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In Memory of your 4th Anniversary in Heaven. We know we keep saying it seems like yesterday that you left us, but it does. Those last few weeks replay in our minds down to the last minute. Your memory lives on continuously through pictures, stories people share, posts in social media and keepsakes that we treasure. Please keep sending us little signs that you are with us and watching over us, they mean the world to us! We miss you tons and love you more and most! Until we meet again, we will watch for you in our dreams and the signs you send us. Love always, Cookie, Missy, Robert, Dana and your fur buddy Bunky | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/bruce-bud-perisho/article_678c26e9-8b0a-5ad5-8a5a-479360ba9e70.html | 2022-08-08T06:28:38 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/bruce-bud-perisho/article_678c26e9-8b0a-5ad5-8a5a-479360ba9e70.html |
Aug. 26, 1955 - July 30, 2022
LOWELL, IN - David Alan Dejnowski, age 66, of Lowell, IN, passed away suddenly Saturday evening, July 30, 2022. The eldest of seven children of Raymond and Audrey Dejnowski (deceased) formerly of Calumet City, IL.
Dave is survived by his children: Melissa Blackman of Lowell, IN, Matthew Dejnowski of Highland, IN, Geno Wentworth (stepson) of Indianapolis, IN. He is also survived by his siblings: Donna Bourgeois of Aurora, CO, Dale Dejnowski of Lowell, IN, Dana Dejnowski of Aurora, CO, Daryl Dejnowski of Hammond, IN, Darin Dejnowski of Lowell, IN; and his four grandchildren: Eric Renkar, Dakoda Gaut, Kaitlin Dejnowski, and Bishop Wentworth. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and their many children.
Dave is preceded in death by his wife, Karen Dejnowski; his stepdaughter, Erin Wentworth; and his sister, Debra Murray.
He retired happily and with much pride after 43 years of dedicated service as a member of Chicago Millwright Local Union 1693, where he was respected greatly as a talented and knowledgeable mentor. Dave enjoyed being a huge supporter of the Lowell High School Football Team. He was also a lover of all things Star Wars. Dave will be deeply missed and remembered fondly by those who knew him as a man with a big heart. Yet he did not mince words and was known to show his love with the food and stories he'd share. May he find eternal peace as he journey's home.
A visitation will take place Tuesday, August 9, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until time of the service at 6:00 p.m. at BURNS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Pastor Mark Wilkins officiating. Cremation to follow. www.burnsfuneral.com. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/david-a-dejnowski/article_3dc68b01-434b-59aa-837e-edd9fa324dd3.html | 2022-08-08T06:28:45 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/david-a-dejnowski/article_3dc68b01-434b-59aa-837e-edd9fa324dd3.html |
March 4, 1935 - Aug. 3, 2022
HAMMOND, IN - Mary E. Yuritic "Cookie" (nee Canady), age 87, of Hammond, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 3, 2022.
She is survived by her daughter, Alice (Aaron J.) Zemelko; grandchildren: Aaron Edward and Andrew Michael Zemelko; sisters: Dolores Marulic and Carol Tomczak; brother, Paul (Margaret) Canady; nephews: Kevin Canady, Timothy Canady, Rick Przybylski; niece, Sharon Trapane; numerous second-generation nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Yuritic; parents: Paul and Alice Canady.
Friends are invited to join the family for visitation on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at BOCKEN FUNERAL HOME, 7042 Kennedy Ave. Hammond, IN, 46323 from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Thursday August 11, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. DIRECTLY at Redeemer Lutheran Church 9009 Kennedy Ave. Highland, IN, 46322, with Pastor Eric A. Kleinschmidt officiating. Viewing at church from 9:30 a.m. until the service. Burial at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery will take place on Tuesday August 16, 2022 at 12:30 p.m.
Mary was born on March 4, 1935, in East Chicago, IN. She grew up in the Indiana Harbor and graduated from Roosevelt High School. Upon graduation, she worked at Guarantee Reserve Insurance Company in Downtown Hammond. Mary was a devout Lutheran Christian who loved to polka, read, and explore new fish fry's and polka events with her sister Carol. She never stopped learning and did not like to be still in life. Even in retirement, she worked as a secretary at Scott Middle School, a Retail Clerk at Target in Highland, and as a Church Secretary, a job she loved dearly, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Hammond.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of the Calumet Area by calling 219-922-2732 or via email at jmcinerney@hospicecalumet.org. You can also fill out a donation form on the hospice website at www.hospicecalument.org. Memorial donations can also be made to the Lutheran Women's Missionary League at www.lwnl.org.
For more information you may call Bocken Funeral Home at (219)-844-1600, or www.bockenfunerals.com. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/mary-e-yuritic/article_a8b302d0-72d0-56ed-b2de-40ee834ed8f2.html | 2022-08-08T06:28:51 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/mary-e-yuritic/article_a8b302d0-72d0-56ed-b2de-40ee834ed8f2.html |
Sept. 25, 1942 - Aug. 8, 2020
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE SHARON J. DZIADON.
Right from the time I lost you life just hasn't been the same. I was never prepared to live the rest of my life without you. No matter where I am, no matter what I am doing, I am constantly aware of your absence. I just always thought we had more time ...
There will come a day we will meet again. It's not "good bye." My love will always be with you. You're always in our thoughts and forever in our hearts.
Your loving husband, John; son, Carl; nieces: Connie, Donna; families and friends.
We all miss and love you! | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/sharon-j-dziadon-nee-crisman/article_ab8850d0-9cf2-5bca-a0a1-85e87b70243c.html | 2022-08-08T06:28:57 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/sharon-j-dziadon-nee-crisman/article_ab8850d0-9cf2-5bca-a0a1-85e87b70243c.html |
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY
TO MY WONDERFUL MOTHER
"SHIRLEY POLOVINA"
Mom, I feel your absence the most today because I have to celebrate your birthday without you. A LOT of precious memories we have together you and I.
Treasure the time you have with your mom
"I know I did"
"Always In My Heart"
Love You, Nanci | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/shirley-polovina/article_33b2bd17-d386-59a8-ae6f-5132386d660f.html | 2022-08-08T06:29:03 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/shirley-polovina/article_33b2bd17-d386-59a8-ae6f-5132386d660f.html |
Aug. 9, 1930 - Aug. 5, 2022
CHESTERTON, IN - Theodore Erceg, 91, of Chesterton, IN, formally of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Friday, August 5, 2022. Ted, the youngest of five siblings, was born August 9, 1930, in the Kirk Yard neighborhood of Gary, IN.
After graduation from Horace Mann High School in 1948, Ted enlisted in the United States Army. A member of the Chosin Few, Ted served as a high-speed radio operator in six campaigns during the Korean War. Upon returning home, Ted attended Indiana University and worked in the building trades. He then had a successful 36-year career in hospital/pharmaceutical sales. In 2003, Ted was hired by Valparaiso Public Schools as Director of Public Information.
Ted was a faithful, life-long member of St. Sava Church, where he served as church board president for six terms. He was most proud of the new church, where he had the honor of laying the first foundation block in 1986, and the last stone in 1991. Ted was also a founding member of the St. Sava Historical Society.
Writing was a passion for Ted. He was a regular contributor to Serb World, USA. In 1995, Ted published his book, "With Pious Gravity," a biography of St. Sava volunteers in World War I, Its inclusion in the Library of Congress was a crowning achievement. In 2008, Ted was the recipient of the "Distinguished Hoosier Award" from Governor Mitch Daniels.
An avid sports enthusiast, Ted enjoyed working as a high school football referee for twelve years. Well into his forties, Ted played league hockey with the Valparaiso University hockey club. An advocate of sports for all ages, he particularly encouraged children and young adults to "just move," and in his retirement, was an aide in the Valparaiso High School Athletic Department.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Mile and Danica Erceg; siblings: Mirko, Ranko (Juanita), and Dorothy Erceg, and Helen(Louis) Paulson; in-laws: Spero and Karavilka Petrovich; and son in-law, George Eberhardt.
Ted is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Donna; and children: Lauren (James) Thorstad, Susan Eberhardt, and Joann (Thomas) Meyer; grandchildren: Nicholas Mandich, Natalie (Jason) Sutton, Thomas (Audrey) Thorstad, Andrew Thorstad, Henry (Mary) Meyer, Martin Meyer, Jason (Kristin) Eberhardt, and Julie (Doug Muller) Eberhardt; great-grandchildren: Troy Feller, Samuel and Joseph Griffin, Cora Thorstad, Grace and James Sutton; Godchild, Daniel Anomanni and family; dear friend, Emil Conde; Kumovi, relatives and friends. Heartfelt appreciation to Dunes Hospice, especially nurses April and Pam.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN, 46410, beginning with visitation from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. with V Rev Marko Matic officiating. Funeral will begin at 11:00. Interment Holy Cross (St Sava) Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Sava Church, or to Dunes Hospice 4711 Evans Valparaiso, IN 46383.
For further information please call Mileva or David at CALUMET PARK FUNERAL CHAPEL 219-736-5840. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/theodore-erceg/article_17c3652d-ec53-5f3e-bda8-4449c72b588c.html | 2022-08-08T06:29:11 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/theodore-erceg/article_17c3652d-ec53-5f3e-bda8-4449c72b588c.html |
SAN ANTONIO — May's Robb Elementary tragedy in Uvalde sparked a summer of mourning for Texans, and also a summer of reckoning for Texas school districts over what can be done to better safeguard the state's youngest residents.
Community members in Uvalde have placed intense scrutiny on officials there over the past several weeks to ensure another mass shooting tragedy doesn't happen again.
Meanwhile, at the state level, Gov. Greg Abbott has directed new strategies to bolster school safety – some of which, like so-called "random intruder protection audits," have proven controversial – while other leaders have floated the possibility of hiring armed guards for cafeterias and equipping school police with bulletproof shields.
As the new school year approaches, we contacted officials at every San Antonio-area district to find out how they're modifying their own safety policies and security procedures. Each one emphasizes a culture of being aware of one's surroundings, and district officials say they encourage students to contact district police or administrators if they see something suspicious.
Here is what each district told us about other safety plan protocols and changes.
North East ISD
What's continuing
Officials with San Antonio's second-biggest school district say they have taken new steps in recent years to bolster security, including adding "security vestibules" and buzz-in systems at school entrances, locks which need keycards to be accessed, installing perimeter fencing and the enlisting of a third-party company to monitor social media around the clock for potentially concerning posts.
The district also says anyone in the school community can submit a report of potentially concerning behavior or online posts at neisd.net/tipline.
Other safety protocols the district continues to emphasize:
- Routine assessments of where improvements can be made.
- Keeping exterior doors locked while tightening protocols for visitors.
- The utilization of enhanced cameras.
- Utilizing mental health officers.
- Continued presence of at least one district police officer at each high school and middle school campus, as well as consistent presence at elementary schools.
What's changing for 2022-'23
Here are the new steps the district has taken ahead of the new year:
- Growing the district safety team, with plans "to hire another individual to focus on campus safety and behavior threat assessments."
- Regular audits of exterior doors.
- Continued emphasis of incident response protocols with staff.
- A new social media campaign reminding school communities to be vigilant.
Northside ISD
What's continuing
The Alamo City's most populous district continues to utilize "bullet-resistant" lobbies at every elementary school while district police patrol secondary campuses. Officials say they will continue "focusing on the very effective protocols and procedures" already in place.
What's changing for 2022-'23
The district says it has inspected more than 20,000 doors across its campuses to ensure each is working as it should.
Here are the other new steps the district has taken ahead of the new year:
- Spending more time "inspecting various safety aspects at each of our campuses," including lighting, intercom systems and all doors.
- Providing "active-threat training" to all students and staff throughout the year.
NISD officials also say they're considering potential future initiatives including expanded policing at elementary campuses and a new monitoring system for online applications.
San Antonio ISD
What's continuing
- Annual lockdown drills at each school.
- Keeping outside doors and gates "secured at all times."
- Visitors must be buzzed in by staff, and enter through a secure lobby.
- Utilization of a quick-push emergency notification system to alert police in the event of an emergency.
- A district police force that has undergone Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training.
The district will also host a virtual town hall at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday for parents to ask questions about safety and health protocols ahead of the new year.
South San ISD
What's continuing
- Classrooms and exterior doors will stay locked.
- Limited access to parking lots during school hours.
What's changing for 2022-'23
- Additional safety training for campus staff.
- Additional outside fencing on campuses.
Southside ISD
What's continuing
- All students required to use backpacks that are clear or made of mesh material.
- Lockdown drills at each campus.
- Police presence on all campuses.
- Routine checking of doors to ensure they're locked.
What's changing for 2022-'23
- Ballistic vests to be provided to security guards.
Judson ISD
What's changing for 2022-'23
The district's board of trustees has recently given the OK for more district police officers to be hired. In addition:
- Additional fencing and doorbells at every campus.
- Administrative staff members to be trained on Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE), and plans for all staff to undergo security and safety training.
- Protocol changes to ensure doors are locked and visitor sign-in is monitored.
- Implementation of "daily interior and exterior door sweeps, increased safety audits, as well as requiring and enforcing photo IDs to enter our schools for campus events/meetings."
Alamo Heights ISD
What's continuing
The district says it will continue to monitor an anonymous tip line for anyone to report safety concerns. In addition:
- The use of bullet-resistant security lobbies and single points of entry at every elementary school.
- Criminal history checks for every visitors to campus.
- 10-foot safety fencing at every campus.
- Video surveillance systems at every campus.
- Lockdown protocols that can be activated throughout any building.
- Regular emergency drills, including evacuation protocols, and annual active-shooter response training for all district employees.
- Technology to ensure classroom doors "can be locked quickly in case of an emergency."
- Campus-specific emergency operations plans with detailed staff roles and responsibilities.
- A mobile crisis response communication system for all staff to use for communication in emergency situations.
Southwest ISD
What's continuing
- Continued focus on safety that emphasizes intervention and prevention.
What's changing for 2022-'23
- "Shoring up our school buildings, training and conducting exercises utilizing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) emergency actions."
- Bolstering relationships with outside law enforcement.
East Central ISD
What's continuing
District officials continue to emphasize that students and staff speak up and report any suspicious behavior via anonymous tip lines or directly to the district police force at (210)709-808.
- Police presence at every campus, including daily inspections of security, cameras and single points of entry.
- Bullet-resistant glass and doors at entry areas.
- Communities In Schools case workers and licensed school psychologists at each campus.
What's changing for 2022-'23
- Implementation of new technology to streamline drills, as well as emergency response and reunification procedures made easier via mobile devices and intercom systems.
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD
What's continuing
- Single points of entry at all schools for visitors, as well as requirement that visitors present photo ID.
- Drills and emergency plans for each district.
- Continued emphasis on reporting suspicious or threatening behavior.
What's changing for 2022-'23
SCUCISD officials say the district formed a special safety task force in the wake of Uvalde "to review more than 40 suggestions received from within and beyond the district." New safety audits at all campus facilities prior to the start of school, including checks of exterior doors, and students in grades seven through 12 will be required to wear a visible photo ID badge.
As a result of the task force discussions, the district is implementing the following changes:
- Additional school resource officers, to bring the district total to 11 and assist in patrolling elementary and middle school campuses daily.
- More Schertz and Cibolo police officers patrolling campuses.
- Some employees designated to monitor facilities to ensure exterior door are locked and functional, with training from local law enforcement.
- Retraining of all campus staff in Standard Response Protocol (SRP), including new hires over the course of the year.
- Campuses retrofitted to feature security vestibules at school entrances, as well as additional fencing at outside on-campus facilities, including portable learning units.
- Installation of door peepholes at all portable learning units.
- Increase of mental health and intervention resources, including additional high school counselors, a new district counselor and another Communities In Schools site coordinator.
Harlandale ISD
While officials say they don't share details of their safety plan so as not to put campus communities at risk, they did say they're implementing new procedures for entering schools, including mandatory ID.
"Our police department is fully equipped, trained and ready in case of an emergency," the district added.
Edgewood ISD
What's continuing
- Single points of entry for visitors, as well as encouraging parents to make appointments before visiting.
- Police presence on middle and high school campuses.
What's changing for 2022-'23
- Police presence on elementary school campuses.
- Upgraded police radio communications systems, including a new dispatch system akin to SAPD and BCSO.
- Revised security plans for each campus.
Floresville ISD
What's continuing
- Up-to-date training for district police officers, as well as full-time and armed officers at each campus.
- Trainings at each campus involving outside law enforcement agencies.
- Video systems to allow school staff to verify visitors' identities prior to entry.
- Security vestibules restricting access for visitors upon entry.
- Routine lockdown drills.
What's changing for 2022-'23
- Student parking at Floresville High School limited to designated area.
- Students in grades 6 and above, as well as all staff, required to wear visible IDs.
- Students and staff to be trained on Standard Response Protocol (SRP).
- Additional outdoor fencing at each campus.
- Checks of all campus doors and locks.
- Daily checks of outside doors and gates.
- Classroom doors to be locked during school hours.
- Secure key card access to restrict access points into schools.
- Installation of window screens to limit visibility from the outside.
KENS 5 has also reached out to Boerne, La Vernia and Medina Valley ISDs for information on their safety procedures. We are waiting to hear back. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/public-safety/school-safety-san-antonio-texas-security-police-plans-kens/273-3e2696a0-8ebc-4345-a79b-9154af4c9fa9 | 2022-08-08T07:09:19 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/public-safety/school-safety-san-antonio-texas-security-police-plans-kens/273-3e2696a0-8ebc-4345-a79b-9154af4c9fa9 |
ANKENY, Iowa — On a lazy Sunday afternoon in Ankeny, when most families were enjoying the end of the weekend in peace & quiet, you'll find Nate Evans, hard at work in his garage.
"Two years ago this September, we began woodworking with a purpose, right here in the garage with a few friends making desks for kids in need," said Evans, the founder of Woodworking With a Purpose.
Since that day, he's kept pretty busy, making over 2,000 desks for local students. He's also branched out into making things like tables for refugees. And the work certainly isn't done yet. Evans wants to get production back into high gear, but there's a problem. It's getting a lot more expensive to keep up. As lumber prices have been on the rise, he said that for a while, lumber that originally cost him $35 went as high as $90.
"Financially it is a hardship for us to because of prices and we're completely donor driven," Evans said.
Evans would be the first person to tell you that it's not a one-man show; the nonprofit's logo was made for free by a graphic designer, and a pile of lumber in his driveway was donated by Beisser Lumber Company. It's that spirit of community that keeps him fired up to continue building. Being helped by others means that he can keep giving to anyone who could it.
"We were able to do that for them and bless them with that and give them a chance to know that somebody out there cares about them loves them and wants to do something good," Evans said.
If you'd like to help Woodworking With a Purpose, you can donate to help buy lumber and supplies here. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/woodworking-nonprofit-struggles-with-high-lumber-prices-wood-building-furniture-desk-table/524-d0840422-4b03-4326-886a-5262eb928452 | 2022-08-08T07:22:58 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/woodworking-nonprofit-struggles-with-high-lumber-prices-wood-building-furniture-desk-table/524-d0840422-4b03-4326-886a-5262eb928452 |
Farmers, ranchers and Pride of Dakota companies will offer products at a Farmers and Artisans Market on Wednesday in Bismarck.
The event is from 3-8 p.m. in the west parking lot of the state Capitol grounds, off Fourth Street. Products will range from home decor to food to books, according to Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.
“This year, we’ve added food trucks, more vendors and music,” he said.
Officials also have scheduled Ag in the Classroom Day at BisMarket on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. at the Kiwanis Park along Sweet Avenue. Kids will receive a free toolkit with agricultural activities, crafts and other materials. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/farmers-and-artisans-market-set-at-capitol/article_8f5d36e4-143b-11ed-9c0e-3fc1adc23519.html | 2022-08-08T07:23:52 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/farmers-and-artisans-market-set-at-capitol/article_8f5d36e4-143b-11ed-9c0e-3fc1adc23519.html |
PHOENIX — Wherever you look around Kelsie Hughes McSparran's home you see the signs of a mother trying to save her teenager.
"It’s sort of like living in your own created jail," Hughes-McSparran said. "Everything is locked up, keys to all the doors, Narcan at the ready, multiple doses."
Hughes-McSparran's life changed earlier this year when her teenager failed a fentanyl drug test.
"What do you do? Where did it come from? How did this happen?" Hughes-McSparran asked.
The drugs came from Snapchat and were bought through a drug dealer that sells through the app.
"It’s being used to buy drugs, and they deliver,” Hughes-McSparran said.
In 2021, fentanyl killed more than 70,000 people across America. Hughes-McSparran knows the danger and the fear.
“It’s not even like walking on eggshells, it's like walking on ice on a frozen lake and waiting to fall in," Hughes-McSparran said.
She then started doing what any mother would do; she tried to get help.
She took away her child's phone, got Narcan, and added security cameras and new locks.
However, while calling facilities to get inpatient care, she found no one had a spot.
“She wasn’t bad enough yet. She had to have an arrest record or be in the hospital. Like what?” Hughes-McSparran exclaimed.
RELATED: 'We can't tell how much is manufactured': How much fentanyl is not getting seized in Arizona?
What followed was the overdose on Easter eve.
Hughes-McSparran got a call that her only child was unresponsive at a nearby home. Her teenager was lucky. First responders got there in time.
While sitting next to her child at the hospital, Hughes-McSparran thought she might finally be able to get some help.
“Are we bad enough now? Have we made it to the point where we can get some help now? That someone cares now? Are they going to pay attention now?” Hughes-McSparran said.
What she got was disappointing. Hughes-McSparran said she initially got five days at an inpatient facility focused on detox.
“Five days, that’s not even long enough to get clean," Hughes-McSparran said.
Her child left the facility with a drug problem. Hughes McSparran began to call inpatient facilities again but found long waiting lists or that her child didn't qualify.
“I'm sorry ma'am, we don’t take anybody in who isn’t fully detoxed,” Hughes-McSparran said she was told.
The problem, unfortunately, isn't unique.
In Maricopa County, there are only a few hundred residential beds for teen care.
“A fraction of those, less than fifty, are really geared towards substance use,” explained Pattie O'Connor. She's the Crisis Operations Director with Crisis Preparation and Recovery.
According to O'Connor, parents looking for residential beds often face going out of state or long wait lists.
“Wait lists can vary between days, weeks, and sometimes months,” O'Connor said.
“We don’t know if you have a day left, or two weeks left. You just know the clock is ticking.“ Hughes-McSparran said.
Hughes-McSparran said after spending more than $20,000 she got her teenager into a brand new facility in Apache Junction.
It is a momentary break, but she hopes to have guidance when her child comes home.
“I need help, I don’t know what I'm doing?” Hughes McSparran said. "I just want to save my child's life, I just want to have my child get a chance to become an adult."
McSparran believes a comprehensive approach is needed to save lives. She wants more action taken on the border to keep the drugs from entering the country.
She said law enforcement needs to do more to crack down on dealers and more resources to be available for families dealing with this addiction.
>> Live, local, breaking. Download the 12News app
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
First, O'Connor recommends educating yourself about potential warning signs.
NotMyKid has training for parents. O'Connor said in most cases, an underlying issue proceeds the addiction.
MIND 24-7 provides emergency and crisis mental and psychiatric health and substance abuse care.
O'Connor recommends if a child or loved one has a fentanyl problem, get Narcan for your home.
Narcan is a medication used to counter the effects of opioid overdose.
The Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) issued a standing order on November 11, 2017, that allows any Arizona-licensed pharmacist to dispense one of the three forms of naloxone to any individual without a prescription and can get picked up at all pharmacy locations across the state.
O'Connor said while inpatient beds are in short supply, there are alternatives.
O'Connor says there are usually options for intensive outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization programs (PHP) that provide care for up to 25 hours a week.
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
Hughes-McSparran said she always felt like she learned what to do too late. We asked her to create a step-by-step guide for those in a similar situation.
Below are her words (slightly edited for clarity, personal information, and length):
- Step 1: Get to a hospital for immediate care and detox, Banner Behavioral Health (480.448.7500). (Oasis and Aurora also provide care).
- Step 2: Clean your residence DesertDrugDog.com 602.908.2042 trained drug-sniffing dogs to search your house and vehicles, not the police but licensed by them.
- Step 3: Get a residential treatment facility. Not many to choose from but call Lena w/Modern Recovery. She knows all the programs very well and was very kind.
- Step 4: When your child is successful, move to PHP 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. [The program] comes with a sobriety coach. Modern Recovery offers a teen solution, but we did not make it this far.
- Step 5: IOP is similar to PHP, just less time, 3 to 5 days a week, 3 hours a day. Modern Recovery also has a solution, we were interested in ASAPAZ.com due to location but again we did not make it this far.
- If Step 3 doesn't work, consider therapeutic boarding school. Some options we found: RedHawkrtc.com or SedonaSky.org
- Step 6: Find a good 12-step program and meetings for life.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/getting-help-for-a-fentanyl-addicted-child-arizona/75-b6c8497a-2e6e-47d2-9b64-291ababfd5de | 2022-08-08T07:39:54 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/getting-help-for-a-fentanyl-addicted-child-arizona/75-b6c8497a-2e6e-47d2-9b64-291ababfd5de |
Methodist churches in SC could split from United Methodist denomination: What to know
The United Methodist Church is facing a theological split over sexuality. The prospect of permitting same-sex marriages and the ordination of openly gay clergy has not been received well by some conservatives.
The church's General Conference, the overall decision-making body for the worldwide church, is expected to take up LGBTQ inclusion at its next meeting, which is scheduled for 2024 due to continued COVID-19 delays.
Though no churches in South Carolina have started the formal disaffiliation process, discussions are beginning in Greenville while 70 congregations in northeast Georgia have voted to leave the denomination.
Prominent Greenville church could split from United Methodist Church over LGBTQ rights
Related News: Prominent Greenville church could split from United Methodist Church over LGBTQ rights
Here's what to know about the prospect of churches' disaffiliation in South Carolina:
- Not all Methodist churches are part of the United Methodist Church.
- The United Methodist Church had 6,448,992 members across 130 countries as of 2018, making it one of the world's largest Christian denominations. The Southern Baptist Convention had 14,089,947 members in 47,592 churches in 2020.
- The United Methodist Church’s General Conference amended the Book of Discipline — its governing document — in 2019 to allow churches to disaffiliate based on views of homosexuality. Paragraph 2553 outlines the process to exit the denomination based on the church's interpretation of the "practice of homosexuality or the ordination or marriage of self-avowed practicing homosexuals."
- The General Conference, the UMC's legislative body, meets every four years. Its 2019 conference was a special event and members expected a 2020 regular conference.
- The worldwide General Conference is expected to have additional conversations about the interpretations of the Book of Discipline, LGBTQ participation in clergy and the disaffiliation process at its 2024 conference.
- Due to the number of spoken languages and time zones, the church says a virtual conference isn't an option. The next scheduled General Conference is now scheduled in 2024.
- Churches must decide to disaffiliate by Dec. 31, 2023, according to Paragraph 2553.
- Disaffiliation requires a two-thirds vote by the congregation and must be approved by the Annual Conference, which is the state level of the United Methodist Church.
- The Annual Conference sets the terms of the disaffiliation agreement, which includes "unpaid apportionments for the 12 months prior to disaffiliation, as well as an additional 12 months of apportionments."
- The United Methodist Church owns all the properties associated with the denomination, including buildings of worship and several camps and retreat centers.
- A disaffiliating church has the right to retain its personal, tangible and intangible property as part of the disaffiliation agreement.
- The Global Methodist Church, with conservative views on homosexuality, launched on May 1, 2022.
- Buncombe Street United Methodist Church leadership voted in April to begin discussions on disaffiliation.
- "The Friends to Preserve Buncombe Street United Methodist" outlines one group's purpose for pursuing disaffiliation at the local level.
- Buncombe Street UMC has created a "Way Forward Task Force" to address the congregations' concerns ahead of its conference on October 30 where a vote on disaffiliation could be taken.
- Buncombe Street UMC is the second-largest contributor to the state UMC's budget.
Tennessee churches leave denomination:As United Methodists in Tennessee navigate schism, 60 churches leave denomination
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– Caitlin Herrington, local reporter and lover of alliteration, covers government and growth in the Golden Strip. Get in touch with her at cherrington@greenvillenews.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @GVLnewsCat. | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/south-carolina/2022/08/08/united-methodist-churches-could-split-denomination-what-know/7740398001/ | 2022-08-08T07:58:19 | 0 | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/south-carolina/2022/08/08/united-methodist-churches-could-split-denomination-what-know/7740398001/ |
A U.S. Army unit will train Monday night over downtown and central San Antonio, the city’s police chief, William McManus, said in a press release that warned residents they “may hear low-flying helicopters, simulated gunfire and controlled explosions during periods of darkness.”
Police said the “training was coordinated with the appropriate local officials,” though it was not clear if Mayor Ron Nirenberg was in the loop. His spokesman, Bruce Davidson, was unaware of the Army’s plans Sunday evening.
An Army spokesman did not return a call.
“The meetings and planning for this training event began months ago,” McManus said in the release. “Being that San Antonio is known as Military City, USA, we have a long history and strong relationship with the U.S. military, and we’re honored to be able to provide support to the U.S. Army as they conduct this critical training in our city.”
Police safety precautions, including the use of department personnel, will be in place to protect both troops and local residents, the release stated, “along with planning considerations to minimize impact to the community and private property.”
The chief noted that “unique, local terrain provides training opportunities and simulates environments troops may encounter when deployed.”
The release did not give exact locations for the exercise or say which Army unit was doing it.
Military exercises are common in the summer months, and routinely include fictitious scenarios. In the case of a multi-state, large scale exercise in 2015 called Jade Helm, the Army courted blowback from conspiracy theorists for using parts of Texas, Utah and a slice of southern California marked “insurgent pocket” as a stand-in for territory labeled as “hostile” on a map.
In 1999, the Army’s Delta Force trained in the vacant former Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, with enough public notice to attract people to watch in lawn chairs and parked cars outside the post.
sigc@express-news.net | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Ary-17358115.php | 2022-08-08T08:01:41 | 0 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Ary-17358115.php |
Interstate 10 from Graytown Road to Loop 1604 will be completely shut down due to a major accident involving an 18-wheeler.
Flammable liquid was spilled on the highway and the road will be closed for at least 15 hours, San Antonio police said.
The access road will be open for use.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Major-crash-shuts-down-I-10-on-Far-East-Side-17357969.php | 2022-08-08T08:01:48 | 0 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Major-crash-shuts-down-I-10-on-Far-East-Side-17357969.php |
Machine guns the size of pistols. Should you be concerned about these new devices?
Federal authorities in Louisiana are warning the public of a new firearm attachment that enables a pistol to fire like a machine gun.
Commonly known as a Glock switch, the quarter-size attachment is added to pistols and allows the weapon to fully unload a magazine with one pull of the trigger.
The shooter only has to pull the trigger once for the weapon to fire hundreds of rounds, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says. This is a quick process — 30 rounds can be fired in 1-2 seconds.
Gun violence:Louisiana has 2nd highest gun death rate in U.S., but lawmakers reluctant to regulate them
How does a Glock switch work?
Auto sears are the technical term for these attachments, which are created through metal and plastic thimble-size devices.
They have been around since the 1970s but have grown in popularity within recent years with the accessibility to the black market and 3D printers. The ATF says the materials are cheap and relatively easy to get your hands on. It's also easy to make the devices, and people are creating them inside their homes using 3D printers.
Once the devices are created, they can easily be installed in weapons with no use of tools. A person can just drop the auto sear in the back of the weapon.
Concealed carry in Louisiana:New law allows 300,000 military vets to carry concealed guns without permit
Why should you be concerned?
ATF says the main reason for concern with these devices are that they are extremely powerful and could hurt unintended targets. While in use, the powerful recoil can make the gun difficult to control.
"The firearm will rise and they will miss their target," the ATF says. "This is very dangerous in popular areas."
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/glock-switch-auto-sear-machine-gun-converter-pistols/10152719002/ | 2022-08-08T09:39:53 | 1 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/glock-switch-auto-sear-machine-gun-converter-pistols/10152719002/ |
'We need more Cleve Klopfensteins in the world': Beloved former Peoria teacher dies
Cleve Klopfenstein, a retired Peoria teacher and military veteran who died July 23, will be remembered as a supportive mentor and a dedicated man of faith by those whose lives he touched.
"He didn't thump his Bible all the time," his daughter, CrystalWettstein, recalled, "but he preached it in his life."
Klopfenstein was born in 1947 and graduated from Gridley High School before attending Illinois State University. Shortly after graduating from college, he was drafted into the United States Army. Motivated by his Christian faith, he signed up as a conscientious objector. Serving as a clerk in Vietnam, he avoided the worst of the violence.
In his later career as an educator, Klopfenstein made his time in Vietnam a teachable moment. When students questioned the usefulness of a particular lesson, he would tell them about how his own education had unexpectedly kept him safe in a war zone.
More:Former Peoria Heights educator fought to keep district from being 'swallowed up by Peoria'
"His mom made him take typing in high school, and back then no boys took typing," Wettstein said. "And it was his ability to type that got him a job as a clerk. Otherwise, he could have been a medic, or all kinds of things where he could have been killed."
Klopfenstein married his wife, Kathleen, in 1972, and the pair went on to have two children, Crystal and Aaron.
Career in education
He began his teaching career at Peoria High School, where he met longtime friend and colleague Dave Obergfel. He left the field of education to work in commodities trading at Heinold Commodities, but returned to teaching after Obergfel – then the principal at the fledgling Peoria Alternative High School – recruited him.
At the Alternative High School, which served many students who had struggled in other educational environments, Obergfel watched his friend provide compassionate and constructive mentorship.
"In the situations when he needed to be patient, he could do that. When he needed to be a listener, he could do that," Obergfel recalled.
Klopfenstein retired in 2005, and thereafter occupied himself with volunteer work, family time, fishing and arrowhead collecting. He found links to his religious faith even in his personal hobbies.
More:'He lived and breathed baseball': Peoria area loses beloved coach and mentor
"Arrowhead hunting (and finding) can be a spiritual experience in itself," Klopfenstein wrote in a letter to a family friend. "I find hunting arrowheads an excellent chance to pray, meditate and commune with God."
Klopfenstein was a fastidious chronicler of personal and family history, meticulously recording details of his grandchildren's lives and creating ornate photo collages that adorned the walls of his home.
An unexpected loss, but a legacy of care
On July 22, Cleve and Kathleen Klopfenstein gathered with their children and grandchildren at the family's lake house at Santa Fe Lake near Chillicothe to celebrate the couple's 50th wedding anniversary.
The following morning, Klopfenstein dove off of a dock into the water, as he had countless times before, but this time he never resurfaced.
Doctors later determined that he had likely suffered a heart attack while in the water.
Klopfenstein had led a healthy and active life up to the end, and his death came as a shock to his family.
"How many 75-year-olds would dive headfirst off of the dock?" Wettstein said.
More:Legendary ex-Manual High School basketball coach Dick Van Scyoc dies at age 98
Klopfenstein left a legacy of care – not just among the family he treasured, but also among the many students he supported through their troubled adolescent years. The day before his death, Klopfenstein happened to run into Allison Carmack, a former student of his who attended Peoria Alternative High School from 2000 to 2002 who now runs a florist shop in Chillicothe.
"One of the many important people that helped (pave) my way to having a business of my own. He showed (love) and believed in his students," she captioned a photo of the two of them posted to Facebook. "We need more Cleve Klopfensteins in the world." | https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/retired-peoria-teacher-cleve-klopfenstein-obit-remembered-as-a-dedicated-mentor/65390179007/ | 2022-08-08T09:45:57 | 0 | https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/retired-peoria-teacher-cleve-klopfenstein-obit-remembered-as-a-dedicated-mentor/65390179007/ |
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP — Between pine needles and pickleball, officials are trying to grow community spaces in Galloway.
The township is launching two projects to create more recreation opportunities. These initiatives come while the Township Council has been stressing a need for residents, especially young people, to find social, outdoor activity to promote physical and mental health.
The project that will be unveiled soon is a renovated Pine Needle Park in South Egg Harbor off Old Mays Landing Road. The project will add a new jungle gym, complementing the one built there five years ago. Both playground apparatuses will get new rubber mats to cushion falls, and a redone bathroom facility is to be installed.
Mayor Anthony Coppola said it was an opportunity to make sure recreational resources are evenly distributed throughout the township, including to the portions closer to Egg Harbor City. He said the newly done playground was generating interest in the town.
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“I know that I’ve talked to some residents out there when I was inspecting it,” Coppola said. “They were so excited. ... I’m so happy that we’re able to get that done.”
Another project is for six pickleball courts on a field near the Township Municipal Complex in the empty lot just off its small traffic circle.
A contract to develop the courts will soon be put out to public bid, Township Administrator Chris Johansen said at a recent council meeting. Some features residents requested, such as lights that were not included in the original plan for the courts, could be incorporated at a later date, Johansen said.
Township Council member Tom Bassford said he was confident there would be interest in using the courts. He said he talked with Galloway pickleball players who said there would be a strong market for holding matches there and that other adult recreation centers in the township could use the courts.
“I think it’ll be a big demand for it,” Bassford said. “We want to make sure the demand is there, and I think it is after talking to guys who play pickleball often and are from Galloway.”
Coppola said the township years ago planned to develop the property into a downtown area with residential and commercial properties. They had also, however, listed the area into the state Recreation and Open Space Inventory, foreclosing the possibility of many kinds of future development at the space. The township decided to make the best of the situation and move forward with projects such as the pickleball courts.
The new initiatives come as township officials and some residents expressed concern about mental health. They were alarmed that people, particularly children and adolescents, were too isolated inside and did not have enough areas to play outdoors.
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory in December warning that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened mental health issues among young people nationwide, escalating it into a crisis. He asked that communities recognize mental health needs and work to make mental health care more accessible. Physical, outside activity is listed in the Surgeon General advisory as one component of a holistic program to improve mental health.
Deputy Mayor Tony DiPietro said he and his wife have seen the mental health struggles of youth through their time working in schools. The township should focus, he said, on facilitating mental health care and promoting inclusivity.
Council member Muhammad Umar, addressing the need for community spaces generally, said he works to make sure young people have healthy places to play recreational sports.
“We cannot fix everything, but maybe those five, six kids, we have a place for them to play basketball, volleyball and that’s how they get together and get out of the house,” Umar said.
The Pine Needle Park and pickleball projects complement other recent efforts to expand community space. The township recently added improved the bathroom facilities at its Gabriel and Tartaglia fields and continues to apply for grants to help build new paths for pedestrians and bicycle riders.
“That kind of lends to the quality of life in Galloway,” Coppola said. “We live in such a beautiful area with so many great trees and outdoors.”
The Pine Needle Park project only still requires work on the rubber matting, and the project should be completed within the week, according to the mayor. The pickleball courts should open, at the latest, in spring 2023, he said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/pine-needle-and-pickleball-projects-to-enhance-open-space-in-galloway/article_c9d276da-12a2-11ed-b1d0-bb21d94cc3b8.html | 2022-08-08T09:45:57 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/pine-needle-and-pickleball-projects-to-enhance-open-space-in-galloway/article_c9d276da-12a2-11ed-b1d0-bb21d94cc3b8.html |
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Muncie Mission seeks medical volunteers to staff free clinic set to open in fall
MUNCIE, Ind. — A free medical clinic, aimed at helping people who struggle to afford basic health care, is being organized at the Muncie Mission and is expected to open in October.
Bob Scott, vice president of development for the Muncie Mission, said the organization is preparing an exam room and dispensary in the Mission offices on the south side of the city, and has acquired some equipment to deliver basic medical care to the poor, uninsured and underinsured people in Delaware County.
The medical staff of Muncie Mission Free Medical Clinic is headed by physician Kevin Luksus, who retired from his family practice in Muncie and New Castle. He also practiced in Anderson.
Mission work: Muncie Mission continues to develop services for homeless at HUB on Eighth Street
Luksus said five other physicians are planning to participate in the clinic.
"It really comes out of the experience of encountering many patients who fall through the cracks," Luksus said.
The physician was involved in a free clinic in Anderson years ago and brings that experience with him to the project in Muncie.
Luksus said Frank Baldwin, Muncie Mission CEO and president, saw the clear need for a clinic for people the Mission was helping in other ways who were not having their health needs met.
Work on developing a clinic in the Mission's home at 1725 S. Liberty Street has been ongoing for months and has now received the needed permits needed from the Indiana Department of Health, Scott said.
"Our next hurdle is getting the volunteer medical professional needed," he said.
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The medical staff will be led by Luksus. Monica Myers, a registered nurse, is helping to steer the effort and will assist in administrative duties for the clinic in addition to helping recruit volunteers. The clinic will operate on an appointment basis.
Nurses and clinicians and other medical personnel, as well as clerical staff, are needed to help operate the clinic. The clinic will require licensed staff as well as lay people. Luksas said there will be a need for volunteers who can navigate patients into government programs designed to help people in need. For example, some without health insurance, who might qualify for the Affordable Care Act program, could receive assistance in signing up in the health insurance marketplace.
The operation will be part-time initially. According to Luksus, plans call for the clinic to be open on 9 a.m.-noon Mondays, 6-8:30 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays. But the hours of operation will hinge eventually on the number of volunteers available.
Community efforts:Grants awarded to support Muncie-area housing, new YMCA, classroom projects
According to a Mission brochure, volunteers can commit to a 4-hour shift a month. Luksus said the clinic is flexible regarding volunteer hours.
Inside the Mission, the staff have converted one office into an examination room, complete with a medical exam table. The Mission dispensary, where medicines for residents are kept, is being converted into a place for lab work, including blood draws. Luksas said the Mission plans to have the clinic up and running by the first week in October.
Luksus said simple testing, such as checking for COVID-19, will be done on site but the clinic also will work with Lab Corp. for tests needing an actual laboratory. Most testing costs will be covered by clinic donors. The most expensive of tests might have to be handled outside the clinic.
Hospital pricing:Indiana hospitals sharing plan with state leaders to fix sky high profit practices
The clinic will help the unemployed and working people who might have health insurance that doesn't offer much help short of hospitalization.
"There's a lot of high deductible insurance out there," Scott said. "If you don't have $100 to spend out of pocket for a lab test you don't get treated."
Inflation has curbed early the clinic plans, even while it has impacted other programs the Mission already provides. "The food pantry has been seeing more and more, and the lunch line has been getting longer every day," Scott said.
It has been a tough summer for the Mission. Violence has become more commonplace in the community and tension can be felt among the people who turn to the Mission for help.
"We are ready to start going with this," said Scott. "People on the street are not in good health."
Luksus said census figures show that about 10% of Delaware County residents don't have health insurance. The clinic should be a place where such people can enter the healthcare system for non-emergency issues without going to an emergency room, and receive treatment and health guidance regarding chronic conditions.
The physician said the clinic would serve al types of patients, including people who qualify for public assistance. Census figures show more than 30% of Muncie residents currently live in poverty,
Those wanting to help establish the clinic by volunteering can go to the Mission website and apply through the site volunteer page or contact Monica Myers at 765-288-9122, ext. 103, or by email at mmyers@munciemission.org. The Mission clinic is looking for credentialed physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants and medical assistants. Office assistants also are needed. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/muncie-mission-indiana-free-clinic/65389872007/ | 2022-08-08T10:20:12 | 0 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/muncie-mission-indiana-free-clinic/65389872007/ |
The Heart of Stark: Stark County Diaper Bank raises over $30K via Dancing for Diapers
In partnership with The Repository, every Monday, Stark Community Foundation is highlighting positive happenings in our community. Here’s to Good News Mondays!
Stark County Diaper Bank and The Paul & Carol David Foundation recently held a Galaxy Reunion: Dancing for Diapers event on July 22 to raise funds to provide emergency diaper assistance to families in need.
From ticket sales and donations, the Diaper Bank raised over $30,000, which will provide more than 140,000 diapers for our community.
Over 100 people gathered at Royal Docks in Jackson Township for the event, dressed in their best bell-bottoms, leisure suits and platform shoes to dance the night away to ‘70s and ‘80s music. At the event, guests donated nearly 2,000 diapers for a chance to win raffle prizes, and the additional funds raised will allow the Diaper Bank to purchase additional sizes most needed.
Many community businesses and individuals contributed the event, including BellStores, Meijer and Sunny 101.7 as sponsors, and Akron Children Hospital, Buckingham, Steve and Lisa Gregory, Ray and Shannon Hexamer, Huntington Bank, KariCo Entertainment, MCTV, Once Upon a Child, Sam’s Club and Chris Schweier and Barb Minney Schweier as supporting sponsors.
Every day throughout Ohio, thousands of mothers must use (and re-use) diapers because they cannot afford to purchase enough diapers to keep their child clean, dry and healthy. Federal assistance such as WIC and Food Stamps do not cover the purchase of diapers. In Ohio, diapers are taxed, creating more challenges for families.
Stark County Diaper Bank helps families secure an adequate monthly supply of fresh diapers for their children and ensure that these babies get a healthier start in life. Since its inception in June 2019, the Diaper Bank has supplied its partners with 485,000 diapers through 20 distribution partner locations. The organization serves nearly 400 children each month and packed and distributed 34,874 diapers in June alone.
Current distribution partners include Bridge Point Community Services, Canal Fulton Speakeasy, Carroll County General Health District, Catholic Charities Serving Stark County, Community Action Wayne / Medina, Crossroads UMC, Early Childhood YWCA, First Christian Church, Harrison County General Health District, Lake Township FISH, Louisville Church of Christ, North Canton Church of Christ, Pleasant Outreach, Salvation Army of Alliance, Salvation Army of Canton, Salvation Army of Dover New Philadelphia, Salvation Army of Massillon, Greater Stark County Urban League, Towpath Trail YMCA and Unexpected Blessings.
Learn more about the Diaper Bank at starkcountydiaperbank.org.
As the community’s trusted partner in giving, Stark Community Foundation helps individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits achieve their philanthropic goals through a variety of charitable funds and strategic initiatives. Ranked in the top 10 percent of community foundations in the country, the Foundation and its family of donors have granted $215 million to nonprofits since 1963. Learn how you can simplify your giving and amplify your impact at www.starkcf.org. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/stark-county-diaper-bank-dancing-for-diapers-fundraiser/65393539007/ | 2022-08-08T10:21:24 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/stark-county-diaper-bank-dancing-for-diapers-fundraiser/65393539007/ |
Carnation Festival: Community Luncheon hands out awards, welcomes home an Alliance native
ALLIANCE − Local residents and dignitaries enjoyed a meal, gave out awards and welcomed home an Alliance native on Saturday at the Greater Alliance Carnation Festival Community Luncheon.
About 60 people attended the midday event at Hoover Price Campus Center on the campus of University of Mount Union.
Alliance native to speak at Carnation Festival luncheon
Kayla Martin, this year's festival queen, helped start the program, introducing her mother, along with her court and their families.
She also gave Mayor Alan Andreani high praise. "He's pretty cool," she said.
"That might be the first time I've been called cool," Andreani responded to chuckles.
Award winners
Later in the program, Andreani gave Alliance resident Leigh Mainwaring the "Citizen of the Year" award. She actively volunteers for multiple groups and organizations.
Attorney Brent Barnes received the Favazzo-Jeswald Founders' Award. The award goes to a person who has unselfishly committed to the festival's success.
Barnes' father, Dan, won the award in 2017.
Also during the program, Dr. Patricia Tucker and Matthew Lansell were named marshals for this year's Carnation Festival Grand Parade, which is 11 a.m. Aug. 13.
Playing the hand dealt
Following the awards, Alliance native Gregory P. Miller, 71, delivered the luncheon's keynote speech. The 1968 Marlington High School graduate is a U.S. Navy veteran.
Miller, a former U.S. attorney, currently serves as a mediator and arbitrator at JAMS, formerly known as Judicial Mediation Services, Inc.
He served in the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania from 1978 to 1984, and also served in the judge advocate general's office in Philadelphia.
Miller also is a published author.
Miller told stories of how he got into law and the journey that career path has sent him on, cracked some jokes and praised his wife and family.
The theme of Miller's speech traces back to words his father told him − "Life is like a game of cards. You play the hand you're dealt."
Miller said he believes his career wouldn't have happened if he hadn't been drafted in 1969 to serve in the Vietnam War. "Life had dealt me a bad hand," he told them.
But he said his service in the Navy gave him an opportunity to go to law school and become a lawyer, prosecuting cases for the Navy and shaping his path.
Along the way, Miller said he had other moments of his deck getting reshuffled but it he preserved and kept moving forward in his career.
"My ability to play the hand I was dealt with began here in Alliance, with my family and friends," he said.
Reach Benjamin at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP.
Follow on Twitter @bduerREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2022/08/08/alliance-community-luncheon-gregory-miller-carnation-ohio-2022/65393186007/ | 2022-08-08T10:21:25 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2022/08/08/alliance-community-luncheon-gregory-miller-carnation-ohio-2022/65393186007/ |
Love train rolls on: Stark County students benefitting from the O'Jays scholarships
CANTON – The O'Jays have given their hometown more than the gift of music.
For the past 16 years, the legendary musical group has helped foster higher education for dozens of Stark County students through the O'Jays Scholarship Fund.
To date, $145,693 has been distributed to 59 students through the fund, which was started in 2006 and is administered through the Stark Community Foundation.
More:O'Jays and 'Love Train' farewell tour making Canton stop with Gladys Knight in September
2022 O'Jays Scholarship winners
This year's recipients have received scholarships of $2,143 each. They are McKenzie Mack, Amir Stokes, Julian Hanlin and Phoenix N. Lee.
Lee, a former McKinley High School varsity gymnast, is a junior at Ohio State University majoring in health sciences.
"I hope to become a physical therapist one day so I can help people in underserved communities," she said.
Stephanie Rushin Patrick, chairperson of the scholarship fund, said part of the applicants criteria is writing an essay about the O'Jays and their influence and contributions.
"That's one of the things that is very important," she said. "Some of these kids are so young, we had them write essays."
The committee members are Pat Williams, Cynthia Hopkins, Chris Stone and Sandy Womack Jr.
Womack, a former Canton City School administrator who now works in Columbus, said the scholarships, which are aimed at helping working-class and non-traditional students, is a testament to the O'Jays enduring commitment to their hometown.
He cited the group's celebrity golf tournament at Clearview Golf Club in Osnaburg Township, banquets, and benefit concerts to raise funds for the scholarships.
"They've brought a lot of attention to the city," he said. "They haven't lived in Canton in years. It's significant and impressive... those gentleman have done the work."
Womack agrees with Patrick that the students' essays are an important part of the application process.
"Their stories are more compelling that their GPAs," he said.
How the O'Jays Scholarship Fund got started
Former Pro Football Hall of Fame President Stephen V. Perry was serving as head of the U.S. General Services Administration under President George W. Bush when he was contacted by O'Jays members Eddie Levert and Walter Williams.
"They were working with (then- city Councilman) Thomas West, who wanted to rename (Mahoning Road NE) 'The O'Jay's Parkway,'" Perry recalled. "They didn't know that much about him, and asked if I could get involved, and we worked on how to do it. In the course of our discussions, they came up with the idea for a homecoming concert. Eddie and Walt suggested the scholarship."
Perry advised them to operate the scholarship fund through the Stark Community Foundation.
"Eddie liked that idea," Perry said. "Eddie also insisted on kids who may not be straight-A students, but who may have struggled to good grades and have good character. I know the screening committee has done a good job with that, while not screening out the straight-A students."
Perry grew up in the same NE Canton neighborhood as the O'Jays original five members: Levert, Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey and Bill Isles.
"We played football together in Cook Park," he said.
Perry said he watched the group practice at Powell's mother's house on Berger Place NE. Perry lived on Ninth Street NE.
"I was friends with Andrew Levert, Eddie's younger brother, who has passed. We had a singing group, but we never got anywhere," he said with a laughing.
This year marks Phoenix Lee's second O'Jay's scholarship.
"I look forward to applying every year," she said. "I pay for my school expenses out-of-pocket, so it's been a great blessing."
To learn more call the foundation at 330-454-3426, or visit https://www.starkcf.org/for-grantees/for-students/overview
Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: @cgoshayREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2022/08/08/the-ojays-scholarship-fund-has-helped-many-stark-county-students/10172709002/ | 2022-08-08T10:21:25 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2022/08/08/the-ojays-scholarship-fund-has-helped-many-stark-county-students/10172709002/ |
ATLANTA — Three children are in the hospital after a driver led Georgia State Patrol troopers on a high-speed chase along the eastbound lanes of Interstate 20 in Atlanta on Sunday.
Authorities said a trooper from the Crime Suppression Unit was trying to pull over a white Chevrolet Camaro around 6:12 p.m. on Moreland Avenue. The driver did not stop, and GPS said he continued onto I-20.
Troopers continued to chase the car until the driver "lost control and struck several vehicles before leaving the roadway and overturning in the wood line."
The driver was trapped in the car, officials said and three "small" children were inside. They transported the kids to the hospital.
Information on what happened to the driver was not immediately made available. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/i-20-chase-car-flips-kids-hurt/85-e256a734-9ef8-4b87-9f51-8f8cdecb5a8e | 2022-08-08T10:30:05 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/i-20-chase-car-flips-kids-hurt/85-e256a734-9ef8-4b87-9f51-8f8cdecb5a8e |
What to Know
- Authorities say at least half of the 10 people found dead after an early morning fire in northeastern Pennsylvania died of smoke inhalation.
- Officials said positive identification is pending review of medical records, dental records and DNA if required.
- Pennsylvania State Police said seven adults ranging from late teens to age 79 were killed along with children aged 5, 6 and 7.
Authorities say at least half of the 10 people found dead after an early morning fire in northeastern Pennsylvania died of smoke inhalation.
The Luzerne County coroner's office said autopsies on the victims of the early Friday blaze in Nescopeck began Saturday. Examinations by Dr. Gary Ross were completed on three women, one man and a girl, the office said in a news release Saturday afternoon.
Determining the manner of death — classifying the deaths as accidents or homicides, for example — for the victims is pending the outcome of the fire investigation, the coroner's office said. Positive identification of the victims is pending review of medical records, dental records and DNA if required, the coroner’s office said.
State police said seven adults ranging from late teens to age 79 were killed along with children aged 5, 6 and 7.
The county's district attorney, Sam Sanguedolce, said a preliminary investigation suggests the fire broke out on the front porch at around 2:30 a.m. on Friday. He said it appears that “the fire started and progressed very quickly, making it very difficult to get out.”
Nescopeck is a small town on the Susquehanna River, about 20 miles southwest of Wilkes-Barre. The house was on a residential street of largely owner-occupied, single family homes. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/smoke-inhalation-killed-at-least-5-of-10-in-pa-fire-coroner-says/3328442/ | 2022-08-08T10:32:38 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/smoke-inhalation-killed-at-least-5-of-10-in-pa-fire-coroner-says/3328442/ |
What's happening with Raynham's new public safety building? Here's why it's delayed
RAYNHAM — When the residents of Raynham voted in June 2021 to fund and build a $30.5 million new public safety building for the Police and Fire departments through a 30-year 2.5% debt exclusion, officials breathed a sigh of relief that both departments would finally have a modern facility that brings them into the 21st century.
"It warms your heart that we have so much support from the community," said Police Chief James Donovan, back in September of last year over the proposal passing through Special Town Election by a margin of 60-40.
Estimates at the time were that the proposed two-story, 50,000-square-foot new building could break ground by spring/summer 2022 and could be finished and operable by spring/summer 2023.
Construction hasn’t yet started and is not expected to occur this year. Why the delay?
According to Bryan LaCivita, fire chief for Raynham and a primary member of the Public Safety Facilities Planning & Construction Committee, the issue has been acquiring ownership of the 10 acres of land intended for the new public safety building.
Located right next door to the Lions Club building, and directly across the street from the Raynham Senior Center on King Philip Street, the land itself was a donation from longtime Raynham residents John Noblin and Frank Campbell, under the name of King Philip Realty Trust. Noblin is also a member of the Public Safety Committee, while Campbell was a member until his passing earlier this year.
According to LaCivita, despite the donation, the land is currently deeded only for agricultural purposes, and requires authorization from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), as well as approval from the State House, in order to be retitled and have ownership transferred to the town.
LaCivita explained MDAR required a new land appraisal before it would sign off on the property. The appraisal only just happened this past month, meaning the town was unable to get the land transfer in front of state legislature in regular session before it adjourned for the year. The earliest now it can be approved by state legislature is January 2023.
How will the town pay the $39M tab:Raynham voters shoot down B-P debt exclusion
Current building well beyond its shelf life
When promoting the public safety building proposal in spring 2021, the town of Raynham, in coordination with project manager and consultant firm, Pomroy Associates, produced an informational video detailing the inadequacies of the current public safety building, located on Orchard Street.
Built in 1957, the only upgrades the building has received over the decades were new additions added in the 1990s.
In a nutshell, the facility is undersized, poorly insulated, incapable of being ADA compliant, and has numerous structural deficiencies and water infiltration issues to the point which they have become too expensive to fix or prolong.
There are limited HVAC capabilities and little to no mechanical ventilation provided throughout the building.
Other shortcomings include insufficient parking, no space for public restrooms, public meetings, or training opportunities, and lack of space for safely storing equipment.
LaCivita explained the Public Safety Facilities Planning & Construction Committee looked at numerous sites in town for a new building. “Each site we looked at had its own peculiarities,” he said. Even if the land donation didn’t happen, issues with other sites included cost and debate over whether there was sufficient acreage.
The benefits of the King Philip Street site are it matches the current location for acceptable response times for both police and fire calls, it has close proximity to the town’s recreation fields, there will be enough space for a secure parking lot (118 spaces), storage facilities, an impound lot, and there will be adequate room for future growth.
Jenna's Wish List:This Raynham mom is fighting stage 4 breast cancer. Through it all, she's helping others.
Patience is a virtue
Without the land transfer, the town hasn’t been able to do much. The site plan and design of the building are complete, courtesy of Pomroy Associates and architectural firm Dorre & Whittier.
No request for proposals and bidding from potential contractors has happened. LaCivita stated he is very optimistic the land transfer will be complete by January 2023, which will kickstart the RFP process and, hopefully, will mean construction can break ground as early as spring 2023.
In the meantime, most of the acreage has been cleared for agriculture as, according to LaCivita, a local farm is currently planting hay on the land. LaCivita said planting hay will keep the ground flat for when it is time for construction. | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/raynham-police-and-fire-still-waiting-new-public-safety-building/10234123002/ | 2022-08-08T10:39:29 | 0 | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/raynham-police-and-fire-still-waiting-new-public-safety-building/10234123002/ |
100 years ago
Aug. 8, 1922: Indications are that there will be no official name for the new city park ground recently secured for a municipal golf course. The ground is likely to be considered as an addition to Miller Park. Since many names have come in, the commissioners have been thrown into a quandary. Most now seem decided to consider the new property an addition to Miller Park.
75 years ago
Aug. 8, 1947: An investigation of the traffic hazards on the route 66 beltline around Bloomington has been ordered by Gov. Dwight H. Green in response to an appeal by the Bloomington Kiwanis Club. "I appreciate your calling this matter to my attention," the governor wrote to Hollis O. Frey, chairman of the club's safety committee.
50 years ago
Aug. 8, 1972: A $12.5 million price tag has been placed on the proposed McLean County courthouse and jail complex. The Public Building Commission said the figure is "very sobering." No cost estimate has been available since 1969, when the commission had plans for a 150,000-square-foot building which it estimated would cost more than $4 million.
25 years ago
Aug. 8, 1997: History will be taught and enjoyed at an unusual spot in September — the Bloomington-Normal Factory Stores. The outlet mall will sponsor the Buckskinner Rendezvous, a re-enactment of an 18th century trading village. The village will have demonstrations from gunsmiths, weavers, fur trappers, candlemakers, bead workers, quilters and traders.
Compiled by Pantagraph staff | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/25-years-ago-reenactment-village-comes-to-outlet-mall/article_0e0bf004-0bb1-11ed-b2e4-af18913c21ec.html | 2022-08-08T10:44:31 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/25-years-ago-reenactment-village-comes-to-outlet-mall/article_0e0bf004-0bb1-11ed-b2e4-af18913c21ec.html |
WATERLOO — Two intersections in the city are being studied for further safety after multiple accidents.
After almost 15 crashes in the past year and a half, one fatal, the city of Waterloo is applying for an Iowa Department of Transportation traffic safety improvement program grant for $500,000 that would help to fund a potential roundabout at the intersection of East Shaulis Road and Hammond Avenue.
The total cost of the construction is estimated at $1.35 million. The city would fund $850,000.
Waterloo’s traffic engineer, Mohammad Elahi, noted in city documents that the predominant type of crashes are right angles — caused by people running stop signs on Hammond. Elahi said a roundabout has the potential to improve safety by reducing the number of crashes and their severity.
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The resolution, approved by the City Council Aug. 1, also proposed an alternative of traffic signals at the intersection but said that can increase rear-end crashes and people running red lights. It also said signals have added costs of maintenance and repair.
The city recently made the intersection a four-way stop. Previously, drivers were only required to stop on Hammond.
Council members also approved an application for the same grant to re-install traffic signals on Mullan Avenue, or U.S. Highway 63, and Sycamore Street for $251,000. The resolution states that since the DOT replaced signals with stop signs, the intersection has had an increasing amount of right angle crashes due to sight issues.
The application is for installing traffic signals, monitoring cameras and a connection to the fiber optic network. The grant would cover all of the construction. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/waterloo-submits-two-traffic-grants-for-dangerous-intersections/article_166cbd26-c7ff-5cd7-89da-c361e9ac30ba.html | 2022-08-08T10:54:06 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/waterloo-submits-two-traffic-grants-for-dangerous-intersections/article_166cbd26-c7ff-5cd7-89da-c361e9ac30ba.html |
WATERLOO – On a weekend when sailors from both the decommissioned and active ships USS The Sullivans reunited at Iowa Irish Fest, a new memorial depicting the original Navy ship was unveiled Sunday near the corner of Commercial Street and U.S. Highway 63 (W. Mullan Avenue) in Waterloo.
The occasion came a few months in advance of the 80th anniversary of the sinking of USS Juneau during World War II and the death of the five Sullivan brothers from Waterloo — Albert, George, Francis, Joseph and Madison — who were of Irish descent.
The sailors brought Navy camaraderie to Waterloo to dedicate a trio of special white cement mixing drums from Manatt’s Inc., one bearing an iconic image of the Sullivan brothers overlooking the now-retired USS The Sullivans DD-537 vessel at sea and its familiar emblem.
“Since Waterloo is the home of the Sullivan brothers, we just thought this would be a great way to honor not only the Sullivans, but all veterans as well as active service members,” said Chris Manatt, north area manager.
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Former sailors from the now-retired USS The Sullivans DD-537 — celebrating 79 years since it was commissioned and named after the five brothers — as well as former and current sailors from USS The Sullivans DDG 68 were on hand.
Members of the USS Iowa SSN 797 also were in attendance.
“One of the coolest parts was having the sailors here and interacting with them,” Manatt said. “They dedicate their lives to protecting us, and it was pretty awesome seeing the veterans from the 537 looking up there and seeing their ship.”
James R Diefenderfer Jr., commander of the DDG 68, cut the ceremonial red ribbon, surrounded by about a dozen members of the Navy faithful, a number of whom were from his crew and in uniform.
Kelly Sullivan, a granddaughter of the late Albert Sullivan, told the veterans in attendance that “the spirit of the five Sullivans is in all of you, with your patriotism and your dedication to honoring our country.”
After the ceremony, Diefenderfer, from Delaware, reflected on what it meant to be stationed on the USS The Sullivans.
“I knew it was a special ship. I knew it had a special history behind it,” said Diefenderfer. “When I got to the ship and served on board for a year or so, it really felt even more special. Being back here in Waterloo, where the five boys walked around and went to restaurants and bars downtown, it’s really special to see the streets that they grew up on, and a town that embraced them when they were here, and then embraced their family when they were gone.”
As Lost Island’s first season is in its final month, the park’s owner is working to address public feedback.
The new memorial has a second mixing drum depicting another U.S. Navy icon, the USS George Washington. A third drum, in the middle of the other two, had the Manatt’s Inc. logo.
They were mounted on concrete slabs, some 12 feet high, in front of the Manatt’s plant and distinctively placed right next to the highway bridge over the Cedar River.
A concrete sidewalk, bench and two flag poles, one with the American flag and the other with the Iowa state flag, round out the new display.
“The reunion’s been very great. It’s a pleasure to get both ships together because of the camaraderie that we have as sailors,” said Bill Galarneau Jr., 79, from Massachusetts, a machinist who served on DD-537 from 1963-1965. “It’s always good to see old friends.”
Remembering Waterloo's five Sullivan brothers
Sullivan family home
Sullivan brothers at home on Adams in Waterloo
Courier Dec. 21, 1941
Sullivans -- Alleta, James, Albert, Madison
Katherine Sullivan McFarland (1922-2016)
Courier Jan. 4, 1942
Sullivan brothers at home
Courier Feb. 15, 1942
Sullivans with Jack Dempsey
USS Juneau
Lyman-Swenson-Juneau-commissioning
Lyman-Swenson-Newfoundland
Courier March 4, 1942
Courier March 15, 1942
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Courier Jan. 12, 1943
Alleta and Thomas Sullivan
Alleta Sullivan's letter to the Navy
FDR letter fo Sullivan family
location of USS Juneau sinking
U.S. Navy report, Battle of Guadalcanal Nov. 13, 1942
U.S. Navy survivor battle report Nov. 17, 1942
USS Juneau survivor Lester Zook
USS Juneau survivor Lester Zook, close-up
Courier Jan. 14, 1943
Courier Jan. 15, 1943
Margaret Jaros
Red Sullivan and Margaret Jaros
Alleta Sullivan & Margaret Jaros
Courier Jan. 17, 1943
Courier Jan. 19, 1943
'What have you given for war?'
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Courier Jan. 27, 1943
Sullivans telegram from vice president
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U.S. Navy battle report
Navy docs -- President approves USS The Sullivans
Courier Feb. 10, 1943
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Genevieve and Alleta Sullivan
Courier Feb. 23, 1943
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Navy doc -- USS The Sullivans launch speech April 4, 1943
Courier April 5, 1943
Genevieve heads to Navy training
Genevieve Sullivan WAVE
Courier May 30, 1943
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Purple Hearts bestowed
U.S. Navy Sullivan Purple Hearts document Jan. 24, 1944
Courier Jan. 25, 1944
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Sullivan movie scene
Sullivan movie cast
Courier March 19, 1944
Courier Dec. 31, 1944
Genevieve Sullivan and Murray Davidson
Courier May 1, 1959
Courier Nov. 11, 1962
Courier Sept. 20, 1964
Courier March 2, 1965
Murray Davidson Jr. joins Naval Reserve
Courier April 23, 1973
Alleta Sullivan funeral
Genevieve Davidson obituary
Plaque Schoitz Memorial Hospital
Courier Aug. 6, 1992
Dedication of Convention Center
Sullivan Brothers Museum -- outside
Sullivan Brothers Museum statues
Katherine McFarland, 2008
Katherine McFarland, 2012
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Juneau wreckage bittersweet find for Sullivans, families
WATERLOO -- Saturday's discovery of the wreckage of the USS Juneau, on which Waterloo's five Sullivan brothers served and perished with nearly 700 shipmates during World War II, was an emotional, bittersweet experience for the fallen sailors' descendants.
"There's over 700 Navy families affected by this and my heart goes out to all those people," said Kelly Sullivan, granddaughter of Albert Sullivan and grandniece of George, Francis, Joseph and Madison Sullivan, who all died after the Juneau was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and sunk on Nov. 13, 1942.
"For me, it's like finding my grandfather's grave," said Knute Swensen of Huntington Beach, Calif., the grandson of the Juneau's commanding officer, Capt. Lyman K. Swenson, also among the Juneau dead.
The crew of the Research Vessel Petrel, on an expedition financed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, found the Juneau's wreck at the bottom of "Ironbottom Sound" off Guadalcanal in the Solomons on St. Patrick's Day.
In an audio accompanying a video of the wreckage, Robert Kraft, director of subsea operations for the expedition, noted it was appropriate the Juneau's remains were discovered on St. Patrick's Day, given the Sullivan brothers' Irish heritage.
"The luck of the Irish was with them," Kelly Sullivan said, echoing a wish she made for the USS The Sullivans, the current Navy destroyer named for her grandfather and great uncles, when she christened the ship in Bath, Maine, in 1995. She is the official Navy sponsor of that ship.
This wknd Paul Allen’s team found wreckage of WW2 USS Juneau in Pacific Ocean In 1942 this ship was sunk by Japanese torpedo carrying the 5 Sullivan brothers of Waterloo These Iowa heroes + hundred of others lost their life on that ship protecting our country Shld not b forgotten
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) March 20, 2018
The crew of the Petrel sent a message to The Courier, which said: "Our team is comprised of professional subsea operators and engineers with years of experience in the industry who are truly humbled with the opportunity to honor our fallen servicemen and provide some closure to their families."
The crew credited Allen with making the expedition possible.
Ironically, Kelly Sullivan was at the USS The Sullivans on St. Patrick's Day at its home port of Mayport, Fla., attending a retirement celebration for one of its former commanding officers.
"When this discovery happened, I was sitting on the fantail of the Sullivans...It's unbelievable," Sullivan said.
On her return trip home Sunday, she heard word of the discovery from U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Rich Brown, commander of Navy surface forces and a former commanding officer of the USS The Sullivans. Brown was in Waterloo last November for a 75th anniversary commemoration of the Juneau's sinking. On Monday, Knute Swensen contacted her.
"It's bittersweet, this feeling," Sullivan said. "There's closure. It also opens a wound."
She said her father, Albert's son, Jim Sullivan, reacted with surprise and had similar feelings.
"My first thought was my prayers for all the Juneau families, not just the Sullivan brothers," Kelly Sullivan said, and all veterans and their families. She said her great-grandmother, Alleta Sullivan, never really had closure because her sons' bodies were never recovered and held out hope they may have survived.
Swensen said he watched the Petrel's undersea video in amazement as the crew made out the Juneaus name inscribed across the fantail.
"Seeing that video gave me chills," he said.
He also thought of his father, U.S. Navy Cmdr Robert Swensen, who passed away in April 2016 at age 93 and was very close to his father, the Juneau commander. Knute's grandfather's surname was misspelled as "Swenson" by a staff member at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and he never had it corrected. It was at Annapolis, when Robert was a cadet, that the Juneau commander and his son had their last meeting.
In an audio accompanying the video, Kraft of the Petrel expedition notes the ship's bow and stern were found relatively close to each other but the ship's debris was scattered over a mile on the ocean floor -- an indication of the devastating explosion which sunk her.
Most of the sailors were killed during the actual sinking; more than 100 died at sea in the days that followed from wounds, exposure or shark attacks, including George Sullivan, the oldest of the brothers. Ten sailors survived the actual sinking plus a four-person medical crew sent to the USS San Francisco to tend to wounded there prior to the attack.
Swensen hopes the Juneau crew's valor is also remembered. The ship earned multiple battles stars for the engagements in which it fought -- including one the night before its sinking, when it and other outgunned American ships turned back a Japanese task force headed for embattled U.S troops at Guadalcanal.
Sullivan praised Paul Allen's passion for pursuing the expedition -- a lesson she used it as an example for her third-graders at Lincoln Elementary School in Cedar Falls.
"I really admire Mr. Allen and his crew for having the faith to do this," she said, and encouraged her students to pursue their passions as well.
Both were in New York this past November at the 75th anniversary commemoration of the Juneau's sinking at the same Staten Island pier where the ship was commissioned into the Navy in 1997. That ceremony was across New York harbor from the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where the Juneau was commissioned into the Navy and sailed out of the harbor, never to return.
She hopes the USS The Sullivans can sail to the Juneau's final resting place on a future mission, with some of its sailors surviving family members. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/new-waterloo-military-memorial-dedicated-by-former-active-sailors-from-uss-the-sullivans/article_65a32fd1-4025-524f-8257-32f44bceafcd.html | 2022-08-08T10:54:09 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/new-waterloo-military-memorial-dedicated-by-former-active-sailors-from-uss-the-sullivans/article_65a32fd1-4025-524f-8257-32f44bceafcd.html |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/dozens-of-shots-fired-as-teen-is-hurt-in-north-philadelphia-shooting/3328755/ | 2022-08-08T11:07:01 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/dozens-of-shots-fired-as-teen-is-hurt-in-north-philadelphia-shooting/3328755/ |
A mother rushed her teenage son to the hospital after he was shot in North Philadelphia Sunday night in what Philadelphia police called a "targeted" attack where at least 34 shots were fired.
The shooting took place around 10:30 p.m. along North 13th Street at Fairmount Avenue. Moments after being shot at least twice in his body, the boy was rushed by his to the hospital where he was being treated in stable condition, Philadelphia Police Inspector D F Pace said.
By the time police arrived, the shooting victim was gone, but evidence of the shooting remained scattered across the street.
At least 34 shots were fired from at least two shooters, investigators said.
A dark-colored car pulled up to the corner and "at least two shooters exited the vehicle and opened fire on the 15-year-old," Pace said. "It does appear the he was being targeted."
The boy lives near the shooting scene, police said.
Other people were walking in the area at the time, but no one else was shot, police said.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
This was just the latest shooting in Philadelphia involving a child. As of last Thursday, at least 135 children were struck in shootings in the city -- that's about 10 percent of the total shooting victims, according to data gathered by the city controller's office.
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/teen-shot-philadelphia/3328746/ | 2022-08-08T11:07:07 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/teen-shot-philadelphia/3328746/ |
GREENSBORO — What started out as a domestic disturbance led to a standoff with police that lasted several hours in Sunday's pre-dawn hours.
The incident began at 11:36 p.m. According to a news release, police initially responded to a "disorder" at 5105 Amberhill Drive. Once there, officers determined a domestic assault had occurred prior to their arrival.
When officers attempted to take Colin Wood into custody, he retreated back into the residence, barricading himself.
Patrol officers attempted negotiations and the department's Hostage Negotiation Team arrived at 2:15 a.m.
Just over two hours later, at 4:31 a.m., the 39-year-old Wood was taken into custody without further incident. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/domestic-disturbance-leads-to-standoff-with-greensboro-police-early-sunday/article_722c187c-1659-11ed-b766-9344254ef393.html | 2022-08-08T11:22:25 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/domestic-disturbance-leads-to-standoff-with-greensboro-police-early-sunday/article_722c187c-1659-11ed-b766-9344254ef393.html |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – One of the most tense Brevard County school board meetings in recent years, parents and family members demonstrated against the district’s transgender guidelines, which in 2021 read that all students were allowed to dress, access bathrooms and locker rooms and play sports consistent with their gender identity.
The district first passed a nondiscrimination policy in 2016 and in February, the board’s vote was split updating language the district says to be up to date with state and federal law.
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“We had students displaying hate against their LGBTQ peers in the hallways of our schools,” board member Jennifer Jenkins said.
“I think what’s best for students, including our transgender students, in particular, is to not open wide the doors when it comes to restrooms and locker rooms,” board member Katye Campbell said.
Campbell, representing south Brevard, is one of three school board seats on the ballot this election season, including board chair Misty Belford who is also running for re-election, and Cheryl McDougall of central Brevard who is not seeking another term.
“We need to protect our children, protect our students from discrimination,” Families for Safe Schools president Jabari Hosey said.
Families For Safe Schools is a group campaigning to influence voters to choose the opposite candidates rival group Moms For Liberty is endorsing.
Gov. Ron DeSantis supported Moms For Liberty at the group’s event in Tampa last month.
“We just need common sense because a lot of this stuff is not rocket science,” DeSantis said.
Now, Florida’s education department is telling schools to ignore federal nondiscrimination guidance.
“We know that it is already happening -- students being present in the locker rooms of the opposite gender,” Moms for Liberty Brevard County chair Carrie Gerace said. “We are concerned as parents, for the safety and well-being of all students involved.”
Brevard Public Schools said it’s now reviewing the state’s memo.
“Our children’s education has become a tool or a talking point that can be used to manipulate political influence, and it shouldn’t be,” Hosey said.
Primary elections are on Aug. 23 with early voting starting on Saturday.
“School board races, themselves, are not impacting student education,” Gerace said. “Teachers should not be bringing politics into the classroom.” | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/elections-could-shift-ideology-of-brevard-county-school-board/ | 2022-08-08T11:31:03 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/elections-could-shift-ideology-of-brevard-county-school-board/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – A person was shot early Monday while driving in Orange County, according to deputies.
The shooting was reported at 1:45 a.m. on Old Cheney Highway near East Colonial Drive.
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The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said its preliminary investigation shows someone in a vehicle opened fire on another car, striking one person.
The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to a hospital, according to deputies.
It’s not known what prompted the shooting, and sheriff’s investigators said there is no information about the shooter or the suspected vehicle.
Video from the scene appears to show a bullet hole in the back of a black pickup truck.
Check back for updates.
UPDATE: Deputies say 1 person was shot overnight near Old Cheney Hwy & E. Colonial.
— Ezzy Castro (@EzzyCastro) August 8, 2022
They say several people were driving when someone else in another car shot at them…striking the victim.
Deputies already wrapped up the scene but an investigation is underway. @news6wkmg pic.twitter.com/Db5lF8HNnX | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/orange-county-deputes-investigate-apparent-shooting-on-old-cheney-highway/ | 2022-08-08T11:31:09 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/orange-county-deputes-investigate-apparent-shooting-on-old-cheney-highway/ |
The latest North Dakota coronavirus news: farm aid, free food and more.
Hog help
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has increased the amount of money for a program to assist hog producers, and begun making payments.
The Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative and addresses gaps in previous assistance for hog producers.
The aid is for farmers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020 -- the period in which producers faced the greatest reduction in market prices due to the coronavirus pandemic. Applications were accepted until late April.
Officials allocated $50 million to the program initially. USDA's Farm Service Agency expects to issue nearly $63 million in payments.
People are also reading…
Mobile food pantry
Trucks carrying fresh vegetables, bakery items and boxed goods will make stops in central and western North Dakota this week.
Food through the Great Plains Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry is available at no cost to those in need. Scheduled stops are (all times are local):
Wednesday
- Killdeer, Dunn County Food Pantry, 215 Central Ave. SE, 10 a.m.
- Dodge, Central Avenue, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
- Mandaree, Water Chief Hall, 105 4th Ave. SW, 3:20-4 p.m.
- New Town, Northern Lights Community Center, 710 E. Ave., 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Thursday
- Plaza, Cenex, 4165 64th Ave. NW, 9:15-10 a.m.
- Carrington, Dakota Central, 630 Fifth St. N., 10-11 a.m.
- Linton, St. Anthony Catholic Church, 619 Broadway N., 1 p.m.
- New Salem, 700 Ashe Ave., 1-2 p.m.
- Steele, Senior Center, 3-4:30 p.m.
For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3lkvv80.
Testing and vaccines
A comprehensive list of free public COVID-19 testing offered in North Dakota can be found at health.nd.gov/covidtesting. That site also lists where free at-home test kits are being offered.
People can go to https://www.ndvax.orgor https://bit.ly/3N3IMxb or call 866-207-2880 to see where COVID-19 vaccine is available near them.
County-level COVID-19 risks determined by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be found at https://bit.ly/3Clifrq.
Guidance and resources for businesses are at https://bit.ly/3w0DpKj.
General information is at https://www.health.nd.gov/diseases-conditions/coronavirus and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-aug-8-feds-increase-pandemic-hog-aid/article_81d07c58-135e-11ed-ab79-c36a45082046.html | 2022-08-08T11:36:40 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/north-dakota-coronavirus-news-aug-8-feds-increase-pandemic-hog-aid/article_81d07c58-135e-11ed-ab79-c36a45082046.html |
On July 28, the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a non-commercial flock in Coos County. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in Coos County. Other Oregon counties with confirmed HPAI cases include Deschutes, Lane, Linn and Polk counties. The Coos County flock of approximately 25 birds, is a mix of chickens and ducks. The flock owners did not sell eggs or other poultry products therefore federal guidelines do no not require a quarantine.
USDA in partnership with ODA, humanely euthanized the flock on the property to prevent the spread of the disease. The birds will not enter the food system. There is no immediate public concern due to the avian influenza virus detection. Avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain safe to eat. Both wild and domestic poultry should be adequately prepared and cooked. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/avian-flu-confirmed-in-coos-county-backyard-flock/article_1014ed68-1374-11ed-b1bc-473ae710e12c.html | 2022-08-08T12:01:30 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/avian-flu-confirmed-in-coos-county-backyard-flock/article_1014ed68-1374-11ed-b1bc-473ae710e12c.html |
The report was required by Public Law 116-260 at the request of Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and enacted by Congress in late December 2020.
Jane Bacchieri, executive director of the Elakha Alliance, an Oregon nonprofit organization advocating for the restoration of sea otters on the Oregon coast, commented, “I commend the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for this outstanding report. It sets the stage for thoughtful, careful restoration of sea otters along the Pacific Coast. I am pleased that its findings, aimed at northern California and Oregon, match those in the Elakha Alliance Feasibility Study completed last December.”
Both studies conclude that reintroducing sea otters would result in major conservation benefits to the species and would have a wide range of ecological benefits in the marine and estuarine environments. Both caution that additional social and economic studies are needed. Neither study recommends specific restoration sites or numbers, but both provide guidance for future work to do so.
Bacchieri added that “we agree that a lot more work is needed at the local level to address risks and uncertainties, especially around impacts to communities and existing ocean users. This is why we have started to engage with communities on the southern Oregon coast. We hope our work at the local level will be a model for how other reintroductions will be planned.”
Bacchieri expressed appreciation that the report acknowledges the guidelines of the IUCN SSC (International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission). “The IUCN provides a much-needed set of standards by which to plan for and carry out reintroduction of sea otters. Our work is meeting those standards.”
Bacchieri concluded that “this comprehensive report provides clear direction for future actions to be taken in concert by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state wildlife agencies, private conservation organizations, community partners and ocean users to chart a path to successful reintroduction of this important keystone species.”
The Elakha Alliance is an Oregon nonprofit organization incorporated in 2018 with a mission to restore a healthy population of sea otters to the Oregon coast and, in the process, help make Oregon’s marine ecosystem more robust and resilient. Its board includes members with tribal, nonprofit, scientific, government and conservation backgrounds. The Alliance commissioned a scientific feasibility study, completed in early 2022, to ensure that the best available scientific information and conservation experience is available to inform discussions and decisions about restoring a population of sea otters to the Oregon coast. This study is available on the organization’s website (https://www.elakhaalliance.org/) . | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/elakha-alliance-praises-new-sea-otter-report/article_9359f38c-1359-11ed-b319-cfb2e98501aa.html | 2022-08-08T12:01:31 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/elakha-alliance-praises-new-sea-otter-report/article_9359f38c-1359-11ed-b319-cfb2e98501aa.html |
BRUNSWICK, Ga. — The three men convicted of federal hate crime charges in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery are set to be sentenced on Monday.
A federal jury found shooter Travis McMichael, his father Gregory McMichael, and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan, who is white, guilty of killing Arbery, who is Black, in February. That was the first federal hate crimes conviction ever in Georgia.
The men are already sentenced to life on state charges for the 2020 murder. The recommended federal sentence is a life term on top of the state charges.
11Alive News legal analyst Page Pate believes the trio will likely spend the rest of their lives in prison.
“You're looking at potentially very, very lengthy sentences," Pate said. “They're not going to a Martha Stewart type camp, even if they're allowed to go to federal prison.”
Travis and Gregory McMichaels want to stay in federal prison. Their lawyer said they don't want to go to state prison because they're afraid they'll be killed.
"The state prisons in Georgia are horrible, especially right now. In fact, many of them are subject to a federal Department of Justice investigation as as to the conditions of confinement," Pate said. “You've got severe staff shortages. You have violence. Inmate on inmate attacks, inmate on guard attacks. You even have guard on inmate attacks.”
Pate said it's unusual for inmate deaths to happen in state prison, but he does believe the three men could be targets. Arbery's family said they want the men to go state prison for chasing Ahmaud down and killing him in a Brunswick neighborhood when he went for a jog in February 2020.
“That's given both the nature of the crime, their convictions and all of the evidence that we heard during the trials, the racial hatred, the language and not to mention what actually happened to Ahmaud Arbery," Pate said.
It's unlikely they won't be transferred to state prison after Monday's federal sentencing, according to Pate.
“What happens in a situation like this when someone's first been charged in state court and then they have federal charges brought against them is that the state loans them to federal court until their federal case is finished and then they take them back," Pate said.
Pate believes federal prosecutors want to communicate that actions like the McMichaels' and Bryan's won't be tolerated.
“I think the message that this sends is that this current Department of Justice is very focused on prosecuting hate crimes, even if people have been prosecuted previously in the state system," Pate said.
The McMichaels were not given the possibility of parole on their state sentence.
"Bryan has the opportunity to seek parole in the state system. If he's given a life sentence in federal court, though, won't matter because there is no parole in the federal system," Pate said,
Pate thinks the only way the men won't spend their lives in prison is if they win an appeal, which he expects their lawyers to do immediately after sentencing. But he believes it's unlikely an appeal will be successful unless there are legal errors. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/ahmaud-arbery-sentencing-greg-travis-mcmichael-william-roddie-bryan-federal-hate-crime/85-4d5b9c68-f708-453a-b38f-b064ce4d3291 | 2022-08-08T12:01:59 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/ahmaud-arbery-sentencing-greg-travis-mcmichael-william-roddie-bryan-federal-hate-crime/85-4d5b9c68-f708-453a-b38f-b064ce4d3291 |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — There was a crash at the University Parkway and West State of Franklin Road intersection Monday morning.
Dispatch confirmed the crash. It is unclear at this time what led to the crash, if there were injuries and how many vehicles were involved.
Responding agencies included the Johnson City Police Department and Carter County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
News Channel 11 reached out to the CCSO for more information and awaits a response. No further details are available at this time. This is a developing story. Stay updated on-air and on WJHL.com. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/dispatch-crash-at-university-parkway-and-west-state-of-franklin/ | 2022-08-08T12:02:24 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/dispatch-crash-at-university-parkway-and-west-state-of-franklin/ |
Anyone who has ever been to a music festival knows that using the bathroom is an annoying chore at best, and at worst, a test of how long you can hold your breath and bladder.
However, on Saturday afternoon at Outside Lands, armed with my Golden Gate Club wristband, that experience was “elevated.” Instead of waiting to exhale, I breathe deeply as I cleanse my hands in the spacious lavatory trailer with mid-tier designer soap (Public Goods, if you must know). Then I spritzed myself with a facial mist that smelled like fresh sheets from a boutique hotel.
A wristband that allows entry to this luxurious bathroom, as well as a host of other perks including front of stage access, costs $1,995 for one day, plus fees (general admission is $175). I was given media access to this exclusive wonderland in order to experience the grandeur, and report back to you, the reader who is likely spending that amount of money on a month’s pandemic-reduced rent in a one-bedroom San Francisco apartment ($2,341). Or if you’re feeling spontaneous, a flight to Tokyo on one day’s notice ($1,975 round-trip).
Behind Outside Lands’ golden gates
The most visible perk is access to a lounge that’s located literally above the regular VIP area ($395/day), a second-story open-air palace overlooking the Lands End stage. The walls of the Golden Gate Club were draped in plush curtains, with couches that look pulled from a “Bridgerton” set. The atmosphere was created by esteemed interior designer Ken Fulk, whose name presumably means something to people with two grand to spend to see Post Malone (who admittedly exceeded my expectations).
While hanging out in this area, I munched on “free” caviar and soft-shelled crab BLTs and golden lattes, plus of course some signature martinis prepared by a bartender from my favorite local cocktail bar, True Laurel. There were wine tastings and mezcal tastings and mushroom-cactus tincture tastings, so very many tastings, for an estimated 200 guests a day with very refined taste.
As fun as it would be to dunk on the unique breed of rich San Franciscans surrounding me, the crowd didn't give me much to tweet about. The Golden Gate Club was full of influencers dressed in either all black or all white, rock and roll Branson-Bezos CEO-types, wine moms treating themselves, and most curiously, bored teens. Several bartenders told me the patrons were less sloppy than those in GA, and the tip jars were stuffed with $20s (maybe that was the reason for the kind words).
My first question was why someone would spend so much money for a wristband for their kid, who can’t even enjoy a Martini Del Mar (Gray Whale gin, lo-fi dry vermouth, seashore tincture). The answer, which I’ll delve more into later, is that in the year 2022, music festivals are a young person’s game.
A music festival super power
Once you’re a few years out of college and have seen most festival-caliber bands before, the inconvenience of a music fest overshadows the fun. When you can stream Phoebe Bridgers from your couch (or catch her at an afterparty at the Independent), there’s much less appeal to being on your feet for eight hours in order to pretend not to cry in a crowd of 75,000 strangers.
The practical value of the Golden Gate Club pass is that it removes the uncomfortable friction that leads music fans of a certain age to tap out of the festival circuit. It doesn’t pay for Uber surge prices, but otherwise every pain point is alleviated — there’s a private entrance/exit, coat check, charging stations, wifi and a concierge with easily forgotten fest essentials like sunscreen (SPF 50, no less).
For me, aside from the bathrooms, the most impressive part of the whole experience was “Mr. Fulk’s Wild Ride.” This is not a Disneyland attraction, but rather the ultimate festival superpower: a golf cart. Simply hail a concierge in a green jacket and they will call a ride for you, which will zip around on paths behind the stages.
Anyone who has clocked 35,000 steps in the past two days knows that the lengthy walks between stages means you’ll miss a few acts due to time and energy constraints. But thanks to these Wild Rides, you can make it from Lands End to Twin Peaks in 10 minutes flat, allowing a (very rich) mortal to achieve the impossible: see both SZA and Phoebe Bridgers. And what’s more, the cart essentially drops you in the front row of the stage, in a fenced-off area complete with a cooler of “free” beers.
Welcome to paradise
When Green Day started playing around 8 p.m., the borrowed privilege of my golden ticket finally sunk in. The 17-year-old version of me that crowdsurfed in a “Nimrod” t-shirt at a Green Day show in Austin, Texas would be very confused. Instead of watching from the front row, I spent most of the set sitting in my kingly perch in the Golden Gate Club, sipping a surprisingly enjoyable golden latte while looking down upon the largest crowd I’ve ever seen.
The sound was fabulous thanks to a personal PA speaker hanging behind me, and I wasn't mad about a plush couch after all those steps. Watching from above as Billie Joe Armstrong commanded the sea of fans to hold their cell phone lights in the air was legitimately one of the most memorable moments in decades of concerts.
When I sauntered out of the club and down to the other significantly cheaper tier of VIP viewing area, I had plenty of room and still felt close enough to the stage — but as a teenager, I would've wanted to be as close to the stage as possible. Thinking back to the Austin Music Hall show made me realize the appeal of blowing a bag on a ticket for a child. There’s nothing that would’ve made my parents bigger heroes than flagging down a golf cart to take me directly to the front row. And from an adult’s perspective, the exclusive access assuages the fear that their kid might end up in an unsafe situation (like for instance, a Central Texas mosh pit).
I hope you had the time of your life
Aside from a priceless parenting flex, is this $2,000 ticket worth it?
When it comes to the bottom line, even a GA experience is going to cost at least $300 a day if you’re eating and drinking and Lyfting. Spending $500 wouldn’t be out of the question if you want to take home a cute OSL blanket or visit Grasslands. That extra thousand dollars gets you lambchop sliders and mezcal margaritas, the ability (and energy) to see more bands, front row access, and perhaps most importantly, those luxuriously clean bathrooms.
So after all this, would I — a person who has absolutely no financial ability to buy this level of ticket — consider buying this level of ticket? If the lineup was co-headlined by Frank Ocean and Brian Eno, and I had just found a cartoon sack of cash on the sidewalk, sure. The Golden Gate Club pass made Outside Lands feel like a leisurely getaway, rather than an exhaustingly fun day soundtracked by future pop stars and my inner teen's favorite punk band. That frictionless experience might be worth the cost of an airplane flight upgrade, however there's no way I'd pay the price of a full vacation.
But the next time I go to a festival, I’ll be sure to bring my own facial spray, and bask in the affordable luxury of a rosemary-scented mist. | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/I-experienced-the-festival-opulence-of-the-2-000-17358158.php | 2022-08-08T12:03:21 | 1 | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/I-experienced-the-festival-opulence-of-the-2-000-17358158.php |
A Good Samaritan trying to break up a robbery on the Upper West Side was shot early Monday morning, police said.
The incident happened around 4:30 a.m. at a store near the corner of Broadway and 71st Street. Police said the location had recently been robbed, and so a 29-year-old man was hanging out with the store employee, a friend of his.
Four suspects allegedly came in and tried to rob the place of cash and CBD oil. At that point, the 29-year-old friend of the employee tried to break up the robbery and was shot in the foot.
The suspects fled; no description was immediately available. The shooting victim was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside in stable condition.
The robbery victim was not injured.
Copyright NBC New York | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/manhattan-good-samaritan-shot-trying-to-break-up-upper-west-side-robbery/3814354/ | 2022-08-08T12:03:22 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/manhattan-good-samaritan-shot-trying-to-break-up-upper-west-side-robbery/3814354/ |
It’s hard to miss the glossy new building perched near the Bay Bridge tunnel’s eastern mouth, jutting out from a forest of eucalyptus and Monterey pines. At night, a few of its units can be seen lit up in soft golden hues — meaning that after nearly two decades of planning and development, the first residents of Yerba Buena Island’s luxury condos have started to move in.
Residents of The Bristol, the first of five new housing developments to open on the island, can now enjoy panoramic views of the bay from their soundproofed floor-to-ceiling windows, along with chef’s kitchens, spa-like bathrooms and a communal rooftop terrace. Soon, residents will have access to 5 miles of hiking trails, 72 acres of parks and a private resort-style lounge called The Island Club.
But their arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in Yerba Buena’s story — one far different from the community that flourished in city-owned housing there for 16 years, protected from the scourges of high rent across the bridge. Those lower-priced homes were torn down to make room for The Bristol, and after a prolonged battle with the city and developers, many of the residents there were moved into houses on neighboring Treasure Island. But those homes, too, will be gone soon.
“Today people question whether all of the promises of San Francisco are realized, and I believe on these two islands, it’s an emphatic yes,” said developer Chris Meany, whose firm Wilson Meany is developing both Yerba Buena and Treasure Island.
Meany added that life on Yerba Buena is “a little higher-end than most places in San Francisco.” That might be an understatement: units in The Bristol sell from $800,000 for a studio to over $3 million for a three-bedroom condo.
While on a tour of the building, I thought their prices might make sense. The air inside smelled expensive, and I was scared to touch anything besides my notebook. Every unit I saw had a million-dollar view, with Treasure Island as the centerpiece. For now, it looks like one big construction site, but soon it’ll have its own skyline to match the one across the water.
Two islands on shaky ground
Treasure Island, connected to Yerba Buena by a single causeway, is an artificial piece of land constructed in 1939 to house the Golden Gate International Exposition, then used as a Navy base until 1997. When the base was decommissioned, hundreds of homes were left empty on the island’s northern end.
Despite the fact that past Navy activity had allowed radioactive fallout to sink into the island’s soil, the city of San Francisco was tasked with renting out 375 of its housing units, a third of which were designated to low-income and unhoused residents.
Those homes still stand today — I know, because I moved into one of them in 2018.
For the three years that followed, my life and the lives of the friends I moved in with became punctuated by frequent power outages, incessant construction noise and the constant anxiety that comes with living on top of what is essentially a pile of landfill in one of the most earthquake-prone places on the planet. Around our neighborhood were fenced-off areas with signs warning people not to enter, referring to the land as “radiologically controlled” or “under environmental investigation for hazardous substances.”
All of that aside, life was pretty good — and more importantly, rent was cheap enough that our little group of Black and brown transgender 20-somethings could afford a three-bedroom home on service industry wages.
I’d often spend my days off at one of the Bay Area’s best kept secrets, a small beach on Yerba Buena's eastern shore called Clipper Cove. The weather there is perfect, blocked from the wind by groves of pygmy oaks and arroyo willows that tower over the sand on wooded cliffs. I’d explore unofficial trails that had been carved through the blackberry bushes by other visitors to the island. The trails led to hidden spots nestled in the forest, where students from Treasure Island’s live-in trade school left metal folding chairs to sit, smoke and enjoy the view.
Other trails led to ruins from Yerba Buena’s Navy days, including a dilapidated three-story concrete staircase completely covered in vines and moss. I’d climb to the top of it to sit and watch red-tailed hawks glide over the water — water that, by the way, is actually warm enough to swim in during the summer.
At the start of the pandemic, I ordered a booklet from 1936 off eBay called "The Legend of Yerba Buena Island." Author Marcia Edwards Boyes writes that, before being colonized by Spain, the island was home to an Ohlone fishing village called Tuchayune. It was then named Yerba Buena Island, Sea Bird Island, Goat Island (after goats were placed there to sell to trading ships), Wood Island and finally Yerba Buena Island once more. Control of the island passed between the city, the Army and the Navy several times over the years, eventually landing under San Francisco jurisdiction when the base closed in 1997.
'A dream come true'
While the bulk of the Navy’s operations — and, therefore, the housing — was on Treasure Island, shutting down the base opened up some senior officers’ quarters that had been sitting vacant on Yerba Buena for years. After the base closure, San Francisco created a waiting list for people interested in moving into them.
That’s how Christoph Oppermann ended up on Yerba Buena in 1999, in a two-story, three-bedroom apartment near where The Bristol sits now.
“It was the best place I ever lived,” Oppermann said. “The sense of community was unprecedented for living in the city of San Francisco. I don’t know any neighborhood that even comes close to that.”
About 100 people lived in the tight-knit community from 1999 until 2015, enjoying affordable rent, breathtaking views and a close connection to their fellow islanders.
“It was a very close community of neighbors all looking out for each other. We were in an isolated place, so it required us to have a much closer relationship with everybody,” said Atta Pilgrim, who moved onto the island in 2000. “It was a very quiet and nice community, and it was definitely affordable.”
Residents knew it was all temporary — a clause in their lease mentioned future developments somewhere down the line that would require them to leave the island. What they didn’t know was when they’d have to leave, or under what circumstances.
“The island was a dream come true, and we thought it would be gone in a heartbeat, but it took forever. We were told three to five years when we moved in in ’99, and it took 15 until they finally did it,” Oppermann said.
In 2015, the Treasure Island Development Authority sent out eviction notices to the tenants on Yerba Buena, offering them a choice between a $5,500 moving stipend or a replacement unit in one of the military townhomes on Treasure Island. Many residents, including Oppermann and Pilgrim, chose the latter option, but not before a battle between their community, the city and new developers.
“I think we had some 500 public hearings,” the developer, Meany, told me. “It’s probably one of the most vetted projects that’s ever come from new developments in San Francisco. We had no-growthers sue to try and stop the development.”
Some of those “no-growthers” were residents of the officers’ quarters, including Oppermann, who helped form a tenants’ association that met regularly at his apartment.
While their organizing efforts couldn’t keep them on Yerba Buena, they did ensure that the group got the most desirable units on Treasure Island: three to four bedroom townhomes with remarkable views of the city skyline, placed far from the radiologically impacted sites nearer to the island’s center. They were also told by city officials that some affordable options on Yerba Buena would be available to them once developments were completed, but that never became a reality.
“I went to City Hall dozens of times saying, ‘Please, do not turn Yerba Buena Island into a billionaire’s playground,’ and that’s exactly what they’re doing,” Oppermann said.
According to Pilgrim, a city official told residents in 2015 that future units on Yerba Buena would cost no more than $800,000. But today, the only homes selling for that little are studio apartments.
“Obviously, we had some hope that we could save money while we were here on Treasure Island, and hopefully use that to go back to Yerba Buena. But that’s totally out of reach now,” Pilgrim said.
Meany said he feels that the new prices on the island are exactly where they should be.
“I think rather than saying it’s an enclave for the rich, people should be saying, ‘Isn’t this a spectacular execution of what San Francisco aspires to be?’” he said.
The Treasure Island Development Authority did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
‘They’re taking us out in little pieces’
Both Pilgrim and Oppermann still live on Treasure Island. But earlier this year, the Development Authority told them — along with residents of about 140 other homes nearby — that they’ll have to relocate again, some as early as next year. The agency is moving people out one section at a time, but eventually, its plans to turn the island into a bustling extension of downtown San Francisco will require that every current housing unit be demolished. Renderings of the planned developments show they will be replaced by a large park.
“They’re taking us out in little pieces, rather than the whole island. They’re starting with this little neighborhood, then that little neighborhood, then that little neighborhood, then the whole island will be empty,” Oppermann said.
When I was living on Treasure Island, we all knew about the development authority’s intention to tear our houses down. A housing plan published in 2007 states that “all of the former military housing on the [Naval Station Treasure Island] (except certain historical buildings) eventually will be demolished.” Like the renters on Yerba Buena, we also had clauses in our leases stating that our housing was only temporary. But, with some of us having lived there for over two decades and soil remediation efforts still taking place at radiologically impacted sites in our neighborhoods, many of us were surprised when construction actually took off.
A radiological assessment of Treasure Island published in 2014 states that the Navy used radioactive isotopes during training in order to “more realistically simulate radioactive fallout.” This resulted in contaminated water being “initially allowed to soak into the soil.”
According to journalists from the Center for Investigative Reporting, in 2007, a contractor hired by the Navy found lingering radioactive waste all over the residential half of the island — in front yards, underneath sidewalks and even in areas that had previously been playgrounds. Then, at a 2018 Treasure Island Restoration Advisory Board meeting, a remediation project manager announced that the Navy unearthed 1,280 radiological objects from the island between 2006 and 2016.
Yet developers still stand by the island’s future plans.
“State and local health officials have deemed Treasure Island — which served primarily as a transfer station rather than as a shipyard or industrial site — as safe for living and working, and the City has already taken ownership of about 80% of the Island from the Navy, which means those areas have been cleared by state and local authorities,” said a spokesperson for Wilson Meany.
The southern half of the island, further from present homes and remediation sites, will soon be dominated by new high-rise apartments and condos, shopping centers, restaurants and a whole list of other amenities I couldn’t even imagine during my time there.
I was shocked to learn of Oppermann’s looming eviction, in large part because most of the replacement units promised to longtime residents haven’t been built yet. (Those that have been built are nowhere near as nice as the one Oppermann will be leaving behind.)
“Several residents feel this is just another tactic to get those of us that are living under rent control-like conditions off the island to make the units that they’re supposed to have available for market-rate renters,” Oppermann said.
About a quarter of the new units on Treasure Island will be designated for affordable housing, and some of those are reserved for the island’s current residents. Residents who aren’t offered a replacement unit, or who don’t want to move into one, will need to find somewhere else to live.
“It’s very stressful right now. We don’t know what our future is going to be or where we’re going to be living,” Pilgrim said.
When asked about the future of the island and the people that live there, Meany told me he feels both neighborhoods are moving in the right direction.
“Housing here as a scarce resource is significantly more expensive than it should be. I regret that. But that's a San Francisco issue, not a Yerba Buena Island or Treasure Island issue,” Meany said.
I read another 1936 booklet at the start of the pandemic, this one titled "Yerba Buena Island," by George Walcott Ames Jr. It chronicles an earlier turning point in Yerba Buena’s history, the completion of the Bay Bridge, which turned the island from a sleepy rock into an anchor point for the ever-growing metro Bay Area. Then, as now, its only certainty was change.
“As a main point along the bridge arterial from the East Bay to San Francisco, its setting is that of a swift and pulsing new era,” the booklet reads. “How different from the slow and easy days of the past.” | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/yerba-buena-island-residents-evicted-17355407.php | 2022-08-08T12:03:27 | 0 | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/yerba-buena-island-residents-evicted-17355407.php |
Against the urging of Mayor J. William Reynolds, Bethlehem City Council increased the fee some developers owe to the city’s affordable housing trust fund.
The Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance program, created by state law in the 1970s, has spurred over $1 billion in private investment in Bethlehem. LERTA partially exempts developers of certain blighted properties from land and new assessment taxes for 10 years.
Citing the success of the program, the city is reducing the amount of properties eligible for those tax breaks by 87%. But when City Council approved the new map last week, members added an amendment to increase the amount of money LERTA developers owe to an affordable housing trust fund, against the urgings of the mayor, who warned the increase could defeat the purpose of LERTA.
The amendment, sponsored by Council Vice President Grace Crampsie Smith, passed 5-2, with members Michael Colon and Hillary Kwiatek voting against it.
Residential developers who take advantage of the LERTA tax breaks now must pay $52,320 per 10 housing units constructed, or must set aside one out of every 10 units as affordable housing. Kwiatek introduced an amendment to reduce the fee to $42,450, which failed.
City Council added affordable housing measures to the LERTA in 2021, requiring developers to pay $25,000 per housing unit if they chose not to make 10% of the units affordable.
Smith and Paige Van Wirt, along with former member Olga Negron, voted against the measure, arguing that the $25,000 fee was not enough.
“Last year unfortunately I was outvoted because I thought the fee was way too low,” Crampsie Smith said. “This year, the majority of council agreed with me the fee needs to be raised.”
The increased fee is not likely to make a major impact on affordable housing: Only around 17% of the remaining LERTA properties could be developed into housing. Still, Crampsie Smith said it’s an important step in the right direction, and a signal to residents that council is addressing the issue.
“We have to start somewhere, and we have to give the message, and let the community know we hear them,” Crampsie Smith said. “many people who are born and raised here can’t afford to stay here. We hear people’s concerns and we’re trying to address it.”
Average rents in Bethlehem have soared over the past year. A one-bedroom unit in Bethlehem costs $1,670 per month on average, 24% more than one year ago, according to a Rent.com report.
But Reynolds and members of his administration say setting the fee too high means the city risks losing prospective developers. The goal of LERTA is to rehabilitate blighted properties in the city, not address affordable housing, according to Director of Economic Development Alicia Karner.
In Reynolds’ view, the increased fee is a loss to the city because it will push more developers to forego the fee and instead construct affordable units. The city can use the trust funds to rehabilitate homes, provide rental assistance and build housing.
“Raising the fee does not mean that we are going to get more money from developers,” Reynolds said.
But pushing more developers to construct affordable units instead of paying the fee is the goal, Crampsie Smith said.
“You want people from all different socioeconomic levels to live inclusively, the only way you get that done is if builders make affordable units,” she said.
The fee could also leave the city vulnerable to legal challenges, city officials said. Other cities that have implemented similar measures have faced lawsuits. Crampsie Smith called the threat of lawsuits a “scare tactic” to deter cities from giving developers increased responsibility to make housing affordable.
Council unanimously approved two other amendments. One, sponsored by Kiera Wilhelm, establishes increased tax incentives for LERTA developers to construct LEED certified buildings, an environmental certification. Another, sponsored by Kwiatek, would make developers who are delinquent on tax payments ineligible for LERTA tax breaks.
Morning Call reporter Lindsay Weber can be reached at 610-820-6681 and liweber@mcall.com. | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-affordable-housing-development-fee-mayor-city-council-20220808-jnyue7b47bed5ki5tgxmdnns6q-story.html | 2022-08-08T12:08:41 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-affordable-housing-development-fee-mayor-city-council-20220808-jnyue7b47bed5ki5tgxmdnns6q-story.html |
Money for emergency rent help is running out in Lehigh County, which some advocates fear could lead to a surge in evictions.
The last day tenants and landlords can submit applications for the Lehigh County Emergency Rental Assistance Program is Aug. 31.
Community Action Lehigh Valley has administered ERAP, providing rental assistance for residents experiencing instability because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Jessica Reimert, deputy executive director of operations.
She said the program has paid for rent and past-due bills. Since the program began in April 2021, it’s assisted about 4,500 households.
Alison Wludyka of Slatington applied for ERAP help in April. A mother of three who has lived in the area for more than 20 years and cannot work because of medical issues, she said she was scheduled for cyst removal surgery the same day she was to be evicted from the house she’s renting. One of Wludyka’s medical case workers who put her in touch with CALV, which was able to pay her back rent and about eight months of future rent.
“It was like an angel came in,” Wludyka said. “They rescued my life. [The application halt] is concerning to me because it’s going to force a lot of people out of their homes.”
She still relies on the program, and with applications closing, Wludyka said she is looking for a more affordable living situation.
Reimert said the agency has 1,500 applications still in the queue and not enough money for them, let alone any additional applications.
She said CALV has spent about $30 million of the $35 million in federal and state money the county allocated to it for ERAP. With about $5 million remaining, Reimert said the nonprofit would need double that amount to fully help the 1,500 applicants still waiting.
“If we were to pay out all the requested funds for the 1,500 [applications] in our queue as of today, we would expend the funding without being able to assist everybody,” Reimert said. “Our first step is to stop future rent payments so that we can ensure that individuals who have past due rent can be made whole again. We’re hoping that first step will allow us to extend the funding a little bit to ensure all those individuals who have already applied prior to the Sept. 1 date, including anybody this month . . . have the ability to get that assistance.”
CALV could receive additional funding and reopen applications in the future but it’ll be uncertain until after applications close, Reimert said. In the meantime, the nonprofit is creating a list of alternative means for getting rental assistance that is expected to be on the CALV website before applications stop, she said.
CALV Executive Director Dawn Godshall fears the evictions that likely will result from this application halt will allow landlords to raise rent, resulting in further gentrification and marginalization of lower-income residents.
“Poor people don’t have a place to go — if rents are raised, they can’t afford it,” she said. “Rents in Allentown ... for a two-bedroom ... it takes most people who make minimum wage 2½ full-time jobs in order to meet their rent per month. I expect [increases in evictions] will be a number that we have not seen in quite some time. It frightens me to anticipate what that’s going to look like.”
Dramatic increases in rent, particularly in Allentown, have become commonplace in the last year. According to Rent.com, the average rent for apartments in Allentown in 2022 is $1,757-$2,150. A one-bedroom apartment, priced at an average rent of almost $2,000, represents a 38% increase since last year, the website reported.
The Landlord Association of Pennsylvania didn’t return requests for comment.
In 2021, Lehigh County had the fourth most evictions filed in the state, behind only Philadelphia, Allegheny and Dauphin counties.
Frank Kane, the Lehigh County director of community and economic development, said the Board of Commissioners is looking into authorizing an additional $10 million for ERAP this month, as the pandemic still plays a factor in the economy. However, he said COVID is affecting people and businesses less due to improved treatments and safety precautions. ERAP was only intended to help people through hard times during the pandemic rather than act as an overall poverty initiative, he said.
“Businesses aren’t closing anymore, people aren’t out of a job anymore,” Kane said. “People that continue to have structural imbalances in their ability to pay rent — you really can’t say it continues to be related to the pandemic. I wouldn’t expect an influx [of evictions].”
Ahmed Rahman, an associate professor of economics at Lehigh University, said he agreed with the idea that ERAP closing its applications could lead to more evictions and homelessness, but added that emergency programs like this one function more as a bandage and potentially even a dependency that don’t address the underlying issues.
He said a more important issue is how much people struggle with the ability to turn their income into the wealth needed to own housing. Longer-term programs aimed at making housing more affordable are the solution to a problem that ERAP can only patch, according to Rahman.
“For the first time, I think the majority of people [aged 24 to 40] are saying that they’re not going to be as well off as their parents,” he said. “Any policies related to housing should be longer term in focus, and that is not what the ERAP was designed to do.”
Northampton County, meanwhile, has allocated nearly $38 million for its emergency rental program and has nearly $15 million still available, spokesperson Becky Bartlett said. Four nonprofit agencies administer the program: Greater Shiloh Church, ProJeCt of Easton and Third Street Alliance for Women and Children, all in Easton; and Bethlehem’s New Bethany Ministries.
Bartlett said since the start of the assistance program, 8,375 applications have been processed and 342 were pending, as of Friday. Northampton County ranked 12th in overall evictions in 2021, and had the seventh-highest eviction rate statewide.
Executive Director Marc Rittle of New Bethany Ministries said they have used about $9.7 million for more than 2,100 households to prevent homelessness since March 2020.
“We’ve reached the point in the pandemic where an economic crisis is following the health crisis,” he said. “There is no shortage of people requesting assistance.”
High inflation has hit wallets nationwide, with some experts concerned the country could tip into a recession. A strong labor market continues with 11 million job openings and a low 3.5% unemployment rate, but is contrasted with average hourly earnings that, when adjusted for inflation, dropped 3.6% from a year earlier.
Morning Call reporter Anthony Salamone contributed to this report. | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-erap-application-halt-20220807-yzimgv2ni5ezbo6aa4sl53e3wm-story.html | 2022-08-08T12:08:47 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-erap-application-halt-20220807-yzimgv2ni5ezbo6aa4sl53e3wm-story.html |
Roadwork blitz begins next summer in downtown Noblesville
Conner Street in downtown Noblesville will be shut down in sections for three months next year for an Indiana Department of Transportation road repaving project, adding to a busy orange barrel season.
The road work will stretch from just west of State Road 37 to beyond the White River to Sheridan Road and will include some signal replacements but no new traffic lanes. The exact start date and cost has not been determined but the road will be closed in phases during the summer, said INDOT spokeswoman Kayleigh Cramer.
Conner Street, or State Road 32, runs through the business district and city officials are most concerned about the stretch from 6th to 10th streets at the Historic Downtown Square, city engineering project manager Andrew Rodewald said at a council committee meeting in July.
DisplacedAfter threatening to leave Noblesville, IDI Composites strikes deal in Pleasant Street project
Rodewald said that span would be shuttered for 30 days and would prefer INDOT wait until after Labor Day to do the work there, according to meeting minutes. The project goes to bid in August and when the schedule is known, he said he plans to have meetings with downtown businesses to prepare for the disruptions.
At the same time, roadwork will be starting on Pleasant Street, a few blocks south, for a $113 million project there. Reimagine Pleasant Street will reconstruct Pleasant from State Road 37 east to State Road 32 across the White River, adding four roundabouts.
The first phase scheduled to start in the Spring will include building a bridge over the White River and rebuilding the road from the river to about 12th Street. The second phase, scheduled to start in spring of 2024, will be from 12th Street to State Road 37. And the third stage, starting at the same time, will connect Pleasant Street from River Road to State Road 32 at the Hague Road intersection and will include construction of a bridge over Cicero Creek.
On the heels of the of the Pleasant Street project, INDOT plans to widen 5 miles of State Road 32 from downtown Noblesville to downtown Westfield beginning in 2025.
Separately, Westfield will be widening the road through downtown from U.S. 31 to Timberbrook Run, a distance of about a mile, where it will link to the INDOT project, said Sarah Everhart, environmental project manager for American Structurepoint, which is designing the project set to begin next year. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/noblesville/2022/08/08/downtown-noblesville-roadwork-indot-construction-project/65393190007/ | 2022-08-08T12:20:04 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/noblesville/2022/08/08/downtown-noblesville-roadwork-indot-construction-project/65393190007/ |
What happens to Colts training camp if Westfield sells Grand Park?
The Indianapolis Colts are at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield this month preparing for another season as the city is simultaneously preparing for Grand Park's future.
Westfield is in the middle of a process to identify a potential buyer or public-private partner to operate the city's 400-acre sports campus. Bids from companies that previously told the city they were interested in Grand Park are due Aug. 8.
Although a new owner or operator of Grand Park could have an impact on the sports campus in the future, it will not affect the location of Colts training camp for the coming years, spokespersons for the team and the city confirmed to IndyStar.
In 2017, the Colts announced the team would hold training camp at Grand Park and pay Westfield $653,000 over 10 years.
"The Colts have a comprehensive contract with the Westfield Redevelopment Commission through 2027, and we would expect that agreement to continue notwithstanding the outcome of the RFP process," Steve Campbell, vice president of communications for the Indianapolis Colts, wrote in an email to IndyStar.
The Colts first hosted training camp at Grand Park in 2018 with a one-year hiatus in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Colts training camp was previously in Anderson.
The 2022 training camp began July 27. Between opening day and Aug. 4, nearly 18,645 people visited Grand Park, according to statistics provided by the city of Westfield. That number is expected to rise. Free tickets to the Sunday Aug. 7 practices sold out, the Colts announced Aug. 1.
"To our little city, it's a huge deal," Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said in a video on the city's YouTube page.
Training camp runs through Aug. 25.
More:Going to Colts training camp at Grand Park? Schedule, dates, tickets, where to eat and more
Grand Park bidding process
The future of Grand Park has been a talking point in the city for nearly six months.
In March, the Westfield Redevelopment Commission released a request for proposals seeking businesses interested in purchasing or entering a public-private partnership with the city to operate Grand Park.
More:Westfield is looking for a buyer for $49M Grand Park Sports Campus, $26M events center
By April 1, nearly 20 companies met an initial deadline informing the city of their interest in the sports campus. Those companies had until Aug. 8 to submit a bid on the property.
Two independent appraisals of Grand Park set $85 million as the minimum price the city could accept on a sale of the sports campus. The city estimated Grand Park's value at just shy of $204 million in the request for proposals.
After Aug. 8, a city review committee will examine bids and provide recommendations to the Westfield Redevelopment Commission and the Westfield City Council on next steps.
The commission and council will then vote on whether Grand Park will have a new owner or operator. The two groups could also decide not to sell the sports campus.
Grand Park opened in 2014. The $49 million sports campus is home to 31 soccer fields, 26 baseball diamonds and other buildings. A $26 million, 378,000-square-foot indoor event center opened in 2016. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/westfield/2022/08/08/colts-nfl-training-camp-grand-park-sports-campus-westfield-indiana/65392056007/ | 2022-08-08T12:20:10 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/westfield/2022/08/08/colts-nfl-training-camp-grand-park-sports-campus-westfield-indiana/65392056007/ |
317 Project: Four cellos, three daughters, one mom and their special bond
The 317 Project tells stories of life in all of Indianapolis’ vibrant neighborhoods – 317 words at a time.
Sometimes, a parent’s wishes and a child’s wants collide.
Sarah Clayton, mother of three, wants her daughters to learn to play cello.
Not just because she grew up playing music, or because her husband did too, but because she’s hoping her daughters “learn to work through something hard.”
“That’s a skill,” Sarah said, “they’ll use later on in the future.”
But life lessons and skill development are occasionally lost upon five-year-olds. That’s the age of Sarah’s youngest daughter, Anya, who, when asked why she plays, earnestly says, “Because mom makes me.”
Ask Anya what she likes to do, and she’ll explain eagerly and simply: “Play.”
She says this, not referring to the cello but to her many stuffed animals.
A Thursday evening, in the music room at Broadway United Methodist Church, Anya sat down between her mom, holding a cello, and Sarah Binford, the musical instructor who was there to teach them. Her two older sisters, 8 and 10, had just finished.
The semi-private lesson was offered through the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, a program where parents are required to learn and play alongside their children.
Binford began by asking Anya to identify musical notes. Anya answered more wrong than right, which seemed to shrink the five-year-old’s attention span.
Plucking away at the cello’s strings with her fingers, Anya stopped to ask Binford a question.
“I like chocolate milk,” Anya said. “Do you?”
“I do,” Binford replied.
“What about vanilla,” Anya added. “Do you like cotton candy?”
Sarah wanted Anya to focus. Anya had other interests.
Binford had a solution. She cupped Anya’s right hand between hers and guided Anya’s bow along the strings. A familiar tune followed: Old MacDonald.
Binford then released Anya’s hand as she continued alone. Sarah smiled.
Near the end of the lesson, Anya stood up and took a bow.
Sometimes, a parent’s wishes and a child’s wants collide.
And sometimes they converge.
Have a tip for a story in one of Indianapolis’ neighborhoods? Let us know at 317project@indystar.com.
Contact IndyStar reporter Brandon Drenon at 317-517-3340 or BDrenon@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @BrandonDrenon.
Brandon is also a Report for America corps member with the GroundTruth Project, an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization dedicated to supporting the next generation of journalists in the U.S. and around the world.
Report for America, funded by both private and public donors, covers up to 50% of a reporter's salary. It’s up to IndyStar to find the other half, through local community donors, benefactors, grants or other fundraising activities.
If you would like to make a personal, tax-deductible contribution to his position, you can make a one-time donation online or a recurring monthly donation via IndyStar.com/RFA.
You can also donate by check, payable to “The GroundTruth Project.” Send it to Report for America, IndyStar, c/o The GroundTruth Project, 10 Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135. Please put IndyStar/Report for America in the check memo line. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2022/08/08/317-project-musical-family-in-indianapolis-has-3-kids-playing-cello-string-instruments-arts/10051984002/ | 2022-08-08T12:20:16 | 0 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2022/08/08/317-project-musical-family-in-indianapolis-has-3-kids-playing-cello-string-instruments-arts/10051984002/ |
Space to grow: Gardening program gives young adults with criminal pasts new opportunities
Green bean seeds sprinkle down from Joseph Rogers' hands into the dry soil in front of him.
It’s a sunny Friday afternoon in the Fountain Square Community Garden as “Step by Step” plays from his speaker. Rogers dances to the music, gloved hands in the air.
“When I play music it makes the plants grow faster,” he said.
Most Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND) programs, a community development non-profit founded by the city's south and southeast residents, are focused on affordable housing, commercial renovation, economic and small business support and improving green and public spaces.
Their gardening program, started this year, works with young adults who have been formerly incarcerated or involved with the justice system to offer them employment opportunities while also cultivating community gardens.
The harvest from this garden, including watermelon, strawberries, broccoli and a variety of other fruits and vegetables go to Fountain View senior living apartments and the Elaine, a food pantry.
Bryant Washington and Devonte Lawson planted with Rogers this summer as part of the ReGrowth program.
South and southeast Indy residents wanted to improve food systems, said Alex Hughes, the Community Builder for SEND, which is how ReGrowth was born. ReGrowth participants worked five hours a day, five days a week, for $16 an hour.
“We shouldn’t have so many barriers around employment,” Hughes said. “But there are for that population.”
Criminal records often are a barrier to finding employment in the United States. A 2014 study showed that when applicants with identical resumes applied to the same job, the formerly incarcerated person was less likely to get an interview. In 2018, unemployment for formerly incarcerated people was 27%, higher than the unemployment rate of the general population historically, including during the Great Depression, according to the Prison Policy Initiative.
The inaugural ReGrowth cohort this year had four participants, but Hughes hopes it expands in both number of participants and ages.
The program lasted six weeks.
While ReGrowth paid an hourly wage, participants also took a financial literacy class, cooking classes, learned how to plant and cultivate a garden, build a garden bed and had weekly lunches with potential employers.
“Food is so much more than planting things and maintaining gardens," Hughes said. "It’s community.”
The program attempted to connect the participants with professionals in fields that the participants were interested in, including tattoo artists and chefs, Hughes said.
"This program isn't just about creating future farmers, it's about food and wellness and kind of also what are you passionate about?” Hughes said.
Paving their way in the world
Washington has a passion for businesses. He wants to run a shoe business that focuses on selling large sizes because "big sizes run out." He also wants to run a transportation business that hauls cars to a car sales lots.
Washington, 19, heard about the ReGrowth program through RecycleForce, a nonprofit focused on the re-entry of people returning from incarceration and improving the environment through electronics recycling, according to its website.
His time in the criminal justice system as a minor makes him certain he won't be in trouble with the law anymore.
"I never want to experience that again," he said. "It awakened me."
Since then, Washington has had a lot of jobs. Mowing lawns, working at McDonald's and Foot Locker. ReGrowth was the first one that taught him about gardening. Now, he knows how to grow flowers and build a garden for someone, he said.
Washington also is interested in helping others, just like others have helped him. He said, eventually, he wants to help his mom run a shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness.
Lawson, 24, also heard about ReGrowth through RecycleForce.
He was recently released after serving time for his connection to an armed robbery as a teenager. It's the only time he's been in major trouble with the law and he hopes it's his last.
Still, sometimes he worries.
Lawson said he's seen other people struggle to stay out of prison and find employment after incarceration.
"Certain people, they're good people, but they'd be stuck in certain situations where you can't get out," he said.
Some of these situations, he said, include struggling with mental illness, becoming homeless or spending time with the wrong people.
Employers discriminate based on both background and race, which can make finding a job harder for people like him, Lawson said.
He wished more people would embrace and encourage others, including those who are formerly incarcerated, to do better.
ReGrowth has done exactly that, he said. The program has helped him become more punctual and taught him how to work with other people.
His favorite part of ReGrowth was growing food and learning how to harvest, Lawson said. He also enjoyed the classes they took through Cooking Matters, which teaches cooking and nutrition education.
Lawson dreams of eventually opening his own restaurant — though he hasn't yet decided what type of food he'll serve. But he has some time. First, he plans to go to IvyTech and get a degree in culinary arts.
"There's a lot of people who got out of prison recently, in the last decade, that changed their life all the way," Lawson said. "No matter what the situation was."
Finding a home
Before his sophomore year of high school, Rogers said he decided to stop going to school. He applied to Job Corps, a program administered by the United States Department of Labor that offers free education and vocational training to people ages 16 to 24.
Rogers got a diploma through Job Corps and returned home to Gary, Indiana. Upon returning, he was diagnosed with epilepsy. Rogers said he's been told before that epilepsy makes him a workplace hazard. For Rogers, ReGrowth isn't just a job, it's a stress reliever.
In 2018, Rogers moved to Indianapolis. The next year, right after his daughter was born, he lost his house and had to move into a homeless shelter. Then he lost his job during the pandemic.
Through RecycleForce, Rogers heard about ReGrowth and hopes the program is able to include more people going forward.
“This is a lovely thing that I want to see expand,” he said.
After gardening at Fountain Square, the Regrowth team is awaiting lead soil tests to come back before building garden beds in the Norwood neighborhood.
Across the street from the planned plot, Rogers and his girlfriend walk up freshly painted white stairs onto the porch of a grey house with blue shutters. Rogers hunches over, peering inside.
“This would be perfect for us,” he said.
The house was recently constructed by SEND's home ownership program, which uses federal grant funds to build homes for buyers who are at or below 80 percent of the average income level in the area.
He hopes to be able to buy one like it being built nearby.
When he gets his own home, whether it's the one in Norwood or not, he wants to use what he’s learned from ReGrowth to start his own garden.
Gardening is just like having kids, Rogers said. He has a three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son.
“It’s just me being a father,” Rogers said, motioning at the plants surrounding him. “This is like kids. You gotta nourish these plants. You gotta talk to them. Gotta keep them hydrated.”
As he skims through his phone, looking at dozens of photos and videos of the gardens they’ve been working on over the summer, Rogers marvels at how, in a matter of weeks, the seeds he planted had grown into pounds and pounds of vegetables and fruits.
“You drop it in the ground, you see it, a small little pebble become to being something like this,” he said, motioning at the garden around him. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2022/08/08/indianapolis-gardening-program-feeds-neighborhood-gives-opportunity-regrow-recycle-force-send/65379439007/ | 2022-08-08T12:20:22 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2022/08/08/indianapolis-gardening-program-feeds-neighborhood-gives-opportunity-regrow-recycle-force-send/65379439007/ |
Here are the foods most affected by inflation in Indiana
Grocery bills are getting steeper. Shoppers have to shell out almost a dollar or more than they paid last year for items such as a pack of chicken breasts, a bag of oranges or a two dozen eggs.
As inflation increases, so has the cost for essentials such as gas, rent and food, making life harder for families with already tight budgets. Gleaners, one of Indiana's largest food banks, is seeing longer lines, said John Elliott, its president and CEO.
As stores shut down and people went into quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, companies responded by making less products, said Tin-Chun Lin, an economist at Indiana University. But once pandemic restrictions loosened and people began spending more money, companies couldn't dial back up as quickly as people wanted to buy things, he said.
That drove prices up.
This year, rising gas prices, the Russian-Ukraine war and supply chain issues made things worse, Lin said.
As gas prices increased, everything else did as well. The more food traveled to get on the shelf at the supermarket, the more expensive it became, said Micah Pollak, another economist at Indiana University.
To avoid big grocery bills, experts recommend swapping vegetables for meat, eating seasonal or local foods and avoiding processed foods.
Here are the foods that have increased the most:
Eggs
The price of eggs rank among the highest in increases in the past year -- more than 30% from last June. A dozen eggs cost about $2.70, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A contagious bird flu outbreak spiked up the price of chicken and eggs, Lin said.
Milk, cheese and other dairy products
The average price for a gallon of whole milk is $4.40, an increase from the $3.69 price about a year ago, according to the USDA. Dairy is among the foods most affected by inflation. Foods that require multiple steps to process, such as dairy, meat and eggs, are more susceptible to supply chain problems and gas prices, Pollak said.
Processed foods
Lots of processed foods have wheat as a major ingredient, such as cereal and frozen dinners. And the supply of wheat is low, Lin said. The Russia-Ukraine war has decreased wheat import to the United States, causing prices to rise, Lin said. But that's not the whole story, Pollak said. The price increase is also likely tied to the rising cost of wages, difficulty finding labor and cost of transporting foods from location to location, he said.
Beef
Beef prices made headlines this year. But meat producers blamed pandemic stresses, some political leaders have called out meat producers for making record profits.
A pound of ground beef was $4.36 last June and rose to $4.90 this June, according to federal officials.
Fruits
While generally fruit prices have moderately increased compared to dairy and meat, oranges stand out as prices increased about 10% in the last year.
A pound of oranges costs $1.60, according to USDA's June data. It was $1.35 last June.
Vegetables
Vegetables have seen some of the smallest price increases among food. A pound of tomatoes is $1.84 a pound, similar to the $1.83 last year. Because there are fewer steps to getting vegetables on the shelves, they have been more insulated from price increases due to transportation costs and supply chain shortages, Pollak said.
So that's another reason to eat healthy. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2022/08/08/inflation-in-indiana-has-hit-foods-such-as-dairy-meat-and-oranges/65390034007/ | 2022-08-08T12:20:28 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2022/08/08/inflation-in-indiana-has-hit-foods-such-as-dairy-meat-and-oranges/65390034007/ |
BRUNSWICK, Ga. — The three men convicted of federal hate crime charges in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery are set to be sentenced on Monday.
A federal jury found shooter Travis McMichael, his father Gregory McMichael, and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan, who is white, guilty of killing Arbery, who is Black, in February. That was the first federal hate crimes conviction ever in Georgia.
The men are already sentenced to life on state charges for the 2020 murder. The recommended federal sentence is a life term on top of the state charges.
11Alive News legal analyst Page Pate believes the trio will likely spend the rest of their lives in prison.
“You're looking at potentially very, very lengthy sentences," Pate said. “They're not going to a Martha Stewart type camp, even if they're allowed to go to federal prison.”
Travis and Gregory McMichaels want to stay in federal prison. Their lawyer said they don't want to go to state prison because they're afraid they'll be killed.
"The state prisons in Georgia are horrible, especially right now. In fact, many of them are subject to a federal Department of Justice investigation as as to the conditions of confinement," Pate said. “You've got severe staff shortages. You have violence. Inmate on inmate attacks, inmate on guard attacks. You even have guard on inmate attacks.”
Pate said it's unusual for inmate deaths to happen in state prison, but he does believe the three men could be targets. Arbery's family said they want the men to go state prison for chasing Ahmaud down and killing him in a Brunswick neighborhood when he went for a jog in February 2020.
“That's given both the nature of the crime, their convictions and all of the evidence that we heard during the trials, the racial hatred, the language and not to mention what actually happened to Ahmaud Arbery," Pate said.
It's unlikely they won't be transferred to state prison after Monday's federal sentencing, according to Pate.
“What happens in a situation like this when someone's first been charged in state court and then they have federal charges brought against them is that the state loans them to federal court until their federal case is finished and then they take them back," Pate said.
Pate believes federal prosecutors want to communicate that actions like the McMichaels' and Bryan's won't be tolerated.
“I think the message that this sends is that this current Department of Justice is very focused on prosecuting hate crimes, even if people have been prosecuted previously in the state system," Pate said.
The McMichaels were not given the possibility of parole on their state sentence.
"Bryan has the opportunity to seek parole in the state system. If he's given a life sentence in federal court, though, won't matter because there is no parole in the federal system," Pate said,
Pate thinks the only way the men won't spend their lives in prison is if they win an appeal, which he expects their lawyers to do immediately after sentencing. But he believes it's unlikely an appeal will be successful unless there are legal errors. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/ahmaud-arbery-sentencing-greg-travis-mcmichael-william-roddie-bryan-federal-hate-crime/85-4d5b9c68-f708-453a-b38f-b064ce4d3291 | 2022-08-08T12:22:14 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/ahmaud-arbery-sentencing-greg-travis-mcmichael-william-roddie-bryan-federal-hate-crime/85-4d5b9c68-f708-453a-b38f-b064ce4d3291 |
SAN ANTONIO — A man was found shot dead in an east side duplex Monday morning, officials say.
Around 1 a.m., San Antonio Police and the San Antonio Fire Department responded to the 100 block of Gabriel Street for what was initially thought to be a stabbing.
When police arrived on scene, they found a man inside the of the duplex shot dead. He was the only person inside, and they have very little information on what took place.
Police said there is no suspect information at this time, and the homicide detectives that were called to the scene are investigating.
Police said they searched the area, but came up empty handed. No other details were provided, and the investigation will continue, police said. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-found-shot-dead-in-east-side-duplex-police-said/273-d3453c74-26b8-4ec8-b4a3-2b8307640c04 | 2022-08-08T12:22:20 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-found-shot-dead-in-east-side-duplex-police-said/273-d3453c74-26b8-4ec8-b4a3-2b8307640c04 |
It’s Cat Day ... though Mr. Whiskers told us EVERY DAY is Cat Day! Now go and clean out his litter box, please.
The historic Washington Park Velodrome hosts bike racing tonight. Registration for Stock Bike Racing (open to everyone, from age 3 to adults) starts at 6 p.m., with races starting at 6:30 p.m. To race, bring your bike and a helmet. For more details, go to www.kenoshavelodrome.com.
The Kenosha Public Library is hosting Chess Night in Lincoln Park, 6900 18th Ave. The Kenosha Chess Association hosts games from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays outside the park’s Oribiletti Center. All ages and abilities are welcome.Also: The library’s Book Truck will be parked nearby.You can sign up for a library card, check out and return items, and sign up for the Summer Reading Program.
People are also reading…
Prost! The Biergarten in Petrifying Springs County Park is open seven days, serving up cold beverages and warm pretzels. For more details, check the Biergarten’s Facebook page.
Monday night music: Who says Monday night has to be a downer? Not the folks at Union Park Tavern. Start the work week with DJ, Ted Runnels and Trombone Dave. They perform their “not your normal DJ schtick” show — with a mix of blues, jazz, soul, and soul jazz — from 5 to 8 p.m. every Monday evening at the venue, 4520 Eighth Ave. in Kenosha. It almost makes Monday a day to look forward to … almost. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-events-for-monday-aug-8/article_29cf7d84-1439-11ed-a656-2770dcf1736b.html | 2022-08-08T12:24:58 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-events-for-monday-aug-8/article_29cf7d84-1439-11ed-a656-2770dcf1736b.html |
Feud between Wilmington neighbors, Italian restaurant reignited
A feud between a local restaurant and its neighbors has reignited in the Forty Acres community as business owner Don Scalessa pursues a liquor license and off-street parking for Scalessa’s Old School Italian Kitchen on North Lincoln Street in Wilmington.
Four years ago, Scalessa submitted a request for a zoning variance to sell beer and wine at the restaurant, but his efforts were thwarted by neighbors who said the Wilmington business owner has disregarded civic rules since opening in 2016.
When Wilmington’s administration was informed by a coalition of neighbors that Scalessa was behind on property taxes – which disqualified him from requesting the variance – he withdrew his application.
Now, Scalessa – who owns the restaurant at Lincoln and Shallcross streets – will be back before the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment on Monday seeking a liquor license, along with approval to turn a collection of garages adjacent to the Italian restaurant into commercial parking.
Many of the arguments against Scalessa’s request to sell alcohol and create a commercial parking area in the residential neighborhood remain the same as when the battle first began in 2018.
FOUR YEARS AGO:War escalates between Wilmington neighbors, Italian restaurant
RECENT PROPOSAL:Why did Wilmington surprise Southbridge residents, developers and oppose project?
The coalition of neighbors, a splinter group of the Forty Acres Civic Association, say it would be dangerous and invite rowdiness. But, more importantly, neighbors say Scalessa has continuously been out of compliance with city zoning and code requirements in a “highly residential” neighborhood conservation district.
“This is not the place for it,” one concerned neighbor said. “Especially for a business owner who is consistently out of compliance, has harassed neighbors and has not made any effort to speak with neighbors.”
Opposing neighbors would speak only on the condition of anonymity given the contentious nature of the situation and previous harassment. Both sides say they have been harassed.
The battle between neighbors and Scalessa has simmered in the years since the business owner last sought a liquor license. At the time, Scalessa posted a flyer in the restaurant naming and shaming opposing neighbors for “slandering” him and took to social media to condemn opponents and dismiss their allegations.
Rich Katz, a chef and manager at Scalessa’s, acknowledged the contentious relationship between Scalessa and a small group of detractors, but said the broader Forty Acres community supports the business.
To mend community relations, Katz as well as Scalessa’s daughter, Alicia Scalessa, run the day-to-day operations while Don Scalessa took a step back, Katz said. They talked with neighbors during an “informal meeting” with the civic association last week to discuss the restaurant’s plans as well as get feedback on what neighbors would like to see done to the adjacent parcel, he said.
“We always try to be good neighbors,” he said. “We are completely open and want that dialogue. We are open to what (neighbors) want to do. There is no all-encompassing plan.”
The latest pursuit
About three months ago, Scalessa purchased an adjacent lot at 1835 N. Lincoln St. to turn it into commercial parking for the restaurant.
Katz said Scalessa purchased the lot to address neighbors’ concerns about parking and traffic. It adds nine off-street parking spots, and Katz said they want to get feedback from residents on how they want the garages painted as well as other aspects to the design and use of the lot.
“Donnie really just had that one thing in mind with the parking variance – to alleviate problems and concerns of the neighborhood,” Katz said, stressing that Scalessa has done a lot for the community, including employing people with disabilities.
As for the restaurant’s quest for a liquor license, Katz said offering beer and wine with an Italian dinner is a selling point. When people call to make a reservation, they often ask if Scalessa’s is BYOB or if they serve alcohol, he said.
“When we say no, we usually get the reservation canceled,” he said. “We lose a whole lot of business.”
The coalition of neighbors don’t necessarily oppose the restaurant serving beer and wine – which Katz stressed wouldn’t pave the way to turning the “tiny restaurant” into a rowdy bar – but the combination of a sour relationship with some in the community, the fear of what granting the liquor license could mean for precedence, and neighbors’ concerns that Scalessa continues to dodge civic rules has fueled their opposition.
Neighbors point to the fact that Scalessa painted the exterior and changed the appearance of the 1836 N. Lincoln St.’s façade without receiving the necessary approvals from the planning department or Wilmington’s Design Review and Preservation Commission. They say he continues to operate the restaurant after 7 p.m. – the closure time dictated by city zoning for the area – and never got approval to have outdoor dining.
City Code requires the restaurant – which operates in a residentially zoned district that doesn’t allow restaurants as a matter of right – must be registered as a nonconforming use. If a property that doesn’t conform to the area’s zoning is not renewed with the city within a year, the nonconforming use is discontinued and cannot be reestablished unless approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Failure to register or renew a nonconforming use also prompts that use to be discontinued.
“It is necessary and consistent with the establishment of these districts that all uses and structures incompatible with permitted uses or structures be regulated strictly and permitted only under rigid controls,” City Code states in Section 38-48 regarding nonconforming uses.
The Forty Acres neighborhood zoning also dictates that ground floor corner properties can be used for retail stores, bars, tap rooms and other shops if the hours of operation are limited to 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Katz said the zoning board gave the restaurant authority to stay open until 11 p.m., but the latest Scalessa’s remains open is 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki’s deputy chief of staff, John Rago, on Friday declined to answer questions about the business and neighbors’ allegations, nor would he provide any public records to confirm or deny the allegations.
“Because there is a formal quasi-judicial process underway, the administration will not interfere with this process or prejudice the Monday ZBA meeting,” Rago wrote in an emailed statement.
Katz said the Department of Licenses and Inspections as well as the zoning board have told the business that there are no outstanding fines, fees or violations. This could not be verified with the city given its unwillingness to comment.
“Sometimes it feels like an attack because (neighbors) are not getting the information from the city, but the city is telling us that we are up to date on permits, there are no fines outstanding,” he said. “Any time the city comes up with something, we try to address it immediately.”
Lack of enforcement
At the heart of neighbors’ concerns is an apparent lack of enforcement on the city’s part – an issue most recently underscored in the displacement of dozens of Wilmington residents on North Adams Street in May.
ENFORCEMENT:2 weeks before properties condemned, Wilmington inspectors say leaks in unit repaired
RELATED:As Gibraltar decays, Delaware says it's 'never had to enforce' conservation easements
In other instances, residents say the city administration pursues selective enforcement.
“We are so disgusted with the whole ‘if you know the right person, you can do whatever you want and get away with it,’” a Forty Acres neighborhood homeowner said. “It’s just really hard to pay my city taxes and know that. As a city, we can do better.”
The coalition of neighbors recently tried to confirm Scalessa had obtained all the necessary permits and variances to be operating the restaurant as-is but was told they must formally seek the records through a Freedom of Information Act request. They said those records were readily available when residents went to city offices back in 2018 over the matter.
At times, there’s also disagreement on what documentation is required, or how regulations should be enforced, among city departments, Katz said. Wilmington lifted requirements for outdoor dining during the pandemic, he said, but Scalessa received conflicting guidance on whether the restaurant needed a variance to continue outside dining.
“L&I said because of COVID they were allowing outside tables and the zoning board says it’s not (allowed). It’s been a gray area,” Katz said. “They haven’t really told us. We tried to get the information.”
With no insight provided by city administration, whether any of the neighbors’ concerns will come up during Monday evening’s Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting remains to be seen.
When reached by phone on Friday, Councilman Nathan Field, who represents the Forty Acres community, requested a Delaware Online/The News Journal reporter email questions. He did not respond to that email.
The zoning board will meet virtually via Zoom starting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8. Along with Scalessa’s variance requests, another contentious proposal to bring warehousing facilities to the riverfront in Southbridge also will be considered.
Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com, or by calling 302-598-5507. Follow her on Twitter at @mandy_fries. | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/plans-to-improve-italian-restaurant-reignite-wilmington-neighborhood-feud/65392277007/ | 2022-08-08T12:26:08 | 1 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/plans-to-improve-italian-restaurant-reignite-wilmington-neighborhood-feud/65392277007/ |
How is Delaware responding to the monkeypox outbreak? What to know about vaccines, spread
Delaware marked three more monkeypox cases on Thursday, as the federal government declared a public health emergency to respond to the monkeypox outbreak in the United States.
Delaware now has six current monkeypox cases, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data updated on Aug. 5.
So, what does this mean for the First State and its response to this virus? For one, Delaware does not yet plan to declare a public health emergency – which would free up certain funding and resources to address an outbreak, according to the state Division of Public Health.
"Given our status with the low number of cases, the state’s statute would not support a declaration, and the additional capabilities would not add value to the current response at this time," a DPH spokesperson said in a statement.
PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY:Biden administration declares monkeypox a public health emergency
Even though the risk remains low, state public health officials reminded Delawareans to be vigilant because “low risk does not mean no risk.”
The three most recent monkeypox, or MPX, cases involved a 42-year-old Kent County man and two New Castle County men, one a 19-year-old and one a 24-year-old. The state said these cases are unrelated.
None of the individuals reported recent travel, and none reported close contact with someone known to have MPX, DPH said. Even though one of the most common symptoms is a rash, state officials said the rash is not always easily noticeable, and the virus can spread unseen.
PREVIOUS CASES:With 2 more monkeypox cases, state says public health risk remains low. How to learn more
All three individuals reported close contact with a very limited number of individuals and are self-isolating, according to the state.
As vaccine distribution picks up across the country, here are some things to know about the spread of MPX in Delaware and the state's response so far.
Who can get monkeypox?
Anyone can become infected with monkeypox, DPH said. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported nationally, MPX is mostly affecting men who have sex with men at this point.
Still, the CDC and World Health Organization do not define the virus as a sexually transmitted infection, and not all infections have happened after sexual contact.
READ MORE:Monkeypox is spreading through sex, but it's not an STI. Why calling it one is a problem.
How does MPX spread?
Unlike COVID-19, monkeypox spreads primarily through direct contact with the rash or scabs of someone with MPX, state health officials said.
Contact may include intimate contact; kissing; cuddling; sharing kitchen utensils or toothbrushes; and coming into contact with an infected person’s bedding, bath towels or clothing.
Who can get a monkeypox vaccine?
Right now, people in Delaware can get monkeypox vaccines only if they have had direct contact with individuals who have a confirmed case of monkeypox. That’s because there is a limited supply of the vaccine, according to the Division of Public Health.
The vaccine also needs to be given in two doses 28 days apart.
The state has given 33 doses of the MPX vaccine as of Aug. 5, according to DPH, but health officials said that number may be higher due to reporting delays.
As more doses are becoming available, the state plans to make the vaccine available to high-risk populations.
Those who may be eligible for expanded vaccine access include:
- People who are aware that one of their sexual or intimate partners in the past two weeks was diagnosed with MPX
- Someone who has had multiple sex partners in the last 21 days (three weeks)
- Someone who has met partners through dating apps or attended a party or club where intimate contact occurred
- Those who are HIV positive or are receiving PrEP treatment for HIV without known exposure to MPX
When Delaware receives more doses depends on the federal allotment schedule. States can order more vaccine doses the week of Aug. 15, DPH said.
The state anticipates access for the highest-risk populations, based on risk of exposure and risk of severe burden of disease, within the next few weeks.
MONKEYPOX ELSEWHERE:New York, California top numbers as Biden admin declares emergency
Does the general public need the MPX vaccine?
No, the general public does not need the monkeypox vaccine, state health officials said.
"It is important to re-enforce how different this is from COVID-19 including when it comes to vaccination," a DPH spokesperson said in a statement. "Unlike with COVID-19, the general public does not need a MPX vaccine. It’s important to know that most people with MPX don’t have the same kind of severe illness and respiratory symptoms as seen with COVID-19, and the rates of hospitalizations and death are low."
So, what can people do? Educate themselves on ways to prevent the spread of illness, including monkeypox.
Federal officials have said that vaccination alone will not control the spread of infection and following recommendations for preventing the spread of illness are important.
Are people having reactions to the MPX vaccine?
Vaccine reactions may include redness, soreness, swelling and itching at the injection site, DPH said.
Other symptoms may include tiredness, headache and muscle pain. A severe allergic reaction is rare, according to state health officials, and the vaccine has not caused a "life-threatening event."
NEW JERSEY:As monkeypox cases triple in 10 days, NJ seeks thousands more vaccine doses
How does someone get the vaccine if exposed?
If someone was in close contact with a person confirmed to have MPX, the state Division of Public Health will contact them and coordinate vaccination.
To self-report an exposure or ask questions about monkeypox, people can call the hotline number at 866-408-1899.
Like any vaccine, the MPX vaccine is meant to protect against a certain virus by preventing the disease or making the disease less severe, according to state health officials.
COVID UPDATE:Delaware masking guidance changes as all three counties have 'high' spread of COVID
What are the signs and symptoms?
Symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus.
Most people who contract MPX will develop a rash, and some will develop flu-like symptoms beforehand. The flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills or exhaustion.
If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash one to four days later.
If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms associated with MPX, DPH advises people to immediately:
- Contact their health care provider and mention their concerns.
- Self-isolate until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
- Avoid being intimate with others.
- Make a list of their close and intimate contacts in the last 21 days.
Is there a treatment for MPX?
There is no specific treatment for the monkeypox virus infection right now, DPH said, but antivirals can be prescribed.
However, physicians across the country have reported delays in accessing the antiviral treatments due to the extensive paperwork required, though some say that process has improved in recent weeks.
These antivarials, such as tecovirimat, also tend to be prioritized for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems, the CDC said.
How to prevent MPX infection
Delaware public health officials have the following recommendations to avoid infection:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like MPX.
- Individuals who are sexually active can minimize their risk of exposure by limiting the number of partners they have and talking to their partner about their recent history and behaviors.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with MPX.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with MPX.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with MPX.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with MPX.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches, with a focus on health-related issues. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle. | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/delaware-monkeypox-vaccines-spread-public-health-emergency/65393597007/ | 2022-08-08T12:26:38 | 0 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/delaware-monkeypox-vaccines-spread-public-health-emergency/65393597007/ |
YORK COUNTY, Pa. — Crews are on the scene of an overturned tractor trailer in York County.
According to emergency dispatchers, crews were sent to the 3000 block of Espresso Way in East Manchester Township around 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 8 for reports of an overturned tractor trailer.
A hazmat crew is on scene, as well.
It's unclear exactly what the tractor trailer was carrying at this point, but officials at the scene said they believe the load inside the vehicle shifted at some point when traveling to the area, causing it to become unbalanced.
At this point, officials believe that is what caused the tractor trailer to overturn.
No one was injured in the crash, and crews are awaiting assistance to remove the tractor from the roadway.
This is a developing story. FOX43 has a crew on the scene, and we will provide updates as they become available. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/overturned-tractor-trailer-east-manchester-township-york-county/521-065155cd-5a69-4f13-a34e-35cff3c59868 | 2022-08-08T12:43:53 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/overturned-tractor-trailer-east-manchester-township-york-county/521-065155cd-5a69-4f13-a34e-35cff3c59868 |
YORK, Pa. — PennDOT is hosting a recruitment fair Monday to hire winter seasonal drivers and engineers, as well as permanent positions.
The fair runs from 12 to 6 p.m. at the York County Maintenance Office on 1920 Susquehanna Trail North, York, PA 17404.
This will be the second of eight recruiting events to be held this summer in the PennDOT District 8 south central region.
Hourly wages start at $20.49 for CDL operators and $25.28 for diesel and construction equipment mechanics.
Staff will be available to discuss current and future openings within the commonwealth for CDL operators, who must have a valid Pennsylvania (PA) CDL Class A or B with no restrictions, and diesel and construction equipment mechanics, who must have a valid CDL and a PA Class 7 inspector mechanic certification. Both positions also require a current medical examiner certificate.
On-the-spot applications, interviews, and driving skills testing will take place. Applicants need to bring their current CDL license and medical examiners card.
Laptops and staff will be available to help interested participants navigate the new electronic application system. Human Resources staff will be on-hand to discuss benefit options and opportunities for permanent employment.
The fair comes amid strong hiring across the country. U.S. employers added an astounding 528,000 jobs in July, easing fears that the economy is heading into a recession. Unemployment fell to 3.5 percent, tying the 50-year-low last seen in February 2020. The U.S. economy has now recovered all 22 million jobs lost in March and April of that year, when the COVID-19 pandemic. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/penndot-hiring-job-fair-pennsylvania/521-04770a04-5a7e-4b4b-90f2-a545761eb61a | 2022-08-08T12:43:59 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/penndot-hiring-job-fair-pennsylvania/521-04770a04-5a7e-4b4b-90f2-a545761eb61a |
PECOS, Texas — This past weekend, Pecos residents celebrated its sweet and iconic cantaloupes for the first time in a while.
"The cantaloupe festival started in the 1900's and they've been doing them and they pair it with a fly in that goes on in the airport and it hasn't gone on for a very long time and so we decided to bring that festival back," said Amber Redden with Keep Pecos Beautiful.
The point of the festival is to bring a sense of community and support.
"This was one of those things as business owners, we want to try and bring the community together to help everyone because if we're all thriving in our businesses and what we're doing in our community, it's great for everyone." Redden said. "They're grown here they travel everywhere and so we are known for the Pecos cantaloupes."
The cantaloupe for the Pecos community has brought them plenty of attention. Recently, the popular fruit joined forces with Tall City Brewing for West Texas collaboration.
"We're doing a cantaloupe fundraiser, were taking the cantaloupes that were donated by kind host at cantaloupes and we are using these cantaloupes, cutting them up and were giving them to people who want to donate money to the high school scholarships for Pecos High school students and Balmorhea High School," said Al Pell with Masonic Lodge 736.
The people of Pecos are proud to celebrate their town.
"Pecos is two miles wide, two miles north and south but I'll tell you what, it's a wonderful community," Pell said. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/pecos-cantaloupe-festival-returns/513-c23e9f3e-0b45-4061-ba9f-81374cf0893e | 2022-08-08T12:48:30 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/pecos-cantaloupe-festival-returns/513-c23e9f3e-0b45-4061-ba9f-81374cf0893e |
MIDLAND, Texas — Wildfires have ravaged communities in Texas like the Eastland fires that burned down buildings of our neighbors in Central Texas.
Fires are a growing concern around the country.
"Trends are indicating that wildfires are increasing with respect to duration, severity and frequency meaning that they're burning a lot longer, they're bigger, they're hotter, they're more frequent and they're more costly than ever," said Dr. Kimiko Barrett with Headwaters Economics.
The good news is there are some options when it comes to protecting homes and communities.
"It's planning measures like requiring wildfire resistant materials, retrofitting the existing fleet of houses out there and improving neighborhood design and infrastructure protections that people in homes are better prepared before a wildfire," Barrett said.
Adding these fire-resistant materials doesn't have to break the bank.
"Basic mitigation measures in terms of construction materials also known as home-hardening can be done in a pretty negligible and cost differential from what would be traditional building materials, so siding hearty plank or cement is much more resistant than wood siding and it's actually cheaper," Barrett said.
There's also other simple housekeeping things you do to your home.
"It's things like clearing your roof lines of pine needles, cleaning your gutters making sure your deck doesn't have propane on it during a wildfire, clearing your yard of vegetation especially up near the side of your home," Barrett said. "So these are things that can go a long way in reducing your vulnerability during a wildfire." | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/protecting-homes-and-communities-against-wildfires-in-the-permina-basin/513-adad0d01-1e52-4386-9456-c27af5b1f667 | 2022-08-08T12:48:36 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/protecting-homes-and-communities-against-wildfires-in-the-permina-basin/513-adad0d01-1e52-4386-9456-c27af5b1f667 |
FREEPORT, Texas — Two boats collided in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway near Freeport late Saturday, killing two people, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
It happened at around 9:15 p.m. Saturday. A person who was operating a 22-foot boat called the Coast Guard, saying he had been involved in an accident with another boat – a 24-foot vessel.
There were three other people on his boat when the collision happened. His three passengers were thrown from the boat which was traveling northbound, as were two other people – a husband and wife – who were on the other boat, which was heading south.
Two of the passengers from the 22-foot boat were able to get to the other boat and climbed aboard.
The Coast Guard launched a helicopter and boat to search for the others who were ejected.
They found an unresponsive woman who had been thrown from the 24-foot boat. They also found a male who was thrown from the 22-foot boat. That male was conscious with a minor head injury.
Then at around midnight, Coast Guard officials say they found the body of the man who was on the 24-foot boat.
"We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the two boaters who didn't make it and wish them swift healing in the wake of this tragedy," Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeremy Borja said in a release.
Those injured in the wreck received medical attention once back to shore.
Texas Parks and Wildlife has taken over the investigation. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/boat-crash-freeport-two-dead/285-9ddc86a5-f826-4248-b981-3e7ff3749113 | 2022-08-08T12:53:03 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/boat-crash-freeport-two-dead/285-9ddc86a5-f826-4248-b981-3e7ff3749113 |
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Editor's Note: The video in this story is from a previous report.
A Gwinnett County principal sent a letter home to parents last week letting them know about a loaded gun found on campus.
Britt Elementary School principal Melissa Madsen said a teacher found the weapon in a box of donated school supplies on Aug. 3.
She said it was found at the end of the day after students were already dismissed from the Snellville school. She added that no one was injured.
"Britt Elementary School and Gwinnett County Public Schools take this situation seriously," Madsen wrote in the letter. "Safety is a focus on our campus for administrators, staff, and students."
The district did not say where the box of donated supplies came from or if anyone will be charged in the incident.
News happens fast. Download our 11Alive News app for all the latest breaking updates, and sign up for our Speed Feed newsletter to get a rundown of the latest headlines across north Georgia. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/loaded-gun-britt-elementary-school-gwinnett/85-be4491a9-736b-40d7-8378-22b18883bf3f | 2022-08-08T12:53:50 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/loaded-gun-britt-elementary-school-gwinnett/85-be4491a9-736b-40d7-8378-22b18883bf3f |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — San Angelo’s former police chief has been sentenced to 15 1/2 years in federal prison, plus a $35,000 fine with one year of supervised release after serving the sentence.
Timothy R. Vasquez was found guilty in March 2022 on one charge of bribery and three counts of honest services mail fraud.
The sentencing phase for Vasquez was held at the OC Fisher Courthouse in US District Court. Vasquez has been in the Terry County Jail since he was booked March 25, 2022, because the prosecution able to show he was a ‘significant flight risk.” His trial was held in Lubbock.
Vasquez was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2020 on charges of public corruption - one count of receipt of a bribe by an agent of an organization receiving federal funds; and three counts of honest services mail fraud - following an investigation by the FBI Dallas Field Office.
Vasquez allegedly used his official position to help a radio system vendor land two government contracts worth more than $11 million, the indictment said. In return, the vendor and its affiliates allegedly funneled him and his band, “Funky Munky,” more than $130,000.
Per the indictment, in February 2007, the City of San Angelo solicited bids for a new radio system for first responders, including the police department. Three vendors submitted bids.
Vasquez allegedly asked one of the vendors for a vacation trip, but was rebuffed.
In April, Vasquez recommended the City of San Angelo award the $5.6 million contract to a different vendor, identified in the indictment as “Vendor 1,” who was eventually selected for the contract.
Three months later, in July, Juniper Valley, L.P., an affiliate of Vendor 1, cut a $10,000 check to “Funky Munky Band.” Vasquez deposited the funds into his personal checking account.
For the next eight years, Mr. Vasquez received yearly payments of approximately $8,000 from Vendor 1 and its affiliates, Juniper Valley and Trixie & Fini, either made out to Vasquez or his band.
By 2015, Vasquez and Funky Munky had collected more than $84,000, including $38,200 the defendant deposited directly into his personal bank account and $29,800 he withdrew in cash.
However, seven years after the original contract was awarded, the radio technology provided by Vendor 1 was “phased out.” In an email with City employees, Vasquez indicated he wanted to “use the same vendor” for the new equipment, and urged the city manager to support Vendor 1. In another email with a City employee, he discussed an exemption from the competitive bidding process that would allow San Angelo to award the contract to Vendor 1.
In federal court in March 2022, the former police chief took the stand in his own defense. Vasquez said his band and the Dailey & Wells radio system had nothing to do with one another.
He told the court his job as a police officer and as a member of the band, RU Ready, in the 1990s were kept separately from each other. Vasquez said while playing with Oklahoma band, the Easy Money Band, he had the opportunity to leave his job as an officer and tour after being approached by band member Toby Keith.
Additionally, Vasquez said, in about 1995-1996, he was playing with Shane Stockton for eight months, and as the band was about to tour with George Strait, he decided to stay with the SAPD and be a "weekend warrior" for financial reasons.
When his defense team asked why Vasquez didn't complete a form about a conflict of interest related to his band, Funky Munky, being paid for performances by Dailey & Wells, which had been awarded a contract with the City of San Angelo, Vasquez said, "I didn't know about the form. I didn't know until I got arrested that there was a conflict of interest."
Vasquez told the court he never hid that Funky Munky played gigs for Dailey & Wells.
Vasquez became emotional when asked by his defense if he knew then what he knows now, would that have changed things.
He tearfully said after everything he's gone through - "I would've filled out that form. I would have filled out the conflict of interest paperwork that I didn't know existed."
The jury found Vasquez guilty on all counts. He was then remanded into the custody of federal marshals and booked into the Terry County Jail.
Vasquez was remanded into the custody of marshals before being transported the Federal Correction Institute in Seagoville. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/former-san-angelo-police-chief-sentenced-to-15-12-years-in-federal-prison/504-f91bb178-9086-4770-8508-1ccb7603eb7b | 2022-08-08T13:02:32 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/former-san-angelo-police-chief-sentenced-to-15-12-years-in-federal-prison/504-f91bb178-9086-4770-8508-1ccb7603eb7b |
MARION COUNTY, Fla. – One person was shot and killed early Saturday in Marion County, according to the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office said deputies responded to the 4700 block of W Highway 318 in Citra around 1:48 a.m. and found one person dead.
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Deputies have not released the name of the victim.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Daniel Pinder at 352-368-3508. If you’d like to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 352-368-7867.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/1-shot-to-death-in-marion-county/ | 2022-08-08T13:03:37 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/1-shot-to-death-in-marion-county/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida gas prices are continuing to fall, reaching prices last seen five months ago.
According to AAA, the average price per gallon in Florida is now $3.79, the lowest daily average since March 4. Prices have dropped $1.10 from the record high of $4.89 set on June 13.
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“Falling oil prices and drooping gasoline demand has paved the way for the recent pump price plunge,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a release. “The downturn should continue this week, after another round of big losses in both oil and gasoline futures markets.”
The price per barrel dropped below $90, reaching its lowest price in six months, according to AAA.
Regional prices
- Most expensive metro markets - West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($4), Naples ($3.96), Miami ($3.89)
- Least expensive metro markets - Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($3.56), The Villages ($3.64), Panama City ($3.65)
Ways to save on gasoline
- Combine errands to limit driving time.
- Shop around for the best gas prices in your community.
- Consider paying cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.
- Remove excess weight in your vehicle.
- Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/florida-gas-prices-continue-to-fall-reaching-lowest-price-since-march/ | 2022-08-08T13:03:43 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/florida-gas-prices-continue-to-fall-reaching-lowest-price-since-march/ |
LEESBURG, Fla. – A woman was found shot to death early Monday at a Leesburg home, according to the police department.
The Leesburg Police Department said officers responded to the 1200 block of Penn Street around 2:39 a.m. after receiving a call from someone who said they believed “their friend was dead.”
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When officers arrived, police said a 37-year-old woman was found dead in an attached converted laundry room.
Police said an investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call 352-728-9862 or call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/woman-found-shot-to-death-in-laundry-room-of-leesburg-home-police-say/ | 2022-08-08T13:03:50 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/woman-found-shot-to-death-in-laundry-room-of-leesburg-home-police-say/ |
VA CAREGIVER PROGRAM
About 33,000 families are enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Initially, the program was open only to post-9/11 veterans, but in 2018 Congress approved expansion to other generations of veterans as well. Veterans who served before May 1975 were admitted starting in 2020, and all remaining veterans will be eligible starting fall 2022. The program offers a series of legal and support services to families, but the most prominent benefit is the monthly caregiver stipend. Today, monthly stipends vary based on where the veteran lives, but generally hover about $3,000 for the full Level 2 stipend and $1,800 for the partial Level 1 stipend. A full-time caregiver to a veteran “who is unable to self-sustain in the community” can receive the full monthly stipend, while a caretaker of a vet with lesser but still life-altering limitations can receive a partial payment. In the fall of 2020, the VA announced a review of the original caregiver cases to determine whether they met the new guidelines for eligibility. At the time of the review, officials estimated that about one-third of the nearly 20,000 legacy participants could be dropped from the program because of eligibility changes. The VA promised to keep paying benefits to the affected veterans until at least the end of 2022. Browse "VA PCAFC" program for more detailed information and how to apply for benefits.
PACT ACT
The PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) has passed and has been sent to the president’s desk to be signed. The most significant part of this act will increase the number of veterans eligible for increased compensation for exposure to Agent Orange by about 600,000 of the 1.6 million living Vietnam veterans. Additionally, veterans who served in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, American Samoa and Johnston Atoll will be presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange and could receive compensation for illnesses presume to have been caused by their exposure. More details will be available after the president signs the act into law. Other toxic exposures include burn pits.
KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL ADDITION DEDICATED
The “Forgotten War” Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C., has been expanded to include the names of the 36,634 American and 7,174 KATUSA soldiers who served with American forces during the Korean War. The KATUSA soldiers were part of the “Korean Augmentation to the United States Army,” which was a program created at the outbreak of the Korean War through an agreement between the United Sates and the Republic of Korea. The original Korean War memorial was dedicated in 1995, with the addition financed through donations from Americans, Koreans and businesses in Korea. President Biden issued a proclamation marking July 27 as Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.
DESERT STORM WAR MEMORIAL GROUNDBREAKING
The groundbreaking for the Desert Storm War Memorial in D.C. was held July 14, the culmination of several years' effort to gain approval for the location and funding for the memorial. The site is on the southwest corner of 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue near the Commission of Fine Arts, about a block from the US. Department of State. The memorial’s $40 million price tag was raised through donations and $10 million from Kuwait in 2020, which was the country that the Desert Storm War liberated! A heartfelt salute is owed and given to those who served in Desert Shield, Desert Storm and the Gulf War conflicts. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/veterans-corner-va-caregiver-program-pact-act-korean-and-desert-storm-war-memorials/article_603634e4-1358-11ed-a3e3-4fbed0a2bd80.html | 2022-08-08T13:09:26 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/veterans-corner-va-caregiver-program-pact-act-korean-and-desert-storm-war-memorials/article_603634e4-1358-11ed-a3e3-4fbed0a2bd80.html |
ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – This dog is more than ready to make his way to his new home.
Meet Breki: the dog that, according to shelter staff, is breaking the mold for shelter dogs. He’s smart, knows his tricks, and is working on learning more tricks and other skills daily.
At only three years old, Breki is a hefty 80 pounds of total hunk, and sometimes, he forgets just how big he is.
Breki needs someone who can see his potential because shelter staff said the shelter has been very overwhelming for him.
Staff said he came to the shelter in April of 2021 as a people and animal-loving dog, but as time passed, Breki got more and more anxious, which led to him acting reactively toward people that would “stare” or at other dogs in passing.
Large shelters can often cause dogs to become stressed and show unusual behaviors over time – behaviors that are not truly reflective of their personality, according to shelter staff.
Once he started on medications, the staff said Breki’s anxiety seemed to subside, but the staff wants him to go to the home he needs as soon as possible.
When Breki is with familiar people, they said he’s a goofy boy that loves to please the people he’s with, and absolutely loves to give love.
The staff said that Breki would fit best in a home with a loyal owner, without children, and no cats, and even though Breki can be unsure of others at times, he’s playful with other dogs that are non-confrontational and friendly.
Breki is neutered, and he’s been at the shelter for over 392 days. Now, his adoption fee is sponsored – It’s time to get Breki the loving family he deserves.
If you want to learn more or inquire about adopting Breki, visit the Franklin County Humane Society website. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/06/breki-is-breaking-the-mold-for-all-stray-dogs-might-go-breaking-your-heart-too/ | 2022-08-08T13:21:15 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/06/breki-is-breaking-the-mold-for-all-stray-dogs-might-go-breaking-your-heart-too/ |
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – A New River Valley fraternity opens their doors to offer free haircuts to children before returning to school.
Dozens of children are walking with a new pep in their step after getting a fresh cut.
“I’m very thankful for it,” 11-year-old Isaiah said.
The Alpha Kappa Lambda chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity offered free haircuts at St. John’s on Depot across from Depot Park in Christiansburg.
It’s a way for the fraternity to help relieve the financial burden on parents and boost children’s confidence.
“Especially our young people. [They] are facing mental health challenges and we just wanted to give back and uplift the students’ spirits,” Dr. Tremayne O’Brian Waller, a fraternity member, said. “To let them know somebody sees them and we care.”
“I like how my hair feels and I like how he thinned it out and made it all even.” 16-year-old Kisay said.
“[The barber] also showed me a picture of how it would look,” Jonathan, 12, said. “So, I like it and I’m ready to go back to school.”
Some kids were timid when they hopped in the chair. But after every snip and blow dry, they bonded with the barbers.
Mohammed Issa, a barber at In Style Salon, remembers his mom cutting his hair growing up and kids bullying him about his look.
“You’d be surprised of how many kids get bullied by there hair,” he said. “So having a fresh cut can really change somebody’s outlook on how they look at you.”
“Your confidence is different,” Dr. Kendall Pete, the fraternity chapter’s president, said. “And sometimes school can be a very difficult place to be and to walk in with that amount of confidence starts the year right.”
It’s the fraternity’s first time hosting this event. But seeing bright smiles like the one on nine-year-old Faith’s face gives them motivation to start a new annual tradition.
Free haircuts are available again on Monday at 225 Depot St. in Christiansburg. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/07/alpha-phi-alpha-hosts-free-haircut-for-kids-going-back-to-school-in-the-new-river-valley/ | 2022-08-08T13:21:21 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/07/alpha-phi-alpha-hosts-free-haircut-for-kids-going-back-to-school-in-the-new-river-valley/ |
DANVILLE, Va. – Danville Fire Department went to Angler’s Park at 350 Northside Drive for a report of two fisherman drifting down river after boat lost power.
Firefighters arrived on scene and witnesses stated that occupants in fishing boat were floating down river and told them they needed assistance due to loss of power.
DFD deployed rescue boats and made contact with occupants downriver from Angler’s Park.
During rescue of stranded fisherman their boat capsized.
The pair and a pet were rescued successfully and brought back to Angler’s Park with no injuries.
The DFD responded with 3 Engines, 2 Watercraft, and 4 support vehicles and were assisted by the Danville Life Saving Crew and Danville Police Department. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/07/danville-fire-department-rescues-two-and-pet-in-water-rescue/ | 2022-08-08T13:21:27 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/07/danville-fire-department-rescues-two-and-pet-in-water-rescue/ |
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death at the Henry County Adult Detention Center that occurred on August 6, 2022.
Bradley Steven Hensley had told deputies he was having difficulty breathing. Deputies immediately summonsed the Wellpath Medical staff on duty. At approximately 7:33 a.m., Henry County Deputies noticed Bradley Steven Hensley lying in his bed, Hensley appeared to be in medical duress.
Investigators said Hensley then became unconscious and unresponsive. Deputies began life-saving measures, including CPR until medical staff arrived. The medical staff and deputies continued giving CPR and used an AED (automated external defibrillator) on Hensley to try and revive him.
At 7:36 a.m., the Martinsville-Henry County Emergency 911 Center was contacted and notified of the situation. An EMS unit with Henry County Public Safety responded to the call and arrived at 7:45 am. Mr. Hensley was transported to SOVAH Health Martinsville, where he was pronounced deceased by the medical staff.
Bradley Steven Hensley, 42, of Blue Ridge View Dr., Bassett, Virginia, entered the Henry County Adult Detention Center on August 2, 2022. Detectives said upon entering the ADC, Hensley made the staff aware of his medical history. Based on this information and his pre-existing conditions, Hensley was placed under direct supervision and regularly monitored by the Wellpath medical staff.
Investigators said Hensley was under constant video surveillance since entering the ADC. Based on the preliminary review of this video, no foul play is suspected. The cause of death is unknown at this time; however, the preliminary investigative findings indicate that Mr. Hensley suffered a medical emergency.
Deputies said his body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the Western District of Virginia for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. In addition, this case will be forwarded to the Virginia Board of Local and Regional Jails for review. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/07/henry-county-sheriffs-office-investigates-death-at-adult-detention-center/ | 2022-08-08T13:21:33 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/07/henry-county-sheriffs-office-investigates-death-at-adult-detention-center/ |
GILES, Va. – Have you ever met a dog that’ll actually hug you back? Well, now’s your chance.
Leroy is a 40-pound hound dog that’ll give you all the love.
This two-year-old guy has been at the Giles County Animal Shelter for over 64 days, and staff said he’s a good ole’ hound dog through and through.
Shelter staff said that if you sit down, watch out – Leroy will do his best to climb up in your lap and give you a hug.
Leroy does well with female dogs and all of the people he meets, shelter staff said, and now, it’s time for him to find his forever home.
To learn more about Leroy, visit the Giles County Animal Shelter website. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/07/leroy-this-ole-hound-dog-needs-some-lovin/ | 2022-08-08T13:21:40 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/07/leroy-this-ole-hound-dog-needs-some-lovin/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – After hours of debate, senate Democrats narrowly passed a new bill to combat inflation, climate change and extend health care coverage.
Mike Ellerbrock is an economics professor at Virginia Tech and a member of the Virginia Governor’s Advisory Council on Environmental Justice.
He said the bill is a balanced approach to lowering prescription drug prices and investing 400 billion dollars into climate measures.
The nation could cut 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to Ellerbrock.
Taxes will be raised for big corporations but not families making under $400,000 a year.
“If we can lower and protect income taxes that will help consumers have more confidence in our future,” he said. “And when confidence in our future goes up the demand for loans and borrowing are relaxed and that should help us in the long run counter inflation.”
The bill now heads to the House for a vote. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/07/local-economist-weighs-in-on-new-inflation-bill/ | 2022-08-08T13:21:46 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/07/local-economist-weighs-in-on-new-inflation-bill/ |
SALEM, Va. – A man was badly burned at a Salem Park Sunday afternoon. Witnesses say his body was covered in fire.
It happened around 1:07 p.m. at Lake Spring Park, at the corner of West Main Street and Green Street.
The man was on a bench near the front of the park, witnesses tell 10 News. Bystanders tried throwing water on the man and using a fire extinguisher before medics arrived, they added.
Medics began treatment on scene before taking the man to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Officers on scene told 10 News the man was in critical condition.
No criminal charges have been filed as the incident remains under investigation, according to Salem officials. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/07/man-badly-burned-at-lake-spring-park-in-salem/ | 2022-08-08T13:21:52 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/07/man-badly-burned-at-lake-spring-park-in-salem/ |
ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. – Alleghany County officials believe the body of a deceased male found Sunday may be a man reported missing 10 days ago.
Matthew Walton, 31, was last seen July 27 walking in the area of Longdale Furnace Road and Circle H Lane in Clifton Forge, according to the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office.
On Facebook, the sheriff’s office says the body was found Sunday in the general area of where Walton was last seen July 27 and matches his general description.
An official identification will be made by the Medical Examiner’s office in Roanoke during autopsy.
Foul play is not suspected.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call or submit a tip to the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office at 540-965-1770 ext. 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/08/body-found-in-alleghany-county-believed-to-be-man-missing-since-july/ | 2022-08-08T13:21:59 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/08/body-found-in-alleghany-county-believed-to-be-man-missing-since-july/ |
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – Franklin County Public Schools has 56 openings for positions and are getting creative trying to fill them.
Gregg Cuddy, the Franklin County Public Schools Director of Human Resources, told 10 News some strategies implemented to cover the open positions include:
- Utilizing substitutes in long-term positions
- Some teachers (secondary) are teaching an additional section/class
- We are offering a financial stipend for certain VDOE endorsements (science and math)
- Combining and extending bus routes
- Implementing STAR (Secondary Transportation Alternate Routes) routes when necessary - similar to an activity route.
Currently, as of Friday, Aug. 5, the following positions are open/unfilled in Franklin County Public Schools:
- Elementary Classroom Teachers - All positions are filled
- Elementary School Guidance Counselor - 1
- Middle School Teachers - 5
- High School Teacher - 5
- Bus Drivers - 18
- Teacher Assistants - 25
- Custodians - 1
- Food Service - 1
To apply, you can head here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/08/franklin-co-schools-getting-creative-while-trying-to-fill-56-openings/ | 2022-08-08T13:22:05 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/08/franklin-co-schools-getting-creative-while-trying-to-fill-56-openings/ |
ROANOKE CO., Va. – Roanoke County Public Schools is looking to fill 19 school bus driver positions.
“We have all routes covered, so there will be no issues, but we need more drivers so we can get back to full staff and not have to use mechanics and supervisors to drive buses,” said Chuck Lionberger, the school system spokesperson.
Lionberger said they’ve increased the starting pay for bus drivers to $17.98 per hour. There are $1,000 and $1,500 signing bonuses (after 90 days) for new drivers. He says if drivers already have a school bus-level CDL, they get a $1,500 signing bonus since there’s not as much training needed to get them on the road. Drivers without a CDL get a $1,000 bonus and will receive free CDL training.
Roanoke County also needs five bus aides. There’s a signing bonus of $500 after 90 days and increased starting pay at $15.16 per hour.
Lionberger says they’re in very good shape with teachers, with only three openings as of Friday. Those include one special ed, one technology ed, and one elementary remediation. There are nine openings for instructional assistants, which he says is about average for the start of school.
33 nutrition associates are needed. Like bus drivers, Lionberger says they’re covered but we need more staff to get back to full operations. Starting pay increased to $15.16 per hour with a $500 initial signing bonus (after 90 days) and a $500 retention bonus at the end of each semester (for a potential total of up to $1,500).
Roanoke County is also looking for substitute teachers and bus drivers.
You can find the applications here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/08/roanoke-co-offering-bonuses-for-some-school-positions/ | 2022-08-08T13:22:11 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/08/roanoke-co-offering-bonuses-for-some-school-positions/ |
KILLEEN, Texas — The strain of teachers across Texas isn't stopping some future teachers in Killeen from pursuing their dreams.
Student teachers from A&M Central Texas University know there will be hurdles, but they continue to keep a positive perspective.
"There's a need for teachers for a reason, so I'm glad we can fill that need for schools around Texas," A&M Central Texas student teacher, Erika Henry said.
According to the Texas Tribune, the attrition rate for teachers in Texas has always remained around 10%. The 2021 - 2022 school year hit, and that amount rose to 12%.
The report states that teachers are leaving or not entering the work force because of health and safety concerns, along with low pay.
"They're probably seeing what a lot of teachers are seeing right now – it's a little different in the classrooms right now," A Pre-K teacher at Timber Ridge Elementary, Hollie Kreiger, said.
Teachers who leave the professions are leaving positions open that schools can't fill.
That's why Timber Ridge Elementary teamed up with A&M Central Texas University, to work with student teachers, mentor them and put them into a positive work environment.
"They start in the profession so much more confident," the Director of Field Experiences and External Partnerships at A&M Central Texas, Jamie Blassingeame, said.
The University pairs student teachers up with mentors at Timber Ridge Elementary, which Blassingeame said helps them find support when they need it.
The connections with other teachers is what Kreiger said helped her all these years.
"My team, and other teachers in the district, we just come together and support each other," Kreiger said.
That's what Kreiger hopes to do for her mentees.
"They love being in the classroom and being with the kids," she said. "It's fun to see someone who is excited to come into the teaching profession."
She said the student teachers will get to work with different grade levels and different teachers, all while forming bonds and connections that will follow them through their careers.
This is something Blassingeame said will keep the future teachers in the profession.
Rachel Johnson, who is part of the program, understands the need for teachers right now. Johnson said she wanted to be a teacher because of her four kids, but now she realizes how many other kids need someone like her.
"If you don't have anyone helping them discover what they like, helping them discover what they can amount to, then who is going to be that driving force behind them?" Johnson said.
Johnson's student teacher colleagues understand the importance of their role as well.
"You are someone who is helping their kids, you are someone who is allowing them to grow, to learn to be better people," student teacher with A&M Central Texas University, Kyra Sowells, said.
More on KCENtv.com: | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/timberridgeelementary-is-turning-the-page-on-the-teacher-shortage/500-13c8c747-c11a-4f82-a949-11af214d3f99 | 2022-08-08T13:43:06 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/timberridgeelementary-is-turning-the-page-on-the-teacher-shortage/500-13c8c747-c11a-4f82-a949-11af214d3f99 |
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Hillsborough County voters can cast their August primary ballots starting Monday as the county kicks off its early voting.
Voters will be able to cast their vote early from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Aug. 8 through Aug. 21. No matter where you live in Hillsborough County, you can choose to vote at any of the 26 early voting locations across the county. This is different than Election Day, where voters must vote at their assigned polling place.
Voters can also drop off their vote-by-mail ballot in person at any of the locations at a secure ballot intake station.
“We are a large county and I want our voters to have plenty of options so I keep Early Voting open for the maximum number of days allowed by law, including two full weekends,” Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer said in a statement.
As a reminder, voters will need to bring a Florida driver's license or other valid photo and signature ID for voter check-in. You can get more information here.
10 Tampa Bay's Vote Squad has everything you need for both the primary and general elections, from sample ballots to dates, times and locations. All you need to do is head over to 10TampaBay.com/Vote.
While the time has passed to register for the primary election, if you have registered to vote, you have until Aug. 13.
The primary election will be held on Aug. 23. If you need to find your polling place for Election day, click here.
And, if you want to know who and what is on your ballot ahead of time for the primary, click here. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/early-voting-august-primary-hillsborough-county/67-9a3bdf38-4f73-4e70-a04a-47f9eeaf6449 | 2022-08-08T13:46:51 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/early-voting-august-primary-hillsborough-county/67-9a3bdf38-4f73-4e70-a04a-47f9eeaf6449 |
White Marlin Open announces $8.6 million purse for 2022 tournament
The 49th White Marlin Open is set to kick off Monday morning, and the boats participating in this year's tournament now know just how much is on the line and how many people they will be competing against.
Sunday night, White Marlin Open announced that this year's cash payout for he tournament is $8.6 million. And the number of boats that will be out on the water throughout the week will be 408.
Last year's White Marlin Open set a new tournament record in both boats participating and its cash prize, with 444 boats going after last year's $9.2 million purse.
Now that registration has wrapped and the cash purse has been finalized, the only thing left is for the boats to go out on the water for the next five days and reel in some big fish.
Read more on White Marlin Open
White Marlin Open 2022: What you need to know about the Ocean City fishing tournament
White Marlin Open 2022: What's new as Ocean City's big fishing tourney enters 49th year
Relive the best moments and winners from the thrilling 2021 White Marlin Open
How mako shark fishing changes in Maryland impact tournaments, anglers | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/local/2022/08/07/white-marlin-open-announces-8-6-million-purse-for-2022-tournament/65391956007/ | 2022-08-08T13:47:50 | 1 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/local/2022/08/07/white-marlin-open-announces-8-6-million-purse-for-2022-tournament/65391956007/ |
White Marlin Open 2022: Follow along with all the live action here
With the White Marlin Open returning to Ocean City from Aug. 8-12, get ready for huge catches, even bigger drama and of course at least one megastar competitor returning for the fourth time.
Last year's record payout was $9.2 million, and organizers expect to top that this year with perhaps $10 million or more on the line.
Michael Jordan, fresh off a big catch for his crew in the Big Huk Classic last week, will be returning to compete this year, and there will also be a new category for competitors. Due to new restrictions, there will be no shark category at this year's tourney, replaced instead by a new swordfish category.
MORE:White Marlin Open 2022: What you need to know about the Ocean City fishing tournament
MORE:Relive the best moments and winners from the thrilling 2021 White Marlin Open
MORE:White Marlin Open 2022: What's new as Ocean City's big fishing tourney enters 49th year
Follow along live here as anglers bring their catches into the Harbour Island Marina in Ocean City, with weigh-ins taking place from 4-9:15 p.m. each day of the tournament, and sometimes even later. This story will be updated with the live video feed once it has begun. | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/local/2022/08/08/livestreaming-white-marlin-open-2022-ocean-city-md/65390855007/ | 2022-08-08T13:47:56 | 1 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/local/2022/08/08/livestreaming-white-marlin-open-2022-ocean-city-md/65390855007/ |
LIVE BLOG: White Marlin Open Day 1
The White Marlin Open has officially arrived for its 49th year in Ocean City, with boats full of anglers from all over setting out on the waters in hopes of catching huge fish and even bigger cash prizes.
Last year's White Marlin Open saw a record number of boats competing for a record amount of cash prizes, and anticipation for what this year's iteration of the world's largest billfishing tournament has in store for both it's fans and competitors has been building throughout the fishing season.
You can follow along here for updates throughout Day 1 of White Marlin Open, as The Daily Times reports live from the scales at the Harbour Island Marina from the time they open at 4 p.m. until they close at 9:15. Everything from Twitter coverage, video, interviews with anglers, and photos from Day 1 of the tournament will be available on this live blog.
Boats set sail for Day 1 of White Marlin Open
Day 1 of the White Marlin Open has officially arrived, and it could be a jampacked first day at the scales. Of the 408 boats competing this week, 292 of them have decided to fish today, using one of their allotted three days of fishing on the first day of the world's largest billfishing tournament.
Last night, White Marlin Open announced that this year's total prize money would be $8.6 million, and it looks like a lot of today's anglers decided to try and get started early on their path towards that grand prize. With the scales opening at 4 p.m. this afternoon, more updates to this live blog will come as Day 1 moves forward.
White Marlin Open 2022What you need to know about the Ocean City fishing tournament
SHARKS:How mako shark fishing changes in Maryland impact tournaments, anglers
WHAT'S NEW:White Marlin Open 2022: What's new as Ocean City's big fishing tourney enters 49th year | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/local/2022/08/08/white-marlin-open-fishing-tournament-ocean-city-md-live-updates/65390043007/ | 2022-08-08T13:48:02 | 1 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/local/2022/08/08/white-marlin-open-fishing-tournament-ocean-city-md-live-updates/65390043007/ |
ST. JOHN — A man is in custody after allegedly leading police on a high speed chase through several area communities before abandoning his girlfriend and being hunted down by night vision drones and a police dog.
The action began around 3:45 a.m. Saturday when St. John police said they saw a white Mercedes SUV driving north at 64 mph in a 35-mph zone along U.S. 41.
Officers stopped the vehicle at U.S. 41 and Wall Street, but the driver then fled through Schererville and into Highland at speeds topping 100 mph, St. John Police Public Information Officer Roger A. Patz said.
As the driver headed east on 45th Avenue into Griffith, Lake County and Griffith police were waiting with tire deflation devices in the roadway.
"The suspect vehicle turned south on Colfax Ave. where officers momentarily lost sight of the vehicle," police said.
Police said they located the vehicle on Elm Street in Griffith and discovered the driver had fled on foot, leaving his girlfriend behind.
Police pursued with dogs and officers launched night vision drones, which spotted the driver hiding in a wooded area, Patz said.
He was apprehended by a Lake County police dog and sustained a minor bite on his leg, Patz said. The man refused medical treatment.
The man, who was not identified by police, was taken to the Lake County jail and faces counts of resisting law enforcement, reckless driving and false informing, Patz said.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Jenell Echols
Age : 36
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206430
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Elijah Joshua
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206376
Arrest Date: July 22, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ruben Ogden
Age : 23
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206429
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Taylor Ecsy
Age : 25
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206457
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
DeAndre Tillotson
Age : 23
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206423
Arrest Date: July 24, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tyronn Jones Jr.
Age : 24
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206393
Arrest Date: July 23, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jamel Kennedy
Age : 22
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2206474
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kenyon Phelps
Age : 41
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206449
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Yesenia Calderon
Age : 42
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206505
Arrest Date: July 27, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
John Petrassi
Age : 45
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206428
Arrest Date: July 24, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Alexandra Rojo
Age : 19
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206489
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kenneth McCammon
Age : 42
Residence: Schneider, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206362
Arrest Date: July 22, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kurt Van Nugtren
Age : 51
Residence: Winfield, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206433
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Daniel Ferguson
Age : 42
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206418
Arrest Date: July 24, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Bobbie Fields
Age : 44
Residence: Whitesburg, KY
Booking Number(s): 2206444
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESS HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Monique Randolph
Age : 23
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206441
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Shane Camp
Age : 32
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206499
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: CHILD MOLESTATION - STATUTORY RAPE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Keith Lasenby
Age : 58
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206493
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION - OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ayanna Williams
Age : 31
Residence: Oak Lawn, IL
Booking Number(s): 2206422
Arrest Date: July 24, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Logan Atkins
Age : 23
Residence: Bloomington, IL
Booking Number(s): 2206372
Arrest Date: July 22, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brian Mathison
Age : 42
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206409
Arrest Date: July 24, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Richard Green Jr.
Age : 68
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206455
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kristy Gibson-Miller
Age : 32
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206424
Arrest Date: July 24, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - ORGANIZED THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tony Clark
Age : 21
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206487
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kristin Mobus
Age : 32
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206385
Arrest Date: July 23, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Adan Reyes
Age : 19
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206453
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Juan Losano
Age : 26
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206472
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Robert Zlatanovski
Age : 27
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206419
Arrest Date: July 24, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Brooks
Age : 40
Residence: Elkhart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206395
Arrest Date: July 23, 2022
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT; DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Markale Bolden
Age : 43
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206380
Arrest Date: July 22, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ky Pryor
Age : 35
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206397
Arrest Date: July 23, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A SERIOUS VIOLENT FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Shavesz Johnson
Age : 25
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206421
Arrest Date: July 24, 2022
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - MURDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Mayra Reyes
Age : 30
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2206458
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Johnnie Cobb Jr.
Age : 50
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2206486
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jeffrey Meeks
Age : 42
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206466
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Darren Stocky Jr.
Age : 26
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206504
Arrest Date: July 27, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ernest Howard III
Age : 31
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206459
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - MARIJUANA
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Edwin Cabrera
Age : 48
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206361
Arrest Date: July 22, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Erin Baldwin
Age : 38
Residence: Saline, MI
Booking Number(s): 2206442
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: HEALTH - LEGEND DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jonathan Jimenez
Age : 26
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206476
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Antonio Brown Jr.
Age : 19
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206470
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/DEADLY WEAPON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Robert Shaw Jr.
Age : 42
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206448
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Frank Pfeifer
Age : 37
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206482
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Terrence Thomas Jr.
Age : 27
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206500
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Cardia Combs
Age : 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206375
Arrest Date: July 22, 2022
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - MURDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Andrew Hudson
Age : 28
Residence: Hebron, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206460
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Hexadore Randall
Age : 28
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2206477
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - MURDER (ATTEMPTED); BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Kimus Williams Jr.
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206440
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL; RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - FORCIBLY RESISTING; NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Scorcese Steveson
Age : 30
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206398
Arrest Date: July 23, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Anh Tuan Phung
Age : 30
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2206484
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kolin Burgess
Age : 23
Residence: Kouts, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206439
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: - DEALING - METHAMPHETAMINE; NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tabitha Kirk
Age : 37
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206432
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Camron Gill
Age : 19
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2206394
Arrest Date: July 23, 2022
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Patrick Hanas
Age : 40
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206373
Arrest Date: July 22, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joseph Sitarski
Age : 32
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206426
Arrest Date: July 24, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kristy Meyers
Age : 41
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206447
Arrest Date: July 25, 2022
Offense Description: NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lawrence Tobel
Age : 40
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206401
Arrest Date: July 23, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
David Brown Jr.
Age : 34
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2206485
Arrest Date: July 26, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING - ESCAPE; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/drones-police-dogs-hunt-down-man-following-high-speed-pursuit-region-police-say/article_0b9f3043-e61a-5831-a140-c37c1383eb04.html | 2022-08-08T13:50:49 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/drones-police-dogs-hunt-down-man-following-high-speed-pursuit-region-police-say/article_0b9f3043-e61a-5831-a140-c37c1383eb04.html |
MICHIGAN CITY — Rain put a damper on attendance but not the thrills at the Great Lakes Grand Prix race Sunday at Washington Park.
Boats created large wakes and even went vertical, jumping out of the water, while zooming around the course.
The race draws about 100,000 people in good weather.
“The boats are amazing. Watching them jump out of the water, it’s incredible,” Dave Gertz, of Hebron, said.
Jay Guarch, of Key Largo, Florida, was among the spectators Sunday, standing on the beach with his new friend Maggie Larson, of LaPorte. Larson’s boyfriend repaired a large breach in the fiberglass hull of Guarch’s catamaran trawler.
He and his wife have spent eight months on his boat doing the Great Loop, a route that travels along the Atlantic seaboard, through the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes, then through the Mississippi River system to reach the Gulf of Mexico.
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“It’s the trip of a lifetime, to do the Great Loop,” Guarch said. “It’s a wonderful way to see the country.”
“I’ve really enjoyed our stay,” he said. “The Port Authority has been wonderful. Your locals are wonderful.”
“We didn’t plan on being here” for the grand prix, the retired attorney said, but he’s glad he was able to make new friends. He’s seen boat races in Key West, but this was his first time to see them on Lake Michigan.
Josh Leszcynski, of North Judson, has attended the grand prix every year since it began.
“It’s just always a good time,” he said.
Last year, Leszcynski chatted with people from Dubai who own the world’s fastest boat, he said.
He doesn’t care who wins; he just enjoys watching the races and hanging out.
Shannon Fields, of Hartford City, is a devoted fan, too. “I guess I’m willing to sit here in the rain and watch,” she said.
“I like about any kind of racing,” Fields said. “It doesn’t hurt that it’s on the beach.”
Brett Rebac, of Michigan City, considers the grand prix the best weekend of the summer. “Unfortunately, the weather kind of dampened the crowd a little bit this year,” he said.
Rebac arrives at the beach at 7 a.m. to stake out his spot along the water’s edge and keeps an eye on the weather. “All true beach bums are amateur meteorologists,” he said.
Burk — he goes by one name, like Bono, he said — lives in Michigan City. “It’s been a good event,” he said.
Residents and crews get to attend the block party. “Residents get to interact. The racers say that’s their favorite part,” Burk said.
Mitch Jaynes, of Vassar, Michigan, has been attending the grand prix for five years. Washington Park is impressive. “This one is kind of our go-to for us in Northwest Indiana,” he said.
Rain didn’t deter his family. “We’ve seen it all. We’ve been out here when the sand was blowing so hard you couldn’t see.”
Jaynes is a fan of racer Ed Smith, of Knucklehead Racing in St. Clair, Michigan. Smith would have competed in the grand prix had he not needed a new motor for his boat, Jaynes said.
Driver Sean Conner won second place in his division Sunday.
The race was “pretty wild,” he said, with lake conditions that can change even between laps.
Conner competes in eight national championship races in Florida, Missouri and Indiana before going to Key West in November for the world championship.
“The more time you spend in the boat, the better you get at it,” Conner said. He was practically born into boat racing.
“There’s a lot of unknown, so that makes it very exciting,” he said. Going around curves, “you can get some pretty good G’s.”
“I’ve always loved racing. I love the team aspect,” Conner said. “And going fast on the water is fun.” | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/michigan-city/fast-boats-make-waves-in-michigan-city/article_16d562ea-7e9b-59ae-bb42-5bab5135a43a.html | 2022-08-08T13:50:50 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/michigan-city/fast-boats-make-waves-in-michigan-city/article_16d562ea-7e9b-59ae-bb42-5bab5135a43a.html |
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health and the Bismarck Police Department are partnering to address underage drinking and fake IDs.
Local bars and restaurants struggling with underage patrons using fake IDs reached out to Public Health Substance Abuse Prevention Director Susan Kahler last year. Kahler knew of a fake ID pilot program in Grand Forks and decided to work toward a similar program in Bismarck.
She applied for a $62,500 public health grant from the state to fund the entire program and contacted the Bismarck Police Department. Together, they launched a pilot program last August with a goal of limiting the use of fake IDs by minors.
“We want to prevent underage drinking, and (getting a fake ID) is another avenue youth are going through," Kahler said.
The program uses specialized scanners that have the ability to detect fake IDs at a more efficient rate than people trying to identify them visually. The scanners are installed on-site, and establishments are given training on how to operate them. Kahler said the scanners, which cost around $5,300, are able to detect fake IDs using between 40 and 50 reference points.
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It didn't take long for the scanners to be successful.
“Within two weeks we were able to get 19 fake IDs," said Police Officer Caitlin Horne, who is a project leader.
The program has now collected more than 130 fake IDs at five participating businesses.
Police and Public Health have partnered with local colleges and universities to have underage drinking cases related to students be run through the schools' codes of ethics. The hope is to attack the problem through education. This includes alcohol awareness classes that teach the dangers of underage drinking. Offenders might also be required to do community service.
“Our main objective is to educate rather than punish. We’ve all been young and made mistakes," Horne said. “We aren’t trying to ruin people’s lives.”
The program also is being used to promote Responsible Beverage Server Training. An officer goes to bars and restaurants and trains staff to be aware of when to cut off patrons, among other skills.
Public Health has attempted other efforts to reduce underage drinking. The agency has experimented with a "sticker shock" campaign that uses stickers with information such as the fine for distributing alcohol to minors. The stickers have been posted in liquor stores, restaurants and bars as a deterrent.
Public Health also promotes "lock, monitor, secure" to reduce underage drinking.
“Its really important that we talk to our youth about underage drinking," Kahler said.
She hopes more businesses will join the fake ID program. Scanners are available to businesses at no charge, and police can rotate the scanners among businesses.
Businesses that want to join can contact either Kahler at 701-355-1597 or Horne at 701-223-1212. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck-burleigh-public-health-and-city-police-launch-fake-id-pilot-program/article_5575b916-f65d-11ec-b479-337097477458.html | 2022-08-08T13:52:05 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck-burleigh-public-health-and-city-police-launch-fake-id-pilot-program/article_5575b916-f65d-11ec-b479-337097477458.html |
ACTS Housing is launching an acquisition fund to combat investor landlord purchases in Milwaukee
Faced with an influx of out-of-state investors gobbling up properties, ACTS Housing is launching a homeowner acquisition fund to purchase Milwaukee homes and resell them at affordable prices to city residents.
The fund, which the group hopes will eventually tally $11 million, plans to purchase at least 100 homes in 2023 and resell them to individual buyers.
President and CEO Michael Gosman said the fund will help the nonprofit fulfill its mission of increasing homeownership rates in Milwaukee, particularly among Black and Hispanic residents.
“If we’re going to offer great homeownership opportunities for families, we have to make sure there is inventory available to them that meets their needs,” Gosman said.
The aim is to blunt the dominance in the Milwaukee housing market by large investors.
Nearly 400 Milwaukee homes have been purchased by three out-of-state based investor companies so far this year alone. That puts them on pace to nearly double the number of homes they purchased last year.
John Johnson, a Marquette University research fellow and housing expert who gathered those figures, said the investor influence in the market makes it nearly impossible for low-to-moderate income renters to buy homes.
Even though Acts isn’t typically in the business of selling homes, Gosman said the nonprofit felt the need to act urgently, given the pace of investor landlord purchases.
“We found ourselves in a situation where we had to ask, ‘If we don’t enter this space to disrupt what we’re seeing, who’s going to do it?’” he said. “And we came to the answer that it needs to be us.”
Fund part of concerted effort to address homeownership inequity
Acts said it plans to sell single-family and duplexes priced between $90,000 and $140,000, with some move-in ready and others rehabs. Acts’ home purchasing team will be led by Dorothy York, the nonprofit's vice president of real estate, who has a background in real estate brokerage.
Program participants will likely mirror the demographics of Acts participants:
- 90% of those participants have low-to-moderate incomes
- 80% are Black, Indigenous and from other communities of color
- Graduates of any homebuyer education program
Those who participate will be expected to remain in their home for a minimum of five years.
The nonprofit has already raised $3 million toward its $11 million goal through multiple grants, including a $1 million grant from the Zilber Family Foundation.
The group said it is submitting requests to the city and county for additional funds, including money earmarked in the American Rescue Plan Act for affordable housing. The goal is to generate an even split of public and private funds.
Around $10 million will go toward home purchases and rehabs. The remainder will be spent on paying the team and other operating costs.
The fund plans to use the same strategies many investor landlords use to buy homes: off-market sells through direct offers to homeowners, purchases with waived inspections, purchases of portfolios (multiple homes at once) and foreclosed homes.
ACTS was already considering building an acquisition fund but scaled up its efforts after partnering with the Community Development Alliance, York said.
The alliance is a Milwaukee-area consortium of philanthropic and government partners seeking to increase homeownership among Black and Latino communities and low-to-moderate income residents.
Teig Whaley-Smith, chief alliance executive of the alliance, said when polled, the roughly 100 stakeholders involved in the group identified the creation of a housing acquisition fund as a top priority.
A recent Wisconsin Policy Forum report found Milwaukee had the worst racial disparity in homeowner rates among nearly a dozen peer cities in 2020, with 26 percentage points separating the combined Black and Hispanic homeowner rate and the white homeownership rate.
In addition, the city has a significant number of rent-burdened households, defined as households spending more than 30% of their income on rent.
Johnson, the Marquette researcher, said many Milwaukee residents would be better off financially as homeowners than renters, even after factoring in homeowner's insurance and property taxes.
“That’s why ACTS Housing tenants have been successful,” he said. “And that’s not even including any sort of equity advantage that you get.”
York said the fund has two measurable goals: to increase the number of people of color owning homes in Milwaukee and consistently sell enough homes that the fund becomes self-sustaining.
Private equity landlords have ramped up homebuying
According to Johnson, the rate of home purchasing by two of the three biggest out-of-state private equity firms has increased significantly. And although one of them, Highgrove Holdings, only purchased eight homes this year, Johnson's research suggests the entity plans to purchase 1,100.
Investors and prospective landlords with loads of cash already have an advantage because they typically purchase “portfolios,” or properties in bulk at prices as low as $35,000 per property.
This type of purchasing is often a point of frustration for activists and potential buyers.
“There may be a landlord selling all five of their properties, and they’ll sell all of them in one transaction. And the price per house is pretty affordable for someone who lives in the neighborhood,” Johnson said. “But they could never acquire that much cash to buy all five of them and that limits the markets.”
With the Federal Reserve increasing interest rates, mortgages will become harder to obtain for the average resident, giving investors who can make cash purchases even more of an advantage in the markets.
Why are we seeing this trend more now?
In the past, package deals were rare, as local landlords tended to sell their properties individually. The housing crash of 2008 led the number of city homeowners to fall precipitously. And finally, with rents at an all-time high, real estate has quickly emerged as a lucrative money-making venture for private equity firms.
However, York said she thinks the ACTS acquisition fund can make a difference.
“We’re definitely trying to interrupt that flow of investor to investor (sales),” York said, “and with this Housing Acquisition Fund, we think we’ll be able to.”
Talis Shelbourne is an investigative solutions reporter covering the issues of affordable housing and lead poisoning. Have a tip? You can reach Talis at (414) 403-6651 or tshelbourn@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @talisseer and message her on Facebook at @talisseer.
How are we doing? Fill out this survey and let us know. | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/08/08/acts-housing-fund-buy-and-resell-least-100-milwaukee-homes-investor-landlords/10223959002/ | 2022-08-08T13:55:40 | 0 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/08/08/acts-housing-fund-buy-and-resell-least-100-milwaukee-homes-investor-landlords/10223959002/ |
He turned his life around to care for his kids. Now, a family is reeling after a fatal shooting took his life.
Christopher Bugembe’s family loved him, but his reentry to society after a prison sentence in 2017 came with some anxiety.
His past legal issues put the family through a lot, and they knew he would need help getting back on his feet.
But his oldest daughter, Tavia Bugembe, just wanted her dad back.
At 13, she never lived with him before, but knew he was a good father. Just before his release, she told him something that probably helped turn his life around: she wanted to move from Memphis to Milwaukee to live with him.
Once he was released, Christopher Bugembe went right down to Memphis to get her and her siblings. From there on, his sisters and brother said, his priorities changed. There was a calm about him they hadn’t noticed before. He said he was tired of the lifestyle he lived previously. He matured.
“The focus completely shifted from the street to his kids,” his sister, Amber Hoon, said. “I was so excited to see where he was going with it.”
Christopher Bugembe, 37, who family members remembered as a silver-tongued goofball who took big swings for his six children, was killed in a north side shooting July 22 that also took the life of Valentino I. Stokes, 41.
It came during a visit to his hometown just a month after he moved with four of his kids and his partner to Dallas, where he hoped to escape the trappings of Milwaukee and start over.
“He and I were just starting to get close again the last couple years,” his brother Zach Hoon, said. “I thought I had more time to get closer, and this happens. I want my brother back.”
In the weeks since, the family has struggled to reconcile with the injustice of his death and society’s reaction to it.
Initial media reports of the shooting described Christopher Bugembe as a “37-year-old Wauwatosa man,” and the family has been unable to reach police for updates on the investigation – a common situation for families of homicide victims in Milwaukee.
It’s these kinds of things that make Christopher Bugembe’s family worry that he will become a nameless, faceless statistic, or another unsolved case, at a time of historic gun violence in Milwaukee.
“I feel like when these kinds of deaths happen, they’re just written off as like ‘Oh yeah, just another thug,’” his sister, Paulina Bugembe-Kuwahara said. “He was a whole person. He’s so charming and loving and loyal. He was a good dad. He was doing the best he could.”
Police have released almost no details about the shooting, which was reported at 12:45 a.m. on the 5700 block of West Fond du Lac Avenue. The circumstances leading up to it are under investigation, and no arrests have been made, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips, or use the P3 Tips app. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Members of both victims' families said they know little about how the shooting transpired, but they were not aware of Bugembe and Stokes knowing each other. Bugembe’s family believes he was targeted, and it appears Stokes was an innocent bystander who was out grabbing food with his cousins.
“He was a lovable, quiet, laid back, relaxed, fun person,” his mother, Donna Stokes, said in a brief interview with the Journal Sentinel.
Family described Christopher Bugembe as a huge basketball fan with a funny, quick wit, who thrived as a family man since his release from prison in 2017.
In Dallas, which he referred to as “Lucifer’s patio” for its heat, he found and rented his dream home – a house with an outdoor space, Bugembe-Kuwahara said. After learning how to barbeque from his siblings over video calls, he began grilling daily.
Tavia Bugembe, now 18, said her father was determined to help his kids build a life for themselves and encouraged them to pursue whatever interests they developed. He did not want them to have the same journey in life he had.
His sons want to play sports, so he drove them to and from practice, watched their games and played with them in between. Tavia Bugembe wants to be a beautician, so he helped her craft a plan to save money for school and rent a space to start seeing clients.
There was once a time when Christopher Bugembe’s family felt anxious about him in their lives. Now, they can’t imagine a life without him.
“He was the best dad ever,” Tavia Bugembe said. “We weren’t hungry. Everything we needed, he supported us.
“It’s going to be very hard to get used to him not being here,” Tavia Bugembe said.
Contact Elliot Hughes at elliot.hughes@jrn.com or 414-704-8958. Follow him on Twitter @elliothughes12. | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/08/08/christopher-bugembe-turned-his-life-around-before-fatal-shooting/10262235002/ | 2022-08-08T13:55:46 | 1 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/08/08/christopher-bugembe-turned-his-life-around-before-fatal-shooting/10262235002/ |
A federal complaint accuses Milwaukee of creating 'containment zones' where low-income people are concentrated
In a newly unsealed federal complaint, two Milwaukee property owners accuse the city of creating "containment zones" of people living in poverty and with disabilities — but the local alderman framed the case as part of a longstanding feud involving the plaintiffs, the city and a local rooming house.
The case prompted Milwaukee City Hall's recent scramble to hire outside attorneys for $250,000 before leaders abruptly reversed course and dropped the plan, according to Ald. Robert Bauman. Officials at the time declined to say much of anything about the circumstances that led to the significant spending proposal.
In the complaint filed under seal in February, and unsealed in recent days, property owners James Dieter and Karen Schwenke argue the city has created "containment zones" on the near west side and other areas of the city where people of color, people with disabilities and those with low incomes are purposely concentrated in poor living conditions. That has been done by consolidating rooming houses within those areas, the complaint states.
"Within these containment zones, building codes and zoning ordinances are not enforced, blight and slums are the norm, and crime is permitted. Law enforcement contains the crime rather than stops the crime," the complaint states.
They accuse the city and Milwaukee County of violating federal anti-discrimination laws in addition to state and local safe housing laws while claiming to be in compliance in order to receive federal funds.
More:Milwaukee County to concentrate $19 million affordable housing initiative in its suburbs
In particular, their complaint focuses on the city's handling of a rooming house known as The Clark House near Dieter's 10,000-square-foot home on the near west side.
Bauman, who represents the area, framed the complaint as the result of Dieter's personal grievances against The Clark House.
And he said the challenges associated with the rooming house properties were the result of concentrated poverty that dates back to policies such as redlining and that the city is trying to address.
"Containment zone is certainly a nice, menacing term ... except the reverse of that, the other side of that coin, is gentrification," Bauman said. "Let's move the poor people out and move who in? Who replaces them? Middle class folks? People that want to live in big mansions?"
U.S. Attorney's Office declines to intervene
Despite the stir at City Hall over an apparent federal investigation stemming from the complaint, ultimately prosecutors decided not to intervene in the case.
Dieter and Schwenke had filed the complaint on behalf of the United States government, naming as defendants the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, the city's Housing Authority and other local government agencies.
Attorneys for the city and county did not respond to requests for comment.
The apparent federal investigation led the city's Common Council to hastily plan a meeting to take up a proposal to spend $250,000 on outside attorneys in late July only to cancel the meeting less than 24 hours from when it was first floated.
City Hall officials were largely silent on the details of the then-sealed case.
Then on Aug. 1, prosecutors in the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin notified U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller that they would not intervene in the case. However, they asked that their consent be sought to settle, dismiss or otherwise discontinue the litigation.
The prosecutors' filing also asked that the complaint and some other documents be unsealed.
The case remains open, and Dieter and Schwenke are free to pursue legal action.
Their attorney, Shannon D. McDonald, declined to comment on the case.
It was not clear from the prosecutors' filing why they declined to take it up.
Bauman said he thought they "came to the conclusion that Mr. Dieter is not promoting fair housing, he was actually opposed to fair housing," noting that he lives in a "magnificent mansion" near the rooming houses at issue in the complaint.
"These people are advocating for gentrification, they want to reduce the concentration of poor people, not enhance their quality of life," he said.
Schwenke owns rental property on the near west side, the complaint states.
Dieter and Schwenke argue that when deciding to invest, they relied on a comprehensive plan under which the city would focus on the area when allocating federal funds "to improve housing conditions, decrease densification, eliminate blight and slums, reduce discriminatory practices, and fund redevelopment projects in the area."
Complaint focuses on Clark House
A series of code violations have gone unaddressed by the city at The Clark House rooming house in the area of North 24th Street and West Kilbourn Avenue, the complaint states.
The issues it cites include chimneys without liners in the five buildings, exposed wires creating electrical hazards, and a "severe structural issue" in a stone wall that was bowing and "created a high probability for a building collapse."
Dieter and Schwenke also accused the city of treating residents in "containment zones" less favorably than residents in other parts of the city and ignoring building codes "for the purpose of maintaining a containment zone for the city's low income, minority and disabled residents."
The Clark is owned by ProBuColls.
The organization's attorney, James McAlister, said a portion of the federal complaint restates arguments Dieter made in a 2020 state court lawsuit that was largely dismissed last year. Dieter is appealing.
Due to the state court case, McAlister said he could not respond to the specific allegations of violations cited in the federal complaint.
Contact Alison Dirr at 414-224-2383 or adirr@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter @AlisonDirr. | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/08/08/milwaukee-accused-creating-containment-zones-federal-complaint-low-income-housing-gentrification/10245075002/ | 2022-08-08T13:55:52 | 0 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/08/08/milwaukee-accused-creating-containment-zones-federal-complaint-low-income-housing-gentrification/10245075002/ |
The search for a 25-year-old swimmer who disappeared in the waters off Far Rockaway after going for a dip overnight has turned into a recovery operation, authorities said Monday.
The missing man's uncle says he had been hanging out with his girlfriend on the shore and wanted to get wet so took off his shirt and jumped in the ocean. The 25-year-old from Nicaragua never resurfaced, the uncle said.
NYPD officers, along with Coast Guard boats from Sandy Hook and Jones Beach, the FDNY and Long Beach firefighters scoured the waters after the man was reported missing around 2 a.m., officials said. They found nothing immediately.
Dive teams were expected back in the water by 9 a.m.
Sources familiar with the case say the current was intense around the time the man vanished, which expands the search area.
Red flags seen Monday in the area where the man went into the water clearly stipulate no swimming.
No other details were immediately available. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/boyfriend-missing-in-waters-off-far-rockaway-after-overnight-dip/3814616/ | 2022-08-08T13:56:27 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/boyfriend-missing-in-waters-off-far-rockaway-after-overnight-dip/3814616/ |
SAN ANTONIO — Officials in Bexar County are currently looking for a pink or rainbow gun that was used in a shooting Sunday in far west Bexar County.
On Sunday, Bexar County Sheriff's deputies responded to the 10000 block of Bonavantura for the shooting. When they arrived on scene, they learned that a 17-year-old teenager had shot an adult male, fled the scene, then discarded the weapon, officials said.
The suspect was located in the 200 block of S Ellison and taken into custody without incident, BCSO said. Now, deputies are trying to find the gun that was used in the shooting.
Deputies said the areas of 3000 block of Quiet Plain Drive and Kriewald Place Homeowners Association Park were searched, however nothing was discovered. That area is in far west Bexar County.
BCSO said the weapon is a pink or rainbow revolver. If you have any information or saw the suspect, you are asked to call (210) 335-6000. If you find the weapon, do not touch it. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/bcso-looking-for-pink-or-rainbow-gun-involved-in-shooting-news/273-9fdac307-2f23-4f06-a6c3-c8d9b7bb0e50 | 2022-08-08T13:59:37 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/bcso-looking-for-pink-or-rainbow-gun-involved-in-shooting-news/273-9fdac307-2f23-4f06-a6c3-c8d9b7bb0e50 |
SAN ANTONIO — The City of San Antonio is hosting U.S. Army essential military traning downtown and on the east side of San Antonio Monday.
The training takes place from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and will consist of air and ground mobility operations and close-quarter combat training to enhance soldiers' skills by operating in a realistic environment. Local residents may hear low-flying helicopters, simulated gunfire and controlled explosions during periods of darkness, the city said. The local terrain provides training opportunities and simulates environments troops may encounter when deployed, the city also said.
The city says safety precautions are in place to protect participants and residents, along with planning considerations to minimize impact to the community and private property. San Antonio Police Department personnel will be on-site to ensure the safety of both citizens and participants.
"The meetings and planning for this training event began months ago,"
said SAPD Police Chief William McManus. "Being that San Antonio is known as Military City, USA, we have a long history and strong relationship with the U.S. military, and we're honored to be able to provide support to the U.S. Army as they conduct this critical training in our city." | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/us-army-conducting-military-training-downtown-and-on-the-east-side-monday/273-11d380ff-0735-49f6-9c18-5346bf0efa73 | 2022-08-08T13:59:43 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/us-army-conducting-military-training-downtown-and-on-the-east-side-monday/273-11d380ff-0735-49f6-9c18-5346bf0efa73 |
The sentencing this week of a Greenleaf man who was arrested with bullets labeled with threats against Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, among others, shows how dangerous, hyperbolic rhetoric is causing some on the far right to become “radicalized extremists.”
Erik K. Ehrlin, 33, was sentenced to 6½ years in prison by a federal judge in Boise. He pleaded guilty to counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and assault on a federal officer in January.
Prosecutors said Ehrlin, whom U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit aptly called a “radicalized extremist,” discussed mass violence; wrote avowing his loyalty to a right-wing extremist ideology; threatened federal agents; declared himself sovereign from federal jurisdiction; and was found with four firearms, tactical gear, heavy-duty zip ties, duct tape, rubber gloves, a balaclava face mask, high-capacity magazines, a bag of ammunition, and bullets with the words “Die McLean” written on them, as well as expletives before the words “feds” and “BLM.”
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This is the result of the vitriolic political discourse we have today, in which you vilify, demonize and threaten those with whom you disagree.
We’ve seen for too long the far right use hyperbole and end-of-the-world rhetoric to talk about “leftists,” “statists,” “globalists,” “Marxists” and “socialists.”
“The Democrats are trying to destroy America.”
“Democrats are trying to create a socialist state.”
“The left” is indoctrinating kids, “sexualizing” them in school. They’re taking homosexuality and “trying to shove it down our throats.”
Such hyperbolic rhetoric hit a crescendo during the coronavirus pandemic, as the far right ludicrously equated mask mandates and contact tracing with Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, in which 6 million Jews were killed.
And it gained its massive momentum, of course, under professional hate purveyor Donald Trump, whose many transgressions include declining to condemn white supremacists, telling the Proud Boys to “stand by” and letting the violent mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, know, “We love you.”
Unfortunately, some people, like Ehrlin, fall for all of this problematic rhetoric and become radicalized.
Remember “pizzagate,” a conspiracy that Hillary Clinton and Democrats were running a child sex-trafficking ring out of a Washington pizzeria that led to a vigilante gunman showing up at the restaurant with an assault rifle and opening fire?
Those words, historically reserved for the late-night far-right shock jocks like Michael Savage, have now trickled into our everyday politics and coarsening discourse.
In Ehrlin’s case, he could disagree with McLean’s policies about clean energy, homelessness, affordable housing or the Boise City Council’s declaration about not enforcing an abortion ban.
But it is way too far with threats of violence.
And Ehrlin doesn’t even live in Boise. He lives in Greenleaf, in Canyon County. The mayor of Boise has no effect on Ehrlin’s life.
But McLean has been incessantly attacked from Day One by far-right groups all over the Treasure Valley, such as the Idaho Liberty Dogs and the Idaho Freedom Foundation, including an ugly — and ultimately unsuccessful — campaign to have her recalled from office.
Remember the attack ads against Ada County Commissioner Diana Lachiondo, a Democrat who lost to far-right Republican Ryan Davidson two years ago?
The ads, posted by political action committee Conservative Citizens for Thoughtful Growth, called Lachiondo “dangerous, radical, extreme,” for her “crazy green policies” and “radical social agenda.”
The PAC eventually took the ads down over safety concerns for Lachiondo.
It’s one thing to disagree on a policy position. It’s quite another to foment hate, vitriol and threats of violence.
The new chairperson of the Idaho Republican Party, Dorothy Moon, vowed to act with civility — and then turned around and used violent rhetoric when talking about the other side of the aisle.
“We have to make sure with the Democrats coming at us with full force that we have our barriers up, our guns loaded and ready to keep this state free,” Moon said after she was elected party chair.
“Confrontational politics” has devolved into something undemocratic and ugly.
People in leadership positions, like Moon, need to recognize the effect their words can have on their followers.
The “locked-and-loaded” rhetoric of the Republican convention was disturbing and incendiary. Whether intended or not, those words have the power to radicalize people, and this radicalization gives agency to extremists who feel empowered to show up armed at someone’s front door, threaten public officials or write their name on a bullet casing.
We can disagree about policy, but we must not let those disagreements incite violence.
Fortunately, Ehrlin was caught, prosecuted and sentenced.
But how many others like him are out there? | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/idaho-view-this-is-what-extremist-rhetoric-leads-to-a-bullet-with-boise-mayor-s/article_b8277f28-1501-11ed-bb0a-6f2406841a65.html | 2022-08-08T14:12:10 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/idaho-view-this-is-what-extremist-rhetoric-leads-to-a-bullet-with-boise-mayor-s/article_b8277f28-1501-11ed-bb0a-6f2406841a65.html |
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Scientists at the Oregon Institute of Technology were recently awarded a $1 million grant from the federal government that could result in research that improves health outcomes in Southern Oregon due to wildfire smoke.
Since 2019, a team of Oregon Tech scientists has been studying the capacity of hospitals in the Rogue Valley to handle patients arriving with respiratory problems during wildfires when air quality plummets due to wildfires.
“If it’s in what we call ‘the purple,’ which is the really bad air quality, the likelihood that a hospital is going to exceed their capacity goes up to about 70 percent,” Kyle Chapman, an associate professor of sociology and population health at the Oregon Institute of Technology, told Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Chapman and his colleagues will now expand their focus to include admissions due to heart conditions experienced during wildfires in addition to respiratory illnesses such as asthma, which wildfire smoke can exacerbate.
“We have a feeling that some of these other conditions related to heart disease, which is much more widespread than chronic respiratory diseases, are also a big player here,” he said.
Chapman said looking at how hospital admissions change during wildfires could lead to changes in staffing levels, similar to what is already done during the summer when emergency room visits increase.
The federal grant will also allow the scientists to install new monitors outdoors and inside homes in Klamath Falls that can reveal the chemicals in wildfire smoke, a new area of study that has taken on increasing importance as wildfires grow more intense and spread beyond forests to threaten homes and businesses.
“Instead of only looking at the bulk measurement of how much smoke is in the air … what it’s made up of gives us an indication of where it came from, what sort of things burned in the fire that created the smoke and potentially, how dangerous that smoke is to human health,” said Adelaide Clark, a former associate professor of chemistry at Oregon Institute of Technology who is now on faculty at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island.
Last year, Klamath Falls had 38 days where the air quality was found to be unhealthy for all groups of people, tying a record set in 2018 for the city, according to a newly released report on wildfire smoke trends from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
If climate change is making wildfires more intense, extreme heat conditions more common and droughts more prolonged, new policies may need to be crafted to protect public health from wildfire smoke.
“We have all through the state with the heat wave, a much heavier use of our cooling centers,” said Chapman. “It might be a good idea to make sure that those cooling centers are also clean breathing centers.” | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/scientists-expand-study-air-quality-health/283-d956ea79-9d54-42ba-96c2-f2a259431bab | 2022-08-08T14:26:52 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/scientists-expand-study-air-quality-health/283-d956ea79-9d54-42ba-96c2-f2a259431bab |
Lakeland man charged with murder in July 2 shooting
The Lakeland Police Department has arrested a 24-year-old man on charges that he fatally shot his roommate July 2 at Big Oaks Apartments.
LPD detectives arrested Thomas Anthony Rivera on Thursday and charged him with second-degree murder, the agency said in a news release. Rivera had been in custody since July 3 on charges of tampering with evidence and providing false information to law enforcement officers.
More recent shootings:
- Domestic violence suspect killed by Lake Wales police after fatally shooting K-9
- Polk Sheriff's Office investigating shooting death of 17-year-old boy in rural Haines City
Officers responded July 2 at 4:47 p.m. to a report of a shooting from Big Oaks Apartments, 1586 Big Oaks Drive, the release said. Officers found a 24-year-old man inside an apartment with a gunshot wound.
LPP officers rendered aid until emergency medical responders from Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived, the release said. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health and later pronounced dead.
The Lakeland Police Department has not released the victim’s name, citing a state law that protects the identities of crime victims.
Rivera had initially claimed that he had left the apartment he shared with the victim to walk his dog when he heard gunshots, returned to the apartment and found the victim, the release said. He also claimed he had seen two men running from the location with guns.
Life sentence:Lakeland man sentenced to life in prison for 2020 home robbery with a firearm
Video surveillance at the property refuted Rivera’s descriptions, the release said. Evidence found at the scene indicated that Rivera was the only person in the apartment at the time of the shooting and was in close proximity to the victim when he was killed, LPD said.
Witness interviews determined that Rivera had waited 30 minutes or longer to call for emergency help, the release said.
Rivera was in Polk County Jail on Monday and listed as not eligible for bond.
No other details are being released to protect the integrity of the investigation, LPD said. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Troy Smith at 863-834-8958 or troy.smith@lakelandgov.net.
Tips may be submitted anonymously at www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com or by calling 1-800-226 TIPS (8477).
Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on Twitter @garywhite13. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/florida-man-lakeland-charged-murder-july-roommate-shooting/10264178002/ | 2022-08-08T14:30:32 | 0 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/florida-man-lakeland-charged-murder-july-roommate-shooting/10264178002/ |
BRUNSWICK, Ga. — The three men convicted of federal hate crime charges in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery are set to be sentenced on Monday.
A federal jury found shooter Travis McMichael, his father Gregory McMichael, and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan, who is white, guilty of killing Arbery, who is Black, in February. That was the first federal hate crimes conviction ever in Georgia.
The men are already sentenced to life on state charges for the 2020 murder. The recommended federal sentence is a life term on top of the state charges.
11Alive News legal analyst Page Pate believes the trio will likely spend the rest of their lives in prison.
“You're looking at potentially very, very lengthy sentences," Pate said. “They're not going to a Martha Stewart type camp, even if they're allowed to go to federal prison.”
Travis and Gregory McMichaels want to stay in federal prison. Their lawyer said they don't want to go to state prison because they're afraid they'll be killed.
"The state prisons in Georgia are horrible, especially right now. In fact, many of them are subject to a federal Department of Justice investigation as as to the conditions of confinement," Pate said. “You've got severe staff shortages. You have violence. Inmate on inmate attacks, inmate on guard attacks. You even have guard on inmate attacks.”
Pate said it's unusual for inmate deaths to happen in state prison, but he does believe the three men could be targets. Arbery's family said they want the men to go state prison for chasing Ahmaud down and killing him in a Brunswick neighborhood when he went for a jog in February 2020.
“That's given both the nature of the crime, their convictions and all of the evidence that we heard during the trials, the racial hatred, the language and not to mention what actually happened to Ahmaud Arbery," Pate said.
It's unlikely they won't be transferred to state prison after Monday's federal sentencing, according to Pate.
“What happens in a situation like this when someone's first been charged in state court and then they have federal charges brought against them is that the state loans them to federal court until their federal case is finished and then they take them back," Pate said.
Pate believes federal prosecutors want to communicate that actions like the McMichaels' and Bryan's won't be tolerated.
“I think the message that this sends is that this current Department of Justice is very focused on prosecuting hate crimes, even if people have been prosecuted previously in the state system," Pate said.
The McMichaels were not given the possibility of parole on their state sentence.
"Bryan has the opportunity to seek parole in the state system. If he's given a life sentence in federal court, though, won't matter because there is no parole in the federal system," Pate said,
Pate thinks the only way the men won't spend their lives in prison is if they win an appeal, which he expects their lawyers to do immediately after sentencing. But he believes it's unlikely an appeal will be successful unless there are legal errors. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/ahmaud-arbery-sentencing-greg-travis-mcmichael-william-roddie-bryan-federal-hate-crime/85-4d5b9c68-f708-453a-b38f-b064ce4d3291 | 2022-08-08T14:30:59 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/ahmaud-arbery-sentencing-greg-travis-mcmichael-william-roddie-bryan-federal-hate-crime/85-4d5b9c68-f708-453a-b38f-b064ce4d3291 |
JEFFERSON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — The body of 48-year-old Jeremiah T. Bueker, an Arkansas County Northern District Court judge was recovered from a lake on Sunday morning.
According to reports, Bueker and family and friends spent their weekend in Jefferson County.
At one point Bueker ventured off for a while and later the family began to worry. He had been last seen near Mud Lake and since the family could not locate him, and it began to get dark, they contacted the police.
Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputies arrived and began an extensive search on the ground and in the water alongside the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol and wildlife officers with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.
Shortly after 9:00 a.m., they detected a body at the bottom of the lake. Once they were able to recover the body, the family assisted the deputies and investigators in the positive identification of Bueker's body.
Bueker was pronounced dead by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office, and his death is being investigated as an accidental drowning. The body will be sent to the state medical examiner for an autopsy.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing and we will update with information as soon as it becomes available. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/body-arkansas-judge-recovered-lake/91-be748721-4fd9-4dcd-ad9b-e2c7ba14513a | 2022-08-08T14:31:05 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/body-arkansas-judge-recovered-lake/91-be748721-4fd9-4dcd-ad9b-e2c7ba14513a |
FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Fort Smith Police Department responded to a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash on Saturday, Aug. 6.
It took place at around 9:20 p.m. on Albert Pike and Rogers Avenue.
Police say all eastbound lanes of traffic were impacted for about 40 minutes before reopening.
The accident reconstruction team was on the scene, but no further information has been released at this time.
Stay with 5NEWS for updates on this developing story.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/pedestrian-hit-by-vehicle-fort-smith/527-49cd720b-deb5-4ad5-98fb-7f20a0792625 | 2022-08-08T14:31:11 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/pedestrian-hit-by-vehicle-fort-smith/527-49cd720b-deb5-4ad5-98fb-7f20a0792625 |
On the agenda: Salem-Keizer to vote on gun resolution Tuesday
The Salem-Keizer Public Schools governing board will next meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Miller Elementary School, 1650 46th Place SE.
The board will consider a resolution to further prohibit weapons on district property. The proposed policy expands existing restrictions to include all concealed firearms carried by campus visitors.
The board first discussed the topic in a June 28 work session and again after the first reading of the proposal July 12.
Board members remain split on the issue.
Newly elected chairwoman Ashley Carson Cottingham, co-vice chairwomen María Hinojos Pressey and Karina Guzmán Ortiz, and member Osvaldo Avila support the resolution to further prohibit weapons. Members Danielle Bethell, Satya Chandragiri and Marty Heyen oppose it.
Both sides feel their stance is the safer option.
Salem-Keizer's proposed resolution would "prohibit weapons, including concealed weapons, per ORS 166.377 and direct the superintendent to develop and enact administrative policy to achieve this outcome."
Because Salem-Keizer already has some restrictions in place, this resolution would expand restrictions to cover school visitors.
"The only change is the 'visitors in public with a concealed carry,' " Superintendent Christy Perry said. 'That's it, that's this resolution. That's the only thing that it adds."
Several community members have testified at recent board meetings. Some argued the removal of concealed carry handguns will make schools safer with fewer weapons around children. Others said it will leave adults powerless.
The board is also scheduled to vote to renew its Safe and Welcoming Schools resolution and its Commitment to Equity and Antiracism.
The board will hear public comments for 45 minuteson both agenda and non-agenda items. A lottery system will be used to select speakers at random, according to the agenda.
Comments will be accepted by phone call, Zoom, written or in person. For all forms of public comment, advance sign-up via the district's online form is required. Sign-up will not be open at the meeting site. Signup closes at 3 p.m. Monday.
The meeting will be broadcast on Capital Community Media, channel 21. Closed captioning in English is available. The meeting can be viewed on YouTube in English or Spanish.
For more information, go to salkeiz.k12.or.us/schoolboard. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/salem-keizer-public-schools-board-vote-gun-resolution/65387341007/ | 2022-08-08T14:33:56 | 0 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/08/salem-keizer-public-schools-board-vote-gun-resolution/65387341007/ |
Thinking about getting a new job? You should sleep on it. Literally.
A mattress brand is hiring Casper Sleepers to snooze for a living, putting a whole new spin on sleeping on the job.
[TRENDING: Florida gas prices continue to fall, reaching lowest price since March | In this Florida city, when drivers go the wrong way, most don’t crash. Here’s why | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
Job requirements include sleeping in company stores and in other random locations.
There’s a bit of work when you’re awake though, like creating social media content to show people what it’s like to be a professional sleeper.
The qualifications?
An “exceptional sleeping ability, a desire to sleep as much as possible” and of course, the “ability to sleep through anything.”
In addition to being paid to sleep, Casper Sleepers get to wear pajamas to work, get some free Casper products and have the flexibility of a part-time schedule.
The company is taking applications through Thursday and showing off some sleep skills on TikTok is encouraged. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/get-paid-to-sleep-company-hiring-professional-nappers/ | 2022-08-08T14:35:21 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/get-paid-to-sleep-company-hiring-professional-nappers/ |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County school district and law enforcement officials will discuss the upcoming school year, including safety information, during a Monday news conference.
Superintendent Designate Dr. Maria Vazquez, Orange County Sheriff John Mina, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith and Orange County Public Schools District Police Chief Bryan Holmes will deliver remarks during the news conference.
[TRENDING: Florida gas prices continue to fall, reaching lowest price since March | In this Florida city, when drivers go the wrong way, most don’t crash. Here’s why | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
School board members will also be in attendance.
Officials will address school safety and share information about transportation and meal services.
The news conference is set to begin at 10 a.m. News 6 will stream live at the top of this story when it begins.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/watch-live-at-10-am-orange-county-district-officials-discuss-safety-ahead-of-school-year/ | 2022-08-08T14:35:27 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/watch-live-at-10-am-orange-county-district-officials-discuss-safety-ahead-of-school-year/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s no surprise News 6 anchor Julie Broughton wears many hats: anchor, meteorologist, education reporter.
Did you know she’s also an ordained minister?
“I’m always nervous before a wedding and people have a hard time believing that because I’m on TV every day,” Julie said. “This is their, hopefully. one chance they’re getting married and you want to make it memorable and special and you just don’t want to mess it up.”
[TRENDING: Florida gas prices continue to fall, reaching lowest price since March | In this Florida city, when drivers go the wrong way, most don’t crash. Here’s why | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
Julie said being an officiant isn’t a side-gig per se, but a service she wanted to provide to show support to those close to her.
“It was 2014 or 2015 when same-sex marriage became legal in every state. I was like, ‘OK, I’m an ally so how can I support all of this and all of my friends who will be getting married.’ I decided to go online and get ordained with the intention of doing just same-sex marriages and it just blossomed,” Julie said.
So, how do you become ordained?
“You can be ordained in the next 5 minutes. You literally go online to a ministry. Fill out a form. Then they send you a card stating you’re a minister. You even get a minister parking pass,” Julie said.
Most websites offer free and quick ordination. Under Florida state law, persons authorized to solemnize matrimony in Florida include:
“All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel or elders in communion with some church, or other ordained clergy, and all judicial officers, including retired judicial officers, clerks of the circuit courts, and notaries public of this state may solemnize the rights of matrimonial contract...”
Once ordained, you’re not required to file as a minister with the clerk of courts. Some ministries’ ordinations don’t expire. With a marriage license and paperwork that’s filled out after the wedding, there’s only one thing that really has to be included in the wedding ceremony to make the nuptials legal.
“That’s the declaration of intent and that just means everyone’s there because they want to be. That they’re not forced to be married against their will,” Julie said.
Julie has married several friends including co-workers, utilizing her journalism skills.
“It’s like being a reporter. You put together a story and you do have a script and you want to make it personal to them,” Julie said. “It actually surprised me how much I like it and how emotional I find it because - it’s no secret, I don’t have any desire to get married again.”
Julie said every wedding is unique and comes with its own challenges.
“I married my friend Ebony and her husband, and she picked to get married in February on the beach in Sanibel. It normally would be the perfect time to get married outside, but it was the grossest day I’ve ever seen in Florida. It was so windy and wet. I’m wearing a coat and Ebony is wearing this beautiful gown. It was so windy that my lashes flew off and the groom had to put it in his pocket. Luckily, it happened before the ceremony started because I didn’t want it to be a distraction,” Julie said.
Every wedding memorable.
“My favorite moment is always watching the groom or partner standing there when the other partner comes down the aisle. It’s just something about seeing the genuine reaction that gets everyone so emotional. Sometimes I’ll start crying and tell myself, ‘get it together,’” Julie said.
Julie’s not the only News 6 talent who’s ordained. Trooper Steve is also an ordained minister and word around the newsroom is that Chief Meteorologist Tom Sorrells is looking into becoming ordained in the future.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/why-this-news-6-anchor-became-an-ordained-minister-officiates-weddings/ | 2022-08-08T14:35:34 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/08/why-this-news-6-anchor-became-an-ordained-minister-officiates-weddings/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Sixth Annual Veterans Awareness Expo kicked off at the Mid-American All-Indian Museum in Wichita on Saturday.
Many veterans came out to learn about over 60 veteran service providers.
The event is free to the public and is put on by the Vet-To-Vet Support Command the Veteran Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County.
“We want to make sure that no veteran gets left behind on anything, so the VA is here, the vet center reps are here if you have a claim issue and you wanna see people in person,” said Patty Gnefkow, CEO of the Vet-To-Vet Support Command.
“It’s like going to the home show you know people walk away just in awe of all the new innovations literally our veterans walk away from this with that same wow I had no idea,” said Howard Hutchinson Jr., founder of the Veteran Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County.
Around 1,000 veterans attend the event each year.
Military vehicles were on display, and a program was held on Wichita’s only aviation Medal of Honor recipient, Lt. Erwin R. Bleckley. An update was given on restoring an identical DH-4 biplane that he flew in World War I and long-term plans for the Bleckley project. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/6th-annual-veterans-awareness-expo-helps-vets-find-services/ | 2022-08-08T14:38:54 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/6th-annual-veterans-awareness-expo-helps-vets-find-services/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Roughly 3,000 older adults utilize Senior Services of Wichita each year. Chris Heiman, the charity’s development director, says with costs doubling, funds are decreasing or remaining stagnant, and now a mill levy for senior care has reached an all-time low.
“I think for too long, our seniors have had to settle for second best,” Heiman said.
Heiman has worked with Senior Services for the past 15 years. She says funding has tanked in the past decade, which has impacted what services and quality of care seniors can get.
“There isn’t a lot of money to put in new carpeting, or to place new tiles in the ceiling, or even just to buy supplies,” Heiman said. “Creating new programs, creating new events, new opportunities for seniors to stay engaged—that’s a real challenge when there’s no money.”
Heiman says for many seniors she works with, the Northeast Senior Center acts as a literal lifeline—adding five, 10, even 15 more years to their lives compared to those of their peers.
“Isolation is, you’re, like, 10 times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease,” Heiman said.
Heiman says centers, like Northeast, keep seniors out of private long-term care facilities and nursing homes—something Heiman says many Wichita seniors cannot afford.
“That private pay facility is going to cost them between $7,000-$10,000 a month out-of-pocket,” Heiman said.
Heiman says alternative state-funded programs are often more of a burden for seniors and taxpayers.
“They’re typically full because there’s not a lot of placement out there, they may not always be the highest quality of care, and that costs taxpayers $50,000 a year for one placement,” Heiman said.
Taking into account current inflation, and a rapidly aging population in Sedgwick County, Heiman says it’s all the more reason centers, like Northeast, should be properly supported.
“I think we all need to kind of step back and think, ‘what is my life going to look like when I’m that age? What do I want it to look like?'” Heiman said. “We’re all gonna be there one day. What do we want to have when we’re that age? What services do we want that we’ll deem acceptable?” | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/lack-of-funding-causing-problems-for-senior-services-of-wichita/ | 2022-08-08T14:39:00 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/lack-of-funding-causing-problems-for-senior-services-of-wichita/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Kansas Department of Transportation will close the northbound I-135 exit to southbound I-235 until 3 p.m. on Monday to crane bridge beams into place.
KDOT has suggested a detour for access to southbound I-235. They suggest going north on I-135 to 61st Street, then left and left again onto southbound I-135 to southbound I-235.
The closure is part of an overpass improvement project to improve traffic flow at Wichita’s North Junction. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/northbound-i-135-exit-to-southbound-1-235-closed-until-3-p-m/ | 2022-08-08T14:39:06 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/northbound-i-135-exit-to-southbound-1-235-closed-until-3-p-m/ |
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