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KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Model City will celebrate 200 years since its first charter on Saturday, August 20.
You may be asking yourself, how can the city be celebrating its bicentennial when it just celebrated its centennial in 2017?
It’s because Kingsport had two charters. The first charter was issued by the General Assembly in 1822 and incorporated the area around Netherland Inn. However, Kingsport lost its charter in 1879 and remained unincorporated until the second charter was issued in 1917, the genesis of modern-day Kingsport. In 1963, the boundaries of the new Kingsport were expanded to include the old Kingsport along Netherland Inn Road.
The bicentennial celebration will take place at Netherland Inn on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event, which will be free and open to the public, will include re-enactors and storytellers, craft demonstrations, live music, a mock charter signing, and historical documents on display.
More information can be found at thenetherlandinn.com. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/kingsport-to-celebrate-200-years-at-historic-inn/ | 2022-08-11T23:38:54 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/kingsport-to-celebrate-200-years-at-historic-inn/ |
FRIDLEY, Minn. — A Coon Rapids woman is suing Walmart over a 2019 fire in the parking lot of the company's Fridley store that took the life of her 6-year-old daughter.
Essie McKenzie alleges that Walmart's policy to allow RVs and other vehicles camp in their store parking lots led a California couple to stay overnight in August of 2019, and eventually use a hotplate that started McKenzie's van on fire with her two children sleeping inside. The lawsuit alleges wrongful death, and says by allowing people to camp with no supervision, permit requirements or sanitation, Walmart has maintained dangerous conditions on store grounds.
"These unregulated, unlicensed, and unmonitored campgrounds pose a threat of illness, injury, noise, and crime to a considerable number of members of the public," the court documents read.
The suit seeks damages in excess of $75,000.
First responders were called to the Walmart Superstore at 8450 University Avenue in Fridley around 7:15 a.m. the morning of Aug. 6, on reports that a van had caught fire and jumped to multiple vehicles parked nearby. One of those vehicles belonged to Essie McKenzie and inside were her children, who were napping while she shopped for groceries. McKenzie said the children were tired after being awakened quite early that morning so she could take relatives to the airport.
McKenzie's 6-year-old daughter Ty-rah sustained injuries that would prove fatal, and her eldest daughter Taraji, who was nine at the time of the incident, suffered severe injuries that the lawsuit claims will leave her physically and emotionally scarred for life.
Investigators discovered that the origin of the fire was a hot plate being used by Robert Lino Hipolito, who was camping in the Walmart parking lot with his wife in their minivan. The 72-year-old Hipolito was charged with second degree manslaughter, but eventually pled guilty to two felony counts of negligent fire. He was sentenced to 120 days in jail and three years probation.
“She (her daughter Taraji White) watched her six-year-old sister (Ty'rah) lose everything in the palm of her hand,” said McKenzie at the time of the sentencing. Taraji White survived the fire but was left with severe burns and lung damage.
“I wished that this never happened, and I wish I could do something to fix it, but I can do nothing,” Hipolito told the court.
The lawsuit says Walmart allows overnight camping in its parking lots with the expectation those campers will then purchase goods from the store. It alleges Walmart failed to monitor the activities of overnight campers, specifically the Hipolitos, though having the capability to do so.
While McKenzie's attorney did not respond to inquiries Wednesday, Walmart sent a statement saying, "Our sympathies remain with the friends and family impacted by this tragic event three years ago. We plan to defend the company and will respond in Court to the Complaint as appropriate."
In 2020, a Hennepin County judge approved a separate, $130,000 settlement in a civil case filed on behalf of McKenzie's surviving daughter against the California man.
Watch more local news:
Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/mother-sues-walmart-after-childs-death-in-parking-lot/89-4b156476-0e93-44fc-a586-728b45b5a553 | 2022-08-11T23:38:56 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/mother-sues-walmart-after-childs-death-in-parking-lot/89-4b156476-0e93-44fc-a586-728b45b5a553 |
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a school bus driver received a bomb threat Thursday.
According to the sheriff’s office, a bus driver in the Bloomingdale community received a call around 3:30 p.m. regarding an accusation that a student on the bus had a bomb.
The bus driver took immediate action to make sure the students were safe, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators responded and determined there was no bomb on the bus or any danger to the students.
An investigation is underway.
Sullivan County Director of Schools Evelyn Rafalowski also responded to the scene and is managing the school system’s response to the incident, according to the sheriff’s office. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/sullivan-county-sheriffs-office-investigating-school-bus-bomb-threat/ | 2022-08-11T23:39:00 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/sullivan-county-sheriffs-office-investigating-school-bus-bomb-threat/ |
Jury learns of rogue FBI informants in Whitmer kidnap case — but not full story
On day two in the retrial of two men accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, defense lawyers made sure the jury knew that rogue FBI players were involved — only jurors didn't get the full story.
Specifically, the defense didn't let the jury know that one of the rogue actors was kicked off the case because he was secretly helping the kidnap plotters, according to government filings.
That was Steve Robeson of Wisconsin, an FBI informant whom federal prosecutors dubbed a "double agent," saying he was fired from the Whitmer case in 2020 after it was discovered that he was trying to help the kidnap plotters when he was supposed to be investigating them.
Attacking the credibility of the FBI
The jury heard the names "Steve" and "Robeson" numerous times Thursday as defense lawyers disclosed that he was a "felon" indicted on a weapons charge after getting fired from the Whitmer case, hoping to taint his credibility and the reputation of the FBI. Robeson pleaded guilty and got two years of supervision.
But the jury heard nothing about his alleged "double agent" ways.
According to court records, here is what the jury doesn't know about "Steve" and what led to his firing in October 2020, the same month the defendants were arrested in an FBI sting. Prosecutors allege:
- Steve failed to let his FBI handlers know that suspects Kaleb Franks, Ty Garbin and a third man had recorded their nighttime surveillance of the governor’s home on a dash-mounted camera.
- When agents arrested three suspects in a sting, agents told Steve not to tell anyone, but he did, warning a fourth suspect in Delaware, Barry Croft, that the feds were after him.
- After warning Croft, Steve told another undercover informant — not knowing the person was undercover — to encrypt the training roster and said he "would still assist with the kidnapping."
- Steve then called another informant named "Big Dan" — unaware that he, too, was undercover — and told him to destroy footage that Franks had taken casing the governor’s house.
- Steve later told Big Dan to throw Croft's gun in the lake and get rid of a vehicle that was used in staking out Whitmer's house.
More:Juror's daughter-in-law got high with kidnap defendant Fox near Whitmer cottage
More:F-bombs. Real bombs: Whitmer kidnap retrial kicks it up a notch
The prosecution opted not to use "Steve" as a witness in the first trial. The defense sought to force "Steve" to testify, alleging he was the "only direct link" that the defendants have to the alleged kidnap plot because of the informant's "actions, coordination and planning on behalf of the government."
Steve exercised his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination and did not testify in the first trial, which ended with no convictions in April. Two defendants pleaded guilty and testified in that trial. Two men were acquitted. The jury deadlocked on charges involving the other two, alleged ringleaders Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., triggering a mistrial. Fox and Croft are being retried in federal court in Grand Rapids.
The danger of pennies in a bomb
It is not clear whether Steve will testify in the retrial, though his secret recordings of the defendants' conversations were played in court Thursday, including one where Croft is heard saying: "I need explosives."
Prosecutors allege the defendants were plotting to blow up a bridge near Whitmer's vacation cottage to slow down law enforcement during the kidnapping. Croft, who is accused of building explosive devices, including balloons filled with pennies, was heard talking about how far pennies blow out during a meeting that Robeson was at and recording.
"They’re going to be very hot when they go out ... they will go right through your skin. They got heat and they got velocity, they pop pretty good. It will give you a good 25 feet," Croft is heard saying about pennies in a recording played for the jury.
Croft also discussed tactics for pulling off the alleged kidnapping plan in that recording, including downing towers on a municipal runway to further slow down law enforcement, and have two people on standby "to grab the f------ governor."
"Whitmer. Whitmer. Whitmer," Croft is heard saying. "If seven men are prepared for the job, snipers can drop the guards before we approach the f----- house."
Unbeknownst to Croft, Steve, the alleged "double agent," was recording him on a device that looked like a credit card.
More:Prosecutor asserts Crumbleys' 'toxic' family life turned their son into a killer
More:Michigan inmate dying of cancer begs Gov. Whitmer for freedom after 46 years
Questions about informant's misconduct
In court Thursday, defense attorney Joshua Blanchard, who is representing Croft Jr., who's a Delaware trucker, asked an FBI agent about Robeson.
"You’re aware that he was terminated ... for misconduct, correct?" Blanchard asked the agent. He then added that Robeson was indicted on a weapons offense, and wasn't reporting truthfully to the FBI.
"I don't have the specifics on that," the agent said.
"Robeson was a felon ... there were times when the FBI gave him a gun?" Blanchard asked.
"I’m not aware," the agent said, noting he was not Robeson's handler.
In court records, the defense also has alleged that Robeson "has a prolific history of being a snitch" — a word that came up several times during trial Tuesday.
According to testimony, it was a so-called snitch who helped the FBI crack the Whitmer case. He was known to the defendants as Big Dan — a military veteran who joined their militia to keep up on training, but said he became concerned when he heard the members talking about killing police officers.
Big Dan went on to work for the FBI, went undercover, and helped the government build its case. The defense, meanwhile, maintains that Big Dan tried to set up the defendants, and ran the whole show.
The misdeeds of undercover informants and agents has been an issue for the government, which has had to get rid of four undercover operatives involved in the Whitmer kidnap plot investigation, including an agent who was convicted of beating his wife following a hotel swingers party.
Two FBI agents have testified so far, including the agent who handled Croft's case. His testimony continues.
Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/08/11/whitmer-kidnap-trial-jury-rogue-fbi-informants/10296330002/ | 2022-08-11T23:40:32 | 1 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/08/11/whitmer-kidnap-trial-jury-rogue-fbi-informants/10296330002/ |
Arizona Daily Star
The Tucson Saguaros will attempt to win their third consecutive Pecos League title this weekend, when they host either the Roswell Invaders or the Trinidad Triggers in the best-of-three championship series.
The championship series will begin Saturday at 7 p.m. at Kino Stadium. The teams will Game 2 on Sunday night, with a winner-take-all Game 3, if necessary, booked for Monday.
Tucson won the Pacific Division title on Tuesday, beating the San Rafael Pacifics 5-4 in California. The Saguaros took a 5-1 lead thank in part to another home run from star third baseman Brock Ephan, who finished with a pair of RBIs. Patrick Music and Mike Hernandez finished with two hits apiece, with Hernandez adding an RBI.
Hunter Treece pitched five innings, allowing two runs on three hits while walking five and striking out four. Closer Brendon Rodriguez allowed the tying run to reach base in the ninth, but struck out three Pacifics to secure a spot in the championship series.
Roswell and Trinidad will play their winner-take-all semifinal game on Thursday night.
Photos: Tucson Saguaros sweep Bakersfield with a 6-4 win in Game 2 of the Pecos League playoffs
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's Jamie Carey (3) heads to the dugout as the Tucson Saguaros celebrate a come from behind 6-4 win to eliminate the Train Robbers two games to none in game two of their Pecos League playoff best of three series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' centerfielder Steve Joyner (12) charges in to snare a sinking liner by Bakersfield's Daryl Donerson (2) in the third inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' catcher Caden Ledbetter (36) slaps a sweeping tag on Bakersfield's Adam Mathias (13) nailing him at the plate in the fifth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022. Bakersfield's Luke Kelley (16) dropped a blooper in the shallow right field gap that centerfielder Steve Joyner couldn't run down to score a run before Mathias was thrown out by right fielder Kendon Strachan.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' left fielder BJ Minarcin (17) has to get low to handle a sinking liner by Bakersfield's Daryl Donerson (2)) in the first inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's centerfielder Daryl Donerson (2), left, and right fielder Alex Cornell (12) narrowly avoid a collision bringing down a long fly ball from Saguaros' BJ Minarcin (17) in the first inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Blake Garrett (48) shatters his bat grounding out to third against Bakersfield in the third inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' centerfielder Steve Joyner (12) just misses grabbing a looping RBI liner into no-man's land by Bakersfield's Luke Kelley (16) in the fifth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Patrick Music (21) just beats the tag from Bakersfield's second baseman Jamie Carey (3) for a stolen base in game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's right fielder Alex Cornell (12) goes sprawling but just misses a Saguaro fly ball that dropped foul in the fifth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's shortstop Joe Curcio (24) can't believe Saguaros' Patrick Music (21) safely stretched a single into a double in the sixth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Brock Ephan (50) shatters his bat fighting off pitch against Bakersfield in the eighth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022. Ephan eventually worked a walk out of his plate appearance.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' third baseman Brock Ephan (50) stretches out to snare a pop-up by Bakersfield's Jamie Carey (3) on a sacrifice bunt attempt that ended up being a double play in the seventh inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's Adam Mathias (13) reacts as he's called out at home trying to score the second run on an RBI hit from Luke Kelley (16) in the fifth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series against the Saguaros at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Photos: Tucson Saguaros open Pecos League playoffs with 13-4 win against Train Robbers
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaro's Steve Joyner (12) slides into second as Bakersfield's second baseman Jamie Carey (3) goes sprawling to knock down the errant throw in the first inning of their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022. The Saguaros opened the best of three series with a 13-4 win.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' second baseman Patrick Music (21) flips to first baseman Chris Caffrey (44) to retire Bakersfield's Jamie Carey (3) on a slow roller to the gap in to end the Train Robbers' half of the third inning of their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Kendon Strachan (32) watches his hit clear the right field fence for a two RBI homer, his second homer of the night, for a 7-0 lead against Bakersfield in the fifth inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Mike Hernandez (35) warms up as the sun sets over Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium as the team prepares to face Bakersfield in the first round of the Pecos League playoffs, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' starting catcher Caden Ledbetter (36) stands with his team as the national anthem is played before the first pitch of the opening game of the Pecos League playoffs against Bakersfield at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' shortstop Sadler Goodwin (31) can't quite reach a shot back up the middle from Bakersfield's Joe Riddle (14) in the second inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' second baseman Patrick Music (21) twists his way under the ball after ranging into right field to track down a blooper into no man's land by Bakersfield's Omar Ortiz (7) in the fourth inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' starter Frank Dickson IV (30) throws against Bakersfield in their 113-4 win to open the Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's second baseman Jamie Carey (3) crashes to the turf in front of right fielder Alex Cornell as the two can't get to looping fly ball down the line by Saguaros' Caden Ledbetter (36) for a single in the fifth inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's third baseman Christian Harrington (8) gets the throw a second too late to stop Saguaros' Patrick Music (21) from advancing from first on an RBI single from Clayton Stephens (47) in the sixth inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' John Kea (40) pitches in relief against Bakersfield in the seventh inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' first baseman Chris Caffrey (44) ranges to his right to snare a grounder and throw out Bakersfield's Adam Mathias (13) to lead off the Train Robber eighth inning of their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
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Get local news delivered to your inbox! | https://tucson.com/sports/local/saguaros-win-division-title-will-host-pecos-league-finals-with-a-chance-to-win-third/article_432adade-19cb-11ed-ae8a-a3e43192c83b.html | 2022-08-11T23:40:59 | 0 | https://tucson.com/sports/local/saguaros-win-division-title-will-host-pecos-league-finals-with-a-chance-to-win-third/article_432adade-19cb-11ed-ae8a-a3e43192c83b.html |
DECATUR, Texas — The packed room of roughly 300 people where Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke spoke on Thursday wasn’t in Houston, Austin or Dallas.
It was in Decatur, the seat of Wise County, where former President Donald Trump won nearly 85% of the vote in 2020.
“These are the cities that Greg Abbott is sleeping on,” O'Rourke said after his town hall. “He’s not showing up, he’s not fighting for these folks. He’s not earning the vote.”
Gov. Greg Abbott won the 2018 race for governor by 13%. Recent polls have shown O’Rourke behind Greg Abbott by just 5% statewide.
As students head back to school this week, both candidates were in North Texas for events and both focused on education.
O’Rourke’s message focused on raising teacher pay and shrinking class sizes, with many educators fleeing the profession and districts struggling to fill vacancies.
“What if paid teachers enough to not have to work a second or third job to make ends meet or for retired teachers,” O’Rourke asked rhetorically in the town hall. “What if we ensured there’s a cost of living adjustment every single year going forward?”
Abbott hosted an education roundtable at The King’s Academy, a private, religious school in Dallas, and advocated for school vouchers, a system where public school tax dollars are diverted to instead help families send kids to private schools.
“Giving parents a true choice about where to educate their child gives parents that power that they need and deserve to provide the education that is best for their child,” Abbott said.
The issue has received pushback from critics who say vouchers harm public schools by removing funding.
“We should not as a state mandate that that child should continue to go to a school that is wrong for that child,” Abbott said.
“Not only are we going to stop the vouchers, fully fund teacher pay, we’re going to invest in our public schools,” O’Rourke said in his town hall. “We’re going to listen to you when you tell us how you want to teach and connect with those kids. We are going to cancel the STAAR test in the state of Texas as well to make sure you can do what you need to do.”
The other top issue on the minds of many parents is safety after last school year ended with 19 students and two teachers murdered in Uvalde at Robb Elementary School. Since the attack, Abbott has formed special committees to look at the issues around the shooting and how to fix it, but he has been criticized for not calling a special session to enact change.
“The governor has called special sessions on CRT or to go after transgender kids or to make it harder to vote in Texas,” O’Rourke said. “Why more than 11 weeks since those teachers and kids were shot and killed in that classroom has he not called a special session?”
Abbott said Thursday that 30 state troopers will be at the district when classes resume and that the number is what the city’s mayor requested. He also said district’s have stepped up on their own to improve security.
“We know that schools and administrators and teachers, they wanted to keep their children safe and I’m proud to seeing the way they’re responding,” he said.
On Wednesday, O’Rourke was in Mineral Wells talking about AR-15s and the Uvalde shooting when a heckler began laughing at him. O’Rourke responded, “It may be funny to you, motherf---er, but it is not funny to me.”
After the town hall Thursday, O’Rourke addressed the response.
“There’s nothing more serious to me than justice for those families in Uvalde and taking action to ensure that no other community, no other families have to go through what they just experienced,” he said.
Abbott’s event focused mostly on education while O’Rourke’s stop, part of a 49-day tour, also touched on protecting abortion rights and improving the energy grid.
With just a couple months to go, the back and forth is still only just beginning. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/beto-orourke-greg-abbott-weigh-in-education-school-safety-north-texas/287-fa7bd5a0-2266-4500-8801-52cefe9e6e53 | 2022-08-11T23:46:17 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/beto-orourke-greg-abbott-weigh-in-education-school-safety-north-texas/287-fa7bd5a0-2266-4500-8801-52cefe9e6e53 |
The city of Fort Wayne will end its storm debris collection service Aug. 19 for residents affected by the June 13 and July 5 storms.
Beginning Aug. 19, the Republic Services compost site will no longer be accepting storm debris.
For regular disposal fees, City Utilities' Biosolids Facility, 6202 Lake Avenue, is open to allow residents to drop off branches and limbs left by the storms. Drop-off prices are a minimum of $1 for up to 100 pounds or $20 per ton.
The facility is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/aug-19-last-day-for-city-storm-debris-collection/article_466a0d6e-19c6-11ed-ba94-03dd02c1c007.html | 2022-08-11T23:57:25 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/aug-19-last-day-for-city-storm-debris-collection/article_466a0d6e-19c6-11ed-ba94-03dd02c1c007.html |
Former U.S. Representative and Homestead High School graduate Susan Brooks co-authored an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday criticizing Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.
Brooks, a Republican who represented Indiana’s Fifth Congressional District from 2013 until 2021, joined longtime federal judge John Tinder in writing the opinion piece, titled “Abortion Laws Demand Fair Enforcement.”
In 2016, Rokita and Brooks — both U.S. House members at the time — ran for governor after former Gov. Mike Pence was picked by former President Donald Trump to join his ticket, ultimately losing out to Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Tinder and Brooks take aim at Rokita over his statements last month on Dr. Caitlin Bernard, an Indianapolis obstetrician-gynecologist who provided abortion services to a 10-year-old from Ohio who was a victim of rape.
They argued it’s “crucial for law enforcement to stay above the partisan fray” and called out Rokita’s comments on Fox News where they said he delivered “inflammatory rhetoric” and admitted he “hadn’t examined evidence that she complied with reporting requirements.”
Rokita has continued to say he’s investigating Bernard, even in light of new information showing she properly reported the procedure.
“The justice system’s legitimacy requires that law enforcement be fair, deliberative and ethical,” Brooks and Tinder wrote. “Government investigations should remain confidential unless and until a defendant is charged, with respect for the presumption of innocence and government’s burden of proof. A baseless investigation, if disclosed publicly, causes the target reputational damage, humiliation and loss.”
The op-ed cited Brooks’ “consistent pro-life record” and called on Rokita to “rethink his actions,” hoping “law-enforcement officials across the country will reject his example.”
“A functioning democracy requires that citizens trust the state to enforce the law fairly,” the op-ed stated. “A prosecutor should never wield the government’s extraordinary authority for political or ideological aims. That smacks of McCarthyism and is especially pernicious at a sensitive political moment.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/former-u-s-rep-brooks-calls-out-ag-rokita-in-op-ed/article_9cc69bd6-19c2-11ed-83b4-176866026add.html | 2022-08-11T23:57:31 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/former-u-s-rep-brooks-calls-out-ag-rokita-in-op-ed/article_9cc69bd6-19c2-11ed-83b4-176866026add.html |
A shooting that involved two vehicles and injured a woman on Fort Wayne’s southwest side Thursday might have been connected to a fight at a nearby apartment, police said.
Fort Wayne police were called to a shooting about 1:45 p.m. near Illinois Road and Interstate 69. Officers and paramedics found a woman with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle. She was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, said John Chambers, a police spokesman.
Officers believe the shooting might be related to a disturbance at an apartment in the 1500 block of Fenwick Place, west of Hadley Road and the I-69-Illinois Road intersection. Police were called to the apartment about 1:30 p.m., and officers believe several people there were involved in a fight before police arrived.
Investigators collected evidence at both scenes. They believe the woman was shot by someone inside another vehicle while the two vehicles were traveling east on Illinois Road, Chambers said.
No arrests were announced by early Thursday evening.
Police are asking that anyone with information about the incidents call the city police detective bureau at 260-461-1201. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/woman-shot-while-in-vehicle/article_f2818d52-19bc-11ed-a426-2b83dc44321a.html | 2022-08-11T23:57:38 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/woman-shot-while-in-vehicle/article_f2818d52-19bc-11ed-a426-2b83dc44321a.html |
Controversial Flagler County Chair Joe Mullins faces Republican challenger in primary
Flagler County Commission Chairman Joe Mullins said voters should focus on what he said was his ability to get things done and not on the controversies that have punctuated his term on the commission.
Controversies as recent as June when the Florida Highway Patrol twice ticketed Mullins for speeding. In both stops, Mullins told troopers he was a county commissioner; in one stop, when Mullins was behind the wheel of a red Ferrari in Flagler County, he told the trooper “I run the county.”
Mullins, a Bunnell resident, is facing a primary challenge from fellow Republican Leann Pennington, of Palm Coast, for his District 4 seat, which covers Bunnell and everything west of U.S. 1.
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'I run the county':Flagler County Chair Joe Mullins to trooper giving him speeding ticket: ‘I run the county’
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The winner of the Aug. 23 primary will go on to face Jane Gentile-Youd, who is running with no party affiliation, and Brett Borden, a write-in candidate, in the general election in November for a four-year term on the commission which pays $58,364.80 per year.
Mullins has $53,377.52 in his campaign coffers while Pennington has raised $13,919.65. Gentile-Youd has $2,665.39 and Borden has nothing.
Besides the speeding ticket controversy, Mullins is also fighting a federal lawsuit in Georgia accusing him of fraud for selling invalid badges to the Masters golf tournament.
There have been other controversies for Mullins, who was elected to the County Commission in 2018. During a commission meeting in 2020, Mullins verbally attacked two commissioners and stormed out of the chambers. Mullins was subsequently admonished by fellow commissioners.
“I think being a businessman and a sports entertainment agent,” Mullins said, “working in that has given me a lot of relationships, a lot of vision and a lot of experience to be able to run this county through the roughest times or to be able to help navigate this county, not necessarily run, but navigate, let's say that, navigate the county through the rough times.”
Mullins said his main sports agent business now is handling request from companies who call him to help them arrange trips for VIPs to attend big sporting events.
'Potentially bankrupt'
But a court filing in Mullins’ ongoing divorce case brings into question Mullins’ ability to run a business.
Mullins is “potentially bankrupt” according to disclosure form filed this year in the case, which states he has a net worth of negative $675,192.
The form reads "the husband is insolvent, manages debt payments in excess of his income, is subject to demands from lenders and IRS and is potentially bankrupt."
The court filing also states Mullins’ “business are essentially insolvent, riddled with debt that exceeds revenues.”
Mullins said those numbers represent investments he has made with different partners. He said he owns entirely or by himself nine different companies.
“If we were forced to liquidate stuff today, that's what it would liquidate at. And my goal is to sit there and work through it. COVID has hit us just like anybody else. A lot of it is my stocks have gone down in value," Mullins said.
The court filings of a negative net worth of more than half a million contrasts to a financial disclosure form filed with the state on June 16 which states Mullins has a net a positive worth of $515,602.
In a statement emailed to The News-Journal, Mullins said both documents are correct. Mullins' statement said the document with the negative net worth is a "complex tax document" which accounts for depreciation, carried forward losses and other tax issues. Mullins' statement also said that the tax filing was drafted nearly two months after the financial disclosure form and in that time his family's holdings changed and their portfolio dropped in value.
About the speeding tickets, Mullins said that in the Flagler County stop, his comment that he "ran the county" meant to convey to the trooper that he knew the process because he was involved in government. He added he was also aware of the process since earlier that month he had received a speeding ticket in Seminole County. In that stop, a trooper warned Mullins that if he stepped out of his SUV he would be arrested.
In the Seminole ticket, Mullins said he was "shaken" by the second FHP patrol car which drove up as another patrol car was behind him. Mullins said he thought the second FHP car was going to hit his vehicle. He said one of the troopers told him that they thought he was going to flee.
"That's when I showed him my card and said I'm a commissioner. I'm not going to flee anywhere," Mullins said.
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Lawsuit and condemned property
Mullins' sport and entertainment business is also being sued by Golf Travel LLC, which said it lost hundreds of thousands of dollars when it included invalid badges for the Masters acquired from Mullins as part of golf vacation packages in 2018 and 2019.
“We're defending ourselves, businesses get in disputes. This same company that says we sold them badges that weren't any good came back the next year to buy more badges. So there's a lot of unanswered questions there and we're ready to go to court with it,” Mullins said.
Mullins is also having some problems with an apartment complex near Augusta in Columbia County, Georgia. Columbia County officials inspected the Clara Point Apartments in July and August and found numerous violations.
Mullins said that while he is part owner of the apartment complex, a management company handles the day-to-day operations. When first interviewed last month, Mullins said the only problems he was aware of were non-working smoke detectors, which were being corrected.
Indeed, inspectors found that all 56 units “were deficient for the required smoke alarms.”
But records released since then also show that inspectors condemned one apartment and ordered that it be vacated immediately. The violations included a leak from a bathroom sink flooding a hallway.
Inspectors also found violations in other apartments, including incorrectly installed water heaters, air handling units with exposed wiring or some other problem, leaky faucets, a non-functioning window and a “growth” and decayed wood in a bathroom.
Mullins said his company bought those apartments several years ago.
“We buy distressed properties when we go in, it takes us some time to fix up,” Mullins said.
He said residents sometimes were not allowing people into the units to make repairs due to COVID. Mullins also said his management company is working to evict some of the residents for unpaid rent.
Mullins' shares accomplishments
Mullins noted he was just elected vice president of the National Council of Republican County Officials. Mullins serves on three committees at the National Association of Counties, community economic and workforce development steering committee, rural action caucus and membership standing committee.
Mullins said his service in those organizations helps the county get grant money.
"I serve on several national boards. I bring awareness back to them about the grants," Mullins said. "I'm part of those national boards forming what qualifications come into the grants, how you define the grants, we push legislation to congress, so that's what I'm a part of, all that. I'm not saying I do it. I'm a part of the process."
Mullins said another accomplishment while he has been in office is bringing internet to western Flagler County.
Flagler County approved this year a contract with Charter Communications to provide Internet access to underserved areas mostly in the western part of the county. The approximately $7.43 million project will be funded largely through grants and the financial backing of Charter.
Mullins also said that the county is paving another road in Daytona North. Most roads are unpaved in the rural community in western Flagler. The 2 1/2 mile project will pave Water Oak Road between Mahogany Boulevard and County Road 2006. The project had been in the making for 10 years and will mostly be funded through the Florida Department of Transportation, according to a county press release.
“We just announced paving a road; we've got some that love it. Some that don't. And they're mad that we're paving roads out there,” Mullins said.
Mullins said he recently convinced a company to open a drug treatment center in a vacant building which served as the sheriff's office operation center in Bunnell, which was vacated by the sheriff's office after employees developed illnesses and mold was found in the building.
He said another one of his accomplishments is being part of a commission that has kept county taxes low.
"I've run businesses through very hard times," Mullins said. "And I think we're in a hard time in our economy. And we've got to focus on cutting back expenses. We got to keep our taxes low. This is certainly not a time to increase taxes."
Mullins said the priority for him is getting through the economic challenges.
“I really truly feel like the three top priorities that I'm focused on now is gas, food and living expenses. How can we help our residents get through this tough time.”
Mullins pointed to bringing development as an accomplishment, pointing to a 350-unit apartment complex being built west of Palm Coast City Hall. But he said he was concerned about over-development.
“I am very concerned about the growth that we cannot stop,” Mullins said. “But we can have smart growth and smart growth is making sure infrastructure is taken care of. And we've been able to do that through a lot of grants."
Leann Pennington
His opponent, Pennington, said she has heard from residents on the west side of the county who say they have seldom, if ever, seen Mullins.
"I just feel like that district needs very special, individualized attention. They have very different needs than the rest of the county. They're mainly agricultural out there and rural," Pennington said. "They are behind you know, with with drainage issues, road paving, all those issues out there that they have that the rest of the county doesn't experience so they'd like some on-site representation out in the area. More so than what they're receiving,
Pennington was born in Jacksonville, grew up in northeast Florida and now lives in Palm Coast. She works remotely implementing strategies to prevent fraud for a Canadian banking firm.
Pennington said she decided to get into politics after successfully fighting against the development of the closed Matanzas Woods Golf Course with residents winning a view protection zone, restricting where developers could build.
“I found it very difficult to get our local representation to listen to us and to just really uphold our rights, and it was an arduous battle and took close to two years, but we ultimately prevailed.”
If elected, she said one of her priorities is impact fees, ensuring that there is enough money to cover the services needed by growth.
She said the county needs more commercial growth.
“We've got a lot of residential growth during the last cycle, but we got absolutely no real commercial growth for it. And we need jobs up here. Very badly. We need well-paying jobs in that area," Pennington said.
She said the west side of the county needs more attention.
"I'm very passionate about agricultural land preservation as well. That's a big thing for me," Pennington said. "So those were my two main things was just about preserving … the look and feel of Flagler County as we go through this growth.”
Editor's note: A previous version of the story incorrectly stated that Pennington said the county needed more residential growth. She said it needed more commercial growth. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/11/election-2022-flagler-chair-joe-mullins-faces-gop-primary-challenge/10295174002/ | 2022-08-12T00:00:28 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/11/election-2022-flagler-chair-joe-mullins-faces-gop-primary-challenge/10295174002/ |
Hall of Fame Resort expands fantasy football league for second season
CANTON ‒ Two teams have been added as the Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Co. launches its second fantasy football league season.
The league expanded to 12 teams with the addition of the Green Bay Winter Haze and the New Jersey Boardwalkers. The league also will offer a season-long competition and week-to-week contests. Participants must be 21 or older, and there is a cash prize pool totaling $75,000.
Season Two commissioner is Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher.
Draft for the new season will be this coming Sunday Aug. 14 at 4 p.m. Matt Camp, host of WWE ‘s The Bump, will be the host a livestream event from Hall of Fame Village, while the draft will be broadcast live on Sirius XM Fantasy Sports (Ch. 87) and can be viewed on the Hall of Fantasy League YouTube channel.
Expert fantasy football players have been selected as general managers for teams in the league. Joe Dolan, who led the defending champion Atlanta Hot Wings last season, returns this year. Other returning general managers are Melissa Jacobs for the Denver Mile Highs, Josh Hayes for the New York Bodega Cats, Jeff Ratcliffe for the Philadelphia Powderkegs, Scott Engel for the Seattle Haze, and Jeff Mans for the Vegas Pocket Kings.
New managers his season are Mark Blook, known as “Dr. Roto” for the Boston Barflies, Stephie Smalls for the Chicago Hogmollies, Lindsay Rhodes for the Green Bay Winter Haze, Marcas Grant for the Los Angeles Sidekicks, Lawrence Jackson Jr. for the New Jersey Board Walkers, and Matt Harmon for the Ohio GOATs.
Registration for the Hall of fantasy League season long contest is open until Sept. 8, but participants can still play in the weekly format throughout the season. More information on league rules and terms and conditions can be found at www.theHOFL.com. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2022/08/11/hall-of-fame-resorts-fantasy-football-league-starts-second-season/65397018007/ | 2022-08-12T00:06:08 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2022/08/11/hall-of-fame-resorts-fantasy-football-league-starts-second-season/65397018007/ |
PORTLAND, Maine — Allison Carroll Duffy is the author of “Preserving with Pomona’s Pectin” and joined us in the 207 studio to share her recipe for a triple berry jam. It’s easy to make at home by just following the recipe below:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole strawberries.
- 4 cups whole red raspberries.
- 4 cups whole blueberries.
- 3 tsp. calcium water, see steps one through two in the instructions.
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice, bottled.
- 2 cups sugar.
- 3 tsp. Pomona’s Pectin mixed with sweetener.
Instructions:
- Before you begin, prepare calcium water.
- To do this, combine ½ teaspoon of calcium powder (in the small packet in your box of Pomona’s pectin) with ½ cup of water in a small, clear jar with a lid. Shake well.
- Extra calcium water should be stored in the refrigerator for future use.
- Wash jars, lids, and bands. Place jars in canner, fill canner 2/3 full with water, bring to a boil. Turn off heat, cover, and keep jars in hot canner water until ready to use. Place lids in water in a small saucepan; cover and heat to a low boil. Turn off heat and keep lids in hot water until ready to use.
- Wash, hull, slice, and mash strawberries. Wash and mash red raspberries. Wash, stem, and mash blueberries. Measure 2 cups of each type of mashed berry into saucepan.
- Add calcium water and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Measure sugar into a bowl. Thoroughly mix pectin powder into sugar. Set aside.
- Bring fruit mixture to a full boil. Add pectin-sugar mixture, stirring vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes to dissolve the pectin while the jam comes back up to a boil. Once the jam returns to a full boil, remove it from the heat.
- Fill hot jars to ¼ to the top. Wipe rims clean. Screw on two-piece lids. Put filled jars in boiling water to cover. Boil 10 minutes (add 1 minute more for every 1,000 ft. above sea level). Remove from water. Let jars cool. Check seals; lids should be sucked down.
- Eat within one year. Lasts three weeks once opened.
To see the full recipe at hand, watch the 207 video below: | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/get-the-most-out-of-your-summer-berries-by-making-a-triple-berry-jam-food-recipe/97-2dde10f5-cd84-48cb-a4b3-59f9ee7e8abc | 2022-08-12T00:06:11 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/get-the-most-out-of-your-summer-berries-by-making-a-triple-berry-jam-food-recipe/97-2dde10f5-cd84-48cb-a4b3-59f9ee7e8abc |
PORTLAND, Maine — When the Portland Museum of Art announced its intention to construct a new building next door on the site formerly occupied by the Children’s Museum of Maine, the word went out to architectural firms around the world.
The PMA was looking to hire a team that would create “a landmark for the future.”
After receiving submissions from 104 firms in twenty countries, the museum announced on Thursday it has narrowed the field to four finalists.
“Any time a museum puts this out, it’s a major thing,” PMA director Mark Bessire told NEWS CENTER Maine. “But we had no idea we’d get this kind of response.”
Bessire says he was particularly impressed by the quality and the diversity of the submissions.
The four teams in the field of finalists have impressive credentials. One designed the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Another designed the Adidas North American headquarters in Portland, Oregon.
Bessire joins us on 207 to show us those two buildings, as well as some others the finalists have designed. He also talks about next steps for the PMA.
Watch our conversation to learn more. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/portland-museum-of-art-names-four-finalists-to-design-new-building-art-architecture/97-675677fd-b54f-443e-9915-542d4d5a0828 | 2022-08-12T00:06:17 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/portland-museum-of-art-names-four-finalists-to-design-new-building-art-architecture/97-675677fd-b54f-443e-9915-542d4d5a0828 |
BANGOR, Maine — Two students from the United Technologies Center in Bangor, traveled to Atlanta in June to compete in the national SkillsUSA competition.
“It was one day, eight hours. They gave us a prompt at the beginning of it and we had to model, texture, animate an animated short,” said Keegan Nilsson.
In front of a crowd of thousands and against difficult odds, Nilsson and Josh Gates won a gold medal for the 3D Visualization and Animation competition.
“They called our names… and I’m completely numb at this point. I’m like, shaking, and I don’t even know what to do,” Gates said.
Gates and Nilsson hope the gold medal proves their abilities and will open doors for them in the future.
“Since we have the skills to win something like that, we have pretty good potential to get into the industry and be able to do what we want to do,” Gates said.
Fresh from the victory, Gates will be heading to the Savannah College of Art and Design, and Nilsson to Champlain College in Vermont for Game Production, this Fall. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bangor-students-win-gold-medal-in-national-skills-usa-competition-animation-united-technologies-center-design/97-35a39086-57d2-4b7c-90dd-7ef9cbd005d5 | 2022-08-12T00:06:23 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bangor-students-win-gold-medal-in-national-skills-usa-competition-animation-united-technologies-center-design/97-35a39086-57d2-4b7c-90dd-7ef9cbd005d5 |
YORK COUNTY, Maine — It's a call that could make a difference between life and death for people trying to leave an abusive relationship. But Maine's domestic violence resource centers are losing volunteers they rely on to answer those calls.
This is a critical shortage at a time when centers are seeing the biggest demand for help since before the pandemic. Advocates are hopeful more people will step up to meet a critical need in their communities.
Nine years ago, Rebekah Lowell needed to get herself and her kids out of an abusive environment. She took that first step by calling the 24-hour helpline at Caring Unlimited.
"Just to be able to call someone anonymously and say, 'I am in this situation, and I am not prepared to step out yet, what do I do?'" Lowell said.
Caring Unlimited is the domestic violence resource center serving York County. Lowell and her children got out safely and into transitional housing. But the center is having a hard time keeping up with those very calls for help.
Currently, there are only 10 active volunteers to field about 300 calls on average every month. Betsy Fleurent is the helpline services and volunteer program coordinator.
"We have seen a trend in the level of abuse that is happening is more intense, so it's critical at any given moment people can reach out," Fleurent explained.
Caring Unlimited officials say they need at least 25 volunteers to cover calls, especially on weekends and overnights, two shifts a month. Right now, full-time staff members are answering calls but it's not known how long that can continue.
The lack of volunteers is a state-wide problem as Maine's domestic violence resource centers saw a 13 percent spike in calls in 2021 on top of a 24 percent increase the year before.
Regina Rooney is the education and communications director for the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. She can't pinpoint a reason behind the drop but says people can volunteer from the comfort of their homes.
"There is a great amount of support for training before they go online and afterward," Rooney added.
For Lowell, making that call was a lifeline to freedom and a new life that has come full circle. She helps other survivors as a board member for Caring Unlimited.
If you or someone you know needs help getting out of an abusive relationship, call Maine's Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-834-HELP.
If you would like to volunteer at a domestic violence center in your community, click here. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/domestic-abuse-helplines-in-need-of-volunteers-maine/97-1c65573d-84c5-4452-8517-fd1dd103a889 | 2022-08-12T00:06:29 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/domestic-abuse-helplines-in-need-of-volunteers-maine/97-1c65573d-84c5-4452-8517-fd1dd103a889 |
KENNEBUNK, Maine — You know what they always say: drive sober or get pulled over. Kennebunk police are putting this catch phrase into action this Saturday by implementing a sobriety checkpoint.
According to a news release issued by the Kennebunk Police Department on Thursday, Chief Robert MacKenzie announced that there will be a new sobriety checkpoint installed by both the Kennebunk Police Department and the Regional Impaired Driving Enforcement (R.I.D.E.) Team this Saturday, Aug. 13.
"The purpose is to further educate the motoring public and strengthen the public’s awareness to the need of detecting and removing those motorists who operate under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs from our roadways," the release says.
According to the release, police say "the selection of vehicles will not be arbitrary, safety will be assured, and any inconveniences to motorists will be minimized with advance notice to reduce fear and anxiety" during the operating hours of the sobriety checkpoint on Saturday.
The checkpoint was made possible by a grant funded by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, the release says. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/sobriety-checkpoint-to-be-installed-in-kennebunk-this-weekend-safety/97-5472f9bd-cfbd-4cfd-8ac6-1b656f140d70 | 2022-08-12T00:06:35 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/sobriety-checkpoint-to-be-installed-in-kennebunk-this-weekend-safety/97-5472f9bd-cfbd-4cfd-8ac6-1b656f140d70 |
There are senior citizens who struggle with an increasingly internet-based way of life.
Whether it’s business, communication or access to information, most people take for granted the ease and efficiency that the internet provides.
Still, in Midland those who need the most assistance in their everyday lives are seemingly excluded from the “streamlined,” web-forward approach.
Ken Wyrick, an 87-year-old Midlander who carries an oxygen tank all day, every day, to assist his breathing, doesn’t own or know how to use a computer. His wife also has health problems that restrict her ability to leave home.
“It has gotten to the point that you can’t talk to anyone, you can’t buy anything,” he said.
With the health conditions that he and his wife face, basic living essentials like buying groceries can be a burden.
“We cannot join Wal-Mart, H-E-B, Albertson’s (now United Supermarkets), because of a lack of a computer to order groceries to go there and pick them up on the curb or have them delivered,” he said.
Wyrick said he goes to brick-and-mortar grocery stores two to three times a week, oxygen tank in hand, to buy groceries.
On-demand food delivery services, like DoorDash and Uber Eats, have become an increasingly popular method to order meals from local restaurants. Applications like these have the potential to be a great tool for homebound seniors, but not if they lack the technological knowledge or resources, which according to Wyrick, was not necessary when most seniors were in the workforce.
“I have to apologize for not keeping up with technology from 25 years ago when we retired, but it wasn’t mandatory at the time,” he said.
Senior Life Midland, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for the city’s seniors, has found ways to help eliminate issues that can stem from the lack of technological resources and acknowledges that in 2022, there are obstacles that come with the inability to access the internet.
“We’ve had, in the past, where some want to learn Facebook because they want to chat with friends from far away or their grandkids, but I do talk to many who are struggling,” said Senior Life’s Executive Director Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie.
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted most business and everyday activities to the internet, but even after the pandemic has faded, online practices remain popular.
“They were like, ‘I don’t know how to get on and order groceries; I’ve been trying to do this for two hours; I have to get on the portal to make my doctor’s appointment and get my prescription filled,”’ Kirwan-Haynie said.
Kirwan-Haynie said she, the staff and Senior Link’s crew of volunteers are willing to assist seniors in need of internet IQ or resources, which are a large part of the seniors they serve.
“Many can’t afford to have internet, don’t have computers, can’t afford wifi,” Kirwan-Haynie said.
Even if they own the necessary tools, like a computer or smartphone, there can be still struggles to navigate the internet, she remarked. New and upgraded technology is constantly being implemented, which many see as a positive development, but according to Kirwan-Haynie, the homebound seniors her organization cares for are an example of those forgotten by an ever-changing technological landscape.
“Many are very limited on movement and moving around the house and going over to a desk, or even getting on a computer for a long period of time. Some just don’t have the real capacity to learn how to do it at this point,” she said.
The internet and all its functions have the capability to assist seniors who may be homebound or have mobility troubles, but those very same people may have the biggest struggle in navigating the online world.
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Donate or join Senior Life Midland as a volunteer by visiting their website: www.seniorlifemidland.org | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Older-Midlanders-struggling-with-internet-based-17366660.php | 2022-08-12T00:08:08 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Older-Midlanders-struggling-with-internet-based-17366660.php |
BOISE, Idaho — Idaho veterans will now have more comprehensive healthcare options after the passing of the PACT act, President Biden signed it into law this week.
“Veterans need to know that this is a law that has been signed and will increase the emphasis and eligibility for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances,” said David Wood, the Medical Center Director at the V.A. in Boise
Wood explains, the new law expands coverage for vets that may have been exposed to dangerous chemicals in a variety of settings around the world.
“So chemicals, radiation, any kind of warfare type agents used within the war. It includes exposure to harsh chemicals, etc.,” Wood said.
The law is brand new, so it will take some time for VA operations to get everything into place and up to speed. For now, though, Wood said there are three big things Idaho veterans should know. For starters, they really want veterans to enroll for healthcare coverage.
“There's going to be assessments done of veterans for chemical exposure. And so we want them to participate in those assessments to see if they have any symptoms or any exposure that might entitle them to veterans benefits,” Wood said.
If veterans think they were exposed to dangerous chemicals that impacted them, they can file a claim with the VA. Care and screenings are not a one-time thing either.
“Every five years is basically what's written into the law. And so, we don't know all the details about how those screenings are going to occur right now. But we know that it's every five years, and I assume it'll be some questions. It may be some blood tests or some additional types of clinical screening,” Wood said.
The new resources will not cost veterans.
“This won't cost the veterans anything. Basically, it is an expansion of care. So it is something that we owe veterans because of their service and because they were potentially exposed to these chemicals when they were in service of their country. And so there is a cost, but not to the veterans,” Wood said.
So, what veterans are eligible?
“Vietnam, Persian Gulf and anybody post-9-11 is who are covered. This will really open the door to educating not only veterans, but also our providers here so that they can do these exams, so they can recognize these kinds of exposures. And primarily, it would be things like respiratory illnesses, cancers, those kinds of illnesses,” Wood said.
Investments made in the PACT Act are also designed to help improve care deep into the future.
“Part of the funding for this law will be dedicated to research and researching different health conditions that are associated with exposure to these toxic substances and how we can better treat and really identify the impact of these exposures,” Wood said. “The feeling is that this is a good thing for veterans, that veterans will benefit from this, that it will be a for many veterans, something that they've been asking for a very long time.”
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- Still reading this list? We're on YouTube, too: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/what-does-pact-act-mean-idaho-veterans/277-0d536fc7-6944-48ac-8b06-b7e617da9fc1 | 2022-08-12T00:08:37 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/what-does-pact-act-mean-idaho-veterans/277-0d536fc7-6944-48ac-8b06-b7e617da9fc1 |
WAVERLY — Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will be in Waverly next week.
He’ll be the lead speaker the afternoon of Aug. 20 at the second annual Bremer County Republican Party’s “Summer Grill and Chill” at the Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School, 501 Heritage Way, said party spokesperson Bob Brunkhorst.
Brunkhorst said he believes the Republican's appearance in Waverly is his first time in Bremer County.
Event tickets are available until Wednesday at 5 p.m., according to Brunkhorst.
An informational meeting has been scheduled for Monday from 5 to 6:30 pm at Waverly City Hall, 200 First St. Northeast.
The visit comes after Bremer County's GOP president John Baber met Pence in Independence earlier this year during a political event, and because of Pence’s desire to “engage with Iowans and share with them his vision” about the future of the country, said Brunkhorst.
“He’s feeling the waters about a possible run for president, and will be engaging and seeing what’s important to people,” Brunkhorst said of Pence, who’ll be traveling up from Des Moines. “He’ll talk about his time as vice president, his policy views, and his vision for the future.”
The event, hosted by the party of some 30 members, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
He said Pence will speak inside the school auditorium at about 12:30 p.m. for about 20 minutes, and will likely interact with attendees and take photos with them before or after speaking that afternoon.
The City Council unanimously approved the $55,002 package Monday in response to a master plan funded by the Chamber of Commerce.
Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley, of New Hartford, and Rep. Sandy Salmon, of Janesville, as well as Charley Thomson, a candidate for Iowa House, also will give remarks.
Tickets for individuals and couples are for $40 and $60, respectively, and include a meal inside the school cafeteria.
Ages 12 and under will be allowed inside for free as all ages are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
To be a “host,” it’s $250, and will include reserved premium seating for the speeches and a meal for two, as well as a photo opportunity with Pence and an “autograph quality” five-foot by seven-foot photograph of him.
“This is a great opportunity,” said Brunkhorst. “Iowans are privileged to have this caliber of politicians visit our state. You get to listen and interact as he shares his views about what this country needs to do to grow.”
“Don’t let it go to waste,” he added.
Congresswoman Ashley Hinson was the keynote speaker at the inaugural "Summer Grill and Chill" event.
I've covered city government for The Courier since August 2021. I'm a Chatham, NJ native who graduated from Gettysburg College in 2018 and previously worked for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Waterloo submitted two traffic grants to help with safety at the East Shaulis Road and Hammond Avenue and the Mullan Avenue and Sycamore Street intersections.
The Waterloo City Council this week approved purchasing rights for Charles City-based Cause-Related Opportunity Zone Fund LLC on the parking lot north of the Sportsplex. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/former-vice-president-mike-pence-to-make-appearance-in-waverly/article_56555e75-5dbd-5e69-b3db-dc605fab88fa.html | 2022-08-12T00:16:27 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/former-vice-president-mike-pence-to-make-appearance-in-waverly/article_56555e75-5dbd-5e69-b3db-dc605fab88fa.html |
CEDAR FALLS — Firefighters rescued a dog that was pinned in a semi cab after the truck overturned on a Cedar Falls interchange Thursday.
Details weren’t immediately available but the semi was heading north on U.S. Highway 218 at the Iowa Highway 58 interchange when it rolled on its side, completely blocking the ramp.
The driver wasn’t injured, but the dog, a passenger in the truck, had its leg trapped. Crews with Cedar Falls Fire Rescue used inflatable jacks to raise the cab enough to release the leg.
Authorities took the dog to a nearby veterinarian to treat the injured leg.
Firefighters handled a diesel fuel leak, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources were notified. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/watch-now-firefighters-free-dog-pinned-in-semi-rollover/article_7a080179-c978-5ef5-8158-0cfd04a86933.html | 2022-08-12T00:16:33 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/watch-now-firefighters-free-dog-pinned-in-semi-rollover/article_7a080179-c978-5ef5-8158-0cfd04a86933.html |
GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) - Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Farah appears to be missing in action following the allegations that he sexually harassed an intern.
Farah allegedly was out of town at a seminar Wednesday when the sexual harassment allegations came to light. However, sources say that's not true.
Farah is laying low and sources don't expect to see much of him around the courthouse as he rides out his time to retirement on Nov. 9.
Grace Ketzner, who worked as an intern under Farah, is alleging that the judge subjected her to months of sexual harassment.
"Having been on bench, I knew he knew a lot of people. He made that very clear," she said. "His letter of recommendation would go far. If he didn't like you, it wouldn't go as far."
Ketzner brought her allegations to the Michigan State University Resolution Office, which conducted an investigation. The university determined that Farah, who also was an adjunct professor at MSU, violated the university's relationship violence and sexual misconduct rules and Title IX policies.
Sources say a deal was brokered with Farah, which allows him to resign effective Nov. 9 with his pension. It remains unclear what he'll be doing between now and his retirement date.
The allegations lead to questions for some people whose cases were heard in Farah's courtroom while he was a judge since 1998.
Kristen Trevarrow was15 when she stood in Farah's courtroom and testified about being sexually assaulted by a classmate, who got off with probation. It was a long time ago, but she said the allegations against Farah triggered the trauma and she wants her case reviewed.
"It was most excoriating thing I have ever done in my life ever," Trevarrow said of the case.
She was forced to relive the worst moments of her life in front of Farah.
"Take your deepest, darkest secret that you might feel -- your fear -- put it in a courtroom, most embarrassing, tell publicly," Trevarrow said.
Court documents show a plea deal was reached in her case allowing her rapist to plead to third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Farah heard the case instead of a jury.
Now knowing that Farah allegedly sexually harassed an intern, Trevarrow is questioning what she believes was a light sentence dished out against her rapist back then.
"I want his cases to be reviewed," she said. "Clearly he has predator behavior toward women. How can he judge another person who has sexual violence against women? There needs to be a review to see if there is bias."
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said Trevarrow's case dates back to 2001, so he's not sure whether the file still exists to re-examine the proceedings.
Legal experts say it doesn't appear for now that his old cases will be called into question. But a civil case could be on the horizon.
No criminal charges have been filed against Farah as of Thursday.
ABC12 News stopped by Farah's house on Thursday. A car was in the driveway and dogs were barking, but nobody answered knocks at the door.
The Michigan Attorney General's Office, Genesee County Circuit Court chief judge and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office all declined to comment on Farah's resignation Thursday. Whitmer will appoint a new judge to replace Farah. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/genesee-county-judge-joseph-farah-off-work-a-day-after-sexual-harassment-allegations/article_4118274e-19bf-11ed-93ce-fbc9f424a4fb.html | 2022-08-12T00:17:16 | 1 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/genesee-county-judge-joseph-farah-off-work-a-day-after-sexual-harassment-allegations/article_4118274e-19bf-11ed-93ce-fbc9f424a4fb.html |
FLINT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - Oak Hills could become the new name of Flint Township.
Oak Hills emerged as the top name choice among businesses and residents who completed the survey. The name was unveiled Thursday morning by the Downtown Development Authority.
However, the name change is far from a done deal. Ultimately voters will decide -- possibly as early as November -- if Flint Township will become Oak Hills Township.
Flint Township took its current name in 1836. The effort to change its name started about six years ago.
"What's unique about that name is, I did some internet research and found out that there are no other municipalities that have that name in the U.S.," said Jerry Preston, who is the chairman of the name suggestion committee.
He said Flint Township is suffering from and identity crisis. The township is 23.6 square miles and there are seven different zip codes with three different names in the township, which can be confusing.
"People don't know whether they live in Flint or Flint Township," Preston said.
The naming confusion and affiliation are big parts of the name change effort.
"I don't see being affiliated with the city of Flint has brought anything to the township," Preston said.
He pointed out that the Flint water crisis had an effect on Flint Township.
"And see that was the confusion -- they thought because it was Flint that it was also Flint water," Preston said. "Restaurants, hotels all had signs up that said, 'We don't have Flint water.' Apartment complexes had signs up: 'We don't have Flint water.'"
Preston said only the name will change. Everything else will remain the same, including all of the zip codes. Flint Township will remain a charter township rather than reincorporate as a city.
A recent change to state law spells out a process for townships to change their names, including a public referendum. Flint Township voters could vote on the name change as early as the November election.
Preston said roughly 64% of residents were in favor of a name change when the survey was taken. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/oak-hills-emerges-as-preferred-new-name-for-flint-township/article_2102f0aa-19c5-11ed-852a-834bcc9280d8.html | 2022-08-12T00:17:22 | 1 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/oak-hills-emerges-as-preferred-new-name-for-flint-township/article_2102f0aa-19c5-11ed-852a-834bcc9280d8.html |
VASSAR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - Firefighters believe an oversize load may have hit a railroad bridge in Vassar Township and dislodged some of the beams.
The Vassar Township Fire Department says a large beam blocked Grant Street where the railroad tracks cross overhead near Bourne Road on Thursday afternoon.
One beam was laying across Grant Street while others appeared to be dislodged underneath the bridge.
Railroad officials were coming Thursday to inspect the damage. Grant Street will remain closed near Bourne Road until bridge inspectors give the all clear for traffic to resume underneath the span. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/road-closed-after-railroad-bridge-beams-dislodged-in-vassar-township/article_8350acf8-19c9-11ed-b6ea-0fcb0396b9ea.html | 2022-08-12T00:17:28 | 1 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/road-closed-after-railroad-bridge-beams-dislodged-in-vassar-township/article_8350acf8-19c9-11ed-b6ea-0fcb0396b9ea.html |
BASTROP, Texas — A five-acre wildfire in Bastrop County has now grown to 50 acres, according to the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management. It is around 5% contained.
The fire was first reported Thursday afternoon off of Old Antioch Road. At first report, the fire was moving slowly south-southeast from its origin point.
The following locations have been asked to evacuate:
- 105 Turkey Trot Lane
- 125 Turkey Trot Lane
- 135 Turkey Trot Lane
- 115 Turkey Roost Lane
- 231 Old Antioch Road
- 280 Old Antioch Road
- 281 Old Antioch Road
- 297 Old Antioch Road
- 315 Old Antioch Road
Anyone who needs help with livestock is asked to call 512-521-3001.
Forward progression has not been stopped, as of 7 p.m. Dozers and hand crews are working on containment lines, officials said.
Responding agencies include the Heart of Pines Fire Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), the Smithville VFD, Bastrop County Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 2, Bastrop Fire Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M Forest Service including air assets.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/35-acre-wildfire-bastrop-county-old-antioch-road/269-197eb4c6-20c1-453e-9db7-9be115cbb380 | 2022-08-12T00:21:53 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/35-acre-wildfire-bastrop-county-old-antioch-road/269-197eb4c6-20c1-453e-9db7-9be115cbb380 |
AUSTIN, Texas — Teachers are crucial to a community but, right now, many Austin ISD teachers cannot afford to live in the communities they serve.
“It’s so huge for our teachers to be able to live in the communities they serve. It helps them better understand the experiences of their students,” said Jeremy Striffler, the Austin ISD director of real estate. “We have a great diverse student population here and, so, being able to be part of the communities, rather than having to drive in 45 minutes or an hour-plus to get to the schools where they work at.”
Striffler said with the current shortage of teachers and the rising cost of living in Austin, the district is looking to create affordable housing for teachers because there are not many options for them.
“We believe we're going to have to build that with partners because, right now, it's not as easily accessible,” said Striffler.
The district was first looking to get $50 million through a bond this November to create 500 to 1,000 housing units for teachers. But, now, they are planning to create the housing through other funding and partnerships with for-profit or nonprofit developers.
“While the bond would have been one great way to achieve that, we have multiple opportunities to do it,” said Striffler. “And so, that's where our focus is now going forward.”
Striffler said teachers fall in a middle area, where they make too much money to qualify for City of Austin affordable housing but not enough money to afford many other housing options.
“We really need to identify opportunities for them in terms of housing that gives them priority,” said Striffler.
They will build the housing on land they own, and already have some locations they are planning for, including the former Rosedale campus and the Coy site.
They plan to hold meetings in the coming months to gauge the community and decide details, like if the units will be rented or owned and if they will be apartments or single-family homes.
They are also looking at the Brooke, Metz and Sims campuses for possible projects, but say these are just the first steps.
“We think it's important to be thinking big about housing, and we're excited to leverage the land that we have to do that,” said Striffler.
The housing will not only be available for teachers but they are also looking to allow other staff and Austin ISD families to apply. All of these details will be discussed further this fall.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/austin-isd-plans-create-affordable-housing-teachers-no-bond/269-c76b45c0-1f7e-4764-93eb-0f31dc8d249b | 2022-08-12T00:21:59 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/austin-isd-plans-create-affordable-housing-teachers-no-bond/269-c76b45c0-1f7e-4764-93eb-0f31dc8d249b |
MANSFIELD, Texas — Another one!
Popular Texas grocery store H-E-B is continuing its move into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with the announcement of its latest location.
H-E-B announced Thursday it will be building a new store in Mansfield, which is the company's first location in Tarrant County.
“We are excited to officially announce that H-E-B is coming to Mansfield,” Juan-Carlos Rück, H-E-B executive vice president, said in a news release. “We look forward to providing this dynamic and growing city with the best H-E-B has to offer.”
The store will be located at U.S. 287 and East Broad Street.
The company had previously purchased 28 acres at 1660 East Broad Street.
The Mansfield location is the company's ninth confirmed store that's under construction in DFW. Other locations include McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Forney and Rockwall.
"For years our residents have asked for an H-E-B, and on behalf of the City Council, we are proud to welcome this economic driver and much desired business to Mansfield," Mayor Michael Evans said in a news release.
H-E-B currently has stores in North Texas throughout counties like Johnson and Ellis. Cities with H-E-B stores include Burleson, Waxahachie and Cleburne.
While the company has confirmed nine locations, it has purchased land in many other areas of DFW.
Below are areas where H-E-B has purchased land, according to deed records:
- 4101 W. Wheatland Rd. (Dallas)
- 632 N. Beckley (Dallas)
- 5204 S. Buckner Blvd. (Dallas)
- 845 Interstate-35E (DeSoto)
- 3927 Bowser Ave. (Dallas)
- 700 Farm Road 544 (Murphy)
- 6325 W. Bailey Boswell Rd. (Fort Worth)
- 200 E. Bonds Ranch Rd. (Fort Worth)
- 6599 McCart Ave. (Fort Worth)
- 8600 Quail Valley Dr. (Fort Worth)
- 9200 Legacy Dr. (Frisco)
- 2210 W. University Dr. (Denton) | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/heb-to-build-first-store-tarrant-county-mansfield-texas/287-0b4c3094-acd6-4ecc-b613-e549de3355dc | 2022-08-12T00:22:05 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/heb-to-build-first-store-tarrant-county-mansfield-texas/287-0b4c3094-acd6-4ecc-b613-e549de3355dc |
Civil rights activists said it was a “day of progress” after a meeting with the owners of Sesame Place in Bucks County over recent claims of discrimination.
The activists, including Reverend Jesse Jackson, held a briefing Thursday afternoon outside of Sesame Workshop in New York, N.Y.
The meeting comes after a viral video appeared to show a character at Sesame Place snubbing two young Black girls.
The family did not have a direct conversation with the CEO of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment – the company that owns Sesame Place – but the other activists did. They said it was a step in the right direction in resolving the matter without litigation.
“It’s not just about one employee in a character outfit having an unfortunate encounter with two little girls on a summer afternoon,” Todd Yeary from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition said at Thursday’s briefing. “It is really about what is the environment that creates the context where that can happen with the world watching to see what the resolution might be.”
Another meeting is expected within the next two weeks.
Earlier this week Sesame Place announced diversity and inclusion training for its employees.
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That follows a $25 million class action lawsuit alleging multiple incidents of discrimination at the children’s theme park. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/day-of-progress-sesame-place-owners-meet-with-rev-jesse-jackson-families/3333221/ | 2022-08-12T00:22:18 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/day-of-progress-sesame-place-owners-meet-with-rev-jesse-jackson-families/3333221/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/sesame-place-owners-meet-with-activists-family-accusing-park-of-racism/3333205/ | 2022-08-12T00:22:24 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/sesame-place-owners-meet-with-activists-family-accusing-park-of-racism/3333205/ |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Plans to impose rent control in St. Pete for one year on the November ballot did not move forward.
City Council scrapped its resolution to declare a housing emergency, ending the chances for rent control measures to be up for voters to decide.
The packed meeting lasted for more than five hours and included at least 69 speakers during public comments, according to the city. It ended with some tenants shouting at council members.
The vote came down to concerns regarding legal challenges.
Ahead of the vote, the city attorney advised the council in a memo that a resolution of the measure is not legally sufficient. Instead, an ordinance would need to be adopted.
However, that comes with a tight deadline.
By next Tuesday, the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections would need the wording of the ballot ready. Adopting an ordinance would still require two public hearings and two opportunities for public comments.
Another attempt to have a rent control measure failed.
Council Member Deborah Figgs-Sanders motioned to refer the agenda item to the Youth and Family Services committee for a continued discussion and have a draft ordinance be written through that route.
Figgs-Sanders expressed interest in having the measure ready on a special primary election next year, but the motion failed, 5 to 3.
Renters spent the night outside of City Hall in tents ahead of the meeting for a second week in a row, demanding the measure.
The council approved plans last week to move forward with plans to explore in a 4-3 vote after the initial tent demonstration.
In December of last year, the council, made up of different members, agreed to look into a housing emergency declaration. However, in February, the motion failed from the Housing, Land Use, and Transportation committee.
A measure on the ballot would still likely face legal challenges under Florida state law. However, proponents are adamant it's needed given the skyrocketing rates of rent throughout the last couple of years.
However, critics argue the city may open itself to legal challenges, which could be costly. In addition, it would hinder development when supply is needed.
Local governments can approve a rent control ordinance, however they must prove there is "a housing emergency so grave as to constitute a serious menace to the general public," Dr. Ned Murray, a leading expert on economic and housing market issues at Florida International University, said.
Murray said city leaders would have to defend their evidence of an emergency in court if a plaintiff, like a landlord, challenged it.
Last week, Tampa City Council rejected a motion to adopt a draft ordinance on a housing emergency declaration and rent control on the November ballot.
This past Tuesday, Orange County Commissioners voted to move forward with plans to put a rent control measure this fall. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/rent-control-st-pete-november-ballot-fails/67-2fdf0a45-6dd4-4269-9714-0aae0e643e83 | 2022-08-12T00:26:17 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/rent-control-st-pete-november-ballot-fails/67-2fdf0a45-6dd4-4269-9714-0aae0e643e83 |
Pictured from left to right are Beth Rodts, family coordinator for Unit 5 schools, and Lori Hahm and Jan Meadows, both with the Back to School Alliance. They teamed up to hand out nearly 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need Thursday in Bloomington.
D. Jack Alkire
Tariah James volunteered with the Back 2 School Alliance, in partnership with State Farm, to hand out around 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need on Thursday in Bloomington.
D. Jack Alkire
Jan Meadows and Jerry Fitzgerald, both with the Back 2 School Alliance, have a chat during their backpack giveaway Thursday in Bloomington.
D. Jack Alkire
The Back 2 School Alliance, in partnership with State Farm, handed out around 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need on Thursday in Bloomington.
D. Jack Alkire
A line of cars stretched around the State Farm south campus for the Back 2 School Alliance's annual backpack and school supply giveaway on Thursday in Bloomington. Some cars waited over an hour for school supplies.
D. Jack Alkire
Lisa Holland, left, and Hannah Kupferschmid, both family coordinators for McLean County Unit 5 schools, volunteered to help the Back 2 School Alliance, in partnership with State Farm, in handing out around 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need on Thursday in Bloomington.
D. Jack Alkire
The Back 2 School Alliance, in partnership with State Farm, handed out around 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need on Thursday in Bloomington. Some families waited in line for an hour to get a backpack.
BLOOMINGTON — While students may dread the return of homework and earlier bedtimes, back-to-school season also represents a financial challenge for many families — a problem heightened this year by surging inflation.
“I think it’s very well-known that it’s a struggle for so many in the community right now in general, and with these school supplies too,” said Jennifer Homan, a Normal mother of eight children ranging in age from 4 to 18. “There are so many people out there that can help with this, but even on top of that it’s still hard, it’s still a ton of money and my pocketbook is definitely feeling it right now.”
She's not alone. According to a national Deloitte survey of 1,200 parents of school-age kids, families plan to spend 8% more on school supplies than they did last year. At the same time, a third of parents nationally said their family’s household situation had worsened since last year. Almost 60% of parents surveyed said they were worried about increasing costs of back-to-school items due to inflation.
Another survey, this one from the National Retail Federation, found that families on average expect to spend $864 on back-to-school shopping this year, up from $688 five years ago.
With everything that she has seen in the news about inflation, Nicole Springborn said, she knew it would be more expensive than past years to buy school supplies for her children. Her daughter is heading into second grade at Unit 5, and her son is entering his second year of prekindergarten.
"I think (my daughter's) school supplies would have cost a good $75," she said. She was among those taking advantage of Thursday's giveaway.
The organization gave away school supplies to around 4,000 students this year, said Jan Meadows, Back 2 School Alliance committee chair. It takes months of organizing and around 400 volunteers have been involved between packing supplies and giving them out.
It pays off on the distribution day, though.
"We get to see the kids and they're all excited," Meadows said.
The group has seen the need increase from both the pandemic and inflation. This is the largest distribution they have ever done, she said, but she knows it does not cover all of the need in the community.
Help from many sources
In Illinois, parents who buy school supplies and certain clothing Aug. 5-14 will benefit from a state sales tax holiday that will reduce the rate from 6.25% to 1.25%.
But back-to-school costs are still a burden for many families, said employees at nonprofits that serve kids.
“We get so many calls ... from parents or families that are saying, ‘You know what, my husband lost his job, we’re barely making our rent, we’ve got to get school supplies for our kids as they go back to school, how can you help us?’” said Steven Sartin, associate director of Back 2 School America, a nonprofit that provides school supplies to kids.
“That has increased dramatically,” he said.
Back 2 School America works with a variety of community partners, such as the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, to get school supplies to the kids with the greatest need.
By the end of August, Sartin said, the organization plans to distribute over 30,000 back-to-school kits full of supplies to children who need them. Most of the school supplies will go to kids in Illinois, he said; the organization, which used to be known as Back 2 School Illinois, recently expanded beyond the state.
One place Homan has turned to find resources and help is the We're in this Together Bloomington-Normal group on Facebook. The group was created by Michelle Schulz at the start of the pandemic.
Suzanne Kelley took over as administrator not long after the group was founded and has been making posts recently about where supplies are cheapest and what other resources are available.
“A lot of times, the reason that these families are waiting to the absolute last minute is they’re hopeful that somehow they’re going to make some more money or their check is going to be a little bit bigger," Kelley said.
Parents can feel discouraged or embarrassed to ask for help, which group administrators and moderators allow members to reach out directly through private message, Kelley said.
They even have been collecting and organizing their own supplies to help provide for families in need. Group administrator Candace Swenson has been spearheading that effort, using her home as a storage space and drop-off point for supplies.
“I normally help the homeless and I do food drives but after seeing all the parents asking for help during the back-to-school time this year I knew this was something I needed to do,” Swenson said.
In McLean County, Back 2 School Alliance works with State Farm, Unit 5 and District 87 to identify families in need, get donations and distribute them. That level of community support is encouraging to Meadows.
The volunteers also appreciate the event and the chance to help their community.
"From a State Farm perspective, it's a great chance for employee volunteerism," said Michelle Forbes, an analyst for State Farm who helps coordinate the cooperation through the company's b'Link volunteer group.
Unit 5 principal Scott Vogel has volunteered all 10 years he has been a building administrator. For the past nine years, he was principal at Towanda Elementary, and he is going into his first year leading Grove Elementary. On Thursday, he was handing out frisbees to students in line.
"Every year I have the opportunity, I'm coming out," he said.
For him, it is a chance to help get the families ready to go back to school. "We're here for nothing but to give support to the community and families."
Sam Guillory, director of development at The Baby Fold, said each year the Normal-based nonprofit collects school supplies for their students at the Hammitt schools and other children in their programs.
“I feel like our donors also saw the increased inflation rates and costs and understood that the families and kids served by The Baby Fold are feeling those pressures,” Guillory said. “It’s almost like they were prompted even more to support us.”
Although they have seen a positive turnout with donations, Guillory said, supplies go fast. They always welcome more donations, even after the beginning of the school year.
Inflation takes toll
On the whole, back-to-school spending is expected to reach a new high of $34.4 billion for kids in elementary through high school, up from a forecast of $32.5 billion last year, according to the Deloitte research.
Back 2 School America is feeling the effects of inflation, too, Sartin said, even though it can get better deals on school supplies than the average person because it buys in bulk. But Sartin said large corporations that sponsor school supplies with the nonprofit have taken note of the greater need and have stepped up to help.
State Farm has raised more than $250,000 across the company from employees and agents for back to school supply drives, Forbes said. The company works with a group called Educational Product, Inc. to buy supplies, Forbes said. The company passes along lists of need supplies from Back 2 School Alliance to EPI to get customized kits.
"EPI did really good about not raising their prices," Forbes said.
Other local companies have also stepped in to address the need for school supplies. The Millan/Petro Organization, which is the franchisee for all of the McDonald's locations in Bloomington-Normal, donated 180 backpacks of school supplies to employees and their families this year, according to a statement sent earlier this week.
"Giving back to our employees and their families will always put a smile on my face," said owner/operator Mikel Petro.
While many parents said they were worried about items being out of stock, executives at companies from Kohl’s to Shoe Carnival to Tillys have assured investors that inventory issues and shortages won’t be a problem this year.
Michelle Gass, CEO of Kohl’s, said at a recent conference that the company would be well-positioned compared with last year, when kids’ products were hard hit by supply chain disruptions.
“We were in chase mode in an environment where it was very difficult to chase,” Gass said, noting the company had planned last year’s season conservatively and found itself with a deficit of product in certain areas, including kids’. “So, we have course corrected that.”
Meadows said that every year the distribution day brings all the work together, but also leaves her thinking about what to change for next year. The length of the line this year was a concern for her.
"It's just a sense of completion (... but there's also) the perfectionist part, what should I be doing better for next year," she said.
The Chicago Tribune and The Pantagraph's D. Jack Alkire contributed reporting to this article.
Photos: McLean County Museum of History
Tax Day Tea Party - April 2010
Tax Day Tea Party - April 2010
Downtown Farmers Market - May 2010
Latinos United for Change - May 2012
Veterans Day - November 2012
Christmas - December 1936
Memorial Service for the Unborn - Jan. 14, 2014
Hanging with Abe - June 2014
Racial justice demonstration - August 2014
Downtown Walk Around - April 2015
Take Back the Night - April 2015
Route 66 memories - July 2015
Veterans Day - November 2015
Interfaith rally - December 2015
Interfaith rally - December 2015
May Day - May 2016
Stations of the Cross - April 2017
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Domestic violence awareness rally- October 2017
Veterans Day - November 2017
Anti-abortion demonstration - January 2018
March for Our Lives - March 2018
Stand Up With Me Domestic Violence Awareness Rally - October 2018
Presidents' Day - February 2019
Domestic violence awareness rally - October 2019
Memorial Service for the Unborn - January 2020
Forward Into Light - August 2020
Pork Chop Day - June 2011
war protest
Abortion rights protest - May 2022
Contact Mateusz Janik at (309) 820-3234. Follow Mateusz on Twitter:@mjanik99
The McLean County Fair continues this weekend with children and families participating in a plethora of 4-H show events ranging from visual arts and aerospace to crops and livestock.
Pictured from left to right are Beth Rodts, family coordinator for Unit 5 schools, and Lori Hahm and Jan Meadows, both with the Back to School Alliance. They teamed up to hand out nearly 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need Thursday in Bloomington.
Tariah James volunteered with the Back 2 School Alliance, in partnership with State Farm, to hand out around 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need on Thursday in Bloomington.
The Back 2 School Alliance, in partnership with State Farm, handed out around 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need on Thursday in Bloomington.
A line of cars stretched around the State Farm south campus for the Back 2 School Alliance's annual backpack and school supply giveaway on Thursday in Bloomington. Some cars waited over an hour for school supplies.
Lisa Holland, left, and Hannah Kupferschmid, both family coordinators for McLean County Unit 5 schools, volunteered to help the Back 2 School Alliance, in partnership with State Farm, in handing out around 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need on Thursday in Bloomington.
The Back 2 School Alliance, in partnership with State Farm, handed out around 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need on Thursday in Bloomington. Some families waited in line for an hour to get a backpack. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/watch-now-central-illinois-groups-look-to-help-with-school-supplies-as-inflation-hits-home/article_b58749e0-199a-11ed-a3f9-0b180db2d828.html | 2022-08-12T00:28:21 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/watch-now-central-illinois-groups-look-to-help-with-school-supplies-as-inflation-hits-home/article_b58749e0-199a-11ed-a3f9-0b180db2d828.html |
PUTNAM COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – Denys Pavlov is a 17-years-old who came to Buffalo High School last year from the Ukraine. As a foreign exchange student, he was planning to head back home, but when Russia invaded his country in February, everything changed for his family.
“It was hard on me because I didn’t understand how things could change so dramatically so fast,” said Pavlov. “Of course I was afraid about my family.”
Unable to go home and see his family, Deny’s host father, Shannon Priddy was determined to bring Pavlov’s family to West Virginia.
“I was so excited for him to be able to bring them here and know that they are out of danger, because it was a very dangerous place,” said Priddy. “It was quite a struggle I’m sure for them to leave everything behind just to be able to get here.”
His mother and grandma fled the country with only a suitcase, arriving in Eleanor last week.
“I have a Ukrainian family now,” said Priddy.
“It’s a new chapter,” said Pavlov. “I think we will stay in West Virginia for a while because we used to never ask for help or support in Ukraine. That’s our culture. Here I never asked for help, help came to me with out asking and I’m so grateful for this.”
The community is welcoming Denys and his family with open arms, working to raise money so they can make West Virginia home.
The community is hosting a spaghetti dinner that will take place August 14th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Eleanor Fire Department. All of those proceeds will go towards Denys and his family during their time of need.
There is also a GoFundMe to support the family here. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/local-foreign-exchange-student-reunited-with-ukrainian-family-in-west-virginia/ | 2022-08-12T00:37:07 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/local-foreign-exchange-student-reunited-with-ukrainian-family-in-west-virginia/ |
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — Downtown Charleston will soon have a new mural that is unlike any other in the Mountain State.
Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin joined Public Art Director Jeff Pierson and Muralist Victor Ving to start the Greetings Tour Postcard Mural Project.
The press release says the mural will include images picked by the community.
It says images will include a monarch butterfly, the State Capitol building and the Lincoln Walks at Midnight sculpture, the Mortar man sculpture, Mountain Stage, a sternwheeler on the Kanawha River, stilt walker Charly Ebb during FestivALL, a musician, and the home of the Dirty Birds, the Appalachian Power Park.
Artist Vincent Ving says they love the reaction the mural has received.
“We just love the reaction from the community. People that normally wouldn’t look twice, they just wanted to talk to us and, you know, we learn a lot from people, people learn a lot from us, and, I think, that kind of dialogue with communities is what we’re all about,” said Ving.
The mural will be at the entrance of the Summers Street parking garage. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/new-postcard-style-mural-to-be-painted-in-downtown-charleston/ | 2022-08-12T00:37:13 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/new-postcard-style-mural-to-be-painted-in-downtown-charleston/ |
WAYNE COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – Ownership of the Heartland Intermodal Gateway in Prichard, West Virginia is switching hands.
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced today, Thursday, Aug. 11, that ownership is being transferred from the West Virginia Department of Transportation’s Division of Multimodal Transportation Facilities to Wayne County Commission.
This switch was approved by the West Virginia Board of Public Works on July 26, 2022. The commission thanked the governor for supporting the transfer.
The 65-acre facility was built by the former West Virginia Public Port Authority after an agreement with the Norfolk Southern Railroad in 2013 and was designed to transfer 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers between railcars and trucks, according to the governor’s office.
Justice says he and the WVDOT decided transferring ownership to local stakeholders would be the best use of the facility. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/wayne-county-commission-new-owners-of-heartland-intermodal-gateway/ | 2022-08-12T00:37:19 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/wayne-county-commission-new-owners-of-heartland-intermodal-gateway/ |
BLACKSBURG, Va. – A beloved park in Blacksburg will see changes soon, and town leaders are looking for everyone’s input – especially input from kids.
Blacksburg Parks and Recreation said that the Hand-in-Hand playground in Blacksburg Municipal Park is starting to show its age – at 30 years old, the wooden playground has brought joy to the community, but leaders say it needs to be remodeled to meet safety standards.
The same company that helped design the playground 30 years ago, Leathers & Associates, will be assisting Blacksburg to recreate a custom-designed playground, and this time, they’ll use modern materials.
The release said that Blacksburg envisions the playground will continue to be a popular spot for kids ages two through twelve, including benches and tables atop a wooden chip base.
And, to make the playground as good as it can get, the town wants the community’s input.
To reflect the children’s imaginations in addition to the wants and needs of the community, leaders say you can give your input on the new playground design by September 11.
Leaders said that adults aren’t the only ones that this feedback applies to – they are encouraging kids to give feedback, too.
Blacksburg Parks and Recreation said that these are the three ways you can give your feedback on the redesign:
- Take this online playground survey,
- Draw your ideal playground and upload photos to the Let’s Talk Blacksburg Hand-in-Hand project page,
- Take part in the Town’s interactive engagement event on August 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which will be held at the Blacksburg Recreation Center
The release said that Leathers & Associates will use the input they receive to create two new plans for the playground, then the community will have the opportunity to choose the plan they prefer sometime in October.
Plans will be finalized, materials will be ordered, and site work will begin in the last few months of 2022, according to their website.
Leaders said they expect the new playground to be unveiled in May of 2023.
You can stay up to date on the project by looking at the timeline provided here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/blacksburg-leaders-looking-for-community-input-on-playground-redesign/ | 2022-08-12T00:39:29 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/blacksburg-leaders-looking-for-community-input-on-playground-redesign/ |
DANVILLE, Va. – City leaders are prepared to make the river city a tourist destination with the help of a new casino.
On Thursday, the project finally began to take shape with its groundbreaking.
Leaders said this project is expected to bring thousands of jobs in construction and operations for the casino.
“I want to say this to all my haters, Danville will become a destination city,” Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones said.
There’s a lot of excitement as progress moves forward for Caesars Virginia, the major hotel and casino coming to Danville.
“I’m so excited to be here,” Kelly Gee Executive Director of Virginia Lottery said.
Local and state leaders attended today’s groundbreaking on the $650-million investment.
“That is tax base for us in the city of Danville and thank you so much we look forward to the next hundred years,” Danny Marshall, Virginia House of Delegates said.
The new 500-room hotel and state-of-the-art convention center will sit on the site of the former Dan River Mills Textile Plant.
“We are now the comeback city, this is an exciting day for Danville Virginia,” Jones said.
When the plant closed, many jobs went along with it.
“We lost all of that, the council worked hard with city staff and came up with strategies,” Jones said.
Mayor Jones said city staff developed plans to attract major businesses like Caesars to invest in Danville. The hope is that the casino will attract people to the area and eventually become a tourist destination.
“This is progress in another way, bringing in entertainment because this is what people travel, do what they love it will make Danville Pittsylvania County a great place to live, work and open a business,” Rita McClenny, the President and CEO of Virginia Tourism said.
The project is expected to be completed in late 2024.
You can watch a live stream of the site here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/danville-holds-groundbreaking-ceremony-for-caesars-casino-hotel/ | 2022-08-12T00:39:36 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/danville-holds-groundbreaking-ceremony-for-caesars-casino-hotel/ |
DANVILLE, Va. – If you were trying to nap, you’d probably look this grumpy too. All jokes aside, Edgar might look grumpy, but he’s actually a sweetheart.
He’s an adult dog at the Danville Area Humane Society, and he’s been waiting patiently to find his forever family for several months now.
Shelter staff said that this guy is strong and has lots of energy, but that some adopters just pass him by. He hasn’t been accepted by any adoption partners.
If you think Edgar would be a good fit for you, you can contact the Danville Area Humane Society at (434) 799-0843. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/dont-let-his-face-fool-you-edgar-is-actually-a-sweetheart/ | 2022-08-12T00:39:42 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/dont-let-his-face-fool-you-edgar-is-actually-a-sweetheart/ |
WASHINGTON – Thomas Robertson, a former Rocky Mount officer, was sentenced on Thursday in federal court for his involvement in the capitol riots on Jan. 6.
Robertson was sentenced to 87 months in prison and will get credit for the 12 months that he has already served. He will also be under 36 months of unsupervised release.
Robertson was found guilty of the following on April 11:
- Obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting
- Civil disorder and aiding and abetting
- Entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds
- Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds
- Disorderly conduct in a Capitol building
- Obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting
Robertson must also participate in a mental health treatment program and pay a $100 special assessment fee for each count of conviction.
The judge said it was Robertson’s post-arrest conduct that concerned him.
“I read this stuff and it seems like you really think of partisan politics as war... I sincerely believe you would answer a call to duty if something like this were to happen again,” said Judge Cooper.
The main event that the judge referenced when discussing Robertson’s post-arrest behavior was what he did after being released intially, including when a loaded M4 rifle, a partially-assembled pipe bomb and several span cans of ammunition and two boxes of 7.62 ammunition were seized from his property in June of last year.
The judge also compared his case to that of Guy Reffitt, who received the longest sentence tied to the riots.
In a memorandum filed by the US government on Aug. 4, the federal government asked that Robertson be sentenced to 96 months with three years of supervised release, $2,000 in restitution and the mandatory $100 special assessment for each count of conviction. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/former-rocky-mount-officer-thomas-robertson-sentenced-to-7-years-for-jan-6-involvement/ | 2022-08-12T00:39:48 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/former-rocky-mount-officer-thomas-robertson-sentenced-to-7-years-for-jan-6-involvement/ |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Horizon Behavioral Health said it’s no secret – dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on students and their mental health.
“We’re seeing a lot more anxiety in young children; whereas with the older children and teens, it’s a little bit more externalizing their feelings, and that’s coming out in more forms of aggression such as bullying and things like that,” said Januwaa Davis, Prevention Services Program Manager for Horizon Behavioral Health.
A 2020 study shows an increase in Lynchburg High School students feeling sadness and hopelessness over the past five years.
“There are so many messages that our young people are receiving that aren’t positive, and so our goal is to insert hope into the community,” said Davis.
Horizon’s helping the community bounce back through a new campaign. They’re handing out free yard signs with positive messages, as well as medication lock boxes and gun locks.
Health experts said they served more than 500 students in Lynchburg and its surrounding counties during the 2021-2022 school year.
Now, they’re looking to encourage more students to remain resilient.
“Messages of hope and the ability to connect to those supportive environments are really important,” said Davis.
If you need help, you can call 434-477-5000.
Yard Signs, free medication lock boxes, medication disposal bags, gun locks, and additional resiliency resources can be picked up at one of Horizon’s Wellness Centers across our region from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., according to the following schedule:
- Monday, August 15, 2022 – Horizon Wellness Center at Amherst
- Tuesday, August 16, 2022 – Horizon Wellness Center at Bedford
- Wednesday, August 17, 2022 – Horizon Wellness Center at Campbell
- Friday, August 19, 2022 - Horizon Wellness Treatment Center | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/horizon-behavioral-health-starts-campaign-to-help-students-struggling-with-mental-health/ | 2022-08-12T00:39:54 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/horizon-behavioral-health-starts-campaign-to-help-students-struggling-with-mental-health/ |
CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. – The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office needs your help to identify a man – not to arrest him, but to thank him for helping a deputy who was assaulted.
A female deputy responded to a wellness check at a Dollar General in Rustburg on August 6, 10 News reported.
Authorities said the woman appeared to be passed out in her driver’s seat, and that when the deputy arrived and made contact with the woman, she threatened the deputy before hitting and kicking her.
10 News is told that two people helped the deputy take the woman into custody – a store employee and an unknown man.
The Sheriff’s Office said they’ve identified the employee but are still searching for the other ‘Good Samaritan.’
“We certainly would love to identify that individual and thank him for what he did,” said Major Brandon Epperson.
Epperson said the deputy did not sustain serious injuries.
If you might know who the other Good Samaritan is, you can contact the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at (434) 592-9580. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/man-wanted-by-campbell-county-authorities-but-not-to-make-an-arrest/ | 2022-08-12T00:40:01 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/man-wanted-by-campbell-county-authorities-but-not-to-make-an-arrest/ |
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – You can update your social media with more than 20 different photography sets at Instaworthy Selfies and Sweets. This is a new woman-owned small business opening in the Uptown Christiansburg Mall.
The store has various picture-perfect setups to give you and your family some unique photos. Some photography set themes include Netflix series “Stranger Things,” a shark pit and outer space.
Customers can pay a fee and take photos with their family and friends or they can place their phone in the ring light stand at each station.
Professional photographers can also access the studio for an hourly admission fee of $50.
Instaworthy also has a candy shop. They sell bulk candy and a variety of sweet treats you might not find in your typical candy store.
“We wanted to bring something new and fun that allowed people to be creative in a safe space,” said Co-Owner of Instaworthy, Kassie Reese. “Give the kids something to do, give everyone something to do. It is for all ages. I grew up in the age of selfies, everyone loves selfies. We are always taking pictures, so we wanted to give people the space to do that.”
Instaworthy Selfies and Sweets opens on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 10 a.m.
To book a time at the selfie studio, click here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/new-selfie-studio-and-candy-store-is-bringing-interactive-fun-to-uptown-christiansburg/ | 2022-08-12T00:40:07 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/new-selfie-studio-and-candy-store-is-bringing-interactive-fun-to-uptown-christiansburg/ |
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – It’s been a busy morning in Roanoke County.
Mere hours after a police chase ended near Penn Forest Elementary School, the Roanoke County Police Department was called to Merriman Road for a second time Thursday morning, this time for a crash.
At about 7:50 a.m., a parent and child were headed toward Penn Forest on Merriman Road when the parent overcorrected and overturned, slid on the roadway and came to a stop at the trees, officers say.
We’re told both the parent and child were transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Stay with 10 News for updates | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/parent-and-child-hospitalized-after-roanoke-county-crash/ | 2022-08-12T00:40:13 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/parent-and-child-hospitalized-after-roanoke-county-crash/ |
APPOMATTOX, Va. – Appomattox Middle School students evacuated the building due to a one-word message written in a bathroom, Appomattox Middle School officials said.
On Thursday, AMS leaders said that a student told their office staff about the message.
Officials at the school said they could not determine the exact time the message was written and contacted law enforcement for assistance.
According to school leaders, the building was evacuated and searched out of caution.
Students stayed on an athletic field from around 11:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and ate lunch outside until they were able to return to their classrooms, officials said.
The Appomattox County Public Schools extended their thanks to student, staff, and parent cooperation and to local authorities for assisting. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/students-at-appomattox-middle-school-evacuate-due-to-written-message-in-bathroom/ | 2022-08-12T00:40:19 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/students-at-appomattox-middle-school-evacuate-due-to-written-message-in-bathroom/ |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Virginia Congressman Ben Cline called the FBI’s search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate ‘disappointing.’
The Republican Congressman, who represents Virginia’s 6th District, was in Lynchburg Wednesday, and 10 News asked about the federal investigation into whether Trump took classified records from the White House to his Florida residence.
Cline compared it to when Robert Mueller faced Russian collusion charges in 2019.
“There are problems within the department. There are problems within our intelligence agencies that need addressing. I think that the raid on Mar-a-Lago, this close to an election, the way it was done, recks the same abuse,” said Cline.
On Wednesday, Trump took the Fifth to avoid answering questions in a New York investigation into his organization. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/virginia-rep-ben-clines-calls-fbi-investigation-into-former-president-donald-trump-disappointing/ | 2022-08-12T00:40:26 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/11/virginia-rep-ben-clines-calls-fbi-investigation-into-former-president-donald-trump-disappointing/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – As students return to the classroom, you can expect to share the road with more school buses, and flashing school zone lights are not the only thing drivers should be on the lookout for.
Nearly 150 school buses are back on the roads in Roanoke County.
With rough mountainous terrain in the area, Chuck Lionberger with Roanoke County Public Schools said to give buses at least 20 feet of space on their routes.
“We have a lot of mountainous terrains,” Lionberger said. “These are school buses they are not just going to jump up right and down the hill. They’re going to be a little slow coming up the hills especially if there is a really good pull there.”
When flashing red lights come on and the stop sign comes out, drivers must halt.
If drivers don’t, cameras on Botetourt County buses will catch drivers in the act and they will take them to court.
“Please take an extra minute even if you are late to wherever you are going,” Botetourt County Public Schools Superintendent Jon Russ said. “You do not want to end your life because you injured a child because you were in a hurry.”
This year, Botetourt County upgraded its camera technology to clearly identify license plate tags and drivers.
And when they find those that don’t abide by the law, harsh penalties will be expected.
“Faces the possibility of a class one misdemeanor which is up to 12 months in jail or a 2500 fine and this generally prosecuted as reckless driving.” Botetourt County Sheriff Matthew Ward said.
Ward added that drivers can expect to see extra patrol on the roads because child safety is their main priority. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/12/driving-in-back-to-school-traffic-heres-what-you-should-keep-in-mind/ | 2022-08-12T00:40:32 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/12/driving-in-back-to-school-traffic-heres-what-you-should-keep-in-mind/ |
Even before the coronavirus pandemic exacerbated the situation beginning in 2020, Nebraska was projecting a shortage of health care professionals, particularly in rural areas.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center has long expected a shortage of 5,435 nurses by 2025, which combined with an aging population will seriously squeeze health care options in several areas of the state.
Other specialties — primary care physicians, pediatric physicians, OB-GYNs, even audiologists — were also tracking anticipated shortages before COVID strained the health care system, especially in rural counties.
While the statistics are sobering, UNMC Chancellor Jeff Gold told the NU Board of Regents on Thursday the university has a plan to build a sustainable workforce that will be key to ensuring patients across Nebraska can see a doctor or will have adequate numbers of nurses available.
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And regents agreed with the plan, unanimously approving spending $50 million appropriated by the Legislature to expand the Rural Health Education Building at the University of Nebraska at Kearney to train a new generation of providers.
“Only the university can do this,” Gold said Thursday.
UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen said the $85 million expansion — the university will raise $35 million in private funds to build out the full project — will play a lead role in keeping rural Nebraska vibrant for years to come.
“(Health care) is the future of all these communities,” Kristensen said. “We should do things that only the university can solve. There’s no one else in the state of Nebraska who can do this.”
NU initially asked the state to fund $60 million of the project; the Legislature ultimately included $50 million for it in its rescue plan package earlier this year, and Gov. Pete Ricketts signed the bill into law.
With the state funding in place — the amount raised from donors will determine the final scale of the project — the UNMC-UNK project is expected to begin in September 2023, adjacent to an existing Rural Health Building that opened in 2015.
That facility was the focus of the Building a Healthier Nebraska Initiative, a 2012 partnership between NU, the Legislature and then-Gov. Dave Heineman to address the anticipated shortage of nurses and other health care specialties in the state.
The $19 million building, which provides high-tech space for UNMC’s College of Nursing and College of Allied Health Professionals to train health care workers in a rural campus setting, was considered phase one.
The new $85 million expansion, which will expand the previous offerings while also adding programs for physicians, pharmacists and public health professionals, will be phase two, according to the university.
Gold, in a presentation to regents, said the need to move forward on the proposed center was urgent.
According to the Status of the Nebraska Health Care Workforce, a document showing the number of health care providers across several specialties that is updated every two years, 14 of the state’s 93 counties were without a primary care physician.
Only 19 counties had an internal medicine physician in 2020; seven counties have a pediatric primary care physician; and just 38 counties have a licensed OB-GYN, the UNMC study found.
Even in the counties where health care professionals are currently practicing, including the urban areas, the number of providers per 100,000 residents often falls short of the national average, Gold said.
Nebraska is also moving in the wrong direction, Gold added. A piece of clip art on a slide he showed to regents showed a car on a road that stops at a cliff side.
“I’d like to think we are proceeding full steam ahead away from the cliff,” Gold said. “But unfortunately, over time, that has not been the trend.”
Lincoln Regent Tim Clare said the opening of the rural health care education complex in Kearney had already contributed to putting more providers in areas of Nebraska that previously didn’t have one.
He said the program should continue to be a focus for NU.
“If we’re going to grow our state, health care has to be at the top,” Clare said. “Health care, broadband (internet), you have to have it in these counties. If you don’t, these counties are going to die.”
And Omaha Regent Elizabeth O’Connor, who also spoke in support of the project, said she routinely hears a lack of access to health care is the top concern for many Nebraskans.
“I think it creates a lot of dread for Nebraskans in the future,” O’Connor said, adding that expanding programming designed to train doctors and nurses to work in rural areas was the right thing to do.
“It demonstrates our commitment of giving back to the state,” she said. “That commitment is at the core of what makes our university great.” | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/85m-health-education-building-at-kearney-will-move-nu-toward-filling-rural-health-shortages/article_475e5570-1524-544d-8c19-7839ddd96366.html | 2022-08-12T00:40:32 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/85m-health-education-building-at-kearney-will-move-nu-toward-filling-rural-health-shortages/article_475e5570-1524-544d-8c19-7839ddd96366.html |
Fifteen tourism nonprofits received of a total of nearly $5 million in grants made with federal stimulus funds from Lincoln and Lancaster County.
The grant program, announced in May, was a second and more narrowly focused program crafted by city and county officials after federal officials changed the parameters of how cities and counties could use American Rescue Plan Act funds.
City and county officials have worked together to allocate $108 million from the federal relief plan in an effort to avoid duplication of efforts. The city got $46 million and the county $62 million.
The $5 million in grant funds are intended to help the nonprofits replace revenue losses from the pandemic and must be used to cover operating costs.
“Nonprofit tourism organizations ... do great things for our community,” Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said to a group of nonprofit leaders gathered at the Nebraska History Museum for the announcement.
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“They add value to the local economy, they provide our residents and visitors with shared experiences and cherished memories and make Lincoln an even stronger community and a more attractive destination.”
Grants ranged from $25,000 to the Camp Creek Antique Machinery and Threshing Association to $900,000 to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.
Lancaster County Commissioner Deb Schorr said a selection committee chose the recipients from 21 applicants and -- as happens with most grant programs -- no organization got as much as it requested.
Jeff Maul, executive director of Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau said shutdowns and travel restrictions forced many in the tourist industry to close temporarily and and for many, the pandemic forever altered their business models and budgets. Hotel occupancy in the city dropped to a low of 27.4% in April 2020, he said, and many of the nonprofit agencies receiving grants were affected by that, he said.
The recipients include:
* Camp Creek Antique Machinery and Threshing Association -- $25,000
* Flatwater Shakespeare Co. – $91,000
* Friends of Woods Tennis – $100,000
* History Nebraska/History Nebraska Foundation – $875,000
* Lancaster County Agricultural Society – $650,000
* Lied Center for Performing Arts (NU Board of Regents) – $300,000
* Lincoln Arts Council – $130,000
* Lincoln Calling – $125,000
* Lincoln Children’s Museum – $705,000
* Lincoln Children’s Zoo – $900,000
* Lincoln Sports Foundation – $220,000
* LUX Center for the Arts – $200,000
* Midwest Racers Organization, Inc. – $45,000
* Museum of American Speed – $450,000
* Nebraska Repertory Theatre (NU Board of Regents) – $150,000 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/watch-now-lincoln-lancaster-county-announce-5-million-in-grants-to-tourism-nonprofits-hurt-by/article_35fa6285-645c-55c7-ba2f-40e35504b2dc.html | 2022-08-12T00:40:38 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/watch-now-lincoln-lancaster-county-announce-5-million-in-grants-to-tourism-nonprofits-hurt-by/article_35fa6285-645c-55c7-ba2f-40e35504b2dc.html |
Ingrid Griffin had just returned home from an on-campus party last year and was experiencing those feelings of awkwardness that escape nobody — no less a Nebraska girl attending school at the University of Southern California.
Feeling a bit sensitive and more than a little self-conscious, she picked up a notebook and jotted down her thoughts.
Those words told her story of "feeling out of place at a college party" and became the lyrics to a song and video called "Red Cup," which she released late in the spring on YouTube and every major streaming service.
… I want to paint the town red
Why's my red a different shade?
It's a coming-of-age tale that everyone can relate to because we've all been there. Everyone — even those she says "look like models" and the countless other partygoers who appear to be "so much cooler than me" — battles their own insecurities.
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The lyrics are honest. They're poignant. They tug at your heart because the story is relatable. And more than anything, they're written with enough vulnerability to make us root for this story's teller.
"What I’ve found is that if you feel a certain way from a certain experience, even if people don’t share that exact experience, they’ll share that same feeling, if that makes sense," she said.
It does.
And with storytelling comes the power to narrate the conclusion you desire. Griffin provides an alternate ending, a sign of hope and the potential for a happily-ever-after when — rather than writing about going home with those pangs of insecurity — she instead spins a tale of looking across the room, where she makes eye contact with a handsome young man who eventually musters the nerve to talk to her and tells her that he feel out of place, too.
"It's kind of a twist ending, which I like to add to my songs to make them happy," she said.
The ending sends a message that we're all authors of our own destiny, our own search for happiness.
It's her fifth song to be released. Not bad for a gal who grew up loving musical theater — from the Lincoln Community Playhouse to every production staged at Lincoln Southwest High School — and began her studies at USC with a focus on acting.
She soon changed her mind and became a music major.
"I do like how with music, I get to pave my own path," she said. "I feel as much as I love theater, it’s hard to be at the mercy of casting directors. This way I can just do my own thing — almost."
The release of her songs is a prime example of that. There was no one else making the decisions on whether she was right for the part. The choice was entirely hers.
Her songs have been heard by thousands of people and are available on every streaming service from Apple to Spotify. And if you were interested in hearing her live, you had the chance all summer when she — with her father, John, jamming with her — could be found busking at the Haymarket farmers market.
She's a singer and a songwriter who doesn't have much trouble describing her musical inspiration and chosen genre, saying she might be the end result "if Jackson Browne and Taylor Swift had a baby."
She's been gifted with an old soul musically, courtesy of her parents. John has been playing the drums for various bands around Lincoln all his life and has played the skins on all but one of his daughter's musical releases.
Being a Nebraskan in Southern California, she is starting to embrace her Midwest upbringing.
"I didn’t realize that Nebraska was such a novelty to people," she said. "I get asked the funniest questions. Everyone thinks I lived in on a farm."
As a result, her songs tend to have a country twist. One of her recently released singles is called "I Danced With a Cowboy," while a soon-to-be released number, "Heartland Girl" tells the story of growing up in the Good Life.
"I’ve kind of leaned into it with my music," she said. "'I Danced With a Cowboy’ is my first full-on country song, which was really fun to do.
"I’ve kind of leaned into country a little bit. I feel like it’s almost a gimmick out (in Southern California). I love it."
And it plays well in Nebraska, too. Last week, she and John jammed at the York County Fair on Friday night and played the Haymarket on Saturday morning.
On Monday, she and Susie, her mother, will make the journey to the West Coast to move her onto campus, where she'll begin the back stretch toward her bachelor's degree.
Two more years of school and then she'll make a run at singing for a living — most likely in Nashville.
"Nashville feels a little more like me than Los Angeles," she said.
That's not a bad thing. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/leading-off-if-jackson-browne-and-taylor-swift-had-a-baby-it-might-be-lincolns/article_2127ea97-e56b-57a8-984a-67d70d4568c1.html | 2022-08-12T00:40:44 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/leading-off-if-jackson-browne-and-taylor-swift-had-a-baby-it-might-be-lincolns/article_2127ea97-e56b-57a8-984a-67d70d4568c1.html |
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW) — The Hutchinson Fire Department (HFD) raised $63,233 during its three-day back-to-school supply drive.
From Aug. 5-7, HFD gathered student supplies as well as hygiene products, food and drinks, classroom supplies and gift cards at an area Walmart.
The items will be distributed to over 28 schools in Reno County on Thursday, Aug. 11 and Friday, Aug. 12.
The HFD thanks the citizens of Hutchinson and the surrounding area for coming out and supporting them in their cause for children.
“We are overwhelmed by the response from our community,” said Fire Marshal Mike Cain. “This is one thing that the HFD can do to give back to our community. There were countless extra volunteer hours of off-duty firefighters, their families, friends, and area teachers, along with our sponsors of RCB Bank and Allen Samuels Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram. All were key is making this come together, manning doors, and sorting supplies.”
The department’s back-to-school program is led by their Community Risk Division and is partnered with local school teachers.
According to the HFD, every spring, area principals are emailed a list of essential school supplies for the upcoming year. They then list the supplies needed and the quantities that they need. Forms are then emailed back to HFD to start the process in motion. Supplies are then sorted, boxed, and taken to the schools where these requests can be utilized by the teachers. Teachers distribute as needs occur.
If you would like to be a sponsor of the program, contact the HFD. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/hutchinson-fire-department-raises-over-60k-in-school-drive/ | 2022-08-12T00:40:53 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/hutchinson-fire-department-raises-over-60k-in-school-drive/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Socks, deodorant, and a sleeping mat are just some of the items one man stuffed into his backpack on the streets of Southwest Portland Thursday morning. His friends call him Lobo. He's been experiencing homelessness for 31 years.
"I'm getting ready to leave because we're not allowed to be anywhere," he said, pulling his red wagon filled to the brim with backpacks and food. "It seems as if they've made it illegal to be a person in Portland."
He was sitting outside a business on Southwest Washington Street when city crews told him to move.
"It's demoralizing," he said. "Makes me feel like I’m lower than the lowest of the human class."
Across the street, Jackie James swept the sidewalk in front of her tent on Southwest 4th and Stark. She moved to that corner Wednesday after city crews cleared her from another site. She said the city has swept her campsite 18 times.
"At this point, it kind of just seems like a routine, you know, so I don't really think too much about it," she said. "I don't go far, you know, I just go somewhere where I can sit down and try to think for the next move."
When the city clears campsites, staff offer people free transportation to nearby shelters. James said she took the offer once, but found ultimately it wasn’t for her.
"You gotta be in and out at a certain time and that just didn't fit for me at the time," she said.
Josh Barett, who works at The Portland Outdoor Store down the street, said he watches homeless campsites move in and out of the neighborhood like a revolving door.
"They just go around the corner and set up right over there, same situation," he said. "It's like, that business gets a break from it and then they just move it, so it's like, 'when is it our turn again?'"
City officials who spoke to KGW said they know that clearing campsites is only a temporary solution, and they firmly maintain the position that homelessness is not a crime, but their goal is to minimize urban camping's impact on the community.
Camps are only removed if they violate the city's health and safety guidelines, the officials said, which means the city won't remove sites that have fewer than eight tents and are clean, with no conspicuous drug use.
Even so, neighbors near some of the recurring campsites said they felt neglected by the city.
"It's like a cancer all over town," said Charles Reed, who said he watched the same camp outside his apartment on Southwest 3rd Avenue and Pine Street get cleared three times since the end of June.
"It's really disheartening because I don't feel we're getting the response, as taxpayers, from the county and City of Portland," he said.
City officials said they hope to find a broader solution one day, but at the moment they lack the resources to prevent people from returning to the same sites. They encouraged residents to continue reporting problematic campsites to PDX reporter or by calling the city's Information and Referral team at 311. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/city-clears-campsites-homeless-move-back/283-0b13cde2-58d0-4942-9d65-17f2458339fe | 2022-08-12T00:46:01 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/city-clears-campsites-homeless-move-back/283-0b13cde2-58d0-4942-9d65-17f2458339fe |
CLINTON COUNTY, Ohio — Authorities say the armed man wearing body armor who tried to breach the FBI building in Cincinnati Thursday has died after being shot by law enforcement following an hourslong standoff.
The man is believed to have been in Washington in the days leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection and may have been present at the Capitol on the day of the attack, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the matter. The official could not discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The suspect was identified as Ricky Shiffer, 42, according to the law enforcement official. He was not charged with any crimes in connection with the Jan. 6 attack, the official said. Federal investigators are examining whether Shiffer may have had ties to far-right extremist groups, including the Proud Boys, the official said.
According to the FBI, Shiffer attempted to breach the FBI visitor screening facility just after 9 a.m. He fled after an alarm was triggered and he was confronted by agents.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said troopers located Shiffer's vehicle, a Ford Crown Victoria, near the northbound Interstate 71 rest area in Warren County around 9:37 a.m.
Once troopers got behind his vehicle, Shiffer fled and a pursuit ensued. While behind the vehicle, a suspected gunshot was fired from inside the vehicle.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the pursuit continued on I-71 until the suspect exited at state Route 73, traveling eastbound before turning onto Smith Road.
Shiffer's vehicle came to a stop around 9:53 a.m. on Smith Road near Van Trees Road in Clinton County. He then exited the vehicle and exchanged gunfire with authorities.
Law enforcement said they were able to ‘contain’ Shiffer and attempted to negotiate turning himself into authorities.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said those attempts were unsuccessful and authorities attempted to move in and take the suspect into custody.
Authorities then attempted using “less than lethal” tactics but were still unsuccessful.
Shiffer then raised his weapon and law enforcement opened fire, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Portions of Interstate 71 and state Route 73 were closed for several hours but are now reopened. Portions of Smith Road will remain closed.
The confrontation at the FBI's Cincinnati field office comes as officials warn of an increase in threats against federal agents in the days following a search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
On Gab, a social media site popular with white supremacists, users have warned they are preparing for an armed revolution.
Federal officials have also been tracking an array of other concerning chatter on Gab and other platforms threatening violence against federal agents. FBI Director Christopher Wray denounced the threats as he visited another FBI office in Nebraska on Wednesday.
“Violence against law enforcement is not the answer, no matter who you’re upset with,” Wray said Wednesday in Omaha.
The FBI on Wednesday also warned its agents to avoid protesters and ensure their security key cards are “not visible outside FBI space,” citing an increase in social media threats to bureau personnel and facilities. It also warned agents to be aware of their surroundings and potential protesters.
The warning did not specifically mention this week’s search of Mar-a-Lago but attributed the online threats to “recent media reporting on FBI investigative activity. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/southwest-ohio-gunfire-exchanged-police-man-killed/530-653fe9e5-7c3f-4413-bee9-5665139240a3 | 2022-08-12T00:46:07 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/southwest-ohio-gunfire-exchanged-police-man-killed/530-653fe9e5-7c3f-4413-bee9-5665139240a3 |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The West Point U.S. Military Academy announced Thursday that two Florida soldiers died during a training exercise earlier this week.
U.S. Army Fort Benning said the soldier, identified as 2nd Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon and Army Staff Sgt. George Taber, died during a training exercise in Dahlonega, Georgia, on Tuesday after being struck by a falling tree at Yonah Mountain.
“2nd Lt. Fitzgibbon was an incredible leader of character who exemplified Army values and the West Point ideals of Duty, Honor, and Country,” West Point wrote in a statement. “The entire West Point Community and the Long Gray Line share in this loss and are keeping the Fitzgibbon and Taber families in our thoughts and prayers.”
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Fitzgibbon was an Infantry officer assigned to the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Benning in Florida and a graduate of West Point’s Class of 2021, according to Fort Benning.
Fort Benning added that Taber was a Special Forces Medical Sergeant assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, and he served in the Army since his enlistment in March 2017.
The Foundation Academy, a Christian private school in Winter Garden, also commented on Fitzgibbon’s death. According to the school, Fitzgibbon had attended Foundation Academy.
“The Foundation Academy family would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Evan Fitzgibbon,” the school said. “We are saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of this young man who loved the Lord and impacted both the school culture and his peers while attending Foundation Academy. Evan was a leader in the classroom, on the field, and in his life’s work.”
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/11/central-florida-soldier-killed-during-training-exercise-west-point-says/ | 2022-08-12T00:46:33 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/11/central-florida-soldier-killed-during-training-exercise-west-point-says/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando staffer was suspended amid an investigation into a complaint claiming they blocked access to a women’s health clinic in a city-owned vehicle earlier this month, city officials announced Thursday.
Ashley Papagni, a spokesperson for the city of Orlando, said the parking employee has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, which is still ongoing.
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“I can confirm we have been made aware of this complaint and have opened an investigation. It is currently active and ongoing,” Papagani said in a previous email to News 6 on Aug. 4.
In that email, she added that the worker was still employed with the city as of Aug. 4.
When News 6 followed up Thursday, Papagni said the parking employee had since been suspended.
News 6 has requested a copy of the complaint, but has yet to receive it.
No other information is available at this time. Check back here for updates.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/11/city-of-orlando-employee-suspended-amid-investigation-for-blocking-womens-health-clinic-access-officials-say/ | 2022-08-12T00:46:39 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/11/city-of-orlando-employee-suspended-amid-investigation-for-blocking-womens-health-clinic-access-officials-say/ |
FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – The 11th annual Surfers for Autism event in Flagler Beach has been moved due to beach erosion, according to the Flagler Beach Police Department.
Police said the Saturday event will be moved to 6th Street South following beach erosion north of the Flagler Beach Fishing Pier, which was the original location of the event.
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Surfers for Autism is a group that holds annual events to spread awareness of autism and the “impact of surfing’s healing magic on children diagnosed on the autism spectrum,” according to the group’s website.
The event will see participants and surfers head out to enjoy music, raffles, lunch and vendors set up along the beach, the group’s website said.
Beach erosion has been an ongoing issue in Flagler Beach, as city leaders look into possible solutions to the problem.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 13 and is set to run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information or to sign up to volunteer, head to the group’s website here.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/12/flagler-beach-surfers-for-autism-event-moved-due-to-beach-erosion-police-say/ | 2022-08-12T00:46:45 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/12/flagler-beach-surfers-for-autism-event-moved-due-to-beach-erosion-police-say/ |
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The fiance of a San Antonio woman hacked to death in 2020 told the jury at the murder trial of Rafael Castillo that he averted his eyes before the defendant chopped her hands off, then killed her with an ax “buried into her skull.”
Castillo, 27, is accused of killing Nicole “Niki” Perry, 31, on Nov. 19, 2020, allegedly to teach her a lesson because she did not show him proper respect at the house where they were staying, a place that sheltered a rotating cast of drug-addicted transients.
Randall Fulghum, a prosecution witness, said he and Perry had been together for about eight years. She was the one in charge, he said, something he liked because he is autistic.
The couple went to stay with a friend who lived in a house-like structure behind a home in the 300 block of Harlan Avenue on the South Side. Several transients lived there, and Fulghum said he and Perry used methamphetamine with many of them.
Fulghum said Perry was outspoken, not afraid to speak her mind, and had annoyed and angered Castillo so much that he killed her with a machete and an ax after they argued about respect. Castillo had warned her to “shut up” numerous times, Fulghum said, and he had tried to get Perry to stop antagonizing Castillo.
When she did not stop, Castillo attacked her, he said.
Fulghum said he couldn’t watch what was about to happen when Castillo duct-taped Perry’s wrists together and grabbed a machete.
“I heard it,” Fulghum said through tears, describing three chops of the machete. “It was a sound I will never forget.”
Perry moved and struggled after her hands were severed at the wrist, Fulghum told the jury. When Perry would not stop moving, Castillo became angrier. Fulghum said Castillo told Perry, “I thought I told you to stop moving.”
Castillo then grabbed a long black ax that he “buried into her skull,” said Fulghum, who wept as he recalled the sound of the ax hitting Perry on the right side of her head.
“I started shaking uncontrollably,” he told the jury.
Castillo told him he needed to clean up the scene, or Fulghum “wouldn’t like it,” he said. “I knew what that meant. … I’d end up the same way (as Perry).”
Fulghum said he and a woman he knew only as Vanessa gathered clothing and rags to absorb the blood. They used bleach and Fabuloso, and Vanessa grabbed some plastic bins and trash bags out of a hidden room adjacent to the crime scene, reachable through a hole in the wall hidden by a bookcase. They began to place bloodied items in the bins, along with the body.
When Fulghum saw Perry’s face, her eyes were still open, he said.
“I closed her eyes and whispered good-bye to her,” he told the jury, holding back tears.
Fulghum said a man he did not know came and picked up the trash bags that contained evidence and the body and drove it off.
Perry’s remains were found off of W. W. White and Higdon roads in far Southeast Bexar County by a work crew.
When prosecutor Jennifer McDaniel showed Fulghum the bloodied machete and ax taken from the crime scene and asked if he recognized them, he wept.
“I had to pull it out of her head,” Fulghum said.
He admitted he was too afraid to tell deputies when they arrested him the next day what had happened because Castillo warned him that he “had eyes” on him.
Fulghum said under questioning that he was on probation for failing to register as a convicted sex offender. He said he has been clean of drugs and has not used methamphetamine since his second arrest on Dec. 8, 2020.
With Perry gone, Fulghum said he didn’t care about anything anymore.
Fulghum leapt slightly from his seat on the witness stand when McDaniel showed him a photograph of Perry that was taken before her autopsy was performed. He gasped and cried at the sight of her, gagged and bloodied, with a zip tie and tow strap around her neck.
“That’s Niki,” he said through tears.
He said his life will never be the same.
“I don’t sleep. When I close my eyes, I see her.”
If convicted, Castillo, 27, faces up to life in prison.
ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/A-sound-I-will-never-forget-Fiance-17368288.php | 2022-08-12T00:53:28 | 1 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/A-sound-I-will-never-forget-Fiance-17368288.php |
WILDWOOD — The second annual Latin Food and Music Festival will take place Friday and Saturday in the city. The event is being hosted by the Puerto Rican Action Committee of Southern New Jersey.
PRAC CEO Ralph Padilla said he was excited about the opportunity to host what he called the “largest bicultural/bilingual Latin music festival” in South Jersey.
“Together we celebrate our community and culture with live music, food, and fun on the beach. It will be an event you don’t want to miss,” Padilla said Thursday in a news release.
Headliners for the event include Jerry Rivera, whose third album won three platinum records and whose resume includes a stint as a judge on “Idol Puerto Rico;” and India, who has won a Latin Grammy for Best Salsa Album.
WILDWOOD — A summer of beachfront events continues in town this weekend, with baseball, wres…
The opening event of the festival is a “White Night party” happening at the PigDog Beach Bar on Morey’s Piers. The event, exclusive to VIPs and executive VIPs, has an all-white dress code and runs from 7 to 11 p.m., with appetizers served from 7 to 9 p.m. There will also be a cash bar and a musical performance from the group Noche Blanca.
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The Festival Playero is scheduled for Saturday. Ticketholders are urged to bring a towel and set up a spot on the sand between Morey’s Piers. (VIPs and executive VIPs will be given chairs.)
Other performers include Grupo Mania, which has been performing since 1993 and has collaborated with artists such as Puerto Rican rapper Nejo and Dominican singer Omega “El Fuerte.” Judy Torres, a New York artist who has charted multiple times since her debut in 1989, will also perform at the festival.
For more information, visit facebook.com/pracnj. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/latin-food-and-music-festival-to-take-place-in-wildwood-on-friday-and-saturday/article_df20b2de-19bb-11ed-8577-0b0fa34b92d3.html | 2022-08-12T00:55:01 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/latin-food-and-music-festival-to-take-place-in-wildwood-on-friday-and-saturday/article_df20b2de-19bb-11ed-8577-0b0fa34b92d3.html |
LOS ANGELES — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday appointed one-time nemesis and rival Antonio Villaraigosa, the former Los Angeles mayor, to a new post helping steer a gusher of federal dollars to road, port and transit projects.
These days, the two are more friends than frenemies.
Newsom announced that Villaraigosa would assume the post of "infrastructure czar," an advisory position in which he would be pursuing billions of federal dollars and helping pair it with needs in the state.
"Money is not our problem anymore," the governor said, referring to a recently enacted $1 trillion federal infrastructure deal that promises to send billions for improvements to the nation's most populous state.
California has to "go out and get it," Newsom added, which is the charge Villaraigosa has in the new post.
Villaraigosa said: "We got to build. We got to invest. And that's what this is all about."
The appointment marks the latest chapter in a long-running relationship that has veered from open hostility to, now, playing for the same team.
Newsom was mayor of San Francisco when Villaraigosa was in charge of City Hall in Los Angeles, a time when each was often looking to outshine — if not rattle or embarrass — the other. The two Democrats later faced off in a 2018 primary race for governor, a contest won by Newsom that turned so nasty the two later made a public appearance together to dispel any notion of lasting enmity.
As mayor in L.A., Villaraigosa was credited with kicking off a transit buildup that continues today. Newsom said he would bring extensive know-how in capturing federal dollars and getting shovels in the ground.
Technically, Villaraigosa will not be a state employee. This position is funded through a partnership with California Forward, a nonprofit that seeks to promote job growth and cost-effective government.
During their 2018 campaign matchup, Villaraigosa depicted Newsom as a wealthy elitist, out of touch with Californians left behind by the surging economy. Newsom's campaign ads recalled a six-figure ethics fine paid by Villaraigosa, and his time as adviser to supplements and weight loss company Herbalife, which the ads called a "pyramid scheme."
They later sought to mend the relationship. At a news conference shortly after the election, they traded compliments and shared a lunch. Villaraigosa, a former state Assembly speaker, said it was important to "move beyond whatever differences we might have had."
"This wasn't personal," he added at the time.
Villaraigosa served as L.A. mayor from 2005 to 2013. In 2021, there was speculation that Villaraigosa might become a candidate in a recall election that sought to remove Newsom from office. Villaraigosa never entered the race, and Newsom easily beat back the attempt to remove him.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/frenemies-reunited-newsom-villaraigosa/103-9ce7d2a6-b669-4f82-85d3-73f28a9ab5ae | 2022-08-12T00:55:54 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/frenemies-reunited-newsom-villaraigosa/103-9ce7d2a6-b669-4f82-85d3-73f28a9ab5ae |
TRUCKEE, Calif. — As the search for a missing Truckee teenager stretches into another day, there continue to be few details surrounding her disappearance and what she might be.
Rodni vanished after attending a party near the Prosser Family Campground in Truckee and was last seen around 12:30 a.m. Saturday. Officials said her phone is out of service, and her 2013 Honda CRV with license plate "8YUR127" cannot be found.
Despite Rodni having been at a party of up to 300 people, deputies say there are few clues for investigators to follow.
Rodni is a 16-year-old who stands at 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs around 115 pounds with blonde hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with knowledge of her disappearance is asked to call the anonymous tip line at 530-581-6320 and press option 7. Her family said a $50,000 reward is being offered for information that they hope leads to Rodni's safe return.
Who is Kiely Rodni?
Kiely Rodni's name has been in headlines since Aug. 6, when she disappeared following a party near the Prosser Family Campground.
“She’s always so good about checking in and just letting me know where she is and I haven’t heard from her,” Lindsey Rodni-Nieman, Rodni's mother, told ABC10. “It’s just scary when you don’t know where your kid is.”
Her mother said her daughter graduated high school at 16 with high honors. She's described as an intelligent, beautiful and kind person.
Where is the AMBER Alert?
On Aug. 7, the Placer County Sheriff's Office said they were treating Rodni's disappearance as an abduction. However, officials said they don't actually have the evidence to say that is, in fact, an abduction.
A spokesperson for the sheriff's office told ABC10 that they started treating the case as an abduction because they haven't been able to find Rodni's Honda, despite the resources they've dedicated to the search effort.
AMBER Alerts have to meet certain requirements. While Rodni's case hits three out of four requirements, deputies don't have evidence that this was an abduction. More information on the AMBER Alert process is available HERE.
What clues are left behind?
Authorities have released a handful of images as the search effort continues.
One photo depicts a hoodie Rodni was loaned on Aug. 5, the day before she went missing.
Another photo is an actual depiction of Kiely’s 2013 silver Honda CR-V from the winter.
A photo of Kiely, seen just hours before her disappearance, was also released. She is seen wearing a black body suit, green Dickies pants, and a black studded belt.
On Aug. 11, the Placer County Sheriff's Office released a photo that was taken of Rodni before she went missing. Deputies called attention to the necklace she is seen wearing in the photo and asked for anyone who might have seen it to reach out to the sheriff's office.
Deputies have also asked that parents of young people who attended the party come forward with any information that could help the investigation.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/kiely-rodni-disappearance/103-c855a7fa-9cb5-44d8-9e5f-ea8ac0f68091 | 2022-08-12T00:55:54 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/kiely-rodni-disappearance/103-c855a7fa-9cb5-44d8-9e5f-ea8ac0f68091 |
ORANGE, Texas — The home of former National Football League player and Southeast Texas native Earl Thomas caught fire Thursday evening.
The home is located at 1130 Bear Path Drive in Orange.
Chief Matt Manshack with Little Cypress Fire and Orange County ESD 3 says firefighters could be out there until late Thursday night still battling hotspots.
He also says Thomas' home is a total loss.
The cause of the fire is not confirmed, but they're not ruling out lightning as a possible cause.
Chief Manshack also tells 12News no one was inside the home at the time of the fire.
Officials told 12News crew on the scene that Thomas was at the scene, but then left.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
On May 14 2022, Thomas was arrested at Spanky’s Bar and Grill in Orange on a warrant out of Austin for a violation of a court protective order, stemming from him allegedly sending threatening messages to his wife about her and their children.
Thomas was booked into the Orange County Jail and soon bonded out. His bond was set at $15,000.
The Austin American-Statesman reports Thomas owns a home in West Austin with his estranged wife and also spends time in Orange, where he grew up.
A warrant on April 27 accused Thomas of violating the protective order two or more times within 12 months, which a third-degree felony.
Thomas’ May 2021 protective order requires him to communicate with the woman only through a co-parenting phone application. The woman told police Thomas refuses to download the application and shows up unannounced to places she visits, according to the police affidavit.
She said Thomas recently began sending threatening text messages.
Thomas allegedly sent a text on April 18 claiming he had two handguns, saying, “Waiting on hand in foot is why I’ll kick ur ass.”
He also allegedly threatened to poison the children. Police say he later texted, “I hope u in the car with him and the kids and yall drive off the road.”
In May 2020, police arrested Thomas’ wife after she was accused of pointing a loaded pistol at his head after breaking into a vacation home and finding him with another woman. She filed for divorce that November.
The seven-time Pro Bowl safety has not played since 2020 when the Baltimore Ravens released him after he punched a teammate during a preseason practice. He played for West Orange-Stark High School and graduated in 2007. He also played for the University of Texas from 2008 to 2010. On April 22, 2022 he told an ESPN reporter he hopes to return to the NFL.
GET NEWS & WEATHER ALERTS | Download the 12News App to your mobile device | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/nfl-earl-thomas-home-orange-catches-fire/502-1b8f8323-40bf-47f0-9384-3053be071431 | 2022-08-12T00:55:54 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/nfl-earl-thomas-home-orange-catches-fire/502-1b8f8323-40bf-47f0-9384-3053be071431 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A man is now facing up to life in prison after he was convicted of shooting and killing another man during a robbery in May 2021.
According to a news release from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, a jury found Patrick Noied guilty of first-degree murder this week.
The charge was in connection with a shooting that happened on Amber Lane and College Oak Drive on May 5, 2021.
According to prosecutors, the victim -- Tayler Wellman-Holochwost -- drove to an apartment complex to sell marijuana to an acquaintance. The victim, the acquaintance, and other people smoked marijuana and hung around the car.
Patrick Noied was part of the group, but he left before coming back with a gun at which time he tried to rob Wellman-Holochwost.
Prosecutors say Noied shot him twice in the neck and arm. Wellman-Holochwost drove himself to a store for help before dying from his injuries.
Noied faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison. His sentencing is set for Oct. 14. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento-man-convicted-in-fatal-2021-shooting/103-03b57089-c2cc-4919-8091-64c29439c629 | 2022-08-12T00:56:04 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento-man-convicted-in-fatal-2021-shooting/103-03b57089-c2cc-4919-8091-64c29439c629 |
Officials: 3 posing as US Marshals arrested after Arizona home invasion
GOLDEN VALLEY — Three Golden Valley men have been arrested for pretending to be U.S. Marshals, breaking into a home and assaulting two women inside, Mohave County Sheriff’s officials say.
Officials said 35-year-old Mark Hutchins Jr. and 46-year-old Jason Wortman both have been booked into jail on suspicion of burglary and aggravated assault while 60-year-old Humberto Perez is being held on suspicion of burglary and domestic violence assault.
Sheriff’s officials said deputies responded to a report of a possible home invasion in Golden Valley around 4:45 a.m. Wednesday.
Three men reportedly walked up to the house wearing camouflaged clothing and face masks and armed with a shotgun, a rifle, two handguns, and a baseball bat.
The men said they were with the U.S. Marshals Service and forced their way into the home owned by Perez’s estranged wife, who had filed a protection order against him last month, officials say.
Sheriff’s officials said Perez’s estranged wife and her mother were struck with the bat and taken to a hospital for possible broken bones and other injuries.
Hutchins and Wortman were later arrested in Golden Valley while Perez was taken into custody in Las Vegas.
It was unclear Thursday if any of the three men have attorneys who can speak on their behalf. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2022/08/11/3-posing-us-marshals-arrested-after-arizona-home-invasion/10304610002/ | 2022-08-12T00:58:34 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2022/08/11/3-posing-us-marshals-arrested-after-arizona-home-invasion/10304610002/ |
DPS officer involved in shooting near I-17 in Phoenix
An Arizona Department of Public Safety officer was involved in a shooting Wednesday night near the Grant Street exit of Interstate 17 in Phoenix.
The shooting occurred around 7:40 p.m. after the officer attempted to stop a white Dodge Challenger traveling on Interstate 10 near I-17, according to DPS. The Challenger then continued onto I-17 and exited at Grant Street, hitting a concrete divider, which stopped the car.
The suspect, who officials later identified as Douglas L. Clifton, 37, exited the vehicle and began running away, DPS said. Clifton shot at the officer who attempted to stop the Challenger he drove, and the officer returned fire, officials said.
Additionally, Clifton also shot at two other DPS officers in the area, the department said. One officer sustained minor injuries, although DPS did not specify whether the injury was a gunshot wound.
DPS and SWAT took Clifton into custody near 22nd Avenue and Hadley Street, according to DPS. Clifton was treated at a hospital for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening, officials said. It is unclear whether those injuries were related to the gunfire.
Clifton was charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and he has been booked into the Maricopa County Jail, according to DPS.
Reach breaking news reporter Sam Burdette at sburdette@gannett.com or on Twitter @SuperSafetySam
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/08/11/dps-officer-involved-non-fatal-shooting-near-17/10304463002/ | 2022-08-12T00:58:40 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/08/11/dps-officer-involved-non-fatal-shooting-near-17/10304463002/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-looks-to-build-on-successful-violent-crime-reductions/3046510/ | 2022-08-12T01:00:40 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-looks-to-build-on-successful-violent-crime-reductions/3046510/ |
These days, the Bay Area has a music festival for just about everyone.
From new events like Napa's Blue Note Jazz Fest and the forthcoming Portola electronic music festival, to the youth culture extravaganza that is Outside Lands, there's plenty of festival fun to be had. But none of them are quite like Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.
After several years of COVID-19 cancellations, the three-day multistage music festival is scheduled to take place in Golden Gate Park this year from Sept. 30 through Oct 2. Now in its 22nd year, the festival is and always has been free, thanks to subsidizing by investment banker F. Warren Hellman, who died in 2011 but continues to fund the fest. In contrast to Outside Lands, there will be no alcohol served onsite, but beer, wine and food are permitted to be brought inside.
As far as bookings go, the lineup is less focused on trending acts, with more emphasis on legacy performers and acoustic upstarts (although as the name suggests, it's not just bluegrass music).
Yesterday, the festival announced the second round of bands on the bill. Joining previously announced artists like Sam Bush, Galactic and Marcus Mumford, the newly announced artists include HSB mainstay Emmylou Harris, Talking Heads alums Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew (performing "Remain in Light"), folk songwriter Tre Burt, Bay Area Ethio-American vocalist Meklit and Afrobeat revivalists Antibalas. Jake Blount, The Brothers Comatose, Seratones, The Tallest Man On Earth and Sarah Shook & the Disarmers are also slated to perform.
There's still one more wave of bands to be announced, but as for now, see the full list of confirmed artists from Hardly Strictly. | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/hardly-strictly-bluegrass-lineup-2022-17368155.php | 2022-08-12T01:00:46 | 0 | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/hardly-strictly-bluegrass-lineup-2022-17368155.php |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/denton-condo-residents-speak-out-after-fire-destroys-homes/3046509/ | 2022-08-12T01:00:47 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/denton-condo-residents-speak-out-after-fire-destroys-homes/3046509/ |
Owners of condos in Denton say the fire that consumed their homes could have been prevented if a neighboring complex simply cleaned up their trash bins.
Pavan Kandula and three of his roommates are staying in a hotel for a third night after flames heavily damaged their two-story condo in the 900 block of West Collins Street on Tuesday.
Kandula and his roommates arrived from India less than a year ago to complete their Masters' degrees at nearby UNT.
“I lost everything. I came out of the home with my bare hands, only with my phone,” Kandula said. “We don’t know what to do next.”
Kandula and his neighbor Paige Hammer believe they know why they lost their homes. Hammer rushed home from her job at a doctor’s office on Tuesday when she heard reports of a fire at Mesquite Ridge Townhomes.
Denton firefighters knocked down her door and rescued her two dogs. No one was injured.
“It was traumatizing for me,” Hammer said after seeing smoke and flames at the townhome she shares with her daughter and boyfriend.
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Hammer said it is made worse because most of the effort to put out the flames came from behind the fence line of her condo into a parking lot of a neighboring apartment complex.
The parking lot contained three dumpsters that Hammer and other neighbors documented in recent weeks overflowing with trash and debris.
“It was about the size of a house worth of trash,” Hammer said.
Most of the trash on the other side of their fence line burned Tuesday.
The Denton Fire Department tells NBC 5 that both the origin and cause of the fire remains under investigation as of late Thursday.
Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal David Becker added in a statement what dispatched crews noticed upon arrival.
“The battalion chief arrived on scene to find the trash at 911 Bernard and a fence, separating 816 W. Collins and 911 Bernard, on fire,” Becker said.
Hammer says photos she took outside her back window earlier this month documented the large piles of trash around those three dumpsters.
The dumpsters were in the parking lot of University Place apartments at 911 Bernard Street.
A person in the leasing office for DentonStudentApartments.com, which its website says operates University Place apartments told NBC 5 on Thursday it had no comment about the fire or the large piles of trash neighbors documented leading up to the fire.
The city of Denton said a written notice of violation was sent to the property owner to address the trash issue on August 3, instructing them to clear the trash and debris by August 13.
A spokesperson for the city said a written notice of violation is only sent out after a property owner fails to abate a violation after seven days.
A community services officer for the city said they had checked the property daily since August 3 and noted the property owner was on track to have the debris cleared by August 13, according to the city of Denton. The fire occurred on August 9.
The city of Denton added it received two other complaints against the property owner in June. One of the complaints was abated by the property owner and the other complaint was closed after finding no violation, according to the city.
Hammer said she is still looking for a place to live and can not shake the sense of profound loss.
“Just sickness in my stomach because it could have been prevented,” Hammer said. “All of this could have been avoided if they would have just cleaned up the trash.”
Kandula said the UNT community has been responsive and helped provide them with hotel accommodations for one week.
An online fundraising site had already generated nearly $9000 in donations in the one day since it was started for Kandula and his roommates. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/denton-fire-investigating-overflowing-dumpster-as-possible-cause-of-condo-blaze-near-unt/3046473/ | 2022-08-12T01:00:55 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/denton-fire-investigating-overflowing-dumpster-as-possible-cause-of-condo-blaze-near-unt/3046473/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/gov-greg-abbott-and-beto-orourke-make-campaign-stops-in-north-texas/3046495/ | 2022-08-12T01:01:01 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/gov-greg-abbott-and-beto-orourke-make-campaign-stops-in-north-texas/3046495/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/school-lunch-program-requirements-changing-in-some-north-texas-districts/3046520/ | 2022-08-12T01:01:07 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/school-lunch-program-requirements-changing-in-some-north-texas-districts/3046520/ |
ARIZONA, USA — Mosquitoes should just die here.
“Theoretically, it's too hot, too dry," Krijn Paaijmans said. "Where are they during the day? How do they survive? How did they do it?”
Paaijmans has been studying mosquitoes for years, trying to predict their movements in places where they spread deadly diseases like Dengue and Zika. But those are places in Africa and South America, places nothing like Arizona.
“I didn't know we had such a mosquito problem here in the Valley," he said.
Until he came here and realized there are tons of mosquitoes all over the place.
Mosquitoes need stagnant water to lay their eggs and grow, and Arizona is a desert... where water doesn't last that long on its own. And during the hottest hours of the day, mosquitoes shouldn't be able to survive.
“But for some reason, we have these mosquitoes flying around and attacking us right early morning, late evening," Paaijmans said. "They have to hide somewhere."
That's one of the mysteries Paaijmans is trying to solve.
Meanwhile, Maricopa County Vector Control is just trying to keep the mosquitoes from spreading disease.
“We set up traps to surveil areas across Maricopa County," spokesman Johnny Dilone said. "If you see that the trap has over 300 [mosquitoes] that means that there are going to be a lot of complaints in that area."
You can check your neighborhood on the county's vector control map to see how often your area has been treated for mosquitos.
But even if you're getting eaten alive by the monsoon mosquitoes, Dilone said there's good news: those probably aren't the mosquitoes that carry diseases like West Nile.
“Those are floodwater mosquitoes that are not known to carry any disease," Dilone said. "But they are the ones that are most noticeable, the ones that bite the most.”
Maricopa County Vector Control has a website set up to help people control mosquitoes. Here are the four things county officials want you to do:
- REPEL mosquitos using EPA-registered insect repellent
- REMOVE standing water from your home and yard
- REPAIR or replace damaged window and door screens
- REMIND your family, friends and neighbors about mosquito safety
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Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/mosquitoes-shouldnt-survive-arizonas-dry-climate-but-come-to-life-during-monsoon/75-db775028-0fd3-4fb5-90c4-dca2ee0b4b36 | 2022-08-12T01:03:24 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/mosquitoes-shouldnt-survive-arizonas-dry-climate-but-come-to-life-during-monsoon/75-db775028-0fd3-4fb5-90c4-dca2ee0b4b36 |
SAN ANTONIO — The City of San Antonio’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year is out.
The budget blueprint includes increased pay for city employees and a rebate for all CPS Energy customers, after the utility raked in $50 million in extra revenue during south Texas's historically hot summer.
A summer of analysis and writing by city staff went into nearly 600 pages of the $3.4 billion budget proposal. One element of it was the center of discussion during City Council's regular Thursday meeting: a plan to give back $50 million to CPS Energy customers on their October bill.
But there’s one reason many council members say they want to spend the money on a long-term solution instead of a one-time financial reprieve.
“I propose we take this additional revenue from CPS Energy, and we invest it in permanent solutions,” District 1 Councilman Mario Bravo said.
He wants to allocate $10 million to convert local buildings into resiliency centers; spend $20 million in residential weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades; and put the last $20 million towards urban heat island reduction efforts.
Councilmembers Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, Phyllis Viagran, Teri Castillo, Melissa Cabello Havrda and Ana Sandoval say they support similar efforts to Bravo’s plan.
Councilman Manny Pelaez of District 8, however, stated he would like to see those funds directed towards resources for domestic violence victims.
Meanwhile, District 4 Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia and District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry said in a joint statement they would rather see that investment be spent on roads and infrastructure. However, Perry later stated during the meeting that he supported the initial plan of giving money back to customers.
Garcia said the credit to future bills would hardly make an impact.
“I have about 2,874 residents in D4 that are on the verge of disconnections… I know my colleague in D3 probably has about the same amount and my colleague (in D5) probably have the same amount as well," she said. "But I do think we need to have a more thorough conversation."
Overall, the budget has positive signs for Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who said Thursday's meeting he thought his colleagues had great ideas about the CPS Energy money, but still supports the proposal submitted by city staff.
“Could we find reasonable things to do with additional revenue, specific to what we’re experiencing with the heat wave? Absolutely. But there has to be a balance. And that’s why I think the recommendation is sound,” Nirenberg said.
The city is boasting an overall $3.4 billion budget, a deeper financial well compared to last year.
“The budget increases in large part because San Antonio continues to grow. We have more services that are required to add infrastructure to keep up with that growth,” Nirenberg said.
While producing less discussion than how to allocate CPS Energy revenue, the public safety budget currently amounts to 60.7% of the city’s general fund, well below the City Council’s priority to keep the budget below 66%. Nirenberg said back in 2014 that public safety budgets were structurally imbalanced, growing at two and a half times faster than the city revenues.
But that has changed.
“So long as the public safety budgets are growing in proportion to the city’s budget overall, not growing out of whack, I’m happy,” Nirenberg said.
City Council will be holding several public meetings over the next few weeks to discuss the budget. You can find that schedule here. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-discusses-proposed-city-budget-cps-energy/273-79f25724-68e6-4d99-b72e-7d78ac061938 | 2022-08-12T01:06:03 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-discusses-proposed-city-budget-cps-energy/273-79f25724-68e6-4d99-b72e-7d78ac061938 |
SAN ANTONIO — Glenn Tobin said it was the smell of burning charcoal that gave it away.
The driver for the city's Solid Waste division said when he looked up and out of his truck "I was looking out back in the mirror and I could see the smoke billowing out of the top of the truck."
Tobin said his training kicked in and he drove to the closest, most isolated spot he could find near Babcock and Huebner.
"They always tell us make sure you go to a safe place," Tobin said, adding "I had to clear out of the neighborhood because you don't want to catch somebody's house on fire and and a truck costs $400,000 and I don't want to lose a $400,000 truck!"
Tobin said as a co-worker called the fire department for help, he dumped the burning load of garbage in a wide expanse of parking lot.
As he began to inspect the load, Tobin said he was surprised to find that someone put a BBQ grill with live coals in the trash.
Tobin, who has worked for the city four years, said he has never had an experience like this. Tobin said they are trained on how to react to dangerous situations and he is glad he did the right thing. Tobin said many people who grill don't realize that coals that may look dead will sometimes come back to life when they are dumped into the collection truck and exposed to air as they fly into the hopper.
"Once we dump it, it gets the air again and re-ignites," Tobin said.
Firefighters arrived quickly and blasted the burning pile of garbage with water and Tobin said once everyone was sure that the fire was really out, they were able to clean up the mess and go back to work.
Solid Waste Manager Ricardo Masters said with football season approaching, he is concerned that the scenario may play out more often.
"Football season is coming up and a lot of San Antonians love our football and we know we are going to be barbecuing. The main thing you want to do is once the charcoal is starting to cool down, water that down or let it burn all out until it is down to ashes. Don't throw it in the garbage can," Masters said.
Masters said their second biggest threat comes from people putting lithium batteries in with the rest of their trash.
"With lithium batteries, if you dispose of them in a garbage can, they get crushed and they can ignite with aluminum foil or other metals and that can cause a fire in the truck," Masters said.
"We have locations where you can safely dispose of lithium batteries at our Household Hazardous Waste collection facilities," Masters said, pointing out it is a free service.
"When we lose a $400,000 truck, it costs the citizens money and it also delays service to our customers," Masters said, adding that he considers Tobin a hero for acting quickly to prevent a huge loss when he was confronted with a frightening scenario.
"We don't want injuries to our employees and we don't want hazardous material out in the public, so Glenn did a great job of finding a great location to dump the material and put the fire out," Masters said.
Tobin said it is easy to call 311 and get advice about how to safely dispose of different kinds of waste.
"Batteries. Paint. Aerosol spray cans," Tobin said, adding "Anything that has the little fire symbol on the can? Don't throw it away. Take it to a hazmat area and dump it in a safe zone."
The city's Solid Waste Division website has loads of detailed data about how to safely dispose of various types of trash. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/trash-truck-fire-san-antonio/273-3c2eb58a-41c3-49b9-898d-593b7438eacb | 2022-08-12T01:06:10 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/trash-truck-fire-san-antonio/273-3c2eb58a-41c3-49b9-898d-593b7438eacb |
UVALDE, Texas — The National Compassion Fund is inching closer to figuring out how to distribute more than $16 million to people impacted by the Robb Elementary tragedy three months ago.
Victims’ family members and teachers from Robb Elementary attended the town hall, which was facilitated by the National Compassion Fund and a local Steering Committee.
“Anybody who was on the campus of Robb Elementary at 11:27 a.m. when this shooting started will be eligible in one form of another under this protocol,” said Jeff Dion, executive director of the National Compassion Fund.
Dion said immediate family members of the 19 children and two teachers will receive the highest payouts from the Uvalde Together We Rise Fund.
He said anyone at Robb Elementary on May 24 who experienced psychological trauma is also eligible for funding.
“I just found out within the last week, we were within inches of being hit by bullets that went through my window,” said Nicole Ogburn, a fourth-grade teacher at Robb Elementary. “My own children in my house have seen a change in me, the people I work with see a change in me. I do not have the spark that I had before.”
The National Compassion Fund is working on finalizing the Draft Protocol on eligibility for the Uvalde Together We Rise Fund.
He said online applications for the funds will be available in September. Meanwhile, the Uvalde Together We Rise Fund is remaining open to accept donations until October 24.
“We want to hold the fund open long enough to capture donations to get more to the victims, but we also want to do it – not drag it out any longer than it has to be,” Dion said.
To learn more about the National Compassion Fund and read the Draft Protocol, go here. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/uvalde-community-financial-relief-shooting-tragedy/273-b36100cc-f37f-46c2-911e-1af9d789a7dd | 2022-08-12T01:06:16 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/uvalde-community-financial-relief-shooting-tragedy/273-b36100cc-f37f-46c2-911e-1af9d789a7dd |
ORANGE, Texas — The home of former National Football League player and Southeast Texas native Earl Thomas caught fire Thursday evening.
The home is located at 1130 Bear Path Drive in Orange.
Chief Matt Manshack with Little Cypress Fire and Orange County ESD 3 says firefighters could be out there until late Thursday night still battling hotspots.
He also says Thomas' home is a total loss.
The cause of the fire is not confirmed, but they're not ruling out lightning as a possible cause.
Chief Manshack also tells 12News no one was inside the home at the time of the fire.
Officials told 12News crew on the scene that Thomas was at the scene, but then left.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
On May 14 2022, Thomas was arrested at Spanky’s Bar and Grill in Orange on a warrant out of Austin for a violation of a court protective order, stemming from him allegedly sending threatening messages to his wife about her and their children.
Thomas was booked into the Orange County Jail and soon bonded out. His bond was set at $15,000.
The Austin American-Statesman reports Thomas owns a home in West Austin with his estranged wife and also spends time in Orange, where he grew up.
A warrant on April 27 accused Thomas of violating the protective order two or more times within 12 months, which a third-degree felony.
Thomas’ May 2021 protective order requires him to communicate with the woman only through a co-parenting phone application. The woman told police Thomas refuses to download the application and shows up unannounced to places she visits, according to the police affidavit.
She said Thomas recently began sending threatening text messages.
Thomas allegedly sent a text on April 18 claiming he had two handguns, saying, “Waiting on hand in foot is why I’ll kick ur ass.”
He also allegedly threatened to poison the children. Police say he later texted, “I hope u in the car with him and the kids and yall drive off the road.”
In May 2020, police arrested Thomas’ wife after she was accused of pointing a loaded pistol at his head after breaking into a vacation home and finding him with another woman. She filed for divorce that November.
The seven-time Pro Bowl safety has not played since 2020 when the Baltimore Ravens released him after he punched a teammate during a preseason practice. He played for West Orange-Stark High School and graduated in 2007. He also played for the University of Texas from 2008 to 2010. On April 22, 2022 he told an ESPN reporter he hopes to return to the NFL.
GET NEWS & WEATHER ALERTS | Download the 12News App to your mobile device | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/nfl-earl-thomas-home-orange-catches-fire/502-1b8f8323-40bf-47f0-9384-3053be071431 | 2022-08-12T01:09:10 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/nfl-earl-thomas-home-orange-catches-fire/502-1b8f8323-40bf-47f0-9384-3053be071431 |
Shasta County Sheriff: Domestic violence victim fatally shoots abuser
Authorities are investigating a shooting in Cottonwood last weekend that left one person dead.
The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office in a news release said a man was shot Sunday night while he struggled for control of a gun from a woman he had been physically and mentally abusing for days.
The shooting was reported around 9:45 p.m. at a home on Gas Point Road.
The man who was killed was identified as Nicolas Hebein, the sheriff's office said.
"Hebein repeatedly made threats to kill the domestic violence victim while brandishing a firearm at her," the sheriff's office news release said.
After the shooting, the woman went to the hospital for treatment of the injuries she received during the fight and from past physical abuse from Hebein, the sheriff’s office said.
She has since been released from the hospital and is cooperating with authorities, investigators said. She has not been arrested.
The sheriff’s office said Hebein was prohibited from owning firearms because of his criminal history, and the firearm used was a ghost gun, a homemade gun with no commercial serial number.
Anyone with information can call the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 530-246-6135.
The sheriff’s office plans to forward the results of its investigation to the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office.
David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2022/08/11/shasta-sheriff-domestic-violence-victim-fatally-shoots-attacker/10303953002/ | 2022-08-12T01:12:05 | 0 | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2022/08/11/shasta-sheriff-domestic-violence-victim-fatally-shoots-attacker/10303953002/ |
TIMES-NEWS
A dozen 4-H Cloverbuds hold on tight as they show their pygmy goats during the Jerome County Fair on Thursday.
The theme this year for this years festivities is "Home Grown Fun" and there was no short supply of that at this years Cloverbuds Pygmy Goat Show.
The 4-H participants maneuvered their goats around to show the judge what they were working with and were judged on a number of criteria.
PHOTOS: Adorable fun at the Jerome County Fair's Cloverbuds Pygmy Goat Show
Adorable fun at the Cloverbuds Pygmy Goat Show
WATCH NOW: Cloverbuds Pigmy Goat Show
Adorable fun at the Cloverbuds Pygmy Goat Show
Adorable fun at the Cloverbuds Pygmy Goat Show
Adorable fun at the Cloverbuds Pygmy Goat Show
Adorable fun at the Cloverbuds Pygmy Goat Show
Adorable fun at the Cloverbuds Pygmy Goat Show
Adorable fun at the Cloverbuds Pygmy Goat Show
Jerome County Fair
Jerome County Fair
Jerome County Fair
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/adorable-fun-at-the-pygmy-goat-show/article_bf0adb4c-19c4-11ed-91eb-5b84c9509da7.html | 2022-08-12T01:23:07 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/adorable-fun-at-the-pygmy-goat-show/article_bf0adb4c-19c4-11ed-91eb-5b84c9509da7.html |
DALLAS COUNTY, Iowa — It's horse show day, it's early and it's time to get to work.
"It is, but it's an enjoyable work," Sophia Garside said.
For Garside, showing her horse Gunner at the Dallas County Fair means a day that starts before sunrise and hours spent braiding, grooming and making sure everything is just right.
"So that's my goal today, to really just work with him and work through everything with him and just have the best ride we can possibly can."
She and Gunner hit the ring, putting their best foot and hoof forward. It's a dance they've perfected over the years, with each show getting them ready for the big audience.
Sophia has her sights set high this year: she wants to compete in the Iowa State Fair Junior Cowgirl Queen contest.
"I knew I loved horses. And I knew that I wanted to try to get to the point of riding in the Cowgirl Queen contest. It's very something that has always piqued my interest," she said. "And now that I'm old enough to compete, and I'm living here in Iowa, I've moved around a lot. So now that I'm back in Iowa, and I'm able to ride in the Cowgirl Queen. It's always been my dream and I finally get a little bit."
A few feet away, Jenna Kujac-Schlieman keeps watch over the handful of animals she brought to the fair, including sheep and pigs.
"Whenever they get out of the pen, it's showtime. Even if we're just at home practicing. They always go into their routine." she said.
Practice is just one part of raising winning livestock — the day-to-day is more lifestyle than a pastime.
"They get fed twice a day and sometimes, even with our pigs, we do three times and then they get daily exercise and they get hay and water every morning and night," Kujac-Schlieman said. "So just that we juggle a lot of different things so we can get our animals ready for these fairs and different jackpots and stuff."
With this life comes sacrifice. Time caring for animals leaves little room for other activities, but it's all done for out of love and in the name of fun.
"Yeah, it's cool to win ribbons and banners and stuff, but it's really fun just going in there and showing off our animals that we've raised for months," she said. "We meet new people and make new friends and new families with anyone who's showing here. And it's so important to have that outreach, to feel like you're, in the community you're living in, that you're connected with everyone."
Earlier this year, she started a program called Show Me the Sheep, which helps kids with special needs learn how to show and raise sheep.
Kujac-Schlieman and Garside have very different everyday paths, but their journeys overlapped in one major way: the Iowa State Fair.
The Junior Cowgirl Queen event will be held Friday, Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Jacobsen Exhibition Center.
Local 5 and CW Iowa 23 are bringing exciting 2022 Iowa State Fair experiences to you, from live newscasts to an interactive Local 5 Weather Lab experience. Come see us in front of the Administration Building (Grand Concourse) each day between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
WATCH: Complete coverage from the 2022 Iowa State Fair | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-dallas-county-4h-club/524-466c0eaa-a536-4553-a789-f0fbcd89788a | 2022-08-12T01:24:35 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-dallas-county-4h-club/524-466c0eaa-a536-4553-a789-f0fbcd89788a |
Pups make 'delicious meal' of winning Oregon Lottery ticket
The Oregon Lottery received a surprise this week in the form of a chewed-up ticket courtesy of two furry friends.
Nathan and Rachael Lamet of Salem sent the damaged lottery ticket along with a picture of their two Alaskan klee kais named Apple and Jack. The two dogs made a meal of their $3 Pharaoh’s Gold Crossword ticket.
The Lamets have owned the dogs since they were puppies. Apple is 11 months old and Jack is 2.
“For some reason, we left the ticket on the ottoman and they decided it was delicious,” Rachael Lamet said in a news release. “I went to bed and when I woke up it was eaten to the point that I thought it was unable to be checked. But my husband thought it was hilarious and someone might get a good laugh at the very least. He said it’s for sure a winner.”
The Oregon Lottery was able to piece together the ticket and found that it was, in fact, a winner — the $3 ticket was worth $8.
When the Lamets were informed that their check was in the mail, they were shocked. Rachael Lamet said they plan to get more chew toys for their pups.
"We love them, but they are crazy sometimes,” she said.
Lottery officials recommend customers sign the back of their tickets to ensure they can claim their winnings. The Lamets can attest that it is probably best to keep them out of reach of pets, too.
Dejania Oliver is the breaking news reporter for the Statesman Journal. Contact her at DAOliver@salem.gannett.com or follow on Twitter @DejaniaO. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/12/salem-dogs-alaskan-klee-kai-made-delicious-meal-of-a-winning-oregon-lottery-ticket-marion-county/65400696007/ | 2022-08-12T01:24:55 | 1 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/12/salem-dogs-alaskan-klee-kai-made-delicious-meal-of-a-winning-oregon-lottery-ticket-marion-county/65400696007/ |
A woman has died after she crashed her vehicle on Tucson’s southwest side early Thursday.
At 4:15 a.m. Pima County sheriff’s deputies responded to a single vehicle collision on West Milton Road near South Hopdown Lane. Upon arriving, deputies found Nadia Badillo, 33, who sustained extensive injuries, and a white sports utility vehicle.
Despite life-saving efforts, Badillo was pronounced dead at the scene.
Traffic detectives have taken over the case for further investigation.
Jamie Donnelly covers breaking news for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/one-dead-in-crash-on-tucsons-southwest-side/article_d71fc6a2-19bf-11ed-b1ab-ff39ea0bc30e.html | 2022-08-12T01:25:07 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/one-dead-in-crash-on-tucsons-southwest-side/article_d71fc6a2-19bf-11ed-b1ab-ff39ea0bc30e.html |
The campaign is on! The 2023 mayoral campaign, that is.
Two independents have filed papers with the city to run for mayor of Tucson.
That puts them on track to run against incumbent Mayor Regina Romero. The mayor, a Democrat, says she intends to run for reelection.
The two independents are Ed Ackerley, an advertising-agency owner who ran against Romero in 2019, and Zach Yentzer, a first-time candidate who is president of the Menlo Park Neighborhood Association.
In 2019, Romero's toughest race was in the Democratic primary, where she beat Steve Farley and Randi Dorman, winning 50% of the vote to Farley's 37% and Dorman's 12%.
In the general election, Romero won 56% of the vote to Ackerley's 39% and Green Party candidate Mike Cease's 4%.
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Ackerley said Thursday that he considers the 2019 run relatively successful, although he lost.
"Last time when I ran not a single person in Tucson besides my wife and my mom knew who I was," he said.
Now, Ackerley said, he has some name recognition.
"I still have the same fire in my belly. I want Tucson to be a growing, thriving place for my grandkids and my family," he said.
Ackerley and Yentzer know each other and have talked about the race. Ackerley said he's not worried about two independents splitting the vote from people who oppose Romero.
"You can’t tell people not to run, so I’m just going to take on all comers," he said.
Yentzer thinks otherwise. Asked if either of them can win if they both run, he said "No."
"It’s going to have to be like an unofficial primary," Yentzer said. "We’re both in it early. Let’s see who has the most juice in the tank."
Whichever independent candidate has the better campaign as the process unfolds should continue while the other drops out, he said.
Yentzer has been studying Tucson's urban issues for years not just as a neighborhood activist but also as the host of a radio talk show he named "Tipping Point," because he thinks Tucson is at a fateful moment. Yentzer's day job is executive director of Tucson Young Professionals.
"I have a deep sense of urgency," Yentzer said, noting the city's struggles with public safety, homelessness and housing prices. "We’ve got a window of time to start making the right decisions, to start solving those problems at scale."
Both Ackerley and Yentzer also lamented the polarization of local politics and what they see as the importation of national conflicts into local political discussion. They said they'd try to focus strictly on solving Tucson problems.
The general election is on Nov. 7, 2023. The other seats up for election are the City Council seats in Ward 1, currently held by Lane Santa Cruz; Ward 2, currently held by Paul Cunningham; and Ward 4, currently held by Nikki Lee.
Grant brings out politicos
Normally a $25 million transportation grant might not be that big a deal — worth a news release, sure, but not a press conference with all the bells and whistles.
This is election time, though. And Democrats such as U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly are striving to emphasize the positive about their achievements while leading the federal government.
So on Thursday morning Kelly and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and other politicos were at an unlikely site for a news conference: a lot across the street from Tucson's Union Pacific rail yard with a clear view of the East 22nd Street bridge that crosses it.
Hosted by Mayor Regina Romero, they announced a grant that will help pay for the construction of a new bridge and rebuilding of 22nd Street on either side.
In his comments, Kelly sounded a lot like fellow U.S. senator from Arizona Kyrsten Sinema, emphasizing the word "bipartisan" as he described the infrastructure bill that produced the grants unveiled Thursday in Tucson and Phoenix.
"It was almost exactly a year ago, when I was returning to Arizona after voting on the floor of the United States Senate for this bipartisan — bipartisan — infrastructure law," Kelly said, noting he worked with Republicans on the bill.
"Let me say it wasn’t easy," he went on. "I find it’s so important to do things in a bipartisan way. That’s not always the easy way. But the results, I’m convinced, are always much better for the American people."
Kelly's Republican challenger, Blake Masters, has repeatedly criticized Kelly for voting in lockstep with Democrats.
"You always know which way Mark Kelly is going to vote. Whatever the party line is, he toes it," Masters said in a video posted on Twitter this week. "Mark Kelly is lying when he says he’s a moderate. He’s lying when he says he’s an independent."
Lake calls to end FBI
On Thursday, GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake went on an online show with a host, Steven Crowder, who had called for "war" Monday after the FBI search of Donald Trump's home.
Crowder launched straight into what he said is his new litmus test for GOP candidates: Whether they are in favor of "disbanding the FBI and gutting the IRS."
Lake's answer: "I would be for that absolutely. Of course I’m running for a state position not a federal position."
Lake said in a written statement after the search Monday that it was "one of the darkest days in American history, the day our Government, originally created by by the people, turned against us."
Collection: Read more of the latest by Tim Steller
The Arizona GOP candidates who benefited from Trump's endorsement rashly accused the FBI of bias for searching his home.
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema knows how to use her leverage to benefit Arizona, but it wasn't very centrist of her to use that power to protect wealthy investors.
City Attorney’s Office said the mother and daughter received $15,000 each for the incident involving an off-duty Tucson police officer in Culinary Dropout parking lot.
For Star subscribers: After what looks to be a surprise GOP primary win, Democrats think they have a chance to win the state Senate seat in Legislative District 17.
For Star subscribers: At polling places across Tucson, voters expressed fear and anger about those on the other side of the political divide.
For Star subscribers: Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, a raw partisan, wants to insert sheriffs into election investigations.
For Star subscribers: There's no good reason why Arizona's pro sports teams and other sports-betting licensee need the low taxes they pay capped.
For Star subscribers: The Pima County Attorney's Office review of old cases and asking them to be rebuilt demands a lot from investigators and witnesses.
Daniel Hernandez has led with the most memorable part of his biography in the videos for this campaign for Congress — his heroism on Jan. 8, 2011. It would be nice to see him move on.
For Star subscribers: The Supreme Court's ruling overturning Roe vs. Wade represents the best example yet of the consolidation of minority rule by Christian conservatives. But it's a broader trend.
For Star subscribers: Plus: CD6 candidates clash; Arizona GOP chair calls House speaker "Rusty Bowels"; another candidate spells us "Tuscon."
For subscribers: A lot of locals struck a deal with Tucson to accept its flaws in exchange for a cheap, easy life here. The spike in housing prices ended that and left people wanting more.
For Star subscribers: Sen. Vince Leach has proposed banning children from attending drag shows. But the proposal is part of a broader right-wing effort to go after sexual minorities.
For Star subscribers: Arizona voters have been clear — they want to pour more money into schools. Most legislators want to jolt K-12 funding, too, and they have the money. But partisan concerns are stopping them.
Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/political-notebook-two-independents-file-to-run-for-tucson-mayor/article_96540852-1985-11ed-87b1-8388ac46aa62.html | 2022-08-12T01:25:14 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/political-notebook-two-independents-file-to-run-for-tucson-mayor/article_96540852-1985-11ed-87b1-8388ac46aa62.html |
Arizona Daily Star
The Tucson Saguaros will attempt to win their third consecutive Pecos League title this weekend, when they host either the Roswell Invaders or the Trinidad Triggers in the best-of-three championship series.
The championship series will begin Saturday at 7 p.m. at Kino Stadium. The teams will Game 2 on Sunday night, with a winner-take-all Game 3, if necessary, booked for Monday.
Tucson won the Pacific Division title on Tuesday, beating the San Rafael Pacifics 5-4 in California. The Saguaros took a 5-1 lead thank in part to another home run from star third baseman Brock Ephan, who finished with a pair of RBIs. Patrick Music and Mike Hernandez finished with two hits apiece, with Hernandez adding an RBI.
Hunter Treece pitched five innings, allowing two runs on three hits while walking five and striking out four. Closer Brendon Rodriguez allowed the tying run to reach base in the ninth, but struck out three Pacifics to secure a spot in the championship series.
Roswell and Trinidad will play their winner-take-all semifinal game on Thursday night.
Photos: Tucson Saguaros sweep Bakersfield with a 6-4 win in Game 2 of the Pecos League playoffs
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's Jamie Carey (3) heads to the dugout as the Tucson Saguaros celebrate a come from behind 6-4 win to eliminate the Train Robbers two games to none in game two of their Pecos League playoff best of three series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' centerfielder Steve Joyner (12) charges in to snare a sinking liner by Bakersfield's Daryl Donerson (2) in the third inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' catcher Caden Ledbetter (36) slaps a sweeping tag on Bakersfield's Adam Mathias (13) nailing him at the plate in the fifth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022. Bakersfield's Luke Kelley (16) dropped a blooper in the shallow right field gap that centerfielder Steve Joyner couldn't run down to score a run before Mathias was thrown out by right fielder Kendon Strachan.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' left fielder BJ Minarcin (17) has to get low to handle a sinking liner by Bakersfield's Daryl Donerson (2)) in the first inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's centerfielder Daryl Donerson (2), left, and right fielder Alex Cornell (12) narrowly avoid a collision bringing down a long fly ball from Saguaros' BJ Minarcin (17) in the first inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Blake Garrett (48) shatters his bat grounding out to third against Bakersfield in the third inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' centerfielder Steve Joyner (12) just misses grabbing a looping RBI liner into no-man's land by Bakersfield's Luke Kelley (16) in the fifth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Patrick Music (21) just beats the tag from Bakersfield's second baseman Jamie Carey (3) for a stolen base in game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's right fielder Alex Cornell (12) goes sprawling but just misses a Saguaro fly ball that dropped foul in the fifth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's shortstop Joe Curcio (24) can't believe Saguaros' Patrick Music (21) safely stretched a single into a double in the sixth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Brock Ephan (50) shatters his bat fighting off pitch against Bakersfield in the eighth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022. Ephan eventually worked a walk out of his plate appearance.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' third baseman Brock Ephan (50) stretches out to snare a pop-up by Bakersfield's Jamie Carey (3) on a sacrifice bunt attempt that ended up being a double play in the seventh inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's Adam Mathias (13) reacts as he's called out at home trying to score the second run on an RBI hit from Luke Kelley (16) in the fifth inning of game two of their Pecos League playoff series against the Saguaros at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 5, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Photos: Tucson Saguaros open Pecos League playoffs with 13-4 win against Train Robbers
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaro's Steve Joyner (12) slides into second as Bakersfield's second baseman Jamie Carey (3) goes sprawling to knock down the errant throw in the first inning of their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022. The Saguaros opened the best of three series with a 13-4 win.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' second baseman Patrick Music (21) flips to first baseman Chris Caffrey (44) to retire Bakersfield's Jamie Carey (3) on a slow roller to the gap in to end the Train Robbers' half of the third inning of their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Kendon Strachan (32) watches his hit clear the right field fence for a two RBI homer, his second homer of the night, for a 7-0 lead against Bakersfield in the fifth inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' Mike Hernandez (35) warms up as the sun sets over Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium as the team prepares to face Bakersfield in the first round of the Pecos League playoffs, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' starting catcher Caden Ledbetter (36) stands with his team as the national anthem is played before the first pitch of the opening game of the Pecos League playoffs against Bakersfield at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' shortstop Sadler Goodwin (31) can't quite reach a shot back up the middle from Bakersfield's Joe Riddle (14) in the second inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' second baseman Patrick Music (21) twists his way under the ball after ranging into right field to track down a blooper into no man's land by Bakersfield's Omar Ortiz (7) in the fourth inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' starter Frank Dickson IV (30) throws against Bakersfield in their 113-4 win to open the Pecos League playoff series at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's second baseman Jamie Carey (3) crashes to the turf in front of right fielder Alex Cornell as the two can't get to looping fly ball down the line by Saguaros' Caden Ledbetter (36) for a single in the fifth inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Bakersfield's third baseman Christian Harrington (8) gets the throw a second too late to stop Saguaros' Patrick Music (21) from advancing from first on an RBI single from Clayton Stephens (47) in the sixth inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' John Kea (40) pitches in relief against Bakersfield in the seventh inning for their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
Tucson Saguaros vs Bakersfield Train Robbers
Saguaros' first baseman Chris Caffrey (44) ranges to his right to snare a grounder and throw out Bakersfield's Adam Mathias (13) to lead off the Train Robber eighth inning of their Pecos League playoff game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., August 4, 2022.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
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UNION COUNTY, Ga. — A day before classes were set to begin at Union County Primary School in Blairsville, an employee was taken into custody after an "isolated shooting at a specific unoccupied vehicle" Thursday afternoon, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Authorities were dispatched around 2:15 p.m. to the school. The school was not in session, but teachers were planning for the first day of class on Friday.
"Someone targeted a specific unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot of the school," the GBI said. "The suspect, a school employee, is in custody and there is no threat to the public."
Multiple agencies responded to the threat including the Union County Schools Police Department, Union County Sheriff's Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia State Patrol and the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division.
The GBI said it's taking the lead on the investigation. Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
"As the investigation progresses, we will provide updates," the GBI said.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
Also download the 11Alive News app and sign up to receive alerts for the latest on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/employee-arrested-union-primary-school-shooting-incident/85-11b15464-4950-4a12-bf32-61510089a07f | 2022-08-12T01:33:12 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/employee-arrested-union-primary-school-shooting-incident/85-11b15464-4950-4a12-bf32-61510089a07f |
Attendees can see a shark swimming in open blue and scampering woodland animals all in one place — the quilt show at the Bonneville County Fair.
There are 37 quilts in the show this year, according to Jan Prudent, the quilt show's chairwoman.
The quilts have been judged and scored but remain on display to the public through the remainder of the fair, which ends Saturday.
Until 2022, there hadn’t been a quilt show for several years, even prior to COVID-19.
“This was the first year we decided to bring it back,” Prudent said.
There were four categories a quilt could be entered into — hand-quilted, machine-quilted, art quilts and home décor.
Art quilts “(embody) a lot of creativity and usually three-dimensional types of things … are included in the details,” said Joy Boyle, one of the quilt show's judges. “Most … of them are quilts that you stand in front of in awe at how much time (it took to make).”
Three-dimensional elements are anything that a creator adds to a quilt, such as beads or buttons.
“There was one (quilt) there that used wool,” Boyle said. “And they felted the wool, and they heated it to tighten the weave so that it wouldn’t … come apart as they hand-stitched each of those pieces on.”
Emily Fogg, whose work received the blue ribbon in the arts quilt competition used felt to create animals and “used beads for the eyes,” according to Boyle.
Fogg's quilt is a breathtaking menagerie of flora and fauna featuring a honey-loving bear, porcupines, a fox as well as bees and butterflies, bluebell flowers and holly and more.
Traditional quilts, as opposed to art quilts, use patterns that have been used historically.
“There’s different patterns … that might’ve been like grandma did or the pioneers as they brought (quilts) over in the past,” Boyle said.
The judges used detailed criteria to score the quilts.
The sheets had three scoring categories: design, workmanship and general appearance (also known as visual impact), according to Boyle.
Judges look at the smallest details when scoring a quilt.
They will look at things “like the binding, even the edge of the quilt, how it’s bound and if it’s bound carefully,” Boyle said.
Even with these specific criteria, there was still room for playful, creative quilts.
“There was one quilt there that was a shark quilt,” Boyle said.
The creator used different shades and colors to portray the shark, and then there were “little pictures that surrounded it that included shark things, even shark movies. It was just delightful," Boyle said.
Creativity is one of the elements needed for a winning quilt.
“It needs the elements of being well done, thoughtfully designed (and) colors chosen for the theme of the quilt,” Boyle said. “I think it really takes a combination of these elements to be able to hit that mark of an excellent quilt.”
Boyle hopes that there will continue to be a quilt show at the Bonneville County Fair in future years.
“We are so grateful for all of those who entered quilts for our county fair because we’ve not had that for several years since way before COVID,” Boyle said. “And to have quilts again in the fair, it just really … enhances a fairgoers’ experience.”
Those interested can view the quilt show 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Saturday at the Bonneville County Fairgrounds Event Center, 1542 E. 73rd S. in Idaho Falls. Saturday is Family Day and events kick off with a 7 a.m. fun run and an 8 a.m. pancake breakfast. For information, call 208-529-1390 or go online to bonnevillecountyfairgrounds.com. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/quilt-show-now-on-display-at-bonneville-county-fair/article_d87c8613-1435-5bc0-80d4-db27479e1ee0.html | 2022-08-12T01:39:15 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/quilt-show-now-on-display-at-bonneville-county-fair/article_d87c8613-1435-5bc0-80d4-db27479e1ee0.html |
Man shot by police on Milwaukee's south side, Chief Norman says
A man was shot by a Milwaukee police officer on Thursday afternoon as he fled a suspected drug deal.
Police Chief Jeffrey Norman held a press conference Tuesday evening near the intersection of South Cesar Chavez Drive and West Greenfield Avenue on Milwaukee's south side, where he announced the police shooting.
Around 5:05 p.m., police officers were conducting a drug investigation on the 1800 block of West Greenfield Avenue, when officers decided to approach two people engaged in a "suspected hand-to-hand drug transaction," Norman said.
Once officers approached, one individual fled on foot, armed with a firearm, and a foot chase ensued. "During the pursuit, an officer discharged his firearm subsequently striking the subject," Norman said.
The 30-year-old man was then transported to a hospital for "non-fatal injuries" and is in "stable condition," Norman said.
The officer is a 30-year-old man with over three years of service. He was placed on administrative duty, as is routine for police-involved incidents.
Norman said a firearm and suspected illegal drugs were recovered at the scene.
Contact Drake Bentley at (414) 391-5647 or DBentley1@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DrakeBentleyMJS. | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/08/11/man-shot-police-milwaukees-south-side-chief-norman-says/10304784002/ | 2022-08-12T01:41:45 | 0 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/08/11/man-shot-police-milwaukees-south-side-chief-norman-says/10304784002/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said they’re pulling out all the stops to train and keep top police department talent.
IMPD is one of the many departments throughout the country struggling to hire full-time staff. Right now, IMPD has 200 openings - 1,843 officers is considered fully staffed.
“We are one of those barriers between evil and the community. Fortunately, there are a number of people who chose to take up that fight. We are just looking for those out there that haven’t picked up that sword yet,” said IMPD Chief Randal Taylor.
IMPD is offering several incentives to those wanting to pick up that sword, including plans to offer one of the highest pension bases in Indiana and a $72,000 salary for new recruits. It would make IMPD one of the top-paying police departments for new officers anywhere in the Midwest.
Applicant Kevin Villagran said, for him, it’s not just about the money.
“To be that change you want to see in the world, that is why I’m becoming a police officer. Not only for the community but for my family,” said Villagran.
In less than two weeks, the law enforcement community in Indiana has seen violence committed against their colleagues. Most recently, Richmond police officer Seara Burton is currently in "very critical" condition following a shooting during a traffic stop Wednesday. Noah Shahnavaz, an officer in Elwood, was shot and killed at the end of July.
Taylor said although these incidents are a tragic reminder of how dangerous the job can be, he doesn’t believe it’s totally to blame for the short staffing.
“People who are serious about law enforcement understand that there is an inherent danger with it. However, that calling is different. Those people who decide to put on this badge understand what they’re getting into,” Taylor said.
Villagran said as far as he is concerned, this is the best time to become a police officer and he hopes other people will consider doing the same.
“I do understand there is a lot of crime in Indianapolis alone. This is the best time for us to be that change. Not only to serve and protect but also to show the community that police officers are something valuable,” said Villagran.
Dedicated to a life of service.
What other people are reading: | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indianapolis-police-aim-to-attract-retain-top-talent-public-safety-recruitment/531-d5cf2f23-39d7-47fd-bf05-2dfae7e93a4b | 2022-08-12T01:47:16 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indianapolis-police-aim-to-attract-retain-top-talent-public-safety-recruitment/531-d5cf2f23-39d7-47fd-bf05-2dfae7e93a4b |
BOISE, Idaho — The Boise Police Department (BPD) is lowering its education standards for future candidates looking to become police officers.
Previously a BPD officer candidate needed 60 college credits to be considered - the equivalent of an associate degree. The change now only requires a high school diploma or a GED.
BPD is short 32 police officers, according to numbers from BPD spokesperson Haley Kramer. This is due to officers retiring and a natural need of more officers as Boise continues to grow in population, according to BPD Deputy Chief Tammany Brooks.
"There's a lot of challenges and competition for talented people," Brooks said. "Our primary focus on recruiting efforts really should be here in the Treasure Valley."
The idea to lower the educational standard is an attempt to foster a police force that accurately reflects the community. High educational standards can be a barrier of entry and turn away quality candidates, according to Brooks.
"That priority should be placed on someone's content of character," Brooks said. "Going back to when I first started this profession, I did not consider college. I was hired as a high school dropout."
Brooks grew up in a family that did not have a lot of money, and by the time he was 16, he was working full-time.
"It wasn't until I met my soon-to-be wife. She was a victim of road rage. When we went to the local police department to file a report, she said to me 'I think you'd be a good police officer,'" Brooks said.
A local department in California only required a GED - Brooks checked all the boxes. He spent 26 of his 27 years in law enforcement at that department.
He rose to Police Chief before moving to Boise 10 months ago and joining BPD.
"Fortunately I was given that opportunity at a young age, even though growing up I didn't know this was gonna be the direction that I headed," Brooks said.
Brooks has since earned a bachelor's and master’s degree. He places a high value on education and wants BPD to provide a pathway toward education for its officers.
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) awards BPD officers college credit through a form called a "professional learning assessment" (PLA) according to CWI Public Safety Programs Department Chair John Tucker.
Once a person completes the police academy, they can fill out the PLA and receive credit.
"We've provided the curriculum of the police academy to CWI and they've looked at and taken the learning that takes place at the police academy and correlated that to what they determined to be a sufficient amount of college units," Brooks said.
Moreover, BPD is looking to create a partnership with CWI for accessible educational opportunities for police officers to take classes while still working at the department full-time.
BPD hopes for their officers to earn an associate degree within 5 years.
"Once they become a police officer, the growth and development shouldn't stop there. We should be continually looking to expand their horizons to help develop them not only professionally, but personally as well," Brooks said.
BPD currently has 102 entry-level candidates, according to Kramer. The success rate of these candidates becoming BPD officers is roughly 10%, according to Brooks.
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See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/boise-police-dept-lowers-educational-standards-become-police-officer/277-31fe5bb3-5ac4-4c9d-a76d-530922a4173d | 2022-08-12T01:48:29 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/boise-police-dept-lowers-educational-standards-become-police-officer/277-31fe5bb3-5ac4-4c9d-a76d-530922a4173d |
BOISE, Idaho — There have been a few drownings at Lucky Peak this summer. As of Thursday, one man was still missing.
“I haven't been able to sleep at night,” Sarah Gracia Mendoza said.
Mendoza is the girlfriend of Jose Nunez, a man believed to have drowned in Lucky Peak.
“I haven't been able to really eat as far as emotionally, I’m a mess,” Mendoza said.
She was with the 47-year-old when he was at Lucky Peak on July 31. That was the last time she saw him.
“We went out to the lake to have fun. I was out on jet skis and he went out with a couple of friends," Mendoza said. "They got off the boat to swim and he went under never came back up."
Nunez was not wearing a life jacket at the time.
“Waiting for them to find him, it's been really, really hard and since he's been gone, things are just broke, falling apart,” Mendoza said. “It's just really, really difficult.”
KTVB checked with the Ada County Sheriff's Office and as of Thursday, a spokesperson said while the active search has been suspended, marine patrol checks the area where Nunez was last seen several times a day, but he has not surfaced.
Mendoza has now created a GoFundMe to raise money to have search and rescue non-profit Bruce’s Legacy continue the search for Nunez.
“Bruce's Legacy is actually a company that searches for drowning victims in bodies - big masses of water, versus legacies actually found bodies in 1500 feet of water,” Mendoza said. “So, where he went under, he was in about 190 feet of water. So, in the initial search, they were unable to find them because it is really deep.”
She went on to say, they are continuing to search so they can have peace.
“I just don't want to leave him there on the bottom of the lake,” Mendoza said.
Loved ones said Nunez loved horses and racing and his daughter was his whole world.
“He was an amazing person, he was an amazing person," Mendoza said. "A lot of people loved him. He was always smiling and always happy and it's hard to know that he's just gone."
Mendoza adds the money raised will also go toward funeral expenses.
You can find that GoFundMe page by clicking here.
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See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/girlfriend-of-man-believed-to-drowned-in-lucky-peak-raising-money-for-search/277-aaccd9bf-c4f4-436b-80f4-bd6bb8f558f0 | 2022-08-12T01:48:35 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/girlfriend-of-man-believed-to-drowned-in-lucky-peak-raising-money-for-search/277-aaccd9bf-c4f4-436b-80f4-bd6bb8f558f0 |
BOISE, Idaho —
Intermountain Gas Company (IGC) filed its annual purchased gas cost adjustment (PGA) with Idaho Public Utilities Commission and will be decreasing natural gas prices by an average of 2.2%, or $7.7 million.
IGC’s PGA application is filed each year to ensure customer prices are reflected in its sale prices.
IGC also filed to reduce its Residential Energy Efficiency Charge, which would decrease customer natural gas prices by an average of 0.6% or $1.4 million.
If approved, both decreases will take effect on Oct. 1, 2022.
The company explained in a press release that the reason for the PGA decrease is because of a slight decrease in the estimated gas commodity costs for the upcoming year, as well as a refund of over-collected residential energy efficiency funds.
If approved, residential customers would see a monthly decrease of $1.36, or 2.5% based on weather and usage, and commercial customers would see a decrease of $4.32, or 1.8% each month.
"The natural gas market remains volatile with hot weather in the US, the economic rebound, and other global events keeping prices at higher levels than we have seen in many years," said Scott Madison, executive vice president of business development and gas supply.
Both requests are proposals and are subject to public review and approval. A copy of the applications are available for review on IGC’s website.
IGC urges customers to use energy wisely. To learn more on energy conservation, government payment energy assistance, click HERE.
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See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/intermountain-gas-company-expected-decrease-natural-gas-prices-customers/277-6f47c6a6-0a2a-4d56-bcb8-990a81ed671f | 2022-08-12T01:48:41 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/intermountain-gas-company-expected-decrease-natural-gas-prices-customers/277-6f47c6a6-0a2a-4d56-bcb8-990a81ed671f |
GRAHAM, Wash. — Graham firefighters rescued a lost ram wandering the streets last week. Although they're reluctant to give him a name.
”We’ve just been calling it the ‘Graham Ram,’” said Graham Fire & Rescue Captain Andrew Kolabis. “I think out of maybe out of fear of attachment we haven’t given him a name yet.”
Last Monday a member of the fire department said a neighbor had trapped a ram in his backyard.
Members of nearby Station 96 corralled it and called the county.
”Animal control said they could come get it in a few days, but they said they’d probably end up putting it down,” said Kolabis. "We're already set up for animals like that, so it seemed like a pretty natural thing to just grab it and rehome it here and try to find its owner."
Instead, he decided to take the ram back to their station where the department already has two goats living in a fenced-in area surrounding the station.
The goats have trimmed the trees and grass for the station for three years.
Graham Fire & Rescue went to social media looking for the ram’s owners.
In the meantime, the ram’s been getting along with his two new neighbors.
“It seems to fit in well. It really likes our goats,” said Kolabis.
The goats, and now the ram, also give something back to the station.
They act as therapy pets.
“Laughter is the best medicine, I think. So it’s always fun to come out, if you’re feeling down or have a rough call you can come out here and… you end up giggling, no matter what’s going on,” said Kolabis. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/lost-ram-at-home-at-graham-fire-station/281-d0b30b64-54c9-4335-96fd-2a7010b0d66f | 2022-08-12T01:52:12 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/lost-ram-at-home-at-graham-fire-station/281-d0b30b64-54c9-4335-96fd-2a7010b0d66f |
Federal work-safety investigators are looking into the death of an Amazon worker and an injury that potentially led to the death of another employee, adding to a probe already underway following a third fatality during the company's annual Prime Day shopping event in mid-July.
All three Amazon workers died within the past month and were employed at company facilities in New Jersey.
The new Occupational Health and Safety Administration investigations are putting fresh scrutiny on Amazon's injury rates and workplace-safety procedures, which have long been criticized by labor and safety advocates as inadequate.
Department of Labor spokesperson Denisha Braxton confirmed Thursday that the most-recent fatality took place last week at an Amazon facility in Monroe Township, about 20 miles (35 kilometers) northeast of Trenton. The second probe is looking into a July 24 accident at an Amazon facility in Robbinsville. The worker involved in that accident died three days later, according to Braxton.
In a statement, Robbinsville Police Chief Michael Polaski said police responded to the warehouse, called PNE5, on July 24 after receiving a report that a worker fell from a three-foot (one-meter) ladder and struck his head.
Polaski said the worker was conscious and alert when police arrived. But police were told CPR was conducted on the person by other workers prior to their arrival, he said. The person was transported to a hospital and OSHA was notified of the incident on the same day, he added.
Police in Monroe Township didn’t immediately reply for a request for comment on the incident there.
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The two most recent deaths were first reported by the USA Today Network.
OSHA officials declined to provide additional information about any of the deaths, citing the open investigations. The agency has up to six month to complete each probe.
Sam Stephenson, a spokesperson for Seattle-based Amazon, said in a statement the company was “deeply saddened by the passing of our colleagues and offer our condolences to their family and friends.”
“Our investigations are ongoing and we’re cooperating with OSHA, which is conducting its own reviews of the events, as it often does in these situations,” Stephenson said.
Last month, OSHA launched another investigation into a worker fatality at an Amazon warehouse in the New Jersey town of Carteret during the company’s Prime Day shopping event, which turned out to be the biggest in the company's history. Federal officials haven't released additional details about the death, but news reports have identified the worker as 42-year-old Rafael Reynaldo Mota Frias.
A spokesperson for Amazon said the company’s internal investigation into the Carteret death shows it “was not a work-related incident, and instead was related to a personal medical condition.”
“OSHA is currently investigating the incident, and, based upon the evidence currently available to us, we fully expect that it will reach the same conclusion,” the spokesperson said.
News of the deaths comes amid broader scrutiny into the company's operations. In late July, OSHA officials inspected Amazon facilities in New York, Illinois and Florida after receiving referrals alleging health and safety violations from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The civil division of the U.S. attorney's office is also investigating safety hazards at Amazon warehouses and “fraudulent conduct designed to hide injuries from OSHA and others," according to a spokesperson for the office. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/osha-investigates-deaths-of-3-amazon-workers-in-new-jersey/3333209/ | 2022-08-12T01:53:37 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/osha-investigates-deaths-of-3-amazon-workers-in-new-jersey/3333209/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-bmw-championship/3333173/ | 2022-08-12T01:53:51 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-bmw-championship/3333173/ |
An employee of Virginia Commonwealth University transferred $470,000 to a group of Nigerian scammers who defrauded millions of dollars from government entities, construction companies and universities in Virginia, North Carolina and Texas, the FBI said Wednesday.
The FBI has extradited three Nigerian citizens from the United Kingdom, and authorities charged Olabanji Egbinola, 42, in Virginia federal court with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The FBI alleges that Egbinola defrauded VCU in the fall of 2018 by claiming to be a Richmond construction company doing business with the university.
A VCU spokesman said the university recovered a significant portion of the money through insurance. The university also implemented safeguards to protect against future instances of fraud.
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WWBT, Richmond’s NBC affiliate, previously reported the story.
Online scammers often target real estate purchasers, the elderly and others by persuading them to make wire transfers to bank accounts the criminals control. The scammers may impersonate an employee or business partners, and they are often members of transnational criminal organizations that originated in Nigeria and spread throughout the world, the FBI said.
The following account of the scam is based on an FBI news release and a criminal complaint filed in federal court.
In the fall of 2018, someone using the name “Rachel Moore” contacted an employee in the procurement department at VCU using the email address “accounts@kjellstromlee group.com.” Kjellstrom and Lee is a construction firm located in Richmond that has done business with VCU. Its email address is similar to the one used in the scam.
The scammer wrote that Kjellstrom and Lee’s bank account was being audited and asked if VCU could send the next payment to a foreign bank account. The scammer and the VCU employee corresponded several times over the course of three months.
“Hope you are good,” the scammer wrote. “Can you please notify us at remittance@kjellstromleegroup.com when a payment has been made.”
On Dec. 20, 2018, VCU sent $469,819.49 to an account with the Bank of Hope. On Jan. 3, VCU’s bank contacted the university, concerned the payment was made to a fraudulent account.
VCU contacted Kjellstrom and Lee and learned the construction company doesn’t employee a Rachel Moore.
The roughly $470,000 could not be recovered. Authorities claim the money was redistributed through at least 50 wire and check transactions in the five days after VCU sent it.
An investigation by the FBI’s Richmond Division determined that someone used the account “bridgetclark” to create fraudulent email addresses through the internet domain registrar NameCheap Inc. The scammer registered more than 50 domains with names similar to legitimate construction companies.
The scammer who created the bridgetclark account used a variety of techniques to conceal his or her identity. The account was paid for using Bitcoin cryptocurrency, which is hard to trace. The scammer also used a virtual private network, known as a VPN, to conceal his or her IP address and physical location.
In February 2019, the FBI sent a network investigative technique, or NIT, to the fraudulent email address used in the scheme. An NIT is a technology used by the government to gain access to a computer.
Once the scammer opened the email and its attachment, a file was executed, providing data to the FBI, including the IP address of the computer that opened the attachment.
The scammer was in the United Kingdom. Police in the United Kingdom determined that the IP address originated from a two-story brick house in Chafford Hundred, about 20 miles east of London.
Authorities say one resident of the home was Egbinola, the man charged this week by U.S. authorities.
Egbinola has a criminal history, U.S. authorities said. In 2008, officials say, U.K. police arrested him on suspicion of money laundering and discovered a large quantity of U.S. currency at his residence. His computer contained information related to bank accounts of individuals who were victims of fraud. It’s unclear if Egbinola was ever tried for the crime.
In 2015, Egbinola traveled to Los Angeles, and the address he visited is associated with another investigation of fraud and money laundering. When traveling to the U.S., Egbinola listed his email address as aegbinola@gmail.com. The FBI says Egbinola used that email address to communicate with another address that is the subject of an FBI investigation for scamming construction companies in North Carolina.
The FBI also arrested Oludayo Kolawole John Adeagbo, 43, a Nigerian citizen and U.K. resident, and Donald Ikenna Echeazu, 40, a dual U.K. and Nigerian citizen, on suspicion of defrauding $1.9 million from a North Carolina university through an email scheme.
Adeagbo is also charged with defrauding Texas government entities, construction companies and a Houston-area college of more than $3 million.
U.K. officials arrested all three in April 2020, and the U.S. requested extradition. The defendants filed appeals, but the U.K. High Court rejected them last month. | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/fbi-scammer-claiming-to-be-local-construction-firm-defrauded-vcu-of-470-000/article_470e2b66-1cac-5759-ac8b-2b9e6f4b9973.html | 2022-08-12T01:54:48 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/fbi-scammer-claiming-to-be-local-construction-firm-defrauded-vcu-of-470-000/article_470e2b66-1cac-5759-ac8b-2b9e6f4b9973.html |
ARLINGTON, Texas — An Arlington construction company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy this week as its owner continued to fight Arlington ISD over payment for helping repair Sam Houston High School, which was damaged when the campus' pipes burst during Winter Storm Uri in February 2021.
Dozens of customers who had scheduled projects with RJ Construction now say they're out thousands of dollars amidst the news after putting down deposits for projects that are scheduled or incomplete.
Attorney Michael Hammond represents one of the owners of RJ Construction -- its namesake Robert Jordan. Hammond confirmed the company filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday of this week. He also said he expects to release more information on Friday regarding the projects that RJ was involved with and the customers who are waiting to find out what becomes of their planned projects.
Hammond additionally described Jordan's legal fight with Arlington ISD as the "domino" that pushed the bankruptcy filing.
Earlier this year, Jordan told WFAA that he and his 37 employees spent 11 days working an around-the-clock emergency schedule to dry and dehumidify the 450,000-square-foot Sam Houston High school in order to prevent the moisture from causing further damage.
He claimed that AISD owed him roughly $1 million for the project. The district disputes the amount it was charged for the work. Its attorneys argue that a written agreement with Jordan about the cost was never brokered.
Officially, AISD said in a statement that they need more "submitted documentation to confirm the value of services being performed."
The district has since provided a factsheet for the public in which it claims that Jordan billed the district for drying out the entire school even though his team only worked less than half the campus' square footage. (That fact sheet can be found here.)
Jordan and his attorney argue that AISD only asked for help and an invoice, which he provided.
"At no point during the time services were being rendered by RJ Construction was there any claim or complaint that RJ Construction had failed to provide adequate paperwork," said Jordan's attorney Hammond. "To the contrary, the AISD was primarily concerned with getting students back into Sam Houston High School."
Hammond continued: "The district has been provided documentation from RJ Construction. The problem is that the district’s alleged need of additional paperwork is nothing but a bad faith excuse to avoid paying what it owes. The 'we need additional documentation' narrative is a false flag to try and cover the district’s ultimate goal -- to negotiate a settlement for pennies on the dollar of what was agreed to."
Jordan told WFAA he filed a lawsuit in order to force the district into paying for his company's services. Courts have since ordered mediation, but Hammond said that conciliation was unsuccessful, and that Jordan has since filed an appeal.
Jordan did receive an estimated $179,000 check from AISD, but said he never cashed it because it was insufficient and not what he agreed to.
In the meantime, RJ Construction customers have taken to social media to complain about company not communicating about its bankruptcy filing -- and its sudden shuttering of its Arlington office.
Some claimed they'd placed deposits with RJ Construction ranging from $1,400 to more than $100,000 for project that have yet to be completed.
Phones for the company's Arlington office and two others Jordan is involved with out of state were disconnected Thursday.
Hammond told WFAA that he and Jordan know the claims that customers are making. Jordan expects to issue a statement about the matter on Friday. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/rj-construction-files-bankruptcy-legal-fight-arlington-isd-customers-claim-out-thousands-dollars/287-a34f85e9-0927-4759-b196-c38441552944 | 2022-08-12T01:56:16 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/rj-construction-files-bankruptcy-legal-fight-arlington-isd-customers-claim-out-thousands-dollars/287-a34f85e9-0927-4759-b196-c38441552944 |
UVALDE, Texas — The National Compassion Fund is inching closer to figuring out how to distribute more than $16 million to people impacted by the Robb Elementary tragedy three months ago.
Victims’ family members and teachers from Robb Elementary attended the town hall, which was facilitated by the National Compassion Fund and a local Steering Committee.
“Anybody who was on the campus of Robb Elementary at 11:27 a.m. when this shooting started will be eligible in one form of another under this protocol,” said Jeff Dion, executive director of the National Compassion Fund.
Dion said immediate family members of the 19 children and two teachers will receive the highest payouts from the Uvalde Together We Rise Fund.
He said anyone at Robb Elementary on May 24 who experienced psychological trauma is also eligible for funding.
“I just found out within the last week, we were within inches of being hit by bullets that went through my window,” said Nicole Ogburn, a fourth-grade teacher at Robb Elementary. “My own children in my house have seen a change in me, the people I work with see a change in me. I do not have the spark that I had before.”
The National Compassion Fund is working on finalizing the Draft Protocol on eligibility for the Uvalde Together We Rise Fund.
He said online applications for the funds will be available in September. Meanwhile, the Uvalde Together We Rise Fund is remaining open to accept donations until October 24.
“We want to hold the fund open long enough to capture donations to get more to the victims, but we also want to do it – not drag it out any longer than it has to be,” Dion said.
To learn more about the National Compassion Fund and read the Draft Protocol, go here. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/uvalde-community-financial-relief-shooting-tragedy/273-b36100cc-f37f-46c2-911e-1af9d789a7dd | 2022-08-12T01:56:22 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/uvalde-community-financial-relief-shooting-tragedy/273-b36100cc-f37f-46c2-911e-1af9d789a7dd |
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin voters will have the opportunity this fall to vote on a bond election to help Austin Community College (ACC) fund projects across Central Texas.
The college's board of trustees recently approved a $770 million general obligation bond for the November ballot. If approved, the funds will go toward projects aiming to expand training capacity for high-demand fields such as health care and advanced manufacturing. ACC said it would also include new sites in southeast and southwest Travis County.
“We have taken a thorough and thoughtful approach to develop a bond that can solve some of our community’s most urgent workforce challenges. Austin’s fast-paced growth has created a huge need for homegrown talent to fill high-skilled, well-paying jobs,” said Dr. Nan McRaven, ACC Board of Trustees chair. “The Board has heard from our regional community advisors and organizations across Central Texas and they recommended we move forward with this bond package. The Board is confident these bond projects will provide what our community needs with no increase in the tax rate.”
In a press release Thursday, ACC said it is currently the largest trainer of the Austin area's workforce, serving 70,000 students every year. Around 80% of its graduates now live and work in the area and, on average, graduates increase their income by 45% within five years of graduation.
“Education is the key to upward mobility and our community looks to ACC as the region’s primary workforce-training engine and the primary access point for individuals to achieve their career goals and be able to afford to live here,” said Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC chancellor. “It is important that this bond remain inclusive of every region and every campus. This bond ensures the college can regionalize programs and services so everyone has the training they need no matter where you live in the district.”
ACC reported that it is able to issue bonds without raising its tax rate.
"Since property values are expected to increase, the college estimates that at its current tax rate, a taxpayer with a home worth $500,000 would pay up to $5 per year over the first five years, maxing out at $25/year for the remainder of the bond," the release states. "Seniors (age 65+) and residents with disabilities would see no tax increase as a result of this bond program. In 2021, the ACC Board of Trustees adopted a tax ceiling (freeze) for seniors and residents with disabilities."
The final estimated tax impact of the bond proposition for a standard homestead ($500,000 home value) is listed below:
- Year 1 - $5/year ($.47/month)
- Year 2 - $10/year ($.83/month)
- Year 3 - $15/year ($1.25/month)
- Year 4 - $20/year ($1.67/month)
- Year 5 - $25/year ($2.08/month)
The bond package includes projects in each region of the ACC District – north, central and south.
For more information on the bond election, click here.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/acc-board-approves-bond-election-2022-ballots/269-b7c2c25d-532f-44ae-898c-2d4a4cd78735 | 2022-08-12T01:57:44 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/acc-board-approves-bond-election-2022-ballots/269-b7c2c25d-532f-44ae-898c-2d4a4cd78735 |
Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman poses before a game against the Reds at the "Field of Dreams" movie site on Thursday near Dyersville.
Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press
Reds players pose before a game against the Cubs at the "Field of Dreams" movie site on Thursday near Dyersville.
Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press
A fan walks through a cornfield behind center field beforea game between the Reds and the Cubs at the "Field of Dreams" movie site Thursday near Dyersville.
Thomas said construction of a youth sports complex around the site will prevent MLB from hosting the event.
But Thursday, representatives of the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds said they hope the game will return to Iowa in future years.
“It is clear it resonates,” Reds star first baseman Joey Votto said.
Jed Hoyer, Cubs’ president of baseball operations, talked with media prior to the game and said games like the one Thursday are important for Major League Baseball in the long term.
“It is so important,” Hoyer said. “The game isn’t guaranteed. We have to keep growing the game, keep having games like this … continue to grow the game with young people, grow the game outside our diehard fans.”
That same sentiment was shared by the participants.
“It brings people together that love the game,” Reds’ manager David Bell said. “It is a great example of what the game is all about.”
Cubs star Ian Happ said from the moment he and his teammates arrived at the Dubuque airport and bussed to the site, a roughly 40-minute commute, it was obvious what the game means to Iowa.
“You see how important it is,” Happ said. “I just think it is what baseball means to people … the family connection. Everybody has a story with how the fell in love with the game, what field they fell in love with, and you can feel that in this place. It is real. You feel that here.”
Chicago catcher Wilson Contreras echoed those comments.
“I think this place is magic,” Contreras said. “The energy is real.”
Cubs’ manager David Ross said he felt the energy.
“The feeling when I got here — I got the urge to run when I got on the field, so I ran to our team picture. The moment you step out there you feel like a kid,” Ross said.
The Cubs and Reds were welcomed with open arms by Iowans and the residents of Dyersville. As the teams arrived, hundreds of fans lined the roads of the city itself and porches on the road that leads to the park.
The major leaguers, used to accolades and cheering crowds, nevertheless appreciated the reception.
“I woke up feeling a little different,” Bell said. “The excitement around it. I sensed that from our players and staff.
“It started to hit me as we drove on what is so special about this day. All the people who love this game, all the people who will be here, will watch on TV. It’s a group that loves the game. Really that is what I’ve been thinking about all day.”
“The welcome we got here was pretty humbling,” added Votto. “I don’t think that is one way. Both sides feel how special this is.”
The coaches and players were asked if the game should come to Iowa after the announced one-year hiatus, and Reds’ infielder Kyle Farmer summed it up best.
“I think it should,” Farmer said. “What they have done, created here is incredible. You walk out here … the guys in the locker room are still talking about how cool it is.
“I think every baseball player should experience this, and you can tell how much it means to the people of Iowa. It is pretty cool.”
I’m a Waterloo native who has covered Cedar Valley sports for more than 30 years for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier. I’m also a big Cincinnati Reds fan … Go Big Red Machine!
“Getting the opportunity to play a game at the mythical field that sowed the seeds of hope for a Major League Baseball career is a significant moment for me. Couple that with the father/son connection, and this game is an exceptional moment in my life.” -- Joey Votto
A little more than a week remains before the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs play in the second Field of Dreams game in Dyersville on August 11. Tuesday, Kyle Farmer and Frank Schwindel meet with media to promote the game
A fan walks through a cornfield behind center field beforea game between the Reds and the Cubs at the "Field of Dreams" movie site Thursday near Dyersville. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/this-place-is-magic----players-say-mlb-should-return-to-field-of/article_747d4dac-f3b3-5c41-8b50-f8915e9a9fcd.html | 2022-08-12T02:00:27 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/this-place-is-magic----players-say-mlb-should-return-to-field-of/article_747d4dac-f3b3-5c41-8b50-f8915e9a9fcd.html |
SEFFNER, Fla. — A Seffner boy who nearly died in a house fire back in May is able to run up and down the football field once again.
"I use this as an opportunity to show him what we can do when tragedy strikes and in life son, tragedy will strike again and we will get through it," Owen Ares' mother, Karen McGinnis, said.
It's a recovery his family says is truly amazing and they credit Owen's strength.
"Here he is. He made a full speedy recovery, on the field and he started 4th grade yesterday. I am just grateful," McGinnis said.
Owen was recused by Hillsborough County deputies when his house caught fire on May 19th.
Hillsborough fire investigators said the fire started in the barn and then spread to the house.
McGinnis and her boyfriend were able to make it out of the house with their animals, but Owen was inside asleep at the time. Two deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office broke a window and pulled Owen out of the burning house.
"To watch him being pulled out of that fire to the condition he was in and the last week of school he missed because he was in the ICU fighting for his life. Us not knowing while he was in the hospital what the outcome was going to be," McGinnis explained.
Owen spent weeks in the hospital as he recovered from smoke inhalation and severe burns. Owen had an extensive recovery, learning to breathe, eat and walk again.
Owen's mom said he remained so strong through it all. One of Owen's favorite things to do is play football. When he left the hospital that was the one thing is was looking forward to doing. This week, he returned to practice.
"I’m not out of breath that much. I’m energetic, like when I’m practicing right now, we have a game on Saturday and I’m excited for that," Owen said.
Owen plays for the Seffner Seahawks and is excited to be back on the field doing what he loves. "It’s fun because you get to score and it’s fun when you win," he said.
Owen will play his first football game this Saturday since leaving the hospital. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/seffner-boy-rescued-from-fire-full-recovery-returning-to-football-field/67-34927e68-ce5a-4299-991d-0100144d36f8 | 2022-08-12T02:01:02 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/seffner-boy-rescued-from-fire-full-recovery-returning-to-football-field/67-34927e68-ce5a-4299-991d-0100144d36f8 |
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman poses for a photo before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site Thursday near Dyersville.
Charlie Neibergall
Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki walks out of a cornfield before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site.
DYERSVILLE – Wednesday afternoon former Major League Baseball star Frank Thomas, now part owner of the Field of Dreams movie site, announced there would be no third installment of the Field of Dreams game next year.
Thomas said construction of a youth sports complex around the site will prevent MLB from hosting the event.
But Thursday, representatives of the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds said they hope the game will return to Iowa in future years.
“It is clear it resonates,” Reds star first baseman Joey Votto said.
Jed Hoyer, Cubs’ president of baseball operations, talked with media prior to the game and said games like the one Thursday are important for Major League Baseball in the long term.
“It is so important,” Hoyer said. “The game isn’t guaranteed. We have to keep growing the game, keep having games like this … continue to grow the game with young people, grow the game outside our diehard fans.”
That same sentiment was shared by the participants.
“It brings people together that love the game,” Reds’ manager David Bell said. “It is a great example of what the game is all about.”
Cubs star Ian Happ said from the moment he and his teammates arrived at the Dubuque airport and bussed to the site, a roughly 40-minute commute, it was obvious what the game means to Iowa.
“You see how important it is,” Happ said. “I just think it is what baseball means to people … the family connection. Everybody has a story with how the fell in love with the game, what field they fell in love with, and you can feel that in this place. It is real. You feel that here.”
Chicago catcher Wilson Contreras echoed those comments.
“I think this place is magic,” Contreras said. “The energy is real.”
Cubs’ manager David Ross said he felt the energy.
"The feeling when I got here -- I got the urge to run when I got on the field, so I ran to our team picture. The moment you step out there you feel like a kid,” Ross said.
The Cubs and Reds were welcomed with open arms by Iowans and the residents of Dyersville. As the teams arrived, hundreds of fans lined the roads of the city itself and porches on the road that leads to the park.
The major leaguers, used to accolades and cheering crowds, nevertheless appreciated the reception.
“I woke up feeling a little different,” Bell said. “The excitement around it. I sensed that from our players and staff.
“It started to hit me as we drove on what is so special about this day. All the people who love this game, all the people who will be here, will watch on TV. It’s a group that loves the game. Really that is what I’ve been thinking about all day.”
“The welcome we got here was pretty humbling,” added Votto. “I don't think that is one way. Both sides feel how special this is.”
The coaches and players were asked if the game should come to Iowa after the announced one-year hiatus, and Reds’ infielder Kyle Farmer summed it up best.
“I think it should,” Farmer said. “What they have done, created here is incredible. You walk out here … the guys in the locker room are still talking about how cool it is.
“I think every baseball player should experience this, and you can tell how much it means to the people of Iowa. It is pretty cool.”
Members of the Chicago White Sox take batting practice at the MLB's Field of Dreams. Thursday marks the first time a major league ballgame would take place in Iowa.
A baseball fan makes a photo with his phone before a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021 in Dyersville, Iowa. The Yankees and White Sox are playing at a temporary stadium in the middle of a cornfield at the Field of Dreams movie site, the first Major League Baseball game held in Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton walks on the field with earns of corn in his back pockets before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in Dyersville, Iowa. The Yankees and White Sox are playing at a temporary stadium in the middle of a cornfield at the Field of Dreams movie site, the first Major League Baseball game held in Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn walks through a cornfield before a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in Dyersville, Iowa. The Yankees and White Sox are playing at a temporary stadium in the middle of a cornfield at the Field of Dreams movie site, the first Major League Baseball game held in Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn walks through a cornfield before a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in Dyersville, Iowa. The Yankees and White Sox are playing at a temporary stadium in the middle of a cornfield at the Field of Dreams movie site, the first Major League Baseball game held in Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The sign on the original Field of Dreams field in Dyersville, Iowa.
Jerry Smith, Globe Gazette
Field of Dreams
"Ghost players" from the White Sox hung out at the field and played catch with anyone who asked.
Jerry Smith, Globe Gazette
Field of Dreams
Members of the Chicago White Sox take batting practice at the MLB's Field of Dreams. Thursday marks the first time a major league ballgame would take place in Iowa.
Jerry Smith, Globe Gazette
Yankees White Sox Baseball
A baseball fan makes a photo with his phone before a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021 in Dyersville, Iowa. The Yankees and White Sox are playing at a temporary stadium in the middle of a cornfield at the Field of Dreams movie site, the first Major League Baseball game held in Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie Neibergall
Yankees White Sox Baseball
New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton walks on the field with earns of corn in his back pockets before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in Dyersville, Iowa. The Yankees and White Sox are playing at a temporary stadium in the middle of a cornfield at the Field of Dreams movie site, the first Major League Baseball game held in Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie Neibergall
Yankees White Sox Baseball
Chicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn walks through a cornfield before a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in Dyersville, Iowa. The Yankees and White Sox are playing at a temporary stadium in the middle of a cornfield at the Field of Dreams movie site, the first Major League Baseball game held in Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie Neibergall
Field of Dreams
Young fans waited for their chance to get a high five or a ball signed from a player.
Jerry Smith, Globe Gazette
Field of Dreams
A baseball fan takes a photo with his phone before a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees, Thursday in Dyersville.
Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press
Field of Dreams
New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton walks on the field with earns of corn in his back pockets.
Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press
Field of Dreams
Chicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn walks through a cornfield before a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in Dyersville, Iowa. The Yankees and White Sox are playing at a temporary stadium in the middle of a cornfield at the Field of Dreams movie site, the first Major League Baseball game held in Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman poses for a photo before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site Thursday near Dyersville. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/this-place-is-magic----players-say-mlb-should-return-to-field-of/article_8d4fa2fd-052d-5c02-be71-43d152ca9dc5.html | 2022-08-12T02:01:09 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/this-place-is-magic----players-say-mlb-should-return-to-field-of/article_8d4fa2fd-052d-5c02-be71-43d152ca9dc5.html |
Community Hospital, St. Catherine Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center have achieved Gold Plus status for stroke care.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association gave the Community Healthcare System hospitals "Get With The Guidelines — Stroke Quality Achievement" awards. They were recognized for quality care measures they attained for at least 24 consecutive months.
“Time is brain. When a stroke occurs, millions of brain cells die every minute, and literally, every minute counts,” said Neuroendovascular Neurologist Aamir Badruddin, medical director of the comprehensive stroke program at Community Hospital. “Our Community Healthcare System team of stroke experts is here to ensure advanced care in the utmost timely manner.”
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability. The Get With The Guidelines program helps hospital teams follow evidence-based guidance to hasten recovery and lower the chance of death and liability. It for instance encourages the aggressive use of clot-busting drugs, smoking cessation counseling and preventative action for deep vein thrombosis.
“Community Healthcare System’s stroke centers provide treatment with alteplase, the clot-busting drug for stroke, for all eligible patients,” said Jill Conner, administrative director of Neuroscience, Cerebrovascular Services and Structural Heart. “By using a standardized evidence-based protocol no matter if the patient is brought to our Comprehensive Stroke Center or one of our Primary Stroke Centers, we are able to deliver life-saving care in a timely fashion.”
The hospital system uses strokes as teachable moments in which patients are most likely to listen to doctors and follow their guidance to reduce risk.
“As a system, we are united in the battle against stroke,” Conner said. “Working with our EMS providers and our healthcare colleagues across Northwest Indiana, we are able to significantly improve the outcomes of patients who have had an acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.”
Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times since 2013 and blogs about craft beer, culture and the military.
The Michigan-based movie theater chain completed the first phase of its two-phase renovation plans to add amenities like faux-leather recliners and brick oven pizza.
Historic Maplewood Cemetery Sexton Tom Hawes has been digging up the old Crown Point Mausoleum more than a half century after its demise at the cemetery at 347 Maple Lane.
The United Steelworkers union said it is continuing to work toward a new contract with both Cleveland-Cliffs and U.S. Steel, even as many of its negotiators left Pittsburgh to head west to the union's constitutional convention in Las Vegas. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/community-hospital-st-catherine-hospital-and-st-mary-medical-center-attain-gold-plus-status-for/article_531a53ce-973e-5b84-a5b3-03260785be71.html | 2022-08-12T02:05:17 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/community-hospital-st-catherine-hospital-and-st-mary-medical-center-attain-gold-plus-status-for/article_531a53ce-973e-5b84-a5b3-03260785be71.html |
MERRILLVILLE — The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority has completed its work defining the boundaries of development districts around seven commuter railroad stations, putting them on track for approval by the State Budget Committee as early as this fall.
In a series of unanimous votes after a Thursday public hearing, the RDA board approved Transit Development Districts around seven South Shore Line and West Lake Corridor stations: Michigan City 11th Street, Portage/Ogden Dunes, Miller, East Chicago, Hammond Gateway, Munster Ridge Road and Munster/Dyer Main Street.
“These districts will enable the RDA to accelerate development and support public infrastructure investment around commuter rail stations in Northwest Indiana,” RDA President and CEO Sherri Ziller said in a statement after the meeting. “We are already seeing hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of projects get underway in Hammond and Michigan City that are directly related to the West Lake and Double Track projects, and in the coming decades we expect billions more in development. This means thousands of new jobs in The Region as well as vastly better access to high-paying careers in Chicago.”
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The opportunity to designate TDDs was created by the state in 2017 in anticipation of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s West Lake Corridor and Double Track projects. Within each district of roughly one-half square mile, the incremental growth in property and local income taxes will be collected and used to support further development within the district.
A TDD is officially established with the approval of the State Budget Committee. At that point, baselines are established for property and income tax revenue. In future years, the incremental growth will then be collected in a manner similar to Tax Increment Financing districts.
An outstanding issue that may require resolution by the General Assembly involves the income tax portion of the TDD — whether the taxes it applies to are taxes paid by people employed in the district, or to taxes paid by residents of the district.
The Department of Revenue has ruled that the applicable taxes are those paid by people who work within the district; local officials would prefer it apply to residents, whose numbers are expected to increase significantly with the anticipated transit-oriented development.
David Reynolds of Policy Analytics, the RDA’s financial consultant, said discussions have begun regarding a shift to the local preference, which could require a legislative fix during the next General Assembly. Reynolds noted, though, that the bulk of the TDD revenue will come from the property tax increment.
That anticipated increase in property value has been foreshadowed in the early plans in Michigan City and Hammond that Ziller noted.
The Hammond Gateway Station district stretches south from the railroad into downtown. Plans there include renovating the former Bank Calumet building at 5231 Hohman Ave. to include over 100 residential units and 7,000 square-feet of retail; construction of the Tailor Row apartment complex with 208 units, a bottom floor filled with commercial space and an outdoor plaza on an underutilized parking lot off Hohman Avenue; and construction of Madison Lofts, with about 55 residential units and 87,000 square feet of retail, at the northeast corner of Sibley Street and Hohman Avenue.
In Michigan City, plans for the once-and-future 11th Street Station site call for a 12-story mixed-use development with 208 apartments, more than 10,000 square feet of commercial space and a 558-space parking garage. Other plans include a multi-use development with 200 apartments at the corner of Eighth Street and Michigan Boulevard, and a mixed-use multi-family development project on West Michigan Boulevard, with an eight-story, 180-room hotel and a seven-story, 150-condo building.
“Michigan City used to be a hub of transit,” said Director of Planning Skyler York. “It seems fitting that now we have this opportunity with the TDD and the development that’s happening to reposition Michigan City as a new transit center for the Region.”
“We’re ready for this growth," he said. "We’ve been preparing for 10 years for this growth.”
The TDDs can be doubled in size in the future. They will expire no later than 2047. Maps of them, along with other documents, including the presentation given at Thursday’s meeting, are available at www.in.gov/rda/documents. Maps and information on the TDDs are also available at www.nwitdd.com. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/ready-for-growth-final-local-approval-given-for-new-transit-districts/article_2300d3df-0adb-54a7-b357-a199437fcd10.html | 2022-08-12T02:05:23 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/ready-for-growth-final-local-approval-given-for-new-transit-districts/article_2300d3df-0adb-54a7-b357-a199437fcd10.html |
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