good condition.
- Avoid overwatering your lawn or other landscaping.
- Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk. Those are the times when mosquitoes that transmit West Nile are most active. If you need to be outside around dawn or dusk, dress in long-sleeve shirts and long pants, preferably in light colors.
- Apply insect repellent following label instructions.
West Nile season tends to run mid to late summer. In 2021, Ada County's first positive test pool occurred on July 27 and the final discovery was on Sept. 15.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/west-nile-virus-found-in-mosquitoes-in-ada-county-five-mile-nazareth-deer-flat-cloverdale-boise-kuna/277-acf3f360-8b1b-4735-806c-f4aea9e3db90 | 2022-08-05T20:53:20 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/west-nile-virus-found-in-mosquitoes-in-ada-county-five-mile-nazareth-deer-flat-cloverdale-boise-kuna/277-acf3f360-8b1b-4735-806c-f4aea9e3db90 |
PORTHILL, Idaho — A grizzly bear thought to be behind a series of recent attacks on livestock in the region was euthanized Thursday, as reported by KREM 2 News partner the Coeur d'Alene/Post Falls Press.
Idaho Fish and Game officials, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, euthanized the large adult male grizzly bear in Boundary County near the town of Porthill.
Grizzly bears in Idaho are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act, so any management action is done in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
There has been a series of livestock losses due to grizzly bears this spring and summer, T.J. Ross, regional communications manager for Idaho Fish and Game, said in a press release.
The decision was made following a Tuesday attack on a half-dozen sheep near Porthill. Four of the animals were killed and another two injured. Upon further investigation by IFG conservation officers, the bear was confirmed to be a grizzly.
Traps were set to capture the bear that night, but although the bear returned to the area, Ross said the bear did not enter the trap. However, the bear did kill an additional sheep on Wednesday, Aug. 3.
The traps remained set and all additional livestock were corralled in a temporary electric fence to try and prevent additional livestock loss, Ross said.
The bear again returned overnight Wednesday and, this time, was successfully trapped.
"Due to the bear’s repeated behaviors of killing livestock within close proximity of a home, the bear was euthanized after it was captured," Ross said in the press release. "The decision was made with consideration for the safety of people and property."
The August attacks were the latest in which residents in Bonner and Boundary counties lost livestock.
On June 28, a domestic pig was killed by a grizzly bear near Elmira and the following night, four goats were killed on a nearby property. While the species of the bear responsible for June 29 attack could not be confirmed, IDFG officials said last month that “given the close proximity to the previous attack, it is likely the same grizzly bear.”
The Bonner County attacks follow a Boundary County incident in which a domestic pig was killed by a grizzly near Good Grief just south of the Canadian border on June 24.
Neither the location in Good Grief, just south of the Canadian border, on June 24; nor the locations in Elmira on June 28-29 had electric fences. Almost all incidents with bears and livestock are due to no electric fence and feed being left out.
"Bears learn behaviors quickly, especially related to gaining access to easy food sources," Ross said. "The series of grizzly bear and livestock encounters in North Idaho this spring and summer is a reminder of that."
In the wake of the recent livestock attacks, IDFG officials said it is important for farmers and hobby farmers to understand the necessity of electric fences to keep out predators.
In addition, attractants such as trash, animal carcasses, compost, food and beehives should also be properly disposed of. Food and pet food should be securely stored in a bear-resistant location and pet food should be secured.
Outdoor recreationists should also be bear aware, taking care not to interrupt bear activities, and not hiking alone. Bear spray should be carried at all times and residents should take time to learn the difference between defensive and predatory encouters — and how to respond in each situation.
Two IFG employees are largely dedicated to grizzly bear management and education in the region.
"The positions exist to respond to grizzly bear-human conflicts, work with landowners to prevent future bear conflicts and provide bear education and outreach," Ross said. "Both positions are based out of Boundary County, and as part of their program, supplies and support can be provided to the public for grizzly bear-human conflicts."
The Coeur d'Alene/Post Falls Press is a KREM 2 News partner. For more from our news partner, click here. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/grizzly-bear-euthanized-in-boundary-county-after-recent-livestock-attacks/293-9d128876-9447-4041-b315-1bb5fbf8f41f | 2022-08-05T20:53:26 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/grizzly-bear-euthanized-in-boundary-county-after-recent-livestock-attacks/293-9d128876-9447-4041-b315-1bb5fbf8f41f |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Sam Gooden, one of the original members of the Chicago soul group The Impressions and a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, has died. He was 87.
The Impressions formed in the 1950s after Gooden and brothers Richard and Arthur Brooks met Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler in Chicago. Butler sang baritone lead on their breakthrough record in 1958, the classic ballad “For Your Precious Love,” although many of their hits featured Mayfield’s tenor, with Gooden singing bass behind him.
The Impressions remained a top group in the 1960s, known for their gospel-styled harmonies and socially conscious songs. Mayfield helped write many of their hits, including the widely covered “People Get Ready,” along with “Gypsy Woman,” “Keep on Pushing,” “It’s All Right” and “We’re A Winner.” They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Seven years later, “People Get Ready” was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Mayfield left the group in 1970 for a solo career, although he continued to write and help produce for The Impressions. Gooden and fellow Chattanoogan Fred Cash continued to sing as The Impressions along with other lead singers, including Leroy Hutson. They toured until 2018. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/sam-gooden-founding-member-of-the-impressions-has-died/2022/08/05/144155a2-14ff-11ed-8482-06c1c84ce8f2_story.html | 2022-08-05T20:57:32 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/sam-gooden-founding-member-of-the-impressions-has-died/2022/08/05/144155a2-14ff-11ed-8482-06c1c84ce8f2_story.html |
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A teen was sentenced Friday to 10 years behind bars for shooting and wounding two fellow students at a Virginia high school last year.
The teen was 15 at the time of the shooting at Heritage High School in Newport News, a shipbuilding town near the Atlantic Coast.
“I can’t ignore that he brought a gun to school, got into an altercation, and decided to pull the gun out, shot it many times, hitting these two victims,” Papile said in court.
Noting that the teen fired the shots in a crowded hallway, the judge said he was “flabbergasted that it wasn’t much worse.”
A 17-year-old student with whom the teen was fighting was shot at least three times, including in the side of his face. Another 17-year-old student, an innocent bystander who was running away, was struck in her leg. Both students have recovered from their wounds, according to court documents.
Prosecutors had asked the judge for a 10-year sentence, while public defenders requested five years in a juvenile detention center.
The judge noted that the teen had already been charged with shooting someone else — and had pleaded guilty — at the time of the shooting at the high school.
“It wasn’t the first time he had taken out a gun and shot somebody,” Papile said. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/teen-gets-10-years-for-shooting-wounding-2-at-high-school/2022/08/05/25854874-14fe-11ed-8482-06c1c84ce8f2_story.html | 2022-08-05T20:57:38 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/teen-gets-10-years-for-shooting-wounding-2-at-high-school/2022/08/05/25854874-14fe-11ed-8482-06c1c84ce8f2_story.html |
VAN BUREN, Ark. — Some residents in the River Valley woke up Friday, Aug. 5, without water.
According to Van Buren utilities director Steve Dufresne, residents north of Interstate 40 along Highway 59 in Crawford County are experiencing a water outage. Customers in Van Buren, Cedarville and Rudy share the same water system and are all dealing with the outage.
Those at higher elevations are being affected the most.
Dufresne says there is not an exact count yet of how many people are without water. He says they are working to "re-valve" water from another source, but most of the surrounding communities get their water from Fort Smith. It's unclear when water will be restored to those without it.
The outage comes a day after Fort Smith residents were asked to conserve water due to maintenance and repair issues at the Lee Creek Water Treatment Plant.
A mechanical issue was first found Tuesday morning, Aug. 2, and the plant was shut down for repairs. During the maintenance, Lee Creek was still able to produce water using a "small backup system," while Lake Fort Smith increased its water production to continue providing clean drinking water to residents.
The maintenance needed to repair the second issue isn't projected by the city to be done until Monday, Aug. 8 with the plant being back to full-water production on Friday, Aug. 12.
No other information has been released at this time.
Stay with 5NEWS for updates on this developing story.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/crawford-county-water-outage/527-9b63069a-f2de-4283-810a-1bb5f41ad856 | 2022-08-05T21:05:49 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/crawford-county-water-outage/527-9b63069a-f2de-4283-810a-1bb5f41ad856 |
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Along Hamestring Creek, the complex has experienced frequent flooding in recent years.
“We’ve seen over the past really since about 2008. 2008, 2011, 2017, and now 22 so almost on a 5-year frequency,” said Chris Brown- Director of public works and city engineer
The flood in May left people homeless. one resident says he woke up to use the bathroom and realized he was walking in ankle-deep water.
“So I look out the window…that whole yard ain’t nothing but a lake and just like rushing in,” Joie Thomas-Millwood recalled.
On Aug. 2, the Fayetteville city council heard from a city engineer about potential flood mitigation measures for residences near the creek.
“There is an opportunity to purchase that property and take the buildings down to reduce that flooding hazard,” said Brown.
Director of public works Chris brown says the complex is in the FEMA floodway.
“The floodway is a smaller area within the floodplain that’s more highly regulated. You really don’t want to have any structures within the floodway….so these structures were in place before the FEMA program began,” said Brown.
The property’s sale price is $1.39 million dollars. the city plans to buy the land, demolish the apartments, and see what’s best for the area.
“Some of it could actually be in the channel or a part of the creek and there may be some residual property left and could be resold or could be turned into a park,” Brown explained.
Millwood agrees with the city’s plan and hopes it takes action because he doesn’t want anyone to experience what he went through.
“I got me a place, a roof over my head, I’m not homeless anymore, because I started having flashbacks….where am I going to go? And everything else,” Millwood said.
The city council will meet on August 16th, to finalize its decision on the property. As for Millwood, he’s living across the street at a friend’s house.
Brown also says if the city council does decide to purchase the property the closing process would happen as soon as possible. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/fayetteville-looking-demolish-apartment-complex-prevent-flooding/527-3a558409-0063-421e-8b85-17af722ae4cf | 2022-08-05T21:05:55 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/fayetteville-looking-demolish-apartment-complex-prevent-flooding/527-3a558409-0063-421e-8b85-17af722ae4cf |
SAVANNAH, Ga. — The white man who fatally shot Ahmaud Arbery after chasing the running Black man in a Georgia neighborhood says he fears he will be killed by fellow inmates if he's sent to a state prison to serve a life sentence for murder.
Travis McMichael, 36, faces sentencing Monday in U.S. District Court after his conviction on federal hate crime charges in February. His defense attorney filed a legal motion Thursday asking the judge to keep McMichael in federal custody.
Attorney Amy Lee Copeland argued McMichael has received “hundreds of threats” and won't be safe in a Georgia state prison system that is under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department amid concerns about violence between inmates.
On Feb. 23, 2020, McMichael and his father, Greg McMichael, armed themselves with guns and jumped in a pickup truck to chase Arbery after he ran past their home just outside the port city of Brunswick. A neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, joined the chase in his own truck and recorded cellphone video of Travis McMichael blasting Arbery with a shotgun.
The killing of Arbery became part of a larger national reckoning over racial injustice amid other high-profile killings of unarmed Black people including George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky.
In Georgia, the McMichaels and Bryan were sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of Arbery's murder in a state court last fall. They have remained in a county jail in custody of U.S. marshals since standing trial in February in federal court, where a jury convicted them of hate crimes. Each defendant now faces a potential second life sentence.
Once the men are sentenced Monday by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, protocol would be to turn them over the Georgia Department of Corrections to serve their prison terms for murder. That's because they were first arrested and tried by state authorities.
For Travis McMichael, “his concern is that he will promptly be killed upon delivery to the state prison system for service of that sentence,” Copeland wrote in her sentencing request. “He has received numerous threats of death that are credible in light of all circumstances.”
Copeland said she has alerted Georgia's corrections agency, “which has replied that these threats are unverified and that it can securely house McMichael in state custody.”
Greg McMichael, 66, has also asked the judge to put him in federal rather than state prison, citing safety concerns and health problems.
Arbery's family family has insisted the McMichaels and Bryan should serve their sentences in a state prison, arguing a federal penitentiary wouldn’t be as tough. His parents objected forcefully before the federal trial when both McMichaels sought a plea deal that would have included a request to transfer them to federal prison. The judge ended up rejecting the plea agreement.
“Granting these men their preferred choice of confinement would defeat me,” Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, told the judge at a hearing Jan. 31. “It gives them one last chance to spit in my face.”
A federal judge doesn't have the authority to order a state to relinquish its lawful custody of inmates to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, said Ed Tarver, an Augusta lawyer and former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
“She can certainly make that request," Tarver said of the judge, "and it would be up to the state Department of Corrections whether or not they agree to do that.”
Copeland's court filing refers to a prior agreement between the judge, prosecutors and defense attorneys to keep the McMichaels and Bryan in federal custody "through the completion of the federal trial and any post-trial proceedings.” She argued that means Travis McMichael should at least remain in federal custody through appeals of his hate crime conviction. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/lawyer-arbery-shooter-fears-hell-be-killed/85-f94695ca-1698-4430-aaa7-f2ba196069ca | 2022-08-05T21:06:02 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/lawyer-arbery-shooter-fears-hell-be-killed/85-f94695ca-1698-4430-aaa7-f2ba196069ca |
ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Round1 Bowling & Amusement opens Saturday at the Westfield Galleria in Roseville.
At Round1, visitors can expect to find bowling, arcade games, billiards, karaoke, and other activities in an indoor facility complex.
"We're excited to be a part of the largest city in Placer County and the thriving metropolitan area of Roseville. We hope to bring fun and a unique experience to the entire community and share in the community's vibrancy,” said Shane Kaji, Executive Vice President of Round1 in a statement.
The grand opening is Saturday at 10 a.m. and the first 300 customers can get a t-shirt while supplies last. Round1 is on the first floor of the mall near Macy's in part of the former Sears location. Cinemark Theatre occupies the upstairs.
The Roseville location includes two karaoke party rooms, eight bowling lanes, four pool tables and several arcade games. There is also a bar and food served there as well.
Round1 will be open from 10-12 a.m. daily. People can book a party room at the website and other activities are first come, first serve.
In California, Round1 has locations primarily in the Bay Area and Southern California. This is the first location in the Sacramento area, according to a map of the locations.
For a full list of stores and entertainment, visit the Galleria website.
Watch more on ABC10: Circus Vargas performs at the Galleria in Roseville | Here's what to expect | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/round1-roseville-galleria/103-bdb4148d-8f96-458f-81c1-dfaf86eb37cd | 2022-08-05T21:10:13 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/round1-roseville-galleria/103-bdb4148d-8f96-458f-81c1-dfaf86eb37cd |
PLEASANT PRAIRIE -- Families with foster and adopted children gathered on the shore of Lake Andrea Beach to enjoy inflatables, food and fun at the 1Hope Back to School Bash, which was sponsored by the Jockey Being Family Foundation
Community resources, family photo sessions and balloon animal demonstrations were available for families to enjoy. The event Thursday evening was designed to bring foster and adoptive families together as a community to prepare everyone for the school year.
"This is the first one we've ever done this," said Jake McGhee, the vice president and chief philanthropy officer at the Jockey Being Family Foundation. "It's really about celebrating these families and kids for all that they are doing, all that they've been through on their journey, and to really let them know we're here to support you as you keep going forward."
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Planning for the event started in February of 2021.
"Once we got through the branding and the logo and the artwork and the playbook and everything that it took to get the event (together), it still felt like a sprint even though it's been more than a year in the making," McGhee said. "It is really cool that it all came together."
Families could receive free custom-stitched backpacks filled with school supplies for children ages 5 to 14, plus free gift cards for backpacks and school supplies for high school-aged students.
"We were giving out gift cards for the older kids so they can get their own back packs," said Ray Knight, the board chair of 1Hope. "We didn't think that they would really be excited about wearing (the backpacks), so we wanted to give them the flexibility to purchase their own (back to school supplies)."
Knight said the families in attendance also received free tote bags with community resources.
Heather Connolly attended the event with her foster children after receiving emails from the Foster Care Network and the Foster Parents Association.
"The girls were a little nervous at first, but right now they're having a ball," Connolly said. "They got to go to this really cool Royal Kids Camp this summer with a lot of the same children." She said the girls were excepted to see which kids would be at the event.
Connolly said it was nice to come together as a community with other foster and adoptive families.
"I think it's just always really nice when you can get all the kids together and the parents (and) just bring in the community just to do something nice for the families," Connolly said. "I'm fortunate I have two girls from the same family, but some of the foster families have multiple kids from multiple families, so any help and support is great because you're trying to get school supplies and (other) things together."
McGhee said the event is important because, for adoption specifically, it is a lifelong event to celebrate.
"Getting together to celebrate and have a fun time is one part of it, but just knowing that it's not just a one-day event on Adoption Day to get adopted," McGhee said. "Families need support and help on all days." | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/back-to-school-bash-brings-foster-and-adoptive-families-together-for-fun-and-community-support/article_2b045faa-14e6-11ed-819e-1fd68d06ba63.html | 2022-08-05T21:10:17 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/back-to-school-bash-brings-foster-and-adoptive-families-together-for-fun-and-community-support/article_2b045faa-14e6-11ed-819e-1fd68d06ba63.html |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to summer travel whether it's construction, travelers, or young, inexperienced drivers.
The '100 Deadliest Days' is a name for the period between Memorial and Labor Day when the number of deadly crashes among teen drivers skyrockets.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a total of 7,124 people died nationwide in summertime crashes involving teens between 2011 and 2020. These numbers make up a little less than half of the total yearly numbers for teen-related crashes.
The numbers are going up. Aldo Vazquez, a spokesperson for AAA Northern California says in 2020, 850 people were killed in crashes like these. In 2019, that number was 716.
"When you look at this small time period, you're seeing more people dying during these couple of months than they do in the rest of the year when it comes to teens driving out there on the road," said Vazquez.
Lonnie George is the father of 19-year-old Matthew George, who died in a crash nearly 11 years ago.
"A whole life ahead of him. It was cut short because of someone’s choice that night," said George.
His son was leaving Paradise Beach along the American River with a group of seven people. George says the driver told the group he was ok to drive even though he was drunk.
"Have that rideshare app on your phone. It's a whole lot better getting home that way than coming home in an urn like our son did," said George.
Officer Williams works for California Highway Patrol in the Valley Division. She says summer is when most crashes happen, and they typically see DUI crashes between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
CHP has three maximum enforcement periods where they look out for dangerous driving.
"They’re looking for violators, speeders, distracted drivers, definitely looking for DUI," said Williams.
She says the number of crashes in Sacramento continues to increase.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the top cause of death for people ages 15-20 is motor vehicle crashes.
Locally, the latest data from CHP Valley Division shows that in 2021 between Memorial and Labor Day, there were a total of 7,566 crashes -- 113 of those were deadly. During that same period, there were around 1,673 DUI arrests.
Aldo Vazquez with AAA says the first line of defense for teaching kids safe driving habits is parents.
"Driving safely, following the speed limit, doing all these things, that's going to rub off on your kids, and they're going to be safer drivers because of you, and in turn, that's going to make everyone safer out there on the road," said Vazquez.
Lonnie George shared his advice, saying everyone should have a backup plan, stay alert on the roadways, and always speak up even if it's uncomfortable.
"Expect the unexpected because you don't know what could happen tomorrow," said George.
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► ABC10 On Demand: Get access to our local news, live programming and weather with the free ABC10 app for Roku and Amazon Fire TV. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/why-car-crashes-increase-during-the-summer/103-3f12221b-9567-4c4d-9435-aadf03be08f4 | 2022-08-05T21:10:19 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/why-car-crashes-increase-during-the-summer/103-3f12221b-9567-4c4d-9435-aadf03be08f4 |
A 48-year-old Lincoln man has been jailed on suspicion of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl.
Prosecutors charged Diego Carter Sr. on Friday with first-degree sexual assault of a child. At a brief court appearance, his bond was set at $750,000.
In court records, Investigator Jacob McCord said on July 24, the girl's father reported to police that she had disclosed sexual abuse committed by Carter starting a month earlier.
Carter allegedly provided the girl alcohol before the assaults, which are alleged to have occurred in Lincoln and Kansas City, Missouri.
In court records, police said two men beat, tortured and branded a 26-year-old Lincoln man in a warehouse, later tying him to a tree and threatening to kill him.
A Lincoln orthopedic surgeon was sentenced to probation in federal court Tuesday for writing fraudulent prescriptions to a patient, then buying back thousands of painkillers.
"He violated me and so many other underaged women. He did not have the right to do that," one woman, identified as Victim 4, said at Gregory Dightman Sr.'s sentencing.
Deputies noticed Brett Balak had "bloodshot and watery eyes" as he approached his vehicle that night, and later observed "a strong odor" of alcohol, according to court filings.
"It was at that moment ... I saw him with the gun in his hand," State Patrol Trooper Adam Strode said according to a transcript. "I honestly thought I was going to be shot."
The contents of the fire extinguisher are considered a skin irritant, forcing store employees to destroy the merchandise affected in the incident, which happened Sunday evening inside Gateway Mall.
"He was out enjoying himself on a walk, minding his own business, and I had absolutely no reason to approach him," Gabriel Sterling said first in an apology. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/48-year-old-lincoln-man-jailed-on-suspicion-of-sexually-abusing-12-year-old-girl/article_2cf23ba3-6779-5684-bd55-494aeaec250c.html | 2022-08-05T21:10:31 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/48-year-old-lincoln-man-jailed-on-suspicion-of-sexually-abusing-12-year-old-girl/article_2cf23ba3-6779-5684-bd55-494aeaec250c.html |
A 21-year-old Bellevue man was caught in Hickman early Friday with a defaced firearm, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office.
Capt. John Vik said just before 12:30 a.m., a BNSF Railway employee called to report a group of people walking along the train tracks near the city park in Hickman.
Deputies arrived to see spray-painted graffiti on the bridge and caught one of the suspected taggers, Ivan Torres. Vik said the others got away, but Torres had white paint on his hands and clothes and had a defaced handgun with him.
They arrested him on suspicion of criminal mischief and possession of a defaced firearm.
Vik said they've had a handful of other graffiti incidents reported in the Hickman area and are working to determine if the same group may be involved. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/deputies-arrest-21-year-old-for-graffiti-at-hickman-defaced-firearm/article_351aa0b1-1ba2-5e10-8526-10a60b4a4cb3.html | 2022-08-05T21:10:37 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/deputies-arrest-21-year-old-for-graffiti-at-hickman-defaced-firearm/article_351aa0b1-1ba2-5e10-8526-10a60b4a4cb3.html |
BRIDGETON — A city man retried for having sex with a child under 13 years old in the early 2000s was again found guilty, the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office said on Friday.
Pascual Matias, 53, was convicted of aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child on Thursday. Matias appealed a 2017 guilty verdict for the same charges and was granted a new trial, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Matias' new trial was heard by Judge Cristen P. D'Arrigo, starting with jury selection on July 12. Testimonies began July 28, the Prosecutor's Office said.
The charges stem from assaults that transpired from November 2006 to November 2009, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Police were told by officials at a city school that a student informed them they were sexually assaulted by their uncle. County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae previously said that the child was between ages 6 and 8 when the assaults occurred.
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On Friday, the Prosecutor's Office said the assaults happened in Bridgeton and Greenwich Township.
Matias was previously sentenced to 16 years in prison for the assaults. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law.
Matias is not currently listed in New Jersey's sex offender database.
After his retrial, he faces up to 20 years for his assault charge and up to five years for child endangerment, the Prosecutor's Office said.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 30. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/bridgeton-man-retried-for-child-sex-assaults-found-guilty/article_43414894-14d7-11ed-b278-5f18c5585cae.html | 2022-08-05T21:13:23 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/bridgeton-man-retried-for-child-sex-assaults-found-guilty/article_43414894-14d7-11ed-b278-5f18c5585cae.html |
WINSLOW TOWNSHIP — A missing man out of Camden County may be in the Atlantic City area, traveling there possibly by public transportation, police said.
Edward Bruce was last seen in the township's Sicklerville section on Thursday. He's 5-feet, 9-inches tall and weighs around 170 pounds, police said.
Police believe Bruce may have used NJ Transit since he does not drive a car.
Information about Bruce or his whereabouts should be directed to township police, at 609-567-0700. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/missing-camden-county-man-may-be-near-atlantic-city-police-say/article_72d93802-14f3-11ed-b014-83b115c7fe16.html | 2022-08-05T21:13:29 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/missing-camden-county-man-may-be-near-atlantic-city-police-say/article_72d93802-14f3-11ed-b014-83b115c7fe16.html |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Public Schools said it has a number of teacher vacancies to fill just five days away from the start of school.
As a result, the school district officials said they’re moving around personnel to help fill the gaps so that each classroom has a teacher.
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“Our numbers, as of yesterday, we’re at about 100 classroom teacher vacancies,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, the deputy and soon-to-be superintendent of Orange County Public Schools when Dr. Barbara Jenkins retires at the end of this year.
Vazquez spoke with News 6 in a one-on-one interview that will air this Sunday on The Weekly.
She said principals are working to fill the gaps with resource teachers or interventionists until they are able to hire more educators.
The district said of its 14,382 instructional staff, schools in the county are currently short about 100 teachers. A spokesperson for the district said that number is fluid as candidates are currently going through the hiring process.
The district said the goal is to be fully staffed by the first day of class on Aug. 10.
To find more information on vacant positions throughout the district, visit the Orange County Public Schools career page.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/05/orange-county-looking-to-fill-teacher-vacancies-ahead-of-1st-day-of-school/ | 2022-08-05T21:14:49 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/05/orange-county-looking-to-fill-teacher-vacancies-ahead-of-1st-day-of-school/ |
Health department warns of increased presence of West Nile Virus in Sarasota County
SARASOTA COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County advised residents on Friday of an increase in West Nile Virus activity in the county, after sentinel chickens tested positive for the virus.
The sentinel chickens that tested positive for West Nile Virus were in unincorporated areas of Sarasota County near North Port.
Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services has already conducted mosquito control treatments in the area.
Earlier:Sarasota County crews battle pesky mosquitos
In case you missed it:Sarasota County tax rate to dip, but many property owners will pay more
No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Sarasota County at this time, a news release from the health department stated. Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services and DOH-Sarasota continue surveillance and prevention efforts.
West Nile Virus affects the central nervous system and can cause serious illness. However, about 80% of people who become infected with the virus will not show any symptoms.
DOH-Sarasota reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.
Health department officials also advise residents to drain standing water receptacles and cover up as protection for mosquitos.
Rainwater can collect in garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers and old tires. Bird baths and pet water bowls should be cleaned once or twice a week.
Swimming pools should be maintained at appropriate chlorine levels and small plastic wading pools should be empty when not in use.
Wear shoes, socks and long plants, and use mosquito repellant to bare skin and clothing.
Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and IR3535 are effective.
Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
Some repellents are not suitable for children.
Products with concentrations of up to 30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are generally recommended.
Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or IR3535.
These products are generally available at local pharmacies.
Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age appropriate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child's skin and clothing.
If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer's directions.
Cover doors and windows with screens – and repair broken screens – to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
For answers to general questions about West Nile Virus, call the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota Epidemiology department at 941-861-2873. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2022/08/05/west-nile-virus-found-sentinel-chickens-sarasota-county/10246574002/ | 2022-08-05T21:19:09 | 0 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2022/08/05/west-nile-virus-found-sentinel-chickens-sarasota-county/10246574002/ |
SEATTLE — Amazon is the latest business to close one of its stores over "safety concerns" in downtown Seattle.
Amazon is temporarily closing its Amazon Go store at Fourth Avenue and Pike Street for "the safety of our store employees, customers, and third-party vendors."
Six other Amazon Go stores throughout Seattle have not been slated to close and will remain open. Employees from the Fourth Avenue and Pike Street location have been offered opportunities at other nearby stores, according to Amazon.
An Amazon spokesperson said the company hopes conditions improve in the area to reopen.
Multiple other stores in downtown Seattle have closed their locations due to ongoing "safety concerns."
Starbucks closed two "high-incident" locations on Fifth Avenue and on Pine Street on July 31 due to the ongoing crime concerns in the area.
Seattle's popular Piroshky Piroshky Bakery closed its Third Avenue location "until further notice" over "countless safety concerns" in February.
In March, King County Metro temporarily moved its bus stop at Third Avenue and Pine Street to another stop in partnership with the city's public safety efforts.
Mayor Bruce Harrell called the situation along Third Avenue "completely unacceptable" in March.
The Seattle Police Department has increased the number of officers in the area with six officers dedicated to Third Avenue alone, as well as, launching a mobile police precinct.
Download our free KING 5 app to stay up-to-date on news stories from across western Washington. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/amazon-go-downtown-seattle-close-safety-concerns/281-59774ef6-ca02-4d16-9581-b51cd771303f | 2022-08-05T21:26:54 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/amazon-go-downtown-seattle-close-safety-concerns/281-59774ef6-ca02-4d16-9581-b51cd771303f |
Two injured, one critically, in early morning Woonsocket fire
WOONSOCKET – Two residents were injured, one of them critically, in a fire early Friday morning, according to police.
Police officers were dispatched to 107 Water St. at 4:56 a.m. after a neighbor reported the fire, Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates said. The police were told people were trying to get out of the building.
When the police got there, all five residents were outside, with two of them, a man and woman, suffering from burns, according to Oates.
The woman, 35, had more serious injuries and was in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital on Friday, Oates said. The man, 36, was also taken to Rhode Island Hospital. Their names were not released.
A path through the smoke: Fire academy offers Providence students a shot at a career
The fire caused "substantial" damage to the two-story residence, and the state Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause, Oates said.
The American Red Cross said it's helping three adults after the fire, providing personal-care items such as toothbrushes, deodorant and shaving supplies. They will also meet with Red Cross caseworkers to "work on a longer-term recovery plan," the Red Cross said.
jperry@providencejournal.com
(401) 277-7614
On Twitter: @jgregoryperry
Be the first to know. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/5-escape-house-fire-woonsocket-2-suffer-burns/10249336002/ | 2022-08-05T21:30:25 | 0 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/5-escape-house-fire-woonsocket-2-suffer-burns/10249336002/ |
CHP: Lewiston woman killed in head-on crash on Highway 299 in Trinity County
A 58-year-old Lewiston woman was killed Thursday afternoon when the motorcycle she was riding collided head-on with a big rig on Highway 299 in Trinity County, the California Highway Patrol said.
The crash happened around 3:15 p.m. west of the Indian Creek Lodge.
CHP Investigators said the motorcycle was going east on 299 and crossed over the double line while going around a right-hand curve and went into the path of the big rig.
“The driver of the Peterbuilt veered to the right and applied his brakes but was unable to avoid a collision with the motorcyclists,” a CHP news release said.
The woman on the motorcycle was declared dead at the scene, the CHP said. Her name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The driver of the big rig was not injured, the CHP said.
Anyone who may have information about the crash is asked to call the CHP at 530-623-3832.
David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/chp-lewiston-woman-dies-head-crash-highway-299-trinity-co/10247263002/ | 2022-08-05T21:30:34 | 1 | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/chp-lewiston-woman-dies-head-crash-highway-299-trinity-co/10247263002/ |
Canton Repository Grand Parade float winners
CANTON − The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the float winners of the 2022 Canton Repository Grand Parade.
Eight floats were entered, and all of them will be in the Canton Repository Grand Parade.
More Enshrinement news:What's your favorite Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival memory?
Here's a look at the winners:
- Grand Prize Award – Best overall entry in the parade: Freedom Float, sponsored by Newcomer’s Chapel of Pigeon Run United Methodist Church
- Ohio State Award – Best nonprofessional builder entry: Anya Van Rose Music
- Enshrinees' Award – Most-effective use of color: Fairplay Family Center
- Mayor's Award – Best display of animation: 12th Man, sponsored by Akron Auto Auction
- HOF Board of Trustees’ Award – Most original concept: Black College Football Hall of Fame
- NFL Award – Best use of flowers: Louisville Constitution Court
- Exceptional Merit: Ohio Lottery, Summit Academy School
The panel of judges were: David Whitehill of ArtsinStark, Mark Vandegrift of Innis Maggiore, Chris Lesho of Shattered Window Productions and Janelle Lee of the Black College Hall of Fame.
The parade runs from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, starting in downtown Canton along Cleveland Avenue at approximately Fifth Street SW and travels north on Cleveland Avenue to 25th Street NW, where the parade begins to disband.
In addition to the marching bands and colorful floats, the parade will showcase the Class of 2022 enshrinees and returning Hall of Famers, classic vehicles, specialty units, celebrities and live mascots. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/2022-canton-repository-grand-parade-float-winners/65393836007/ | 2022-08-05T21:39:26 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/2022-canton-repository-grand-parade-float-winners/65393836007/ |
LEHIGHTON, Pa. — At Yenser's Tree Farm near Lehighton, sunflowers span as far as the eye can see.
"We have thousands of blooms. We have branching sunflowers in our maze, which has a lot of variety color-wise. We have more traditional sunflowers in our pick-your-own fields. So there are plenty of sunflowers," Jan Wentz, one of the owners of Yenser's Tree Farm, said.
The third annual Sunflower Festival features food trucks, vendors, and tons of activities for the kids. People can pick sunflowers for $1 per stem.
Wentz says July's weather stunted the growth of the plant.
"The weather, the drought has been really difficult for us with all of our crops. Fortunately, the sunflower blooms are beautiful," Wentz said. "The plants are a little shorter than they typically would be because we just have not had enough rain."
The festival started two years ago with less than an acre of flowers. It became such a hit that it's now grown to what it is now, tens of thousands of blooms and acres of flowers.
"To me, they just mean life, and you know there's a lot of stuff going on right now in the world that doesn't make you feel happy, but when I see or think of a sunflower, it's gotta bring a smile to your face," Lisa Guernsey, of Paxtonville said.
The hot weather didn't stop dozens of people from coming out and enjoying the flowers' beauty.
"I love sunflowers; they're beautiful. I love the different colors and the sizes of them. My best friend and I like to twin our granddaughters and bring them out. So we brought them in our sunflower outfits for photo opportunities," Heather Dougherty of Effort said.
The Sunflower Festival at Yenser's Tree Farm runs this weekend and next from 11 in the morning to 6 in the evening.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/carbon-county/sunflower-festival-in-full-bloom-yenser-tree-farm-lehighton-carbon-county-flower-bloom/523-7bb6596a-c01d-4978-be21-dcbba18ec619 | 2022-08-05T21:40:25 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/carbon-county/sunflower-festival-in-full-bloom-yenser-tree-farm-lehighton-carbon-county-flower-bloom/523-7bb6596a-c01d-4978-be21-dcbba18ec619 |
DICKSON CITY, Pa. — The inaugural Bike Weekend kicked off Friday at the Viewmont Mall with vendors from all over.
Event organizer Janiece Montes is ready for people to start rolling in.
"I do organize events for small businesses so they have the opportunity to meet with the community and get their business out there for extra added exposure," Montes said.
Even though the event is called Scranton Bike Weekend, you'll find more than just motorcycles here.
"Today, we are just starting off with the local live bands, the vendors, the food trucks, the bikes, and the car show. Tomorrow is going to be the same thing, but we are going to add the bike contest, and then on Sunday we have touch a truck coming out, we have four different work vehicles where the kids can come play and learn," Montes said.
"It supports Keystone Mission which is a very worthy cause, and it's a family-friendly event," Rosemary Bohenek, Viewmont Mall marketing coordinator, said.
Alongside the family fun environment are different food booths located both inside and outside the mall.
Cibo's pizza truck out of Wilkes-Barre is offering up different options as well, like Italian wraps or fresh-made pizza right out of the oven.
"I am glad that I can help for the first year to come in, and people come in and enjoy something different instead of a regular car show and so forth," Domenico Buonsanpe, Cibo and Nico's Pizza, said.
Bike Weekend is set to run from Friday to Sunday at the Viewmont Mall in Dickson City. Admission is free. For more information, click here.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/bike-weekend-kicks-off-with-more-than-just-bikes-lackawanna-county-dickson-city-scranton-bicycles-food-trucks-cars/523-e5244e8d-a70f-4c76-adce-5a24f93aa845 | 2022-08-05T21:40:32 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/bike-weekend-kicks-off-with-more-than-just-bikes-lackawanna-county-dickson-city-scranton-bicycles-food-trucks-cars/523-e5244e8d-a70f-4c76-adce-5a24f93aa845 |
STROUDSBURG, Pa. — Racks filled with clothing wrap around the inside of Common Threads, a clothing store inside Stroudsburg High School.
Volunteers say they've seen many people come through their doors looking for a deal.
"This summer, we've been especially busy. With the economy and the way things are, and prices and now with back to school starting, we offer things at a discounted price," said Heather Nowosad, life skills transition coordinator.
The store offers gently-used clothing for infants to adults, including school-approved uniforms.
Just about everything inside the store cost $1, offering people like Kate Silvestri a reasonable place to back-to-school shop.
"Everything is $1. All the school uniforms are $1, and you can find what you need. With prices the way they are, they're crazy right now, and so it saves us a couple of bucks for going back to school," Silvestri said.
Common Threads runs on donations and students from the vocational life skills program.
"The students are responsible for everything here at Common Threads we launder. They hang it. They tag it. They put it out on the floor, and then they are responsible for ringing everything up and taking care of our customers."
Emily Baker and Daniel Sessoms, both life skill students, are two of the students who enjoy working in the store.
"My friends are here, and I've been going to the school for a few years now, and I'm a graduate here as well," Daniel said.
"It's my favorite job to work," Emily added.
To learn more about Common Threads or to donate clothing and school-related items, click here.
Check out WNEP's YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/common-threads-stroudsburg-school-store-offers-discounted-clothing-second-hand-gently-used-back-to-school/523-098cd20e-d2b4-4f67-86f4-7930f7e9a9f8 | 2022-08-05T21:40:38 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/common-threads-stroudsburg-school-store-offers-discounted-clothing-second-hand-gently-used-back-to-school/523-098cd20e-d2b4-4f67-86f4-7930f7e9a9f8 |
NELSON, N.Y. – A Madison County assistant district attorney has resigned after emergency responders were called to his home for reported drug overdoses on July 30.
Madison County sheriff’s deputies were called to Bradley Moses’ home on Tuscarora Road just before 9 p.m. for a report of two people who were unconscious and unresponsive due to a suspected overdose.
Witnesses at the home told deputies the drug was believed to be cocaine. After a sample was tested, authorities confirmed the substance was positive for fentanyl, which is a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin.
Both people received multiple doses of Narcan and were transported to Syracuse hospitals for further treatment. The two have since been released.
Madison County District Attorney William Gabor released the following statement following the incident:
“The Madison County District Attorney’s Office is aware of a life-threatening incident which occurred on July 30, 2022, in the Town of Nelson. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded and is completing its investigation. One of the individuals involved was a member of the District Attorney’s Office. He is completing a Family Leave application to address a personal problem and has offered his resignation; which will be accepted.” | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/madison-county-ada-resigns-following-drug-overdoses-at-his-home-in-nelson/article_86688e84-14fa-11ed-ab4e-7fb39fd7cde0.html | 2022-08-05T21:44:29 | 1 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/madison-county-ada-resigns-following-drug-overdoses-at-his-home-in-nelson/article_86688e84-14fa-11ed-ab4e-7fb39fd7cde0.html |
Arizona Daily Star
As the week wraps up, Tucson is expected to continue to see thunderstorm activity.
On Saturday, there is a 40% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and a 50% of storms in the evening, the National Weather Service said. The high for the day is predicted to be 101 degrees and the low is 76 degrees.
Storms will continue Sunday afternoon and into the late evening with a 50% chance of thunderstorms in Tucson, the NWS said. Tucson is also expected to have a high of 99 degrees and a low of 76 degrees.
As for the upcoming week, the NWS said Tucson will see a more active pattern of storms.
Monday and Tuesday are expected to bring the best chances at thunderstorms, the NWS says.
On Monday, there is a 50% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and the late evening, the NWS said. A high temperature of 98 degrees is predicted while 75 degrees will be the low.
There's a 40% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and late evening is also expected in Tucson on Tuesday, the NWS said.
Photos: 2022 Monsoon season around Tucson
Monsoon 2022
Multiple ground strikes as well as cloud-to-cloud lighting flashes around a home on a ridge southeast of Tucson, Ariz., August 3, 2022. The storm was mostly east of the Rincon Mountains until midnight. Another band was moving to the west just south of the city.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
Lightning and a column of rain from a late night monsoon storm rolls over the area southeast of Tucson, Ariz., August 3, 2022. Frequent cloud-to-cloud as well as ground strikes were over the Vail area for much of the evening into the early morning hours.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
Rain and lightning from a late night monsoon storm rolls over homes on a ridge southeast of Tucson, Ariz., August 3, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Watch Now: Monsoon sunset
Monsoon 2022
A woman walks with her umbrella as a sprinkle of rain falls in downtown Tucson on August 3, 2022.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
A woman walks along Sixth Ave. as a sprinkle of rain falls in downtown Tucson on August 3, 2022.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoons 2022
Pima County Wastewater Reclamation crew members clear sand and rocks from a manhole at Havasu Road southeast of Columbus Blvd. inside Coronado Foothills Estates in Tucson, Ariz. on Aug. 1, 2022. A monsoon storm filled Finger Rock Wash as well as streets and a handful of homes on Sunday night.
Rebecca Sasnett, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoons 2022
Residents watch as crew members work to clear out rocks, dirt and mud off Havasu Road southeast of Columbus Blvd. inside Coronado Foothills Estates in Tucson, Ariz. on Aug. 1, 2022. A monsoon storm filled Finger Rock Wash as well as streets and a handful of homes on Sunday night.
Rebecca Sasnett, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoons 2022
A Pima County Wastewater Reclamation crew member, right, reacts as water spills out of a tube while crew members work to clear sand and rocks from a manhole at Havasu Road southeast of Columbus Blvd. inside Coronado Foothills Estates in Tucson, Ariz. on Aug. 1, 2022. A monsoon storm filled Finger Rock Wash as well as streets and a handful of homes on Sunday night.
Rebecca Sasnett, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoons 2022
While crews work to clean up the damage from Sunday evenings monsoon storm, a Havasu Road and Columbus Blvd. sign lies on the side of road farther southeast then the Havasu Rd and Columbus Blvd. corner inside Coronado Foothills Estates in Tucson, Ariz. on Aug. 1, 2022. A monsoon storm filled Finger Rock Wash as well as streets and a handful of homes on Sunday night.
Rebecca Sasnett, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoons 2022
A residents car is stuck in a pile of mud along East Havasu Rd inside Coronado Foothills Estates in Tucson, Ariz. on Aug. 1, 2022. A monsoon storm filled Finger Rock Wash as well as streets and a handful of homes on Sunday night.
Rebecca Sasnett, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoons 2022
Resident Maria Perri shovels some dirt along East Havasu Rd. in front go her home inside Coronado Foothills Estates in Tucson, Ariz. on Aug. 1, 2022. A monsoon storm filled Finger Rock Wash as well as streets and a handful of homes on Sunday night. "It was a raging river down here," said Perri. Some residents hung out in her drive way to get away from the flooding, added Perri.
Rebecca Sasnett, Arizona Daily Star
Wash, flooding, 2022, Tucson
Workers from Pima County Wastewater Reclamation clear sand and rocks from a manhole at Havasu Road and Columbus Blvd. in the Catalina Foothills on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, after a raging Finger Rock Wash swamped a handful of homes on Sunday night.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Wash, flooding, 2022, Tucson
Boulders and debris block Havasu Road at Columbus Blvd as seen on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, after a raging Finger Rock Wash that swamped a handful of homes on in the Catalina Foothills on Sunday night.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Wash, flooding, 2022, Tucson
A mud-splattered wheelchair at an adult care home on Havasu Road in the Catalina Foothills on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022. Rural Metro firefighters evacuated the residents after a raging Finger Rock Wash swamped a handful of homes on Havasu Road east of Columbus Blvd. in the Catalina Foothills on Sunday night.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Wash, flooding, 2022, Tucson
A street sign fell victim to floodwaters on Havasu Road east of Columbus Blvd as seen on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, after a raging Finger Rock Wash swamped a handful of homes on Sunday night.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Wash, flooding, 2022, Tucson
A cyclist rides along The Loop at Grant Road next to the Santa Cruz River swollen with runoff from midtown Tucson storm on July 26, 2022.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Wash, flooding, 2022, Tucson
Monsoon clouds rise above the desert floor southeast of Tucson, behind Tumamoc Hill on July 26, 2022.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
A monsoon storm begins dropping rain as it grows to the southeast of Sonoita, Ariz., July 29, 2022. The cell was one of several that formed over the area, dumping rain on the plain for much of the afternoon.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
A US Border Patrol truck heads east on State Route 82 as a monsoon storm boils up to the south just outside Sonoita, Ariz., July 29, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
The statue, Tribute to Ranching, stands under a growing monsoon cloud outside the Santa Cruz County Fair & Rodeo Association grounds, Sonoita, Ariz., July 29, 2022. The cell was one of several that dumped rain on the area throughout the afternoon.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Watch Now: The leading edge of flood waters fills the Tanque Verde Wash near Wentworth Road.
Monsoon 2022
Onlookers get video and photos while watching the debris filled leading edge of water fill the Tanque Verde Wash at Wentworth Road, Tucson, Ariz., July 28, 2022. Heavy monsoon rains over the past few days has water flowing in some of the area washes and low lying areas.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
Birdie the Golf Dog takes a cooling break in the water beginning to fill the Tanque Verde Wash at Wentworth Road, Tucson, Ariz., July 28, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
Paul Delligatti lines up his shot while recording video of the leading edge of floodwaters in the Tanque Verde Wash flow across Wentworth Road, Tucson, Ariz., July 28, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
Dustin Ovayvar, left, and his family, were among the handful that waited to catch the arrival of the leading edge of the waters heading down the Tanque Verde Wash at Wentworth Road, Tucson, Ariz., July 28, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
Tom Woodrow and his mother Diane wade through the northern channel after getting cut off watching the water fill the southern branch of the leading edge of flood water in the Tanque Verde Wash flow over Wentworth Road, Tucson, Ariz., July 28, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
Tucson Fire Department personnel pull a man out of the floodwaters of the Arroyo Chico rushing through a construction channel near 9th Avenue just north of 6th Street during a monsoon storm that dumped inches of rain on parts of Tucson, Ariz., July 26, 2022. The man was eventually carried to a nearby ambulance.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
A driver has second thoughts about driving into the flooded Arroyo Chico in midtown during a monsoon, Tucson, Ariz., July 26, 2022. The driver eventually turned around.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
A driver takes his SUV into the running waters of the Arroyo Chico in midtown during a monsoon storm, Tucson, Ariz., July 26, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
A Jeep blasts at high speed into the flooded Arroyo Chico after a monsoon storm dumped inches of rain on parts of Tucson, Ariz., July 26, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
A woman and her curious dog get a closer look at the flood waters of Arroyo Chico running over Plummer Avenue during a monsoon storm that dumped inches of rain over parts of Tucson, Ariz., July 26, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
A driver takes a jeep through the high waters of Arroyo Chico running over Plummer Avenue during a monsoon storm through the area, Tucson, Ariz., July 26, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon, Tucson, 2022
Krishna Ghimire and Sumod Bastakoti take a selfie of themselves with storm clouds approaching from Sentinel Peak Park on July 26, 2022.
Shekib Rahmani / Arizona Daily Star
Watch Now: Time lapse shows Monsoon storm over Tucson
Monsoon 2022
A lightning bolt hits in the valley as an afternoon monsoon storm rolls over east central Tucson, Ariz., July 22, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon 2022
The setting sun lights up the patchy monsoon clouds overhead as Omar Rojas Jr. works on pitching out of the stretch with his dad, Omar Sr., on the diamond at David G. Herrera and Ramon Quiroz Park, Tucson, Ariz., July 21, 2022. The two Omars were working out while daughter/sister Julissa practiced nearby with her softball team. Monsoon 2022 may finally bring the rain, with precipitation forecast this weekend and throughout the coming week.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon
Mammatus clouds roil over the evening skies west of the Tucson Mountains during a little light monsoon activity around Tucson, Ariz., July 15, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon, 2022
With a monsoon cell dropping a bit of rain to the west, fans find seats in the grandstands long the strip during Street Rally night at the Tucson Dragway Tucson, Ariz., June 11, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Sand bags
Sarah Travis and her son John Donnelly, on shovel duty, and his friend Kai Squire, take advantage of the Department of Transportation and Mobility's sandbag filling site in the east parking lot of Hi Corbett Field, Tucson, Ariz., June 17, 2022. The trio were helping a neighbor in need get ready for the coming rains. This is the seventh year DTM is providing bags and sand for residents to make sandbags to deal with monsoon flooding.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Canyon del Oro Wash
Pima County crews expanded the Chuck Huckelberry Loop along the Canyon del Oro Wash north of Magee Road on June 7 and cleared out brush in the channel and performed flood control measures to prevent water from monsoon rains flooding the path.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon, 2022
A vehicle travels down North Houghton Rd. while a small storm passes over the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Ariz. on June 27, 2022.
Rebecca Sasnett, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon, 2022
Two vehicles drive through a series of puddles on East Speedway after a rain storm passed through the Eastside of Tucson, Ariz. on June 27, 2022.
Rebecca Sasnett, Arizona Daily Star
monsoon 2022
A crew with Hunter Contracting Co. work on a pathway surrounding a new storm basin while monsoon clouds build to the south of Cherry Avenue Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 29, 2022.
Rebecca Sasnett, Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon, 2022
A rainbow fragment above Pima Canyon and the Santa Catalina Mountains on June 27.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Monsoon, 2022
Monsoon clouds over the Tohono O'Odham Nation loom behind the towers on Tumamoc Hill on June 28.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Monsoons 2022
Olga Martinez, far left, and her daughter Raquel Diaz watch a monsoon storm pass over the Santa Catalina Mountains from "A" Mountain in Tucson, Ariz. on July 24, 2022.
Rebecca Sasnett, Arizona Daily Star
Watch Now: Monsoon clouds over a Convair B-36J Peacemaker at Pima Air & Space Museum
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WATERLOO — Bond has been set at $100,000 for the latest person to be arrested in an investigation into drug proceeds that were wired to a drug trafficking organization in Mexico.
Waterloo police arrested Jordan Elizabeth Aswegan, 23, of 714 Newell St., on Thursday on four counts of money laundering.
Authorities allege Aswegan obtained drugs from people involved in the Manjarrez Drug Trafficking Organization and used Western Union to wire money to a person in the organization in Culiacan, Mexico, in January, June and August 2021. The amounts sent ranged from $950 to $970.
Authorities allege the organization is involved in trafficking heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl.
At least five other people have been charged in the investigation in recent weeks – Samuel Roland Monroe, Rylee Diane Wenman, Megan Heying, Richard Mohorne and Mark Sayles.
Aswegan is also currently awaiting trial on theft and ongoing criminal conduct charges in an investigation into the theft and sale of catalytic converters.
Waterloo Police announced Thursday a third person had been arrested last week on felony money laundering charges related to the two-year investigation. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/another-arrest-in-money-laundering-investigation/article_1a30c549-20f4-5661-a6c5-7f8842a9f25a.html | 2022-08-05T21:52:19 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/another-arrest-in-money-laundering-investigation/article_1a30c549-20f4-5661-a6c5-7f8842a9f25a.html |
CEDAR FALLS — Investigators said they determined how three members of a Cedar Falls family died while camping at Maquoketa Caves State Park in July.
But they haven’t determined why.
On Thursday, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation disclosed that a medical examiner found “sharp force” injuries and strangulation in addition to the anticipated gunshot wounds in the deaths of Tyler and Sarah Schmidt and their 6-year-old daughter Lula.
They recovered the gun believed to be used in the attack – a hand-finished pistol commonly referred to as a “ghost gun” – near the body of the suspected assailant, fellow camper 23-year-old Anthony Sherwin, who had taken his own life, said Assistant DCI Director Mitch Mortvedt.
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He declined to discuss the weapon used to create the “sharp force” injuries or say if it had been recovered.
Mortvedt said investigators don’t believe anyone else was involved in the attack and have yet to find a motive in the tragedy. He said the Schmidts didn’t known Sherwin, who has no prior criminal history and was camping with his parents, and there wasn’t any evidence that the two families had interacted before the incident.
The Schmidt family arrived at the park on the afternoon of July 21.
The Sherwins, residents of LaVista, Neb., were on the return leg of a week-and-a-half camping journey that took them to the Michigan Upper Peninsula.
They arrived at the campground around 7 p.m. and set up two tents at their site – one for Sherwin and one for his parents – which was the next site down from the Schmidts. The two families were separated by about 75 yards of undergrowth vegetation, Mortvedt said.
The campground has 24 sites along a single road and five hike-in sites. It was pretty full, investigators said.
Sometime in the early morning hours of July 22, Sherwin entered the Schmidts’ tent, authorities believe. The couple’s 9-year-old son, Arlo, fled the tent and went for help, finding Sherwin’s parents, authorities said.
A medical examiner would later determine that Tyler died of a gunshot wound and multiple stab wounds; Sarah died of multiple stab wounds; and Lulu died of a gunshot wound and strangulation, according to the DCI.
Hours later, around 11 a.m., authorities found Sherwin’s body west of the park.
Mortvedt said the gun was a homemade 9 mm handgun.
Ghost guns are home-manufactured firearms without serial numbers. They are usually constructed from kits with partially completed frames and finished with commonly available barrels, slides and triggers that don’t require background checks.
The Sherwin family had two other handguns, both of which were found in a locked container in their vehicle, Mortvedt said. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/motive-still-elusive-in-campground-slaying/article_fdf9a133-755c-5686-b90e-5e6d8e3821f9.html | 2022-08-05T21:52:22 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/motive-still-elusive-in-campground-slaying/article_fdf9a133-755c-5686-b90e-5e6d8e3821f9.html |
Major delays are expected on Interstate 95 this weekend as crews replace a collapsed metal pipe.
The Virginia Department of Transportation is shutting down two lanes of southbound traffic near mile marker 77, a mile from the Arthur Ashe Boulevard.
The closures are planned from Friday night until Monday morning.
A Times-Dispatch analysis of state crime data shows the number of murders and non-negligent manslaughter killings soared in 2020 to the highest level since 1994.
The repairs are near North Lombardy Street. A VDOT spokesperson said installing a concrete pipe is expected to help eliminate flood conditions during heavy rains.
Alternative routes include Interstate 295 and Route 288 to reach destinations south of Richmond and Brook Road/Chamberlayne Road (Route 1/Route 301) for local destinations.
Call 511 or visit 511virginia.org for updated traffic conditions.
Top 5 weekend events: BrewHaha, Todd Barry & Avail Over the James
Virginia Credit Union Moonlight Ride
Friday
Take a scenic evening ride through Lakeside and Bryan Park before finishing at Sports Backers Stadium for a street festival-style celebration. The event features a 3-mile family ride and an 8-mile full course ride. Participants are encouraged to dress up or light up for prizes. Featuring food trucks, live music, a family zone and a post-ride party. Starting from 8 to 8:15 p.m. $37-$52. Registration at www.sportsbackers.org .
Jesse Peters
Mike Epps
Friday
Comedian Mike Epps is heading to Richmond for a night of stand-up. The funnyman has appeared in a slew of movies, comedy specials, and TV series. Last year, he starred in the Netflix comedy “The Upshaws,” based on his life growing up in poverty in Indiana and how comedy saved his life. 8 p.m. Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St. $52.50-$102.50. etix.com or (800) 514-3849.
Courtesy of the artist
Todd Barry
Saturday
Deadpan comedian Todd Barry, known for his Netflix special “Spicy Honey,” brings his stand-up set to the Ashland Theatre. 7 p.m. 205 England St., Ashland. $25-$42.50. www.ashlandtheatre.org or (804) 401-7007.
Mindy Tucker
BrewHaHa
Saturday
Head to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture for the fifth annual BrewHaha beer festival, featuring Virginia breweries such as Three Notch’d, 2 Silos, Waterbird and more, plus live music from the Slack Family Band, food trucks, and access to “Cheers, Virginia!,” the museum’s newest exhibit focused on the history of brewing, distilling and fermenting in Virginia. 6-8 p.m. 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. $35-$45. VirginiaHistory.org or (804) 340-1800.
Courtesy of VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF HISTORY & CULTURE
Avail Over the James
Saturday
Legendary Richmond punk bank Avail performs on Brown’s Island. The concert, “Over the James,” named after the band’s seminal 1998 album, will include performances by Quicksand, Cave In, Ceremony, Screaming Females and Terminal Bliss. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. $34.99-$44.99. https://thebroadberry.com .
Courtesy of the artist | https://richmond.com/news/local/big-traffic-delays-are-expected-this-weekend-in-downtown-richmond-heres-why/article_f654f4ee-d17e-5335-a339-b2fcc55077cd.html | 2022-08-05T21:56:22 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/big-traffic-delays-are-expected-this-weekend-in-downtown-richmond-heres-why/article_f654f4ee-d17e-5335-a339-b2fcc55077cd.html |
Las Cruces remembers long-time music educator William Clark
LAS CRUCES – Las Cruces lost a giant in the music world this week with the passing of William Clark, Ph.D.
Clark was director of bands at New Mexico State University beginning in 1985 and founded the Mesilla Valley Concert Band and New Horizons Band and influenced generations of area musicians. As news of his passing on July 31 spread, social media was flooded with tributes and memories of the longtime educator who earned a doctorate in music education and was affectionately known as "Doc." He was 84.
Originally from Arkansas, Clark was one of three children born to an engineer and a schoolteacher. His family was a musical one, his father playing several instruments and his aunt teaching music to public school students. Clark took up trumpet, then tuba, in his secondary school and higher education days.
“His college band director was very … influential on him and he just loved it. He just had a passion for teaching and a passion for music,” said Clark’s daughter, Lisa Arterbury.
Clark married his wife, Betty — a flute player and his high-school sweetheart — in 1959 and enjoyed a 63-year marriage. The couple’s other daughter, Robin Madrid, explained that her father went to college in Arkansas, earning his master’s degree. He taught music there for a time before heading to the University of Southern Mississippi to get his doctorate and become a college professor.
Clark worked as director of bands at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi for over a decade before once again deciding to change things up.
“He decided that he wanted to spread his wings a little bit, and he applied at NMSU for the director of bands and he got it,” Madrid said. “After he was director of bands for quite a few years, he became the department chair. And during his time there he (about doubled) the number of music majors … to over 200.”
More NMSU legends:Barbara Hubbard talks Bob Hope, John Wayne and more as she celebrates 95th birthday
Clark started the All-City Middle School Honor Band as well, providing encouragement for young musicians to continue in their creative education. Through the program, students get experience auditioning and have the opportunity to receive a scholarship if they later decide to study music at NMSU.
Not only did Clark work with younger students, he founded the Mesilla Valley Concert Band — along with John Schutz and Mike White, of White’s Music Box — soon after arriving at NMSU. Ensemble members are musicians ranging in ages from teens to 90s. Some are professional musicians while others have performed since their school days and want to continue making music. Clark conducted the band until he passed the baton to Michael Mapp, the current NMSU director of bands, last fall.
Clark was also involved in establishing a New Horizons Symphony at NMSU. New Horizons is an international nonprofit organization with the goal of creating space for adults to make music again or explore instruments and perform in an ensemble.
Meanwhile, Clark's professional accolades are numerous, including his induction as a member of the American Bandmasters Association in 1993, induction into the New Mexico Music Educator Association Hall of Fame in 2007 and receiving the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2015. Clark was also given the Platinum Music Award by the New Mexico Music Commission in 2017.
Clark’s passion for music was also shared within his family. Each of his daughters became music educators. Aterbury played flute while Madrid was in the brass section, like her father, playing French horn.
His two grandchildren each pursued degrees in music before they passed, and his great-grandson, Gabriel, 12, currently plays the trumpet while his great-granddaughter, Julianne, 8, is looking forward to taking up an instrument in the next few years. Clark's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were quite often seen tagging along with him to rehearsals or lessons.
Since Clark’s passing, an outpouring of condolences, fond memories, personal experienced and kind words have been posted on social media by members of the Las Cruces band community. Madrid said the Clark family has received countless cards and phone calls from people sharing what Clark meant to them personally.
“We knew him as a dad first,” Madrid said. “We didn't see the impact that he was making on other people's lives. We knew everyone loved him, but we didn't know … the extent of things that he would do.”
Roman Chip, a retired band director who taught at various Las Cruces Public Schools, is one of many who voiced their gratitude for Clark. He wrote on Facebook that he met Clark when he first arrived in the area in the 1980s, and he was quick to offer assistance where he could.
“Over the years I was able to take graduate courses, judge festivals with him and to be in his community band. One of the biggest honors I have had was the day I received a call from Dr. Clark, he asked if I would take over his homeschool band program for him,” Chip wrote. “I always knew he was a phone call away to help me personally professionally and musically.”
Events:Mannheim Steamroller returning to Las Cruces with Christmas concert
Madrid and Arterbury said they believe Clark would want to be remembered as a Christian, a family man and a lifelong music educator. They added that he was selfless, always making himself available for people when they needed him. And they thanked the Las Cruces community for giving their father the opportunity to “share his love of music with them” and “be a presence in this town.”
Clark is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Ashley Martinez, and grandson, Will Arterbury. He is survived by his wife, Betty Clark; daughters, Lisa Arterbury and Robin Madrid; and great-grandchildren Gabriel, Julianne and Jazlyn Martinez.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 at the University Church of Christ, located at 1555 E. University Ave., Las Cruces. All are welcome to attend. The service will be live streamed online at getzfuneralhome@getzcares.com. A reception will follow at the church, where the family invites anyone and everyone to share their memories of Clark.
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Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter. | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/las-cruces-remembers-long-time-music-educator-william-clark/65390297007/ | 2022-08-05T22:02:07 | 0 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/las-cruces-remembers-long-time-music-educator-william-clark/65390297007/ |
Teachers across North Texas are hard at work, readying their classrooms as the start of school inches closer for more students.
Teachers, like just about everyone else in the workforce, are hard to find. But an increasing number of district leaders are saying they're ready.
From Sunnyvale ISD to Hurst-Euless-Bedford and Rockwall to Burleson, districts are telling us they're more than 95% staffed. Those are numbers that are not unusual for most school districts this time of year. But don't think that means the shortage isn't real.
"Monday, Fort Worth had about 300 teacher vacancies, I know administration is coming up with a plan to address that but some schools are worse than others," said Steven Poole of the United Educators Association's Fort Worth Chapter.
Fort Worth ISD didn't get back to us with staffing details this week. Frisco is OK on teachers but struggling with bus drivers. Poole said, while many districts may have filled the gaps, the problem doesn't end there.
"Its one thing to get them in the door. It's another thing to keep them," he said. "Teachers are leaving the profession in droves. They're retiring if they're eligible or deciding this is not right for them," he said.
Districts a bit further out like in Mineral Wells have moved to a 4-day calendar this year. It's not to save money, but to use it as a bargaining tool to keep teachers in Mineral Wells.
"I didn't think it would be something we would do or be interested in until we started losing teachers to the surrounding schools," said John Kuhn, superintendent of the Mineral Wells ISD.
Incentives are out there. From higher pay in DeSoto to free childcare in Grapevine-Colleyville. But will it last? Each year teachers are walking away, and districts are feeling it more than ever. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/some-schools-narrow-teacher-shortage-gap-retention-still-significant-issue/3041641/ | 2022-08-05T22:02:10 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/some-schools-narrow-teacher-shortage-gap-retention-still-significant-issue/3041641/ |
Report details wreckage of fatal New Mexico helicopter crash
ALBUQUERQUE - Federal transportation authorities said Friday that a helicopter returning home from a firefighting mission made a rapid descent without making any turns before plowing into the ground last month, killing the four first responders onboard.
Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board released their preliminary report, noting that two witnesses on a ridge about half a mile away were observing the sunset when they saw the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office helicopter go down in the hills near the northern New Mexico community of Las Vegas.
It could take a year or more to make a final determination on the cause of the July 16 crash. It marked the single deadliest incident for law enforcement in state history and one of the deadliest for first responders.
The preliminary report detailed the crash scene, noting that the main wreckage was found upside down about 160 feet (48 meters) beyond the area where the helicopter first crashed. One main rotor blade had minimal damage and the other blade was fractured, with the broken part found nearby.
One of the four people onboard managed to call 911 before succumbing to his injuries, according to emergency dispatch recordings. That call to San Miguel County dispatchers sparked a frantic search.
A rancher who also called 911 said she saw dust when the helicopter hit the ground but no smoke or flames.
In emergency dispatch recordings, it was reported that gas was leaking from the aircraft, which the crew fully refueled for the trip home to Albuquerque.
They had spent a few hours that afternoon dropping buckets of water on a wildfire burning on private land near Las Vegas.
The crew included Bernalillo County Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lt. Fred Beers, Deputy Michael Levison and Bernalillo County Fire Rescue Specialist Matthew King. During memorial services over the last two weeks, the men were remembered as heroes for always being ready to serve beyond their jurisdiction.
Koren, 55, was a veteran pilot who had been with the the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office for more than two decades. He was part of a New Year's Day mission to rescue employees and a tram operator who got stuck while descending in the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway.
Beers, 51, also helped with that winter rescue and had been with the sheriff's office for 13 years. Levison, 30, had been with the sheriff's office since 2017 and had served in the New Mexico Air National Guard.
The recordings show King, 44, a husband and father of two children, was the one who dialed 911. Mortally wounded, he stayed on the line for more than a half hour trying to direct first responders to the crash site. Efforts by the state police officers who were first on the scene to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Others are reading: | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/08/05/new-mexico-helicopter-crash-report-released-first-responders/65393957007/ | 2022-08-05T22:02:13 | 0 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/08/05/new-mexico-helicopter-crash-report-released-first-responders/65393957007/ |
Emagine Entertainment recently added a new EMAX auditorium for premium large format films at the former Portage 16 IMAX.
It also renovated eight auditoriums at the multiplex now known as Emagine Portage at 6550 American Way in Portage. The Michigan-based movie theater chain completed the first phase of its two-phase renovation plans to add amenities like faux-leather recliners and brick oven pizza.
Emagine unveiled the new EMAX auditorium Friday with screenings of "Bullet Train," the quirky Tanantino-esque tale of Brad Pitt as an assassin trying to recover a briefcase on a bullet train in Japan.
Troy, Michigan-based Emagine reopened the shuttered GQT Portage 16 movie theater in July of last year. It has since done major renovations such as adding luxury heated recliners and the 235-seat EMAX screen with 12 cuddle chairs.
The EMAX auditorium boasts a towering 70-by-30-foot screen with a laser projection system meant to provide enhanced color and crisp images. It also has a Dolby ATMOS sound system with as many as 64 channels of immersive sound.
Emagine is investing $22 million in renovations to the four Goodrich Quality Theaters it bought out of bankruptcy last year.
Emagine Portage aims to ultimately renovate all 16 auditoriums in Emagine Portage, including by adding two screening rooms to the mezzanine level. It also will update the lounge, bar and concession areas. The multiplex now has more upscale decor and "plush, power-heated recliners in each auditorium" instead of just regular stadium seating.
The second phase of construction is now underway and will occur in sections so the theater will remain open throughout the work. When finished, Emagine Portage will an upscale lounge, full-service bar and improved concession stand serving brick oven pizza.
The work is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter.
“Our teams have been working tirelessly to get the first round of auditoriums completed,” said Anthony LaVerde, CEO of Emagine Entertainment. “We are excited for our guests to experience the luxurious changes, especially to the EMAX auditorium, while enjoying some of this summer’s blockbuster films.”
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/emagine-portage-adds-new-emax-auditorium-luxury-heated-recliners-and-cuddle-chairs/article_56d94ed4-50f2-5bd8-b117-ccd69bf53b7d.html | 2022-08-05T22:02:13 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/emagine-portage-adds-new-emax-auditorium-luxury-heated-recliners-and-cuddle-chairs/article_56d94ed4-50f2-5bd8-b117-ccd69bf53b7d.html |
A 34-year-old man who posed as a teenager to solicit explicit images from seven underage girls has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham announced Friday.
Matthew Ray Flores, of Fort Worth, was charged in January and pleaded guilty in February to sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography.
Flores was sentenced Thursday to 360 months in prison by a federal judge.
According to court documents, Flores assumed the alias, 15-year-old "Ben Garcia," which he used on social media to target 12 to 17-year-old girls.
Documents said Flores reached out to a 14-year-old girl in November 2019 and visited her home, climbing through her bedroom window. The girl was shaken and asked him to leave.
Over the following days, Flores repeatedly demanded the girl send him explicit images. She eventually complied and sent him nude photos, which Flores said was "something to use against her" if she didn't let him into her home.
Over the ensuing three months, Flores threatened to send the girl's photos to friends, family and online "rapists" if she didn't send him more photos.
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Court documents said that Flores entered the girl's room again with a condom but the girl told him "we aren't having sex" and pushed him out of her window.
"I went through something no little girl my age should have gone through. I was vulnerable and lonely, which made me an easy target," the victim testified at Thursday's sentencing hearing. "I'll never be the same as I was before. I hated myself for so long, feeling so confused and alone because of him … I can finally say this with the strength I have now: He has no power over me. I will not allow him to hold me back anymore."
According to the report, prosecutors revealed Flores exhibited the same pattern with seven other victims over a two-year span. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/man-who-posed-as-a-teen-to-demand-nude-photos-from-young-girls-sentenced/3041462/ | 2022-08-05T22:02:16 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/man-who-posed-as-a-teen-to-demand-nude-photos-from-young-girls-sentenced/3041462/ |
SUV drives into parade in Gallup, causing injuries
UPDATED STORY (with video and photos): Multiple people injured when SUV is driven through Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial paradeGALLUP, N.M. – Police arrested several people who were in a large SUV that drove through a Native American celebration in New Mexico, causing multiple injuries along a parade route crowded with families. Two Gallup police officers were among those hurt.
Videos taken by people who had come to see the parade show the large brown vehicle speeding down a main street in the small city, against the direction of the parade. Children performing traditional dances appear to have been among the first to see it rushing toward them. They can be seen running to the side as people scream and families scramble to get out of the way.
The vehicle then swerved onto a side street and pulled into a parking spot before trying to pull out again, hitting a police car. Officers then converge on the vehicle, pulling at least two people out and handcuffing them on the pavement.
State Police Lt. Mark Soriano said no one was killed and he couldn’t elaborate on the extent of the injuries, the Albuquerque Journal reported.
New Mexico State Police said on Twitter that the driver was in custody.
“Multiple people, including two Gallup PD officers, injured and are being treated on scene,” the tweet stated.
The parade was a highlight of the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial Centennial Celebration, founded in 1922 to honor Native American and Indigenous heritage.
More New Mexico stories: | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/08/05/suv-drives-into-parade-in-gallup-causing-injuries/65393294007/ | 2022-08-05T22:02:19 | 1 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2022/08/05/suv-drives-into-parade-in-gallup-causing-injuries/65393294007/ |
The government of Indiana is on the verge of mandating every Hoosier woman who becomes pregnant to carry the pregnancy to term and deliver a baby, unless the pregnancy involves a life-altering trauma.
On Friday, the Republican-controlled House voted 62-38 to approve Senate Bill 1, sending the measure back to the Republican-controlled Senate for a final decision on advancing it to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb to be signed into law or vetoed.
The Senate is expected to vote on final passage sometime after 5:30 p.m. Region time Friday.
The legislation bans all abortions in Indiana from the moment of conception, except within 10 weeks of fertilization for pregnancies caused by rape or incest, or 20 weeks if necessary to prevent serious physical impairment or the death of a pregnant woman, or because of a lethal fetal anomaly.
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It also shuts down all abortion clinics in the state by requiring every abortion be completed in a hospital or hospital-owned surgical center, puts doctors at risk of losing their medical license if they fail to sufficiently justify the legal basis for an abortion, and opens the door for Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita to file criminal charges alleging an illegal abortion in place of locally elected county prosecutors.
At the same time, the measure explicitly exempts in vitro fertilization programs from the restrictions on abortion and appears to leave intact current state laws relating to the availability of contraceptives and the ability of women to travel to other states to obtain an abortion.
The House vote in favor of the proposal followed more than four hours of debate that was, at times, passionate and emotional, but largely respectful, notwithstanding occasional shouts in opposition from the public gallery overlooking the chamber and continuous loud chanting against the measure from Hoosiers standing in the Statehouse rotunda.
Among Northwest Indiana lawmakers, the House vote split along party lines with the Region's Republican representatives all supporting the near-total abortion ban and the Region's Democratic representatives uniformly opposed.
If ultimately enacted by the governor, Indiana would become the first state to legislatively enact new abortion restrictions following the June 24 Dobbs v. Jackson ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that rescinded the right to abortion established by the high court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.
Public opinion polls show a majority of Hoosiers oppose strict limits on abortion access. Nevertheless, the measure will end a half-century of pregnant Hoosier women having an individual choice to bring a child into the world or to terminate their pregnancy prior to fetal viability.
Supporters of the proposal estimate it will eradicate approximately 95% of abortions in the state. According to the Indiana Department of Health, there were 8,414 abortions in Indiana during the 2021 calendar year.
"Our goal through this legislation is to strengthen protections for the unborn while stepping up support for families," said state Rep. Wendy McNamara, R-Evansville, the sponsor and a LaPorte native. "It is consistent with our overall goal to care for mother and baby."
At least two House Republicans, state Reps. John Jacob, R-Indianapolis, and Curt Nisly, R-Milford, voted against the plan because it fails to prohibit all abortions by including exceptions for rape, incest, and the life and health of a pregnant woman.
Jacob said in a post-Roe world it is "weak" and "pathetic" for Indiana lawmakers to fail to fulfill their repeated promises to Christian Hoosiers and Republican voters to entirely ban abortion if given the opportunity.
"This bill justifies the wicked, those murdering babies, and punishes the righteous, the pre-born human babies," Jacob said. "By continuing to regulate baby murder in this bill you are inviting the judgment of God on our state and on our nation."
"God will not bless a state that kills its children," he added.
On the other hand, several Democratic representatives observed Indiana stands to lose much more by denying women bodily autonomy and signaling to businesses that the state is willing to use the heavy hand of government to pick winners and losers on a divisive social issue.
"This is a sad day for our state," said state Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond. "We are voting to take away the rights of Hoosier women to choose what happens with their bodies."
Jackson said if the measure becomes law Indiana will become a "wasteland" as OB/GYNs and other doctors flee the state, thousands of children are born each year to women who either don't want or can't afford them, and some women resort to unsafe abortions to terminate their pregnancies.
"Women, especially black women and low-income women, will die because of this bill," Jackson said. "It's cruel, it is unjust and it is downright despicable."
State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary, noted in no other circumstance does the state control what happens to a person's body, since individual consent is required to donate blood, donate organs, or get a vaccine — even if needed to save a life.
"This bill tells women the moment they become pregnant that the fertilized egg that cannot live outside her body has more rights than she does," Hatcher said.
Similarly, state Rep. Pat Boy, D-Michigan City, and state Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, said women will become "second-class citizens" in Indiana if the proposal is signed into law.
"Women are more than capable of making this decision on their own," Harris said. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/indiana-house-approves-near-total-abortion-ban-final-senate-vote-friday-night/article_e0494c7f-217f-5517-9d0a-095adfbcb88d.html | 2022-08-05T22:02:19 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/indiana-house-approves-near-total-abortion-ban-final-senate-vote-friday-night/article_e0494c7f-217f-5517-9d0a-095adfbcb88d.html |
Virgin Galactic announces new delay in space flight program in investor call
LAS CRUCES – Virgin Galactic told investors during its earnings report Thursday that its commercial space flight service will be delayed once more, and is not expected to begin until the second quarter of 2023.
The company is the anchor tenant of New Mexico's Spaceport America, in Sierra County, from which it plans to launch passenger flights to the edge of space. The company flew a test flight with a full passenger cabin, including Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson, 13 months ago and since then has been in a maintenance period servicing its rocket plane and the aircraft that carries it into the air during the horizontal launch sequence.
Previously it had aimed to conclude its testing phase and begin commercial service early next year.
During the earnings call, CEO Michael Colglazier said the latest delay was because of longer-than-expected improvements for VMS Eve, the carrier aircraft, at its Mojave, Calif. manufacturing base.
The company reported a $111 million net loss during the quarter, exceeding last year's second-quarter loss of $94 million; and a $93 million loss in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and is continuing to operate on cash and cash equivalents, including convertible debt. The company said it plans to issue $300 million in stock and is currently sitting on $1.1 billion.
Its operating costs have increased as it took a series of steps toward building out a fleet of new spacecraft and carrier airplanes. Last month, Virgin announced it will build a spacecraft manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona, expected to produce six vehicles per year, while Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Services will design and build two new carrier aircraft, the first of which is due in 2025.
Days ahead of the earnings call, Virgin also announced it had acquired land in Sierra County to build training facilities and accommodations for its passengers and guests.
The company aims to reach 400 flights from the spaceport annually. Until regular service begins, however, the company is hungry for revenue.
Over 800 seats have been reserved, with the current commercial ticket price at $450,000. On Thursday, the company said it will reserve 100 seats of its initial 1,000 for private and government research. Among its current obligations, Virgin Galactic is under contract with NASA to fly research payloads. Additionally, Colglazier announced other tickets will be sold via Virtuoso, a luxury travel service.
The announcement came the same day that Virgin Galactic's space tourism competitor, Blue Origin, launched its sixth passenger crew from West Texas on its New Shepard rocket.
Algernon D'Ammassa can be reached at 575-541-5451, adammassa@lcsun-news.com or @AlgernonWrites on Twitter. | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/spaceport/2022/08/05/virgin-galactic-announces-new-delay-in-space-flight-program/65393531007/ | 2022-08-05T22:02:25 | 1 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/spaceport/2022/08/05/virgin-galactic-announces-new-delay-in-space-flight-program/65393531007/ |
Hoosier taxpayers can count on receiving a $200 tax rebate payment from the state sometime in the weeks and months ahead.
Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb is promising to sign into law Senate Enrolled Act 2 after the measure won final approval 93-7 in the Indiana House Friday, and 37-9 in the Senate.
"After all, this is the reason I called the General Assembly back into special session and I’m grateful they have acted swiftly and collaboratively to advance this much needed bill," Holcomb said.
Altogether, approximately $1 billion of the state's record $6.1 billion in budget reserves will be returned to Hoosiers in the form of $200 payments.
That's less than the $225 payments originally proposed by Holcomb. But the reduced amount will allow between 300,000 and 900,000 Hoosiers not required to file an income tax return last year to also receive a $200 distribution as an income tax credit next year.
Once enacted into law, Hoosier taxpayers with bank account information on file at the Indiana Department of Revenue should promptly receive an electronic deposit of their $200 tax rebate.
Other taxpayers, many of whom still are waiting for their $125 payments linked to excess state revenue at the end of the 2021 budget year, should receive a single paper check in the mail in coming weeks for $325, or $650 for married couples.
"Today, House lawmakers did what's right by taxpayers," said House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers. "Our state's economy continues to outperform expectations, and we’ve shown that we can pay down debt, make critical investments and responsibly return tax dollars to hard-working Hoosiers."
In addition to the tax rebate payments, the legislation deposits $1 billion in a teacher retirement fund and spends an additional $74.2 million on programs supporting pregnant women, children and families in connection with the adoption of a near-total abortion ban in Senate Bill 1.
It 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.
Democrats argued given the size of Indiana's budget reserves far more could have been done to bolster Indiana's social services programs or to get money back to Hoosiers faster by temporarily suspending the record-high state taxes on gasoline purchases.
State Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, said even though he supported the measure, he believes it contains "too many empty promises and needs left unaddressed."
"My caucus and I demanded more for those that need it most right now, particularly struggling families. Unfortunately, the Republicans were too focused on stripping women's rights and killed those efforts," Pol said.
State Sen. Michael Griffin, D-Highland, likewise said he backed it because he "could not let the perfect be the enemy of the good."
"I’m disconcerted and disappointed that this took so long to come about: Democrats have been calling for inflation relief since the end of the 2022 session. To be seeing some form of relief just now, about six months later, is devastating — many of us are acutely aware of how much this money has been needed by the people we serve," Griffin said.
Meet the 2022 Northwest Indiana legislative delegation
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 Gov. Holcomb to be signed into law.
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.
A number of Northwest Indiana officials quietly are working to fix a seemingly minor tax issue that will have a huge impact on several Region taxing districts if left unaddressed.
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.
The $3,000 property tax deduction for mortgaged property is eliminated beginning Jan. 1, 2023, and the homestead deduction is increased to $48,000 from $45,000. The senior citizen tax deduction may be claimed on homes worth up to $240,000, instead of a maximum of $200,000. (House Enrolled Act 1260) | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lawmakers-endorse-200-rebate-for-indiana-taxpayers/article_882e494a-f7d5-54de-95ac-998de0ee2aeb.html | 2022-08-05T22:02:25 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lawmakers-endorse-200-rebate-for-indiana-taxpayers/article_882e494a-f7d5-54de-95ac-998de0ee2aeb.html |
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