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TUCSON, Ariz. — The top county prosecutor in the Tucson area will not ask a court to throw out convictions for a man who was imprisoned for decades in a 1970 hotel fire that killed 29 people yet was released from custody in a 2013 deal with prosecutors.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said in a statement earlier this week that no new evidence of innocence was found for Louis Taylor in the blaze at the Pioneer Hotel.
A unit of Conover’s office that examines claims of innocence and excessive sentencing had reviewed the case against Taylor, who was 16 when he arrested at the hotel.
Conover said “no further action will be taken in the Taylor criminal case.”
Taylor was originally sentenced to life in prison, but he was released in 2013 after serving more than 40 years in a deal with Conover’s predecessor.
Under the agreement, Taylor pleaded no contest, allowing a judge to sentence him to time served. Prosecutors had concluded back then that modern fire science was inconclusive about whether the fire was arson or an accident, Conover said.
Taylor maintained that he was innocent and has said he went to the hotel to get free drinks and food from various parties during the holiday season.
At the time of his release, prosecutors insisted Taylor was guilty and emphasized that the deal wasn’t an exoneration. They also acknowledged that getting a conviction at a new trial would be dicey given that some evidence had been lost and witnesses have either moved or died.
The Arizona Justice Project, which has represented Taylor in his criminal case since 2001, said in a statement this week that Conover’s office has passed up an “opportunity to correct one of the most severe injustices Pima County has ever seen.”
The project said the prosecutor’s office had advised it would file a motion in court to have Taylor’s convictions thrown out. “For reasons never fully explained, however, that motion was not filed,” the project said.
Conover's office declined to comment on whether it had in fact indicated that it would file such a motion.
The project said witnesses have recanted statements and instances of prosecutorial misconduct have surfaced, such as hiding exculpatory evidence from the defense team.
The original fire investigator had said he profiled the suspect as a Black person, but insisted his statements had nothing to do with Taylor’s arrest. Taylor is Black.
The Arizona Daily Star reports that Taylor sued Pima County and the city of Tucson in 2015 for violating his right to due process and a fair trial, alleging racism and civil conspiracy led to his arrest and conviction.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2019, however, that Taylor could not collect damages for his time in prison because of the no contest plea he made.
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/convictions-wont-tossed-deadly-1970-tucson-hotel-fire-justice/75-11e831b3-69e8-49da-94c5-99af6978db19 | 2022-08-05T23:45:10 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/convictions-wont-tossed-deadly-1970-tucson-hotel-fire-justice/75-11e831b3-69e8-49da-94c5-99af6978db19 |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An arrest has been made in the case of a deadly hit-and-run in Gresham on Wednesday.
Gresham police arrested Donald Troy Bighaus, 52, who officials say faces charges of Murder in the Second Degree and felony Hit-and-Run.
On Wednesday, police responded to the report of a hit-and-run incident that left an unnamed bicyclist dead in an alley behind 2208 SE 182nd Avenue.
Using surveillance footage from the surrounding area, investigators were able to discover information on a suspect vehicle which led them to Bighaus. A search warrant was served and the vehicle used in the hit-and-run was found and seized as evidence.
Police ask anyone with information about the incident call the Gresham Police Tip Line at 503-618-2719. | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/police-arrest-suspect-in-deadly-hit-and-run-case/ | 2022-08-05T23:49:13 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/police-arrest-suspect-in-deadly-hit-and-run-case/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The City of Hillsboro is opening four cooling centers for the upcoming heat wave this weekend.
Hillsboro officials announced today that they will be opening four locations this Sunday to help the community during the excessive heat advisory.
The locations will all have air conditioning, seating, activities and access to water. Officials encourage community members who don’t have air conditioning at home to spend time where air conditioning is available. For a full list of locations and hours visit the Hillsboro city website.
There are also water stations being set up Sunday through Tuesday to ensure people stay hydrated during the heat wave.
Temperatures are expected to reach up to 100 degrees on Sunday in Hillsboro. | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/hillsboro-cooling-centers-announced-ahead-of-weekend-heat-wave/ | 2022-08-05T23:49:19 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/hillsboro-cooling-centers-announced-ahead-of-weekend-heat-wave/ |
HERKIMER, N.Y. -- The roof of a vacant multi-story building next to the Herkimer Post Office on Park Avenue collapsed late Friday afternoon, leaving at least one person injured.
Bricks and other debris fell on a vehicle parked outside the building. Fire officials say one, possibly two, people were in the car. The extent of the injuries are not yet known.
Police and fire crews were still on scene assessing the situation at 5:30 p.m.
Fire officials say the building has been vacant for several years and has known structural issues.
This is a developing story and will be updated. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/at-least-1-person-injured-after-roof-of-vacant-building-collapses-in-herkimer/article_3eec5de4-1507-11ed-b235-2bbede4df156.html | 2022-08-05T23:50:35 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/at-least-1-person-injured-after-roof-of-vacant-building-collapses-in-herkimer/article_3eec5de4-1507-11ed-b235-2bbede4df156.html |
COVID-19 survivors, long haulers and families who have lost loved ones to the virus will march across the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday in solidarity to raise awareness about urgent pandemic needs.
This year marks the second annual COVID March to Remember, a national event of remembrance that is held across dozens of cities, such as New York City, Atlanta, Houston and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The purpose of the walk is to issue a call to action on elected officials to strengthen COVID-19 prevention measures, ensure mental health services are readily available and advance funding for long COVID research and treatment options.
The event is hosted by various organizations, including COVID Survivors for Change, Yellow Heart Memorial, Faces of COVID Victims and others. Those who plan to march are encouraged to wear yellow, the color of COVID loss and survival.
"Compared to last year, there is definitely a feeling that society has moved on. The scale of loss that people have experienced, the millions that are living with long COVID, the nearly 250,000 children that have been orphaned, lost a parent or primary caretaker -- for them, COVID is very much not over," executive director of COVID Survivors for Change Christopher Kocher told NBC New York in an interview.
Long COVID or post-COVID is a condition where patients will recover from the acute infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus but continue to suffer from lingering symptoms, such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and fatigue, which happens to be one of the most popular complaints.
While estimates vary, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projected earlier this year that 1 in 5 adults will develop a long-term COVID condition. With more Americans contracting emerging variants, these numbers can continue to place various medical and financial stresses on patients desperately searching for answers.
News
Walking Warrior
49-year-old mother Maya McNulty is a long hauler and COVID survivor making the trip from her hometown in Niskayuna, N.Y. to walk in the Brooklyn march. She emigrated from Guyana, South America to the U.S. in 1979 at the age of six and eventually became a marketing entrepreneur.
McNulty first encountered the coronavirus in March 2020 and was hospitalized for nearly 70 days, including 30 days in an induced coma and placed on a ventilator for six weeks. In September of that year, she was officially diagnosed as a COVID long hauler.
After undergoing two strokes, she still suffers from close to 50 post-COVID symptoms, like brain fog, hair loss, bruising lips, itchy skin, heart palpitations and insomnia.
"Besides a walking warrior, I am 'sick-well.' I am sick, but I am well, and it's a new word I'm coining because that's what long haulers are going through. They are able to walk and function sometimes. Sometimes they aren't able to get out of bed or get any sleep, but they're still well and interacting," McNulty told News 4.
Around three months ago, McNulty finally returned to work after two years of being unemployed due to post-COVID conditions. As an entrepreneur, she used to work 60 to 80 hours per week, and now, she admits to managing four hours weekly as a start.
While this long COVID fighter is self-employed, she remains busy managing several online support outlets, such as the Covid Wellness Clinic Online Care Program and Walking Warrior foundation.
Over 40% of long haul patients reported themselves unable to return to the workforce with just 5% able to go back feeling at their best, according to one survey by the COVID-19 Longhauler Advocacy Project.
To Kocher, the title of "COVID survivor" may not fit everyone's preference but is a term that resonates with many he speaks with who still are coping with loss and navigating unknowns.
The march registration is available online and flexible to join until the day of. Masks are required to participate, and collectively, those who walk will take one million steps in honor of those who died from coronavirus.
In New York City, residents are expected to gather at 11:00 A.M. at the North Lawn in Cadman Plaza Park in downtown Brooklyn.
According to COVID Survivors for Change, around 500 people are anticipated to join as the group walks over the bridge to cross into Manhattan for a speaking program at City Hall Park. NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan along with leaders from COVID support organizations are expected to attend. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/hundreds-of-covid-survivors-to-march-across-brooklyn-bridge/3812146/ | 2022-08-05T23:51:05 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/hundreds-of-covid-survivors-to-march-across-brooklyn-bridge/3812146/ |
Idaho water officials expect the American Falls reservoir system to be between 4% to 5% full by the end of September, which is right around the expected figure based on previous years.
A wet spring and June’s precipitation levels have turned around Idaho’s bleak water outlook that was predicted earlier in 2022, but water experts say recent weather activity is pushing water reservoirs to their limits and that could have negative implications for 2023.
“It's been really tight for everybody,” said Tony Olenichak, Water District #1 Master of Water at the Idaho Department of Water Resources eastern office. “It didn’t turn out to be terrible this year but it was a lot tighter than everybody would’ve liked.”
The Upper Snake reservoir system is 44% full and 115,000 acre-feet greater than this time last year, according to a July 29 Upper Snake River and reservoir operations update. Natural flow above Milner Dam has declined from conditions that were above 80% of normal in late June to now being approximately 62% of normal, which is near what water levels were at last year.
Brian Stevens, Snake River area office river and reservoir operations manager, said the American Falls reservoir system is projected to drop between 4% to 5% full by the end of September. He said that’s right around where the reservoir is expected to be because water officials typically draft American Falls as low as they can and store water in the Jackson Lake and Palisades reservoirs.
“This was looking like a really bad drought year and it hasn’t greatly improved, but it did improve in June with the precipitation we had,” Stevens said. “That extra precipitation doesn’t really change the pool level in American Falls but it does help Jackson and Palisades.”
Jackson Lake is expected to reach 24% capacity and Palisades at about 5% this fall, Stevens said. Before June, the outlook for those reservoirs indicated they would be nearly empty.
Olenichak said this year has been one of the driest in recent memory, with similar droughts occurring in the early 2000s. He said irrigators will drain the reservoir systems the furthest they have in the last 20 years, leaving less carryover for 2023 and more pressure to have a good snowpack and wet spring to fill the reservoir system.
“The problem with this year is not only getting through this year, but also freeing up a lot more empty reservoir space than we typically do to fill into next year so this year could cause an even bigger problem next year if we get a below average snowpack,” Olenichak said.
Recent historical data suggests a below average snowpack in 2023 could be likely. A recent draft of the Idaho Fish and Game state wildlife action plan says summer and winter temperatures are increasing more than spring and fall. Precipitation patterns are becoming more variable with more severe storms and while winter precipitation is increasing, less of it is coming from snow.
The October to May precipitation as snow percentage has been on a steady decline since the 1950s, according to the action plan draft. The percentage was close to 60% in the early 1950s and that figure now hovers around 45% in recent years.
“Idaho is experiencing a changing climate, which is felt as stressors in the form of (1) warming average temperatures, (2) prolonged and severe drought, (3) changing precipitation and snowpack trends, and (4) shifting seasonal water runoff patterns. Consequently, Idaho’s climate is expected to become overall warmer, drier in summer, wetter in winter, and more variable during the next 50 to 70 years,” the action plan draft says.
Other major areas in the western U.S. are also experiencing a dwindling snowpack that threatens 76 million people, Bloomberg reported Wednesday. Mountain snowpacks in the region have decreased on average by 23% between 1955 and 2022. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/idahos-water-outlook-improves-but-2023-needs-strong-snowpack/article_9716f2a7-19dd-5557-a2b4-00a9109f65be.html | 2022-08-05T23:54:56 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/idahos-water-outlook-improves-but-2023-needs-strong-snowpack/article_9716f2a7-19dd-5557-a2b4-00a9109f65be.html |
ANDOVER, Kan. (KSNW) — Three months ago, a tornado tore through Sedgwick and Butler counties. The EF-3 tornado caused quite a bit of damage after setting its sights on Prairie Creek Elementary in Andover.
Part of the roof was ripped off, and water was left standing in classrooms. After months of work, the building is almost ready for the new school year.
“They’re going to be in for kind of a surprise, which is fun because they’ve been through a lot,” said Shawn Springer, principal of Prairie Creek Elementary.
Crews have constantly been working since the tornado hit for long hours and even weekends.
“Broken windows, broken pipes, damaged supplies, lost supplies, lots of things had to be taken care of, and we had to move everything out of the school so that workers could get the school back in place,” Springer explained.
When there’s a will, there’s a way.
The community has rallied around the school, and a number of crews have worked tirelessly to get the building ready to welcome back students by Aug. 11.
“This is almost a miracle that we’re back in the building. We actually were thinking back in the first part of June that we were going to have to make five different sites for people to go to,” he said.
The entire building is covered in new paint, along with new windows, carpet, technology, school supplies, and more.
School starts in just a few days, and crews are continuing to put the finishing touches.
“There’s still some breakers we need to turn on to make sure outlets are working. There’s still a little technology to get trained on, and there’s a little bit of finished painting that we need to do. But I think when people come in next week, they’ll see pretty much a brand new school,” Springer said.
Families will get a chance to see the building Tuesday night for an open house at 5 p.m., and school begins for students Thursday. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/crews-put-on-finishing-touches-to-welcome-back-prairie-creek-students-for-first-day-of-school/ | 2022-08-05T23:56:33 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/crews-put-on-finishing-touches-to-welcome-back-prairie-creek-students-for-first-day-of-school/ |
Lori Merritt Blong will run for Midland mayor.
Blong announced Friday she will seek the seat that is being vacated by Mayor Patrick Payton. Payton announced Thursday he will not seek reelection.
Blong is the current representative of District 4 (generally western Midland) and had announced in April that she would seek reelection to that position on the Midland City Council.
Blong told the Reporter-Telegram that mayoral leadership is servant leadership, and she is ready for that role. She said the city has been taking care of business and that is the mandate going forward. Whether it is finishing the voter-approved road bond, working on water sources for city residents, making city hall business friendly or improving pay for first-responders (and increasing their personnel numbers), city services trump “crazy projects.”
Blong also has been integral in parks development, including taking lead roles in the Midland Trail Park in southeast Midland and $55 million Hogan Park public-private partnership.
“This is a job I take very seriously. It is more service-oriented than I thought it would be,” Blong said. “I have worked really hard to listen to community members and to make decisions that take everyone’s viewpoint into account.”
Blong will have a rally at the Second Story Coworking space, 223 W. Wall St., at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The mayor’s seat is one of three places on the November ballot (Districts 3 and 4 are the others). The sign-up period started on July 25. The last day to put a name on a local ballot is Aug. 22.
--
Editor’s Note: A longer story about Blong and her decision to run for mayor will appear in the Weekend Edition of the Reporter-Telegram and on mrt.com. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Lori-Blong-to-run-for-Midland-mayor-17354441.php | 2022-08-05T23:57:21 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Lori-Blong-to-run-for-Midland-mayor-17354441.php |
State continues water testing after traces of toxin found in Milford's Hubbell Pond
Testing for hexavalent chromium continued on waters in the Hubbell Pond area in Milford on Friday after a tests done on Thursday revealed low levels of the toxic substance in the pond.
Two test samples taken from the pond on Thursday showed levels of the pollutant at or below state safety standards. The samples registered 11 parts per billion at the surface, and 9 parts per billon near the bottom.
The state's "chronic aquatic life value" for hexavalent chromium, meant to guard against long-term exposure, is 11 parts per billion; the "acute aquatic life value," for short-term exposures, is 16 parts per billion.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has been searching for the toxin in the Huron River and related waterways after Tribar Manufacturing in Wixom discharged liquid last weekend that contained 5% hexavalent chromium into the sanitary sewer system near the plant. Wastewater discharges from the Wixom facility to Norton Creek, which flows into the Huron River system.
Hexavalent chromium is a potent cancer-causing material. The state issued a no-contact order Tuesday for the Huron River between North Wixom Road in Oakland County and Kensington Road in Livingston County, recommending people and pets avoid touching the water, using it to water plants or eating fish from the river.
On Friday, two crews from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy sampled waters upstream, downstream and within the pond to gather more information about the potential location of the toxin.
Results of those tests weren't immediately available from EGLE, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday night from The Detroit News.
"The Hubbell Pond results were the only detections of hexavalent chromium from widespread sampling Thursday along the Huron River system downstream from the release," the department said in a Friday afternoon press release. "More than 30 samples were taken from varying depths from near the point of release downstream to Barton Pond in Ann Arbor."
Investigators are also testing sewage material within the Wixom treatment plant to determine if contamination remains bound up with the sludge inside the plant, the release said.
Officials stressed that more data is needed to develop a more complete picture of of the location, movement, and concentration of the contaminant.
Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen that can cause a number of adverse health effects through ingestion, skin contact or inhalation, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
State health officials recommend that, until further notice, people and pets avoid contact with parts of the Huron River and other waterways in an area that includes parts of Wayne, Oakland and Livingston counties.
Water to avoid includes the Huron River between North Wixom Road in Oakland County and Kensington Road in Livingston County, as well as Norton Creek downstream of the Wixom Wastewater Treatment Plant in Oakland County, Hubbell Pond in Oakland County, also known as Mill Pond, and Kent Lake in Oakland and Livingston counties.
"As additional water test results are received, MDHHS may expand this recommendation to other areas of the Huron River," the department stated in a press release.
The department's health warnings include:
- Don’t swim in, wade in, play in or drink water directly from the Huron River.
- Don’t water your plants or lawn with Huron River water.
- Don’t eat fish caught in this section of the Huron River.
MDHHS and EGLE officials stressed that properly constructed and permitted drinking water wells should not be directly influenced by surface water, and therefore, are unlikely to be contaminated by chromium from the river.
"Hexavalent chromium from this release is unlikely to enter the groundwater," officials said in the release. "Unpermitted driven sand points and submerged irrigation pumps installed by property owners along the river may be vulnerable and should never be used for drinking water."
kbouffard@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @kbouffardDN
MDHHS Toxic Hotline
For questions about potential health effects or exposures, call 800-648-6942, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; the line will also be open for extended hours this weekend, from 8 am to 5 p.m, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6-7.
EGLE Environmental Assistance Center
For a single point of entry into the agency’s programs visit EGLE-Assist@Michigan.gov or call 800-662-9278. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/08/05/state-continues-water-testing-after-traces-toxin-found-milfords-hubbell-pond/10251815002/ | 2022-08-06T00:04:04 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/08/05/state-continues-water-testing-after-traces-toxin-found-milfords-hubbell-pond/10251815002/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/these-beagle-pups-are-in-need-of-forever-homes/3327734/ | 2022-08-06T00:04:24 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/these-beagle-pups-are-in-need-of-forever-homes/3327734/ |
TAMPA, Fla — The city of Tampa held a flag-raising ceremony in honor of Purple Heart Day.
While the official day is Aug. 7, Tampa Councilman Luis Viera and Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen joined the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter at 10 a.m. Friday in front of Tampa City Hall. The ceremony honored veterans who have been wounded or killed due to enemy action while serving in the U.S. Military.
The Purple Heart award is the oldest military honor that is still presented to American service members.
From Aug. 5 through Aug. 7, Old City Hall will light up in purple each night in honor of Purple Heart recipients. Downtown park facilities and bridges will shine purple too. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/flag-raising-purple-heart-day-tampa/67-afdf9560-d618-4154-919f-074a0f9dc8a4 | 2022-08-06T00:06:51 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/flag-raising-purple-heart-day-tampa/67-afdf9560-d618-4154-919f-074a0f9dc8a4 |
SARASOTA, Fla — A 100-year-old historic building in Sarasota on the verge of demolition will remain standing for years to come after all.
The Mira Mar building was in a tug of war between historic preservation and property rights. The developer, Seaward, asked the city for a demolition permit back in June. According to them, the building needed to be torn down after showing a video that pointed out damage to the framing.
The owner and developer envisioned rebuilding the property and honoring the architectural elements of the 1920s. However, the Historic Preservation Board denied the permit in a unanimous 4-0 vote, and the developer followed up with an appeal.
Back in June, the city's staff and several people told the Historic Preservation Board they believe the building should stay, claiming it's even eligible to be part of the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, 40 tenants live in the building.
Seaward has since withdrawn the appeal, meaning the Mira Mar building will live on in its original state.
The city of Sarasota said they are confident the building is safe to occupy under normal weather conditions. If severe weather rolls through with hurricane-level winds, the city will conduct a re-evaluation. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/historic-sarasota-mira-mar-building-not-demolished/67-d3613f36-2b4c-477c-bfbf-f8f68951788b | 2022-08-06T00:06:57 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/historic-sarasota-mira-mar-building-not-demolished/67-d3613f36-2b4c-477c-bfbf-f8f68951788b |
Former Shreveport officer arrested after falsely reporting hit-and-run, police say
A former Shreveport Police captain was arrested after authorities say he falsely reported he was the victim of a hit-and-run while working for the department.
James Tipton called the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office on June 29 to report a hit-and-run at Linwood Avenue and Southern Loop, authorities said. Tipton told a deputy a Ford F-250 sideswiped his patrol car, causing heavy damage, and then left.
Through further investigation, Shreveport Police and State Police determined that Tipton falsely reported the accident, the Sheriff's Office said in a news release Friday. It was revealed that Tipton crashed into his neighbor's mailbox in Stonewall and then drove to Linwood Avenue and Southern Loop, where he made the report.
On Aug. 4, deputies issued Tipton a summons on a charge of criminal mischief, and he is scheduled to appear in court.
More:Shreveport man arrested in connection with June murder on West 70th Street
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/james-tipton-shreveport-la-police-officer-arrested-false-report/10252418002/ | 2022-08-06T00:12:54 | 1 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/james-tipton-shreveport-la-police-officer-arrested-false-report/10252418002/ |
Emergency crews in Bath were kept busy Friday in separate, weather-related incidents.
Lightning struck a man in the 500 block of Indepedence Avenue around 5 p.m. Friday, according to a Northampton County emergency dispatcher.
The man was reported to be conscious and alert, the dispatcher said. He was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg.
Meanwhile, crews responded several minutes later to a fire in the 300 block of Spyglass Hill Road, a few blocks away. No one was hurt and the fire was brought under control quickly, according to the dispatcher.
Both incidents happened as storms rolled through parts of the Lehigh Valley. There was a report of at least one tree down in one Northampton County community in the afternoon, but things appeared to be quieting down.
If you’re heading to Musikfest or other events in the Valley, be prepared for rain and even storms. Here is the forecast through Saturday from the National Weather Service:
Tonight
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m., then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.. | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-lehigh-valley-weather-man-struck-by-lightning-20220805-ut6kitktynf3nj2s5bqgaj6a7a-story.html | 2022-08-06T00:20:08 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-lehigh-valley-weather-man-struck-by-lightning-20220805-ut6kitktynf3nj2s5bqgaj6a7a-story.html |
Three candidates are on the Aug. 9 primary ballot for the District 61 Assembly seat, two Republicans and one Democrat. The position became open when Samantha Kerkman became the Kenosha County Executive.
After the primary on Aug. 9, one of the two Republican candidates, Mike Honold from Union Grove, or Amanda Nedweski, from Pleasant Prairie, will face Democrat Max Winkels, from Burlington, in November during the general election. The Kenosha News asked each candidate several questions about their candidacies. Their responses have been edited for length.
What do you see as the main issues in this election?
HONOLD: The main issue in this campaign for me is law enforcement and public safety. We need to support law enforcement and other public safety personnel to make sure our communities are safe and that Kenosha County continues to be a great place to live and raise a family. In addition, inflation is out of control and needs to be put in check.
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NEDWESKI: Despite media support for changing the definition of a recession, the reality is that the U.S. has experienced two successive quarters of declining gross domestic product. While skyrocketing gas prices continue to drive up the cost of goods and services, the government has been slow to intervene. Opening domestic pipelines and reducing dependence of foreign energy sources is the easiest way to drive gas prices down. Lawmakers are obligated to find creative solutions to unburden those most affected by this economic crisis without repeating the kinds of money-printing policies that lead to inflation in the first place.
By far, public safety was the top issue for voters when I successfully ran for County Board supervisor this spring in District 16. All throughout Kenosha County, memories of the August 2020 riots are still fresh. Residents express serious concern about the rapid rate at which our beloved law enforcement and first response personnel are leaving their professions due to campaigns to undermine their important roles and to defund the police.
In the legislature, I will continue my ongoing fight to expand school choice. By making the money follow the student, not the building, all families can choose schools where their children will have a quality learning experience that aligns with their values and beliefs. Wisconsin needs comprehensive education reform. I will advocate for curriculum that is focused on basic skills like reading, math, science, and social studies. I will collaborate on a practical and fair evaluation system for school performance that includes measures like student growth, not just test scores.
There is a wide spectrum of views on the 2020 presidential election. Whether justified or not, doubt has been cast on our electoral process. Wisconsin needs leaders who will stand up to protect our sacred right to vote. From cleaning up the voter rolls, to eliminating vulnerabilities in Wisconsin’s voter database and website, to abolishing the Wisconsin Elections Commission, I will never stop fighting to restore trust in our elections.
WINKELS: The Wisconsin legislature has been plagued by lazy, incompetent members for too long. They have refused to take simple steps that would improve life for many in the 61st District and thousands across the state. The main issue of the election is to provide the residents of the 61st District with a representative who will actually look out for their interests.
Why are you running for office?
HONOLD: I have to be honest, I never thought I’d consider running for elected office. I’ve spent my life in the private sector helping build communities, and most recently as a small business owner. My wife and I chose this area as our home because it’s a good place to raise a family and run a business. Lately however, all of that is at risk. Our area was ravaged by riots, and our families are suffering because of high gas prices and inflation. We live in dangerous times. Families like ours struggle to get by while politicians fail us each and every day. Something needs to change. That’s why I’ve decided to step up and help lead the state out of this darkness.
NEDWESKI: As a lifelong resident of Kenosha County, I have a broad understanding of how neighboring municipalities affect each other culturally, socially, and fiscally. This perspective is critical in my decision making as a County Board supervisor, and it will be a key factor in representation of the diverse population of Wisconsin’s 61st Assembly District. I know the people of Kenosha County, and they know me. That’s why I am a trusted and proven conservative leader.
The rapid economic expansion affecting the 61st Assembly District has brought many gains to residents and businesses. It also must be tempered with careful diligence to preserve the balance of industries represented in our area while prioritizing quality of life for the people who live here. My background in corporate finance with a global agricultural manufacturing company is a powerful tool that facilitates positive relationship building among all stakeholders. Negotiation is a key skill that led to success in my business career, and I will leverage that ability in the state legislature. Additionally, my experience as the spouse of a five-generation local family-owned business provides the necessary insight to keep the preservation and support of our small businesses in the forefront of decision making.
I have secured strong partnerships with community leaders through my tireless role as a grassroots champion for parental rights in education, medical freedom, and election integrity. Serving as the Vice-Chair of the Kenosha County chapter of Moms for Liberty contributed significantly to my decision to run for public office. Lastly, I am a no-nonsense mom of teen boys. I am running to represent hard working people whose voices have been ignored for too long. It’s time for common sense solutions to economic problems hitting families the hardest. Parents are the last line of defense, and the time is now to step up and lead to protect the future for our children and grandchildren.
WINKELS: Now is the time for real patriots to come the aid of their districts, states and country. That means people who uphold traditional American values, are honest about the strengths and weaknesses of our society and are willing to work hard to make improvements for all. I am one of those people.
Anything you’d like to add?
HONOLD: I am proud to be the law enforcement and public safety candidate in this race. I’ve been endorsed by a broad range of highly regarded and respected groups. I’m honored to be endorsed by police, sheriff deputies, fire fighters, local clubs like the snowmobilers alliance, Realtors, and fellow small business owners. I look forward to serving the 61st District.
NEDWESKI: Many Assembly members also serve in public office at the local level. I intend to remain on the county board while representing constituents in Madison to provide powerful representation and coordination at both the local and state levels.
I would like to publicly thank everyone who encouraged me to run for State Representative. Samantha Kerkman is a hard act to follow, and I am confident I’m the right person for the job. Calls, letters, and emails come from near and far in support, and I am deeply humbled at this possibility of giving back to the community that has given me so much.
WINKELS: There is an old saying, “If nothing changes, then nothing changes.” My opponents are part and parcel of a party that is hell-bent on making sure that nothing changes, except maybe that people in power get more power and that the standard of living goes down for the rest of us. That needs to change, starting in 2022. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/primary-to-narrow-field-for-district-61-state-assembly-seat/article_1c39626a-14ee-11ed-be5b-cbd4304c296b.html | 2022-08-06T00:20:55 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/primary-to-narrow-field-for-district-61-state-assembly-seat/article_1c39626a-14ee-11ed-be5b-cbd4304c296b.html |
One of the unfortunate things about any music festival is that you can't see it all. Sometimes, dueling headliners can make for a tough decision, but this year, the Friday night lineup at Outside Lands proved particularly vexing.
Aside from the beautiful weather that actually resembled summer, the main topic of conversation for the day seemed to be that Phoebe Bridgers and SZA, two of the most heavily anticipated performers of the weekend, were booked at nearly identical times on the Twin Peaks and Lands End stages. Chatter about the lineup clash could be heard in line at the festival entrance, and naturally people took to Twitter to express their frustration.
Unfortunately, a few fans clearly hadn't yet taken a look at the schedule.
However, it should be noted, Bay Area fans did have a chance to see Bridgers last night at a secret show in Healdsburg. Her performance Friday night will be featured on the festival's Twitch live stream, and there's one more opportunity to see her perform at an after party at The Independent.
So maybe just go see SZA.
MORE OUTSIDE LANDS COVERAGE:
— Everything you need to know before you go to SF's Outside Lands
— What it's like to be the only Bay Area rapper playing Outside Lands
— The best bands to see at San Francisco's Outside Lands music festival | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/Twitter-users-lose-it-over-Outside-Lands-lineup-17355518.php | 2022-08-06T00:21:36 | 0 | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/Twitter-users-lose-it-over-Outside-Lands-lineup-17355518.php |
KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — The people who trusted former Kanawha County Family Court Judge Scott Elswick are speaking out, saying they feel betrayed by their attorney.
They are claiming he “ghosted” them when they needed his help the most.
Elswick was a Family Court Judge in Kanawha County for 8 years until he left the bench and started his own practice in 2017. All was well until 2021, when one client says Elswick took her money, then cut off communication with no explanation, even causing her to miss her court date completely.
Carrie Soulliere says, “I have a voice and he is not going to hold it back anymore. He took my daughter from me with his poor representation. I haven’t seen my daughter in 18 months.
Another client says that she is concerned for him.
“I am worried about his well-being. I had worked with Scott previously and he did everything we discussed and even refunded any remaining funds. So for me, this is out of character for him,” she says.
According to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, Elswick’s license to practice was suspended in May because “of his addiction to alcohol/drugs.”
Documents provided to 13 News state that he appeared in court disheveled and with lesions on his face and that a judge in family court learned Elswick may have been hospitalized for an overdose in April.
Despite these issues, Elswick is still receiving online reviews dated as recently as three days ago. One client stated that he, “took my money and didn’t do nothing to help me out in my child custody case.”
Elswick has not responded to any of our calls or emails. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/clients-claim-kanawha-county-lawyer-cut-off-communication-stole-money/ | 2022-08-06T00:23:49 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/clients-claim-kanawha-county-lawyer-cut-off-communication-stole-money/ |
PRESTONSBURG, KY (WOWK) – An injured deputy received a warm welcome back home after finally getting out of the hospital.
Floyd County Deputy Darrin Lawson was released from the hospital today, Aug. 5, and is now back home. He was hospitalized for more than a month after being shot in the line of duty on June 30.
Lawson was one of four first responders injured in the ambush shooting in Allen, Kentucky that also took the lives of Floyd County Deputy William Petry, Prestonsburg Police Captain Ralph Frasure, Prestonsburg Police Officer Jacob Chaffins and Floyd County K-9 Drago.
In a press conference just days after the deadly shooting that detailed the events that led up to the incident, Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt said Lawson had been shot in the leg during the initial ambush.
Lawson returned to Prestonsburg around 3:30 p.m. this afternoon and was greeted by the community at the Mountain Arts Center. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/deputy-injured-in-floyd-county-ambush-welcomed-home/ | 2022-08-06T00:23:55 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/deputy-injured-in-floyd-county-ambush-welcomed-home/ |
HURRICANE, WV (WOWK) — Firefighters in Hurricane are working to do their part in helping out with the Kentucky floods.
Flooding hit the eastern Kentucky area starting on July 26, 2022.
Governor Andy Beshear says 37 Kentuckians have died as a result of the flooding, as of Aug. 5.
Hurricane firefighters have been collecting supplies such as baby supplies, non-perishable foods and toiletries to send down to eastern Kentucky to help with their flood relief efforts.
Hurricane Fire Department Lieutenant Ryan Hale says a team was sent down to help with repairs in Kentucky.
“The mobile infrastructure team is down there helping with repairs. We loaded two pallet trucks this morning and they are on their way,” Lt. Hale says.
Lt. Hale says the Hurricane FD may be holding another collection to send garbage bags to eastern Kentucky next week. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/hurricane-firefighters-helping-with-kentucky-flood-relief/ | 2022-08-06T00:24:01 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/hurricane-firefighters-helping-with-kentucky-flood-relief/ |
MIDLAND, Texas — Lori Smith, Principal of Midland College's Pre-K Academy, walks through her teachers' classrooms. They're housed in portables that she'll be seeing for the last time this school year.
"This will be our fourth school year and then our last school year in the portable, then we’ll be in our new building," said Smith.
They currently have four classrooms, two for 3-year-olds and two for 4-year-olds for 68 students. However, soon that number will grow.
"We’ll go to 16 classrooms. We’ll have eight 3-year-olds and eight 4-year-olds. We’ll have more kids in the classrooms because the classrooms will be larger," said Smith.
However, even with more classrooms and kids, she said the school will continue offering a comfortable environment.
"I’m hoping we’ll continue to do that close-knit planning together. There will be in pods so it may be more smaller team families and one big group of the school. That’s an important piece for me is to make sure I’m still keeping us all together and keeping us together as a team," said Smith.
Her team is filled with certified and trained teachers who get to know their students before the year kicks off.
"We do home visits so the teachers go out and meet the kids in their environment and meet the parents in their environment, and so we feel that’s important to get to know them and get to know who they are before they come to school, so that when they come to school they know who we are, they’ve seen our faces," said Smith.
With the school year only five days away, her and her staff is ready to get off to a great start.
"A lot of parents will stand out here and not want to leave and you have to be like they’re good they’re fine go about your business," said Smith.
MORE BACK TO SCHOOL STORIES: | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-college-pre-k-academy-last-school-year-portables-before-expansion/513-d250efde-5aa2-4115-ae92-730cef93eef5 | 2022-08-06T00:24:04 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-college-pre-k-academy-last-school-year-portables-before-expansion/513-d250efde-5aa2-4115-ae92-730cef93eef5 |
POCA, WV (WOWK) — The Poca Community Volunteer Fire Department and the Putnam County Emergency Management are helping the Letcher VFD by lending them secondary fire trucks after their station was destroyed by flooding.
In a Facebook post, the Poca VFD says the Letcher VFD station was, “wiped out by the disastrous flooding.” With that, they lost a lot of their equipment.
They say they the equipment they blended is fully stocked with airpacks, a hose, extraction equipment and other tools.
This will allow the Letcher VFD to continue its service. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/poca-vfd-assists-flooded-kentucky-fire-station/ | 2022-08-06T00:24:07 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/poca-vfd-assists-flooded-kentucky-fire-station/ |
VAN BUREN, Ark. — A boil water order has been issued for residents north of Interstate 40 along Highway 59 in Van Buren.
The order will be in effect through the weekend and until further notice, Van Buren utilities director Steve Dufresne said Friday evening.
The Arkansas Department of Health issued the order, saying:
The Arkansas Department of Health has issued the 'Boil Water' Notice for the area North of I-40 on August 5, 2022. This order was issued as a precautionary measure because of the possibility that contaminated water may have entered the distribution system as a result of a loss in normal system pressure.
Under the 'Boil Water' Notice, all affected customers are advised that the water may be unsafe for human consumption, and water used for drinking or food preparation must be boiled briskly for one (1) minute prior to use. All ice cubes should be discarded and only boiled water used for making ice.
This Notice will be lifted by the Department of Health when 1 set of 5 bacteriological samples indicate that the water is free of bacterial contamination and an adequate disinfectant level is established throughout the distribution system.
Crawford County customers in Van Buren, Cedarville and Rudy share the same water system and are all dealing with an outage that began Friday morning.
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.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/van-buren-water-boil-notice/527-9b63069a-f2de-4283-810a-1bb5f41ad856 | 2022-08-06T00:24:57 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/van-buren-water-boil-notice/527-9b63069a-f2de-4283-810a-1bb5f41ad856 |
Will golf carts soon be legal on Hattiesburg streets? What you need to know.
Using golf carts on city streets is illegal in Hattiesburg, even though they can be seen just about everywhere, sometimes with young children behind the wheel.
Hattiesburg City Council is looking at changing that by adopting an ordinance regulating where and how golf carts and other low-speed vehicles may operate within city limits.
Ward 1 Councilman Jeffrey George introduced a proposed ordinance, which is currently under review. The council is expected to vote on the measure at its Aug. 16 regular meeting.
George said while there was no specific incident that sparked the idea for the ordinance, he had heard from some residents who had safety concerns and seeing an increase in underage drivers.
“I began exploring proposing a golf cart ordinance to the Council a few months ago after talking with residents about their concerns and seeing the increase in use of golf carts around our city " he said. "Overall, my main motivation to put an ordinance in place has been the safety of those on golf carts and the drivers of motor vehicles that are sharing the roadway.
“With the increased use of golf carts and low-speed vehicles around Hattiesburg, it was important to propose an ordinance that establishes set standards for the operation of these vehicles — with an emphasis on ensuring that the safety of those on golf carts, pedestrians and motor vehicles is a priority."
Mayor Toby Barker said he appreciates the efforts made by George and Hunter White of the city's traffic department to create an ordinance that not only would protect the operators of the golf carts and low-speed vehicles, but those of motorists and pedestrians they may encounter.
“Golf carts and low-speed vehicles have the potential to enhance livability in our city, Barker said. "However, basic safety standards that comply with state and federal law are necessary."
Click here to read a draft of the proposed ordinance.
In 2021, state lawmakers passed a bill allowing municipalities to adopt ordinances to regulate golf carts and other low-speed vehicles, including limiting the streets where the vehicles are allowed, requiring vehicle registration, and requiring drivers to have a valid driver's license and insurance, among other things.
The definition of a low-speed vehicle according to the law is one with four wheels that has a top speed of more than 20 mph but less than 25 mph. The vehicles, including golf carts, must have safety equipment like headlights, taillights and turn signals, side mirrors, a windshield and more per federal transportation law. The vehicles and drivers also must comply with other federal and state laws governing vehicles on city streets.
“This ordinance, if passed by the council, will help enhance the quality of life in our city," George said. "It will also make sure that everyone is following the requirements of the law.”
Pearl River Community College:Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves promotes job training programs in Hattiesburg
The current draft of the ordinance would:
- require golf carts and low-speed vehicles to be registered through the city clerk's office.
- limit the operation of the vehicles to roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or less. Other roads may be prohibited by the city's Traffic Committee, based on traffic counts, recommendations by governing authorities, street design and other factors.
- require that vehicles meet federal safety equipment requirements.
- require operators of golf carts and low-speed vehicles to have a valid driver’s license and proof of financial responsibility.
- limit operation of these vehicles to the outside lane of multi-lane streets and roads, where applicable.
- prohibit golf carts and low-speed vehicles within the barricaded confines of any festival, event or road closure where typical vehicular traffic is prohibited.
Enforcement of the ordinance would be handled by Hattiesburg Police Department.
A number of other cities in Mississippi already had golf-cart ordinances in place as adopted individually by measures passed in the Legislature. Ocean Springs adopted its ordinance in 2018. Madison has had a golf cart ordinance in place since 2017.
Residents who have questions or would like to comment on the ordinance may call 601-545-4501 or email mayor@hattiesburgms.com or jrgeorge@hattiesburgms.com.
Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge. | https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/golf-carts-legal-drive-hattiesburg-streets-they-soon-could-be/10222756002/ | 2022-08-06T00:38:35 | 1 | https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/golf-carts-legal-drive-hattiesburg-streets-they-soon-could-be/10222756002/ |
On Aug. 9, 2002, the Pony Express rode into Casper carrying a message from the president.
"This new center will provide a unique opportunity for people from around the world to learn about the historic trails that converged in Casper and the lives of those who took part in the westward expansion of our country," George W. Bush wrote.
The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center — which opened that day — would be entrusted with preserving trails-era history and educating the public about it.
Twenty years later, it's still serving that mission.
The center will host a series of special events next week to celebrate its 20th birthday, according to a news release from the Bureau of Land Management.
As Bush's words implied, the Casper area played an important role in U.S. westward expansion.
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Back in the 19th century, three pioneer highways passed through the region: the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail and the California Trail. The Pony Express had stations in the region, too. (Re-enactors with the National Pony Express Association still ride from Missouri to California every year — hence the former president's letter.)
The Trails Center features a handful of interactive exhibits teaching people about trails history and culture: from the daily struggles of pioneer life, to the U.S.'s devastating impact on indigenous nations, to the invention of the telegraph and the railroad.
It's about to add one new display, just in time for its 20th birthday. On Wednesday, the Trails Center will premiere a new documentary accompanying its exhibit on the Battle of Red Buttes, which opened earlier this summer.
The conflict, which took place in 1865 near present-day Casper, was part of the Cheyenne, Lakota and Arapaho Native Americans’ resistance against U.S. expansion and brutality.
The documentary and exhibit use records, live-action reenactments and interviews with historians to tell the story behind the battle. Some of the historians interviewed are relatives of Native Americans who fought in the battle.
The film will play periodically at the center all day, for the rest of the year. At a later time, it’ll also be available for free online, according to a news release from the Bureau of Land Management.
The same day the documentary premieres, the Trails Center will be giving covered wagon rides outside on the prairie.
On Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the museum will host a meet-and-greet with Josh Kirk, a Wyoming homesteader and mountaineer featured on the History Channel's TV series, “Mountain Men”.
Saturday will feature the following special events:
- From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., guest John Rose will offer samples of food made with a Dutch oven, the kind of cookware pioneers used;
- From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Trails Center will host a performance by fiddler Erica Floam;
- From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wyoming’s state archaeologist, Spencer Pelton, will talk about artifacts discovered at the Powars II site in Platte County. The site was a hematite quarry used by Paleoindian peoples more than 12,000 years ago, according to the release.
Living history performers Jean Smart and the Merchant family will also be at the Trails Center all day Aug. 13 and 14. They'll be showing guests what it was like to live at a pioneer camp, according to the BLM's news release.
For the majority of the week — Tuesday through Aug. 13 — the Trails Center will have shaved ice from the Curly Wolf Den.
To help raise money for the museum, it'll also be selling bags of a special Trails Center coffee roast by Metro Coffee Company for $20. (Guests can stop by the center on Tuesday for free coffee and snacks, as well.)
For the month of August, it'll also have a tap handle at Gruner Brothers Brewing, along with a bucket there for anyone who wants to donate.
Conceived in the early '90s, it took about a decade of planning and fundraising before the Trails Center opened in August 2002. It cost some $11 million to build — including at least $40,000 in public donations, $1.5 million from Casper’s one-cent fund and $6.5 million in federal dollars, the Star-Tribune reported at the time.
The National Historic Trails Center was made possible through a unique partnership between The National Historic Trails Foundation — the center's governing nonprofit — and the BLM.
That partnership was set up by Congress while the museum was still being planned, said Gena Jensen, The National Historic Trails Foundation's executive director.
The BLM owns the land the center sits on, takes care of building and staffs it with their rangers. The foundation, on the other hand, is in charge of fundraising and maintaining the exhibits, Jensen said.
The Trails Center can offer free public admission thanks to a BLM grant it has to renew every couple of years.
Other costs are supported with donations from the public. Keeping the museum in good shape is more expensive than people realize, said Jensen — the exhibits use special electronics that periodically have to be updated and replaced.
Some 40,000 people visit every year. A lot of those are tourists. The Trails Center is often the first thing people see when they drive to Casper, Jensen said.
But she wishes the museum had a greater presence in the local community. Jensen meets a lot of people who say they haven't visited since elementary school. They're missing out, she said — the center regularly hosts new programming, including arts and culture demonstrations, academic talks and activities for kids.
"We need more local engagement, because that’s where a lot of our funding comes from,” she said.
The Trails Center, located at 1501 N. Poplar Street, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/national-historic-trails-interpretive-center-celebrates-20-years/article_5a939d48-1438-11ed-a8a0-37c7e51fb2ad.html | 2022-08-06T00:38:41 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/national-historic-trails-interpretive-center-celebrates-20-years/article_5a939d48-1438-11ed-a8a0-37c7e51fb2ad.html |
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – Babcock Ranch High School is just days away from opening. Monday morning kids will be welcomed bright and early.
The school is designed for grades 6-12. However, the first senior class won’t walk through the doors until next year.
It’s a school unlike any other. From the moment you walk in, you can tell the design is different. It’s an open layout with lots of glass walls that make everything transparent. There’s traditional classrooms but also space for huddles, concentration, group projects and more.
“Where like in normal schools it’s you’re in a classroom and you can’t go anywhere else. We have collaboration spots and smaller class sizes, it’s so much easier,” incoming junior Larsen McLoon said.
She started school in Babcock Ranch in 2019, and says it was completely different than previous places of education.
“When I came here, it was like they didn’t care about as much about what you did. It was how well you did it and how much you understood it rather than oh yeah you got the grade that’s it you’re done,” McLoon said.
Kitson & Partners chairman Syd Kitson said the design comes from one main concept. It’s the same concept that led to the location of the school: right in the center of the community.
“We wanted people to know that education is as important as anything we do, maybe more important than anything we do,” Kitson said. “I think young people learn better by doing rather than just sitting and listening.”
The trust in teachers is part of the reason Michelle Sandel loves teaching at Babcock.
“Everyone here really saw that what was working in other schools really isn’t working for education anymore,” Sandel said. “So we wanted to do something different and get our students working on developing problem solving skills.”
Sandel focuses mostly on the science department, but she’s also part of the make tank, a space for building and hands-on collaboration. Her passion shines through when you ask Sandel how she feels about students coming back on Monday.
“I can’t even contain it. I want to get into my room. I want to see my kids. I want to get them doing all the fun stuff we have planned for them this year,” she said.
RELATED STORY: New school coming to Babcock Ranch will double as storm shelter
Executive Director of Schools, Shannon Treece, has been involved with this project from the start. She even showed us the progress of construction back in January.
“We have definitely come a long way in a very short amount of time,” Treece said. “It is definitely not just brick walls and doors. The space was designed for a next generation learner.”
In addition to learning, a new field house will house both a cafeteria and gym for students.
That gym, doubling as a storm shelter in the case of a hurricane. The walls are 12 inches thick, and the shelter will be open to all of SWFL. Once all equipment is in place the building will be able to stand up to a category five storm.
PREVIOUS STORY: New emergency storm shelter under construction in Babcock Ranch
Once school starts Monday, both the neighborhood school (K-5) and high school (6-12) will have approximately 400 students each. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/05/babcock-high-school-ready-for-inaugural-school-year/ | 2022-08-06T00:42:11 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/05/babcock-high-school-ready-for-inaugural-school-year/ |
COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — Just a few nights ago, three college students in Naples captured a 17-foot-long Burmese python along U.S. 41 in remote Collier County.
It comes just in time for the start of the ‘Python Challenge’, a statewide effort to eradicate the invasive snake from the Florida Everglades.
In a chaotic scene captured on video in a remote part of Collier County, Jake Waleri and his two friends are seen wrangling the 17-foot-long snake.
“The middle of the Everglades, people are commuting between Miami and Naples, and I see this thing blocking the road. I just started screaming, I saw the head move and I knew it was a giant python,” Waleri said.
What they found could be one of the largest burmese pythons ever caught by amateurs, just 2 days before the start of the python challenge.
“I made sure I got on the head, Jake got on the back of the body. We just had to fight her for a couple minutes,” said Stephen Gauta, who caught the snake.
Unlike trappers contracted through FWC or the South Florida Water Management District, Jake and his friends weren’t paid to catch it, they did it for fun.
“I’m hoping we have a state record for an amateur catch, its pretty rare for someone to go out there not contracted by the state and find something this big,” Waleri said.
On Friday morning, Florida kicked off the 2022 Python Challenge, which offers cash to professionals and amateurs alike to remove snakes from Florida’s public lands.
“Catching a large invasive snake like this underscores the importance of management of efforts like the 2022 Python Challenge, which began today.” said Officer Adam Brown from FWC. “Fantastic catch though, it’s helping the environment so it’s a great thing they’ve done.”
A massive snake of this size when removed from Florida’s environment, gives other native animals a fighting chance.
“We were just happy to catch a snake like this, had it been 2 days later, it would have been a nice payday, but I’m just glad to be out there with these boys and we got it done. We got another big one out of the glades so I am excited,” Waleri said. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/05/college-students-capture-17-foot-long-python-in-collier-county/ | 2022-08-06T00:42:17 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/05/college-students-capture-17-foot-long-python-in-collier-county/ |
CALDWELL, Idaho —
The Canyon County Election Office is looking to hire poll workers ahead of the Nov. 8 general election.
The election office said that poll workers are a critical component to ensuring elections go smoothly and will pay them $149 per election.
Poll worker duties will include helping voters with the check in process, registering voters, issuing ballots, and handing out ‘I Voted’ stickers. They must be able to work 14-hour days on election day and attend a short training session before each election.
To apply, individuals must be at least 16 years old and a U.S citizen.
Anyone who is interested in becoming a poll worker can click HERE or call the Canyon County Elections Office at (208)454-7562.
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/208/canyon-county-hiring-election-poll-workers/277-75f46b8f-0f6c-4802-905b-206c4da52dd5 | 2022-08-06T00:43:46 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/canyon-county-hiring-election-poll-workers/277-75f46b8f-0f6c-4802-905b-206c4da52dd5 |
BOISE, Idaho — The Boise Police Department is searching for a missing and vulnerable 78-year-old man named John.
In a Twitter post, Boise Police said John was last seen Thursday around 5:30 a.m., walking on the 9000 block of West Cory Lane in Boise. He was wearing a dark blue t-shirt and dark blue jeans.
Boise Police ask anyone who has or does see John to call dispatch at 208-377-6790.
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/boise-police-searching-for-missing-man/277-240b0710-3a4a-4e68-ba1b-2591de0faf43 | 2022-08-06T00:43:52 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/boise-police-searching-for-missing-man/277-240b0710-3a4a-4e68-ba1b-2591de0faf43 |
The Arizona Corporation Commission will hold a series of five virtual town halls next week to take public comment on the impacts of the closure of coal-fired power plants on local communities.
The meetings, which follow in-person town halls held in affected communities including Page, St. Johns and Tuba City, start with a session at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, with additional sessions at 1 p.m. on Aug. 9; at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Aug. 10; and at 3 p.m. on Aug. 11.
For detailed information on how to access via Zoom or participate by phone, go to tucne.ws/1l30. For more information by phone, call the ACC Utilities Division toll-free at 1-800-222-7000.
Regulators are trying to soften the economic impact of closures and planned closures of coal-fired power plants including TEP’s Springerville Generating Station in eastern Arizona. | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/arizona-regulators-take-input-on-coal-closures/article_827a2b38-1519-11ed-b60b-9fa011a5c716.html | 2022-08-06T00:46:30 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/arizona-regulators-take-input-on-coal-closures/article_827a2b38-1519-11ed-b60b-9fa011a5c716.html |
CALIFORNIA, USA — A common trend in the current housing market in California is that many are having a hard time affording to buy a house in many regions across the state.
California's current home ownership rates sits at 54.6% in 2022, the second lowest in the nation just behind New York at 53.6%, according to the US Census Bureau. Between 2016 and 2020, nearly half of California counties had home ownership rates of less than 60% with the lowest being in more notably expensive counties like Los Angeles at 46% and San Francisco at 38%.
The California Association of Realtors recently released data from its quarterly housing affordability index showing a large gap between average home prices in each county and the estimated income needed to buy a home based on median cost.
Sacramento State Economics Professor David Lang explains these seemingly massive gaps are not black and white, and don't ultimately determine whether or not the area is otherwise affordable.
“Does it seem to take a lot of money to be a homeowner in many of the counties in California? For sure,” Lang said. "But is it actually getting in the way of people owning homes in California? On average, not necessarily.”
Lang points out there are a number of complex and ever-changing factors to consider when analyzing the housing affordability index.
“These things change quickly because the cost of housing – the cost of a mortgage, plus insurance, plus the fees, plus the interest rate – all that taken together changes greatly as interest rates change,” Lang said. “And interest rates are changing pretty rapidly these days.”
These factors, specifically interest rates, are difficult to integrate when considering median home values as interest rates remain ever-changing, especially amid current economic conditions.
“It’s a moving target,” Lang said “Interest rates change faster than the rest of the market changes.”
According to Zillow, the current average interest rate for home loans in California is around 5% for both a 30-year fix and since the most recent interest rate hike. This number is assuming the home buyer is equipped with the standard expectations for a good applicant, like a 740 credit score with 20% down.
But Lang points out the way median home values and median income are estimated doesn't necessarily account for the majority.
For example, El Dorado County has a considerably higher home ownership rate (75.5%) than the statewide average, yet the gap between the minimum affordability income and the average remains significant.
“[What] we have to understand is that there are exceedingly few people who are the medium,” Lang said. “There are exceedingly few people who are that average person, and that average household who's looking at the average housing value in an average neighborhood."
Median home values also vary great depending on the area. California is made up of dozens of diverse regions priced solely based on demand for the location. In locations with high demand, median home values will be much higher and housing affordability will be much lower as a result.
“Home ownership is not only a function of affordability, there's also preferences and lifestyle and everything else that goes along with it,” Lang said.
Despite this consideration, many still can't afford to buy a home in area they live in with current rates of wage distribution.
“We should see wages, salaries and compensation start to move upward in the coming months as we kind of reach our new equilibrium,” Lang said. “But it's not going to be tomorrow, it just takes too long to do that.”
Another significant factor to consider is what regions' data are most heavily affected by racial inequities.
According to the California Housing Finance agency, Black and Latino households are among the lowest rates of home ownership across the state. This disparity is largely in part due the slowly decreasing but ever-present racial wealth gap seen across the U.S.
“Unfortunately, some of the very counties that look like they have the biggest gaps are counties that also tend to have the biggest income inequality," Lang said.
Black and Latino families make up 11% of family incomes above the top 90% of earners despite comprising 43% of all families in the state, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.
Recognizing these discrepancies as well as a number of microeconomic factors can help give both current and potential homeowners an idea of what to consider when looking at average home values.
Lang said there are some strong indications home prices will fall altogether, but interest rates will continue to rise as the Fed continues efforts to avoid economic recession.
“Interest rates are very likely going to go up, which is going to make overall housing costs a little more expensive,” Lang said. “But every indication that's out there is suggesting that base prices for homes should come down or at least stabilize and stop going up explosively like they have been for the last few years.”
Watch more from ABC10: Sacramento breaks ground on 100-unit 'Safe Stay Community' sleeping cabins | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/housing-affordability-in-california/103-46aa3dc1-66da-4987-8fd7-aebea7f468b9 | 2022-08-06T00:51:50 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/housing-affordability-in-california/103-46aa3dc1-66da-4987-8fd7-aebea7f468b9 |
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.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lawyer-arbery-shooter-fears-hell-be-killed/85-f94695ca-1698-4430-aaa7-f2ba196069ca | 2022-08-06T00:58:32 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lawyer-arbery-shooter-fears-hell-be-killed/85-f94695ca-1698-4430-aaa7-f2ba196069ca |
MAINE, USA — Maine is experiencing its third consecutive year of drought.
According to a news release issued Friday by the Maine Emergency Management Agency, Maine's Drought Task Force met virtually on Thursday as the U.S. Drought Monitor reports close to 26 percent of Maine is abnormally dry, nearly 32 percent is in moderate drought, and slightly over 8 percent of the state is seeing severe drought.
The release states that Maine's conditions are not expected to improve short-term.
The Gray and Caribou National Weather Service offices predict that warmer than average temperatures will continue throughout this weekend.
"By Monday, the weather pattern will begin to shift to a cooler, wetter pattern," the release reports. "Temperatures will be near or slightly below average for the beginning of next week, with rainfall expected on Monday. Currently, rainfall estimates for Monday are ranging around 0.5", with most of the precipitation falling across the north and west."
"This week's heat and humidity is a true reminder of why over 76% of the state's population is in abnormally dry or drought-stricken areas," Maine Emergency Management Agency Director Peter Rogers said in the release. "While we do have some rain on the horizon next week, we do not anticipate it will be the prolonged, soaking rain needed to remedy these conditions. We are getting reports of dry wells in the southern and western parts of the state. We ask citizens who are experiencing dry wells to please report that."
In addition to warmer temperatures continuing to surface this weekend, Maine has also seen a total of 18 private wells reported as dry this season, with 16 of them being residential, according to the release.
"Maine homeowners with dry wells are encouraged to report this information to the Dry Well Survey," the release advises. "If someone has difficulty filling out the survey on their own, they are encouraged to dial 2-1-1 or they can text a Maine zip code to 898-211 for assistance with filling out the survey."
According to the release, the Maine CDC's Drinking Water Program has received "sporadic reports" of low water quantity from public water suppliers throughout Maine, except for in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Aroostook Counties.
"The Stonington Water Company has issued mandatory water use restrictions and is currently augmenting its supply with water transported by tanker," the release states.
"For farmers that have invested in irrigation and soil health, crops are looking good," Tom Gordon, public service coordinator at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, said in the release. "Drought has increased operating costs, particularly for labor and diesel fuel. For farmers who have not invested in irrigation, the outlook is for reduced quantity and quality of yields, and crop losses if the drought persists or intensifies."
Gordon explains that hay supply is going to be limited for cattle farmers who rely on hay for their feed throughout the fall and winter.
"The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service reports there have been 533 total wildfires this year, burning more than 350 acres," the release reports. "There is an increase of roadside fires; some were related to arson, but others were related to mechanical malfunctions. Lightning activity picked up in the south during the storm/wind events mid-July around the Sebago Lake area. The expectation is for an increase in wildfire activity as the drought continues."
Since Maine's conditions aren't expected to improve short-term, Maine's Drought Task Force is set to meet virtually again on Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-sees-its-third-consecutive-year-of-drought-environment-agriculture/97-8a23d56c-4840-4910-994f-f5fab8ab93d9 | 2022-08-06T00:58:38 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-sees-its-third-consecutive-year-of-drought-environment-agriculture/97-8a23d56c-4840-4910-994f-f5fab8ab93d9 |
EASTMAN, Ga. — Mike Flanagan never should have underestimated his wife.
"My first comment was, 'How are you going to clear the land?' Next thing I know, she has a team out here clearing the land," he said.
Sharon didn't really plan for all of this. She was a high-powered executive-- an engineer at a big company, but she wanted something different and she wanted to learn -- and she loved to garden.
"I had been wanting for years to have a better understanding of weather," she said.
Really?
Now, she depends on it. Trees need sun.
Although Sharon says the greenery isn't much trouble, she thinks it's easier to produce than Georgia's other signature crops.
"I don't think it's any harder than the pecans or peaches," she said.
Fall is when the pebbly, pea-like crop comes off the tree.
Sharon has it milled and then brought back to Eastman.
"Every time I have some of that oil, I think, 'Wow, this came out of the orchard,' she said with a big grin on her face.
She's proud, but she's got street cred to go with her certified extra virgin olive oil.
You'll see a gold seal on every bottle that came from some pretty picky judges.
"The New York International Olive Oil Competition, which is a worldwide competition where they have a lot of countries enter," she said.
She bottles it by hand, working out of two tanks in a converted farmhouse.
The 64-year-old has plans to expand.
As for Mike, her husband, he's super-proud and always looking forward to a snack.
"I love the olive oil -- a little olive oil, salt, and pepper -- I can eat that. That can be dinner," Mike said with a grin.
Here's something that you may not have known: the younger olives sport the green color. Black is when they're fully mature.
You can find Five Otters Olive Oil in various locations in Central Georgia like Dovetail, M&T Meats, and at Huffs in Milledgeville. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/dodge-county-farmer-finding-success-with-olive-crop-3/93-e960c382-da35-4b3e-858a-c51ddf77d764 | 2022-08-06T00:59:55 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/dodge-county-farmer-finding-success-with-olive-crop-3/93-e960c382-da35-4b3e-858a-c51ddf77d764 |
ATLANTA — After more than a year, 11Alive is continuing to hold the Fulton County Commission accountable as we investigate whether millions of dollars, intended to rescue small local businesses and entrepreneurs devasted by the COVID pandemic, went to those who needed it most.
Our 11Alive reports have now led a top government watchdog group to join us in our call for transparency and accountability.
At stake here is $10 million that was supposed to help bail out minority-owned businesses and fund entrepreneurship in Fulton County during the pandemic.
After seeing our reports, one of the nation's leading government watchdog agencies, Common Cause, is now involved, seeking answers for Fulton County taxpayers.
The goal through all of this has been simple: 11Alive wanted to track the $10 million Fulton County gave in two interest-bearing CDs to Unity National Bank and Loyal Trust Bank to help bail out local businesses.
However, we continue to struggle to find a paper trail even after Fulton Commission Chair Robb Pitts asked the banks for accountability in May.
“Madam CFO,” Pitts asked. “Would you please ask the two institutions that received the funds to give a report penny for penny?”
We recently submitted an Open Records Requests for those reports, but all we found was a one sentence document from Unity National stating 22 loans totaling $5.3 million were made. No other details were given on who received that money or when.
Loyal Trust offered a bit more detail in its report on the nearly $5 million it's given out but still offered no specifics on who got what.
As the CD's were deposited from the Fulton County General Fund, the banks were not required to report where they invested the money. However, the Fulton Commission Resolution, passed in June of last year, specified that the money was supposed to go to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Executive Director of Common Cause-Georgia, Aunna Dennis, told 11Alive the banks' reports were inadequate and did not answer for taxpayers the simple question of whether minority small businesses got the loans as the commission directed.
“I feel there has been a misappropriation of the intent and the trust of the community when it comes to where funding was supposed to be going," Dennis said. “Transparency and accountability are necessary on all processes of government. It is also very vital that the voices of the people are heard in this process and that the destiny of whatever that funding was intended to be was done for those communities.”
Common Cause Policy Analyst Anne Gray Herring backed up the importance of accountability and transparency for Fulton taxpayers by appearing before the commission's public meeting this week.
The evasive outcomes and accounting generalities that we've found continue to throw into question whether the specific intent of the Commission Resolution had any meaning at all to ensure minority small businesses received the help that was promised to them.
Required or not, Fulton taxpayers and minority small businesses deserve an accounting and transparency from its elected officials
As 11Alive continues this investigation to hold the powerful accountable, please let us know if you either applied for or received a small business loan from Unity National or Loyal Trust between June of last year and now. Send an email to 11Alive’s Bill Liss at hpa@11alive.com. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/fulton-county-commission-transparency-covid-funds/85-999a9df2-7bc6-495a-8232-a9755fc62e44 | 2022-08-06T01:00:01 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/fulton-county-commission-transparency-covid-funds/85-999a9df2-7bc6-495a-8232-a9755fc62e44 |
ATLANTA — Atlanta Police are asking the public for help finding missing woman Nariyana Grady.
Officers spoke with Grady's mother Thursday, who reported her daughter missing after not being able to get in touch with her for more than two weeks.
APD said Grady's mother hasn't been able to talk to her since July 21 when she received a concerning text message. According to officers, Grady's mother received a text stating in part, "I have to get out of this house, he keeps putting his hands on me."
Additionally, Grady's mother said she hasn't physically seen her since some time in May, APD added.
APD said Grady was last seen back in May at the Esquire Village Apartments at 901 Bolton Road NW where she lives with her boyfriend. She only knows her boyfriend as "Hamilton," APD said.
Grady's mother said that her daughter had only met him once back in May and he physically assaulted her, APD said.
There have been several wellness checks for Grady, with the last being on Wednesday, Aug. 3, according to APD. During that wellness check, officers were informed by someone at the address that Grady did not live there.
If any information is known about Grady's whereabouts, APD said to call 911 or its Homicide/Adult Missing Persons Unit at 404-546-4235. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/missing-in-georgia/missing-atlanta-woman-nariyana-grady/85-1b16c329-dce1-4bb1-829d-ea542c903f5c | 2022-08-06T01:00:07 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/missing-in-georgia/missing-atlanta-woman-nariyana-grady/85-1b16c329-dce1-4bb1-829d-ea542c903f5c |
ATLANTA — In a Fulton County Superior courtroom 31-year-old Natalie White remained silent as her attorneys on Friday made arguments on her behalf.
White has been indicted and is charged alongside 35-year-old John Wade and 25-year-old Chisom Kingston with two counts of first-degree arson and a single count of conspiracy to commit arson for the 2020 burning of a Wendy's along University Avenue in southwest Atlanta.
A day before the fire, the restaurant served as the backdrop for the deadly shooting of Rayshard Brooks by an Atlanta Police officer.
The shooting led to protests and eventually the fire.
Friday's hearing marked White's first time in a courtroom since 2020 after her case became one of many delayed during the pandemic.
Her lead attorney Drew Findling argued White shouldn't be charged with conspiracy because he claims prosecutors have failed to show any connection between the defendants.
"My client has no relationship to her co-defendants," Findling told the Fulton County Superior Court Judge Eric Dunaway.
After the hearing Findling told 11Alive, "If three people shoplifted at Macy's on the same day and had nothing to do with one another you wouldn't throw them in the same indictment and that is exactly what took place here."
White's attorney also argued he wants White tried separately, first because of the lack of connection in his opinion between the defendants. He also pointed to a guilty plea Wade entered in federal court earlier this year for another arson case.
In court documents, federal prosecutors link to a social media video showing United States Postal Service vehicles and visible flames outside a post office in Atlanta.
That fire took place later in 2020 after the fire at the Wendy's.
While out of jail on bond in connection to the Wendy's arson case Wade was wearing a GPS ankle monitor.
Federal court records show evidence from prosecutors placing Wade at the scene of the post office fire where postal vehicles, property, and mail were burned.
Wade entered a guilty plea in the federal case and is now serving a 5-year federal prison sentence in connection with that case.
White's legal team believes a jury might have a prejudice against all of the defendants if they're tried for arson together and information about Wade's federal arson case is introduced at trial.
"And that would not be admissible at a trial if she was severed and tried separately," said Findling's co-counsel Zachary Kelehear.
White's attorneys asked Judge Dunaway to consider tossing evidence gathered by investigators, arguing her cell phone data and texts shouldn't be allowed at trial.
Kelehear argued investigators didn't meet a legal threshold when they requested and received a search warrant to access White's phone records.
An assistant district attorney from the Fulton County District Attorney's Office on Friday argued appropriate probable cause to obtain the warrant was shown and the evidence should be allowed.
Prosecutors also advocated for the three defendants heading to trial together and argued they have met the requirements to have the trio charged with conspiracy to commit arson.
Dunaway said he would rule by the end of the upcoming week on the requests from White's attorneys to have her tried separately, have the conspiracy charge dropped, and have evidence from her cell phone tossed.
After the defendants were indicted this past January, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis released the following statement:
"Today’s indictment sends an important message. We recognize and will protect the right of people to protest. We cannot, however, tolerate violence like arson, even if done in the name of protest. We will hold accountable those who endanger lives by committing acts like those alleged in the indictment.” | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/natalie-white-separate-trial-atlanta-wendys-arson-case/85-ce9c3985-1790-4654-86da-78f19b265f3a | 2022-08-06T01:00:13 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/natalie-white-separate-trial-atlanta-wendys-arson-case/85-ce9c3985-1790-4654-86da-78f19b265f3a |
ATLANTA — A bipartisan bill that could change the way law enforcement interacts with mental illness calls passed through the Senate on Monday.
The TBI and PTSD Law Enforcement Training Act aims to fund mental health training for first responders and crisis intervention teams so they can better understand how to act and react to individuals experiencing mental illnesses.
Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff proposed the bill with Sen. Chuck Grassley from Iowa.
Ossoff told 11Alive they hope the legislation will help better law enforcement's response to mental health calls.
“Communities in Georgia and across the country are struggling both with high rates of violent crime and also high rates of mental illness that's often untreated, and the response has to be one that both strengthens public safety through the training of law enforcement,” he said.
Additionally, training would teach law enforcement how to better recognize signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these contribute to 3 million hospitalizations, emergency room visits and deaths each year.
“It'll also help to stand up crisis intervention teams that bring in mental health expertise where someone's having an acute mental health crisis and make sure that, more broadly, mental health care services in our communities are strengthened,'' Ossoff explained.
Through CDC research, the legislation requires a study that will look at law enforcement and first responders who may have suffered a traumatic brain injury in the line of duty.
The TBI and PTSD Law Enforcement Training Act is currently headed to President Joe Biden’s desk, where it could soon get signed into law. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/tbi-and-ptsd-law-enforcement-training-act/85-013d8937-409f-49a4-9b3f-25ca396064db | 2022-08-06T01:00:19 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/tbi-and-ptsd-law-enforcement-training-act/85-013d8937-409f-49a4-9b3f-25ca396064db |
HAWKINSVILLE, Ga. — It's something you think may never happen to you. Imagine you're sitting watching TV, and your house goes up in flames.
That's what happened to 74-year-old Larry and 86-year-old Margaret Walker in Hawkinsville.
They had some pretty special guys who jumped in to rescue them.
"You hear that 'zrrroooommmpppp' -- I heard that twice," Larry described.
The Walkers didn't know that their lives stood in grave danger a few minutes after that pop.
The firemen, Matt Goss and Chris Clark, live close by. When they got there, they had a life or death decision: go in without any of their gear or stand outside and listen to screams they heard coming from the home.
"They grabbed us, and we were gone. We were out in a minute. It was surprising how fast it went," Margaret described.
There was a lot of emotion in that minute.
"When we went in, you could not see her face. All you could see were the bottom of her legs in her recliner and the bottom of her phone. She still had 911 on her phone," Clark described. "Once I got her up and started dragging her, the adrenaline just trying to help her and get her out of that house, that's what got me to do that."
"The guy was in the wheelchair, so we just wheeled him out," Goss recalled.
"When they got us out of the house, turned around, and it looked like a gas heater when you light it," Larry said.
The fire left scars.
Scars can heal, and timber can be replaced.
But the hungry flames could have quickly enveloped everyone in this story.
"A few more minutes, that ceiling would have been falling on all of us," Margaret said.
"I don't think it's anything. Any other fireman on this department would have done just like we did," Chris projected.
And that may ring true.
But the fact is these guys ran into a burning building on Watson Street, they saved lives and they'd do it again.
WHAT OTHERS ARE READING: | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/volunteer-firefighters-in-hawkinsville-run-into-burning-house-to-save-couple-2/93-71ee23e8-e305-4db7-b2ca-151426d916a4 | 2022-08-06T01:00:26 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/volunteer-firefighters-in-hawkinsville-run-into-burning-house-to-save-couple-2/93-71ee23e8-e305-4db7-b2ca-151426d916a4 |
Beaver Island collects input for island planning
BEAVER ISLAND — What does Beaver Island want to become? A joint planning commission of the island’s two townships is working with their fellow citizens to find out.
The public is invited to participate in an open house from 2-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17 in the Beaver Island Community Center at 26215 Main St. Online participation is also available through the St. James and Peaine township websites at www.stjamestwp.org and www.peainetwp.org.
The master plan update is exploring ways to best protect the island’s unique cultural and natural resources while planning for growth and development. Ever-changing conditions such as COVID-19, the housing market, remote-based and service-based workforces, and accessibility to infrastructure and services make Beaver Island a unique place to plan for and live in.
The open house is intended to inform participants of the master planning effort and to collect and discuss feedback from individual participants on desired updates to the plan, which was last updated in 2017. The joint planning commission, in collaboration with the nonprofit Land Information Access Association (LIAA), will meet with stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities for the island. Participants in the open house will be asked to review and prioritize current goals and objectives and provide comments. Anyone is welcome to attend and give input.
For more information contact LIAA Community Planner Lee Maynard at lmaynard@liaa.org or at the office (231) 929-3696 or mobile (231) 676-9344. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/beaver-island-calling-public-input-master-planning/10227595002/ | 2022-08-06T01:03:47 | 0 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/beaver-island-calling-public-input-master-planning/10227595002/ |
Five Beaver Island Irish community members to be honored
BEAVER ISLAND — Five individuals of Irish decent with strong connections to Beaver Island will be honored by the Emerald Isle Irish Féile (Festival) steering committee for contributions in the areas of cultural heritage, arts, entertainment and religion.
The inaugural class of 2022 will be inducted in a ceremony at the Beaver Island Community Center at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, during the two-day Irish Festival. The Beaver Island Irish American Hall of Fame came about as part of the féile planning process as an authentic way to recognize, support and remember Beaver Island’s traditional Irish community.
The following individuals will be inducted: Daniel Gillespie, entertainment, nominated by Brother Jim Boynton; Mary Kay McDonough Masini, arts, nominated by Donald Masini; Father Patrick Cawley, religion, nominated by Kitty McNamara; Sister Mary Clare Malloy, religion, nominated by Elizabeth Schwandt; and Mary Beth Greene Nelson, cultural heritage, nominated by Maeve Green.
The ceremony will be hosted by Beaver Island poet and historian Robert Cole and the inductees will receive a medal and plaque. Their biographies and pictures will be housed at the Beaver Island Historical Society’s Print Shop Museum. Long-time Beaver Island summer resident and historian Helen Collar, though not of Irish decent, will also be honored at the event for her research of the genealogy of the original first Irish settlers and creation of sketches inspired by old photos and oral recollections from grandchildren of the first Irish settlers on Beaver Island.
Don Masini, husband and nominator for artist and Beaver Island native Mary Kay McDonough Masini who passed away on Sept. 10, 2020 remarked upon hearing of Kay’s induction, “How exciting that Kay has been inducted into the inaugural class of the Beaver Island Irish American Hall of Fame! She would have been proud to share the honor with the other deserving inductees.”
The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
Visit irishfeile.com for a look at all the other activities the féile has to offer: music, contests, historical and cultural displays, kids games and much more. Tickets for the Emerald Isle Irish Féile (festival) can be purchased on this site and people wishing to help sponsor the festival can also do so on the site.
For more information, contact Kathleen McNamara at (231) 357-0231 or Kittymcn213@gmail.com. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/five-people-irish-decent-strong-connections-beaver-island-honored/10227467002/ | 2022-08-06T01:03:53 | 0 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/five-people-irish-decent-strong-connections-beaver-island-honored/10227467002/ |
Charlevoix Township Fire Department hosting fundraiser for injured firefighter
Staff reports
CHARLEVOIX — The Charlevoix Township Fire Department is holding a car wash to raise funds for an injured firefighter.
The event will start at 10 a.m. on Aug. 6 at the Charlevoix Township Fire Department, 8977 Martin Road, and end when the last car is washed.
The fire department is hosting the car wash with an open house to help support one of their own brothers who was injured during an apparatus accident while responding to an emergency.
All proceeds will go directly to the injured firefighter to help with this unfortunate event.
There will also be opportunities to visit the station, view the equipment and play games for the kids.
If unable to attend but still would like to donate, please contact (231) 675-5600. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/charlevoix/2022/08/05/charlevoix-fire-department-hosts-fundraiser-help-injured-firefighter/10227537002/ | 2022-08-06T01:03:59 | 0 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/charlevoix/2022/08/05/charlevoix-fire-department-hosts-fundraiser-help-injured-firefighter/10227537002/ |
Looking Back: Lost songs of Hemingway's mom
One hundred years ago, the Aug. 3, 1922 Charlevoix Sentinel reported on the latest boating event that brought thousands of people into town. “A SUCCESSFUL REGATTA. Charlevoix Yacht Club is Enthusiastic Over 1922 Event. Pine Lake was a superb scene during last week when for three days various types of water craft were being put over courses in trials of speed, many of which were contenders for (sterling silver) trophy cups to be awarded to winners of each of the several events scheduled for regatta days.
“Weather conditions were exceptionally fine, apparently made to order for the Charlevoix Yacht Club (founded by the Chicago Club resort as the Pine Lake Yacht Club in 1911), those who participated in the several events and for the many enthusiastic spectators and lovers of water craft handling and speed devotees, all tending toward making the 1922 effort the best in the history of the association. Boats owned by residents of Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit and Saint Louis were entered in class events, (including) the winner of the recent Chicago-Mackinac Island yacht races.
“That the annual regatta was a complete success is evidenced by the many pleasant and complimentary expressions made by participants, spectators and club members generally and the total absence of criticism throughout and subsequent to the meeting.”
The Charlevoix Courier reported that the yacht club expected the following year’s regatta would be double the size.
Charlevoix had been experiencing summer regattas of all shapes and sizes since the late 1860s. Many of the most important were those initiated by the Belvedere and Chicago Clubs resorts, an intense rivalry, augmented by similar events initiated by local townspeople. Often there were at least two in a summer. These regattas eventually grew into enormous events that attracted both entrants and spectators from across the nation to participate in a multitude of races. By 1892, a 25-mile race on Lake Michigan was one of them. The prizes awarded could be worth a small fortune. But interest and enthusiasm by all involved waxed and waned over the decades, until the event gradually morphed throughout the 1920s and early 1930s into our nationally known Venetian Festival.
Fifty years later, the Aug. 2, 1972 Charlevoix Courier reported that a small musical treasure had been discovered in a local basement. “’Lovely Walloona’ Found in Bridge-st. Basement. Turn back the clock 71 years to the summer of 1901 at the tiny Charlevoix County hamlet of Clarion near the shores of Walloon Lake. The Reverend L. B. Carpenter has completed his morning service at the Methodist Church and the parishioners, including Dr. and Mrs. Clarence Hemingway, are leaving the church.
“The Hemingways are among the first resorters to inhabit the shores of Walloon Lake. On Sundays, they travel by boat to Walloon Village, where they hire a horse and rig to carry them over the hill to Clarion. This Sunday they don’t plan to return right away. Dr. Hemingway has been attending to Rev. Carpenter’s daughter who was ill with rheumatic fever and has made several calls at the Carpenter home. This Sunday the Carpenters have invited the Hemingways for dinner. Mrs. Hemingway, an accomplished musician, has tucked away in her handbag a copy of a song she has written called ‘Lovely Walloona.” It is intended as a gift for one of the Carpenter’s daughters, Ruth, who is studying music.
“After dinner, Ruth sits at the piano and plays the music while Mrs. Hemingway sings the lyrics. Before she leaves, Mrs. Hemingway autographs the music: Miss Ruth Carpenter, Compliments of the composer. Through the years, Ruth Carpenter cherished her autographed copy of ‘Lovely Walloona,’ even before the Hemingway’s son, Ernest, became one of America’s foremost authors. Miss Ruth Carpenter eventually married Archie Belding, a young schoolteacher who was to become Charlevoix County superintendent of schools and one of Charlevoix’s first real estate agents.
“’Lovely Walloona’ traveled with Mrs. Belding when she moved from Clarion to Charlevoix and she played it from time to time for relatives and friends. Then mysteriously the music disappeared. Mrs. Belding searched her home at 220 Antrim Street dozens of times without finding it. Then in June the Belding Real Estate office was moved from its old location at 113 Bridge-st. (now Scovie’s restaurant) to the Oleson Shopping Plaza. While cleaning out the basement, members of the family found their mother’s autographed copy of ‘Lovely Walloona,’ and have put it in the family archives.” | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/charlevoix/2022/08/05/looking-back-lost-songs-hemingways-mom/10227142002/ | 2022-08-06T01:04:05 | 1 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/charlevoix/2022/08/05/looking-back-lost-songs-hemingways-mom/10227142002/ |
Gaylord man to face assault, domestic violence charges
GAYLORD — Michigan State Police troopers on July 30 were dispatched to take a report of a domestic assault that occurred earlier in the day in Bagley Township.
The victim alleged she and her boyfriend, 25-year-old Raymond Dee Lopshire from Gaylord, had gotten into an argument in the morning. During the argument, Lopshire allegedly began assaulting her and choked her. She left with her daughter and went to Lopshire’s mother’s home.
Lopshire came to his mother’s home and confronted her again. As she attempted to leave in her vehicle, Lopshire also got in and refused to exit the vehicle. He assaulted her a second time inside the vehicle before exiting.
Troopers arrested Lopshire at his residence and lodged him in the Otsego County Jail. He was arraigned in the 87-A District Court in Otsego County for one count assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, and one count domestic violence.
He was given a $5,000 personal recognizance bond. His next scheduled court appearance is on Aug. 11. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2022/08/05/gaylord-man-face-assault-domestic-violence-charges/10226717002/ | 2022-08-06T01:04:11 | 0 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2022/08/05/gaylord-man-face-assault-domestic-violence-charges/10226717002/ |
New heating, cooling company enters Gaylord market
GAYLORD — After establishing an office in Rogers City, Renick Brothers Mechanical Contractors has now expanded to Gaylord.
A family-owned company that began in 1948 in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, Renick Brothers provides commercial and residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) services.
Wes Becker, branch manager for the Rogers City and Gaylord outlets, convinced the company to come to Northern Michigan.
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"When I needed to move up here to be closer to family, I went to them and they agreed to open an office in Rogers City in 2021," said Becker. "Once that became successful and sustainable, we decided to branch out and open an office Gaylord."
Currently, the company employs nine full-time employees at both locations — five in Rogers City and four in Gaylord.
"We hope to expand here to around 10 by the middle of next year," added Becker.
He said the company specializes in commercial property and Mitsubishi ductless systems.
"A lot of people offer that but many don't do it well. We do it well," Becker said.
He said training is the key to doing it well.
"(That means) spending the money and making the investment to get the people the courses they need to be knowledgable," he said. "We make sure our people are well trained. When a customer pays for a system it has to be right and we make the investment to make sure it is right."
Renick can replace and maintain furnaces, heat pumps and boiler systems whether the system uses gas or oil. Now that oil and gasoline prices have jumped recently, Becker said everyone is interested once again in saving on energy costs.
Becker said that energy efficiency in the HVAC arena has basically plateaued.
"Everything operates between 95 percent and 97 percent efficiency and this is about the same level it has been for about the last 10 years," Becker said. "That is about as good as it will get until they bring on more heat pumps. In Europe by 2030, all new construction will have to use a heat pump. In the U.S. we typically trail that by about 10 to 15 years."
"Everything will be a heat pump as the design gets better," Becker continued. "The gas, propane or fuel oil furnace is going to be gone whether we like it or not."
Heat pumps are now a viable option for Northern Michigan, said Becker. About 15 years ago you couldn't get a heat pump to work when the temperature went below 38 degrees. He said Renick's Mitsubishi systems operate at 85 percent of capacity at 13 degrees below zero.
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Homeowners now have the option of using a tankless system for hot water in addition to the traditional electric or gas fired hot water tank.
"This system has no tank therefore it's not heating water on standby as you would with an electric or gas tank," said Becker.
Tankless systems "are a great fit for large households and vacation homes," said Becker. He also said the systems must be maintained and the water quality needs to be checked. Water with a lot of lime or calcium could clog up the little openings in the system.
Tankless systems can cost more to install but the savings from not maintaining a tank of hot water can also add up, Becker said. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2022/08/05/renick-brothers-family-owned-company-began-1948/10216416002/ | 2022-08-06T01:04:17 | 1 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2022/08/05/renick-brothers-family-owned-company-began-1948/10216416002/ |
Why apples may be smaller this season: Understanding the root of the problem
WARREN — They have names that sound like birds or flowers: Roxbury russet, Newtown pippin, Redfield and Rhode Island Tolman.
Spencer Morris, who farms 900 apple trees on two acres in Touisset, says he knows each tree personally.
“You visit the same tree and watch them grow. They’re always full of surprises.”
Nature is also full of surprises.
After a wet spring, the rain dried up in June and, at least in the southern part of the state, it’s been dry ever since. Rhode Island is now in a severe drought, the third of five such categories ranging from abnormally dry to exceptional drought.
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Apples typically like heat and sunshine, which bring out their sugars, their tannins and acids. Most trees have deep roots that can withstand a mild to moderate drought.
The season that tries farmers' souls
But this summer promises to be as dry as the summer of 2020, one of the worst droughts in recent memory.
“It’s starting to look bleak,” says Morris, who owns the Sowams Cider Works in Warren. “Some of the trees are starting to droop. A few leaves are turning yellow.”
Rhode Island Bucket List: The best things to do this fall
“It looks bad,” says Gregg Ostheimer, the owner of Rocky Brook Orchard in Middletown. “The apples are looking kind of sad up there. It may cause them to ripen earlier.”
But the taste should be OK.
Ostheimer, who shuttles between his six-acre orchard and his home in Connecticut, spends all of his time watering, which he does by hand. He focuses on his babies, the one, two and three-year-old trees whose roots are shallow.
The last soaking rain his orchard had was in June.
His biggest fear is the young trees will die. He’s also worried that the fruit will be so small that he’ll lose money on pick-your-own sales. During the 2020 drought, it took 40 apples instead of 20 to fill a bag.
The apple tree of his eye
Ostheimer’s fruit trees, which include pears and quince, look healthy. Then he points to a tree and says, “This apple should be three times larger.”
“I’m seeing small apples, really small,” he said as he walked down the neatly trimmed lanes.
Ostheimer, who is now 70, never set out to be a grower. He bought the land in 1999 as the perfect place for his twins to grow up. But there was this overgrown orchard bursting with apples and he couldn’t bear to let them rot on the grass.
He bought a picnic table and an umbrella and placed a “pick your own” ad in the local paper.
“The first Saturday, I had 20 cars,” he says. “Three people came back the next day and brought hot apple pie. The following weekend, we sold every apple. I was hooked.”
Spencer Morris started planting his orchard 10 years ago, but farming has deep roots in his family. He practices something called high-density planting, bunching trees close together to maximize space.
Dwarf trees are ideal for this kind of orchard because they produce fruit in their second year, with a maximum height of 6 to 10 feet, unlike standard apple trees, which can top 30 feet.
“As a system, the dwarf trees yield more fruit per acre sooner,” said Morris, who is also vice president of the Rhode Island Fruit Growers Association.
The downside to dwarf trees is they are more susceptible to disease and have little tolerance of drought.
Unlike many of the larger orchards in northern Rhode Island, Morris and Ostheimer don’t have irrigation systems.
An apple a day keeps the farmer busy
Morris has to get creative. He spreads a thick layer of woodchip mulch over the lower trunk, which helps the tree hold moisture, insulates the roots and delivers nutrients. He hand-waters with a five-gallon bucket, strenuous work for a 67-year-old.
The Sowams Cider Work orchard isn’t neatly manicured like the ones up north. Knee-high weeds clog the narrow lanes between the trees. Morris peels back one edge of a wire deer fence to enter his two-acre property and jokes that deer sail right over it.
“I do as little as possible,” he says. “My practices are traditional.”
He treats his cider-making the same way.
“I don’t add anything,” he said. “I grind it, press it and ferment it.”
Traditional apple cider has an alcohol content of 7 to 9.5% and is marketed as a wine alternative.
As Morris walks through his orchard, he plucks off one apple, gives it to a visitor to taste, then grabs another. Each variety comes with its own story.
The Rhode Island Greening is the state apple. For many years, it was the most commonly grown apple in New England, dating back to the 17th Century. The Newtown pippin, a light green apple with russet highlights, was so tasty that Queen Victoria lifted the American import ban.
“Nice and fruity,” Morris says.
As he makes the rounds, Morris begins to perk up.
Clusters of ripening apples, still small, bunch up on the branches. The leaves look greener. He digs his hands in the mulch; it’s still moist.
“I’m more encouraged than discouraged,” he says. “I see growth. I see the fruit is reasonably sized. Some trees are stressed, but the majority look like they’ll hang in there for a while longer.”
Getting to the core: Fun apple facts
1. Some varieties only produce fruit every two years. In most cases, however, trees produce a big crop one year and a much smaller one the next.
2. Apples are not grown from seeds. The majority of growers slice a small shoot from an apple tree and graft it onto a rootstock. The root doesn't even have to be another apple tree.
3. You can grow multiple varieties on one tree.
4. "American as apple pie" is a myth. The very first recipe for apple pie came from England hundreds of years ago and the vast majority of apple varieties are not even native to North America.
5. Apples are 25% air. That's why they float, which makes them perfect for bobbing.
Sources: Greg Ostheimer, owner of Rocky Brook Farm in Middletown and Parlee Farms in Massachusetts
Linda Borg covers education for the Journal. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/2022-apple-crop-rhode-island-affected-drought/10235883002/ | 2022-08-06T01:04:33 | 0 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/2022-apple-crop-rhode-island-affected-drought/10235883002/ |
Police department lays groundwork for firing of police captain accused of misconduct
PROVIDENCE – The city's police chief, Col. Hugh T. Clements Jr., has called for the firing of a police captain who stands accused of slamming a prisoner's face into the pavement.
The department on Friday announced Clements' determination in a news release, which accuses Capt. Stephen J. Gencarella of six violations of rules, regulations, polices and standards of conduct.
A violation of the department's use-of-force policy and its training on use of force is prominent in the complaint served on the veteran officer, which represents the department's legal analysis of Gencarella's conduct in a case involving a 21-year-old arrestee on July 3.
The complaint, dated Aug. 3 and signed by Clements, cites a 51-second video that shows Gencarella and another officer Lt. Matthew Jennette "physically struggling" with Armando Rivas in an attempt to handcuff him.
The video, says the complaint, "shows that after Rivas was handcuffed and was lying face down in the prone position, you grabbed Rivas by his hair on the back of his head, pulled his head up from the pavement, and then forcefully slammed his head/face into the pavement."
The struggle took place during the city's fireworks show off India Point Park. At the time, police were trying to clear cars that had parked in the travel lane of an on-ramp to Route 195 West, according to a Providence police report obtained by The Providence Journal in July.
The report says Rivas reacted poorly when he was told that his Jeep Cherokee, which was abandoned on the on-ramp, was being towed. He climbed into the Jeep, refused to get out, pushed Lt. Matthew Jennette's arm away and yelled profanities at him, it says.
As Rivas struggled with both Jennette and Gencarella, the report says, he "continually" reached toward his waistband, where police later found he was carrying a serrated knife.
Rivas was charged with disorderly conduct, two counts of simple assault, one count of resisting arrest and one count of obstructing an officer in the execution of his duty. He was held for arraignment in District Court, Providence.
The complaint accusing Gencarella of misconduct raises questions about the truthfulness and completeness of reports that police initially compiled following the arrest of Rivas.
When Gencarella compiled a separate "After-Incident Report," he wrote that he had struck the back of Rivas' head with the heel of his hand, says the complaint.
That palm-strike mentioned in the "A.I.R.," the complaint says, is not seen in the video and the misconduct in the video is not the palm-strike that Gencarella described in the A.I.R.
The use of force that involved slamming Rivas' face into the pavement was not "described, noted or memorialized" in either the police report or the other incident report, says the complaint.
The department's investigation found that Gencarella violated the use-of-force policy and his conduct violated five other governing rules.
Gencarella's lawyer, Michael Colucci, declined to comment on the case. The city's lawyer, Vincent F. Ragosta Jr., said he had no comment to make other than to assert his readiness to follow through on the charges through the administrative process set out by the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights.
The department's release of the written complaint against Gencarella is a departure from other similar cases in the past.
Issued on Aug. 3, the complaint and notice gives Gencarella five days to submit a written request for a hearing. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/providence-police-chief-wants-fire-capt-stephen-j-gencarella/10250283002/ | 2022-08-06T01:04:39 | 1 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/providence-police-chief-wants-fire-capt-stephen-j-gencarella/10250283002/ |
Debate in treasurer's race heats up when each is asked if the other is qualified
EAST PROVIDENCE — When it came to policy positions, very little separated the two Democrats running in next month's primary for state general treasurer as they debated each other Friday at the Channel 12 studios.
But when former Central Falls Mayor James A. Diossa and former state Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor were asked whether their opponent was qualified to be treasurer, the fangs came out.
Pryor started out by touting his experience rather than saying whether Diossa was qualified.
"I've managed billions of dollars, at that scale," Pryor said, referring to his time as president of the Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Corporation, which helped rebuild after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. "That's the kind of work that I do, which is to say to responsibly invest billions of dollars and get the job done."
One of the biggest jobs of the state treasurer is managing the state's $10-billion portfolio of pension-fund investments.
In his response, Diossa started to critique Pryor's qualifications. "I'm the only candidate that's actually managed pensions. I managed a city out of bankruptcy. I know exactly how to do it," he said, noting that, as mayor, he moved Central Falls' pension system into the state system. "It went so well that West Warwick followed suit."
As Diossa continued, Pryor interrupted.
"If you'll permit, Mayor, I do have a question about that," Pryor said. "The ultimate solution was giving up the system and giving it away to the state. As state treasurer, you don't have an option like that."
Diossa went back on the attack.
"My experience is that I've actually managed pensions," he said. "My opponent hasn't. All he's done is have a position in New York, Rhode Island, where it's the same thing. ... All he did was wine and dine with CEOs and cut deals. I had to manage a pension that actually impacted people."
Pryor didn't agree.
"The experience of turning over a pension plan to the state system — that's not managing a pension plan," he said.
The candidates then talked over each other and moderator Tim White as he tried to get them back on track.
Fairly dry discussion of financial topics
Before that, most of the debate had been fairly dry financial chatter, with the candidates discussing thresholds for reinstating cost-of-living adjustments for retired state employee pensions and safeguards on the investment of public money into a Pawtucket soccer stadium and mixed-use development project.
Early COLAs for retired state employees
On other topics, Diossa and Pryor generally agreed that the state should stick to a plan that defers reinstating the cost-of-living adjustments until the state retirement system is 80% funded.
Diossa suggested a one-time stipend to help retirees through tough economic times, and Pryor suggested managing the state's retirement portfolio in a way that would accelerate achieving the 80% funding level, as well as investing state budget surpluses in the pension fund to accelerate that.
Public investment in Pawtucket soccer stadium
Both men generally supported the Tidewater Landing development in Pawtucket, including $60 million in public money for the soccer stadium at the heart of the project, with money for the surrounding commercial and residential development left undecided.
But it would be hard for either candidate to oppose the project. Pryor spearheaded the funding plan when he was commerce secretary. And the project is important — for economic development reasons and because soccer is highly popular — in Diossa's home city of Central Falls.
Debate moderators asked whether the candidates would support further taxpayer investment in the commercial and residential parts of the project. Pryor said he would only if it is justified and done in a way that protects taxpayers. Diossa dodged the question.
How good were Raimondo, Magaziner as treasurer?
The candidates were asked to give letter grades on the jobs done by current treasurer Seth Magaziner and his predecessor, Gina M. Raimondo, who went on to become governor before taking the job of U.S. commerce secretary in the Biden administration.
Diossa gave both an A.
Pryor gave Magaziner an A and gave Raimondo "high marks."
National student loan forgiveness
Both supported forgiving student loans, though Pryor added the caveat "if we have the revenue for the purpose."
Pop quiz on pension fund
Nesi and White asked three questions about the inner workings of the pension fund: what percentage of the fund is invested in U.S. equities, what percentage is invested in hedge funds and what is the projected rate of return on the pension-fund investments.
Diossa got the first question wrong, answering 55%, when the correct answer is 22%. Pryor said he didn't know.
Pryor got the hedge-fund question correct — 7%. Diossa dodged the question.
Both got the rate-of-return question correct, also 7%.
Invest pension funds in RI?
Both candidates said they did not oppose local invesment of pension funds, but said they would move cautiously. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/state-treasurer-election-debate-gets-heated-when-candidates-asked-if-opponent-qualified/10249282002/ | 2022-08-06T01:04:45 | 0 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/state-treasurer-election-debate-gets-heated-when-candidates-asked-if-opponent-qualified/10249282002/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-budget-proposal-focuses-on-public-safety-lower-taxes/3041843/ | 2022-08-06T01:05:00 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-budget-proposal-focuses-on-public-safety-lower-taxes/3041843/ |
A new budget proposal from Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax shared with city council members Friday received initial support from Mayor Eric Johnson.
“I like the bones of it and I like the bones of it because I like the fact that it prioritizes public safety and tax reduction,” Johnson said.
A tax rate reduction of $2.75 is in the plan, reducing a comparatively high Dallas rate of $77.33 to $74.58 per $100 value.
The total proposed budget would rise to $4.51 billion from $4.35 billion. The general fund that pays for key city services like public safety would increase to $1.71 billion from $1.54 billion.
The Dallas Police force grew smaller each of the past two years despite efforts to hire more officers because the number leaving outpaced hiring.
From a peak of 3,690 in 2011, the force was 3,084 at the end of July 31, 2022.
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Response to calls is slower.
Police officials and union leaders said all sections of the police department have a need for more people.
“We're short patrol officers so that's going to be a lag time in answering those 911 calls. We're short investigators,” Dallas Police Association President Mike Mata said.
The proposed city budget released Friday calls for hiring 250 more police officers over the next year.
The current budget called for that, too, but so far in the budget cycle that ends September 30, only 150 have been hired.
“Every police department is trying to get that same group of officers,” Mata said.
Dallas recently increased starting pay for police and firefighters to match surrounding cities, but a very competitive market exists for all job candidates.
“If you want to reinvest in the community that you come from, there's no better way to do it than joining the Dallas Police Department,” Assistant Dallas Chief Catrina Shead said.
She leads the Dallas Police recruiting effort and she serves as a role model for what is possible for recruits.
The native of Oak Cliff and Carter High School graduate became a Dallas Police officer in 1994 and she has risen through the ranks.
“She’s a shining example of what this department is trying to do,” Mata said. “You too can be just like her, start as a patrol officer and work your way up to be a Two-Star Chief.”
Dallas Police have sent recruiters to Puerto Rico and other distant places looking for strong candidates with some success.
But Shead said today’s hires expect extras like child-care, relocation benefits and streamlined hiring on a single visit to the city that Dallas has not offered in the past.
“The flexibility, if you understand the new and up and coming generation, the things that they want, those are the things this department and this city have to put in place to encourage those individuals to join this department,” Shead said.
The competitive job market is also attractive to current officers who decide to leave for safer careers.
“There’s a lot of opportunities outside of DPD to create a second profession. So, getting them to stay is difficult and getting people into the profession is even more difficult,” Mata said.
The union leader said he hopes the community will help support people who want to become officers.
And Mata said even higher pay may be needed to lure the best candidates that every city is seeking.
“We really need to be in the top 5 cities as far as competitive,” Mata said.
Despite the proposed property tax rate cut that amounts to a reduction of 3.5%, property owners will still likely pay more because average residential property taxable values in Dallas have risen by 15.8%.
Mayor Johnson said the city manager’s plan is in the right direction with the top priorities of public safety and tax rate reduction.
“Our residents are under financial pressure and the city needs to do everything it can to help alleviate that burden. So, this budget goes a long way in those regards and so I want to commend the city manager for giving us a budget to consider that prioritizes public safety and tax reduction,” Johnson said.
In June Mayor Johnson called for the replacement of City Manager T.C. Broadnax.
Johnson backed down on that push after Broadnax received support and Johnson said then that the review would be rescheduled for August.
Friday, Johnson said the manager’s performance will still be reviewed but a new budget is the current focus.
“Right now, my focus is on the budget. I know the city manager’s focus is on the budget. The council’s focus is on the budget. And we need to pass a budget that prioritizes public safety and tax reduction like this proposed budget starts to do,” Johnson said.
Dallas leaders have until the end of September to approve a new budget. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-mayor-supports-city-managers-budget-proposal/3041825/ | 2022-08-06T01:05:07 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-mayor-supports-city-managers-budget-proposal/3041825/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-police-investigate-deadly-carjacking-targeting-delivery-driver/3041844/ | 2022-08-06T01:05:14 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-police-investigate-deadly-carjacking-targeting-delivery-driver/3041844/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/high-school-athletes-begin-training-along-with-heat-precautions/3041845/ | 2022-08-06T01:05:20 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/high-school-athletes-begin-training-along-with-heat-precautions/3041845/ |
EVERETT, Wash. — Heidi said the pain and suffering at the Providence Everett emergency department isn't exclusive to the patients.
The nurses are feeling it, too.
"It's defeating showing up every day knowing these people need us and we can only do what we can," she said. "We've felt quite abandoned there."
Heidi is a nurse in Providence Everett's ER.
She asked us not to use her last name because she fears being blacklisted by hospitals across the country for speaking out about problems at Providence.
The hospital's ER is seeing up to 300 patients a day. Sometimes there are 10 patients for every one nurse with patients waiting in the lobby for up to 12 hours. At it's peak, there should be 33 nurses on duty in the ER, but the actual number is usually about half that, according to Heidi.
Hospital officials said Providence has lost 200 nurses this year alone. The situation is so serious, certain sections of the ER have had to close down.
"When I started to see people dying waiting for us to help them, I had to say something," said Heidi.
Heidi recently made a tearful plea to the Everett City Council, asking them to help keep nurses at Providence. She'd like to see the city mandate hazard pay or other financial incentives.
Though they did receive an "appreciation bonus," nurses at Providence Everett have never received hazard pay - even though they cared for the first reported case of coronavirus in America.
"We were ground zero and it hasn't stopped for two-and-a-half years," said Heidi. "I've personally struggled with anxiety, insomnia, depression. PTSD. You name it. Everything we've gone through, all the silent battles that the nurses have fought."
Hospitals across the state are operating at up to 130% capacity, according to the Washington State Hospital Association, while the number of nurses has shrunk by 6,000. The use of temporary nurses is up 84%.
"Things have felt different. There's no doubt about that," said Providence's Regional chief nursing officer, Kristy Carrington.
She said hospitals everywhere are struggling financially, so financial incentives to keep nurses are difficult.
The nursing shortage, combined with continuing COVID-19, cases have forced Providence to delay or cancel surgeries, costing it a significant revenue stream.
Another major factor is that Everett has more than 100 beds occupied by patients who no longer need to be at the hospital, but they can't transfer out, either because of guardianship issues or a lack of rehabilitation beds.
"That's about forty nurses a day that it takes to take care of them," said Carrington. "So, think about that. Forty nurses a day to take care of those patients that we could free up if we could move those patients out of the hospital. It would free up 100 beds as well."
Heidi wants Governor Inslee to meet with Providence nurses to come up with a plan to stop the exodus. She is circulating a petition. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/everett/staffing-shortage-providence-everett/281-84828251-2329-4dd3-953f-da4e726afdf4 | 2022-08-06T01:08:18 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/everett/staffing-shortage-providence-everett/281-84828251-2329-4dd3-953f-da4e726afdf4 |
SALEM, Ore. — After getting feedback from thousands of Oregonians, state officials have withdrawn a map that identified the approximate wildfire risk for every corner of Oregon.
The process sprang from a law passed in 2021, intended to address the impacts of wildfires in Oregon. Part of that law led to this wildfire risk assessment map, which was created by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
The map was meant to inform people whether their homes are at "high" or "extreme" risk from wildfires. Just as significantly, the map was supposed to let property owners know if they needed to take additional steps to protect their homes, which would have been a requirement by next spring.
Those additional steps included things like trimming trees or cutting back vegetation on a property to create what's known as defensible space.
After the map was originally published, many homeowners — particularly in rural parts of Oregon — reported that their insurance rates suddenly doubled or even tripled. Some said that their insurers dropped them entirely.
Moreover, critics said that the map was inconsistent and the risk designations were not entirely accurate.
The Story reported on the deluge of complaints on Wednesday this week. On Thursday, seemingly swayed by some very heated feedback, Oregon State Forester Cal Mukumoto issued a statement announcing that the map would be withdrawn and reworked.
"In response to input received since posting, we have decided to remove the current iteration of the wildfire risk map from the Oregon Explorer and withdraw the notices sent," Mukumoto said. "We will immediately begin working with Oregon State University on some refinements to improve the accuracy of risk classification assignments based on what we’ve heard from property owners thus far."
ODF said that it received 750 appeals from Oregon residents within the last several weeks alone. Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers were lobbying state leadership to pause or stop the entire process.
KGW's Ashley Korslien spoke on Thursday with Derek Gasperini, public affairs officer with ODF, about the decision to pump the brakes on the wildfire risk map and some potential next steps.
"I don't think that we anticipated the amount of response about the downstream implications," Gasperini admitted. "So there are some potential unintended consequences that we hadn't anticipated in drawing the lines on the map and determining how risk was going to be classified based on the direction of the legislation ... but we certainly understand, you know, citizens' concerns and want to make sure that those are actively represented in the process moving forward."
Regardless, Gasperini and ODF stood firm beyond the need for a map like this, with wildfires and the need for wildfire protection becoming increasingly prevalent throughout many areas of the state.
ODF is going right back to the drawing board in order to revisit the map, and Gasperini said they anticipate having a new version by the end of the year — one that may be all too familiar.
"We just ask folks for patience while we make some technical revisions, but I also just want to manage expectations a little bit," Gasperini said. "While we'll have some minor adjustments, the map is not gonna look drastically different than it looks currently — there are still fuels on the ground. There are still climate, weather and topography issues that cause problematic fire behavior in certain areas of Oregon. And those are the areas that we're trying to highlight to be able to show the elevated risk for that impact of wildfire."
But it won't be 'the new map, same as the old map' if state Rep. Kim Wallan, a Republican from Medford, has anything to say about it. She hopes to get the 2021 law that established this process amended in the next legislative session.
"This is the main reason I opposed the bill ... so it means to me that the method was flawed, fatally flawed," Wallan said. "I hope that this is going to cause a lot more public comment, a lot more public engagement. All of this is public policy. The rulemaking meetings are open to the public and public comment can be made. So I do hope that people engage. And I hope that through that process and hearing from constituents ... that there will be enough impetus that the policy will be changed when we get back into the session in January. That's what I hope. I hope that we change the policy altogether."
The eventual requirement for defensible space isn't the only regulation attached to the new state law. Wallan said that there are also restriction on starting new construction in some areas of the state, which could seriously hurt the need for more affordable housing in those areas.
Meanwhile, we still don't know exactly what the process of going back to the drawing board for "minor adjustments" will cost taxpayers. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/the-story/oregon-wildfire-risk-assessment-map-withdrawn-public-outcry/283-15c76caa-4c22-4862-9dcb-346bc9dc4497 | 2022-08-06T01:12:05 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/the-story/oregon-wildfire-risk-assessment-map-withdrawn-public-outcry/283-15c76caa-4c22-4862-9dcb-346bc9dc4497 |
Monsoon rains wash away car, leave man dead near Kingman
Monsoon flooding washed away a car and left a man dead east of Kingman in Mohave County before authorities found his body on Wednesday.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office received a report at 5:30 p.m. about a car sitting approximately 40 yards off of a roadway in a wash. The passing driver who called it in told deputies heavy rain had fallen just a few hours before. Deputies arrived to find a GMC truck near Blake Ranch and Stephan roads with the body of 64-year-old Steven Jerome Tucker, from Kingman, still inside, according to a statement posted on Facebook.
The truck was by then completely submerged in the sand. Fire personnel helped deputies extract Tucker from the truck and his body was transported to the Mohave County Medical Examiner, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The Sheriff’s Office cautions people driving in monsoon conditions not to cross flooded roadways as the risk of washing away is high.
“We would like to remind everyone that crossing a flooded roadway is extremely dangerous and sometimes deadly. Over the last week, our monsoon weather has created hazardous flooding in several areas of Mohave County. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters,” the statement from the Sheriff’s Office said.
This is the second known flood-related death in Mohave County this week. On Monday, the body of 69-year-old John Craig Johnson was pulled from his truck after it was found upside down in a wash following a night of monsoon storms.
Earlier this week:Man's body found in truck, which was likely swept away during Mohave County monsoon
Paul Baughman, a district engineer with Mohave County's Flood Control District, explained that large watersheds, unpaved roads and recently high rainfall have contributed to the region's flooding risk.
The county is home to watersheds which drain directly into the Colorado River and can make it easier for flood waters to accumulate. The most recent storm dropped 2.28 inches in less than one hour, resulting in dangerously washed out roads.
"A combination of our more than normal rainfall, in conjunction with our large watersheds and the fact that we have a lot of unpaved roads does make the motoring public susceptible to these flood events," he said.
The county is working on installing new signage, equipped with flashing lights that turn on when the National Weather Service issues a flood warning. Several have been installed and more are planned, Baughman said.
Upcoming traffic:Expect freeway closures, somewhat warmer weather this weekend in Phoenix area
In the meantime, drivers should exercise caution whenever they come upon roads that appear to be flooded. Baughman said an inability to see the road beneath the water can mean the road isn't there anymore and has been washed out completely. Even if the road is visible, it's still a good idea to avoid crossing it, because the road itself may be too soft and could result in stuck tires, Baughman warned.
Safety, Baughman said, should be the priority when driving during monsoon season.
"It's probably not a big enough emergency to justify driving through a flooded wash," he said.
Reach criminal justice reporter Gloria Rebecca Gomez at grgomez@gannett.com or on Twitter @glorihuh.
Support Local Journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2022/08/05/body-found-washed-up-car-near-kingman-mohave-sheriffs-office/10248862002/ | 2022-08-06T01:12:40 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2022/08/05/body-found-washed-up-car-near-kingman-mohave-sheriffs-office/10248862002/ |
GREENSBORO — City voters cast a lot of write-in votes in the July 26 election — 6,289 to be exact.
There was "a massive amount of write-in votes for this election," Guilford County Elections Director Charlie Collicutt said.
The Guilford County Board of Elections certified the final results at a meeting Friday. Only 92 write-in and provisional votes were added to the final count.
The additional votes did not affect the outcome of any of the races. Slightly more than 16% of registered voters turned out for the election, which had been postponed to the summer because of delayed 2020 census figures and related redistricting.
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Chris Meadows, a late write-in candidate in the mayoral race took the lion’s share of the write-in votes — 4,650. That totaled 14% of the votes in a close race between Mayor Nancy Vaughan and City Councilman Justin Outling, whose names were listed on the ballot. Vaughan won the mayor’s seat by just 435 votes, but her total was above the 1% threshold that could have triggered a recount.
Outling initially considered asking for a recount but announced earlier this week he would not.
Mark Meadows also received 18 votes for mayor. It was unclear if those voters mean to cast their vote for Chris Meadows, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, or some other person with that name.
In District 3, where Zach Matheny’s name was the sole one listed on the ballot, Heather Hogan received 466 and Chip Roth, who had dropped out of the race due to health issues, received 49 write-in votes. Matheny took 90.2% of the votes.
Hogan and Chris Meadows also received 16 and 14 write-in votes, respectively, for the at-large City Council race.
And while it’s always fun to see how many votes cartoon characters received, that information wasn’t readily available Friday.
“There was just over 6,000 write-in votes cast between the mayors or the districts and we had to hand-type those into Excel,” Collicutt told the board during Friday’s canvassing.
“We are automatically striking out and calling miscellaneous (any) phrases, cartoon characters, people that are not qualified to have a write-in vote cast for them,” Collicutt said. The latter included people who had lost in the May primary.
Collicutt noted that all the votes were available to the board in the raw data.
Only the names of those who received more than five write-in votes between all the races were listed separately as receiving votes, Collicutt said.
The final tallies for all the races and the five bonds on the ballot are posted on the state board of elections' website. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/massive-amount-of-write-in-candidates-for-greensboro-elections-but-no-changes-in-the-outcomes/article_0ccf70fa-14d3-11ed-9e40-d71c2b92d1b4.html | 2022-08-06T01:13:24 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/massive-amount-of-write-in-candidates-for-greensboro-elections-but-no-changes-in-the-outcomes/article_0ccf70fa-14d3-11ed-9e40-d71c2b92d1b4.html |
TWIN FALLS — When Trans IV closes its doors at the end of September, some people worry that a gap will open.
Disabled and elderly might be put at risk, with them having one less place to turn to when they need transportation to a medical appointment or the grocery store. Those using electric wheelchairs especially might see limited options.
Due to loss of funding, the bus system Trans IV will discontinue service Sept. 30 in Twin Falls, as Twin Falls goes forward with discussions on putting another public transportation system in place.
“We are working hard to get this pilot program set up so we can mitigate the situation,” Assistant City Manager Mandi Thompson said. Even in the best-case scenario, the gap in service will likely last until the start of 2023.
Talks have taken place to address the issue, including discussion of an increased partnership with the Living Independence Network Corporation (LINC) that runs a program that subsides the cost of public transportation, but nothing has been decided yet, she said. While there is some urgency in the process of making final decisions on a public transportation system, she doesn’t want it to be a rushed decision.
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“We are obviously in a transition period and some people will be affected,” Thompson said. "We want to create a system that will serve the community."
Jeanette Roe, executive director of Interlink Volunteer Caregivers, has been boosting the number of volunteers of the nonprofit, which offers free rides to the elderly and disabled for reasons including medical appointments and trips to the store. She said the nonprofit is seeing increased demand and worries it will only get more hectic in October.
“I don’t know all the answers,” Roe said, “but I think we will have a huge problem.”
She is looking for more volunteers to add to the 32 she already has, as they help clients in a six-county area. Volunteers receive 62.5 cents per mile driven to pay for gas and maintenance.
Trans IV provided a good option to many people, Roe said. The reservation-based service provides rides for $5 per round trip and offers wheelchair lifts on many vehicles. IVC volunteers use private vehicles that don't have wheelchair lifts.
Beth Holley, co-owner of Snake River Yellow Cab in Twin Falls, agreed. She is one of four taxi services that are LINC providers.
"It will hurt our whole community," Holley said. "The worst thing is that we have no handicapped accessibility."
Taxi drivers will help customers fold wheelchairs and help them with groceries, but her vehicles don't have a way to transport electric wheelchairs, she said.
A To B Services, based in Rupert, has wheelchair lifts on some taxis but is not listed as a LINC provider, only as a Medicaid provider, on the LINC website.
Holley is confident that her company, along with other taxi services that are LINC providers, will be able to handle increased numbers of customers.
"We will handle anything that comes in," she said. "There may be a longer wait time, but we can handle it."
Snake River Yellow Cab gives an average of 550 LINC-subsidized rides each month, she said, more than half the company's total business.
Snake River's co-pay with the LINC card is $4 one way.
Making sure the elderly and handicapped have adequate transportation is a matter of helping the elderly and disabled stay in their homes instead of having to reside in a care facility, Roe said.
It’s sometimes a struggle to find volunteers to give rides to all the clients requesting them, she said.
"The two highest priorities are cancer treatments and dialysis," Roe said. IVC serves about 15 dialysis patients and volunteers drive them from their homes to three dialysis centers in Magic Valley — two in Twin Falls and one in Burley.
IVC has about 350 clients, with 130 living in Twin Falls, Roe said.
Thompson said she didn't know the number of people who will be affected by the gap, "but even one individual counts and there is concern if they can't get transportation." | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/gap-in-public-transportation-to-hit-twin-falls/article_9c89a93e-14f3-11ed-bf92-f7d3416dc407.html | 2022-08-06T01:13:55 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/gap-in-public-transportation-to-hit-twin-falls/article_9c89a93e-14f3-11ed-bf92-f7d3416dc407.html |
HEYBURN — The city's police department is investigating reports of several car burglaries that occurred Thursday night.
Heyburn Police Chief Ryan Bertalotto said in a press release that all of the cars were unlocked.
Bertalotto said people need to remember to lock up their vehicles or risk losing their belongings.
“Most thefts in Heyburn are from unlocked cars,” he said.
The police department is actively investigating, collecting evidence and locating witnesses.
If you have any information on the burglaries please call dispatch at 208-434-2320. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/heyburn-police-investigating-rash-of-car-burglaries/article_d9ac5334-14e9-11ed-b3b8-13b6633fb305.html | 2022-08-06T01:14:01 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/heyburn-police-investigating-rash-of-car-burglaries/article_d9ac5334-14e9-11ed-b3b8-13b6633fb305.html |
Former Haven From Domestic Violence Executive Director Tara Koch, who is currently accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the non-profit organization, was publicly indicted via Webex on Monday, Aug. 1, at 9:45 a.m.
At an indictment, the judge informs the defendant, in this case Koch, of the crimes the grand jury has charged them with, as well as the potential sentences for the crimes.
Though the Aug. 1 indictment was the first time all the charges have been available by public record, there was a secret indictment filed June 9 in Wasco County Circuit Court, in which a grand jury convened by Wasco County decided there was enough evidence to pursue the case. In a secret indictment, charges are kept private until the suspect has been taken into custody. Koch was taken into custody in Washington County on July 7, at which point a preliminary list of charges was available.
For Koch, there are 26 charges: seven counts of theft in the first degree, nine counts of aggravated theft in the first degree, two counts of theft in the second degree, three counts of identity theft, one count of aggravated identity theft, and four counts of forgery in the first degree. All counts of theft were against Haven, a non-profit organization that provides support to victims of domestic and sexual violence,
Each count of theft is based on how much money was allegedly stolen from Haven in three-month periods, starting in April 2017 and ending in August 2021. Theft in the second degree is more than $100, theft in the first degree is more than $1000, and aggravated theft in the first degree is more than $10,000. The total amount of money allegedly taken from Haven has not yet been released.
According to Judge John Olson, who led the proceedings of Koch’s indictment, theft in the second degree is a misdemeanor that carries up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $6,250, theft in the first degree is a Class C Felony that carries up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $125,000, and aggravated theft in the first degree is a Class B felony that carries up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Forgeries in the first degree, identity theft and aggravated identity theft are also Class C Felonies that carry up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $125,000.
According to the indictment document, the forgery charges were because Koch allegedly defrauded IRS 990 forms.
The document also alleges that Koch used the identity of Haven board members Leslie Wolf and Carol Friend to sign off on various checks and other documents, with the case of Aggravated Identity Theft being an instance where Koch used Wolf’s identity on 10 different instances within the three-month period.
After reading off the charges, Olson asked Koch if she had a lawyer or needed him to appoint her one and Koch voiced her concerns about finding a lawyer due to conflicts of interest.
“I’m really concerned about this whole region in general,” she said. “I’ve worked with every judge in this region, I’ve worked with every law enforcement, every DA’s office.”
Upon learning Koch currently had no monthly income, Olson appointed law firm Morris & Sullivan, who said it was a conflict for their office. Olson then appointed Seventh Circuit Attorney Group. It is not yet known which lawyer from the firm will represent Koch.
Koch is currently out on $20,000 bail following her arrest in Washington County. Olson ruled to allow her to stay out on bail for the time being, but said she was not to have any contact with either of the named victims of the case, Wolf and Friend, and also not to contact anyone affiliated with or employed by Haven. He also said he would not be overseeing the remainder of the case, due to a personal conflict of interest regarding one of the victims.
Koch’s plea hearing will take place Aug. 22. | https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/hoodriver/news/local/koch-faces-indictment-hearing-ordered-not-to-contact-haven-staff/article_12c014c2-1507-11ed-b728-a777f01210e3.html | 2022-08-06T01:17:01 | 1 | https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/hoodriver/news/local/koch-faces-indictment-hearing-ordered-not-to-contact-haven-staff/article_12c014c2-1507-11ed-b728-a777f01210e3.html |
'The damage is devastating': Tornado strikes Smith Island, damaging more than dozen homes
A confirmed tornado was to blame for the destruction on Smith Island, the National Weather Service confirmed Friday.
Several homes and buildings were damaged by Thursday's storm, an EF1, and a majority of the island is on a backup power source.
"There are no fatalities and only one injury where they were transported to (TidalHealth Peninsula Regional) last night," said Gary Powell, assistant director of the Somerset County Emergency Service.
According to the NWS Wakefield Office, the funnel was first spotted at 7:22 p.m. on its radars, but was small.
"A waterspout is a tornado that forms over the water, and it formed over the (Chesapeake) Bay and was moving south, southwest to north, northeast. It hit Smith Island and moved on land and became a tornado. It strengthened of the island and was on it for a minute or so," said Larry Brown, a meteorologist with the weather service.
An EF1 tornado can bring wind speeds of 86-110 mph, according to the National Weather Service website.
While waterspouts are common to the area during the August and September months due to warmer water temperatures, it rarely jumps onto the land and strengthens. Usually over larger land masses like the Eastern Shore, it dissipates.
Brown added they can happen in colder times of the year via cool air funnel and behave similarly to the one seen Thursday.
Assessing damages
Among the damage reported was one home completely destroyed and a Bed-and-Breakfast that sustained "significant damage." That included the loss of the roof and most of the upper story of the building.
Communication from the local fire chief confirmed at least 17 homes had sustained some degree of damage. Currently, Powell reports there have been no requests by Smith Island residents to the county department.
"The community is trying to save as many belongings as we can right now before more storms come. Everyone is really coming together to help each other out. The damage is devastating," said Tiffanie Woutila, a local resident.
Jay Fleming, a photographer, has started a GoFundMe Page to raise money for recovery efforts.
Electricity
According to Somerset County Emergency Services, The Ewell Volunteer Fire Department has been at the forefront of recovery efforts, with close contact with the county. Also making their way to the area is A&N Electric as they continue to identify specific areas where power is still down.
"They have electricity and it has been restored to the majority of the island, but a small section of lower roads that still don't," Powell said. "A&N crews are over there working to remove the debris. The local fire department is open as well as the local recreation center for the public, but many have declined and stayed in their homes."
RELATED:Tornado damages Smith Island structures; see videos of the destruction
The remote archipelago, home to about 260 people, consists of three distinct communities: Tylerton, Rhodes Point and Ewell.
In a social media post, the electric company noted that as of Friday morning, 64 co-op members on Smith Island continued to experience an outage due to the storm damage. The majority of the island was running on a generator located on the island.
More:New Smith Island lifeline named to honor former ice breaker captain
ISLAND SPEAK:Neither modern nor Shakespearean, Smith Island's English is unique
Co-op personnel from nearby Tangier Island were able to isolate the damage and begin power generation about an hour after the storm caused the damage last night, A&N Electric Coop said.
In addition to the line crews, other cooperative personnel were traveling to Smith Island to assist residents as they begin to clean up the storm damage on Friday.
Powell said his department has sent a damage assessment team who departed at 10 a.m. Friday. The island is only accessible by boat or helicopter. | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2022/08/05/category-1-tornado-strikes-smith-island-maryland-waterspout/65393490007/ | 2022-08-06T01:17:55 | 1 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2022/08/05/category-1-tornado-strikes-smith-island-maryland-waterspout/65393490007/ |
DALLAS, Pa. — At Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge near Dallas, rescue workers want to find the most extra special home for Hawk, a 2-year-old pit bull/mix with a troubled past.
Hawk needs the right family who is committed to spending the time it will take for him to adjust, and someone who love him for his quirks.
"The family who brings him home is going to have the most loyal dog ever. He loves with all of his heart. He is obsessed with our volunteers. He'll do anything to see the people who loves, to be with the people he loves. He just is a really good dog and he will make any family really happy as long as they're willing to return it all to him," Emma Ripka, Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, sai.
Hawk was dumped in a wooded area with another dog, probably thrown from a car given his fear of getting in one.
It took rescue workers several months to catch him; the first time he was caught, Hawk actually escaped from the trap, something rescue workers have never seen before.
When he was finally brought in back in February, it took a few weeks for Hawk to adjust.
"When he first came here, he was petrified of life, petrified of everybody, not many people could touch him, he wanted to escape out of his kennel in the worst way," Ripka said.
But now, a few months later, Hawk is so much more comfortable at Blue Chip and with all of the volunteers.
Still, because of his past and his extreme separation anxiety, he will need someone who is home more than not.
Hawk was already adopted once a few weeks ago, but it did not work out because of that separation anxiety.
"His perfect home would be a home with no young children. He is afraid of fast movement, loud noises, if the child was to accidentally leave the door open, he would probably take off. He does well with teenagers. He's met numerous, and in his only adoptive home, had a teenager in it. He is good with most large dogs. He seems to like females more but he was also found with a female. He doesn't seem to be the biggest fan of small dogs. He won't go out of his way to hurt them, it's more so he's just not comfortable being around them," Ripka said..
Hawk actually does not even really need a fence in yard. Rescue workers say he clings to you, and would rather just be on a leash with you.
"Not like any dog I've ever met before, he really does have his own personality and he thinks he's a lap dog and he's probably about 80 pounds. He'll do anything to get in your lap. If you touch his little tail, he gets really excited and will scoot around in a circle. He's really funny. He's definitely a quirky dog, but he's one of the best dogs I've ever met," Ripka said.
If you would like to meet Hawk, you can find his adoption information by clicking here.
See more pets and animal stories on WNEP’s YouTube playlist. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/16-to-the-rescue-hawk-pets-animals-dogs-cats-adopt-dallas-pennsylvania-adoption/523-60b2a046-6ba0-47db-bcf0-8aa93a47cbea | 2022-08-06T01:22:38 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/16-to-the-rescue-hawk-pets-animals-dogs-cats-adopt-dallas-pennsylvania-adoption/523-60b2a046-6ba0-47db-bcf0-8aa93a47cbea |
Friday in many ways replicated conditions that may almost be routine for summer in Washington: steamy 90-degree heat, an afternoon and evening of darkly ominous clouds, sudden deluges, strong winds and waterlogged inconvenience.
Friday provided what in summer we may recognize as common. But many may have looked with new wariness and heightened respect Friday at the release of pent-up atmospheric energies inherent in summer evenings.
That caution may have been a consequence of the tragedy that struck Thursday, when many of the same conditions present Friday led to three deaths after a lightning strike across the street from the White House.
But on Friday those conditions reverted to our standard summertime routine, perhaps unwelcome but fortunately not tragic.
Before the storms appeared, the mercury in Washington reached 94 degrees. It was the fourth consecutive 90-degree day.
The string started Tuesday, the second day of the month, and it meant we in Washington had entered August in a Washington way: with a heat wave.
That ample heat and the day’s plentiful humidity became ingredients for storms that in spots produced rainy torrents. Water backed up on low-lying roads and streets, blocking traffic and requiring cars that made it through to throw up waves worthy of a seagoing vessel. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/friday-seemed-full-of-atmospheric-drama-and-routine-too/2022/08/05/bd983fd4-1519-11ed-aba1-f2b7689c0492_story.html | 2022-08-06T01:26:53 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/friday-seemed-full-of-atmospheric-drama-and-routine-too/2022/08/05/bd983fd4-1519-11ed-aba1-f2b7689c0492_story.html |
A celebration of life and memorial for Albert F. Anglin, 94, of Myrtle Point, will be held at 12 pm, Thursday, August 11, 2022 at St. James Lutheran Church, 510 Railroad Ave, Myrtle Point, followed by graveside memorial at Sunset Memorial Park mausoleum, 63060 Millington Frontage Rd, Coos Bay.
A celebration of life for Georgia Lee (Chamberlin) Oliver Willey, 93, of Lakeside will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, August 6, 2022 at the Lakeside Assembly of God Church, 230 N 8th Street in Lakeside. Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131 www.coosbayareafunerals.com
Graveside Service for Christine Lange, 77, of Coquille, will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at Norway Cemetery. Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Grace International of Myrtle Point, 1121 Bothwick Street. Online remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.westrumfuneralservice.com Arrangements are under the direction of Amling/Schroeder Funeral Service - Myrtle Point Chapel, 541-572-2524 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/august-5-2022-service-notices/article_98114c5a-0ea3-11ed-a11a-c7d8f0a701f9.html | 2022-08-06T01:30:04 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/august-5-2022-service-notices/article_98114c5a-0ea3-11ed-a11a-c7d8f0a701f9.html |
A woman was abducted Friday from Chester City, Pennsylvania, and police believe a man wanted for murder took her.
Shameeka Thompson, 31, was last seen at about 4 p.m. in the area of West 21st Street in the small city about 10 miles south of Philadelphia, state police said.
Dehmier Harmon, 26, is sought in Thompson's abduction, state police said.
Harmon is also wanted for the murder of a man on Wednesday in Chester, according to police.
"The City of Chester Police Department has an active arrest warrant for Dahmier Edward Harmon, for the murder of Leon Culbreath which occurred on August 3, 2022 in the area of the 2100 block of Edgmont Avenue," investigators said this week.
State police cautioned the public against confronting Harmon if anyone sees him. He is considered armed and dangerous by law enforcement. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/woman-abducted-and-murder-suspect-sought-for-taking-her-police-say/3327872/ | 2022-08-06T01:35:41 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/woman-abducted-and-murder-suspect-sought-for-taking-her-police-say/3327872/ |
Coconino County has moved to a low community level for COVID-19 the week ending July 30, according to the latest dashboard data report.
The county's case rate fell to 184.3 per 100,000 this week (263 new cases) from last week’s rate of 236.2 per 100,000 (337 total new cases reported). Testing positivity also fell this week to 22.8% from 27% the week before, while the number of tests conducted continued to drop, decreasing to 1,263 from 1,598 the prior week.
Because the case rate is below the 200 per 100,000 threshold for adjusted community metrics, community level indicators can now fall into low, medium or high categories. This week, both the rate of new COVID admissions (8.4 per 100,000) and of staffed in-patient beds occupied by COVID patients (9.5%) were reported in the low level. Last week, the rate of COVID admissions was 9.1 per 100,000 and 9.5% of inpatient beds were occupied by COVID patients.
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The county has been at either a medium or high community level since the beginning of June, when the case rate rose above 200,000.
A total of 12 COVID hospitalizations were reported in the county this week (from 17 the week before), with the incidence of COVID-like illness in county hospitals falling to 6.4% (from 9.4%).
According to TGen’s Arizona COVID-19 Sequencing Dashboard, 100% of genomes sequenced in the state the week ending Aug. 6 are of the BA.5 subvariant of omicron. The dashboard’s most recent update for Coconino County (the week ending July 9) has BA.4 and BA.5 each accounting for half of sequenced genomes.
County residents aged 65 or older had the highest case rate (265 per 100,000), while those 4 and younger had the highest positivity (35.6%). Two COVID deaths have been reported in the county in each of the last three weeks.
The number of vaccines administered to county patients continued to rise for the third week in a row, with the majority still being booster doses -- though the percentage of first and second doses has risen slightly from previous weeks. A total of 56.5% (80,515 individuals) of Coconino County’s eligible population have been vaccinated at this point, 53.6% of whom have received a booster dose.
In areas at a low community level, the CDC recommends individuals stay up to date on COVID vaccines (including boosters), improve indoor ventilation where possible, testing when exposed or having symptoms of COVID, and following isolation and quarantine recommendations.
Immunocompromised and high-risk individuals are encouraged to have a plan for rapid testing and consult with their healthcare providers about potential treatments.
More about COVID in Coconino County, including testing and vaccination sites can be found at coconino.az.gov/2294/COVID-19-Information. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/coconino-county-moves-to-low-covid-community-level/article_9b3b21be-14f5-11ed-9a59-ef2d8639d648.html | 2022-08-06T01:42:20 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/coconino-county-moves-to-low-covid-community-level/article_9b3b21be-14f5-11ed-9a59-ef2d8639d648.html |
Following multiple impressive debut football seasons last fall, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks return 15 starters between their offense and defense, with seven named to the 2022 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Sky Conference Teams.
Running back Kevin Daniels leads the way, making the preseason first team following his breakout 2021 that included multiple Freshman All-American honors and All-Big Sky Second Team recognition. Rushing for 1,146 yards in 10 games, Daniels became the first Lumberjack since 2015 to reach 1,000 yards in a season and finished third in the FCS with 114.6 rushing yards per game.
Four Lumberjacks earned made the second team ahead of the fall, with offensive tackle Jonas Leader, guard PJ Poutasi, defensive end Eloi Kwete and safety Morgan Vest all honored.
Key pieces of Northern Arizona's offensive success last season, Leader and Poutasi led the way up front for an offense that included a true freshman quarterback and a freshman running back, and still ranked 36th in the FCS for total offense and 29th in rushing offense. Leader enters 2022 with 27 consecutive starts on the O-line and All-Big Sky honors from both the spring and fall of 2021.
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Poutasi arrived from Cal to start all 11 games at left guard last fall, immediately securing a position in the interior of the line.
On the opposite side of the ball, Kwete and Vest lead strong position groups and the front and back of the defense.
Kwete started 11 games at defensive end, finishing fourth on the team with 45 tackles. Adding 8.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks, Kwete ranked second among Lumberjacks in both categories.
For Vest, the fall 2021 season simply continued the dominance of the spring as the safety broke out with 106 tackles, five interceptions, 4.5 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. That tackle count was among the top 25 of the FCS while the interception total tied for sixth most in the nation.
Rounding out the selections were quarterback RJ Martinez and defensive lineman Cosmas Kwete.
Martinez, the conference freshman of the year in 2021, finished his debut season sixth in the voting for the Stats Perform Jerry Rice Award after throwing for 1,714 yards, 14 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions. Also adding five scores on the ground, Martinez's impressive debut owes some credit to the experience of the line in front of him.
Cosmas Kwete made his impact felt despite missing a few games due to injury, recording 11 quarterback hurries in his eight appearances. The total stands as the most in a season by a Lumberjack since 2009, and added 5.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-seven-football-players-named-to-conference-preseason-list/article_8a3b924e-14fb-11ed-b20a-8bb8cad20629.html | 2022-08-06T01:42:26 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-seven-football-players-named-to-conference-preseason-list/article_8a3b924e-14fb-11ed-b20a-8bb8cad20629.html |
Pinon man arrested on suspicion of murder and domestic violence
The Department of Justice's Arizona district announced that law enforcement arrested a Pinon man on Thursday on suspicion of first-degree murder and multiple counts of domestic violence relating to a Pinon woman who went missing and was later found dead.
In a Friday press release, the DOJ said that 30-year-old Tre C. James was indicted on eight counts alleging that he fatally shot Jamie Yazzie, also of Pinon, who went missing in summer of 2019.
Yazzie had been listed as a missing person with numerous law enforcement agencies tasked with investigating her disappearance. The DOJ said Yazzie's remains were found on the Hopi Indian Reservation in November 2021.
The release also alleges James committed several acts of domestic violence against three victims between 2018 and 2021 that included suffocation, strangling, kidnapping and assault with a dangerous weapon. The DOJ did not elaborate on what if any relationship James had with Yazzie or the other domestic violence victims.
His next court appearance is on Aug. 9 in U.S. District Court in Flagstaff.
"The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is committed to addressing the persistent violence endured by Native American families and communities in the state of Arizona, including by working with Tribal nations to address the important issues of missing or murdered indigenous persons and acts of domestic violence," the release stated.
Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at 602-444-2474 or perry.vandell@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @PerryVandell.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2022/08/05/pinon-man-arrested-suspicion-murder-and-domestic-violence/10253946002/ | 2022-08-06T01:43:07 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2022/08/05/pinon-man-arrested-suspicion-murder-and-domestic-violence/10253946002/ |
WINTER PARK, Fla. – On the first day of the 2022 Python Challenge, News 6 spoke with a Winter Park man who was able to wrangle up a nearly 18-foot-long Burmese python in Collier County.
The Python Challenge is an annual event in Florida aimed at bringing down the population of Burmese pythons — an invasive species with virtually no natural enemies in the Everglades and which have decimated native populations of mammals, birds and other reptiles.
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Joshua Laquis — a resident of Winter Park who enjoys extreme sports — said he went python-hunting in the Everglades to find something that “scares” him.
“Basically, what happened was I was supposed to go with somebody else to hunt a python the day before we went, and that didn’t end up working out,” Laquis said. “So I ended up finding these two random guys on Instagram that I heard were into python-hunting, as well.”
Laquis told News 6 he began hunting with the pair that night, though they didn’t have much luck at first. However, Laquis said the group soon found their target — a 17-foot, 8-inch-long python crossing the highway.
“We all screamed. We all hunted snakes before, but none of us have seen anything this size...” Laquis said. “Something this big was unbelievable to see.”
According to Laquis, the team wrestled for ten minutes to get control of the snake, which died as it was trying to constrict the three men.
While the three were able to bring the snake to authorities, Laquis said they found it just before the Python Challenge pronouncement, meaning they didn’t receive a reward.
Despite that, Laquis said his next adventure will be working on his sky-diving license, though he still a “couple more jumps to do” before he can make that happen.
The 2022 Python Challenge runs through 5 p.m. on Aug. 14. Prizes include a $2,500 for most pythons captured and $1,500 for the longest python captured. Snakes in the challenge must be killed humanely to qualify.
Laquis shares his adventures on his Instagram page under his profile at @Joshua.Laquis.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/06/winter-park-man-finds-nearly-18-foot-long-python-in-florida-everglades/ | 2022-08-06T01:48:34 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/06/winter-park-man-finds-nearly-18-foot-long-python-in-florida-everglades/ |
New Yorkers flee traffic stop, leave 22 pounds of cocaine, state police say
A recent traffic stop in southwest Michigan led to a chase, a multi-agency search, three arrests and recovery of drugs, Michigan State Police announced Friday.
There were two adults and a pair of small children in a vehicle troopers with MSP's Fifth District pulled over July 27 on westbound Interstate 94 near Marshall in Calhoun County for a traffic violation, the agency said in a statement.
When troopers approached, they noted the adults inside "were displaying indicators of criminal activity" and asked to search their car, according to the release.
The driver initially agreed then sped off, state police reported.
Authorities later learned the vehicle had crashed on Old U.S. 27, north of I-94. Arriving troopers found no one inside but 22 pounds of cocaine scattered from the crash.
A detective estimated the street value was approximately $985,000 and the current bulk price of cocaine by the kilo ranges between $28,000 and $30,000, state police said.
Meanwhile, the Marshall Police Department and Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office joined troopers to canvass the area to find the occupants who fled.
A state police K-9 spotted the driver, identified as Daquane Wilson, 27, of New York, hidden in an outbuilding with an infant, officials said.
Troopers found another New York resident, 22-year-old Jadzia Cobeo, "hiding in waist high swamp water, holding a toddler," MSP reported.
A third person, identified as 50-year-old Nedra Thompson, also of New York, was arrested along with them.
Wilson and Cobeo were arraigned July 28 on charges of fleeing and eluding, resisting and obstructing, possession with intent to deliver more than 1,000 grams of cocaine as well as fourth-degree child abuse.
Thompson was charged with possession with intent to deliver more than 1,000 grams of cocaine and uttering and publishing counterfeit U.S. currency.
Each of the suspects face up to life in prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, if found guilty of the cocaine trafficking charges. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/08/05/new-yorkers-flee-traffic-stop-leave-22-pounds-cocaine-state-police-say/10253801002/ | 2022-08-06T01:48:45 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/08/05/new-yorkers-flee-traffic-stop-leave-22-pounds-cocaine-state-police-say/10253801002/ |
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — A Travis County judge who presides over drunken driving cases will serve just one day in jail after pleading guilty Thursday to driving while intoxicated, according to KVUE's news partners at the Austin American-Statesman.
Lipscombe, who has presided over the Travis County Court-at-Law No. 3 since January 2011, was recently charged with a Class B misdemeanor DWI. He has not returned to his post since the May arrest but has expressed intent to return in the future.
According to the Statesman, his attorney, Randy Leavitt, said Lipscombe has "accepted responsibility for his actions and looks forward to serving the remainder of his term working for the people of Travis County."
Citing his attorney, the Statesman reported that the judge spent 60 days undergoing inpatient treatment and he will follow up for 60 more days in outpatient treatment. Leavitt did not expand on what that treatment entails.
The DWI charge stemmed from a verbal parking lot altercation at an Austin-area hotel. A man called 911 to report that Lipscombe was attempting to back into a parking space when he almost hit the man's car. Lipscombe then reportedly drove around the parking lot and eventually parked in a handicap space in front of the hotel.
When officers met with Lipscombe in the lobby, they said he "appeared slow to answer questions and was overall disoriented." Officers also noted his slurred speech and a faint odor of alcohol.
Police said Lipscombe was argumentative and refused a preliminary breath test. A blood test was eventually administered, leading to the DWI charge.
Read the Statesman's full report here.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/travis-county-judge-overseeing-drunken-driving-cases-pleads-guilty-dwi/269-d80a5976-c016-4836-aa2f-01517d770c55 | 2022-08-06T01:57:01 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/travis-county-judge-overseeing-drunken-driving-cases-pleads-guilty-dwi/269-d80a5976-c016-4836-aa2f-01517d770c55 |
Salem gets $850K federal grant to attract airlines
With an $850,000 federal grant to attract airlines, Salem Municipal Airport is one step closer to providing commercial air service to the region.
But McNary Field is still a long time — and millions of dollars — away from being more than a general aviation airport.
Potential flight destinations could include Phoenix, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, according to a statement released jointly Thursday from U.S. senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley.
“Regional air service through small airports just like this one in Oregon’s capital city are crucial to our state’s economy,” Wyden said in the statement. “I am gratified to see these dollars go toward expanding regional air service in Salem to have a more accessible option for travel in and out of the Mid-Willamette Valley. Investing in smaller airports like the Salem Airport lays the groundwork to continue to support our state’s economic growth and tourism.”
In a letter of support, Wyden said the addition of Salem air service would eliminate 100,000 vehicle trips to Portland each year.
The city will receive $850,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program to recruit, initiate and support new air service to California, Nevada and Arizona.
Wyden said the recruitment initiative is anchored by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Travel Salem and SEDCOR.
Three airlines have reportedly expressed interest in setting up shop in Salem. A regional airline called Aha! sent a letter of interest to TSA. The airline would run two flights a week from Salem to Reno. The other two are bigger airlines with more destination options.
“I would like to thank the senators for their support for this grant,” Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett said in a statement. “This money is an important step in the City of Salem getting back commercial air. Commercial air will support and grow the Mid-Willamette Valley economy, increase tourism, reduce traffic and congestion along the I-5 corridor, and create less dependence on the Portland International Airport.”
But the new funding doesn't mean residents can book a flight anytime soon.
Significant investments are required to bring the airport up to FAA and TSA standards for commercial air service.
The 751-acre airport is home to more than 130 aircraft hangars and businesses, as well as the Oregon National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility.
In a recent Salem City Council work session, city staff presented two renovation and operational plans costing $3.9 million and $10 to $12 million. The cheaper plan, which would just include renovation, would take an estimated nine to 12 months to complete. This work would sustain working with smaller, 50-seat airplanes.
The $12 million plan would include renovation and expansion of the terminals to accommodate more passengers and would take 12-18 months. This plan would be needed to work with larger capacity airplanes.
More airport, police and fire staff, along with new equipment and vehicles, are also needed to keep the airport safe and operational, according to the city report.
The work session outlined both the opportunities and risks of bringing commercial air service to Salem.
Staff said the airport could bring increased tourism to the region, reduce carbon emissions by cutting down trips to the Portland and Eugene airports, and be an added convenience for Salem residents.
At the same time, air service requires significant investment in infrastructure, staffing and equipment before the airport could generate revenue and it comes with no airline obligation or guarantee of air service sustainability or growth.
For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/salem-oregon-850k-federal-grant-commercial-airlines-salem-airport/65393549007/ | 2022-08-06T02:09:15 | 1 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/05/salem-oregon-850k-federal-grant-commercial-airlines-salem-airport/65393549007/ |
Salem Sikh community hosts service project to honor mass shooting victims
Ten years ago, a white supremacist shot and killed six Sikh worshippers in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. A seventh victim was left paralyzed from the attack and died in 2020.
Salem's Sikh community is inviting residents to join them in remembering the victims and participating in a "seva," a selfless community service project.
They will meet at 5 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of ARCHES, 615 Commerical St., to feed the unhoused.
Sikh communities nationwide will host similar events to honor the lives of those killed during the mass shooting.
Efforts to document hate
On Aug. 5, 2012, Wade Michael Page walked into a Sikh gurdwara, a house of worship, as they prepared their communal meal. Page was a U.S Army veteran and truck driver who had ties to neo-Nazi groups and the white supremacist music scene.
He turned the gun on himself after police shot him.
The Sikh Coalition, a Sikh-American advocacy group, urged the Federal Bureau of Investigation to begin tracking hate crimes against Sikhs, Hindus and Arabs following the attack. The FBI had previously only tracked hate crimes directed against Christian, Muslim, atheist, and Jewish people.
Shortly after the shooting, Harpreet Singh Saini, the son of one of the victims, testified before the U.S Senate to lobby for the change.
The FBI began tracking hate crimes against Sikhs, Hindus, and Arabs in 2015.
The FBI's Crime Data Explorer shows anti-Sikh hate crimes have increased year after year since it began tracking the data. There were 94 anti-Sikh offenses reported in 2020 and 56 in 2019. In 2018, that number was 44.
Service and humanity
The Sikh Coalition described events like the one organized in Salem and nationwide as efforts dedicated to combating and preventing the rising hate.
"The main reason why such horrific incidents happen is because we have not interacted with people who look different from us," Navneet Kaur, area project manager for the Salem event, said.
Similar to the annual Sikh Day Parade, the day is also an opportunity to connect with the broader community.
"We hope to reach out to general larger communities and give them a chance to see us in action, see who we are, and know us so that such horrific acts and senseless killings don't happen," she said. "It's our hope."
Members of the Sikh community are often mistakenly perceived as Muslim, particularly Sikh men who wear turbans and have beards. Sikhism is a separate religion from Islam with separate beliefs and practices.
One of the core principles of the Sikh faith is service to the community. Spending the afternoon with ARCHES to cook and provide dinner to the unhoused will help local volunteers apply those core principles, Kaur said. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/causes/2022/08/05/salem-sikh-community-service-project-shooting-victims-oak-creek-wisconsin/65392753007/ | 2022-08-06T02:09:19 | 0 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/causes/2022/08/05/salem-sikh-community-service-project-shooting-victims-oak-creek-wisconsin/65392753007/ |
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – Rescue crews will be conducting flood response drills from Friday to Sunday in Kingsport.
As a part of the training exercise, a vehicle will be placed in the Holston River adjacent to Netherland Inn Road near the Interstate 26 overpass.
Officials want to remind anyone seeing the vehicle in the river or the large presence of first responders in that specific area that an actual emergency isn’t taking place.
The Homeland Security District 1 regional swift water rescue team for TEMA is made up of Sullivan County EMA, Bristol Fire Department, Kingsport Fire Department, Johnson City Fire Department and Washington County EMS. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tema-to-conduct-flood-response-drills-this-weekend/ | 2022-08-06T02:10:26 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tema-to-conduct-flood-response-drills-this-weekend/ |
VALPARAISO — A 20-year-old Chesterton-area man, who is accused of having sexual contact with a minor in Lake County, was sentenced Friday to jail time and mental-health counseling for the same type of offense in Porter County.
Porter Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clymer modified a plea agreement at the last minute Friday to allow a one-year period of probation for the mental-health treatment in addition to two-and-a-half years behind bars for Elijah Fleming.
Fleming will then spend a year on probation and be required to register as a sex offender and comply with those strict limitations and requirements.
"I just want to apologize for the stuff I did," Fleming said during the sentencing hearing.
Fleming said his actions have had an impact on his life, causing him to miss family holidays and gatherings.
He said he did not realize the seriousness of his actions and called them the "biggest regret of my life."
Earlier in the hearing, the mother of the young victim, said the sexual battery has caused trauma for the girl and the family. The girl now suffers from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and is no longer an excelling student.
Despite the impact, the mother said her family is prepared to move forward after sentencing.
"As of today, we are no longer Elijah Fleming's victims," she said.
Fleming pleaded guilty in late June to felony counts of sexual battery and possession of a narcotic drug.
The Porter County sex case stems from October 2020 when a 14-year-old girl told police she met Fleming a month earlier on Snapchat and told him her age, police said. Fleming then reached out to her the following month, picked her up, gave her marijuana and had sex with her, police said.
Porter County police took Fleming into custody in May 2021 at a Portage mobile home, where they said they also found drugs and paraphernalia, resulting in the further charges.
Clymer had revoked Fleming's bond in March after learning he was charged with two new felony counts in neighboring Lake County of sexual misconduct with a minor.
Fleming is accused of repeatedly having sex in October with a girl in Cedar Lake he knew to be 14, according to a court document.
The case parallels the allegations in Porter County in that Fleming is accused of meeting a 14-year-old girl on the instant messaging app Snapchat and smoking marijuana with her before sex, records show.
A probation officer told the court Friday that if Fleming is convicted in Lake County, he could be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
Porter/LaPorte County Courts and Social Justice Reporter
Bob is a 23-year veteran of The Times. He covers county government and courts in Porter County, federal courts, police news and regional issues. He also created the Vegan in the Region blog, is an Indiana University grad and lifelong region resident.
Porter Superior Judge Jeffrey Clymer took the proposed plea agreement under consideration until July 22, suggesting that prosecutors make sure to bring the deal to the attention of the alleged victim. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/porter-county-man-sentenced-for-sex-with-14-year-old-faces-same-crime-in-lake/article_68c73d71-2098-549c-93d7-09446d344677.html | 2022-08-06T02:12:09 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/porter-county-man-sentenced-for-sex-with-14-year-old-faces-same-crime-in-lake/article_68c73d71-2098-549c-93d7-09446d344677.html |
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MARGATE — The Margate Beach Patrol did not win any races Friday, but the patrol finished second in each of the three events.
That was enough to celebrate on its home beach.
The host patrol won the 76th Margate Beach Patrol World War II Memorial Lifeguard Races title at the Decatur Avenue beach.
Scoring was 5-4-3-2-1 for the first five places.
Margate won with 12 points. Longport was second with 10 points. Avalon and Atlantic City each had six. Atlantic City took third on a tiebreaker after placing higher in the doubles row.
“It’s just great to do in front of the home crowd,” said Margate’s Chris Spiers, who was second in the singles row. “That’s what you’re hoping for.”
Longport’s Mike McGrath won the 1,000-foot singles row in 4 minutes, 26 seconds. Spiers was second in 4:28. Atlantic City’s Vince Granese was third (4:32).
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McGrath and Sean Duffey won the mile doubles row.
“It’s good (to win two races), but we’re always looking for the team title,” McGrath said. “It’s bittersweet. We won two races and got 10 points, but Margate won overall. It’s bittersweet.”
Spiers added the ocean was a straight pull.
“It was another great race,” Spiers said. “It was a flat ocean (Friday night), so you really get to see who is rowing out there. Mike (McGrath of Longport) also rowed (the doubles), and he crushed it again.”
The three-race event was the second leg in the South Jersey Lifeguard Chiefs Association’s “Big Three,” or major competitions that feature all 15 South Jersey patrols. The first was the Dutch Hoffman Memorial Lifeguard Championships on Monday, which Avalon won. The third is the 82nd South Jersey Lifeguard Championships to be held next Friday in Longport.
The South Jersey races are always hosted by the previous summer’s champion, and Longport has won the title five consecutive years (2016-19, 2021).
As the leading boats in the doubles row were about two minutes from the finish line, Margate, Atlantic City, Longport and Avalon were right with each other. Sea Isle pulled up close as the boats approached the shore.
Duffey and McGrath won the race in 15:47. Margate’s Hayden Smallwood and Bob Bechtel were second in 15:56. Atlantic City’s Sean Blair and Rick Blair were third (16:02).
Duffey cooled off in the ocean after the intense race. Both like conditions a little choppier, but it was still a great row, Duffey and McGrath said.
“It was a hard pull. Age is starting to catch up to me, it felt like,” said Duffey, 39. “We just tried to keep (the row) smooth on the way in. we picked it up on the way in. Hats off to those guys. All these crews are getting fast and faster each week. Next week (at the South Jersey’s) will be a (heck) of a race.”
McGrath agreed.
“It gets tougher as you age,” the 36-year-old McGarth said. “Margate, AC, they all brought it. It was a great race.”
Duffey and McGrath won the race in three of the last four Margate events (2018, 2019, 2022). Lifeguard events were not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Duffey and McGrath have never won a doubles row at the South Jersey races. The duo has been partners for 18 years.
“That’s the No. 1 goal,” Duffey said. “It’s the one race that has eluded us over the years. We’ve won every race but that one. We are going to be focused this week.”
Added McGrath: “That’s the one we’ve been waiting for for 18 years. Hopefully this year we can get it.”
Avalon’s Dolan Grisbaum (Ocean City High School) won the half-mile swim in 13:33 and remained undefeated this summer. Margate’s Zach Vasser (Mainland Regional) was second in 13:55.
“We only have one more to go, which is the (South) Jerseys,” Grisbaum said. “That’s the biggest one, so nothing else really matters this entire summer. This was a nice little warm up for the big one next Friday night.”
Grisbaum added Friday’s race “was a great indicator where I am mentally and physically, and I am happy with the result.”
Water temperatures were nice, but there were a lot of small jellyfish in the water. A lot even washed up on shore. Grisbaum, a rising sophomore at Boston University, said it was uncomfortable.
Grisbaum said he was swimming through “thousands of little beads hitting my face, so that wasn’t fun, but it was nothing too unmanageable to where I couldn’t swim as fast as I can go,” he said.
“I’m just happy to be out here swimming on Friday nights,” Grisbaum added.
Grisbaum has been dominating this summer. In 2021, he only lost three times — all in the Big Three races to Longport’s Joey Tepper, an Egg Harbor Township High School graduate.
Tepper is not guarding this summer.
Grisbaum is now the one everyone wants to beat.
“My mindset is to be in first as early as possible,” said Grisbaum, who wants to be in the lead about 200 to 300 yards. “Just going out fast and holding my lead since everyone is looking at me. Last year it was Joey, this year it’s me. I just try to stay my course and stay away from everyone else in the beginning and let my swimming do the talking rather than myself.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/margate-beach-patrol-world-war-ii-memorial-lifeguard-races/article_f575f454-150b-11ed-8a97-1fc56a245c36.html | 2022-08-06T02:21:29 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/margate-beach-patrol-world-war-ii-memorial-lifeguard-races/article_f575f454-150b-11ed-8a97-1fc56a245c36.html |
CITRUS HEIGHTS, Calif. — Coyotes have reappeared in Citrus Heights ahead of their usual season, according to residents on Facebook. A coyote was spotted standing in the middle of the road on Auburn Boulevard and Halifax Street.
It's not the first time these animals have been seen in the streets of residential areas, and it certainly won't be the last.
Coyotes were the suspected culprits of multiple animal deaths with “suspicious injuries” in 2021, according to a Citrus Heights Police Department Facebook post.
“Coyotes come to Citrus Heights because we have the perfect habitat for them. We have green belts, natural resources... and residents with large parcels of land,” said Debra Nathan, Police Services Supervisor at Citrus Heights Police Department.
Although coyotes are nocturnal, Nathan says it's not uncommon for them to appear during the day once they get used to daily human life.
“Coyotes that live among humans can be more comfortable coming out in the daytime… looking for food,” said Nathan.
Coyotes aren't the only wild animals finding themselves in residential parts of cities. Skunks, opossums and raccoons are among the most frequent visitors because they forage backyards, seek shelter under porches and can potentially cause damage to structures, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“[Coyotes are] smart and have adapted to find food in garbage, squirrels, small pets… stray cats and dogs will also be taken advantage of,” said Peter Tira from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Keep your pets indoors, dogs on leashes, and don’t leave food outside.”
Mating season for coyotes usually starts in January and ends in March with pups being born in May. Some of them begin to disperse in late fall to seek new territory where they could be seen exploring more often, according to Project Coyote, a non-profit organization based in Northern California.
The Citrus Heights Police Department advises people to distance themselves, make loud noises and call animal control services at their non-emergency number – (916) 727-5500 – if the coyote looks injured, sick, or is in a public space. If there is any threat to public safety, call 911.
The police department offered extra tips on how people can safely live with wildlife:
- Bring pets in at night
- Do not leave pet food outside
- Secure trash cans
- Never feed wildlife
- Install motion lighting
- Avoid using bird feeders
- Trim shrubbery, clean up green waste to reduce hiding places
- Report dead or injured animals/pets to animal services
Watch more from ABC10: 'Freaked out' | Lake Tahoe bear ravages family Sierra truck | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/coyotes-seen-earlier-than-usual-what-to-know/103-8b90cc14-351c-40e0-ba17-3c911c82c8a3 | 2022-08-06T02:32:10 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/coyotes-seen-earlier-than-usual-what-to-know/103-8b90cc14-351c-40e0-ba17-3c911c82c8a3 |
RIO LINDA, Calif. — A large fire at a junkyard in Rio Linda near W M Street and W 6th Street is sending plumes of thick black smoke into the air Friday evening.
According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, no structures are being threatened by the fire, though multiple RVs and other equipment are at risk.
ABC10 has a crew at the scene and this story will be updated with more information as it’s available.
WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, the 2021 fire season started earlier than previous years, but also ended earlier, as well. January 2021 saw just under 1,200 acres burned from nearly 300 wildfires. Fires picked up in the summer when the Dixie Fire burned in five Northern California counties — Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Lassen and Tehama. The Dixie Fire started on July 13 and wasn't contained until Oct. 25, burning nearly 1 million acres. It has since become the second-largest wildfire in state history and the largest non-complex fire.
Overall, 2.5 million acres were burned in 2021 from 8,835 wildfires. Over 3,600 structures were destroyed and 3 people were killed.
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, and supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and knowing your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you're impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/rio-linda-junkyard-fire/103-65fdc7ba-288e-4bff-a61f-fec04b038bb5 | 2022-08-06T02:32:16 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/rio-linda-junkyard-fire/103-65fdc7ba-288e-4bff-a61f-fec04b038bb5 |
ROSEVILLE, Calif. — A 16-year-old girl died from a suspected fentanyl overdose in Roseville, police say.
Roseville Police Department officials responded to reports of a drug overdose death involving a 16-year-old girl on June 21. Investigators who are investigating the death now suspect it was fentanyl-related.
Roseville Police encourage anyone with additional information on the girl's whereabouts on the days leading up to her death to call their tip line at (916) 746-1059.
According to the CDC, from April 2020 to April 2021, more than 100,000 people died from drug overdoses in the United States, which is an increase of around 28% from the same period the prior year.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 100x stronger than morphine, according to the CDC. Most of the recent cases of fentanyl overdoses are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl as opposed to pharmaceutical fentanyl.
Find more information about fentanyl at Placer County's website.
Watch more from ABC10: Roseville police: 4 potential fentanyl overdose within 36 hours | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/suspected-fentanyl-overdose-roseville/103-9b98c137-d468-4f05-86d7-1a8dee9bd436 | 2022-08-06T02:32:22 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/suspected-fentanyl-overdose-roseville/103-9b98c137-d468-4f05-86d7-1a8dee9bd436 |
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Cape Coral City Council will soon vote on a proposed amendment to an existing overnight commercial vehicle parking ordinance, limiting hours when semis, pickups, and trailers can park on a section of Ceitus Terrace.
Right now, the ordinance bans overnight commercial vehicle parking on SW 8th place, from SW 22nd Terrace to SW 24th Street and NE 2nd Place from NE Van Loon Terrace to Pine Island Road.
City Councilman Tom Hayden said, “Rather than find a place maybe 15 or 20 miles away, they’re finding these wide neighborhood streets to park on. We understand that issue. The problem is our side streets are starting to get loaded up with semi trucks.”
Those areas now have signage indicating commercial vehicles can’t park on the street anytime between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. .
“We want to allow them to do their business with whomever they’re doing their business with but we don’t want them there overnight,” Hayden said. Violators could be ticketed, even towed by CCPD.
City Council will soon discuss adding a third location to the ordinance, Ceitus Terrace, from SW 10th Place to SW 12th Ave. Kimberly Kaliszewski lives just a couple blocks away.
She said at all hours of the day, commercial vehicles will line that portion of the street.
Kaliszewski explained it sometimes makes for a scary situation behind the shops at Coral Crossing.
“I just don’t feel safe with it. I know truck drivers. I respect them. They do have to sleep,” Kaliszewski said. “But I feel bad for them. They are transporting things for us.”
So where can these trucks go?
“They can look up the truck stops. They can look at rest areas. We know they’re further out and we feel for them in this particular instance. They need to work with their particular companies on available areas that they need to park on,” Councilman Hayden said.
The public hearing will take place at City Council Chambers Wednesday, August 17. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/05/cape-coral-commercial-parking-rule-could-be-amended-in-upcoming-city-council-vote/ | 2022-08-06T02:33:00 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/08/05/cape-coral-commercial-parking-rule-could-be-amended-in-upcoming-city-council-vote/ |
A thief was in the middle of stealing a catalytic converter when he was confronted and chased away by his soon-to-be victim, security video shows.
Clay Hayner, a photographer, said it happened Thursday night outside his studio in Dallas' Design District.
The video shows a man with what appears to be a bag of tools getting underneath Hayner's van. Hayner said he got a notification from his Ring camera and went outside to go see.
"I run out there...I figured he'd run up the street by the time I got out there. And I look and he's under there, and he's got a knife. And I just kind of lost it," he recalled. "And that's when I started beating him."
He's seen such thefts before -- and Thursday night's incident was the third time he's been targeted by catalytic converter thieves.
"So all this frustration of me having to watch the van constantly, them stealing my stuff. It just kind of built up," he said.
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Hayner said that he has to pay every time, and his insurance has skyrocketed.
"I work hard to have things; have a car, travel, do all this stuff. And then these guys just come in and take it and sell this calabrator for like $40," he said.
The man is still on the run, Dallas police records show. Hayner says he hopes the man will get caught because he and his neighbors have had enough.
"We're sick of this. We're not going to put up with this anymore," he said. "Everyone is so happy that I fought back. A bunch of neighbors came by to say thanks because I probably saved their cars from getting taken."
And Hayner isn't the only victim. This week in Carrollton, police shared images of hundreds of catalytic converters found in a storage unit. Investigators believe it is part of a fencing operation. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-man-confronts-catalytic-converter-thief-were-sick-of-this/3041904/ | 2022-08-06T02:36:05 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-man-confronts-catalytic-converter-thief-were-sick-of-this/3041904/ |
RED LION, Pa. — On Friday, hundreds of people made their way to the New Bridgeville Fire Company for a food truck fundraiser. The money raised will help the Stoltfuz, King, and Fisher families after last week’s deadly tractor crash in Lower Chanceford Township.
“It’s just an unimaginable tragic accident that happened," said local resident Josh Hill.
“They just have our prayers, so that they can feel better and bless themselves to go on from there," said New Bridgeville resident Andre Miller.
The accident resulted in the deaths of 36-year-old Katie Stoltzfus and her two daughters, 14-year-old Mary Etta and 7-year-old Naomi, as well as brothers Caleb and Jeffery Fisher, ages 9 and 4.
Many people in attendance knew the families involved, including event organizer Lisa Grove.
“Immediately, my husband and I decided we needed to do something to help them," said Lisa Grove, co-owner of G's Concessions. "We do food concessions for a living, so we figured, ‘why not do a food truck benefit for the families.’”
Nine total food trucks were in attendance for the event, each making pledges to donate a portion of proceeds to the families. The fundraiser also had a raffle, featuring over 100 donated items from local businesses.
“We all help each other when we’re in need," said Joanne Walker. "It’s just that way in the southern end.”
Grove says the original goal was to raise $5,000 for the event. However she expects to surpass that thanks to the generosity of neighbors.
“The community around here has really pulled together and overwhelmed me with their support for this event," said Grove. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/local-community-hosts-food-truck-benefit-for-families-of-deadly-tractor-crash-york-county/521-c264c464-3283-4857-83fd-be1951d3cebc | 2022-08-06T02:48:28 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/local-community-hosts-food-truck-benefit-for-families-of-deadly-tractor-crash-york-county/521-c264c464-3283-4857-83fd-be1951d3cebc |
SEATTLE — The Blue Angels return to Seafair this weekend and they brought some new birds with them.
The new Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet jets are bigger, faster and louder than the previous jets they flew for more than 30 years.
For the first time since 2019, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels squadron will perform over Seattle and Blue Angel #6 pilot Julius Bratton says they look to impress.
“This is the ultimate teamwork show. From the support team on the ground to the pilots who will demonstrate the maximum performance of the aircraft," Bratton said.
Although they’ll have clear skies and plenty of airspace to work with, the Blue Angels' specialty is precision maneuvers that can have the jets as close as just 18 inches apart.
Bratton says his love of aviation led him to pursue a career with the Navy. He started as the team narrator before he joined the show in the sky.
Bratton said he’s proud of the diversity of the team. Lt. Amanda Lee has been selected as the first female to join the Blue Angels demo team. She will join the team officially in 2023 alongside five other new officers.
The average Blue Angel tour is just two to three years. The Blue Angels perform across the country from March to November.
Cody Deccio works with Public affairs for the Blue Angels and says this is a full-circle homecoming for him. Deccio was born and raised in Yakima, Wash., and spent time in the summers with his grandparents in Kirkland.
“I remember we would go see the Blue Angels and stare into the skies thinking how cool they were. To be able to come here now and be a part of the team and show off the pride and professionalism is very exciting,” Deccio said.
Fans and commuters will be happy to know the I-90 floating bridge will remain open throughout Seafair as the flight deck was shifted back in 2019.
The Boeing Seafair Air Show kicked off Friday and the Blue Angels will perform Saturday and Sunday at 3:05 pm. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/blue-angels-team-seattle-seafair/281-9ce2603f-fa80-40bc-81a4-5a7cda08f3e4 | 2022-08-06T02:53:34 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/blue-angels-team-seattle-seafair/281-9ce2603f-fa80-40bc-81a4-5a7cda08f3e4 |
SEATTLE — There is a limited supply of monkeypox vaccine in Washington state.
Public Health – Seattle & King County says some doses will be available on Saturday at Seattle Central College, but there are restrictions on who can receive the vaccine.
Only those who are at the highest risk of exposure will be eligible to receive the vaccine during Saturday’s free event, according to Public Health.
After Alexandre Manila received the vaccine for monkeypox, an illness known as MPV, he decided to post about it on his Instagram page.
"I did a story… and I just kind of started getting more comments from people,” said Manila.
He kept making videos sharing information from the Department of Health to address the most common questions, like who is eligible for the vaccine.
"Eligibility is if you've had close contact with somebody who's had a confirmed case of monkeypox,” said Manila.
Public Health – Seattle and King County have a list of criteria to ensure the vaccine goes to people with the highest risk of exposure.
"Supply has been limited, we're expecting more doses from the federal government,” said Dr. Umair Shah, the state’s Secretary of Health.
The state’s Department of Health reports a growing number of cases. So far there have been 166 reports of MPV statewide with 144 of those cases in King County.
The virus can spread through contact with an infectious rash, scabs or bodily fluid; prolonged respiratory face-to-face contact; or potentially from objects or clothing used by someone with the illness. The Department says anyone can catch it but acknowledges that it is currently disproportionately impacting the LGBTQ+ community.
“Any sort of minority community oftentimes becomes the punching bag,” said Manila.
Manila says he already sees the stigma around MPV and is sharing videos on social media to “offer more information, but also just provide a sense of common ease for the community."
Eligibility criteria for the monkeypox vaccine:
- People who have had sexual, close intimate contact or other high risk close contact with someone who has tested positive for monkeypox
- People at high risk of exposure to monkeypox, including men who have sex with men who have recently had multiple sexual or intimate close contact partners including:
- Gay, bisexual, or other men or transgender people who have sex with men AND
- At least one of the following:
- More than 10 sex partners in the prior 3 months
- History of early syphilis or gonorrhea in the prior year
- Methamphetamine use in the prior month
- Attendance at a bathhouse, other public sex venue, or group sex (sex including at least 3 people at the same time) in the prior 3 months
- Experiencing homelessness/unstable housing AND currently living in a congregate setting AND had any sexual activity in the prior 3 months. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/limited-monkeypox-vaccine-doses-available-eligible-seattle-weekend/281-4af17ed0-e432-4df0-b22a-8a6bc8c0686c | 2022-08-06T02:53:40 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/limited-monkeypox-vaccine-doses-available-eligible-seattle-weekend/281-4af17ed0-e432-4df0-b22a-8a6bc8c0686c |
SEATTLE — A suspect has been arrested in connection to a Tacoma shooting that injured 4 people in early July.
On July 3, South Sound 911 received reports of a shooting in the area of 3300 S Asotin St., according to the Tacoma Police Department (TPD).
When officers arrived they found four gunshot wound victims. All the victims were taken to local hospitals and later released.
On Aug. 4 just before 2 p.m., officers were conducting surveillance near South 36th Street and South Alaska Street when they found a vehicle that a suspect in the shooting was inside, according to TPD.
Officers tried to stop the car, but it fled the scene. The vehicle led officers on a pursuit when officers conducted a PIT maneuver, causing the car to come to a stop. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
The suspect was booked into the Pierce County Jail for four counts of first-degree assault and a count for a drive-by shooting. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/tacoma/suspect-arrested-tacoma-shooting-4-injured/281-8bd81bac-add1-4dde-a594-c7c52e665761 | 2022-08-06T02:53:46 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/tacoma/suspect-arrested-tacoma-shooting-4-injured/281-8bd81bac-add1-4dde-a594-c7c52e665761 |
Fort Wayne United on Friday announced the launch of United Front Youth, the newest installment of the United Front Initiative.
Collaborating with Mayor Tom Henry and local organizations, United Front Initiative works to “attain racial healing, equity, education and organizational transformation” in Fort Wayne by developing shared knowledge and understanding around various topics related to diversity and inclusion.
As part of the United Front Youth launch, United Front is hosting two events that will feature Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, a sought-after expert on issues of race, culturally responsive education and diversity.
Sealey-Ruiz works with K-12 and higher education school communities to increase racial literacy and move toward more equitable school experiences for all students.
From noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Sealey-Ruiz will help host United Front Youth’s inaugural event at the Mirro Center, Parkview Regional Medical Center, 10622 Parkview Plaza Drive.
At 9 a.m. Tuesday, United Front will host their quarterly keynote, again featuring Sealey-Ruiz, at the Clyde Theatre, 1808 Bluffton Road.
Youth and family advocates are invited to attend. Admission is free. Those interested may register at www.unitedfrontinitiative.com. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/united-front-to-focus-on-youth-racial-healing/article_8955e928-151f-11ed-96c4-a34ac7e28ef2.html | 2022-08-06T02:57:05 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/united-front-to-focus-on-youth-racial-healing/article_8955e928-151f-11ed-96c4-a34ac7e28ef2.html |
TUPELO • After giving the last 34 years to the Army National Guard, Kelly Mims was given a ceremonial promotion as he retired from military service.
Congressman Trent Kelly, a Major General himself in the National Guard, presided over the Friday evening ceremony that promoted Mims to the rank of brigadier general. Mims is also a circuit court judge.
“The state of Mississippi is promoting me to general as long as I promise to retire. And it’s only for this state. I am supposed to take off the pins if I leave the state, but I might not,” Mims said with a smile.
By stepping away from the guard, Mims will be getting back one weekend a month and two weeks each summer. He admitted that not having a pending military school or promotion on the horizon will take a while to get used to.
“I hope to be able to travel more on weekends with my wife,” Mims said. “Of course, she has a lot of plans for me around the house.”
Mims joined the guard in July 1988 as a way to help pay for college. He started with tanks in Nettleton as an armor soldier. After Officer Candidacy School in 1992, he began moving up the ranks. As a lieutenant, he was a platoon leader in Booneville and later commanded Company B there. When he made major, he began teaching command and general staff college.
As he moved up the ranks, his stations moved further away from northeast Mississippi. The job took him to Phoenix, Arizona; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and Tacoma, Washington.
Over the last three decades, he has been called to active duty three times. That included two trips to the Middle East – Operation Desert Storm/Shield in 1990 and Iraqi Freedom 3 in 2004.
Mims is retiring because the Army says that, at 51, he is too old.
“It’s called a mandatory removal date,” Mims said. “Since I did not make it to general quick enough, I have to step down, effective Sept. 1.”
Growing up in a family where his father, Larry Mims, lived and breathed military, Kelly Mims was almost expected to enlist. He learned to love it.
“It shaped who I am. It helped pay the bills and it kept me fit,” Mims said. “It also gave me a break from life. One weekend a month, I went somewhere and got to spend time with a great group of guys.”
Mims hosted the Friday evening pinning ceremony at the Bus Stop in downtown Tupelo. A generation ago, the same building is where Greyhound buses would pick up and drop off passengers. In the summer of 1988, his father dropped him off there to ride a bus to Memphis to begin his career in the National Guard.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/kelly-mims-retires-from-national-guard-as-a-general/article_b9384531-064c-5c3c-b7c0-d6752048b646.html | 2022-08-06T02:58:36 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/kelly-mims-retires-from-national-guard-as-a-general/article_b9384531-064c-5c3c-b7c0-d6752048b646.html |
NESCOPECK, Pa. — New video from a neighbor shows intense flames rising from the home in the 700 block of First Street in Nescopeck, around 2:30 a.m. on Friday.
State police say firefighters on the scene tried to rescue the people trapped inside, but the fire was raging.
"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," said Harold Baker, Berwick.
Harold Baker was one of the first firefighters on scene, telling us much of his own family was inside the home.
"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," said Baker.
State police confirm ten lives were claimed in the fire, releasing the names of the seven adults between the ages of 19 and 79.
Two boys, five and six years old, and a seven-year-old girl were killed in the blaze too.
Baker says 13 people were home at the time; relatives enjoying moments together, not knowing they would be some of their last. Baker's son, Dale, seen on his volunteer firemen's card was among those killed. He tells us there was nothing he could've done.
"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 Baker.
Family members returned to the scene in the afternoon, laying flowers next to the heap of debris, remembering what was.
A community overcome with emotion, but already rallying support for the family.
"Any donations will be greatly appreciated. There will be people here at the fire company that at any time, things can be dropped off while the state police investigation continues," said Heidi Knorr, Nescopeck Fire Company.
"We are using multiple department assets to ensure a thorough and complete investigation into this fatal fire," said Lt. Derek Felsman, Pennsylvania State Police.
Baker tells Newswatch 16 there were 13 dogs inside the home as well, though it's not clear if any of them have been accounted for.
Nescopeck Volunteer Fire Company is accepting donations for the family and planning fundraising events. To view a GoFundMe page set up for the family click here.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/fire-in-nescopeck-leaves-ten-people-dead-harold-baker-heidi-knorr-lt-derek-felsman-pennsylvania-state-police-nescopeck-volunteer-fire-company/523-f2577d58-bd55-4a8a-8e14-07ecfc10e36a | 2022-08-06T03:06:59 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/fire-in-nescopeck-leaves-ten-people-dead-harold-baker-heidi-knorr-lt-derek-felsman-pennsylvania-state-police-nescopeck-volunteer-fire-company/523-f2577d58-bd55-4a8a-8e14-07ecfc10e36a |
HANOVER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A man is locked up after allegedly robbing a bank in Luzerne County.
Footage from a viewer show the moment police caught up with Daniel Williams.
According to police, Williams robbed the M&T Bank on the Sans Souci Parkway in Hanover Township just after 1 p.m. Friday afternoon.
He didn't get far, officers cornered his vehicle just a few miles away in Wilkes-Barre.
Williams is facing robbery charges in Luzerne County.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/man-facing-charges-after-bank-robbery-m-and-t-bank-san-souci-parkway-hanover-township-luzerne-county-daniel-williams/523-cfba26ed-c572-471b-88f2-c2bde2f971da | 2022-08-06T03:07:05 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/man-facing-charges-after-bank-robbery-m-and-t-bank-san-souci-parkway-hanover-township-luzerne-county-daniel-williams/523-cfba26ed-c572-471b-88f2-c2bde2f971da |
PORTLAND, Ore. — A shooting on Friday, July 29 has some members of the Chinese American community in Portland sharing concerns about the police response that preceded it — but so far, there are not a lot of verified details about exactly what happened that night.
A meeting inside a restaurant on Friday off Southeast 82nd Avenue was a chance for community members to be heard and ask some questions.
The Portland Police Bureau did confirm that a shooting happened at Southeast 122nd and Holgate last Friday night, injuring two men. One of those men had gone to the location to retrieve his stolen car.
That man is of Chinese descent — and according to leaders of the Chinese American community in Portland, he's still in the hospital with serious injuries.
Neal Lee is the president of the Oregon Chinese Community Benevolent Association. Lee told KGW on Thursday that officers arrived and ultimately did not help the man get his car back. And after they left, Lee said a gunfight broke out.
At this point it's unclear exactly who was shooting and why; police are still investigating and not commenting about the details of the case. So far details have not been released about why police left the scene when they did.
That leaves people in Portland's Chinese American community to wonder, and to want to be heard.
“The message is that we need the police bureau and the city to listen because the community feels that they're not listened to and nothing's happening," said Lee. "So they want some assurances and comfort to know that the police bureau and the city cares about the Chinese community, about the Asian community."
Portland Police Association President Aaron Schmautz came to the meeting. He said he understands the concerns coming from a community that has seen a surge in bias crimes in the past few years. And although there is more to do in investigating this situation, including the police response, Schmautz said police need to do all they can to connect.
“There's different timelines and certainly investigative timelines don't meet up with the need to very quickly and transparently talk about impact on community, Schmautz said, "and so I think it's important for law enforcement to be available and to be able to hear and to be able to discuss what we can discuss, and also to build that trust.”
Late Thursday afternoon, KGW received the following statement from PPB:
“The Portland Police Bureau is aware of the concerns of the Oregon Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, and throughout the week Portland Police Bureau leadership has met the CCBA and other members of our diverse local Chinese community about this case. We have reassured them that it is being fully investigated. While we cannot provide specifics due to the ongoing investigation by the enhanced community safety team, rest assured that PPB lives by our organization values of integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, excellence, and service.”
KGW will update this story as more details become available. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-police-chinese-american-shooting-do-i-care/283-eb47569b-4fee-45c8-ab04-c1fbad2e6708 | 2022-08-06T03:13:33 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-police-chinese-american-shooting-do-i-care/283-eb47569b-4fee-45c8-ab04-c1fbad2e6708 |
A new tennis complex in north Mandan will be serving recreational opportunities by next year.
Construction is underway on a 41,600-square-foot indoor tennis center east of Starion Sports Complex on Old Red Trail. The domed facility will offer six indoor tennis courts, three of which will be multistriped to allow for 10 pickleball courts. The facility also will have a 3,000-square-foot "welcome" center and four outdoor pickleball courts. Pickleball is a racket sport similar to tennis that utilizes a smaller and plastic ball and is played on a smaller court.
The tennis complex will cost $4.1 million to build. The outdoor pickleball courts will cost an additional $36,000 and will be open to the public. The Park District will own the facility and lease it to nonprofit Mandan Tennis Center LLC, with the lease payments being used to pay back the debt for the complex. Mandan Tennis Center LLC will raise lease money by charging visitors an hourly rate to use the facility.
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The complex will satisfy a growing need for tennis and pickleball court space in the community, according to the Mandan Park District. This is the first complex of its kind in Mandan.
"I started talking with the (Mandan Park Board) a year and a half ago about the idea of bringing an indoor tennis complex to the community," Mandan Tennis Center President Tracy Porter said.
Northwest Contracting will handle general construction. Minneapolis-based Yeadon Domes will build the dome. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, with the facility opening in early 2023 as long as there are no delays.
"Construction is a tough market right now with the supply chain issues," Porter said.
The complex is being built on land donated by Bob & Mary Kupper that had previously been used as overflow parking for the nearby Starion Sports Complex. A new parking lot under construction will handle traffic for both the tennis center and the sports complex if needed. The lot cost the Mandan Park District $2.6 million; $2.1 million of that will be paid by special assessments.
The facility will offer residents more recreational activities during cold months. Porter hopes it will drive new interest in racket sports. Possible uses include leagues for tennis and pickleball, tennis lessons, and practice space for local high school tennis teams.
"I think all recreational faculties have a way of giving back to the community. Everyone has a diverse opinion on what to do in their free time, and this gives them one more option,” Porter said.
Officials hope to bring the West Region and state high school tournaments to the facility in the future, and to host college matches.
Other entities, such as the Bismarck-Mandan Tennis Association, are eyeing the venue.
“Overall, we have to look at it with what this will provide for the tennis community at large,” Bismarck-Mandan Tennis Association President Josh Fisher said.
The association is planning to eventually host an indoor tournament during the fall or winter months, depending on how the facility operates. It might also be used as additional court space for tournaments that are already hosted by the association, such as the Bismarck Open, which usually takes place in August at the Tom O'Leary Tennis Courts in Bismarck.
The association also is a sponsor for one of the six courts in the facility. The organization plans to fund $20,000 over five years.
“I think it is probably the most exciting development in the tennis community in my lifetime,” Fisher said. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/mandan/construction-underway-on-4-1-million-mandan-indoor-tennis-complex/article_3db6c97c-0d1f-11ed-a830-930dd94a22ea.html | 2022-08-06T03:16:18 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/mandan/construction-underway-on-4-1-million-mandan-indoor-tennis-complex/article_3db6c97c-0d1f-11ed-a830-930dd94a22ea.html |
LAKE WALES, Fla. — The police department and community in Lake Wales are getting ready to say a final goodbye to a fallen K-9 that was killed in the line of duty on Aug. 3.
Lake Wales Police Department, law enforcement families and the community is invited to attend the memorial service for K-9 Officer Max at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at HighPoint Church on North Scenic Highway. Seating for the service will begin at 9:30 a.m.
K-9 Max was cremated which means there won't be a viewing or graveside service, the police department said. Instead, he will remain with his partner and family.
The memorial service will include the playing of Taps, a bagpipe performance of Amazing Grace, an end-of-watch radio call delivered by communications, and Officer Joyner will escort Max down the aisle created by law enforcement officials.
Law enforcement honors will follow the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, K-9 Max's family is asking for donations to be sent to the Lake Wales Police Department K-9 Unit.
The K-9 was killed while apprehending a suspect, police say. When K-9 Max found a man police were trying to apprehend, the K-9 officer grabbed the man's leg area and investigators say he shot and killed the Belgian Malinois. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/memorial-service-k-9-max-lake-wales/67-c9ccea07-0e26-443b-a8c0-a5a8f674219f | 2022-08-06T03:18:32 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/memorial-service-k-9-max-lake-wales/67-c9ccea07-0e26-443b-a8c0-a5a8f674219f |
MARION COUNTY, Fla. – An 11-year-old girl was reported missing and endangered after she was last seen in Ocklawaha Thursday, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said 11-year-old Arianna Lauren Michelle Ames was last seen walking in the 13100 block of Southeast 145th Avenue in Ocklawaha.
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Deputies added Arianna Ames was seen getting into what may have been a black four-door vehicle occupied by her biological parents — William “Billy” Ames and Vanessa Villanueva — neither of whom have custody over the girl.
Arianna Ames was wearing light-blue jeans and a white champion shirt with rainbow-colored lettering, deputies said. The sheriff’s office reported she has brown hair, brown eyes, weighs 73 pounds and is approximately 4 feet tall.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Arianna Ames or either of her biological parents’ whereabouts is asked to call 911. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/06/11-year-old-missing-endangered-out-of-ocklawaha-marion-county-deputies-say/ | 2022-08-06T03:19:46 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/06/11-year-old-missing-endangered-out-of-ocklawaha-marion-county-deputies-say/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – A man was found dead Friday evening with gunshot wounds after reports came in about a shooting, according to the Orlando Police Department.
Police said officers responded to a reported shooting at the 4500 block of Lake Martin Lake, which is where they found the man’s body.
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This is an active investigation. Police said they would provide further details once they become available.
That is all the information that has been released at this time. Check back with News 6 for updates.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/06/man-found-dead-with-gunshot-wounds-in-orlando-shooting-police-say/ | 2022-08-06T03:19:58 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/06/man-found-dead-with-gunshot-wounds-in-orlando-shooting-police-say/ |
GREENSBORO — The laughter of children and the smell of dinner wafting out of windows as the sun sets — along with the mobile home that kept the holiday icicles around its roof all year — are gone from the lot of land along Hiatt Street.
The kinds of routine things that aren’t missed until they are missing.
College applications were completed and military enlistment papers were perused at dinner tables within the neat rows of mobile homes once fronted by a sign welcoming visitors to Jamison Mobile Home Park. Newborns were brought home from the hospital and learned to later crawl and walk in homes here. Cancer was fought here.
The same family rituals unfold daily in the Irving Park, Warnersville and Aycock communities. What made the difference — and bit of tragedy, say some — is that the mostly immigrant neighbors of the Jamison Mobile Home Park were on borrowed property. While most who lived here were homeowners — some of them ripping out old carpeting and using home improvement skills to give aging mobile homes makeovers — the land underneath them was rented. And that made them vulnerable to what would come: the property owner exercising the right to close the mobile home park and sell the land to a developer.
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A year later and the land is at least a temporary holding ground mostly for old utility meters, piles of discarded wood and siding, and even a chair left behind that maybe couldn’t fit into the moving van. Two trailers, sitting open and empty, have yet to be hauled away or disassembled. But it’s evident everyone is gone.
The saga of the residents, who united as the Hiatt Street Neighborhood Association, captivated a community and in ways changed city practices, even if it could not change the eventual outcome of the 3 acres of land.
Land is sold
Last August, when the tenants of the Jamison Mobile Home Park community gathered for a rally outside of the office of their landlord, Family Properties, there was desperation in the air. When the police arrived to remove them at the landlord’s request, they moved to the sidewalk, afraid of what would happen if they didn’t stop fighting. The immigrants-rights group Siembra was asked for help.
They had month-to-month leases all those years but never thought it would simply cease to exist.
The sale would mean 18 homeowner and renter families would be displaced in a lesser-known corner of Greensboro and the Lindley Park neighborhood. With the land’s estimated value of about $350,000, the maze of homes is couched between an apartment complex on one side and a building with broken windows on the other. Nearby train tracks run past a Sherwin Williams plant down the street, framing the area squarely in urban life.
They had what was likely the cheapest rent in the city at $315 a month.
And moving a mobile home — if it’s able to be moved — can cost thousands of dollars for residents already struggling to make the rent.
The property was part of the estate of Shirley Todd Jamison, a former nurse and missionary, who died in 2017. Her pursuits, arced toward humanity, weren’t lost on some who asked if she would have ever sold the property, even at the expense of taking advantage of skyrocketing land values to provide an inheritance of sorts to her heirs. The location is enviable — good schools, close public transportation, UNCG within walking distance.
The families were initially told by park manager Lynne Anderson of Family Properties that they had to be out by the end of September 2021, giving them about a month, according to copies of a notice sent to tenants saying that the park had been sold. Anderson is one of Jamison’s nieces.
At the protest, Anderson held letters that extended the time until Jan. 1 this year, which would have met the state statute giving displaced mobile home residents six months. But none of them would take the mail, as distrust had set in.
The fight to stay
Jamison tenants complained about getting the first notices written in English when Spanish is their first language. A further snub, tenants say, is how they were expected to quickly pack up and move.
The buyer, Owls Roost Properties, didn’t need a zoning change but went before the city’s rezoning commission for more leeway in its designs. As is required, letters went out to every homeowner in the area, but not renters.
On those hot summer nights that followed the tenants gathered outside their homes and planned how they could buy the park as an association. They planned fundraisers. They sought out loans. The families began looking for ways to raise money, including side gigs mowing lawns. Of the several barriers in their path, North Carolina, like just about every other state, doesn’t have a first refusal law for mobile home residents who are about to be displaced.
Someone got the idea to ask the developer to step away from the deal. Although some of the neighbors were apprehensive, they packed a welcome basket and delivered it to the developer’s office, rattling some of the staff. The developer, in turn, eventually agreed to the request by families asking if they could stay until the end of the school year.
Over the months that came tensions were also stoked in other ways. The sellers had begun noticing exorbitant water bills, which were included in the rent. Instead of a monthly bill in the hundreds of dollars, they were now routinely in the thousands with no discovered water leaks or massive problems on the property.
A group of people from the city and community began gathering with the tenants to answer questions and help connect them to resources. The City Council was already working on a “mass displacement fund” to help displaced workers with up to $10,000 each depending on their situations.
Moving mobile homes is expensive. When they can be moved, it takes expertise to set them back up and make the necessary hookups, which need a permit. It all costs thousands of dollars.
All the families that once called Jamison home are in some measure of transition. Three families working with the city are set up elsewhere. Some are in hotels waiting for their mobile homes to be inhabitable on a new lot.
So by late spring the park no longer looked like a community, with the concrete slabs where the homes sat slowly emptying. Some among those who were the first to go admitted they felt guilty, as if they were abandoning the others. Some took out costly loans to move their homes before the city got involved. An attorney who said she represented the families sent a demand letter essentially saying the families could drag the fight out while mentioning compensation was worth upwards of $40,000 each.
Some of the families quickly disavowed the letter. Another attorney stepped in pro bono and has been advising the remaining tenants of their rights and helping to work with the city and agencies, such as the Greensboro Housing Coalition and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, with the latter raising about $50,000 to help the displaced families. Some have resettled. Others are in various stages, including waiting in hotel rooms for their mobile homes to be set up elsewhere — a task that could take several weeks and require permits.
Mayor Nancy Vaughan, looking over the past year, touted the teamwork, and says there are lessons. She would like to see future zoning signs in multiple languages or at least directing interested parties to a website that gives the information in multiple languages.
As the last of the debris is soon carted away, there is one guarantee along this stretch of Hiatt Street and that’s that the lot will not be this lifeless for long. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/once-thriving-greensboro-community-is-gone-a-look-at-the-last-days-of-the-jamison/article_97a42050-1450-11ed-b668-e369dece27b1.html | 2022-08-06T03:28:17 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/once-thriving-greensboro-community-is-gone-a-look-at-the-last-days-of-the-jamison/article_97a42050-1450-11ed-b668-e369dece27b1.html |
Feds charge Novi man in child porn case
Federal officials have charged a Novi man with multiple crimes related to child pornography, records show.
Glenn Mitchell Dennison, 30, was arraigned Friday in U.S. District Court in Detroit on 10 counts, including sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, possession of child pornography and commission of a felony offense involving a minor by a registered sex offender.
He was first named in a criminal complaint authorities filed last month.
According to the filing, federal officials were alerted in May about possibly illegal content posted to an entertainment website, Newgrounds.com.
An account listed there as "darklightsoul" included a "questionable" profile photo and generated blog posts with only pictures, not text. Users were "quick to report this account as disturbing, at which time the account was disabled and could not be accessed publicly," a Department of Homeland Security Investigations special agent wrote.
The agent confirmed images from the account, which was associated with an IP address traced to Dennison, met the definition of child porn.
On July 21, investigators executed a federal search warrant at Dennison's home. An agent found a black cell phone in a backyard shed his wife said belonged to him, according to the complaint.
A review of videos found on the device showed a man believed to be Dennison involved in sex acts with children, the filing said. It also contained 21 explicit images.
When arrested, Dennison, who was convicted in 2010 of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, told an agent, "I am going to spend the rest of my life in jail," according to the complaint.
In an indictment filed this week, a grand jury charged Dennison with coercing a girl born in 2019 and a boy born in 2014.
A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf Friday, court records show.
An attorney representing Dennison, who had been ordered into federal detention, did not respond to a request for comment on the case. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/08/05/feds-charge-novi-man-child-porn-case/10253829002/ | 2022-08-06T03:29:03 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/08/05/feds-charge-novi-man-child-porn-case/10253829002/ |
Armed kidnapping suspect arrested after chase, crash in Detroit
Mark Hicks
The Detroit News
A suspect wanted in connection with an alleged kidnapping reported in Van Buren Township was arrested Friday night after a chase and crash in Detroit, Michigan State Police said.
Troopers were called in to assist township officers when the man crashed near eastbound Interstate 94 and the Lodge Freeway around 9:20 p.m., the agency said on Twitter.
The suspect, who was believed to be armed, then ran from the vehicle, according to the post.
Troopers and officers chased the man and took him into custody.
"There were no patrol cars damaged and no one was hurt," MSP said.
Van Buren Township police did not release additional details on the suspect or incident Friday night. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2022/08/05/armed-kidnapping-suspect-arrested-after-chase-crash-detroit/10254295002/ | 2022-08-06T03:29:09 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2022/08/05/armed-kidnapping-suspect-arrested-after-chase-crash-detroit/10254295002/ |
San Francisco welcomed Outside Lands festival-goers with a mini heatwave.
Although barely poking into the 70s, the festival grounds felt steamy on Day One, with locals like Spelling and ODIE drawing big cheers early in the day. Friday is always the least crowded day of the weekend, and as such entry was relatively smooth early in the day (with plenty of vendors selling clear bags outside the fest, for those who forgot).
But as with all music festivals circa 2022, the style was on display as much as the music. The early crowd skewed college-aged, and were clearly dressed for temperatures above the expected high of 69 degrees. No specific trends as fun as cow print were overwhelmingly clear, and without the Halloween weekend timing of 2021's festival costumes were few and far between.
Even so, the beautiful grounds of Golden Gate Park made for a pastoral backdrop for photos. Scroll down below to see the best styles photos from the fest so far, as well as live shots of Duckworth, DJ Umami and Faye Webster. Keep checking for updates throughout the weekend. | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/san-francisco-outside-lands-photos-17355187.php | 2022-08-06T03:45:44 | 1 | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/san-francisco-outside-lands-photos-17355187.php |
HOUSTON — Houston police are still investigating an apparent case of road rage that happened near Tidwell and the Hardy Toll Road on Sunday.
A driver, who asked us not to use her name or show her face, says she was stopped at the intersection of Irvington and Tidwell near Sam Houston High School when she was rear-ended by a fast-moving vehicle.
She says the man in the SUV that hit her made a motion, which she took to mean they would pull over and exchange insurance information.
She claims she pulled over and watched as the other driver turned around and drove in the opposite direction.
The driver said she then followed the vehicle to get his license plate. The SUV eventually pulled over on a street near Veteran’s Memorial Park.
The woman says no words or gestures were exchanged before the driver got out of the SUV and kicked in her headlight.
As he returned to his vehicle, she pulled out her cell phone, and said he then came back.
The video she recorded on her phone shows what happened after that.
The man is seen exiting from the driver-side door of his SUV, opening the back door and retrieving what appears to be a dumbbell, which he then hurled at her windshield.
The woman’s windshield was smashed as it broke through the glass. She can be heard screaming in the video while the man returns to his SUV and drives off.
The woman says she’s concerned that almost a week has passed and the suspect, whose face can clearly be seen in the video, still hasn’t been caught.
Police say they are still investigating.
The driver says she is traumatized by the experience and in pain from the crash. She says more than $3,000 in damage was done to her car.
Now, she’s hoping someone will come forward with information that leads to the suspect’s arrest. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/houston-road-rage-dumbbell-through-window/285-fdd9896c-7bbe-4a50-abaf-0a8408ce901f | 2022-08-06T03:48:43 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/houston-road-rage-dumbbell-through-window/285-fdd9896c-7bbe-4a50-abaf-0a8408ce901f |
DALLAS — Texas will have its Sales Tax Holiday between Aug. 5 through Aug. 7, just as parents and children are gearing up for the beginning of the school year. The impact of the holiday can already be felt in the crowds seen at Galleria Dallas.
"We definitely have more foot traffic on tax-free weekend," said Holly Quartaro, Fashion and Lifestyle Director for Galleria Dallas
Items like clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks under $100 mostly qualify to be tax-free. Three days of tax savings would lure many from the comforts of home, even those out of state.
"It's going to be my senior year so we wanted to do something fun," said Kylie Back who came to North Texas from Utah with her mother on a girl's trip.
The National Retail Federation says the average family will spend over $860 for the back-to-school season.
"If you have multiple children $8 on every $100 ends up being a lot of money," said Quartaro.
"The Comptroller’s Office estimates that shoppers will save $112 million in state and local sales tax during this tax holiday," said the office in a statement.
During the Sales Tax Holiday, it is common for families from out-of-state to drive in specifically for the weekend to take advantage of the tax savings.
"We did save quite a bit of money, but we also spent a lot of money," said Tracy Jackson of Moore, Oklahoma.
For shoppers, there is no limit on the number of items you can buy and the $99.99 limit is per item and not per purchase.
Texas’ sales tax holiday weekend has been an annual event since 1999. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/back-to-school/sales-tax-holiday-draws-families-from-outside-of-texas/287-f86091d8-ad00-4431-a131-267d943487a7 | 2022-08-06T03:48:50 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/back-to-school/sales-tax-holiday-draws-families-from-outside-of-texas/287-f86091d8-ad00-4431-a131-267d943487a7 |
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