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Deck cleaning Aug 17, 2022 2 hrs ago Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Brian Stone of A Plus Power Washing prepares a wooden deck for staining Tuesday at Johnny Appleseed Park. Mike Moore | The Journal Gazette Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Cleaning up at Johnny Appleseed Park Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Most Popular Large-scale 'solar farm' in southeast Allen County draws ire Roster unveiled for Komets Alumni Game to support Braydin Lewis Delta to suspend flights from Fort Wayne to Detroit Large-scale solar installation proposal roils east Allen County Parents charged with neglect of 2-year-old with burns Stocks Market Data by TradingView | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/deck-cleaning/article_aa2ad5d8-1da2-11ed-aad4-8f180db9c688.html | 2022-08-17T06:15:48 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/deck-cleaning/article_aa2ad5d8-1da2-11ed-aad4-8f180db9c688.html |
A Hamilton man allegedly exposed himself at Huntertown’s Heritage Days Festival, attracting attention from the crowd by yelling “bald eagle” during the incident, according to court documents.
David J. Koenig, 62, was charged with misdemeanor public nudity after being arrested Friday. He faces up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted.
A witness told police that she and her family were walking north of the activities tent about 5 p.m. when Koenig yelled “bald eagle” the first time, court documents state. She looked over and saw him start to expose himself while facing the crowd of adults and children watching the circus.
The witness walked away and continued to hear him yell “bald eagle.”
The Allen County deputy who arrested Koenig said he appeared drunk and “uneasy on his feet,” the probable cause affidavit stated. Koenig went to one knee when the deputy approached and informed the deputy he had gone by the tent to urinate.
Another witness told the deputy that Koenig tried to buy beer at the festival and was told they couldn’t sell him beer. The witness saw Koenig walk through the tent, and when he was out of sight, the witness heard him yell, “you know you want to look at it.”
Koenig was given a public defender at his Monday initial hearing and released on his own recognizance. His next hearing is set for Aug. 29. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/hamilton-man-faces-nudity-charge-after-festival-incident/article_063a5676-1daf-11ed-9a63-afda539534d3.html | 2022-08-17T06:15:48 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/hamilton-man-faces-nudity-charge-after-festival-incident/article_063a5676-1daf-11ed-9a63-afda539534d3.html |
East Allen County Schools board members agreed Tuesday to be proactive as county leaders consider a 1,100-bed jail near the district’s schools in southeast Fort Wayne.
The elected EACS officials also informally supported member Ron Turpin’s suggestion to visit the proposed site at 5080 Adams Center Road near Paulding Road, not far from Southwick Elementary School, Prince Chapman Academy, Paul Harding Junior High School and East Allen University. Together, the schools enrolled about 2,100 students last academic year, according to state data.
“You can’t even think about the impact that it would have on those students,” member Paulette Nellems said during the portion of the meeting designated for board member comments.
The Allen County commissioners have said they are open to other locations for a new county jail.
Three women urged the EACS board during public comment Tuesday to get involved. Cookye Rutledge said it would be terrible for students to look at a jail every day.
“Stand up for our children who are too young to stand up for themselves,” Rutledge said. “They come to school every day with such promise in their hearts. … I’m asking you to do for the children in southeast Fort Wayne what you would do for your own.”
Audrey Davis encouraged EACS leaders to sign a petition opposing the proposed site and the construction of a new jail. The petition is available through the Help Not Handcuffs Coalition Facebook page.
Turpin said a field trip to the site would be worthwhile.
“And then whether we take action as a board or individually, that’s a different discussion,” he said.
In other business, the district’s chief financial officer gave a presentation on the 2023 budget. EACS will advertise a $119 million budget and a proposed levy of $31.3 million, up from $27.8 million in 2022.
The district anticipates a tax rate increase of about 7 cents, to 94.6 cents from 87.3 cents, per $100 in assessed value.
But that doesn’t mean those numbers are fixed, said Pat McCann, the CFO. Districts draft their budgets when various factors are unknown, such assessed valuation. That is typically certified in the fall.
“This is intentionally posted as a higher rate to protect the district in case something does happen that causes the tax rate to increase beyond expectation,” he said.
A public hearing on the budget is set for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 in the district’s administration building in New Haven. Adoption is planned for Oct. 18. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/east-allen-county-schools-board-plans-proactive-stance-regarding-jail/article_edea6b04-1dc4-11ed-a20e-134774dbdba9.html | 2022-08-17T06:16:04 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/east-allen-county-schools-board-plans-proactive-stance-regarding-jail/article_edea6b04-1dc4-11ed-a20e-134774dbdba9.html |
KELLER, Texas — The debate over books in Texas school libraries continues.
The Keller Independent School District is now at the center of the debate after it sent an email to principals and librarians, telling them to pull 41 books that parents have challenged.
The list of 41 books includes all versions of the Bible and "Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaption." The full list can be seen here.
In a statement, the district said the books were being removed in order to review them under new policies that were approved by the school board during a meeting on Aug. 8.
According to the district, the new policies have to do with how Keller ISD acquires and reviews instructional materials and library books.
The district said all the books were challenged by parents over the last year.
"Books that meet the new guidelines will be returned to the libraries as soon as it is confirmed they comply with the new policy," the district said in a statement.
Most of the books on the list had previously been approved to stay in school libraries after being reviewed by a committee.
The book debate became the hot topic at a board meeting back in March as parents turned the public comment portion into a venue to voice concerns over books in libraries.
One parent said at the March meeting, "We are fed up with pornographic materials that are still in our libraries accessible to children."
Tuesday's move comes as districts statewide face library book challenges and audits which have become a priority for some Republican lawmakers wanting to do away with books that touch on sex, gender, or race.
In May of this year, Keller ISD was one of the districts where hundreds of thousands of dollars were dumped into fiery school board races.
Three new conservative-leaning candidates are on the board as a result.
For Keller ISD parent Laney Hawes, Tuesday's directive was a letdown.
Hawes was on a committee composed of parents, teachers, and administrators that reviewed "Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaption" last spring.
A parent challenged its contents. Hawes said the book contains illustrations that make it easier to follow along and is more approachable for students.
"The parent who challenged the book never showed up to present their case, and it was actually a really fast committee. We all read the book and discussed it, and everyone on the committee unanimously voted to put the book right back on the library shelves," Hawes said.
"Now, it's gone. They're taking away a historical book and a more approachable version of it, and they're taking away the voices of parents who voted to keep it.
Hawes says she and other parents are fed up and done playing by the rules because they're constantly changing.
"We read the books. We decided they were suitable for the shelves, and then this small group of people comes in and says we don't like your outcomes," Hawes said. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/north-texas-school-district-keller-isd-pulls-books-review-bible-anne-franks-diary/287-dab5c5c6-5750-43c8-a2cc-d253ea00b2b7 | 2022-08-17T06:22:39 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/north-texas-school-district-keller-isd-pulls-books-review-bible-anne-franks-diary/287-dab5c5c6-5750-43c8-a2cc-d253ea00b2b7 |
Cal Ripken Jr. dedicates new McCulloch Park diamond; outfield fix funded
MUNCIE, Ind. − Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. came to Muncie's McCulloch Park Tuesday morning to add one more renovated field to the list of 110 developed by his late father's foundation to promote youth baseball in towns and cities across the country.
The occasion included an announcement by the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation that renovation of the diamond would be extended to the distressed outfield, which is expected to be ready for play in the 2023 season, according to foundation Senior Vice President Chuck Brady.
For subscribers:McCulloch Park baseball diamond gets an upgrade - and a new name
The outfield work will be in addition to the finished $1.5 million upgrade to the infield, including artificial turf, and renovated dugouts and stands, which was dedicated Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Ripken. Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour had said the city would apply for various grants to pay for upgrades to the outfield. That is being provided now by the foundation with the help of board member Dan Towriss, CEO and president of Group 1001, a financial services concern based in Indianapolis. Towriss grew up in Muncie.
Memories:Bygone Muncie: 1932 Fourth of July celebration included speeches, baseball, epic fireworks
Ripken, who earned the nickname "Iron Man" for the Baltimore Orioles by playing in 2,632 consecutive Major League games, more than any player, told the assembled fans and officials at the park on Tuesday of the foundation staff's passion to help children and provide places for them to belong, develop and learn lessons through baseball.
"Baseball is a magical, magical game," Ripken said.
Towriss would attest to that. The last time he walked off the baseball field at McCulloch Park was 1990. He had just pitched a game to win a state championship for Muncie's American Legion Post 19. He returned for the dedication of the field, which is now named for one of his company's firms, Gainbridge Field.
The executive, who now lives in Zionsville and in Florida, said the lessons he learned playing baseball and working with coaches like the late Bobby Graves, who coached the Post 19 Muncie Chiefs for 19 years. Towriss said he was able to apply what he learned on the field in business.
"It's the determination," he said.
'Most fun I've had':Pruitt's no-hitter leads Chiefs to 3rd American Legion state title
According to Ridenour, the businessman donated "hundreds of thousands of dollars" to remake his hometown field.
Towriss said the soon-to-be-added improvements to the outfield, which was left bare in places this summer, will include new sod and possibly new lights at the field.
Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns was on hand at Tuesday's ceremony, and related telling Towriss about the needs of the beleaguered field in Muncie. Mearns even started to describe where the field was located before the former Muncie Chiefs pitcher told him he was very aware of the facility but had not realized it had fallen into disrepair. That was genesis for the effort to remake the field.
Towriss had worked to develop 10 other community baseball fields through the foundation before contributing to the rebuild of the field where he used to play in his hometown. The name Gainbridge Field replaces Francis Lafferty Field, named for the longtime educator and coach who did much to maintain the facility through the years.
Officials saluted Lafferty during the ceremony with a round of applause. The renovated field features a plaque in his honor.
Gainbridge Field has a lot of history to build on. The Muncie Fruit Jars started playing at McCulloch Park in 1906 and was the first pro-baseball team in Muncie. By mid-century, in 1943, the Pittsburgh Pirates used the field in Muncie for spring training due to the effort to cut travel expenses during World War II. Hall of Famers Frank Frisch and Honus Wagner managed the Pirates at the time and spent their springs in Muncie. After the war, the Cincinnati Reds developed a minor league relationship with Muncie and used at the diamond in the park. Major League pitcher Joe Nuxhall and star outfielder Wally Post both played for the Reds affiliate in Muncie.
Current Muncie Chiefs appeared for the ceremony met with Ripken, who signed jersey and baseballs and spoke with gathered fans.
Ridenour shared his own memories and told Ripken he had grown up an Oriole fan because his father had been a Baltimore fan. He told Ripken that he only cried at the retirement of two men: Ripken and Indiana Pacer basketball star Reggie Miller.
Towriss mentor:‘I want to come back’: Olympic medalist Justin Gatlin reflects on visit to Muncie, Ball State football
In spite of concerns, expressed by MLB executives, that the game is too slow and losing its appeal, Steve Salem, president and CEO of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, said baseball is a game in which even a little guy can thrive, especially in youth.
Unlike other sports, he said, the smallest kid can compete or even excel. And baseball is still doing well.
STAY INFORMED AND SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: Subscribe today using the link at the top of this page. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/08/16/muncies-historic-baseball-field-gets-face-lift-with-more-work-to-come/65406260007/ | 2022-08-17T06:28:54 | 1 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/08/16/muncies-historic-baseball-field-gets-face-lift-with-more-work-to-come/65406260007/ |
Randolph County woman fatally injured in crash
WINCHESTER, Ind. — A one-vehicle accident claimed the life of a Randolph County woman.
According to Ken Hendrickson, chief deputy of the Randolph County Sheriff's Department, Kelsey D. Smith, 28, of Union City, was driving her 2005 Pontiac G6 eastbound on Union City Pike when the vehicle left the south side of the road on a curve and struck a tree.
The crash, near Randolph County Road 100-E, was reported about 3 a.m. Saturday.
Smith was trapped in the vehicle for about 25 minutes until she was removed by emergency personnel. She was taken by ambulance to St. Vincent Randolph Hospital, where she died.
More:Hartford City woman killed in crash in northeastern Delaware County
In addition to sheriff's deputies, Winchester police, White River Fire/Rescue personnel and Randolph County EMS responded to the scene.
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Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/08/16/randolph-county-crash-woman-killed/65406349007/ | 2022-08-17T06:29:00 | 0 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/08/16/randolph-county-crash-woman-killed/65406349007/ |
A Kenosha County committee shot down a proposal to place a referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot that would've given voters a chance to weigh in on whether legal gun owners, other than law enforcement officials, should be allowed to carry firearms at county buildings and properties.
Legislative Committee members Tuesday night initially voted and deadlocked 3-3 on their decision, one that in itself indicated the referendum proposal had failed. County Board Chair Gabe Nudo later unknotted the tie casting a dissenting vote against the proposal. Several residents turned out during committee and later at the County Board meeting calling for supervisors to approve the referendum question.
Originally not on the County Board's agenda, Nudo said following the committee meeting he had expedited the proposal Friday night as it was up against a deadline to be placed on the ballot in the November general election.
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At the board level, procedural questions abounded and seemed to confound Corporation Counsel Joseph Cardamone as to whether the referendum proposal could be introduced despite its failing to pass in committee. In order to do so, however, the board would need to suspend its rules with a two-thirds majority allowing for its introduction.
While the vote to suspend the rules was 13-10, it failed to gain the necessary majority to bring the referendum proposal back for further discussion and deliberation. Voting in favor of suspending the rules were supervisors William Grady, Terry Rose, Jeff Gentz, Laura Belsky, Ed Kubicki, Daniel Gaschke, John O'Day, Andy Berg, John Franco, Amanda Nedweski, Jeff Wamboldt, Monica Yuhas and Mark Nordigian. Voting against were supervisors Brian Thomas, Zach Rodriguez, Zach Stock, Nudo, Tim Stocker, David Geertsen, Brian Bashaw, John Poole, Erin Decker and Aaron Karow.
The proposed advisory referendum sought to ask the following question of voters: “Should the Kenosha County Board allow firearms and electronic weapons legally possessed and carried per Wis. Stat. 175.60 to be allowed in any building or any grounds owned, leased, or controlled by Kenosha County, per Wis. State 175.60(16) (a) excluding the Kenosha County courthouse, public safety building, jail, detention center, pre-trial building and Molinaro Building?”
Gentz had proposed the referendum, in part, due to the response from residents’ opposition to a County Board vote last month to repeal county policy barring anyone, with the exception of law enforcement officers, from bringing firearms into its buildings. That restriction had been in effect since 2011.
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This story continues to develop. For more details, check back later at www.kenoshanews.com | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/proposed-advisory-referendum-asking-voters-whether-firearms-should-be-allowed-on-kenosha-county-properties-shot/article_f468953c-1de2-11ed-a271-831ca8e2e181.html | 2022-08-17T06:36:02 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/proposed-advisory-referendum-asking-voters-whether-firearms-should-be-allowed-on-kenosha-county-properties-shot/article_f468953c-1de2-11ed-a271-831ca8e2e181.html |
LAS VEGAS — A California church that defied safety regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic by holding large religious services won't have to pay about $200,000 in fines, a state appeals court ruled.
Calvary Chapel San Jose and its pastors were held in contempt of court and fined in 2020 and 2021 for violating state and county limits on indoor public gatherings. The rules were aimed at preventing the spread through close contract of the virus, which has caused more than 10 million confirmed cases and more than 93,500 deaths since the pandemic began in mid-2020, according to state public health figures.
But on Monday, California's 6th District Court of Appeal reversed those lower court decisions, citing a May 2020 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in February 2021 that a ban by Gov. Gavin Newsom on indoor worship services in counties where COVID-19 was surging violated freedom of religion.
The decision by a newly conservative majority court came less than a year after the high court previously ruled the ban was justified on health and safety grounds.
The appellate court noted that the restrictions on indoor gatherings also applied to secular gatherings but were stricter for worship services than for secular activities such as going to grocery stores.
The ruling "is a great win for the sake of liberty and displays the justification for the courage shown by this church" and its pastors, Robert Tyler, a lawyer for the church, told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Despite the ruling, Santa Clara County said it will continue to seek $2.3 million in penalties against the church for violating other COVID-19 rules that weren't affected by the decision, such as requiring face masks during services in late 2020.
"Calvary did not dispute the fact of its numerous and serious violations during the height of the pandemic and before vaccinations were available," a county statement said. "We will continue to hold Calvary accountable for putting our community's health and safety at risk."
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/covid-fines-church/103-db7fbd35-d02a-4e66-84c3-0c2c96ceb9fd | 2022-08-17T06:50:39 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/covid-fines-church/103-db7fbd35-d02a-4e66-84c3-0c2c96ceb9fd |
EL MIRAGE, Ariz — The El Mirage Police Department released police body camera video Tuesday night from an emergency lockdown at Thompson Ranch Elementary last week.
The incident started around 10:30 a.m. when a school employee called 911 and said they had a person with a gun at the back of the cafeteria trying to enter the school.
RELATED: 'It was really, really horrible': Parent describes scene at El Mirage school during lockdown
The caller told police the school was in full lockdown and again explained the man was trying to enter the school.
The video released by police shows footage of officers arriving at the school after lockdown protocols were implemented.
In the video, you see armed officers running toward the school, calling out, “police, police!”
When officers arrived, they were directed to the area of the campus where the suspect was last seen, and the officers ran in that direction.
As other officers arrived, they surrounded the campus and set up a perimeter to look for the suspect. Due to conflicting reports about the suspect’s last location, El Mirage officers and MCSO deputies began to sweep the hallways of the school. The suspect was not located but would be arrested several hours later.
Police said during the effort to secure the school, parents and family began to arrive. In the video, you can see one of the family members, Vincent Raul Castaneda, 22, approach the front office, contact the principal and officers, and say, “I am here for my sister, bro. I am responsible for my little sister; this is bulls--- bro.”
The video shows the assistant principal tell Castaneda the suspect did not enter the school. At this point, Castaneda shook hands with the principal and other school employees and then walked back to his truck in the parking lot.
A short time later, Jonathan Vincent Davis, 22, was seen by officers trying to scale the school fence near the front office, which had been secured during the lockdown. In the video, you see officers approach him, and Davis becomes argumentative and somewhat aggressive toward the officers, saying there was “an active shooter” at the school.
In the video, an El Mirage officer tells Davis he is not being helpful and that he is starting to make people panic. In the video, you see Castaneda step in front of Davis, acting as a shield.
Moments later, police said Davis met up with Castaneda and Castaneda’s mother, 48-year-old Darlene Gonzales.
Davis, Castaneda, and Gonzales start arguing with officers and based on Castaneda’s efforts to disrupt officers. El Mirage police said they were directed to arrest him.
In the video, you can see Castaneda, Gonzales, and Davis scuffle with officers before Castaneda loses his gun. Seeing the gun, yelled, “gun!” and Castaneda was tased and arrested.
During his arrest, Gonzales could be heard pleading with Davis to stop.
El Mirage police said Davis had been pushed back several feet from the incident. As officers attempted to arrest Castaneda, Davis yelled, “Hey!” and threw his hands in the air, and ran toward an officer. In the video, you see Davis being tased as he approached the officer.
Police said Castaneda was arrested and booked on several charges, including a weapons violation and obstruction. Police said Davis is facing disorderly conduct charges. Gonzales is not facing any charges at this time.
Officers were able to locate the suspect who was trying to enter the school and he was taken into custody as well, police said. He is being evaluated by mental health professionals, and criminal charges are pending. However, police said that man is not being identified yet.
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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/arizona/el-mirage-police-release-body-cam-video-from-lockdown-at-thompson-ranch-elementary-school-in-el-mirage/75-45fa85b9-ee34-4edd-bf14-19214911497c | 2022-08-17T06:58:52 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/el-mirage-police-release-body-cam-video-from-lockdown-at-thompson-ranch-elementary-school-in-el-mirage/75-45fa85b9-ee34-4edd-bf14-19214911497c |
PHOENIX — Thirty-five years ago, countless lives were changed forever when an airliner crashed shortly after take-off, killing everyone on board except a four-year-old girl.
Northwest Airlines Flight 255 is one of the deadliest aviation crashes in the nation. In total, 154 people on their way to Phoenix died that day in Detroit on August 16, 1987. Two people on the ground were also killed.
On Tuesday, those who had loved ones on that tragic flight remembered them with a memorial service in Phoenix.
Each one of those names was read out loud right next to the memorial placed outside City Hall. Those who gathered knew someone on that flight.
"She was a flight attendant," says Elizabeth Schaffer-Smith, who lost her mother in the crash. Schaffer-Smith says she was ten at the time. "She was wonderful," Schaffer-Smith says, "I have wonderful memories."
Justin Behnke was seven when his mother died in the crash. He still remembers that day vividly. "It was me and my sister's family at the house, you know, [I] just got done fishing with my best bud that day." Behnke and his dad were just about to leave for Phoenix Sky Harbor to pick his mom up when they got the call.
"We turned on the TV, and sure enough, there's a plane and flames on the freeway, Behnke says.
One hundred forty-eight passengers and six crew members were killed in the crash. Two people on the ground also died. The only survivor was a child on the plane. Reports say she was traveling with her mom, dad, and brother.
As for what caused the crash, an investigation conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed it was a pilot error. The report claims the flight crew failed to use the taxi checklist. Leading to the aircraft’s flaps and slats not being properly extended before takeoff. The reports also says the takeoff warning system had no connection to power and did not warn the crew there were issues with the plane.
Following the crash, Northwest Airlines never used flight number 255 again. Even after it merged with Delta, the number has still not been used.
All these years later, Schaffer-Smith doesn't know if this pain will ever go away. "You think that it would, but it doesn't," Schaffer-Smith says, holding back tears. "You just learn how to move forward."
However, hearing these names reach every year brings a sense of comfort Schaffer-Smith says, "We still remember. Their spirit lives on."
Knowing those lost will not be forgotten.
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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/arizona/northwest-airlines-flight-255-victims-remembered-in-phoenix-on-35th-anniversary/75-6d213801-3b2e-4144-86fc-9fce98fbd890 | 2022-08-17T06:58:58 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/northwest-airlines-flight-255-victims-remembered-in-phoenix-on-35th-anniversary/75-6d213801-3b2e-4144-86fc-9fce98fbd890 |
Joseph Fowler, 81, of Rupert died Monday, August 15, 2021, at his home. Service arrangements are under the care of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.
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Opinion: Imagine you are new to Idaho. You’ve left your trusted longtime physician behind, and now you need a new primary care doctor. How are you supposed to judge whether a new doctor is qualified, gives good advice and will take good care of you? So you pick one off of your insurer’s website and hope she’s a good one.
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Opinion: Idaho’s Senate delegation shows no sign of cleaning up its act. It continues to put the interests of wealthy donors and the national Republican party ahead of the citizens of the state of Idaho. And on Sunday night, they did so in an especially egregious fashion.
Concerned that a massive wind energy project would have a negative impact on their rural county, Minidoka County Commission passed a resolution in opposition to the Lava Ridge Wind Project.
Led by new band director Kristopher Crozier, this years show name is 'Rites of Passage', but first Crozier wanted to do a little team building first.
One teacher doesn't want a single student to receive a failing grade. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/death-notices/article_ccf7e7ca-1db8-11ed-a9a3-ff5f79be8ce5.html | 2022-08-17T07:31:06 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/death-notices/article_ccf7e7ca-1db8-11ed-a9a3-ff5f79be8ce5.html |
A Connecticut mother is joining a $25 million lawsuit, claiming that her young Black child was discriminated against at New York's Legoland theme park — a similar claim that a Brooklyn mother made about a costumed character at a Sesame Place park, sparking the lawsuit.
Breana Ramsay and her sister-in-law were at the Goshen amusement park with their 2- and 4-year-old children in June, when the Bridgeport mother said they became subject to a racist encounter.
"There is a employee who bends down to the left, to a child that was white. That child did not want to interact with them, so the employee walked completely around my daughter and nephew to another white child to interact with them," said Ramsay.
In the video, Ramsay's sister-in-law can be heard asking "Did he just walk past my babies though, and not give them a high five? Is that what just happened?"
Ramsay said the video also shows a character in the back dancing with a white child, and snubbing the Black girl right next to her.
The video ends after about 28 seconds, but Ramsay, her sister-in-law and their attorney Darnell Crosland have joined a $25 million class action lawsuit which includes claims of racism against Legoland, Sesame Place in Philadelphia, and Chuck-E-Cheese in Wayne, New Jersey, after similar videos recently surfaced.
"Martin Luther King had to sit down and tell his daughter Yulanda that she couldn’t go to Fun Town cause they didn’t let Blacks into amusement parks then," said Crosland. "This systemic racism has been going on for so long, now that we have cameras and people have social media and they have a bigger voice, now we’re starting to see all these cases that have existed all along."
In a statement, Legoland responded to the claims, saying "Providing a safe, fun environment for children and their families is our number one priority. As soon as we were made aware of this incident, we immediately attempted to contact the guest and opened an urgent investigation. Our company has zero tolerance for any behavior which doesn’t make our guests feel fully included."
A spokesperson said that closed-circuit cameras showed 17 minutes of the dance party, and does show interaction between the characters and Ramsay's daughter and nephew. A letter sent to Crosland from Legoland's lawyers said they are still investigating the incident.
"It kept happening over and over and over, and the only time they engaged with the children is when they moved them away from the Lego characters," said Ramsay.
Crosland also questioned why the park hadn't yet turned over their video.
"They’re still investigating, so how long does it take to investigate 17 minutes? It should take about 17 minutes," he said.
Ramsay said she wants a refund, the workers involved to be fired, and compensation for therapy the children are now undergoing as a result of the incident.
"For her 4-year-old son to sit there and ask us, 'Why don’t they want to play with me? Why don’t they want to be our friend?'" Ramsay said. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ct-mom-says-legoland-worker-discriminated-against-daughter-and-nephew-joins-25m-suit/3827523/ | 2022-08-17T07:34:47 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ct-mom-says-legoland-worker-discriminated-against-daughter-and-nephew-joins-25m-suit/3827523/ |
A group of lower Manhattan residents held a rally to stop a $220 million project that they say will ruin a popular Hudson River waterfront.
The so-called reconstruction of Wagner Park, found at the very southern tip of Manhattan, will come at a cost of more than 100 trees and the loss of acres of landscaped lawns, according to a local neighborhood association.
The Battery Park City Authority had been planning on stating the resiliency project come September, which the agency said is designed to proved urgently needed flood risk reduction for that vulnerable section of Manhattan. But those who live in the area say the plan goes far beyond that, paving over important public space.
"It will tear up 112 trees, tear up all the grass that you see, reduce green space up to 50 percent," said Britni Erez, the founding board member of the Battery Park Neighborhood Association.
Wagner Park is also a daily place space for local children and students attending at least two nearby schools — the founder of which said she felt left out of the process.
"We knew the city was addressing resiliency but no one knew the depth of the planning, no one knew the intention to demolish Wagner park," said Jennifer Jones, founder of Battery Park Montessori and Pine Street School. "Because trust me, if the schools had known, there would have been pushback a long time ago."
Concerned residents also sent letters and signed a petition. Just before Tuesday evening's rally, the BPCA announced a new proposal which they said would add more trees and increase lawn area for the project by almost 13,000 square feet.
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But parkgoers said they still need to have their say.
"This community really cherishes this park, and they also cherish process and participation. So we are not going to just stand by and let an organization that has no buy-in or stake whatsoever, doesn't even live here, make decisions that impact us and our families forever," Jones said.
Construction on the park is still expected to start after Labor Day in September. The park could be closed for up to two years. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/locals-rally-to-halt-220m-plan-they-say-will-ruin-popular-manhattan-waterfront-park/3827501/ | 2022-08-17T07:34:53 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/locals-rally-to-halt-220m-plan-they-say-will-ruin-popular-manhattan-waterfront-park/3827501/ |
The largest school district in the U.S. is relaxing some of its COVID-19 protocols, as roughly a million students prepare to return to the classroom in just a few short weeks,
The NYC Department of Education released its COVID policies for the coming year on Tuesday, and while they are similar to the rules in the spring, some big things will change.
For the 2022-2023 school year, students will no longer undergo random PCR testing in school. Instead, they will only get take-home tests, a total of four per month.
"They are giving the test, so you taking them home so you can do on your own. I think it’s even better," said parent Roueu Bally.
Daily health screeners are also no longer required to enter buildings. Masks are encouraged, but only mandatory for children who’ve been exposed, who are returning to school after being infected with COVID, or who are showing symptoms at school.
Quarantine is also not necessary for children who’ve been exposed, but test negative.
The vaccination rules are staying the same for the upcoming school year: Not mandatory for children unless they want to participate in extra-curricular activities after school. Vaccination is mandatory for all employees and adult visitors entering school buildings.
Parents, students and teachers all seemed split on the protocols, as some seemed to agree with the less stringent measures, but others said it is a risky choice.
"I feel like they’re being really irresponsible about it, especially knowing the amount of deaths that we had due to COVID," said 15-year-old Evangelee Medina.
Her parent, Angel Medina, tended to agree, saying "if someone’s still sick, you could get whatever they have. And not just COVID, but now this new thing called the monkeypox. It’s very frightening, you could say.”
Teacher Celia Walker said that she has some reservations about the policy, saying both she and her students got sick in the past — and thinks they all got it from school. But 12-year-old Rama Diallo still believed the new measures are a "good way to get back to normal." | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/updated-covid-guidance-released-for-nyc-schools-what-to-know/3827557/ | 2022-08-17T07:34:59 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/updated-covid-guidance-released-for-nyc-schools-what-to-know/3827557/ |
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson is helping families on the Tohono O’odham Nation find new schools for children to attend, after San Xavier Mission School suddenly closed down Friday.
The historic school closed “due to a significant decrease in enrollment as well as lack of critical staffing to include a kindergarten teacher and principal,” Sheri Dahl, schools superintendent for the diocese, said in a Monday announcement.
On Tuesday, as school employees cleaned out the campus, Dahl said the diocese was working to connect families with the other educational options.
“We’re all sad,” Dahl said. “But at the end of the day, the children deserve a quality education that, right now, the school cannot provide, and so we have to do what’s best for them. That’s our bottom line.”
San Xavier Mission School, next door to San Xavier Mission del Bac, has long served K-8 students on the Tohono O’odham Nation. It started its year on Aug. 1 with a budget that could accommodate at least 45 students. That was the total enrollment number on the first day of classes.
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But since the school wasn’t able to offer kindergarten due to the lack of a teacher, that enrollment number quickly dropped to 40 as parents pulled their kids out of the school to find the grade levels their families needed.
“I mean, 45 (students) was already a really stretched budget to run a school. It would’ve been doable, but to drop to 40 within a week … that was the tipping point,” Dahl said.
Student families and about 10 employees of the school were notified soon after the decision was made Aug. 12 to suspend the school’s operations, Dahl said. There are several vacancies in other diocese schools that the workers have been encouraged to apply for, she added.
On Monday and Tuesday, diocese school leaders also coordinated with parents and other diocese schools to find placements for the students, Dahl said. The school has been helping families with two main alternatives, she said: finding another Catholic school they can transfer to, or directing them to public schools in the area.
“Out of the families who have begun transitioning to other schools and have reached out to us for assistance, about 80% are selecting another Catholic school,” she said, not naming specific schools.
In a letter sent out to families, Father Ponchie Vasquez of San Xavier Mission said Santa Cruz Catholic School, at 29 W. 22nd St., is the nearest diocese school to the mission, which is on the southwest side of the Tucson area.
He said leadership will work to ensure there are tuition scholarships available to families who opt to stay in the Catholic school system.
Dahl said the diocese doesn’t have its own central transportation system for students who opted to stay in a Catholic school, so it would be up to parents and guardians to coordinate their kids’ transportation to and from school. Public school districts might offer their own transportation routes in the area, she noted.
Short notice, big adjustments
Patty Brueggeman, a special education teacher who has worked part time with San Xavier Mission School through a partnership with Sunnyside Unified School District, said she worries about how families will adjust within such a short time frame.
She criticized the suddenness of the closure, which she said left community members scrambling to find new schools and new jobs.
Although families had been responsible for their own kids’ transportation to San Xavier Mission School, she pointed out that many students had simply walked to campus because it was in their neighborhood.
The Sunnyside Unified School District, which is the primary school district for the area, offers transportation to some of their schools, but Brueggeman said the students will have to adjust to much more as they transfer to a new campus.
For example, she said, the young Indigenous children will no longer be immersed in a school with their own native language and culture.
The mission school, which opened in 1864 as the first Catholic school in Arizona, had a philosophy of connecting Native American students to their heritage, languages and traditions, its website says.
“I’m sure the parents like for them to be where they hear their own language, they see their own people,” Brueggeman said. “I will say that public schools try their best. Most of them have a Native American specialist who works with the kids because they do struggle in public schools off the reservation.”
Austin Nunez, chairman of the San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation, said the school will be missed, but “not all is lost.”
He said that while the Sunnyside district doesn’t offer courses specific to the Tohono O’odham language or culture, there are after-school extracurricular opportunities available to students who wish to learn more.
“We have a program called the People’s Wellness House that works with some of the students, and they have after-school programs at Santa Clara Elementary School” in the Sunnyside district, he said, adding that students who sign up have the opportunity to delve into Native American culture and language.
Still, Nunez hopes things can go back to normal in time for next year.
“Their presence will certainly be missed here, and I hope that by next school year, the situation will be improved so that the school can reopen,” he said.
But Dahl said it’s still not clear whether San Xavier Mission School will reopen its doors next year.
“We want to be very deliberate and, instead of focusing on a particular timeline, we want to focus on doing it correctly,” Dahl said, adding that she hopes to have a better idea of the school’s future by spring.
Photos: San Xavier Mission in 1940 and 2015
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Have any questions or news tips about K-12 education in Southern Arizona? Contact reporter Genesis Lara at glara@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/education/closed-san-xavier-mission-school-helps-to-place-students-elsewhere/article_4603c618-1d99-11ed-89eb-afd2a7748f9a.html | 2022-08-17T08:12:54 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/education/closed-san-xavier-mission-school-helps-to-place-students-elsewhere/article_4603c618-1d99-11ed-89eb-afd2a7748f9a.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Public Library is celebrating a successful summer reading program this year.
More than 20,000 thousand students participated. Together they read for more than 16 million minutes over the summer. That's the equivalent of more than 28 years.
The goal is to help kids succeed at school when the summer is over.
"Our summer reading program is based on how many minutes kids read during the summer," says Devery North, the library's school-aged & family programming specialist. "This is all based on lots of different studies that show that kids get a lot out of reading 20 minutes every day. Not only does it help them read more, it helps them in school to retain information during the school year and just be better students in general."
The library also partnered with the Indianapolis Colts to give more than 5,000 books to children in foster care.
"t's really exciting that kids read this summer and spend so much time reading, but it's also really wonderful that those same kids have given back to other children in the community to help them read as well," North said.
Now that the program is done, parents may be wondering how to keep their kids reading.
"If your kids takes a nosedive during the school year and isn't reading, that's okay," says North. "They are reading a lot at school.
But if you want them to keep reading outside of school she says "20 minutes is really that it takes. You can schedule that into your family time - everybody sits down and reads for 20 minutes. Or you encourage everybody to have quiet time to read something on their own. Or read a book together, that's wonderful too. Audiobooks are also a great thing as well. Audiobooks are just as important as you sitting and reading a book or two."
If you are looking for programs to continue encouraging your child to read, the Indianapolis Public Library has two that are also one running: 1000 Books Before Kindergarten encourages families to read 1000 books to children before they reach Kindergarten. 100 Books Before Graduation encourages high schoolers to read 100 books before the end of their senior year. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/building-on-success-of-indy-public-librarys-summer-reading-program/531-be119fc7-c888-4323-966f-1acf89a411ff | 2022-08-17T09:07:43 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/building-on-success-of-indy-public-librarys-summer-reading-program/531-be119fc7-c888-4323-966f-1acf89a411ff |
Kimberly K. (Smith) Soma, 55, of Belmond, died Friday, August 12, 2022. Arrangements: Ewing Funeral Home, Belmond.
Chris A. Templeton, 60, died Monday, August 15, 2022, at his home. Arrangements: Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.
Richard A. Wilde, 76, of Osage, died Monday, August 15, 2022, , at Mitchell County Regional Hospital in Osage. Arrangements: Schroeder-Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/globe-death-notices/article_fe9cad30-f0f6-5a39-9f47-9a1a09679c2e.html | 2022-08-17T09:10:02 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/globe-death-notices/article_fe9cad30-f0f6-5a39-9f47-9a1a09679c2e.html |
Loreen Wilde-Seely
August 13, 2022
OSAGE-Loreen Wilde-Seely 89, of Osage died Saturday, August 13, 2022, at her home in Osage
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 19, at Osage Alliance Church in Osage with Pastor Kevin Hercula officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, August 18, 2022, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Osage Alliance Church in Osage. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery Rock Township. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/loren-wilde-seely/article_bf95650f-e08d-55fe-9e34-fba05c82b063.html | 2022-08-17T09:10:08 | 0 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/loren-wilde-seely/article_bf95650f-e08d-55fe-9e34-fba05c82b063.html |
ATHENS, Pa. — A man from Bradford County is facing a slew of child sex charges.
Police say 27-year-old Benjamin Wheeler of Athens admitted to sexually assaulting a young girl over the course of the past year.
Wheeler also allegedly took photos and videos of children engaged in sexual acts.
Investigators believe he traded the child pornography with others on social media.
He's locked up in Bradford County.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/bradford-county/man-locked-up-child-sex-charges-bradford-county-athens/523-2e667946-a125-417b-81e4-cae38313308a | 2022-08-17T09:43:55 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/bradford-county/man-locked-up-child-sex-charges-bradford-county-athens/523-2e667946-a125-417b-81e4-cae38313308a |
Lakeland commissioners greenlight downtown high-rise buildings on The Ledger's parking lots
LAKELAND — The city gave the greenlight to a project that would add mixed-use high-rises to parking areas of The Ledger site in downtown Lakeland but does not involve changes to The Ledger's building or its operations.
City commissioners voted 6-0 Monday to allow major modifications to the Planned Unit Development for The Ledger's site, 300 W. Lime St., to allow for C-6 zoning that will allow future mixed-use commercial, retail and residential uses. Commissioner Chad McLeod recused himself from the vote.
"This is a great opportunity for Lakeland and Downtown West to evolve and become more dense," Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley said.
The property's owner Lakeland West Lime LLC has hired The Lunz Group to draft plans to transform the 17-acre property into a mixed-use complex. The conceptual plans call for five- to seven-story buildings to a maximum height of 120 feet based on the slope of the property, which significantly changes from the north to south.
The first phase of the development focused on building vertically on The Ledger's property existing surface parking lots that border Lime Street, according to attorney Bart Allen. These buildings would include a parking garage along with a mixed-use retail and residential building for up to 500 multi-family apartments.
"We are very excited about this project," Jeff Donalson, representing Lakeland West Lime LLC, told The Ledger.
Commissioner Stephanie Madden asked if the development team thought 120-foot building height limitation offered sufficient space to accomplish the proposed mixed-use development. Allen said the design team is working within 120 feet and would come back to the city if a variance if needed.
Previously:Lakeland Ledger site moves one step closer to adding apartments and commercial space
Morgan Creek expansion:Lakeland officials approve Medulla Road development despite environmental concerns
'We're out':Canopy Oaks withdraws proposal to add mobile home units at Lake Wales resort
The commission clearly signaled it would be willing to allow the buildings to exceed 120 feet.
"We would encourage that. We recognize there may be a cost that is not desirable. If it is a desire, we would be amicable," Mayor Bill Mutz said.
The development team said it will work with city staff to ensure the site is connected to Lakeland's existing pedestrian and bike paths. These include the trail along Harden/Sikes Boulevard and the city's Lake-to-Lake Trail that tentative plans show running along Missouri Avenue.
Lakeland residents have expressed concern whether redevelopment of The Ledger site would reconnect New York Avenue or offer vehicle access onto Palmetto street. Allen said there will be no vehicle access to the site from Palmetto Street, but a pedestrian and bike-friendly path to the north to connect with the New York Avenue Cycle Path is proposed.
There is a second phase of development for the south half of the property in the future. The proposal is to build mixed-use building behind the existing Ledger building and along Sikes Boulevard.
Allen reassured there are no plans to change the existing use of The Ledger building or its tenant, occupied by the newspaper and its print operations , as well as a portion subleased to Publix.
Donalson said the property's owner has not entered any negotiations with The Ledger, it's parent company Gannett, or other companies on the site regarding their existing leasing, which includes use of the parking lots.
Publix parking lot vote postponed
The City Commission voted 6-0 to postpone considering whether Publix Supermarkets will be allowed to demolish the former Citrus Mutual Building, 411 E. Orange St., to use the site for surface level parking. Publix has purchased the former FedEx building, 333 E. Lemon St., where it plans to house its new technology campus. The public hearing was postponed at Publix's request.
Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFl. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/08/17/lakeland-development-downtown-high-rises-parking-lots-approved-city/10331247002/ | 2022-08-17T09:45:57 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/08/17/lakeland-development-downtown-high-rises-parking-lots-approved-city/10331247002/ |
MIDLAND, Texas — Midland ISD recently earned a "B" rating from the TEA.
These were the first ratings released since 2019. In 2019, the district received a "C" rating. The district also said that the report showed even more progress among the district's campuses.
"Our overall goal is that students will graduate ready for college and career readiness so that's a very broad goal that we have a very challenging goal, but one that is definitely worthy," said Angie Aaron, Principal at Jones Elementary. "So when we break it down, when we are looking at the elementary level, then we're looking at what students need to do to be successful at this grade level, so they can go from kinder to first grade, from first to second and so forth."
The number of campuses earning an "A" or "B" rating more than tripled. Six campuses got an "A" rating and seven got a "B" rating. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-isd-receives-a-b-rating-from-the-tea/513-866890df-4975-440a-83f8-4fa0b32c1671 | 2022-08-17T09:53:42 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-isd-receives-a-b-rating-from-the-tea/513-866890df-4975-440a-83f8-4fa0b32c1671 |
Fandemonia in Alliance hosts collectible card games
ALLIANCE − You might not know who Gideon or Nizza Revane are.
Eevee might be a mystery, too.
Earl Fox and his staff at Fandemonia, 304 E. Main St. in downtown Alliance, know who they are. So do the loyal fans of the store.
Opened in July 2020, Fandemonia specializes in sports cards and collectible card games like Pokemon or Magic: The Gathering. Fox also has board games, sells merchandise and hosts events regularly there. Sometimes he has midnight tournaments.
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"The atmosphere is great," said Jack Dailey, 34, of Alliance, a regular patron. "They are super friendly."
Fox, who lives in Randolph, said is no stranger to the collectible industry, having co-owned a Hartville-area sports card shop in early 2000s. He eventually left the business, taking a break from collectibles, to pursue other interests.
After some changes in his personal life, Fox said he decided to take another shot at collectibles and mixed sports with trading card games, like Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh, which have a loyal fanbase.
"I just started collecting and started loading up and looking at everything," Fox said. "I put together a three-year plan and I put it on paper. I targeted the city. I felt like this city had the best potential. Canton was pretty well tapped."
Fox said his store offers a safe place for like-minded card players to find a game and make friends, or to help new players learn the games. He has free and paid events, and free tables for players to use.
All are welcome
Both adults and children are welcomed.
"We dedicated (at least) one day a week to staying open late for the second-shift guys," Fox said.
Dailey said he takes his daughters, ages 8 and 6, to Fandemonia to play Pokemon.
"It's a place where kids can go down and play," he said. "They do all kinds of stuff down there. It's all community. Everyone is invited."
Continuing, Dailey added: "If you want to learn to play, there's always someone down there willing to show you how to play."
Fox said he is one of the business owners trying to change the "stigma" of downtown Alliance, offering another family-friendly attraction there. "You got to," he said.
"Everybody who is down here is generally trying to make a difference here," Fox said.
Free tables and tournaments
Fox added that his store is open three to four nights a week after midnight.
"You can come in," he said, "and at any point in time we have free tables, and some table spaces designed for TCGs and RPGs."
Purrfect: Cat café opens in Alliance
Fox continued, saying: "We have dedicated tables set up for some of the larger ones, like Warhammer. You can come purchase sports card, single cards and sealed products."
He routinely posts tournament information on the store's Facebook page. Dailey said it seems like midnight games usually coincide with new releases.
"It's nice," Dailey said, because players can purchase new decks of cards at midnight before most people can get them from retailers.
"I just love going down to Earl's shop," he said.
Fox said the benefits of in-person tournaments include providing players with a place to enhance their social skills, learn to make decisions and incorporate math.
"There's no replacing that," online, he said.
Dailey added: "In this type of environment, hobby, whatever you call it, you call up a buddy and hope he (or she) can play a game. Sometimes it's hard to find time. With the store, you can pop in and find someone to play."
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP.
Follow on Twitter @bduerREP
Other businesses
There are several other businesses in Stark County that host | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2022/08/17/pokemon-magic-dungeons-yugioh-fandemonia-alliance-ohio-2022/7649720001/ | 2022-08-17T10:06:31 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2022/08/17/pokemon-magic-dungeons-yugioh-fandemonia-alliance-ohio-2022/7649720001/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Are you in the market for a new electric vehicle? They’re quick, they’re green and they are generally lower in cost to maintain than their ICE (internal combustion engine) counterparts. But because EVs (and PHEVs – plug-in electric vehicles) are relatively new technology and very popular (see gas prices), most electric cars, crossovers, SUVs and trucks are not cheap.
To take some of the sting away from the hefty purchase price of a new electric vehicle (and to promote and speed along the adoption of emerging battery technology), the U.S. government established tax credit incentives for EVs and PHEVs as part of the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008. The “Clean Vehicle Credits” went into effect on January 1, 2010.
In general, here’s how it works: If you take delivery of a new EV or PHEV and the manufacturer of that vehicle has sold less than 200,000 of them, then you qualify for a credit of up to $7,500 on your taxes (assuming you had at least $7,500 in federal taxes for the year). After a manufacturer has sold 200,000 qualified electric vehicles, the tax credit goes down by half to $3,750. Six months later, the credit is halved again to $1,875. One year after the first reduction, tax credits for vehicles from that manufacturer are completely phased out.
Tax credits start at $2,917 for a vehicle with a 5kWh battery pack (a small battery that you’ll find on a plug-in), and go up by another $417 for each kilowatt hour of battery capacity. The credits top out at the aforementioned $7,500. As an example, a Ford Mustang Mach-E (EV) will have a $7,500 tax credit (standard battery packs are 70 kWh), but a Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV) only has a $4,502 tax credit (standard battery packs are 8.8 kWh).
[NOTE: Apologies for not warming readers in advance that there would be math involved in this article.]
According to the Department of Energy’s list for Federal Tax Credits for New All-Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles, Tesla tax credits expired on December 31, 2019. GM’s tax credits (Chevrolet and Cadillac) expired on March 31, 2020. Both Toyota and Lexus tax credits are scheduled to sunset on September 30, 2023.
And by the way, Toyota only recently introduced their first all-electric vehicle in years, the 2023 bZ4X (bZ stands for “beyond zero” (for emissions), “4″ is the vehicle category, and “X” stands for crossover). The company used most of its battery technology and resources on hybrids (which don’t qualify for federal tax credits because their battery capacity is under 5 kWh) and plug-ins (which can qualify for federal tax credits because their battery capacity is over 5 kWh). Previously, Toyota brought only one fully electric model to market (the 2012-2014 RAV4 EV).
So that’s how the tax-credit for electric vehicles incentives work -- until now.
On August 16th, President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, legislation designed to bring economic relief to consumers.
For anyone looking for an electric vehicle, the new statute restores the $7,500 tax rebate for manufacturers that had sold more than 200,000 EVs or PHEVs. Furthermore, used EVs and PHEVs will soon qualify for up to $4,000 in tax credits.
This is great news for the companies that had used up all their tax credits (we’re looking at you GM and Tesla). In effect, those two manufacturers get to pass along up to $7,500 in price breaks to most of their EV/PHEV customers without essentially lifting a finger.
But oh, did we forget Toyota?
Nope, because under the new rules set to go into effect in 2024, right now, EVs and PHEVs from Toyota (the RAV4 Prime, Prius Prime, and bZ4X) don’t qualify. Neither will a lot of other popular vehicles like Kia’s EV6, Niro and Sorento Plug-In or Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, Kona, Santa Fe Plug-In, Sonata Plug-In and Tucson PHEV. Why? As part of the Inflation Relief Act, language was slipped in to exempt EVs and PHEVs that are not assembled in North America.
Where someone giveth, someone also taketh away and in this case, that someone would by West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin (D).
A big part of getting the bill through the Senate were secret negotiations between Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. In this case, Manchin’s wants and needs went to the core of protecting his West Virginia constituents, mainly putting language in place to rally against China’s dominance in supplying battery components for electric vehicles.
Manchin pushed for mandates that among other things, require 40% of the battery components (minerals such as graphite, lithium, nickel cobalt, and manganese) be sourced from the U.S. or another free trade agreement country. Furthermore, the Inflation Reduction Act says those components cannot come from a “foreign entity of concern,” including China and Russia. And that 40% rises every year.
While these new requirements are a push for less reliance on the Chinese for electric vehicle power (China supplies about 76% of the lithium-ion batteries in the world’s electric vehicles; the U.S. supplies about 8%), all of this could have a very negative effect on the eligibility of tax credits for American buyers going forward.
Aside from Toyota, Hyundai and Kia being the big losers under the new rules (because their EV and PHEVs aren’t assembled in North America), some other well-known manufacturers are also unhappy and could be left out in the cold.
Nissan’s new Ariya all-electric SUV will be excluded because it is being built in Japan, but the Leaf (built in Smyrna, Tennessee) will be safe (if the Leaf is still in existence going forward). Subaru will miss out (the Crosstrek Hybrid and Solterra are built in Japan) as will Porsche (all Porsches are built in Germany). Audi is a winner and loser (mostly loser) as their EVs and PHEVs are built in Germany (except for all of their Q5s, which are built in Mexico).
Same news for BMW: their iX and i4 (EVs) are also built in Germany, but the X5 is built in Spartanburg, South Carolina (and all 3-Series are built in Mexico). Volkswagen is a winner; as of last month, they started building their only EV, the new ID.4, in Chattanooga, Tennessee (previous First Edition ID.4s were made in Germany). Remember, however, all of these foreign nameplates will only get their tax credits going forward if they are not only built in North America, but also meet the battery components requirements as well.
Many argue that less choices for tax credits for electric vehicles (because they’re not built in North America) exudes nationalism and an isolationism approach that is unfriendly to consumers and ultimately prolongs U.S. reliance on fossil fuels.
In addition to the North American assembly requirements, there are some other new rules going forward in 2024:
- EV or PHEV sedans can’t cost more than $55,000.
- EV or PHEV SUVs, pickups, and vans can’t cost more than $80,000.
- Income for people looking to cash in on the tax credits would also be capped: $150k for single filers, $225,000 for head of households, and $300k for joint filers.
- The tax credits will be in place through 2032.
- The new legislation also includes a so called “transition rule.” In a nutshell, if a customer has a written, binding contract on an electric vehicle BEFORE President Biden signs the bill, the current tax credit payout is in effect no matter when the vehicle is delivered. Who’s liking this loophole? Just about all of the foreign automakers who will be left out in the cold in the future and Rivian, whose vehicles have prices that may exceed the new caps.
- More information on used electric vehicles: the tax credit is $4,000 OR 30% of the price of the vehicle, whichever is less. Used vehicles must be at least two years old and cost $25,000 or less.
- Both new and used hydrogen fuel cell vehicles also qualify, but we pretty much don’t have them in Florida because the hydrogen fueling infrastructure limits just about all of them to California.
- Battery capacity on the EV or PHEV must be at least 7 kWh (up from 5 kWh).
- Clean Vehicle Credits can be directly transferred to the dealer prior to the purchase of the EV or PHEV. This may be the most overlooked part of the Inflation Reduction Act when it comes to EVs and PHEVs. Going forward, customers would have the option of transferring their tax credit directly to the dealership who would then take the same amount off the purchase price of the electric vehicle or give the consumer a cash rebate. Bottomline: no waiting around until each April to claim the tax credit.
Who wins and who loses?
For the moment, everyone loses as there are barely any EVs and PHEVs that are built in North America that also have 40% of their battery components manufactured in North America as well.
According to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, of the 72 new EV and PHEV vehicles available in the U.S. today, “Seventy percent of those EVs would immediately become ineligible when the bill passes and none would qualify for the full credit when additional sourcing requirements go into effect.” In opposition to Manchin’s push for more domestic sourcing of battery components, the group instead is calling for a more gradual adoption of the new requirements. John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation suggests the U.S. not just limit battery sourcing to free trade agreement countries, but to include NATO countries as well.
If the battery component requirements can be met, the big winners will be General Motors and Tesla who will be excited to get their tax credit eligibility reinstated. Ford and Stellantis (Chrysler, Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot, and RAM) are breathing a sigh of relief because even though they were both late to the PHEV and EV game, that lateness may payoff in the short-term of the next two years (they are both still under their respective 200k caps) and the fact they won’t have to sweat about losing tax credit incentives for another eight years after that.
As for all manufacturers with electric vehicles built outside of North America, it will be interesting to see if those with factories in Canada, Mexico, or the U.S. start to shift production (not something easily done on a short timeframe) or if heavy lobbying will turn into exemptions or waivers. All in all, the next few years will be interesting to watch as the rules shift to benefit some and hamper others.
Where does this leave consumers?
If you’re in the market for an EV or PHEV right now and that model still qualifies for a tax credit, you may want to consider starting that purchasing process sooner rather than later. This would especially go for vehicles that qualify now but won’t qualify later. If a vehicle like that is months (or years) away from being delivered, because of the transition rule, if your mind is made up, pull the trigger on the deal. But, if you wait a bit, you’ll get a much better financial deal on a used electric vehicle or a new Tesla, Cadillac, or Chevy (like Chevy’s all- new, all-electric Blazer) or some (but not all) new electric vehicles that will be introduced over the coming years.
Hang in there and keep this in mind: “To lose patience is to lose the battle,” so said Mahatma Gandhi. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/17/the-us-government-might-have-just-increased-the-cost-of-your-next-ev/ | 2022-08-17T10:21:40 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/17/the-us-government-might-have-just-increased-the-cost-of-your-next-ev/ |
Ask the candidates: Five seek to succeed Williams in District 2 seat on City Council
Five candidates are vying for the District 2 seat on the Gadsden City Council.
The seat is open after three-term incumbent Deverick Williams decided not to seek re-election.
The candidates are David Devine Sr., Ashton Gray, Amy Lipscomb, Steve Smith and David Woodard.
The election is Aug. 23; if no candidate receives a majority of the votes, a runoff will be held Sept. 20.
The Times asked each candidate about their short-term goals and long-term objectives should they be elected. The responses are published as submitted, subject to minor editing.
David Devine Sr.
The phrase “I will work for you” has been spread around like peanut butter on toast. It is often taken to heart, only to find out that when in office, the politicians work for no one but themselves. Their term is spent enriching themselves and telling you how great they are so you will vote them into another “do nothing” term. The cycle continues until a “better looking” candidate comes along.
I guess I’m one of those politicians because I am in this race to get what I want. I want:
1. Schools that are safe for my grandchildren to attend without worry.
2. School programs that will let them direct themselves into whatever career they want to follow.
3. A police department that has all of the personnel it needs, as well as up-to-date training, and the money to keep them when they are fully trained.
4. A fire department that has all of the most modern equipment that they will ever need to do what they are trained for; a competitive raise in pay and benefits, and incentives to keep them after they are fully trained.
5. A drastic reduction in crime. By enlarging our police presence, we can cut the amount of crime in this city. There are programs out there that, if we can implement them, provide more training and quicker response time for our first responders. Remember, Gadsden has been marked as the sixth most dangerous city to live in here in Alabama. I’d be happy with being the sixth safest, as long as we are striving for the No. 1 safest.
6. Better maintained streets. A lot of the roads (I MEAN A LOT) in our city are like driving on a washboard. Instead of working on them at election time, let’s clean them up right away. It’s the same money. Better now than when someone gives us a bill to fix their car.
7. Entertainment venues for our children and families. Yes, we have the sports venues, but that only entails a few hours a week. It does involve some parents, but not all. I’m thinking mini golf, go-kart tracks, skateboard and motocross tracks, etc. These are all venues that the entire family can get involved in. Involve the whole family, and you involve the whole community and surrounding communities.
8. Get our homeless off the streets and get them jobs. People are homeless for a multitude of reasons. We need to confront those problems and give these people a hand up, not a hand out. We have the programs. We just need to get these people in and get them help.
9. Good-paying jobs. We need to entice businesses into our city, but most of what will entice them I have listed above. I’m talking small businesses as well as large ones. The small business owner is the backbone of this country. The big ones just go along for the ride. We also need to entice outsiders to shop, work and play here. We can’t do that by sitting on our thumbs.
10. You knew this one was coming. I want you to trust that I will work with the new mayor and council to get these things done, or at least get them on their way to getting done. Nobody can make promises and be able to keep all of them. I make no promises except that I will work on things that matter to me, and hopefully to you, too. Aug. 23 is your chance to do what your heart tells you to do. I can only hope that your right thing is to give me a chance.
District 1 candidates:Incumbent Toles faces two challengers in Council District 1
That is my 10-point “I want” list. I don’t want these things just for myself. I want them for the people of Gadsden so we can have a city that we can more proudly call our home.
Ashton Gray
Short-Term Goals:
The City of Gadsden is one of the most beautiful cities in Alabama with its unique landscape and genuine sense of community. Gadsden is located on the Coosa River and has a majestic waterfall, which thousands visit annually. Though there is a strong sense of community in this Alabama city, for years communities in Gadsden have been overlooked. These communities have received poor sanitation practices. There has not been proper maintenance and upkeep to the drainage systems, which has caused flooding; roads have continuously patched rather than repaired; and several city projects within these communities have been negated by not being maintained and, in some cases, completed.
For example:
• The East Gadsden Community Center, a $5.5 million project, broke ground in February 2018 and was opened four years later in March 2022; however, the project was incomplete. The building lacks a sign for the general public and/or visitors to our city to recognize it; the community center does not have an elevator and is not handicap accessible (at the time this was written).
• A significant stretch of riverfront property has been developed; however, debris often litters the Coosa River and there is a significant amount of plant vegetation that is overgrown in many of our parks, boardwalks and along the highways.
Though there are several inadequacies regarding some of the communities in Gadsden, it does not negate my love for this city and the beauty that it holds. Thus, to better serve the citizens of Gadsden as District 2 councilman, my work will begin by seeing to the completion and development of the East Gadsden Community Center. I see the community center being the heart of this community, where our children and teens have a safe place to gather, and our young adults and professionals can have a place to network, as well as offer programs for our senior adults.
District 4 candidates:Back faces two challengers for District 4 council seat
I will meet with directors of various departments to learn the needs of each department and discuss how we can make the City of Gadsden a place where the locals are proud to call home, and a place travelers will add to their must visit list.
I will work with our sanitation department to discuss and implement solutions that will alleviate the amount of debris that litters our neighborhoods; as well as meet with the city's engineering department to learn about and discuss improvement to our roads, traffic flow and drainage issues. Both of these departmental meetings will bring insight to the workflows of our community, as well as the beautification measures to help our community grow. Everyone deserves a clean and well-functioning community which they are proud to call home.
Lastly, District 2 has a host of local businesses and entrepreneurs that are not highlighted for their unique contributions to our city. I will work diligently with business owners and local media to help create visibility of our local businesses and encourage community members to shop local, which ultimately will benefit our economy.
Long-Term Objectives:
I plan to work with and listen to ideas regarding the development of the river front property here in Gadsden.
Another goal that I plan to implement is to develop a civil rights tour that will educate locals and visitors alike to learn Gadsden's role in human rights history.
As we know, higher education is essential to the future of our communities and nations alike, not to mention community support in regards to higher education is a must. I would hope to see the development of city-led programs that would give graduates from high school and students from institutions of higher education information that will be a boost in their career paths and set them up for successful futures.
Amy Lipscomb
My vision for District 2 is to make our residents feel safe, for our families to grow and prosper and for the people of our district to work alongside one another to better our community. My hope is that we can inspire surrounding communities to implement similar practices, ultimately benefiting the entire City of Gadsden.
Short-Term Goals:
My short-term goals begin with binging awareness to the changes that need to happen in my district, as well as the City of Gadsden. I would like to see an increase in police presence in our neighborhoods, in an effort to decrease crime. Also, I believe in focusing on the youth of our community, so improvements to our parks and community centers are a priority. It is important for our residents to feel a sense of pride in their community, and I believe that adding an additional trash day will help with the cleanup that our community needs.
Long-Term Goals:
My long-term goals coincide with my short-term goals, as they are an extension of that vision. I would like to bring back the CAPP program, beginning in District 2. Providing an officer to patrol our communities would help with decreasing crime, as well as deterring speeders in our neighborhoods. Opening recreation centers on the weekends for children to have somewhere to go and play safely is a must. Our families deserve to see the city youth programs built back up without a high cost for children to play. Every child deserves a chance to participate in youth sports and parents shouldn't have the burden of outrageous fees. Bringing in viable jobs to the area and developing our riverfront would provide opportunities that allow our residents to work in their own communities. I also believe that raises for first responders and public works are important for retaining employees, ultimately cutting down turnover.
District 5 candidates:Past two incumbents, newcomer seek District 5 council seat
These are just a few goals that I will work hard to accomplish for District 2, helping our city to grow and prosper.
Steve Smith
Short-Term Goals:
If elected, my short-term goals will be to began immediately holding meetings with residents of District 2. I believe in order to effectively address the needs of the community, and also be a good steward, of taxpayer dollars, we need to find out what those needs are, then address them accordingly.
Long-Term Goals:
If elected, my long-term goals will be, first and foremost, collaborating with the other council members, along with the mayor's office, to attract industry. We need better jobs, and we need to add additional jobs. I believe the more people we can put to work, or put back to work, the quicker we can see morale change.
Secondly, school safety, all of our schools should have security present anytime out kids are on the grounds during normal school hours.
Thirdly, housing, I will push for affordable housing, and with a collaborative effort, clean up our neighborhoods and address our drainage issues.
David Woodard
A vote for me is a vote for our young people.
A vote for me is a vote for our first responders.
A vote for me is a vote for street and drainage repair.
A vote for me is a vote for for our Rec program.
A vote for me is a vote for safer and cleaner neighborhoods.
A vote for me is a vote for improved infrastructure.
A vote for me is a vote for unity.
Together we are Gadsden strong. | https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/17/gadsden-alabama-politics-city-council-district-2-2022-politicians/10219498002/ | 2022-08-17T10:28:31 | 1 | https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/17/gadsden-alabama-politics-city-council-district-2-2022-politicians/10219498002/ |
A 52-year-old restaurant patron was brutally beaten by another diner who followed him outside the eatery, put on a pair of gloves and punched him in the face in a wordless attack before walking back inside, authorities say.
Jarring footage of the Friday attack in front of Fuego Tipico Restaurant on 188th Street in Fordham Heights around 10:45 p.m. shows the victim on the street. A man is seen walking up behind him, arms folded low behind his back. He stands behind the victim, then slugs him violently with his right arm, immediately rendering him unconscious on the ground.
Then he stands over the motionless victim, looking down on him for a moment, before walking away.
Cops say it appears the victim had left the restaurant and stopped just outside of it when he saw several people talking. That's when the attacker came from behind him, donned the gloves and socked him in the head. The victim suffered a skull fracture, broken cheekbone and brain bleeding in the attack. He was said to be hospitalized in critical condition.
Police released surveillance of the attack (above). Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/diner-fractures-diners-skull-in-unprovoked-knockout-punch-on-nyc-street/3827690/ | 2022-08-17T10:38:24 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/diner-fractures-diners-skull-in-unprovoked-knockout-punch-on-nyc-street/3827690/ |
A fire at a motorsports shop closed a stretch of U.S. Route 206 in Burlington County Wednesday morning.
Smoke and flames could be seen coming from the roof of the building along Route 206 near Old Mansion Road before daybreak.
New Jersey State Police arrived around 2:45 a.m. to find fire coming from the exterior of the building, Vincent Fire Company Chief Scott Mitchell said.
Firefighters then responded and tried to battle back the flames, Mitchell said. However, firefighters had to leave the structure while the fire continued to burn.
"Our biggest concern was about the structural integrity of the building coming down," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said that crews removed as much of the equipment out of the building as they could before they left. They also cut a trench to try to contain the fire to the repair shop.
No injuries were reported.
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After mostly just smoke could be seen coming from the building, flames began to rage from the roof again around 6 a.m.
"We are going to have to take apart the building a little bit to take the fire out," Mitchell said as he stood in front of construction equipment that would be used.
Expect traffic trouble in the area as Route 206 was closed from Ridge Road to Retreat Road.
This story is developing and will be updated. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/fire-nj-motorsports-shop/3827759/ | 2022-08-17T10:38:30 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/fire-nj-motorsports-shop/3827759/ |
Community Hero: Simpsonville mom Tameka Diaz makes a difference for children who are blind
There was a time when braille books weren’t available in the Greenville County Library. Tameka Diaz helped change that.
Diaz, a mother of three, including a daughter who is blind, is now working to see braille in restaurants, on playgrounds and on signs.
She is an advocate for all children who are born blind.
She’s also a Community Hero.
The "Community Hero Greenville" program, sponsored by the Greenville Federal Credit Union, is a way of highlighting the generous, noble and selfless work of those among us who work tirelessly — often behind the scenes — to make our community a better place.
Diaz was cited for her advocacy and for choosing to be vocal about “missing braille books in our local libraries,” according to the letter nominating her for the honor.
Previously:Mauldin gets brewery, ice cream and smoothies as Simpsonville gets new coffeehouse
Ask Angelia:What's happening in the woods behind Walmart on White Horse Road?
'Amazing things': 37-year-old mother has always been willing to speak out
She has been a blessing to Greenville County, and her family has done "amazing things" for the community, the letter said. “They believe all families should have the same opportunity regardless of disability.”
Diaz, 37, a caregiver who wears many hats, said she is “really excited and grateful” to also have the title of Community Hero.
Diaz grew up near Columbia and has always been one to speak out on issues. She was pushed into action recently while caring for her 6-year-old daughter, Evely. Evely was born without eyes, a rare condition known as anophthalmia.
Tameka was disturbed to learn there were no braille books or sensory books in their local library.
“I really wasn’t OK with that,” she said. “When you walk into an establishment and there’s not something for available for everybody, that should be the shocker, not the other way around."
Diaz used to have to bring braille and sensory books from home to the library so that Evely could participate in enjoying books with her mother and sisters, Luna, 8, and Skye, 5.
“It was very frustrating,” Diaz said. “It’s a library, so it kind of felt like being in a situation where you had to bring the sand to the beach.”
And, she said, with the Upstate being home to the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, a school that families uproot their lives to be near, “if anywhere else, we definitely should have access to braille books and sensory books for early learners.”
So, she worked with the Greenville Library System to make it happen.
Greenville County Main Library now has braille and sensory books
Now the Greenville County Main Library has an area with braille and sensory books available.
That’s huge, Diaz said, because children like Evely should have the same access to the same information and things that every other child does.
In other news:What's on the menu? Greenville's Grand Bohemian Lodge to feature distinct food, drinks
More:A coffee shop, Korean BBQ and hot pot, bicycle pedaling party are opening in Greenville
And, she said, a lot of times “these books are extremely expensive, so I just thought it was really, really important that they are accessible. Everybody can't afford to buy a small library of braille books for their children.”
Diaz said she has since spoken to several restaurants and other businesses about having access to braille in large print in their establishments.
It’s important to promote as much independence for the blind community as possible, she said.
“Because they’re blind, they have to rely so much on other people for a lot of things. Little things that we can do in the community can make such a huge difference for them,” she said.
Diaz and her family live in Simpsonville. Before becoming a mother, she was a full-time singer in a band.
“I've recently started doing that again, just trying to do something for me, because life as the caregiver, so much of everything of yourself kind of goes into that,” Diaz said.
Diaz homeschools her three daughters.
She is also teaching them by example with her advocacy, which includes the “Through Evely’s Eyes” foundation, her "Advocate Like A Mother — Through Evely's Eyes" Facebook page, consults with other parents on medical journeys, speaking engagements, and more.
Her oldest daughter, Luna, seems to be following her mother's lead. She's written a book, “Evely’s Sister,” about her experience as a sibling of someone with disabilities. Proceeds from sales of the book, available on Amazon, support The Center for Siblings of People with Disabilities.”
Diaz’s hope is for a world that is truly inclusive and accessible for all “because all children deserve the same.”
“They deserve to be able to play freely. They deserve to be able to go to libraries and check out books that are made for them. They deserve to be represented,” she said. “My hope is to bring awareness to establishments, companies, small government, families, schools, everywhere about the importance of everyone being included and everybody being seen.” | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/17/greenville-community-hero-advocates-children-born-blind/10228534002/ | 2022-08-17T10:40:29 | 0 | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/17/greenville-community-hero-advocates-children-born-blind/10228534002/ |
This week, monkeypox cases have now topped 1,000 across Texas, with Dallas County’s 348 cases the most of any county in the state.
Dallas County received the equivalent of 25,000 doses of monkeypox vaccines this week.
Abounding Prosperity Inc.’s Hope Health and Wellness Center is hosting a vaccination clinic Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The group works closely with LGBTQ communities of color, making sure that no one falls through the cracks receiving the vaccine.
“We were very much so concerned about vaccine equity,” Abounding Prosperity CEO, Kirk Myers said.
The clinic has already vaccinated more than 250 people and plans to vaccinate between 200 and 300 more people this week.
Abounding Prosperity Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded to respond to social and health disparities affecting communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities in Dallas County. As a community-based clinic, there is a level of trust for the people who visit them.
“People are wiping the sweat off of their brow and I think people are really very anxious and concerned,” Myers said. “People talk about vaccine hesitancy and all those things. We are just not seeing that with monkeypox.”
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The latest news from around North Texas.
Abounding Prosperity hopes to offer financial support in the future. For those who contract monkeypox, 21 days of isolation means 21 days without work. And for those who are under-insured, uninsured, or don’t have jobs that allow extended sick days, the financial burden can be crippling.
The nonprofit hopes to soon offer food boxes and monkeypox care kits that include over-the-counter medications like antihistamine lotions that help with the skin issues associated with the virus.
To determine eligibility and to make an appointment to receive the vaccine at Abounding Prosperity Inc.’s HOPE Health and Wellness Center, visit the Monkeypox Vaccine Eligibility Pre-Screener. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-clinic-offers-monkeypox-vaccines-for-underserved-high-risk-community/3050166/ | 2022-08-17T10:41:28 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-clinic-offers-monkeypox-vaccines-for-underserved-high-risk-community/3050166/ |
CEDAR FALLS — Driver visibility concerns at Sixth and State streets are pushing the city to better protect pedestrians.
Brian Heath, operations and maintenance division manager, committed Monday to making improvements to help those using the crosswalk at the intersection.
The Sixth Street corridor, from Main to State streets, was analyzed after the City Council approved Councilor Daryl Kruse's request in February to give it a closer look because of safety concerns.
Engineer David Wicke presented information about the roadway during the council's committee meeting Monday and shared how future improvements could include bolder striping and a larger stop sign, as well as additional signage and markings.
The First Street Bank building butts up against Sixth Street from the south.
It limits the visibility of drivers traveling east on the road when they reach the stop sign and look to turn left or right onto State Street.
Some 10 parking spots on the north side, used primarily by Cedar Falls Community Center patrons, also are an obstacle because the street cannot be widened or further removed from the bank property line.
The City Council voted 5-2 in favor of staff investing the time and energy in diving into all the possibilities.
Councilors discussed whether to vote on a recommendation to assure the improvements are made pertaining to the 315 feet of roadway with a 25 mile per hour speed limit.
However, Heath, who filled in as the Public Works Department head, doubled down on a promise to follow up on the improvements.
Kyle Wiebers, a school psychologist, and Jennifer Onuigbo, a theatercommunity relations manager, are the two newest commissioners.
“It will be the intent of Public Works to do these improvements, not only what you see here, but we’ll also make sure that the ADA requirements are met in the sidewalks and we’ll put advanced signage coming from south-north on that sidewalk,” Heath told the council.
Despite the discussion, the Engineering Division found the street to be relatively safe because of data showing only two crashes reported there the last 10 years. Neither resulted in injuries. No other safety concerns have been reported.
“Staff is aware of the public’s concern. It sounds like there could be more things done for increased visibility. I just don’t know what can be done beyond that. You’re not probably going to tear down the structure,” said Councilor Kelly Dunn
Vehicles have to inch out from Sixth Street and do not always see pedestrians.
“One of the reasons I made this referral initially was the eastbound traffic having to go so far out to see around the bank," he said. "Your vehicle is already crossing the crosswalk to see what’s coming from the south, the northbound traffic. Signage will slow down the traffic exiting out onto State Street."
Additionally, councilors made other suggestions, like installing traffic mirrors at the low visibility intersection to allow motorists to see their blind spots. None are currently installed in the city.
Councilor Gil Schultz recalled previous discussions at some point about turning that part of Sixth Street into a one-way road.
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.
That conversation is scheduled to happen during a Finance & Business Operations Committee meeting at about 5:45 p.m. Monday inside the Community Center, 528 Main St.
The request was for Parks & Rec commissioners to “work with the group to encourage the City Council to approve spending by the city of $8 million,” a hike from the original $5.1 million. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/cedar-falls-doubles-down-on-commitment-to-state-sixth-street-crosswalk-improvements/article_af9d7b1a-b23b-5806-9098-b1747a68873f.html | 2022-08-17T10:44:11 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/cedar-falls-doubles-down-on-commitment-to-state-sixth-street-crosswalk-improvements/article_af9d7b1a-b23b-5806-9098-b1747a68873f.html |
WATERLOO — A construction project three years in the works is finally complete.
Paving is finished on a five-mile stretch of Grundy Road, from U.S. Highway 20 south to Zanetta Road, that was previously gravel.
Preliminary design work on the project started in 2019 and a final design was chosen in the summer of 2020. Actual construction started in spring of 2021 with the grading portion. Paving the graded roadway started earlier this summer.
The entire project cost just more than $8 million. Grundy County and Black Hawk County split the cost evenly, since the road is in both counties.
A 2003 agreement says that Black Hawk County maintains the portion from Highway 20 to a half mile north of Griffith Road. Griffith Road is about 1.5 miles south of Zanetta Road.
Cathy Nicholas, Black Hawk County engineer, said over the years increased traffic and heavy truck loads caused the road to be pushed wider than it was originally constructed.
Before the paving, Black Hawk County increased the amount of gravel placed on the road. As of 2019, the county was placing 500 tons of gravel per mile on the roadway each year, according to its website. Normally, 300 tons of gravel per mile are placed on gravel roads every three years.
From March to April in 2019, the county placed 802.1 tons of rock on Grundy Road at a cost of $10,795. The cost included the rocks and contract truck drivers but not the motor grader operators’ labor hours.
The increased graveling was due to busy traffic. The Department of Transportation said in the first mile of Grundy Road, there were 360 vehicles per day. A lot of these vehicles were agricultural.
Along with pavement, driveway culverts were also replaced with regraded ditches. The road’s speed limit will be 55 miles per hour.
A view of Grundy Road south of U.S. Highway 20 from May 2019, before Black Hawk and Grundy counties began a joint $8 million project to pave it. The work was just completed. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/paving-project-finished-on-grundy-road-stretch-divided-between-two-counties/article_fbbe04f6-7232-54fb-859d-6d9a36e30b7b.html | 2022-08-17T10:44:17 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/paving-project-finished-on-grundy-road-stretch-divided-between-two-counties/article_fbbe04f6-7232-54fb-859d-6d9a36e30b7b.html |
100 years ago
Aug. 17, 1922: More than 225 people have secured positions through the placement committee at Illinois State Normal University. This is the largest number of teachers ever placed in a single season by the local university. Part of the success of the placement of teachers was due to the initiative taken by the senior class last spring when they appointed a committee to assist the faculty committee in locating vacancies.
75 years ago
Aug. 17, 1947: Though just one Central Illinois child will be lucky enough to win "Flag," the bay pony that will be given away by Bloomington merchants Aug. 23, other prizes will be on hand for boys and girls whose names are drawn. Children 15 years old or younger who want to enter the contest may get entry blanks free at any Bloomington store affiliated with the Association of Commerce. No purchase is necessary.
50 years ago
Aug. 17, 1972: The McLean County Heart Fund received $217.71 in donations from persons attending a Weight Watchers gourmet cooking demonstration at Illinois Wesleyan University. Weight Watchers International will match the donation, bringing the total contribution to $435.42. The cooking demonstration was conducted by Franco Palumbo, executive chef of Weight Watchers International.
25 years ago
Aug. 17, 1997: The mayors of Bloomington and Normal pledged a new era of cooperation during the quarterly meeting of the Neighborhood Association of Normal. "I think you're going to see some visible signs of cooperation" between the Twin Cities, said Normal Mayor Kent Karraker. Bloomington Mayor Judy Markowitz echoed those sentiments, praising Karraker's "professionalism."
Compiled by Pantagraph staff | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/100-years-ago-225-illinois-state-graduates-get-teaching-positions/article_8ba07fc6-1d7c-11ed-ac89-1f9660568eca.html | 2022-08-17T10:50:02 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/100-years-ago-225-illinois-state-graduates-get-teaching-positions/article_8ba07fc6-1d7c-11ed-ac89-1f9660568eca.html |
City officials are banking that higher salaries will help fill dozens of positions at San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department, which has been plagued with staffing shortages while at the forefront of the city’s response to COVID-19 over the last two years.
The city plans to increase its entry-level wage from $15.60 to $17.50 an hour under a proposed budget recently presented to City Council as the pandemic stretches into a third year and the health department confronts the spread of monkeypox. Officials jumped the starting pay to $15.60 last summer, thinking they would get ahead. But mounting inflation has cut into last year’s increase, and private sector employers have raised wages.
It’s become increasingly difficult for the city to fill its open jobs, particularly in the medical field.
At the end of July, Metro Health had 90 open positions, a vacancy rate of 16 percent — well above the city’s rate of 9.6 percent.
Public health outreach workers are among a smaller handful at the city expected to receive a larger pay bump than others because of how far behind they are from the market wage. A recent job posting for a community health worker shows a wage of $16.90 an hour, below the planned new starting wage of $17.50 proposed in the budget.
On ExpressNews.com: Business groups call for Texas to step up support for community college training for skilled jobs
City leaders hope the better starting pay and raises in the proposed budget will attract new workers to fill vacant positions as much as to keep existing employees on the job.
The changes come amid an expansion of Metro Health. Its budget could increase 37.8 percent in the next fiscal year as officials rely less on federal grants and fund the health department with more local dollars.
There are 644 Metro Health positions in the proposed budget, up from the 512 last year. Almost 80 percent of the 132 new jobs make permanent the temporary employees recently hired, a spokeswoman said.
Metro Health hasn’t been the only city department to struggle with staffing. San Antonio is seeing fewer applications for each posted job than officials received in the past, said Renee Frieda, human resources director. The city has to recruit more than it used to and move on strong job candidates more quickly.
The vacancies span all city departments, Frieda said, but there’s a particular need for animal care officers, park and airport police, electricians, plumbers and community health workers.
This year has seen more city employees leave their jobs than at any point in the last six years, City Manager Erik Walsh said.
“I have a son that works for the largest grocery store in town, picking up carts and bagging groceries,” Walsh said. “And he’s making more over there than a lot of employees that work for the city at that level.”
San Antonio had not studied its pay structure since 2008, and the first study in 14 years showed the city needed to make big changes for its employees. The proposed new city budget includes a higher entry wage and a minimum 7 percent pay bump for just about everyone.
“When somebody walks out the door because they may get a little more money somewhere else, we lose experience and we lose that dedication,” Walsh said.
City Council members have also complained about losing homeless outreach coordinators, saying their morale is low and they aren’t paid well enough for difficult work. The city employs a team for street outreach in each of the 10 council districts — at least three districts have recently lost employees.
“We will not have a homeless outreach connector because he found a better-paying job,” said District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran, who represents the South Side. “This is unacceptable.”
On ExpressNews.com: Uvalde massacre prompts calls to fix mental health workforce shortage, expand resources for students
The budget includes a 5 percent pay raise for all civilian, or non-public-safety, employees. On top of that, city employees will see a “market adjustment” anywhere from 2 to 7 percent. Still, 244 employees will get more than a 7 percent bump in market rate because they’re so far behind.
Federal data show San Antonio lags behind other cities in filling open positions.
The city’s overall vacancy rate is down from the high of 15 percent vacancy at the height of the pandemic, when the city was on a hiring freeze and wasn’t replacing outgoing employees. But it’s still twice San Antonio’s rate in March 2020 before COVID-19 hit.
In June, state and local governments across the country experienced a 5.7 percent vacancy rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In June 2021, the rate was just 4.6 percent in state and local governments. Both are well below San Antonio’s pre-pandemic rate.
In a survey, city employees indicated they need help, Walsh said.
The next fiscal year begins Oct. 1. For the raises to take effect, City Council must adopt the budget, slated for a vote on Sept. 15.
When asked if he worried about staff vacancies impacting the delivery of city services, Walsh said it was his biggest concern.
“I worry about a lot of things in this job. The one thing that worries me the most is making sure we keep those positions filled in those services,” Walsh said. “Beyond anything else.”
megan.stringer@express-news.net | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/City-jobs-hiring-higher-pay-17378016.php | 2022-08-17T11:10:00 | 1 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/City-jobs-hiring-higher-pay-17378016.php |
Disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic have affected every area of health care. A new study published in the American Academy of Dermatology found that more melanomas in advanced stages and with aggressive features were diagnosed during the pandemic, suggesting COVID-19 shutdowns caused a delay in the diagnosis — and a delay in treating the dangerous skin cancer.
Sancy Leachman, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the OHSU Department of Dermatology and the director of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s Melanoma Program, co-lead the study in collaboration with Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and colleagues at 12 academic centers with dedicated melanoma clinics across the country. She says the study’s findings, coupled with declining rates of new melanoma diagnoses nationally, suggest that melanoma cases went undiagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic and were identified only after the cancer had progressed to later stages.
“As someone who is dedicated to treating and preventing melanoma, the results of the study were sobering,” Leachman says. “It appears that some patients with melanoma couldn’t be seen as readily due to COVID-related restrictions, leading to worse, and potentially more life-threatening, cases of melanoma.”
The study observed increased rates of patient-identified melanomas and decreased rates of provider-identified melanomas during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cancers were in more advanced stages at diagnosis — emphasizing the importance of screening high-risk individuals. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer in part because it’s much more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not caught and treated early.
Leachman says it’s a problem that needs to be taken into consideration in future pandemics and balanced with the need for control of the virus.
“If you are a high-risk melanoma patient or you see something suspicious — even if it is during a pandemic — it is incredibly important for you to be seen by a provider, even if it is done virtually or by sending a photograph,” she says. “Death is not the outcome we want for anyone, whether it is from COVID or melanoma, so risks during a pandemic need to be balanced.”
Hospitals continue to experience heavy demand and backlog due to the pandemic. Because delays in care often exacerbate health conditions, patients are arriving at OHSU with more complex and acute health care needs because of delays in care during the pandemic.
OHSU leaders advise people to stay abreast of preventive health care, like skin cancer screenings; get regular check-ups; and don't ignore health concerns.
“Following the COVID-19 shutdowns, our team has seen more people in my clinic with more advanced melanomas, and that plays out in the data from this national study,” said Elizabeth Berry, M.D., associate professor of dermatology in the OHSU School of Medicine and a co-author on the study. “We are also seeing this trend in other types of skin cancer. Fortunately, people are now seeking care, but it will take us a while to catch up.”
Caleb Freeman, M.D., is a second-year resident in the department of dermatology who led the OHSU data collection for the study. He says the delays in diagnosis of melanoma due to COVID-19 reinforce the importance of routine self-skin exams.
“Of the cases of melanoma diagnosed in the first year of the pandemic, over 50% were first detected independently by the patient,” he says. “We encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the skin findings of melanoma and to seek further evaluation by a health provider with any concerns. Any delay in diagnosis can be costly.”
To raise awareness about what people can do to check their skin, the dermatology team created a public health campaign called “Start Seeing Melanoma,” explaining what to look for, how to properly do skin exams, and what to do if you find something suspicious.
Funding for this study was provided by the Melanoma Research Foundation. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/covid-19-shutdowns-caused-delays-in-melanoma-diagnoses-study-finds/article_89097bc2-1c0b-11ed-8cbb-87e226e1518b.html | 2022-08-17T11:11:51 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/covid-19-shutdowns-caused-delays-in-melanoma-diagnoses-study-finds/article_89097bc2-1c0b-11ed-8cbb-87e226e1518b.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — In less than one month, most abortions will be illegal in Indiana. Now, there's a renewed push to teach more sex education in schools.
Around 480,000 Hoosiers are in need of publicly-funded contraception, according to the latest data from the Indiana Family Health Council. The president and CEO acknowledged that her team won't be able to help all these men and women. She said that's why more education early on would help in preventing unwanted pregnancy.
The Indiana Family Health Council uses federal funding to provide family planning services and education for families and school systems. Their services focus on those at or below the poverty level.
Following Indiana's abortion ban, CEO and President Dr. Kristin Adams said they're already starting to see more people wanting long-acting, reversible contraceptives.
However, Adams said education will be even more crucial following Sept. 15, when most abortions won't be allowed in the state. She said schools should be teaching sexual education longer than a semester and beyond what is required by Indiana law. However, to her knowledge, schools aren't considering changing their rubric.
"The only thing that must be taught is HIV education and basic embryology. So, there is nothing that says sex ed must be taught and if it is, then it must be done at the abstinence focus," Adams said. "While the legislature did put a lot of language in there about rape and incest, at the end of the day, sometimes kids don't know what those words mean, and they don't know what happened to them. So, with a time limit, it may be too late."
Adams said while it's not a requirement, students should be knowledgeable about contraception.
"Some school systems choose not to address the issue, and then when you think about health education and when kids get that, it's usually at ninth or tenth grade, and it's only for a semester. So, it's not lifelong learning," Adams said. "I used to teach at the university level. By the time I got them at 18,19, 22, 23 and sometimes in their 30s, they didn't have a basic understanding of their own bodies."
Adams said conversations should be happening at home as well. Age-appropriate conversations should happen early and often, she said.
"This is human nature. This is who we are, and no matter your belief on abortion or not, we need to be having open and honest conversations and not making it feel like we need to be ashamed of this. So, let's keep the dialogue open, let's keep the medical information flowing. Let's be factual about it," Adams said.
Next fall, Indiana will be getting a mobile unit to deliver contraceptives, pap smears and STD testing to help with access. Indiana Family Health Council expects to start offering these services late next year.
Adams said she knows these conversations about sex can be uncomfortable. For assistance, she recommends visiting ifhc.org or emailing info@ifhc.org. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana-family-health-council-pushes-more-sex-education-after-abortion-ban/531-c4f67d62-69f7-4a9f-8031-1550b5a79f5d | 2022-08-17T11:17:58 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana-family-health-council-pushes-more-sex-education-after-abortion-ban/531-c4f67d62-69f7-4a9f-8031-1550b5a79f5d |
NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — It is no secret the job of a police officer comes with plenty of risk.
Lieutenant Bruce Barnes with the Noblesville Police Department says the job also comes with plenty of reward. That's why he hopes more Hoosiers will consider joining his agency.
"We enjoy the job that we do," Barnes said. "We love the job that we do."
Right now, the department of about 100 officers protects the Noblesville community day and night. Staffing the streets, though, can mean officers are working harder and longer shifts, with fewer new officers coming through the door.
Sergeant April Kline has worked for Noblesville Police for 12 years.
"I work nightshift now, so we work 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.," Kline said.
Kline said she has noticed improvements in recruiting in recent years, despite the nationwide challenge.
"Recruiting for this profession, in general, has definitely been challenging," Kline said.
Barnes said the recent adjustments already underway are still not enough.
"We are looking at, right now, everything that's happening, and what it is that we can do maybe to adapt and adjust," Barnes said.
Some of those changes now include a focus on hiring more female officers.
"I think it represents our community better, because obviously our community is made up of both male and female," Kline said.
"On a national level, it is right around 12-14% of an agency will be comprised of females," Barnes said. "That is no different here at the Noblesville Police Department."
Barnes said of the 96 officers employed at the Noblesville Police Department, only eight are female.
That's why the department has signed the nationwide 30x30 Pledge, which commits 30% of the department be comprised of female officers by the year 2030.
"We actually have, for the first time ever, a third of our shift is made up of females, which is pretty awesome," Kline said. "As far as the 30x30 goes, we are there on our shift."
Other changes at the department include ditching old ways of thinking about the little things, such as tattoos.
"Tattoos for the longest time were forbidden," Barnes said. "You could not wear a visible tattoo."
A new policy for NPD allows officers to have tattoos, except on the face, neck and hands, according to Barnes.
Another change at the department allows beards for male officers, which also used to be prohibited.
"Our agency decided that maybe it's time that we adopt a policy that allows for beards to come, again, not without restrictions," Barnes said.
"It's just one of those things that maybe 10 years ago or 20 years ago, we never thought would be an issue that we would have to contend with, but if it means opening up more opportunities or casting a larger net, that's what we'll do at this point," Barnes added.
Leaders at NPD made it clear that loosening a few restrictions does not mean lessening the expectations of a potential officer.
"We need the communities to know that we're not necessarily lowering our standards in order to get more people in," Barnes said. "We have a shortage of applicants. We don't have a shortage of officers that are out on the street."
That means current officers will pick up overtime to fill in the gaps in the department.
"There was a time and a day where we would expect an officer to spend 20 years with an agency," Barnes said. "It's different now."
Law enforcement leaders say there are several reasons why citizens are less interested in joining or staying in policing.
"The reality is, this job does not come without risk," Barnes said.
Barnes said the biggest recruiting challenge can often be the job itself.
"We have to be right 100% of the time, and that, in and of itself, is a very daunting task," Barnes said. "A lot of the decisions and the work that we do, it's tense. It's uncertain, and it's rapidly evolving."
The state of Indiana can hire new officers between 21 and 39 years old, with a few exceptions.
The state also has some hiring requirements that will not change locally, including the physical fitness assessment, written examinations, and a background investigation.
Despite the risk of the job, these officers say putting on the badge often comes with great reward.
"That is a sense of pride that very few jobs come with," Barnes said. "I can't begin to tell you what that is like, to be able to carry that with you."
"After 12 years of doing this job, to be able to say that I still love my job, and I'm still excited to come to work every day is pretty huge," Kline said.
Kline credits the Noblesville Police Department for preparing her for the reality of policing and giving her the confidence to do the job.
"Obviously, when you first get into it, you might be a little nervous, feeling like, 'I don't know what a police officer does,' but by the time you are done and you hit the road, you're totally prepared to do what you need to do," Kline said.
Barnes says the training process for new officers is detailed, with 16 weeks at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. After graduation from the academy, recruits have four to six weeks of additional, local training, followed by 16 weeks of field training.
"For 16 weeks, they are riding with a veteran officer learning how to do the job," Barnes said.
Barnes said that realistic training can be crucial for preparing officers.
"We think we're doing a pretty darn good job of that here," Barnes said, "and we hope that's enough to encourage people to have trust and faith in us that if you come on our department, we'll provide that to you. If you doubt it, come on in now. We'll be more than happy to show that to you."
The Noblesville Police Department encourages anyone interested in learning more about policing to stop by the department or reach out via social media.
NPD is also offering a free Citizens Police Academy this fall.
Barnes also encourages residents to say hello to officers in the community and ask them to share a story about their experience working for the Noblesville Police Department. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/noblesville-indiana-police-ramp-up-efforts-bring-in-more-officers/531-e2a53c62-a41b-45f1-b52b-296473550292 | 2022-08-17T11:18:04 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/noblesville-indiana-police-ramp-up-efforts-bring-in-more-officers/531-e2a53c62-a41b-45f1-b52b-296473550292 |
A fire at a motorsports shop closed a stretch of U.S. Route 206 in Burlington County Wednesday morning.
Smoke and flames could be seen coming from the roof of the Mt. Holly Motorsports building along Route 206 near Old Mansion Road before daybreak.
New Jersey State Police arrived around 2:45 a.m. to find fire coming from the exterior of the building, Vincent Fire Company Chief Scott Mitchell said.
Firefighters then responded and tried to battle back the flames, Mitchell said. However, firefighters had to leave the structure while the fire continued to burn.
"Our biggest concern was about the structural integrity of the building coming down," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said that crews removed as much of the equipment out of the building as they could before they left. They also cut a trench to try to contain the fire to the repair shop.
No injuries were reported.
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After mostly just smoke could be seen coming from the building, flames began to rage from the roof again around 6 a.m. A short time alter, part of the roof could be seen collapsing.
"We are going to have to take apart the building a little bit to take the fire out," Mitchell said as he stood in front of construction equipment that would be used.
Expect traffic trouble in the area as Route 206 was closed from Ridge Road to Retreat Road.
Before 7 a.m., the flames had died down, but thick smoke continued to rise from the rubble.
The owners of the motorsports shop had no comment at the scene.
This story is developing and will be updated. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/fire-nj-motorsports-shop/3337543/ | 2022-08-17T11:19:43 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/fire-nj-motorsports-shop/3337543/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/fire-rages-at-nj-motorsports-shop/3337597/ | 2022-08-17T11:19:49 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/fire-rages-at-nj-motorsports-shop/3337597/ |
SANDUSKY, Ohio — A man and woman were arrested at Cedar Point on Sunday after four witnesses told Sandusky police they saw the couple engaged in sexual intercourse aboard one of the rides.
According to a police report, David Davis and Heather Johnston, both 32-years-old, were allegedly seen having sex while on the Cedar Point attraction Giant Wheel. The two were confronted by a Cedar Point police sergeant and security before the Sandusky Police Department was called.
The group of witnesses included two juveniles who were in the cart below the couple on the Ferris wheel.
The two initially denied any accusations. Johnston reported to officers that she had shorts on under her dress, dropped her cigarette pack out of them and when she picked them up Davis helped her.
Witnesses told police that they felt the cart shaking and saw the man and woman both expose themselves on the ride.
The couple later admitted that they were engaged in sexual intercourse.
Davis and Johnston were both arrested and transported to the Erie County Police Department where they were charged with a misdemeanor of the first degree. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/couple-arrested-after-allegedly-having-sex-on-ferris-wheel-at-cedar-point/530-a08bc013-4366-4316-a5d9-6b8aa3f11f76 | 2022-08-17T11:25:26 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/couple-arrested-after-allegedly-having-sex-on-ferris-wheel-at-cedar-point/530-a08bc013-4366-4316-a5d9-6b8aa3f11f76 |
Students and teachers will be back in the classroom Wednesday at Judson ISD for the first day of school.
The district prepared for the new school year with some changes.
Judson ISD has hired 200 new educators for the start of the 2022-23 school year.
The district is home to more than 24,000 students.
District superintendent Dr. Jeanette Ball said they want all of their families to know their kids will be safe while they’re at school.
All visitors will need to have an ID with them.
Dr. Ball says more police officers will be on their campuses.
On top of that, this year, the district plans to upgrade security camera systems, have daily interior and exterior door sweeps and will have the ability to send direct crisis alerts to all staff.
Administrators have also undergone training that will be passed down to all teachers.
Dr. Ball says she’s excited for the new school year.
She, like many other superintendents, believes this year will feel more like normal.
The district won’t be offering virtual learning, but says they’ve shown great improvement.
The TEA giving them a ‘B’ rating based off of their STAAR performance.
“Our campuses have showed immense improvement," said Dr. Jeanette Ball. "So I am very proud of our staff, our students, our parents, our community. Almost all of our campuses ratings went up. Either went up or maintained, I'm so very proud.”
Breakfast is free at all schools.
School starts at 7:30 a.m.
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Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/judson-isd-students-teachers-head-back-to-school-san-antonio-texas-education/273-96e15f91-a42c-4b9b-8ba6-408c5669cf21 | 2022-08-17T11:25:32 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/judson-isd-students-teachers-head-back-to-school-san-antonio-texas-education/273-96e15f91-a42c-4b9b-8ba6-408c5669cf21 |
Residents move into first phase of Wilmington mixed-income development
The Riverside community celebrated the completion of 74 mixed-income apartments Tuesday, which brings updated public housing as well as units designated for people with disabilities and special needs as part of a $100 million redevelopment project in the Wilmington neighborhood.
Over 100 state, federal and local elected officials, community leaders and neighbors gathered outside the first phase of Imani Village, where units have been set aside to house seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities along with transitioning families out of outdated Wilmington Housing Authority apartments into newly constructed one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartment homes.
This is the first of six phases of a “Purpose Built Community” redevelopment plan spearheaded by the nonprofit Reach Riverside. It will offer 59 affordable units as well as 15 market-rate apartments. The second phase, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year, will add another 50 affordable and 17 market-rate units, said Jennifer Lienhard, Reach Riverside's director of marketing and communications.
Over a dozen Riverside families have, or are in the process of, moving into the units, Lienhard said.
RELATED:How $10 million will help Wilmington's Riverside take the next step in redevelopment
RIVERSIDE PLAN:$100 million plan would revitalize Wilmington neighborhood
Announced in 2018, the multimillion-dollar project aims to build hundreds of public housing units as well as mixed-income and homeownership opportunities, revamp early education and health services at Kingswood Community Center and add high school grades to the local EastSide Charter School, with the goal to graduate 100% of its seniors.
The Riverside community was one of more than 25 in the country selected to receive free consulting on alleviating concentrated poverty through improvements to housing, early childhood-through-high school education and health.
Much of the housing featured at a news conference Tuesday morning is already spoken for – Wilmington Housing Authority tenants have slowly moved into the new units as they became available – doing little to relieve the strain for affordable housing in Delaware and the First State’s largest city.
AFFORDABILITY CRISIS:Why it is so hard to find affordable housing in Delaware
RELATED:How Delaware lawmakers failed to strengthen tenant rights
“It’s not much of an advantage for people on the waitlist,” housing authority Executive Director Ray Fitzgerald said. “It’s more of an advantage for people who are currently living in housing. People on the waitlist can apply for the market-rate housing, but the first priority is to make sure all of these people can come here if they want.”
The units replace the decades-old, low-rise units that the Wilmington Housing Authority owns across Bowers Street from the new housing in Riverside. The project, led by developer Pennrose, LLC, features a variety of two-bedroom units – from first-floor, ADA-compliant apartments to two and three-floor units.
Riverside resident Alison Mendez will move into a recently completed unit soon, having lived in the neighborhood for nearly six years.
“I love that you guys have been able to open up a safer community because when I first moved here there was a shooting right near my house and it scared me and my kids, but to this day it’s changed just because of what you guys are doing,” Mendez said.
The northeast Wilmington corridor has seen renewed focus to redevelop and strengthen the neighborhood.
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings lauded the project as the “antidote” to the historical redlining practices that have segregated communities like Wilmington and disenfranchised communities of color.
“Everyone deserves access to safe, affordable housing,” Jennings said. “It is a basic human right, but all too often in our state and in our country, it has been denied to people. We know that with housing, education and health care.”
Earlier this year, the Kingswood Community Center received $10 million in federal funds to help rebuild and expand the facility, which has been at the heart of Riverside’s redevelopment. Delaware also committed $26.4 million to the multiphase plan with some of the state’s federal pandemic relief funds.
Kingswood provides Wilmington residents and surrounding communities with programs that empower families and help people achieve economic, social and personal well-being. It serves as an early learning and after-care center for Riverside's children as well as a community space for older adults.
Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @mandy_fries. | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/17/first-residents-celebrated-wilmington-housing-development-riverside-redevelopment/65404778007/ | 2022-08-17T11:42:16 | 0 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/17/first-residents-celebrated-wilmington-housing-development-riverside-redevelopment/65404778007/ |
17 courses at Delaware universities that might surprise you
If you think that English students are just learning the classics, and theater students are just performing Shakespeare? Think twice.
College courses have come a long way. From belly dancing to scuba diving, there are more unusual options that University of Delaware and Delaware State University students have nowadays when it comes to filling their class schedules.
University of Delaware
1. From the Cow to the Cone: The Science and Business of Ice Cream
Students at UD can now learn how their delicious campus creamery, UDairy, makes its delicious frozen treats. Along with learning about the science and production of ice cream, students develop their own custom creation as their final project and do blind ice cream taste tests.
2. The Art of happiness
Students examine how they can improve their happiness, health and quality of life — that is, through a series of weekly assignments.
3. Harry Potter’s Literary World
As students embark on their journey through college, they can follow Harry’s journey through Hogwarts in an English class that follows the 7-book series. Students can read their favorite childhood books but look deeper into the series’ themes and motifs.
4. Beverage management
Only students ages 21 or older can take this course that focuses on the legal, financial and social issues surrounding alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The students' fake IDs will not likely work to get them into this exclusive class.
5. Healthcare Communication
An unlikely collaboration between nursing and theater students comes to life in this atypical course. Theater students use improvisation and acting to create mock real life scenarios that the nursing students will then react to.
6. Scuba
Much like you need a license to drive, you need a certification to scuba. With this course, students will not only leave UD with a degree, but also with a scuba certification after a series of scuba lessons.
7. The Art of Chinese Calligraphy
As other students sit in the student center to complete their homework on their laptops, students in this course can take out their ink and brushes to do their homework: Chinese calligraphy. Students learn the evolution of Chinese characters, the aesthetics of Chinese calligraphy and other basics of Chinese painting.
8. Swine Production
Honors students studying animal science get "hands-on-experience" in UD's animal science lab as they study the ins-and-outs of proper swine nutrition, housing, health, management and... reproduction.
9. History of the Future
What did past generations think the world would look like right now? Students will study cultural perspectives covering everything from feats of engineering to comic books.
Delaware State University
10. Belly Dance
In between their more traditional courses, Del State students can let loose with a belly dancing class. The course offers four different levels — beginners, oriental, drum solo and veil — and claims to help improve students' posture and muscle toning.
11. Principles of Weed Science
In a course with a bit of a misleading name given the type of "weed" that is most often on college students' minds, this course studies the type of weeds that overtake a garden or farm. Students learn how to control and eliminate these unwanted plants.
12. Forensic Death Investigation
In this grim course, students explore the field of death investigation and the steps to determine the cause and manner of death. The material studied will help prepare students to take the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators certification exam.
13. Ethical Hacking
This course teaches students "subtle skills in cyber security" and how to combat cyber attacks ... ethically, that is.
14. Typewriting
Despite many students nowadays growing up with keyboards, Del State offers a course that is "devoted to achieving mastery of the keyboard and development of speed and accuracy in the manipulation of the machine."
15. Casino Operations Management
Want to learn how to manage and operate slots, table games, sports betting, car and horse racing, and more? This covers all of those areas theoretically, technically and financially for all those aspiring for a career in the casinos.
16. Personality
What makes who we are, who we are? Del State students will investigate this question in this course through theories of personality and the assessment of personality.
17. Foundations of Horsemanship
Students can now fulfill their childhood dreams of horse riding in this Del State course, where they will learn handling, grooming, saddling, bridling, mounting and basic riding skills. | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/17/these-17-classes-at-delaware-colleges-may-not-make-your-parents-so-proud/65400758007/ | 2022-08-17T11:42:40 | 1 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/17/these-17-classes-at-delaware-colleges-may-not-make-your-parents-so-proud/65400758007/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s Wednesday, August 17, and here’s the latest edition of Your Florida Daily.
You’re Hired
According to Florida’s largest teachers union, an estimated 6,000 teachers are needed to fill classroom vacancies across the state.
On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his ideas on how to recruit new teachers.
His plan includes the following:
- Waiving fees for the teacher certification exam and adding bonuses.
- A teacher apprenticeship program that will give apprentices two years of teaching under a mentor.
- A new scholarship program that would give high school teachers the opportunity to obtain their master’s degree and teach dual-enrollment classes at the high schools they work at.
- A governor’s recruitment program to bring in retired military veterans, first responders, law enforcement, EMTs, paramedics and firefighters who have a bachelor’s degree.
“We’ve got people that have served, you know, 20 years and in law enforcement, they retire and some of them are looking for kind of the next chapter in their life,” Gov. DeSantis said.
Orange county school board chair Teresa Jacobs pushed back, telling News 6 proper training is important.
“No, they are not qualified because they’ve been a firefighter or law-enforcement to come into a classroom and teach I absolutely do not believe that’s appropriate,” Jacobs said.
“I think that they need to go through the training and the education they need to be in the classroom and they need to be certified and they need to have the same qualifications as anybody else who’s teaching.”
Earlier this year Gov. DeSantis signed a bill that raised minimum teacher pay to $47,500. However, Florida ranks near the bottom for average teacher salaries in the U.S., according to data compiled by the National Education Association.
Jet-New
Supersonic air travel could return to Florida by the end of the decade.
American Airlines has agreed to buy up to 20 supersonic jets that could fly passengers from Miami to London in just under five hours. The plane is called “Overture” and is built by the company Boom.
Tickets will cost about $4,000 to $5,000 to fly from New York to London. Back in the 1990′s, the “Concord” flew people across the Atlantic Ocean at over 1,300 miles per hour, but it never caught on due to the high cost.
Overture is slated to roll out in 2025 and carry its first passengers by 2029.
Sea Turtle Baby Boom
Over 100,000 loggerhead sea turtle nests have been documented in Florida so far this nesting season, according to the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI).
Officials said the preliminary totals are already more than the entire 2021 nesting season.
Sea turtle nesting season lasts until October 31.
A Completely Random Florida Fact
Back in 1996, Citibank came up with an innovative solution to help in-line skaters access their money.
They went to Miami Beach and installed the first ever roll-up ATM. They built a pink ramp just for skaters to roll up to the ATM outside.
Citibank claimed they wanted to try this at banks across the country but as far as I can tell that did not happen.
Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/17/your-florida-daily-supersonic-travel-may-be-making-a-comeback/ | 2022-08-17T11:52:07 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/17/your-florida-daily-supersonic-travel-may-be-making-a-comeback/ |
Dr. Daniel Waters may call Clear Lake, Iowa, home these days, but his South Jersey roots have kept sand between his toes for decades.
Waters, a retired cardiac surgeon, lived in Riverside, Burlington County, growing up, but summers were for the shore and the Port O’ Call hotel in Ocean City and the beaches in Margate, Somers Point, Stone Harbor and Long Beach Island with his family. This past weekend while enjoying a day back at the shore, Waters signed copies of his books outside Kapler’s Pharmacy in Beach Haven.
“There has always been something magical about the shore, and the beach. I was like every kid growing up, spending hours on the beach and in the water, but I still had a fear of the undertow. I was there before the casinos when life was just a bit more innocent. In the ‘60s I remember thinking that having a house at the shore was a sign that you were successful, that you had made it. My mother would say, ‘but do they have a house at the shore?’ As though it was a yardstick for success,” said Waters. “That love of the beach, the water, the Boardwalk, the Steel Pier, the Diving Bell and saltwater taffy has always been dear to me.”
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Waters tugged on those memories of places and people along the coastline to create the backdrop, mystery, suspense, intrigue and characters in his successful series of books. His first book, “Surf City Confidential,” is set in 1967, and the main character is Micky Cleary, a female police chief in the Long Beach Island town.
“This is a time when there was a lot happening in our nation: Vietnam, women’s rights and civil rights. While I know a woman leading a police department in 1967 would have been almost unheard of, I think women have much more depth to their characters than men, so I wanted a heroine and Micky Cleary was born,” Waters said.
He gives the “Surf City Confidential” heroine some real trouble to deal with. As the beach town prepares to welcome thousands for Memorial Day weekend, the body of a mafia kingpin’s son washes up on the beach. How she goes about solving the mystery and finding who may be involved is a roller coaster ride that keeps the reader caught up in what may be around the next bend.
ATLANTIC CITY — Officials are ordering drones, kites and parasails to stay grounded within a…
Cleary returns in the next book, “Ship Bottom Blues.” The third in the series, “Barnegat Dark,” is set in the summer of 1971. America is a country at war — abroad and at home. The nation is clamoring for change, and over a sweltering Independence Day weekend, a sea of simmering tension is set to boil over. In book four, “Shore Crimes,” Cleary plans to focus on family, but life as a police chief and crime get in the way.
Waters’ most recent publication, “Dunes Till Dead,” is an homage to the Somers Point scene in the ‘70s and the Dunes Till Dawn club just outside Ocean City that was famous for welcoming patrons just as every other bar stopped serving for the night. This tale is set in 1976.
“I brought in so many of the great memories into this book, little jelly beans that I hope paint a picture for the reader. I included Tony Mart’s, Eddie and the Cruisers, Bob Dylan and The Band. It helps to bring the story alive, and it is great to include this nugget of history in the book,” said Waters. “If you want to set the scene, you don’t have to hand it to the reader, but you can talk about the Anchorage on Bay Avenue where beers are seven for $1 and allow them to visualize the surroundings as they turn the page.”
Waters said he had a great start in writing under the tutelage of the Franciscan nuns at Bishop Eustace Prep School in Pennsauken, Camden County, where he attended high school. He went on to St. Joseph University and what is now Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. Along the way, he managed to get a master’s degree in English.
“While I knew science was the direction of my life, I always loved to write. I was the editor of the yearbook, and writing was something that has always been natural for me. I wrote a piece during my pediatric rotation at CHOP’s neonatal intensive care unit about premature babies titled ‘Baby Blues.’ I scribbled it on paper and shoved it in my pocket. I finally got up enough nerve to show it to a colleague. When I saw this rather tough veteran doctor wipe a tear from his eye, I realized I had struck a nerve,” he said.
“Baby Blues” was eventually published in the Journal of American Medicine in 1982 and later adapted for a segment of “20/20” on ABC. Waters has garnered awards for his poetry. He writes for medical journals and authored manuals for surgeons as well as one for heart surgeons that have been widely used and quoted for the past 20 years. Waters said he is a visual writer.
ATLANTA — Prosecutors in Atlanta on Monday told lawyers for Rudy Giuliani that he’s a target…
“I never sit down with an outline. I start with a title and work from there. I want to be entertained when I read, and so when I write I let the story take me through plot twists and turns,” said Waters. “This is a great second act for me. I loved being a surgeon and solving complex problems. I would find time to write in the spaces between cases. Now that I am retired, I am having so much fun with words, characters and so many great places along the Jersey Shore.”
That style has served him well. Waters has received critical acclaim for his work, including the 2020 Nancy Pearl Award for Best Book from the Pacific Northwest Writers Association for “Ship Bottom Blues.”
Waters’ books are available in most libraries as well as on Amazon. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/doctor-draws-on-jersey-shore-memories-for-series-of-mystery-novels/article_5eb75aa8-1d76-11ed-8c12-fff4281b52c7.html | 2022-08-17T12:02:13 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/doctor-draws-on-jersey-shore-memories-for-series-of-mystery-novels/article_5eb75aa8-1d76-11ed-8c12-fff4281b52c7.html |
VINELAND — Food, vendors, music and attractions will line Landis Avenue on Sunday for Main Street Vineland’s fifth annual Food Trucks on the Ave from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The event, which is projected to draw thousands, takes place between the Boulevard and Fourth Street.
There will be more than 50 trucks, according to organizers, including 23 food trucks and 30 non-food vendors. Among the food vendors will be Chank’s Pizza Cones, Cousins Maine Lobster, Mr. Taco and Little Sicilian Riceballs. There also will be stores from The Spot shopping mall and an array of nonprofits.
The trucks will be complemented by a lineup of entertainment. Children will be able to head to the “Kids Korner” with attractions including a bounce house, obstacle course, balloon animals, magic shows and a rock wall. Several princesses also will make an appearance, including Cinderella.
People are also reading…
A DJ will play music. There also will be a “gel-blaster” course — a paintball-like game without the paint to reduce the mess, organizers said.
Robert Scarpa, business director for the Vineland Downtown Improvement District, estimated there would be 8,000 to 10,000 attendees over the course of the eight-hour event.
Food Trucks on the Ave went on hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic before returning in 2021.
The event is to be held rain or shine. Admission is free. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/food-trucks-on-the-ave-coming-to-vineland-on-sunday/article_c4b18524-1cbb-11ed-8cae-1f377bfbc243.html | 2022-08-17T12:02:15 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/food-trucks-on-the-ave-coming-to-vineland-on-sunday/article_c4b18524-1cbb-11ed-8cae-1f377bfbc243.html |
Shore Physicians Group will open a new primary care office in Mays Landing next month, the doctors group said Monday.
The office will be in the Festival at Hamilton shopping center off the Black Horse Pike and will be open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff there will begin seeing patients full time at the new location Sept. 6, the group said in a news release.
Dr. Alexandra Buford and nurse practitioner Cindy Nunan will work at the Mays Landing office. Both have roots in the area.
Buford is a Mays Landing native and went to Stockton University for her undergraduate degree. She later attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she received her medical degree.
After medical school, Buford served full time in the Air Force. According to the Shore website, Buford served as the medical director at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina and at the Flight Medicine Clinic at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. In addition to her work with Shore Physicians Group, Buford serves one weekend each month as a physician at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. Her specialties include aerospace medicine, allergy medicine, family medicine and women’s health.
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Nunan started with Shore Physicians Group in 2017 at its former Mays Landing office before a temporary stint at its Northfield office. She received her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and nurse practitioner degree at LaSalle University in Philadelphia. She then received a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Chatham University in Pittsburgh.
The Shore Physicians Group Endocrinology Division is also set to hold office hours at the Mays Landing office on select days, according to the news release.
Buford and Nunan are accepting new patients. Those interested in making an appointment can schedule one at shorephysiciansgroup.com or by calling 609-365-6217. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/shore-physicians-group-opening-mays-landing-office/article_126b3aa0-1ce7-11ed-89fc-bfbf0a8777eb.html | 2022-08-17T12:02:17 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/shore-physicians-group-opening-mays-landing-office/article_126b3aa0-1ce7-11ed-89fc-bfbf0a8777eb.html |
Deadline Detroit announces it is closing after 10 years in post on website
Deadline Detroit, an independent, digital-media organization, will cease operations next month after a decade of reporting on the Motor City and its people.
Allan Lengel, its co-founder, made the announcement on the publication's website early Wednesday morning. The news site will go dark after Sept. 5.
"Sadly, after celebrating Deadline Detroit’s 10-year anniversary in April, I’ve simply run out of juice, the 24/7 grind of overseeing an online publication with few vacations has taken a toll," Lengel wrote in his early morning post. "The decision is difficult, particularly since generous friends just committed to providing much needed additional funding. After much thought, I chose to pass on those funds.
Deadline Detroit produces unique original content and commentary in the forms of breaking news and investigative work. It also offers a curated aggregation of top Detroit-focused stories from local, national and international media, its website says.
Lengel worked at The Detroit News from 1984 to 1985. After working at the Washington Post for 11 years, he returned to Michigan in 2011 to help launch Deadline Detroit with co-founder Bill McGraw, a longtime Detroit Free Press journalist.
"I love this place. And I love the publication. It was as much a passion as it was a business," Lengel wrote. "I couldn’t be prouder of our top-notch, talented staff and contributors and the impact we’ve had on the community."
"I always thought it was a miracle we lasted this long. But the readership, which averaged about 600,000 unique visits a month, and went as high as 1.2 million during the height of the pandemic, is a testament to the appetite for more journalism in Detroit, particularly in a town where the two major dailies’ staffs have shrunk considerably since the days I worked at The Detroit News," he wrote.
Lengel said there had been preliminary talks with people and organizations interested in buying the online publication but nothing moved forward.
In additional to traditional journalism, the publication had a relationship show, a local-parody weekly newscast, a restaurant show and a weekly talk show called "The Week That Was."
Lengel said the weekly show will continue after Sept. 5 and will be posted on two Facebook pages and a YouTube channel.
jchambers@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/08/17/deadline-detroit-news-online-publication-closing/10345770002/ | 2022-08-17T12:16:40 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/08/17/deadline-detroit-news-online-publication-closing/10345770002/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Every 10 years, the City of Wichita conducts redistricting to ensure that each council district is made up of roughly the same amount of people or is within 5%.
On Tuesday, Aug. 16, the city held an open house to get the public’s opinion on 20 proposed maps that they had on display. Each of the 20 maps included a summary of changes made from the current district map.
To view those maps, click here.
People were invited to comment and discuss those maps and what could be the new look for each district.
“This is one stage of the redistricting process and that after tonight we’re gonna share, take the comments and share those with the commission of electors. The commission of electors has been tasked to come up with recommendations to the city council by the end of August, and then after that, there will likely be additional opportunities for input,” said Planning Director for the Wichita/Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department Scott Wadle.
To comment now on the proposed redistricting maps, click here. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-community-comments-on-proposed-redistricting-maps/ | 2022-08-17T12:17:18 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-community-comments-on-proposed-redistricting-maps/ |
After initially resisting calls from the mayor to delay passing a law to allow backyard chickens in Bethlehem, City Council agreed to push back a final vote.
Council voted unanimously Tuesday to hold another public meeting to further discuss the ordinance before voting on it.
The ordinance, sponsored by council members Paige Van Wirt and Hillary Kwiatek, would allow Bethlehem residents to keep up to six chickens in their backyard, with some limitations.
It’s the second time council has delayed a final vote on the law. Members also voted Aug. 2 to delay until the next meeting to consider additional amendments before the final vote.
City Council had originally rebuffed the city administration’s request to hold a committee meeting before a final vote. At a July meeting, Van Wirt said that the ordinance already incorporated feedback from the administration, so another meeting would be unnecessary.
But council member Rachel Leon, who made a motion Tuesday to push back the final vote, said council and the administration agreed that the ordinance is “butting up against public safety,” and further discussion is needed.
“I think Paige [Van Wirt] has done a good amount of effort on her end, but with this being animal control heavy, that animal control falls into public safety, so I wanted the opportunity to put that out,” Leon said.
Police Chief Michelle Kott said the police non-emergency line has been inundated with calls from residents both opposed to, against, or with questions about the measure.
First Call
She wants council to make the city’s animal control officer position full-time before they allow legal chickens in Bethlehem.
The animal control officer, who would be tasked with enforcing the chicken ordinance, only works 20 hours a week and has trouble keeping up with the caseload as is, Kott said. Bethlehem police saw 1111 animal control-related calls in 2019, 974 in 2020 and 856 in 2021.
“You add the animal control officer being expected to go out, inspect the coops, make sure everyone has their permits, has the proper education and training to know what they’re doing, that’s one of the concerns,” Kott said.
Though no one from the public came Tuesday to speak on the ordinance, several Bethlehem residents supported it at prior meetings. Advocates argue chicken ownership empowers their owners with a reliable, affordable source of food and is minimally bothersome to neighbors.
But several city officials including the city’s health director oppose the ordinance, and said risks of disease like avian flu are too high to responsibly allow backyard chicken ownership in Bethlehem. A case of avian flu, which is not contagious to humans, was detected among a backyard flock of ducks and chickens in Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County, last week.
The public safety committee meeting has not yet been scheduled.
Morning Call reporter Lindsay Weber can be reached at 610-820-6681 and liweber@mcall.com. | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-backyard-chickens-city-council-mayor-20220817-46du4pbtwbgkngciw2bpeti47a-story.html | 2022-08-17T12:21:37 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-backyard-chickens-city-council-mayor-20220817-46du4pbtwbgkngciw2bpeti47a-story.html |
ATLANTA — A former Delta Air Lines employee is seeking damages in a discrimination lawsuit after claiming she lost her job over a social media post that showed imagery of former Present Trump wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood. Attorneys for Leondra Taylor, a Black woman, filed the suit last week.
The complaint said Taylor admitted to posting a cartoon image on Facebook that showed Trump and now President Joe Biden during a debate. The image depicted a Ku Klux Klan hood photoshopped over Trump's head with "the moderator saying to him, 'Thank you Mr. President, for wearing your mask,'" according to the suit.
The airline, the complaint claims, told Taylor it didn't tolerate hateful or discriminatory posts. However, her attorneys claim in the lawsuit the post - which Delta discovered in Jan. 2021 -- was a political statement and not hateful.
"In fact, her post was quite the opposite. It simultaneously made a statement about Trump’s denial of the need for COVID protective measures, and that racial discrimination against African Americans was a systemic issue starting at the top, with the then president," the suit states.
According to CNN, the image was created by editorial cartoonist Aislin and published by the Montreal Gazette in Oct. 2020 days after a presidential debate. During that debate the moderator, Chris Wallace, had asked Trump to denounce White supremacists groups; he responded with "Proud Boys, stand back and stand by," a comment that led to a significant outcry.
Attorneys claim in the lawsuit against Delta that the company's actions subjected their client to "ongoing race discrimination."
"The effect of the conduct complained of herein has been to deprive Plaintiff of equal employment opportunity, and to otherwise adversely affect her status as an employee because of her race," the suit states.
The lawsuit alleges Taylor was notified she would be suspended in Feb. 2021. It also claims she tried to show that "Caucasian employees were not being investigated or, if investigated, were not being terminated," but was told by the general manager of IFS Field Operations Southeast Region that they were merely handling her suspension paperwork and they were not interested in gathering information from her.
11Alive reached out to a Delta spokesperson, who responded:
"When Delta employees intermix Delta's brand with conduct or content that does not reflect our values of professionalism, inclusion and respect, that conduct can result in discipline or termination. While personnel issues are considered private between Delta and its employees, the circumstances described by our former employee are not an accurate or complete explanation of the company's termination decision." | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/former-delta-attendant-sues-federal-discrimination/85-c1b39c23-f71c-4596-992b-8761e725fb1f | 2022-08-17T12:21:48 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/former-delta-attendant-sues-federal-discrimination/85-c1b39c23-f71c-4596-992b-8761e725fb1f |
ATLANTA — Scientists and students embarking on a census of Georgia lake sturgeon have found three females with mature eggs — an indication the armored “living fossils” may be reproducing in that state for the first time in a half-century.
"It’s exciting because it’s confirmation that they are becoming mature and trying to spawn,” Martin J. Hamel, an associate professor at the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, said in a recent news release.
Fossils indicate that the spade-nosed fish with a bottom-mounted vacuum hose instead of jaws has existed for more than 136 million years, according to scientists.
One of nine sturgeon species and subpecies found in the U.S., lake sturgeon live in 18 states and five Canadian provinces in the St. Lawrence, Hudson Bay, Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Pollution, habitat destruction and harvesting for flesh and caviar have so diminished their numbers that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering federal protection for the species.
Sturgeons' bone-plated bodies did so much damage to fishing nets that commercial fishers hauled large numbers out in the 1800s and left them on river and lake banks, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recounts on its website.
Dams, which keep the big fish from migrating from lakes to the rivers where they spawn, also reduced their numbers. Now lake sturgeon are at less than 1% of historic levels.
State protections, such as fishing limits, and stocking programs, some run by Native American tribes, have helped sturgeon.
By the 1970s, lake sturgeon had been wiped out of northwest Georgia's Coosa River basin — the only place where they were found in Georgia.
The state Department of Natural Resources began reintroducing lake sturgeon 20 years ago, after the Clean Water Act cleaned up the river, Hamel said.
Females take 20 to 25 years to mature and produce the black, glistening eggs that people love to eat, according to Michigan Sea Grant. So until such eggs turned up this year in females being implanted with radio telemetry tags to track their movement, nobody knew if Georgia's sturgeon were surviving long enough to reproduce.
“Because lake sturgeon take a long time to mature and then reproduce intermittently — every two to three years — we really need a robust population of varying size and age classes,” Hamel said.
The current population assessment is the largest since Georgia first collected eggs from fish in Wisconsin, raised them in a hatchery and released them into the Coosa in 2002. State natural resources staff, working with their Wisconsin counterparts, have done so nearly every year since.
“It’s a big investment because you don’t even know if the stocked fish are going to survive, let alone grow up and reproduce,” Hamel said.
About 330,000 fish, most about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long, have been released since 2002, Hamel said in an email to The Associated Press.
“While that seems like a lot of sturgeon, the survival rate of fish that are released at that size is likely between 1-10%,” he wrote.
The students are catching as many lake sturgeon as they can to estimate population size, survival and growth rates. The project started in the spring. It will run through this summer and next spring and summer, finishing in winter 2023, Hamel wrote.
Radio telemetry tags will give a better picture of where in the river basin sturgeon tend to live.
“We have implanted 28 fish with telemetry tags thus far, and plan to implant 12 more in the coming months,” Hamel wrote.
Scientists have implanted tiny PIT tags, like the ones used to identify pets, in hundreds of fish over the past two decades. The tags let researchers learn when and where scientists caught the fish previously.
Hamel said about 15% to 20% of the fish being caught have PIT tags, and one is going into every untagged fish.
Five adults and five juveniles will also get a tag that records depth and temperature every 10 seconds, he said.
Information from the first three years of restocking suggested that juveniles were surviving.
“There’s been a lot of questions about long-term survival, growth rates, and when these fish would become sexually mature — and we’re on the verge of determining if these fish are going to successfully reproduce,” Hamel said.
The oldest lake sturgeon on record was 152 years old, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The agency says the fish can reach up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) long and 310 pounds (140 kilograms).
The largest caught so far by the Georgia group was 52 inches (1.3 meters) long and weighed 24 pounds (11 kilograms).
“This is the largest fish that anyone has documented on the Coosa River,” Hamel wrote. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/prehistoric-fish-georgia/85-f7eed232-baa6-410f-9413-4a96b077d269 | 2022-08-17T12:21:54 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/prehistoric-fish-georgia/85-f7eed232-baa6-410f-9413-4a96b077d269 |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/summer-in-the-poconos-what-you-need-to-know/3306590/ | 2022-08-17T12:29:24 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/summer-in-the-poconos-what-you-need-to-know/3306590/ |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Brendon Courson, 27, was killed after speeding and losing control of his motorcycle Saturday morning in St. Petersburg, authorities said.
The St. Petersburg Police Department said the crash happened on North Gandy Boulevard, and no one else was injured.
"My wife had wrote a note saying, 'My son, Brendon, was an amazing son and a beautiful young man. He made a really bad mistake. He lost his life,'" said James DeRusha, Courson's step-dad.
He said there's a lesson to be learned and urged others to think twice before hitting the road.
On Saturday, DeRusha said he knew something was wrong and had four missed calls from Bayfront Hospital.
"When I saw that [the missed calls], my heart dropped because he had just bought that motorcycle," he said.
Five weeks before the crash, Courson had his bike for the first time. DeRusha said high speed caused him to lose control and be thrown off the motorcycle.
"The neurologist told me within the first five minutes of walking into the emergency room that there's nothing they could do," he said.
Four days after the crash, Courson's family found out his life would continue in the form of saving the lives of others.
"My wife called me and said Brendon is going to be able to save five lives. She said his lungs, his heart, his liver and his pancreas are going to be donated. I kind of lost it and started crying again," DeRusha said.
Now, five people will live longer because of his organ donations.
"His legacy is going to save people's lives," DeRusha said.
The family said they still don't know who Courson's organs will go to but want to reach out and hopefully meet one of them in the future. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/brendon-courson-motorcycle-crash-organ-donation/67-8f7eec0f-ad3d-4f42-985b-ee9e4e2006d6 | 2022-08-17T13:00:06 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/brendon-courson-motorcycle-crash-organ-donation/67-8f7eec0f-ad3d-4f42-985b-ee9e4e2006d6 |
Tuesday night’s Hanover County School Board meeting regarding a proposed transgender policy quickly became tense as the third speaker was ushered out by a deputy while addressing the board.
Resident Wendy Kersey was talking about the local organization Hanover Patriots, which had a strong presence at the meeting and generally supports the policy. She was interrupted by School Board Chair John Axselle III, who asked her to stay on topic. The two spoke over each other, and Kersey was ushered away by a deputy as she spoke about Alliance Defending Freedom, the conservative legal advocacy organization that largely wrote the proposed transgender policy.
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The Hanover County School Board listened to more than three dozen residents give their input on the controversial proposed policy regarding transgender students’ access to restrooms and locker rooms.
The proposed policy, which was introduced last week, would require transgender students and their guardians to submit a written request to school administration asking for access to restrooms, locker rooms or changing facilities that align with the students’ gender identities.
Speakers who criticized the policy called it an evil, discriminatory method of bullying. Residents who spoke in favor of the policy called it an equitable compromise.
According to the proposed policy, the required written request may contain several personal documents including students’ disciplinary or criminal records or signed statements from the students’ doctors or therapists “verifying that the student has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and/or that the student consistently and authentically expresses a binary gender identity.” School Board Attorney Lisa Seward clarified last week that the documents suggested in the policy are not required.
When the policy was proposed at last week’s School Board meeting, board members did not converse about the policy as was expected by many because the item being described was a discussion item on the agenda. The discussion was limited to a presentation by Seward, who said the proposal was largely drafted by the Arizona-based organization Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal advocacy organization with expressed anti-LGBTQ views. The board voted in March to allow ADF to review its policy.
The ACLU of Virginia, which filed a lawsuit against the Hanover School Board in December, said in a statement that the proposed policy is appalling, invasive and discriminatory.
“HCSB has failed at every turn to create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all its students,” the statement reads in part. “Singling out transgender students and requiring them to go through a burdensome process perpetuates the stigma and harm that has contributed to the alarming suicide and self-harm rates amongst transgender youth”
It has been almost a year since the Hanover County School Board controversy surrounding the treatment of transgender students began. According to a statewide law, the Hanover School Board should have adopted an appropriate policy regarding the treatment of transgender and nonbinary students by Sept. 7, 2021 — the first day of last school year.
The School Board in November voted to implement a policy that covered some parts of the requirements but stopped short of language involving transgender students’ access to bathrooms.
Per a School Board policy, the allotted time was supposed to be capped at one hour, but the board’s chair allowed speakers to continue past 8 p.m.
The board is scheduled to vote on the proposed policy at a special meeting on August 30. | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/dozens-of-hanover-residents-speak-on-proposed-transgender-policy-in-overtime-meeting/article_8719af03-2d51-5d4b-9029-450acc6cb185.html | 2022-08-17T13:04:33 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/dozens-of-hanover-residents-speak-on-proposed-transgender-policy-in-overtime-meeting/article_8719af03-2d51-5d4b-9029-450acc6cb185.html |
PINE TOWNSHIP — A 38-year-old woman found with three flat tires along railroad tracks was nearly four times the legal limit for drinking alcohol and driving, Porter County police say.
An officer said he arrived shortly before 11 p.m. Friday to find a grey Toyota Camry approximately a quarter mile off County Line Road along the railroad tracks.
In addition to the flat tires, the car had a damaged front bumper from striking a pole along the tracks, police said.
The driver, Angela Porphir, of Michigan, was treated by emergency medical officials at the scene.
Porphir reportedly told police she had a couple glasses of wine with a friend at a Michigan City restaurant and was on her way home.
"Angela stated she had been driving the vehicle but did not remember driving down the railroad tracks," according to the incident report.
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Her blood alcohol content was found to be .28 or nearly four times the legal limit of .08, police said.
Porphir was taken to the Porter County jail and faces several charges operating while intoxicated, including one of endangering a person.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
Tammy White
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 44
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203270
Charges: OWI, felony
Alexander Raudonis
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 27
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number: 2203283
Charges: Domestic battery, misdemeanor
Alexander Lute
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 45
Residence: Kewanna, IN
Booking Number: 2203280
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Krystal Harris
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 22
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2203271
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Stacey Stilley
Arrest date: Aug. 12, 2022
Age: 32
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2203246
Charges: OWI, felony
Claire Baldwin
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 21
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203278
Charges: Battery, misdemeanor
Jeffery Dowd
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 43
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203273
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Emma Seguin
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 18
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2203277
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Amber Martin
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 20
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203276
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Randy Summerlott
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 56
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2203268
Charges: OWI, felony
Alejandro Alicea-Velez
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 48
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2203281
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Jacob Georgiefski-Rios
Arrest date: Aug. 12, 2022
Age: 25
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number: 2203261
Charges: Child molestation, felony
Angela Porphir
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 38
Residence: Hartford, MI
Booking Number: 2203272
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Daniele Kimbrough
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 35
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number: 2203279
Charges: Possession of cocaine or narcotic drug, felony
Dylan Vogedes
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 26
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2203274
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Jeffrey Gutierrez
Arrest date: Aug. 13, 2022
Age: 50
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2203269
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Thomas Gross III
Arrest date: Aug. 7, 2022
Age: 33
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203171
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Blake Lesniak
Arrest date: Aug. 11, 2022
Age: 23
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203232
Charges: Possession hypodermic syringe or needle, felony
Jason Coleman
Arrest date: Aug. 12, 2022
Age: 33
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number: 2203250
Charges: Possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, felony
Sophia Silva
Arrest date: Aug. 10, 2022
Age: 35
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number: 2203221
Charges: Possession of cocaine or narcotic substance, felony
Anthony Manson
Arrest date: Aug. 9, 2022
Age: 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number: 2203213
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Scott Austin
Arrest date: Aug. 9, 2022
Age: 32
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203215
Charges: Battery, misdemeanor
Carl Scannel
Arrest date: Aug. 8, 2022
Age: 37
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203184
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Mathew Arwood
Arrest date: Aug. 10, 2022
Age: 33
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203229
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Kyle Knutson
Arrest date: Aug. 8, 2022
Age: 39
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2203180
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Michele Mau
Arrest date: Aug. 9, 2022
Age: 62
Residence: Mokena, IL
Booking Number: 2203203
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Elmer Aguilar Medina
Arrest date: Aug. 8, 2022
Age: 23
Residence: Elkhart, IN
Booking Number: 2203197
Charges: Theft/firearm, felony
Jessica Fisher
Arrest date: Aug. 10, 2022
Age: 24
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203219
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Brandon Sweeney
Arrest date: Aug. 10, 2022
Age: 40
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2203228
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Maurice Thomas Jr.
Arrest date: Aug. 11, 2022
Age: 42
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number: 2203240
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
William Dodaro
Arrest date: Aug. 9, 2022
Age: 42
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2203205
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Kristin Martin
Arrest date: Aug. 8, 2022
Age: 34
Residence: High Ridge, MO
Booking Number: 2203189
Charges: Possession of methamphetamine, felony
Aldino Gallo
Arrest date: Aug. 10, 2022
Age: 66
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number: 2203223
Charges: Theft, felony
Patricico Soto Guerrero
Arrest date: Aug. 9, 2022
Age: 45
Residence: LaSalle, IL
Booking Number: 2203208
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Jacob McKay
Arrest date: Aug. 8, 2022
Age: 32
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203182
Charges: Domestic battery, misdemeanor
Brandon Gast
Arrest date: Aug. 8, 2022
Age: 33
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2203199
Charges: Residential entry, felony
Timothy Hutchinson
Arrest date: Aug. 10, 2022
Age: 71
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2203225
Charges: Domestic battery, misdemeanor
James Huspek-Hein
Arrest date: Aug. 9, 2022
Age: 26
Residence: Wanatah, IN
Booking Number: 2203217
Charges: Resisting law enforcement, felony
Jonathan Styers
Arrest date: Aug. 9, 2022
Age: 42
Residence: Redington Beach, FL
Booking Number: 2203211
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Stan Radake
Arrest date: Aug. 8, 2022
Age: 35
Residence: St. Louis, MO
Booking Number: 2203195
Charges: Possession of methamphetamine, felony
Felicia Cusic
Arrest date: Aug. 12, 2022
Age: 37
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203248
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Novise Alexander Jr.
Arrest date: Aug. 12, 2022
Age: 27
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number: 2203249
Charges: Resisting law enforcement, felony
Robert Maddex
Arrest date: Aug. 9, 2022
Age: 51
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2203204
Charges: OWI, felony
Elysha Williams
Arrest date: Aug. 9, 2022
Age: 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number: 2203206
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Terrell Rea
Arrest date: Aug. 8, 2022
Age: 56
Residence: Boardman, OR
Booking Number: 2203202
Charges: Dealing methamphetamine, felony
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-driving-on-tracks-was-nearly-4-times-the-legal-limit-porter-county-police-say/article_01a44bba-4db5-52a1-ab5b-49c9221920b1.html | 2022-08-17T13:04:40 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-driving-on-tracks-was-nearly-4-times-the-legal-limit-porter-county-police-say/article_01a44bba-4db5-52a1-ab5b-49c9221920b1.html |
It’s Black Cat Appreciation Day, so show Mr. Whiskers some love! The holiday actually has a more serious side, too. It’s a way to remind people that the superstitions about black cats bringing bad luck are completely false. Sadly, black cats often stay in shelters longer waiting for a home, so if you’re looking for a feline companion, consider adopting a black cat.
The Kenosha County opens today for another season of animal auctions, grandstand entertainment and all that fun festival food. Tonight’s Grandstand entertainment is racing (modified, street stocks and bandits.) Gates open at 5 p.m. for the racing, which starts at 6:45 p.m. The fairgrounds in Wilmot are open 8 a.m. to midnight today through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Daily admission is $10 for adults (ages 12 and older), $7 for senior citizens (ages 65 and up), $5 for children ages 7-11 and free for children 6 and under. Retired or active military members (ID required) are admitted for $7. General parking is free. For more details, go to kenoshacofair.com.
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Start your morning with the Kenosha Library System. An all-ages story time starts at 9:30 a.m. in Schulte Park, 4400 87th Place. Story time is 9:30 to 10 a.m., followed by bubbles and music until 10:45 a.m. Admission is free. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair.
The Kemper Center’s “Lakeside Lounge” is back from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kemper, 6501 Third Ave. Food and drinks will be available for purchase and live music will be performed by the band Karma Shotgun. The “lounge” takes place on the northernmost lawn area at Kemper Center. There are a limited number of picnic tables available, and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Admission is free. For more information, go to kempercenter.com.
All aboard! Kenosha’s Downtown electric streetcars are running seven days a week, offering wonderful lakefront views. The streetcars run 11:05 a.m. to 6:35 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:35 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The fare is $1 for ages 13 and older and 50 cents for kids ages 5-12 (free for kids age 4 and younger). An all-day pass is $3.50. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-events-for-wednesday-aug-16/article_a948582c-1cd8-11ed-b7c7-7b096218c48f.html | 2022-08-17T13:06:55 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-events-for-wednesday-aug-16/article_a948582c-1cd8-11ed-b7c7-7b096218c48f.html |
WATERLOO — The Cedar Valley Jaycees will hold its annual backpack giveaway on two dates this week.
Approximately 1,200 backpacks will be handed out 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Lafayette Park and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Sullivan Park. The backpacks will be filled with elementary school-relevant supplies as part of the Cedar Valley Back to School Backpack Project.
The Jaycees-sponsored program has been around for more than 25 years. A news release from the organization said it is rooted in the belief that all children deserve the opportunity to enter the school year with the supplies they need to feel confident, proud, and comfortably ready to learn and excel.
Backpacks will be filled with new supplies and are free to anybody who needs them, with no sign-up required. The backpacks will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. All 1,200 backpacks will be available on Thursday, with remaining quantities available at Sullivan Park on Saturday.
Superintendent Justin Stockdale watches construction going on at Dike-New Hartford High School from the new front office. Construction has been going on since March 2021 and will continue throughout the school year.
Superintendent Justin Stockdale shows off the amenities in the improved Dike-New Hartford High School science wing. These classrooms and all others will be ready for students on Aug. 23.
Justin Stockdale stands outside the new special education class in the safe room connected to Dike-New Hartford High School and the elementary school.
DONALD A. PROMNITZ, Courier Staff Writer
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Superintendent Justin Stockdale watches construction going on at Dike-New Hartford High School from the new front office. Construction has been going on since March 2021 and will continue throughout the school year.
DONALD A. PROMNITZ, Courier Staff Writer
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The new gym at Dike-New Hartford High Schools measures 15,000 square feet and the district hopes to have it ready for basketball season.
DONALD A. PROMNITZ, Courier Staff Writer
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Superintendent Justin Stockdale shows off the amenities in the improved Dike-New Hartford High School science wing. These classrooms and all others will be ready for students on Aug. 23.
DONALD A. PROMNITZ, Courier Staff Writer
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Books ready for young readers in a fifth-grade classroom at New Hartford Elementary.
DONALD A. PROMNITZ, Courier Staff Writer
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New Hartford Elementary preschoolers can look forward to play sets like these when school starts on Aug. 23.
DONALD A. PROMNITZ, Courier Staff Writer
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The wrestling room at New Hartford Elementary School.
DONALD A. PROMNITZ, Courier Staff Writer
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Superintendent Justin Stockdale walks around to the entrance of the new gym at Dike-New Hartford High School.
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Chemistry equipment ready for student use at the high school.
DONALD A. PROMNITZ, Courier Staff Writer
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Superintendent Justin Stockdale walks through New Hartford Elementary School, where the HVAC is being worked on overhead. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/annual-backpack-giveaway-planned-thursday-saturday/article_c4d7e2c8-9183-5521-b8b8-6a1321704a2b.html | 2022-08-17T13:09:19 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/annual-backpack-giveaway-planned-thursday-saturday/article_c4d7e2c8-9183-5521-b8b8-6a1321704a2b.html |
COURIER STAFF
WAVERLY — Upcoming public events at Waverly Health Center include:
Advance Care Planning Clinic, 3-5 p.m. Wednesday. Free assistance offered to help with completing a living will or medical power of attorney regarding any future medical treatment and care if someone becomes unable to voice their needs. The clinic will be held by appointment only. Masks are required. Call (319) 352-4951 to register. Bring a valid ID. “Is Surgical Weight Loss Right For Me?” 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 25. For those who have tried to lose weight without success, plan to attend this free presentation, either in person in Tendrils Rooftop Garden at the health center or via Google Meet. To join via Google, visit meet.google.com/yea-uhvz-nab or dial +1 320-322-1953 and enter PIN 189 717 726#. This presentation is open to all. Call (319) 483-1360 to register. Masks are required.
PHOTOS: Doggie Dip at The Falls 2022
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
Dog days of summer
Dogs and their owners head for the water at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday to participate in the annual Doggie Dip. More photos, A3.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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People and their pets plunged into the pool Monday at The Falls Aquatic Center during the Doggie Dip.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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People and their pets plunged into the pool Monday at The Falls Aquatic Center during the Doggie Dip.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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This World War I flying ace made a stop at The Falls Aquatic Center Monday for the Doggie Dip.
Jeff Reinitz
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Photos from the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center in Cedar Falls on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
Jeff Reinitz
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Furry friends filled the water Monday during the Doggie Dip at The Falls Aquatic Center.
Jeff Reinitz
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/events-set-at-waverly-health-center/article_4b299672-e2bc-547d-96b7-7e968d6ffd80.html | 2022-08-17T13:09:26 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/events-set-at-waverly-health-center/article_4b299672-e2bc-547d-96b7-7e968d6ffd80.html |
Grapevine Colleyville ISD heads back to class on Wednesday, and the school district has something new to celebrate this year.
Colleyville police will be adding six all-new school resource officers to the district in the coming months.
The effort to get an SRO assigned to every school has been a long time coming for this district, even before Uvalde.
In fact, Colleyville police had even applied for a grant to make that happen within the last few years, but it was denied.
Now, the police department will finally have the funding to make it possible. This month, Colleyville City Council approved the Colleyville Crime Control and Prevention District budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with more than $500,000 set aside to cover the officers' salaries.
All six SROs will go to GCISD schools within Colleyville city limits, including one at Liberty Elementary, which is a part of Keller ISD.
Colleyville, Bransford, O.C. Taylor, Glenhope within GCISD will each have a full-time SRO assigned to the campus. Bridges Accelerated Learning Center and Vista Alternative Learning Center in GCISD will share an assigned SRO.
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Colleyville police say the massacre in Uvalde and other shootings across the country have really driven home the reason why it's necessary to have an SRO in every school.
“That's one thing that we're really trying to drive home with our whole department – is staying visible and being that presence in every single school that we have so that everybody feels safe,” said Sgt. Dara Nelson with CPD. “So that we're learning the layouts of the schools, really becoming experts on our schools, and letting the staff, students and parents know that we're here for them. We're going to be there to keep them safe as often as we can."
Colleyville police currently have three full time SROs assigned to some middle and high schools.
Grapevine police have SROs assigned to Grapevine High School, Grapevine Middle School, and Cross Timbers Middle School.
However, both departments are having to split time between checking on elementary schools as there is currently no full time officer assigned. That will soon change with this extra funding.
"We finally have the support where we can get the budget funding to be able to hire them on without any question,” said Nelson. “We have gotten approval and support from everybody in this city to be able to move forward with that. So we're really excited to be able to give those students and staff the safety and security that they deserve, not just on occasion or when the time allows.”
It will take some time to officially hire and train the SROs and get them in the schools, but the process has now begun.
Depending on how quickly they're hired, officers could start as soon as next school semester. However, the CPD chief estimated it could take up to 12 to 18 months to have all six officers hired, trained, and working in the schools. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/grapevine-colleyville-isd-to-receive-six-school-resource-officers-thanks-to-funding/3050271/ | 2022-08-17T13:09:52 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/grapevine-colleyville-isd-to-receive-six-school-resource-officers-thanks-to-funding/3050271/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — As students are heading back to school, WTHR is honoring Hoosier teachers who go above and beyond.
Roger Raymond grew up in Martinsville and spent the first part of his teaching career in Center Grove. But it’s when Roger and his wife Karen moved to Florida that their Indiana values truly shined through. We ventured down to the Sunshine State to talk to Roger about love, music, basketball, and Hoosier hospitality.
Roger was a multi-sport star at Mooresville High School. He was even named Mooresville's athlete of the year back in 1969. But it was while attending Ball State University that Roger’s life would change forever when he was struck with love at first sight, seeing his future wife Karen for the very first time.
"She was singing on stage at Emens Auditorium with the Ball State University Singers, and I said, 'I really like her!' I didn't even know her, but I made my point to meet her," Roger said. "And that's kind of where it all started. That's where the music aspect of our lives came from."
Roger spent an entire summer practicing his trumpet so he could eventually be in a traveling road band with Karen. And his hard work paid off.
“We went on the road (together) in 1981,” Roger said. “We played for the first President Bush twice at rallies. We travelled to 33 states, six countries.”
After college, Roger found himself splitting his time between music, teaching and sports.
“I was coaching basketball at Center Grove at the time.”
But after six years of coaching the Trojans, Roger, his wife Karen and their band buddies from Ball State got a really good offer from a talent agent to play music full time in Florida.
“He said, ‘Do you want to go to Marco Island?’ I go, ‘Where’s Marco Island?! I’ve never heard of it,’” Roger said.
Now, 35 years later, almost everyone on Marco Island has heard of Roger Raymond, but it’s not for his music. It’s because he quite literally introduced the students there to Indiana basketball.
“They wanted to start this charter middle school and have me help with the basketball program because I'm from Indiana," Roger said. "They said, 'You've got to do it.' I said, 'Look, I stopped coaching. I'm doing some different things.' They kept talking and talking and finally I said I would do it if we do it my way. We're not going to scream and yell at referees. We're going to keep our fans at bay. And we're going to try to make this a good experience for everybody."
In other words: Hoosier hoops hysteria with Hoosier hospitality.
So how much did Roger's Hoosier roots help him as a coach in Florida?
"Immensely, from a fundamental standpoint," Roger said. "We learned fundamentals when I was a young, young player. When I came to Florida, the first thing I noticed wasn't the difference in athleticism, it was the difference in fundamental ability. You don't know what a passing lane is? What a jump stop is? It's just those things that come natural in Indiana."
Roger changed all of that by bringing a new level of basketball coaching to the area.
"I brought what I considered important, and I think they probably would be considered Hoosier values," Roger said. "I believe in working hard. I also believe in helping kids learn why they're working hard and not just getting on to them because they did something wrong or didn't work hard enough."
And when Roger's undefeated Marco Island team started to get a little full of themselves with all their success, he put them on a bus, drove them up to Indiana and showed them what real basketball was all about.
"Our kids were 16-0 in Florida, and they lost all the games in Indiana," Roger said. "I said, 'You're going learn about basketball!'"
After 35 years in Marco Island, Roger and Karen moved to Orlando a few years ago to be near their two daughters: Jessica, who’s a schoolteacher, and Jennifer, who’s a singer and plays Dory in “Finding Nemo: The Musical” at Disney World.
But Roger couldn’t stay retired. In fact, he just won the “Coach of the Year” Award at Lake Buena Vista High School as the track & field coach. But he gives all his credit to his assistant coach, his wife Karen.
"My wife, she was my assistant in cross country and track," Roger said. "So from a life experience (standpoint), it couldn't be better. We're together."
And how long have they been together now?
"We'll be married 50 years on the 2nd of December this year," Roger said.
Making beautiful music together, through sports and Hoosier values. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana-native-florida-teacher-brings-hoosier-hospitality-to-sunshine-state/531-ddb4f213-f200-49f0-861d-9af3fd58635e | 2022-08-17T13:19:17 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana-native-florida-teacher-brings-hoosier-hospitality-to-sunshine-state/531-ddb4f213-f200-49f0-861d-9af3fd58635e |
HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has ceased performing kidney and liver transplants after the state health department and federal agencies found multiple issues with its program.
The transplant program was shut down after a two-day inspection in early May that was spurred by a complaint. According to spokeswoman Barbara Schindo, the program has been inactive since April.
As a result of the inspection, a report was produced on the problems observed with the program.
One issue detailed in the report is staff not recognizing and looking into six incidents of patients who had just received transplants having to go back to the operating room because of medical issues. When these incidents occur, the staff is supposed to analyze the transplant process to look for ways it may need to change.
The report goes on to detail two separate incidents where patients were not told that they were being offered "high-risk" organs; in such cases, receiving these organs can put patients at a higher risk of organ failure or hepatitis or HIV transmission. This, according to inspectors, violates the process called "informed consent" where patients are given the option to deny such organs. In one of these cases, the patient was informed of their new, high-risk organ at a follow-up appointment, the report claims.
The kidney and liver transplant program is further faulted in the report for not informing the United Network for Organ Sharing and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of important personnel changes.
According to Schindo, Penn State Health has notified about 1,100 patients of the shutdown, including about 200 on its waiting lists for kidney or liver transplants, and is offering help to those who wish to switch to another transplant center.
Penn State Health voluntarily and temporarily shut down the program, also according to Schindo, who says that the medical center has since "engaged an experienced outside third party to conduct an extensive review" of the abdominal transplant program, which includes liver and kidney transplants.
"Both the UNOS and external reviews determined that while our clinical outcomes have been on par with other transplant programs, we have opportunities for structural and operational improvements that will enhance the program," Schindo said in a statement provided to FOX43. "Subsequent CMS and DOH reviews of our program found similar opportunities for improvement and regulatory compliance."
She says that the medical center has also taken steps to address the problems listed above, including, developing comprehensive action plans that were submitted to CMS in mid-July and were accepted. These plans, she says, were further audited by the DOH who have subsequently confirmed that they have been implemented successfully.
"As we continue to work with UNOS towards reactivation of the program, our focus remains foremost on the needs and well-beings of our patients and their families," Schindo further said in her statement. "Our transplant patients are being provided with regular updates, and Hershey Medical Center continues to provide post-transplant care for the hundreds of kidney and liver patients currently served."
Schindo also stated that the shutdown of the abdominal transplant program at Hershey Medical Center does not affect other Penn State Health transplant programs, including stem cell and bone marrow transplant programs and the heart transplant program. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/kidney-and-liver-transplants-cease-at-penn-state-health/521-78e148e2-0775-4e4f-b799-5112c0f3e178 | 2022-08-17T13:24:18 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/kidney-and-liver-transplants-cease-at-penn-state-health/521-78e148e2-0775-4e4f-b799-5112c0f3e178 |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Attorney Ben Crump and the family of a 14-year-old boy who died after falling from an Orlando thrill ride in March are holding a news conference Wednesday to mark what would have been the teen’s 15th birthday.
Tyre Sampson died on March 24 when he fell from the drop tower attraction at ICON Park in Orlando while visiting from Missouri on spring break. He slipped out of his seat about halfway down the Orlando FreeFall.
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Crump, attorney Natalie Jackson, State Rep. Geraldine Thompson and the teen’s family will be providing an update on the case during the news conference. Afterward, there will be a balloon release to commemorate Sampson’s birthday, a release said.
A lawsuit was filed in April suing Funtime Thrill Rides, the manufacturer; Slingshot Group, the owner-operator in Florida; and ICON Park, which leased the space. The lawsuit alleges the ride’s operators should have known that riders could be “subject to unreasonably dangerous and foreseeable risks, and that serious injury and death of the occupants in the ride could result.”
Regardless, the lawsuit points out that the ride did not have seatbelts, which would have cost operators of Orlando FreeFall $22 per seat for a combined $660 for all seats. It also claims the manufacturer and operator of the ride should have made sure:
- There were visible warnings for riders about height and weight restrictions
- The ride should not have been able to function if all riders were not properly secured
- No one should have been able to manipulate or adjust proximity sensors
- A monitoring system should have been installed to make sure all rider restraints were properly secured
- A mechanism should have been installed to stop the ride if a restraint was not properly secured
The lawsuit also points out there were safer alternative designs other than the designs used in the Orlando FreeFall that would have reduced the risk of the rider coming out of the seat.
Sampson’s father, Yarnell Sampson, has called for the ride to be torn down.
“The goal is to get 25,000 signed petitions to get this ride taken down,” Yarnell Sampson said during a June news conference. “What my wish is — I would like to have a permanent memorial here for my son stating that he had passed away and his legacy will live on and give proper respect to the dead that needs it.”
Months after the lawsuit was filed, the Orlando medical examiner’s office released the boy’s autopsy report that revealed he was nearly 100 pounds over the weight limit of the attraction.
The autopsy report revealed the teen weighed 383 pounds and was just over 6 feet tall. According to a manual produced by the manufacturer of the ride, Funtime Thrill Rides, the maximum weight allowance for Orlando FreeFall is listed as 130 kilograms, or 286 pounds.
An independent forensic engineering firm hired in the investigation found the ride itself did not have an electrical or mechanical failure but a manual adjustment in the seat he was in allowed the ride to operate even when it was unsafe, according to Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/17/attorneys-family-of-14-year-old-boy-who-fatally-fell-from-orlando-freefall-to-mark-his-birthday/ | 2022-08-17T13:25:30 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/17/attorneys-family-of-14-year-old-boy-who-fatally-fell-from-orlando-freefall-to-mark-his-birthday/ |
An 87-year-old New Salem man accused of threatening to kill a Morton County deputy sheriff has pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors.
Kenneth Groce on Aug. 12 entered into a pretrial diversion agreement, court records show. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor menacing and disorderly conduct. Felony charges of simple assault on a peace officer and preventing arrest will be dismissed if he has no criminal violations for three years. Groce was ordered to pay $325 in court fees. South Central District Judge Douglas Bahr suspended a one-year jail sentence.
Groce last October allegedly accused Deputy Scott Austin of harassing him and his adult grandsons. The deputy said Groce held his body weight against the driver’s door of Austin's vehicle and said, “I’m going to kill you,” according to an affidavit.
Austin forced the door open and told Groce he was under arrest. Groce tried to walk back to his pickup truck and at one point slapped the deputy’s hand away and pushed him, Austin said. Groce allegedly made more threatening comments before other deputies arrived and restrained him. The affidavit does not state that Groce had a weapon when he approached the patrol car. He continued to resist as deputies tried to place him in a car, the affidavit states. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/87-year-old-accused-of-assaulting-deputy-pleads-guilty-to-misdemeanors/article_1a0a2978-1d7e-11ed-af1b-db1b8fb94c40.html | 2022-08-17T13:25:36 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/87-year-old-accused-of-assaulting-deputy-pleads-guilty-to-misdemeanors/article_1a0a2978-1d7e-11ed-af1b-db1b8fb94c40.html |
A Bismarck man facing a criminal charge for allegedly creating and sending fake texts that caused his ex-girlfriend to be suspended from her teaching job has been placed on probation for a year.
Jacob Thompson, who is in his mid-30s, in pleading guilty to disorderly conduct admits to “harassing conduct” that was intended to “adversely affect the safety, security or privacy of another person,” according to a plea agreement dated Aug. 3. South Central District Judge Bonnie Storbakken ordered Thompson to pay $285 in court fees. She suspended a 30-day jail term and ordered Thompson not to have any contact with the woman.
Thompson in the spring and summer of 2019 allegedly put together a series of false texts containing racist and sexually explicit comments that he said came from Nicole Gabel. Some of them were distributed on social media, according to police. The texts included multiple racial epithets against Black and Native American students, insulting language toward a Bismarck Public Schools official and language implying Gabel performed sexual acts at school.
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Gabel was placed on paid administrative leave from Dorothy Moses Elementary in Bismarck on Aug. 14, 2019, after parents complained to Bismarck Public Schools about the text messages. She was taken off administrative leave about a month later after an internal investigation by the school district found no evidence that she sent the alleged texts. Gabel was assigned to a different school and given a new schedule and duties.
Thompson initially was charged with defamation, a crime punishable by up to a year in jail and a $3,000 fine. Disorderly conduct carries a possible 30-day jail term and $1,500 fine. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/bismarck-man-sentenced-in-defamation-case-involving-teacher/article_aa64baac-1d87-11ed-b50d-7f001b4fc853.html | 2022-08-17T13:25:42 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/bismarck-man-sentenced-in-defamation-case-involving-teacher/article_aa64baac-1d87-11ed-b50d-7f001b4fc853.html |
What to Know
- A block captain and van owner interrupted the theft of a catalytic converter from a parked van in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood early Wednesday.
- "They were actually underneath the van in the process of stealing a catalytic converter," Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.
- The block captain was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to his chest.
A Philadelphia block captain was shot while confronting a trio of thieves stealing a catalytic converter from under a van in the Germantown neighborhood Wednesday morning.
Just after 5 a.m. police officers responded to West Pomona Street at Germantown Avenue to find a man in his 50s shot in his chest, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.
The man was bleeding but conscious as he was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery.
"He is expected to survive" despite being listed in critical condition, Small said.
"This block captain was very brave trying to protect his block from these thieves," Small said.
The man, who is the block captain, told investigators he was with the owner of a van when they approached a trio "clearly cutting the catalytic converter from underneath this parked van," Small said.
The men came out from under the van, at least one of them armed, and started to run toward a parked, police said. The block captain pursued them.
"One of thieves... fired at least one shot, striking the block captain," Small said.
The men drove off in a gray or silver four-door sedan that drove off south on Germantown Avenue, investigators said.
Police found a small saw with a laser light and some other tools under or near the van. Police hoped to pull evidence from those left-behind items.
Catalytic converter thefts has spiked nationwide, more than quadrupling from 2019 to 2021, according to data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Thieves are taking the car part due to a surge in the value of the metals they contain, reports NBC News.
A neighbor on West Pomona Street told investigators that a catalytic converter was stolen off her vehicle just last weekend.
Small said investigators were trying to figure out if the catalytic converter thefts are related and if they are part of a larger ring.
Police hoped that surveillance cameras would help them track down the thieves.
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/block-captain-shooting-philadelphia/3337590/ | 2022-08-17T13:26:14 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/block-captain-shooting-philadelphia/3337590/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/daughter-of-victims-says-she-intends-to-sue-over-deadly-nj-turnpike-megabus-crash/3337541/ | 2022-08-17T13:26:20 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/daughter-of-victims-says-she-intends-to-sue-over-deadly-nj-turnpike-megabus-crash/3337541/ |
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — Several residents raised questions about township sales of property, especially in the Whitesboro section and neighboring communities, at the Monday meeting of the Township Committee.
Typically, the land sales are for properties the township has foreclosed upon over unpaid taxes. The committee approved a list of properties for sale last month, with the land sale set for Sept. 12.
“It’s a lot of properties going up for sale, mostly in Whitesboro,” said Dawn Robinson, a resident of the Burleigh section of the township, which is near Whitesboro.
She sought details about how much money the township takes in for the sales, and where and how that money is spent. It goes into the township’s general fund, she was told at the meeting, but there is not a spreadsheet detailing how much is brought in from tax sales.
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During the public comment portion of the meeting, several residents questioned the land sales, with several raising Whitesboro’s history as a planned community for African Americans created in response to the rise of Jim Crow laws in the South.
Shirley Greene, founder of the Whitesboro Historical Foundation, argued at the meeting that the township had no right to sell land within Whitesboro, asserting it is a distinct community, citing the foundation of the community by George White, one of the last Black members of the House of Representatives elected in the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. White founded the community at the beginning of the 20th century along with a group of investors.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — After years of negotiations — some friendly, some not — the township has r…
“George White and the investors purchased these three places from the county of Cape May, not Middle Township,” she said. “This property was located in Cape May County as a safe haven for African Americans.”
She argued the township could not sell property in Whitesboro, Wildwood Junction or Wildwood Heights.
Mayor Tim Donohue dismissed the suggestion, saying he did not believe any court would agree that the township jurisdiction did not include Whitesboro and the other communities.
Like other townships in South Jersey, Middle Township includes multiple distinct communities, each with its own history. The township’s history dates from before the Revolutionary War.
Of more than 20 properties approved for land sale at a July meeting, most appear to have Whitesboro addresses. The minimum bid prices, based on assessed value, range from $4,000 to more than $117,000. Some addresses include wooded lots, others have houses.
“You make a lot of money from these sales. It just doesn’t seem to benefit our community in any way,” Robinson said.
STONE HARBOR — “Miracle on 81st Street,” a new documentary about a small Black community in …
If all of the properties approved for sale sold for the minimum bid, the total from the land sale would be close to $700,000.
But township Administrator Kimberly Osmundsen said not all of the properties will receive bids, and not all of the bids go to settlement.
Osmundsen said it would be possible to request all of the resolutions finalizing sales for a year to get the total revenue, but she added the township is closer to breaking even, not only because taxes have not been paid, but also because the township has been paying taxes on the foreclosed-upon properties to the county and schools.
The sales will get the properties to new owners, who will then be responsible for the taxes.
“That’s the purpose of a land sale. The township is not in the business of owning all these properties,” she said.
The funds go into the general fund, Osmundsen said, but are not tracked separately. This year, the township budget came in at $24.4 million, mostly supported by $14.6 million in property taxes.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — A community event that has taken place for decades took on extra meaning t…
“The taxpayers don’t even know this is going on,” Robinson said. “I thought with the township making all this money out of all this land, I thought you’d have it listed.”
“The money’s used to balance the budget, if that’s what you’re asking,” said Committee member Theron “Ike” Gandy.
Robinson has bought properties in Whitesboro through previous land sales. She said after the meeting that the lots were a good deal. Another person who addressed the committee Monday, Quanette Vasser-McNeal, is shown as the successful bidder on two properties in a land sale that took place in January.
She is listed as the successful bidder on a property on Main Street, for $8,000, and on Wiley Street, for $26,000. She raised concerns with rapidly rising property values, saying she saw something similar growing up in West Cape May, in which increased tax assessments can mean even those that own their properties outright cannot afford to remain in a community.
“Ultimately you will be pushed out of the county. It’s a big concern,” she said.
“It’s an issue in every neighborhood,” said Donohue.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — Several years ago, the Household of Ruth Cemetery, a local burial ground, …
Township attorney Steven Morris said the township has no leeway in which properties go to foreclosure. In instances where there is a sliver of land, the township could offer it to the adjoining land owner, Osmundsen said, but larger properties must go out to bid.
“If it’s buildable land, then you can never just buy it. It always has to go to public auction,” she said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/whitesboro-residents-take-issue-with-tax-sales/article_80485ad6-1d95-11ed-a36a-cfae0d1e5e6a.html | 2022-08-17T13:29:05 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/whitesboro-residents-take-issue-with-tax-sales/article_80485ad6-1d95-11ed-a36a-cfae0d1e5e6a.html |
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Nearly two months after Jeremiah Washington lost both of his legs during a car accident, the suspected drunk driver that caused the tragedy has yet to be formally charged for the crash.
Police arrested 47-year-old Jerry Odogui Hernandez following the accident on June 25, but he was released on bond two days later. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has not yet filed charges against him.
Life changed in a second
Jeremiah, a recently new father, was standing by the trunk of his brother’s car on June 25 when he was hit by Herandez near 46th and Glendale Avenues.
“Out of nowhere it was a full-fledged slam from behind,” said Jeremiah's brother, Nehemiah Washington. “It took me a minute to process what was going on. I looked around and didn’t see my brother.”
The brothers had just come back from getting their hair cut and were about to get ready to go get food. Jeremiah had clothes in Nehemiah's trunk and had just stepped outside Hernandez slammed into him with his vehicle.
“I turned to the dude and asked him ‘you didn’t see me? I’m parked. My trunk is open. What’s going on?’ and I heard my brother screaming on the floor,” the victim’s brother said.
Nehemiah turned his attention to his brother and placed his head on his lap “to let him know everything was going to be okay,” he said. “I didn’t want him to see his legs.”
The younger brother FaceTimed his mom, Belinda Welch.
“Everything in his face said it all,” she said. “He had no words. He couldn’t speak. He flipped his camera on his phone, and I see my son laid out on the floor and his legs were mangled.”
Jeremiah was rushed to the hospital, his injuries so severe he had to be intubated. But doctors could not save either of his legs. They were both amputated above the knee.
“He’s in an emotional rollercoaster,” Welch said. “There’s times where he is okay and he’s talking, then there’s times where he just breaks down and cries.”
It’s been hard for Jeremiah to adjust to his new life, his mother said. Therapy has been difficult, and he is scared to hold and drop his baby son, she added.
“My child doesn’t have a life right now,” Welch said. “Especially knowing that this individual is still out here free.”
Seeking justice
Motherhood has a new meaning for Welch after no charges have been brought up against Jerry Hernandez, the man suspected of driving drunk that injured her son.
“I’m his advocate and I will fight for him,” she said fighting back tears.
On the day of the wreck, court records state Hernandez got out of his 1995 Isuzu Trooper, told witnesses “that he had been drinking beer” and left the scene “without attempting to provide aid to” Jeremiah.
Witnesses followed Hernandez and “held him on the ground until officers took [him] into custody and observed signs and symptoms of impairment,” arrest documents said.
During a post-Miranda interview, Hernandez allegedly told detectives, “He did leave his vehicle after it ‘stopped’ because he needed to use the bathroom.”
Glendale police recommended one charge of an accident with serious injury, but two days after the crash he was released on a $50,000 secure bond, where he only had to pay 10% to walk free.
The release order document stated Hernandez was “[dangerous] and flight risk,” and listed his criminal record which consists of four prior felony convictions, including Aggravated DUI and Unlawful flight.
In 2019, Hernandez served four months in jail for aggravated DUI.
On July 27, the department re-submitted the case to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. This time recommend four charges, including DUI, aggravated assault, and endangerment.
Documents in the re-submitted case showed the Department of Public Safety Crime Lab returned the results of Hernandez’s blood and “it was found to have a 0.109 BAC. Which is an impairing amount.”
MCAO told 12News in a statement they are reviewing the case.
“Vehicular crime cases usually involve scene re-creation, toxicology reports, witness interviews, and evidence gathering that can take time to gather and assess,” the statement read.
Jeremiah's family wants justice.
“Nobody would deserve anything like this,” his brother said. “Even though he will have replacement legs, it’s not fair to him. He didn’t do anything wrong.”
12News attempted to speak with Hernandez at his home but was unsuccessful.
“There’s no healing right now,” Welch said. “We can’t grieve, we can’t heal. We can’t do anything. We’re stuck. We’re stuck until we know what the DA is going to do.”
Each prosthetic leg will cost the family an average of $50,000, Welch said. They have set up a GoFundMe account to help get him walking again.
“Growing up he’s always been inspirational, and he still is,” Nehemiah said. “The way he is fighting now, he still is inspirational.”
Latest Arizona news
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12 News YouTube playlist here. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/glendale-man-loses-legs-after-drunk-driver-hit-him-no-one-has-been-arrested/75-ae3b56b3-cc72-48d3-998d-5cdc8cc0a6ba | 2022-08-17T13:33:26 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/glendale-man-loses-legs-after-drunk-driver-hit-him-no-one-has-been-arrested/75-ae3b56b3-cc72-48d3-998d-5cdc8cc0a6ba |
TEXAS, USA — Texas plans to execute Kosoul Chanthakoummane on Wednesday for the 2006 murder of a real estate agent in a Collin County model home. It would be the second execution this year in a state that typically puts more people to death than any other.
Chanthakoummane, now 41, is set to die for the murder of Sarah Walker, who was brutally beaten and stabbed to death while showing a home in a McKinney subdivision. The 40-year-old’s Rolex watch and ring were missing when police arrived.
Witnesses placed Chanthakoummane at the model home, and a bite mark on Walker’s back and blood under her fingernails and at the scene were linked to him, according to court records. The death row prisoner has long claimed he is innocent.
Over his nearly 15 years on death row, the prisoner’s attorneys have chipped away at the reliability of evidence against him. Forensic scientists have largely debunked the ability to match bite marks to an individual. And the witnesses who testified Chanthakoummane was the man they saw on the day of the murder had previously been hypnotized by police investigators, despite scientific evidence that the practice can distort memories.
But analysts also determined his DNA was on Walker’s fingernails and elsewhere at the crime scene, and that evidence largely has convinced the courts they have the right man. In his last appeals to Collin County and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals filed last week, Chanthakoummane’s attorneys argued that the DNA evidence is also questionable.
Under a 2013 Texas “junk science” law, courts can overturn a conviction when the scientific evidence presented at trial has since changed or been discredited.
“Critically, current scientific knowledge contradicts the trial court’s previous finding that the ‘only reasonable inference’ to be drawn from the DNA evidence is that Mr. Chanthakoummane violently attacked Ms. Walker,” wrote attorneys Catherine Clare Bernhard and Eric J. Allen.
In a court filing, the Collin County district attorney’s office replied that “Chanthakoummane presents no new science in the field of DNA analysis, and even if there were something new, he fails to show it would have prevented his conviction.”
After Walker was killed, police initially looked at people close to her. Friends pointed to her ex-husband or romantic partners, and others reported foreign investors were upset with her for big losses in real estate deals, according to Chanthakoummane’s latest filing. Walker was also robbed and attacked at her home several months earlier, while Chanthakoummane was incarcerated in North Carolina for an armed robbery committed when he was 16.
DNA from blood samples and another real estate agent’s report shifted the investigation’s focus to Chanthakoummane. The other agent, who was selling a home near Walker’s model home, and her husband told police they saw an Asian man in a white Ford Mustang park across the street from the model home around the time of the murder. The couple later agreed to hypnosis by a Texas Ranger to see if they could remember more, but the state said the controversial practice did not significantly alter their testimony.
At trial, another real estate agent testified that the day before Walker’s murder, Chanthakoummane came to her home and asked to use the phone, saying his car broke down, according to court documents. She called the police when he refused to leave.
Chanthakoummane originally denied ever going to the model home, but under police interrogation said he went into the home to use the phone and drink some water after having car trouble. He said he didn’t see anyone inside and noted previous injuries on his hands could have left blood behind.
Police and prosecutors rejected the statement, but Chanthakoummane’s lawyers say new scientific research shows his DNA could have been transferred to Walker’s fingernails without any direct contact between them — for instance, if she touched an object he had left a blood mark on. The National Institute of Standards and Technology issued a draft report last year that said the possibility of such transfers can’t be ignored in criminal investigations.
Chanthakoummane’s lawyers noted an example of a man who was suspected of murder because his DNA was found on the fingernails of a homicide victim. It was later discovered the suspect had been injured on the day of the killing and ridden in the same ambulance as the homicide victim hours earlier, resulting in his DNA transfer.
Collin County Assistant Criminal District Attorney Lisa Braxton said the concept of DNA transfers, however, is not new.
“Contamination and transfer are and always have been a consideration in the interpretation of mixtures,” the prosecutor wrote in her filing. “And even if the review’s conclusions constituted ‘new’ science, Chanthakoummane presents no evidence that the lab misinterpreted the DNA mixture on the victim’s fingernails – or any other mixture, for that matter.”
Chanthakoummane’s last appeal also attempts to discredit witness testimony stating his car was outside the model home around the time of Walker’s murder. His lawyers stated that a former deputy chief of the Richardson Police Department told homicide investigators he spoke to Walker in the model home for several minutes around the time she is believed to have been killed. The deputy chief mentioned another car with a woman driving on the street, but not a white Mustang.
The prisoner’s attorneys also noted new DNA testing done last year on samples from a plant stand, thought by prosecutors to have been used to fatally beat Walker, did not match Chanthakoummane and instead possibly implicated another person.
“Unsurprisingly, the defense did not highlight the gaps and inconsistencies in the State’s theory, including the inconsistent accounts regarding when the white Mustang was observed near the crime scene,” Bernhard and Allen wrote.
In 2019, Chanthakoummane had argued for a new trial because his lawyer told jurors he was guilty against his wishes. The prisoner told the courts he insisted on maintaining his innocence, but instead, his lawyer said in his opening statement that Chanthakoummane wanted to rob Walker and ended up killing her.
The Court of Criminal Appeals rejected the prisoner’s pleas for a new trial, saying he could have raised the issue earlier, despite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that the Sixth Amendment guarantees a defendant the right to insist that his counsel refrain from admitting guilt.
Without court intervention Wednesday, Chanthakoummane will be injected with a lethal dose of pentobarbital in the state’s death chamber in Huntsville after 6 p.m.
More Texas headlines: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/kosoul-chanthakoummane-execution-texas-2022/287-9f454b16-f438-4c41-a0ce-685bcd6442ac | 2022-08-17T13:34:04 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/kosoul-chanthakoummane-execution-texas-2022/287-9f454b16-f438-4c41-a0ce-685bcd6442ac |
Fall classes at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are scheduled to begin Monday, but the process of moving thousands of students back to campus is underway.
As usual, move-in is also taking place in the heart of Nebraska's construction season, with several projects on UNL's City Campus expected to interrupt traffic for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
More than 50 construction projects are part of the effort to renew and replace aging facilities on the Lincoln campus.
That means there will be several places students and their families will want to steer clear of at the state's flagship campus, said Brooke Hay, assistant vice president of the University of Nebraska's Facilities, Planning and Capital Programs.
"Basically any place behind a barricade or a fence," Hay said.
People are also reading…
The number of projects should be encouraging to students returning to campus, Hay said, signaling continued support from the university, state government, as well as the city of Lincoln.
But, the university understands the temporary closures will be a source of frustration for some.
"We appreciate that construction, by its nature, is oftentimes inconvenient," Hay said, "so we try to be mindful that if we're going to close one spot, we need to have other ways for people to go."
Students were notified of construction areas ahead of their scheduled move-in date, and UNL Housing provided maps directing students of how to best navigate the streets on campus to get to their residence hall.
For those looking late for a guide (as well as those planning a trip to campus in the coming weeks when the Huskers take to the football field) here are the construction areas to look out for on City Campus:
Kiewit Hall
The steel frame of the UNL College of Engineering's new $97 million educational facility is rising above 17th and Vine streets.
Construction of the 181,500-square-foot Kiewit Hall vacated a portion of 17th Street, and required closing of the northernmost lane of the east-west-running Vine Street while the building continues taking shape.
The privately funded facility is expected to open in January 2024, meaning the lane restriction will continue throughout the 2022-23 school year.
Traffic closures will also vary on Vine Street between 17th Street on the east and 14th Street on the west as various projects continue.
16th Street
Around the corner from Kiewit Hall, on 16th Street, the ongoing expansion and renovation of the link between Nebraska Hall and the Scott Engineering Center will continue to impact the area as well.
The $75 million project, part of which has already opened, adds 87,000 square feet of new research space and instructional laboratories, as well as offices for faculty.
Most of the project is being funded through university and state funds as part of a deferred maintenance program enacted in 2016, while $5.4 million came from private donations.
The sidewalk on the east side of 16th Street will be impacted.
North Stadium expansion
Vine Street west of 14th Street — known as Memorial Mall — will continue to be a construction zone for much of the 2022-23 school year.
But for Husker fans, the activity is sure to draw some excitement.
At the far west end of Memorial Mall, construction on the $155 million North Stadium expansion will close the sidewalk in between Memorial Stadium and the NU Coliseum.
The facility, expected to open before the 2023 football season, will include a new strength-and-conditioning center, locker room, offices and dining facility for student-athletes that opens up onto City Campus.
Veterans Tribute
To the east of the stadium expansion project, also on Memorial Mall, work is wrapping up on the installation of a Veterans Tribute.
The $3.75 million project honoring Nebraska men and women who have served in the armed forces is situated just outside the Pershing Military and Naval Science Building.
The sidewalk in front of the building will be closed for now, but is expected to open in coming weeks as UNL prepares to unveil the privately funded monument to the public.
Piper Hall
Last used as a space for students with COVID-19 to quarantine, Piper Hall will come down in the coming weeks.
The demolition of the former Neihardt Complex wing named for Elsie Piper, a former dean of women, will also redirect traffic on campus, Hay said.
A sidewalk that is a popular east-west walkway on the south side of Piper Hall will soon close, forcing foot traffic farther north.
Once razed, the site will become a green space, with an option for future development.
Neihardt Hall, the former site of UNL's Honors Program, will be renovated to become a hub for various student service offices.
Hay said traffic patterns will continue shifting across campus as UNL continues to bring its facilities up to date this year.
"There is quite a bit of work going on, so things will continue to develop," she said. "Some spots will open up and others will close, so we'll try to keep those clearly marked."
Students, faculty and staff who frequent East Campus won't need to worry about any major construction projects, at least at the start of the school year.
Work to improve Legacy Plaza near the Dairy Store and Nebraska East Union with porches and green spaces will be ongoing through the fall, but the disruption is expected to be minimal. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/heres-a-guide-to-construction-to-look-out-for-as-unl-students-return-for-fall/article_8eaf86d2-1394-52f4-9507-549710b22813.html | 2022-08-17T13:35:38 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/heres-a-guide-to-construction-to-look-out-for-as-unl-students-return-for-fall/article_8eaf86d2-1394-52f4-9507-549710b22813.html |
SAN ANTONIO — A teenager is recovering at the hospital after police found him shot in his arm while 'hanging out' with a friend in his backyard.
It happened just after 11:00 p.m. in the 500 block of Kirk Place near Highway 90 on the west side of town.
When officers arrived, the 18-year-old victim told police he was 'hanging out in his backyard' with a friend when he was hit by a stray bullet in his left arm. He told police the bullet came from the highway behind his home.
He was taken to University Hospital in stable condition.
Police said that they are not buying the claim of the stray bullet and say SAPD Crime Scene Investigators are collecting evidence to determine exactly what happened.
No other injuries were reported
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/18-year-old-shot-while-hanging-out-in-backyard-san-antonio-texas-shooting-teenager/273-d9ee8991-5e00-4206-87ac-2d3798dada08 | 2022-08-17T13:37:09 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/18-year-old-shot-while-hanging-out-in-backyard-san-antonio-texas-shooting-teenager/273-d9ee8991-5e00-4206-87ac-2d3798dada08 |
KENT COUNTY, Mich — While crews worked on a large-scale drain project in Kent County, they discovered something pretty historic.
At least 11,000-year-old mastodon bones were unearthed on Friday, and now they're headed to their future home, the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM).
Today, 13 ON YOUR SIDE got to see the bones up-close. They are being held at the GRPM's collections facility, but experts say it could take some time before they are put on display.
"Over the next year, year and a half, we're going to slowly dry the bones out," said Cory Redman, a science curator with the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
"We're going to keep track of any mold build-up and take care of that, we're also going to apply any glue or adhesives that are needed just to make sure it's good and stable and then hopefully in a year, year and a half, we can put the whole skeleton in an exhibit so people can come see it."
Due to the nature of the skeleton, the display won't be in 3D standing form, but laid out for people to see.
A look at the mastodon bones discovered in Kent Co.
Kent County Drain Commissioner Ken Yonker was left in complete surprise Friday afternoon when crews discovered the bones.
Yonker was in a meeting when he got the picture. And when he looked at it, he said, "That's sure not a horse."
It was one of his engineers who texted him that it was mastodon bones.
It took a while for the news to sink in, but when it did, the excitement continued to build amongst them.
And the excitement had reached new heights when the discovery was confirmed by the University of Michigan. When that verification came, Yonker said, "We got the real thing here."
He hopes that his crews can locate the rest of the animal and not just part of it. Yonker said they've found traces of two different mastodons.
You can keep up to date on the bones' restoration on the GRPM Facebook page here.
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Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/a-up-close-look-at-the-mastodon-bones-discovered-in-kent-co/69-c88651e1-929b-415b-abed-d4d13870d3bd | 2022-08-17T13:37:10 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/a-up-close-look-at-the-mastodon-bones-discovered-in-kent-co/69-c88651e1-929b-415b-abed-d4d13870d3bd |
HURST, Texas — H-E-B wants an H-E-B.
It's only fair, right?
For the uninitiated, the three suburbs southwest of the DFW Airport are colloquially known as "H-E-B": Hurst, Euless, Bedford. Which doesn't make complete sense, given that Bedford comes after Hurst, if you're driving west to east along Texas 183.
But that's another issue. And, honestly, Hurst-Euless-Bedford has a better ring to it than another combination of the three.
We digress.
The real issue here goes back to the other H-E-B: The famed Texas grocery store that, after many years, has finally made an expansion into North Texas' largest counties.
At least six H-E-B stores are planned in Collin County; one in Tarrant County, one in Rockwall County and one in Kaufman County. H-E-B also owns land across the Metroplex -- including a plot in Euless! -- along with several store locations on the outskirts of DFW.
But nowhere are there any concrete plans for an H-E-B in the H-E-B, Hurst-Euless-Bedford. Not yet, anyway.
And an H-E-B resident has apparently taken notice of this.
Amanda San Miguel started an online petition on Change.org to Stephen Butts, the CEO of H-E-B the grocery store.
"Living in midcities, aka H-E-B area, the lack of an H-E-B store within reasonable distance is frustrating," San Miguel wrote. "Please consider expanding closer to central part of the DFW Metroplex."
So far, 121 people have signed the petition - hey, you have to start somewhere, right? - but it's hard not to be moved by a passionate plea for a Texas staple.
Especially when it was signed like this:
Sincerely,
Those who have been deprived of our rights as Texans of not having a convenient H-E-B. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/heb-stores-dfw-north-texas-deprived-of-our-rights-as-texans-h-e-b-texas-wants-an-h-e-b-hurst-euless-bedford/287-1b4c853a-16e0-46a4-8db2-69d8fc8a7370 | 2022-08-17T13:37:12 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/heb-stores-dfw-north-texas-deprived-of-our-rights-as-texans-h-e-b-texas-wants-an-h-e-b-hurst-euless-bedford/287-1b4c853a-16e0-46a4-8db2-69d8fc8a7370 |
SAN ANTONIO — A man was pinned inside his Jeep after a rollover crash just north of downtown Tuesday night.
It happened around 1:45 p.m. on Highway 281 just before the Josephine exit.
When police arrived on the scene, they found a single red Jeep Renegade on its side with one man pinned inside the vehicle.
Fire crews worked swiftly and strategically to get the pinned driver out and take him to an area hospital in non life-threatening condition.
Two other vehicles were involved in the incident, but neither the drivers nor their passengers suffered any injuries.
Traffic was completely shut down on the roadway for around 45 minutes while police investigated and worked to clear the highway of debris.
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-pinned-inside-his-jeep-after-rollover-crash-near-downtown-san-antonio-texas-accident/273-59c45fdc-5a51-41ca-9e77-7f601524bd81 | 2022-08-17T13:37:13 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-pinned-inside-his-jeep-after-rollover-crash-near-downtown-san-antonio-texas-accident/273-59c45fdc-5a51-41ca-9e77-7f601524bd81 |
Daytona Beach Police to hold ceremony tonight to honor slain Officer Jason Raynor
The Daytona Beach Police Department will hold a ceremony tonight (Wednesday) to honor Officer Jason Raynor who died one year ago today from a gunshot wound.
The public is invited to the ceremony at 8 p.m. at police headquarters, 129 Valor Blvd. Formal attire is not necessary, according to police.
Raynor, 26, died at Halifax Health Medical Center 55 days after he was shot.
Othal Wallace, 30, was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer in Raynor's killing. Wallace's trial is scheduled for April and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Badge to honor Jason Raynor:Daytona Beach Police officers to wear special badge in honor of slain officer Jason Raynor
Trial scheduled:Othal Wallace, man accused of killing Daytona Beach police officer, appears before judge
Car becomes memorial:Patrol car becomes an emotional memorial to fallen Daytona Beach officer Jason Raynor
Wallace was sitting in a car on June 23, 2021 outside an apartment building at 133 Kingston Ave. in Daytona Beach when Raynor tried to question him, according to a report and body camera video.
Raynor had been patrolling the area because residents had complained about criminal activity.
Raynor asked Wallace if he lived there, the officer's body camera video showed. Wallace stood up as Raynor told him to sit back down in the car. The video then became shaky before it ended.
Responding officers found the wounded Raynor on the ground with his gun still in his holster, according to reports. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/08/17/daytona-beach-police-honor-slain-officer-jason-raynor-tonight/10346115002/ | 2022-08-17T13:43:10 | 0 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/08/17/daytona-beach-police-honor-slain-officer-jason-raynor-tonight/10346115002/ |
Flagler County Schools District 1 race: Sally Hunt challenges incumbent Jill Woolbright
The Flagler County School Board election is just days away, and District 1 incumbent Jill Woolbright is facing a challenge from newcomer Sally Hunt.
The race is scheduled for Aug. 23.
Flagler School Board District 2 race:Meet Lance Alred, Will Furry and Courtney VandeBunte
Flagler School Board District 4 race:Christy Chong challenges incumbent Trevor Tucker
More election coverage:Who's running for election in Volusia, Flagler counties? Everything you need to know.
Sally Hunt
Sally Hunt, 44, has been a Palm Coast resident for seven years and works as a consultant for Hunt Ventures, LLC, which she owns.
Originally from Illinois, Hunt has a 10-year-old daughter and is a foster parent to two high school-aged girls, one in a therapeutic foster care program.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in business degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. She later earned two additional degrees, a Bachelor of Science in business education and a Master of Science in education from Wayne College and taught across multiple subjects and age groups in both general and exceptional student education.
“I’m running for our community and for our schools,” Hunt said in a phone interview. “When I learned that I lived in (District 1) and that it didn’t have anybody challenging the incumbent, I made the decision to run.”
She said her decision is also “in large part because I do have such a great background for the role.”
Hunt criticized how “political and partisan” the school board has become and how much time it has spent focusing on controversial topics and not on other areas.
“We hear a lot about the dysfunction of the school board,” she said. “They are prioritizing these hot-button political issues over things like third-grade and eighth-grade reading scores and just basic literacy. What we don’t hear as much about is the good stuff that’s going on, the culture within the schools, the different events, the different programs that are available from college prep to workforce development.”
She added: “I have no doubt that with a high-functioning school board, and when everything else is there, we can take the district to an ‘A’ grade.”
Hunt said that, if elected, she will focus on “objectives” and “metrics.”
“Because that’s something we can measure every single month – how we are doing with those very specific goals that the school board puts together,” she said. “That’s where you start, but that’s just what gives us direction.”
Another priority for Hunt will be “engagement” with students and school staff, especially during a time when the community is gradually readjusting to a sense of normalcy after the pandemic’s challenges.
“The students, the teachers, families, they miss ‘normal,’” Hunt said. “They haven’t had ‘normal’ for a long time due to the pandemic and everything going on with the school board. I think we need different engagement campaigns, and we need to do better with communication.”
The Parental Rights in Education bill (referred to by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill), signed into law a few months ago by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, drew national attention and controversy.
The bill restricts school instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade “or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”
Hunt said that at the heart of the discussion surrounding this issue is “diversity” and “inclusion.” She also said that “to my knowledge, there is not a school standard or lesson plan that is educating (K-3 grade) children on what is sexual orientation.”
Hunt said that whenever textbooks or story books make a reference to a “mom and a mom,” or a “dad and a dad,” they are not “necessarily teaching (children) about sexual orientation.”
“I personally don’t see it that way. I don’t think we are teaching it; I think we are being inclusive,” Hunt said. “I believe in diversity and inclusion in content. I believe everybody in the school district should feel embraced and welcome and supported.”
In November 2021, board member Jill Woolbright filed a police report because she said a book in school libraries violated obscenity laws.
Flagler Schools book ban controversy: Sheriff investigating possible criminal charges
The book, "All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto," chronicles the experiences of author George M. Johnson, who uses they/them pronouns, growing up Black and queer in America. Parts of the book include descriptions of masturbation, oral and anal sex, and sexual assault.
After the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office found that no crime had been committed by the placement of the book in some school libraries, the district introduced an “opt-out” program in the spring that allows parents to determine which books their children can check out from school libraries.
Hunt said that Woolbright’s decision to call attention to the book was appropriate, as the subject matter was “worthy of a conversation,” but criticized her hastiness in bringing the issue to the sheriff’s office.
She said she hopes the district is not going in a direction where “one group of parents thinks that a particular book is harmful to kids and therefore it’s being removed from all students.”
“I think the new program is lovely,” Hunt said. “It allows for one family to make decisions for their children, knowing that not all families are the same. Again speaking to parental rights, another family may want their child to be able to read whatever book interests them.”
Jill Woolbright
Jill Woolbright, 64, has been a Flagler County resident since 1989, where she worked as an elementary teacher from 1991 until her retirement in 2019.
Woolbright has been on the school board since 2020, when she won a special election to fill the then-vacant District 1 seat.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from The University of Central Florida, where she graduated summa cum laude.
Woolbright refused a phone interview. She provided her answers by email.
She wrote that for her whole career, she was a “highly qualified high impact teacher known for my large student growth numbers.”
“In 2016, I (sic) my students outperformed all other sixth grade Math classes in the state of Florida,” Woolbright wrote. “I clearly know how to get the highest potential and learning gains from my students as I understand the strategies, materials, resources, and supports they need to reach their maximum potential. No other candidate understands student learning and how to foster successful students in the classroom. I have been a lifelong advocate for students and families and believe that is my life assignment.”
Woolbright praised the district’s graduation rates (91,1% in the last year) and technical college programs.
“Students can leave our schools college ready or enroll into a trade school program through our technical college which equips them for the job market,” she wrote. “Many students graduate high school and receive their (associate in arts) degree at the same time through dual enrollment with a participating college.”
She added that even though test scores were above the state average last year, “we have not returned to the levels we had obtained pre-Covid.”
Woolbright mentioned how students in the district’s ESE (Exceptional Students in Education) program have struggled in particular.
The program serves students with special learning needs. It includes students serviced under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and those who are gifted.
“The most concerning score was in our exceptional student education subgroup,” she wrote. “There was a significant learning gap between our learning disabled students and their general education peers, and this gap widened during the last few years of the pandemic. We must make gains in closing that learning gap.”
Woolbright also wrote she believes in putting “students, parental rights and curriculum transparency” first.
“We need to maximize parental involvement working with our families to enable our students to be successful academically,” she wrote. “Working with our parents as partners in their child’s education will also improve the mental health of our students.”
On the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, Woolbright said she is “100% in favor” of the new law.
“There is absolutely no reason for any child PreK-3 grade to have any kind of sexual education or gender identity lessons at that young age,” Woolbright wrote. “With the third grade reading scores across our nation as low as they are, we need to focus on teaching reading, writing, math, science and civics.”
She added that the district shouldn’t “burden our children with topics that are not appropriate for their developmental stage in life.”
“State standards on reproduction and sex education begins at grade 4 and progresses in a scope and sequence through 12 grade,” she wrote. “There aren’t any state standards for grades PreK-3 because it is not developmentally appropriate.”
She added: “We must be transparent in all things with our parents reinforcing the sanctity of the family unit and respecting the moral teachings and values of the family unit.”
On the “All Boys Aren’t Blue” book situation, Woolbright did not say whether she sees the “opt-out” program as a satisfactory outcome.
She wrote that the new program “ensures parental input regarding the other books that their student may checkout, as we learn how to implement the new requirements regarding instructional and media materials.”
“The state will be training and setting guidelines for media specialists on policy for selecting age-appropriate books,” she added. “Books will be more carefully vetted and selected.” | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/17/sally-hunt-challenges-incumbent-jill-woolbright-flagler-schools-race/10299881002/ | 2022-08-17T13:43:17 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/08/17/sally-hunt-challenges-incumbent-jill-woolbright-flagler-schools-race/10299881002/ |
(WTRF) A West Virginia man blames Amazon for a house fire that killed his mom.
Dion Adkins, from Huntington, says his mom died because the heated pet bed he purchased from Amazon.com was defective.
According to the West Virginia Record, Drema Adkins, Dion’s mother, used the heated bed for her cats to lie on in the downstairs living room.
On February 17, Dion allegedly woke to smoke alarms and found the pet bed was on fire. His mother was trapped upstairs.
Dion allegedly tried to rescue his mom by going outside and climbing a drainpipe, but it broke.
The news outlet reports that Drema died from smoke inhalation.
Dion Adkins is seeking compensatory damages from Amazon for selling the product on their website. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/west-virginia-man-says-amazon-is-to-blame-for-his-mothers-death-after-house-fire/ | 2022-08-17T13:44:02 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/west-virginia-man-says-amazon-is-to-blame-for-his-mothers-death-after-house-fire/ |
A 25-year-old subway rider was stabbed on a Bronx platform during a heated argument over the weekend, authorities say.
It's not clear what the victim and the suspect fought about on the southbound 4 train platform at the Fordham Road station Sunday night, but cops say the attacker pulled out a knife and gashed the victim once in the stomach when it escalated.
The suspect ran off and the victim was taken to a hospital. He is expected to be OK.
Surveillance video released by authorities shows the suspect sidle up to the victim on the platform. Suddenly, he lunges, bending his knees and jabbing his right arm forward into the other straphanger. There's a clear slashing motion, then he pulls away -- and appears to calmly walk off in the direction from which he had come.
The victim was seen standing on the platform after the attack. No update on his injuries was immediately available Wednesday.
Authorities released surveillance footage of the suspect (above). Anyone with information about him is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/subway-rider-knifed-in-gut-on-nyc-platform/3828015/ | 2022-08-17T13:46:00 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/subway-rider-knifed-in-gut-on-nyc-platform/3828015/ |
Average daily flows
Snake River at Heise 9,353 cfs
Snake River at Blackfoot 3,302 cfs
Snake River at American Falls 10,672 cfs
Snake River at Milner 332 cfs
Little Wood River near Carey 196 cfs
Jackson Lake is 37% full.
Palisades Reservoir is 42% full.
American Falls Reservoir is 16% full.
Upper Snake River system is at 33% of capacity.
As of August 16. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/average-daily-streamflows/article_a15f5f4a-1d76-11ed-9ae1-effed108856e.html | 2022-08-17T13:46:06 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/average-daily-streamflows/article_a15f5f4a-1d76-11ed-9ae1-effed108856e.html |
The Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy deserves a pat on the back for its efforts to bring attention to and knowledge of an issue that is of great importance.
The group published a study July 28 on its website showing that Idaho’s lowest income renters received less rental assistance than those in other states, and it went a bit further by providing input when it comes to turning that around.
According to Kendra Knighten, an associate with the policy center and the Idaho Asset Building Network who authored the study, the main issue involves visibility and accessibility — making people aware that the assistance is available, and smoothing out the process so everyone needing the help has the ability to reach out for it. It requires greater outreach.
This involves a very basic necessity — a place to live comfortably for those less able to afford it. It’s a necessity that benefits families, workers, and businesses. The study points out that most individuals or families who spend more than 30% of their incomes on housing struggle to afford other necessary things such as food, medicine, utilities, etc.
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The study says 46% of Idaho renters spent at least 30% of their incomes on housing in 2019, and COVID has only made it tougher to make it.
State and federal lawmakers over the last two years have approved investments to help with housing stability, including the federal Emergency Rental Assistance program which gives rent and utility assistance to renters with modest incomes.
The study said that the program has prevented thousands of evictions in Idaho, but the U.S. Treasury Department has data showing many Idaho renters with the lowest incomes weren’t able to access rental assistance in 2021, pointing to a need for improved outreach by the state’s program administrators.
Idaho received a total of $352 million for the program, according to a release about the study. People earning 80% or less of the area median income could apply for rental assistance through assistance programs.
The report showed Idaho was in the bottom five states for rental assistance distributed to people who earn 30% or less of the area median income, with 53% of households in the category of eligibility receiving rental assistance. The national average was at 65%.
State and local programs administer the federal funding, according to the policy center’s website, with the Idaho Housing and Finance Association distributing the state’s allocations.
The center says that in order to enhance visibility and accessibility of the state’s programs, the Idaho Housing and Finance Association began subgranting with community organizations earlier this year.
Among the policies the study noted that could enhance efforts to address and monitor Idaho residents’ rental assistance access, there is the need to ensure that the application process is accessible to all renters regardless of disability, geographic location, or technical knowledge.
Knighten notes that not everyone has internet access, and most rental assistance applications are hosted online. Renters can apply over the phone, but they still need to submit paperwork, which may require access to a printer. And renters with disabilities may have difficulty navigating the application process, she said. Case management services should be made available to applicants.
Then comes the outreach process, making people aware of what’s available, which could involve analyzing program data and current outreach efforts to determine how to best reach renters with the lowest incomes.
The study says these program improvements will ensure many more Idaho residents have access to affordable housing — strengthening families, businesses, and their broader communities. The ERA program has already helped more than 17,500 Idaho households avoid eviction or homelessness throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Knighten says, and as a result many families have avoided the high financial and emotional costs of eviction while communities avoid the other costs of eviction, including emergency and homelessness services as well as court-related expenses.
Another report from Knighten points out that children who grow up in reliable housing situations are often healthier and perform better academically than those who don’t. It also says communities around the state need to add more than 24,500 affordable homes to the housing market to keep up with demand, but wages have not kept pace with skyrocketing rents, both in rural and urban communities.
This is short-term support only available through 2025, and the earlier study suggests that policymakers should take action on long-term solutions for Idaho’s housing situation at both the federal and state level.
We applaud this call to action for such an important issue. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/idaho-view-addressing-the-need-for-rental-assistance/article_69808120-1d77-11ed-aee3-4f4506860307.html | 2022-08-17T13:46:12 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/idaho-view-addressing-the-need-for-rental-assistance/article_69808120-1d77-11ed-aee3-4f4506860307.html |
Just as students are going back to class in Keller ISD, some major changes are happening to their libraries.
District officials have instructed campuses to pull books from library shelves that were reported last year for concerning material.
According to the Dallas Morning News, staff in Keller ISD received an email with a spreadsheet of books on Tuesday morning and were told to have the books removed by the end of the day.
The list includes books that were flagged for removal but later approved by a committee to remain in libraries and classrooms. However, a district spokesperson said Keller school trustees recently approved a new policy that requires every book that was previously challenged by parents and community members to be reconsidered.
Some of the well-known titles on that list include the Bible, "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison, a graphic novel version of the Diary of Anne Frank (not to be confused with the original publication of the diary), and "I Am Jazz" by Jazz Jennings.
Many of the reported books on the list center on gay or transgender characters, or involve violence or themes of violence.
The district has a list of the current challenged books available on its website.
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This move goes back to last year when republican state leaders like Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Education Agency to prevent "pornography in schools" and launch an investigation into schools that had what some consider to be sexually explicit books available to children.
In the past year or so, there has also been a national push by conservatives to report and ban books centering on stories of gender, race, and sexuality as the debate over book bans and critical race theory in schools rages on.
In accordance with Gov. Abbott’s request, the TEA then opened an investigation into school districts like Keller ISD, following reports filed by lawmakers, parents, and community members over certain titles in school libraries.
For months, Keller parents, community members and staff met behind closed doors to review the challenged books. It was reported by The Dallas Morning News that the meetings were held privately because of fear of retaliation from Gov. Abbott on any decisions that were made.
Keller ISD issued the following statement to NBC 5 concerning this latest removal of books:
Keller ISD has received questions about an email sent Tuesday to principals and librarians. Keller ISD’s Board of Trustees approved policies EFA (Local) and EFB (Local) at its August 8, 2022, Special Meeting. These policies relate to the acquisition and review of instructional materials and library books. Right now, Keller ISD’s administration is asking our campus staff and librarians to review books that were challenged last year to determine if they meet the requirements of the new policy. All of the books included in Tuesday’s email have been included on Keller ISD’s Book Challenge list over the past year. Books that meet the new guidelines will be returned to the libraries as soon as it is confirmed they comply with the new policy.
A spokesman added that the district is unsure of the timeline for when the re-review process will be finished. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/keller-isd-removes-bible-other-books-from-libraries-ahead-of-first-day-of-school/3050313/ | 2022-08-17T14:02:04 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/keller-isd-removes-bible-other-books-from-libraries-ahead-of-first-day-of-school/3050313/ |
Mayor floats $4M buyout to take over convention center
The administration of Mayor John Hamilton wants to pay the county about $4 million to take over the Monroe Convention Center to jump-start the facility’s expansion, expected to cost tens of millions of dollars.
Administration and local tourism officials hope the expansion would allow more local and out-of town organizations to host events there and allow the city to bring in more tourism dollars. That additional spending, the officials say, would boost the local retail and hospitality industries and create more jobs.
“We’re missing out on opportunities” because the center is too small, Deputy Mayor Don Griffin said.
For subscribers:Downtown Bloomington leaders weigh in on proposal for city to buy convention center
The administration hopes to get an agreement in place by the end of September, in part to be able to forestall any action by the state Legislature that might rescind the food and beverage tax, which is to pay for the center’s expansion.
“We don’t want to sit on this,” Griffin said.
The proposal has garnered strong support from local tourism and business officials. Some local business owners also said they support an expansion, though some downtown merchants had a rather tepid response.
But the administration has yet to convince some crucial and as of yet skeptical city and county officials who will have to sign off on the plan.
Highlights of the administration’s plan include paying off the center’s existing debt of about $2 million and paying the county $1.9 million over the next 18 years. In return, the county would transfer ownership of the convention center and nearby land to the city.
More:Bloomington's convention center expansion: What you need to know
The city would take full responsibility for an expansion, which in 2017 was projected to cost $44 million. The debt was to be paid through the food and beverage tax, a 1% tax that everyone pays for prepared foods in Monroe County. The tax generated $2 million in the first six months of this year. The city got 90% of that, with the county getting the rest.
Proponents: Expansion would provide economic boost
Griffin said the community has outgrown the convention center, which opened in the early 1990s.
“We’re a lot bigger than we were,” he said.
The community has been talking about an expansion for years, and while the pandemic delayed negotiations, Griffin said the project should be restarted now.
Eric Spoonmore, president and CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, said he sees a convention center expansion as an economic development opportunity. The current center’s size limits the number and types of conventions the city can host, he said. Additional events could help especially on weekdays when local businesses usually see fewer customers. The expansion also would help fill some of the empty downtown storefronts, he said.
Spoonmore described the proposal from the Hamilton administration as a “creative solution” to the parties years-long struggle to come to an agreement. The city could focus on the conventions center expansion while the county takes care of its criminal justice center.
Spoonmore said community leaders also see themselves a bit under the gun, as proposed legislation at the state level during the last session threatened to sunset the food and beverage tax in communities that were collecting the tax but not spending it.
If that tax were to disappear before the debt on the convention center is repaid, the community would have to find another — likely politically less palatable — funding source.
The legislation was defeated, but Spoonmore said it required some 11th-hour intervention from Blooomington.
“We dodged a big bullet,” he said.
Spoonmore said it’s likely that the legislative proposal will return, which means proponents of a center expansion are “racing against the clock.” | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/17/bloomington-mayor-john-hamilton-floats-4m-buyout-to-take-over-convention-center/65398399007/ | 2022-08-17T14:06:03 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2022/08/17/bloomington-mayor-john-hamilton-floats-4m-buyout-to-take-over-convention-center/65398399007/ |
Can an 'army of moms' slow climate change to spare their children a fossil fuel future?
It was a bright and sweltering July day when famed climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe sent an email to Joellen Russell asking if she’d like to help mobilize an army of moms against climate change.
Right around the same time, two summers ago, Russell's 11-year-old daughter Maeve got heat stroke — symptoms of which include rash, confusion, headache and nausea — while riding her bike around their Tucson neighborhood during the peak of the pandemic.
"That was the same summer where we had 108 100-degree days in Tucson," Russell said. "That really kicked it into high gear for me. It’s just hotter than it was and it stays hotter longer. We can adapt, but there are certain things like play time outdoors for children, we’re losing ground on these things."
A professor, oceanographer and climate scientist at the University of Arizona, Russell has witnessed rising average temperatures and worsening weather extremes in both a personal and professional capacity. So she decided to join forces with Hayhoe to address climate change on both fronts.
Over the fall of 2020, Russell and Hayhoe rounded up nine more prominent climate scientist moms around the country and, in January 2021, they launched "Science Moms." They aren't selling anything. They don't take donations or endorse candidates or political parties. They just want to talk to moms who care about the next generation.
The Science Moms website is organized around "giving moms the facts" about the climate crisis and how it imperils their children's current health and future livelihoods. It links to TED Talks, suggests books such as "How to Talk to Your Kids about Climate Change" and offers a climate myth busters page.
When moms are ready to take action, the website outlines three simple, alliterative steps anyone can take to start tackling climate change: swap, share and speak up. Swap carbon-polluting stuff for clean stuff. Share facts, concerns and solutions with family and friends. Speak up and ask leaders about their plans to stop big polluters.
Book review:'Unruly Planet' explores the human meaning of 'home' and what it will take to defend ours
Science Moms now has an action list of millions of people who have signed up to learn more about climate change on behalf of their kids, Russell said. Recruits are led by the group of 11 renowned climate scientist moms, who are also experts in wildfire, extreme weather, sustainability, ecology and atmospheric science. One is a survivor of Hurricane Maria, the category 5 storm that devastated Puerto Rico in 2017.
“These are incredible scientists who I’ve known for a long time, but they’re also moms," Russell said. "We just looked right at it and said ‘We should speak up and we should ask our fellow mom village to speak up.'”
Disproportionate health risks
When Russell's daughter Maeve rode her bike around their Tucson neighborhood in July 2020 to escape the confines of the pandemic, the fact that she was only 9 years old at the time put her at greater risk of heat stroke.
As infants and children develop, their body parts grow at different rates. It's a phenomenon scientists call allometry, or the biological scaling of body proportions. Children have more skin surface area relative to their overall size, compared to adults.
According to Frederica Perera, director of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health in New York, this scaling and timeline of organ development makes children less able to regulate body temperature in conditions of severe heat and less able to detoxify their tissues after exposure to pollutants.
That's a problem because children also breathe more air and need more nutrition and hydration relative to their body size than adults. This makes them especially susceptible to toxins in their air, water or food that have been found to interfere with normal brain and lung development.
In June, Perera and her colleague, Kari Nadeau, published a review paper in The New England Journal of Medicine that synthesized the peer-reviewed scientific knowledge about impacts of climate change and fossil fuel pollution on children's health.
They found evidence for a connection between air pollution and increased risk for children developing asthma, bronchitis, autistic traits, depression, anxiety, hypertension, immune system dysregulation and more.
Fossil fuel emissions are the primary source of human-caused air pollution, Perera said. They are also the main cause of atmospheric warming, according to decades of reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The greenhouse gases belched into the air from burning oil, gas or coal for energy retain more heat from the sun than other molecules and have caused a globally documented rise in average temperatures, heat waves and extreme storms since the Industrial Revolution.
Sometimes, the harmful health effects of climate change begin before the child is even born. Studies have linked air pollution exposure to pregnancy complications, decreased birth weight, and a 12% greater risk of preterm birth, with lower-income and minority mothers being most affected. In the United States, the preterm birth rate is already 50% higher among Black women than white women, due to unequal care and greater exposure to pollutants and heat in neighborhoods where minorities have been stuck thanks to discriminatory real estate and home loan practices known as redlining.
Climate Inequity:Climate report draws an arc toward environmental justice, seeking equitable emissions cuts
Perera has been leading research on the health effects of air pollution for more than 20 years, following specific patients over that entire timeframe in some cases. As a mother herself, she grows increasingly unsettled by what this research has uncovered.
"I was seeing all of these impacts across the children’s lifetime in some cases, following a group of children from the time that mothers became pregnant all the way through their adolescence and into early adulthood," she said. "This really gave me a great deal of concern about this type of exposure."
Climate-change-fueled heat and "natural" disasters have also been linked to mental health issues in children, such as rising rates of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. A recent investigation in Arizona found that the ratio of campus mental health professionals to students is woefully strained and at risk of getting worse as pandemic funding for in-school counseling services expire.
Energized storms:Not-so-natural disasters are on the rise. What in the world is going on?
All of this affects learning and success in the generation set to join the workforce next, and therefore the future functioning of society.
"We showed that children exposed to high air pollution in the city lose IQ points," Perera said. "The same thing was found in a study in Poland and in other places. Children’s ability to learn has been affected by climate change, not only air pollution but by schools being closed from disasters."
After reviewing all these effects, Perera and Nadeau felt, more than ever, a sense of urgency to slow climate change. Citing concern about lack of progress at the federal level, Perera hoped that the timing of their review paper would help guide policy decisions to improve the quality of life for future generations.
More:What the Supreme Court ruling on emissions regulation means for Arizona's climate fight
In July, they also wrote an op-ed in The New York Times that called the Supreme Court's decision to limit the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants a "terrible blow to children's health." The article features an illustration of a child shouldering a burning Earth, with school supplies and a soccer ball cast aside for the outsized task.
Back to school, forward to success
This month, children across the country and the world are heading back to school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, providing public education cost taxpayers $13,187 for each of the United State's 50 million elementary and secondary school students during the 2018-2019 school year, for a total of around $667 billion invested in educating American youth each year.
At the same time, the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law by President Biden Tuesday, is being hailed as "the single biggest climate investment in U.S. history, by far." It budgets approximately $370 billion for fossil fuel emissions reduction and green energy expansion.
Controversial:How to talk to friends and family about climate change denial
Perera argues that these types of investments in leaving the next generation a more livable planet are essential and should be increased. She says all the math points to the costs of regulating pollution paying large dividends via associated reductions in health care expenses. The Inflation Reduction Act allocates additional funding to reduce prescription drug costs and extend Medicare benefits and the Affordable Care Act.
But while climate scientists hail every degree of warming avoided as lifesaving, the "historic" emissions reductions projected to result from the new IRA initiatives still fall short of the 50% cut by 2030 compared to 2005 levels that Biden announced as a goal for the U.S. in April 2021 and that the IPCC recommended globally as our best chance to survive climate change. More funding to address pollution could accelerate health benefits even faster, Perera says.
"When you add up the cost (of pollutants on health) in terms of suffering, it’s a very large tab," Perera said. "The Clean Air Act has been credited with heavy benefits that are at least three times greater than the cost of those regulations. So I think it’s compelling to show that we can do good and do well at the same time."
More:Will Kyrsten Sinema see the new climate and inflation bill as a good deal for Arizona?
The Environmental Protection Agency has calculated the economic benefits of the Clean Air Act, in terms of better health leading to improved worker productivity and reduced health care costs, at $2 trillion as of 2020, with an enforcement tab of only $65 billion.
The solutions to climate change are clear, Perera said, referencing the shift to renewable energy and improvements in agricultural efficiency. It's just a matter of getting politicians to prioritize the health and well being of current and future generations.
"We all care," Perera said. "The care of children is a deeply held value across all cultures around the world. I don't think that's partisan."
Mom's Clean Air Force is another organized community that has leveraged the power of parental motivation to fight climate change and to set a good example. The group has marched at the U.S. Capitol with strollers and recently celebrated the passage of the IRA through Congress. They call themselves "Mompartisan," explaining in their mission statement that "protecting children’s health is a nonpartisan issue."
Backed by her 11-year-old daughter, Maeve, and 15-year-old son, Joseph, Joellen Russell in Tucson is excited to get the Science Moms more engaged in climate activism too, as a human rather than a political fight. She described 2022 as a "Rosie the Riveter moment, where we can turn this if we just roll up our sleeves.”
In the less than two years the group has been active, Science Moms has already scored platforms on popular television programs hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Jimmy Kimmel. They want to get moms everywhere active in their local communities, writing letters to their representatives and tackling change at the grassroots level.
“There’s 85 million moms in America. That’s 175 times bigger than the U.S. Army," Russell said. "So can we make a difference? I think that we can. You need that mom muscle. We can’t just keep burning everything and expecting good outcomes.”
Joan Meiners is the Climate News and Storytelling Reporter at The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Before becoming a journalist, she completed a doctorate in Ecology. Follow Joan on Twitter at @beecycles or email her at joan.meiners@arizonarepublic.com.
Please support climate coverage and local journalism by subscribing to azcentral.com at this link. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2022/08/17/children-suffer-more-health-impacts-fossil-fuel-pollution/10328837002/ | 2022-08-17T14:10:53 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2022/08/17/children-suffer-more-health-impacts-fossil-fuel-pollution/10328837002/ |
Monkey farm under fire for more primate deaths at its Mesa facility
The University of Washington is under fire by animal rights groups for more monkey deaths at its breeding facility in Mesa, nearly a year after The Arizona Republic revealed higher than expected rates of monkey sickness and death at the site.
The monkey farm was the subject of a complaint by Stop Animal Exploitation Now after the University of Washington's committee that oversees animal care said a pregnant female pigtailed macaque and her baby were found dead at the facility located along the Salt River canal north of Thomas Road.
The university's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee June report said the pregnant female died overnight after its placenta ruptured while in labor. Michael Budkie, co-founder of Stop Animal Exploitation Now, said the pregnant macaque should have been more closely monitored.
"This monkey died because there were complications from birth and there was no one around to do anything about it," Budkie said.
He filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is one of two agencies that oversees animals in laboratory tests. Budkie said the circumstances are similar to a case in Texas where the USDA fined a facility for an animal death.
"The USDA needs to take action," otherwise animals will continue to be mistreated, Budkie said. "The University of Washington allowed the monkey to die in a way that violated federal regulations and the University of Washington should be prosecuted for it."
Tina Mankowski, spokeswoman for the University of Washington, said the monkey died of placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers up all or a portion of mother's uterus.
More:8-year-old squirrel monkey named Glitter dies at Reid Park Zoo
"Placenta previa resulted in the tragic death of a pregnant animal and her unborn infant," Mankowski said. "This is a devastating condition in both animals and humans and the animal was being monitored appropriately in accordance with facility standard operating procedures and all federal regulations."
Budkie complaint comes on heels of a complaint filed with USDA and National Institutes of Health's Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals that said that UW's oversight committee had not properly disclosed 59 monkey deaths at its facilities in Mesa and Seattle between 2018 and 2021.
The complaint said PETA had looked through nearly 800 necropsy reports (animal autopsies) and to find those incidents that should have been reported by UW's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee but were not.
Those cases included 25 infant pigtailed macaques (13 in Arizona) that had died from "starvation, diarrhea, hypoglycemia, pneumonia and/or failure to nurse," according to the complaint.
Other violations included surgeries or procedures that left foreign objects in monkeys and monkeys being maimed by other monkeys at the facility and losing ears, fingers and toes.
Lisa Jones-Engel, a senior science advisor at PETA, said that UW may have disclosed the dead pregnant female in its report because PETA revealed that the university wasn't disclosing animal deaths when it should have.
"You can't blame the monkeys for getting sick and for attacking each other. You blame the university, you blame ... the oversight body for not doing their jobs," she said. "This lack of accountability never ... stops, from NIH all the way down."
The Republic's seven-month investigation published in 2021 found that Valley fever, a common flu-like illness caused by a fungus from the soil in the desert around Phoenix, has run rampant among the macaque colony, resulting in higher than expected rates of sickness and death.
At least 47 monkeys died from the illness over the past eight years.
The illness at the Arizona facility also threatens the results of tens of millions of dollars in research aimed at finding cures and vaccines for some of humankind’s most serious viruses and diseases: AIDS, HIV, hepatitis, Zika, Ebola and even COVID-19, and it has raised concerns about whether the Arizona site is the right location for the largest pigtailed macaque breeding facility in the United States.
It also found other problems at the facility, including well water that was tainted with perchlorate, a contaminant leached from ponds containing rocket fuel runoff from an adjacent defense contractor. Despite recommendations that a water treatment system be installed at the breeding facility in 2016 so the monkeys could drink uncontaminated water, no such precaution has been taken.
The series was announced this month as the winner of the National Press Club's Ann Cottrell Free Animal Reporting Award. The award "honors excellence in reporting about animals and "recognizes serious work by journalists that informs and educates the public about threats facing animals." It was established by the family of journalist Ann Cottrell Free, who wrote extensively about animals and their welfare.
In December 2021, the Republic reported that the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare launched the investigation into UW after PETA filed a complaint with the federal government complaint shortly after publication of the Republic's investigation.
However, the OLAW investigation concluded in early January that "there is no evidence of animal welfare concerns or noncompliance with ... policy."
Contact reporter Rob O'Dell at rob.odell@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @robodellaz. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/08/17/more-deaths-mesa-monkey-farm/10343526002/ | 2022-08-17T14:10:59 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/08/17/more-deaths-mesa-monkey-farm/10343526002/ |
'Basically what drives the economy right now': Nature-based work plays big role in Santa Cruz County
For the last two years, the harvest at Callaghan Vineyards in southern Arizona was decimated. This year, they will finally have a harvest.
After two hailstorms in August 2020 and the worst first fall frost in decades, Kent Callaghan's harvests were all but wiped out.
Thankfully, Callaghan had overproduced wine for several years and had enough inventory to make it through the challenging seasons. Last year, was spent revitalizing the vineyard.
"Depending on what happens you're either an idiot or a genius," he said, about making too much wine. In his case, it saved the 32-year-old vineyard he had inherited from his parents.
Callaghan Vineyards is one of 21 wineries in the Sonoita-Elgin area, located about an hour's drive southeast of Tucson.
With the onset of harvest season, which runs from August to October, Callaghan looked out upon his vineyards last week, surrounded by rolling green hills and pastures.
The picturesque scene was peaceful and quiet, except for the occasional bird alarm, which sounded like squawking birds, that would go off every so often to scare away ravens.
Callaghan recalled the ways in which he has learned to adapt and work with the land to produce his wine.
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Callaghan said he stopped tilling in-between the grape vines once he realized how he was eroding his land, he changed grape varieties to those better suited to Arizona's weather, and he only farms on 22 acres out of his 25-acre plot.
He said that he only farms on the land that produces the best harvest.
Wineries like Callaghan's are part of Santa Cruz County's nature-based restorative economy, which plays a significant role in the county’s rural economy.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona in 2021 looked at data from 2019 to put a price tag on nature-based work in Santa Cruz County, which sits along the U.S.-Mexico border in southern Arizona.
What is the nature-based restorative economy?
The nature-based restorative economy includes jobs in restoration as an economic activity, agricultural work including ranching, winemaking, and locally grown and processed foods; and nature-based tourism like hunting and visiting parks.
"It's basically what drives the economy right now," Callaghan said of the Sonoita-Elgin area, noting that eco-tourism drives a lot of people to the area. "You've got the Audubon, birdwatchers and hikers. It is true the place is loaded with eco-tourism."
That study found that in Santa Cruz County in 2019 the economic contribution of the nature-based restorative economy supported $53.8 million in county GDP, $121 million in sales and $4.7 million in state and local tax revenues, as well as $42 million in labor income and 1,188 jobs.
Included in these numbers are jobs both directly and indirectly tied to these industries.
George Frisvold, one of the study's authors explained that indirect income and sales occur when one industry generates demand for other industries.
“People working in those businesses have paychecks... profits, and they are spending that in the economy on local goods and services,” Frisvold said.
Directly, the nature-based restorative economy supported 779 jobs, $31.1 million in county GDP and $76.6 million in sales in 2019.
The GDP of this type of economy is more than the mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction industry contributing $22.5 million to the county’s GDP in 2019; as well as the utilities ($7.86 million) and construction ($26 million) industries, the study stated.
Total GDP for the county in 2019 totaled $2.1 billion, according to the study, according to the county.
Of the total GDP attributed to the county’s nature-based restorative economy, conservation, preservation and restoration work directly contributed $5.4 million county GDP, $13.7 million in sales and 114 jobs and $5.4 million in income, according to the study.
Nature-based tourism contributed the highest to the nature-based restorative economy with $13 million in county GDP, $22.9 million in sales, 320 jobs and $8.9 million in income.
Some popular nature areas to visit include the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve to hike, birdwatch, and view wildlife, or the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, a popular park for outdoor recreation, including wildlife viewing, birdwatching, camping, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian activities and hunting. Santa Cruz County has many other federal and state parks and protected areas where tourists can enjoy the outdoors, as listed in the study.
The study also concluded that industries directly part of (or closely linked to) this type of economy accounted for 30% of net job gains in Santa Cruz County.
Santa Cruz County is small but mighty
Santa Cruz County is nestled in between its much larger neighbors Pima and Cochise counties.
While Santa Cruz may be the smallest county in Arizona, “there’s a lot going on there,” said Dari Duval, another author of the study.
In 2019, 46,500 were living in Santa Cruz County, about 40,000 of which were living in Nogales, according to the study. As of the 2021, the county’s population was estimated to be around 47,883 people.
Santa Cruz County is most well-known for the economic activity driven by its largest city Nogales, located on the border, but rural areas also have a lot to offer, Duval said.
The county's GDP ranks 11th highest out of the 15 counties in the state, according to the study.
During the study, researchers found that agriculture jobs in the county have increased in the last decade, much of that due to the area's growing wine industry.
“The NBRE, nature-based economy is an even larger share of what’s going on outside of that Nogales area,” Duval said, adding that outside of Nogales and Rio Rico, the nature-based restorative economy is an important source of jobs and livelihood in the more rural areas of the county.
Santa Cruz County is a federally designated National Heritage Area because of its rich history, natural and cultural resources. It is also part of a region called Madrean Sky Islands, isolated mountain ranges with incredible wildlife diversity.
Within these natural landscapes, Santa Cruz County has numerous state and national parks and protected land. The county is also home to the highest concentration of federally-listed threatened and endangered species in Arizona.
The study listed four species: the Western yellow-billed cuckoo (threatened), the Gila topminnow (endangered), the Mexican garter snake (threatened), the Huachuca water umbel (endangered) and the Chiricahua leopard frog (threatened).
The county also has one of the highest diversity of birds with 453 species and serves as an important region for mammals including jaguars, ocelots and 43 other species of mammals, including pronghorn antelopes, brown bears, bobcats, and mountain lions.
A small town with big environmental responsibilities
Patagonia is one small town with a huge impact on wildlife in Santa Cruz county.
The tiny town of just 804 residents, according to the most recent census data, has one of Arizona’s few permanently flowing streams, as well as many endangered fish, butterflies, birds and other wildlife. The area also includes one of the most important wildlife corridors in the world for some migrating species that travel between "isolated mountain ranges, protected natural areas, and riparian areas," stated the study
For this reason, there are numerous nonprofits there that work towards preservation, conservation and restoration.
One of those is the Borderlands Restoration Network which was among one of the non-profits represented in the 2019 study’s steering committee.
Lynn Davison, a Borderlands board member and a volunteer with Patagonia Area Resource Alliance, was one of several people involved in non-profits in the area that envisioned this study.
“We were very interested in preserving the natural landscape and the economies that were tied to that landscape, and the cultures that have lived and do live on that landscape,” she said.
The project’s steering committee partnered with the town of Patagonia, who agreed to manage a contract with a selected consultant for the study.
Davison said money for the study was raised by the nonprofits themselves. While she did not remember the exact cost of the study, she said the organizations raised around $40,000 for the study and future outreach.
To find a consultant to undertake the study, the group put out a request for proposal and chose researchers from the University of Arizona.
The group’s goal was to find out what exactly the restoration economy contributed to Santa Cruz’s overall economy, and use that information to help bring more resources to the region.
The group also wanted to educate the public about what is possible in a restorative economy, and to use the information as a baseline for showing “what you can do with a restorative economy without prompting for growth versus the extractive economy which limits resources, and in some cases diminishes some sectors of the economy,” Davison said. Merriam Webster defines extractive as the withdrawal of natural resources by extraction. Extractive economies depend on resource extraction for revenue.
Bzzzz: Cochise County's 'killer bee guy' Reed Booth sees recent uptick after slow summer
The study gave Borderlands a “scientific place” to advance their mission to grow the restorative economy through restoration, conservation and education.
Borderlands has numerous outreach and educational programs, and restoration projects, one of which includes repairing areas of the Madrean Archipelago, or Sky Islands, “one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in North America,” according to its website.
Borderlands also works with ranchers to do restoration work on their properties to make best use of available water.
It is working with ranchers on developing strategies like rotating pasture lands to make the most of the land available for ranching, and to “make ranching as healthy and sustainable as possible,” Davison said.
She emphasized how Borderlands is unique in its goals as an environmental organization because it aims to help everyone living on the landscape and “all the resources of that landscape including people.”
She also noted that the study was “conservatively done” because it was limited by the kinds of data researchers were able to collect at that time.
The authors of the study reiterated the limitations, noting some benefits of nature-based restorative economy that were not included in the study. One of those benefits is the simple joy of being in nature, which does not always have a direct economic benefit.
“If you go to a park, you go to a lake, you go to a nature area you’re deriving well-being satisfaction that you're not paying for,” Frisvold said about the limitations of the study. Even if people are not paying to enjoy nature, there is still a value to that enjoyment, he added.
He noted another indirect value not measured in this study: real estate. He said in areas near nature, property values might increase for being near green spaces.
“There’s often premiums built into homes that have better environmental surroundings,” he said.
Davison said she and the others who contributed to the study were happy with how the study was done. They met with officials including the Santa Cruz County supervisors, and spread the report widely among the public.
“The more that people understand what’s possible, the more that we feel like we will be promoting the region in ways that sustain people as well as water and wildlife,” Davison said.
Callaghan, the owner of Callaghan Vineyards, said since 2019 county politicians have better understood the value of rural areas like Sonoita-Elgin and several new wineries have opened up.
"To some extent the county government is getting the picture ... they are finally seeing what it (the nature-based restorative economy) can do," he said.
Coverage of southern Arizona on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is funded by the nonprofit Report for America in association with The Republic.
Reach the reporter at sarah.lapidus@gannett.com.
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A 'dirty' small-town election campaign shows how partisan politics seeps into Arizona communities
Candidates and local officials said they’ve never seen anything like this year’s "vitriolic" election in Fountain Hills, a small town of 25,000 people in the Phoenix area's northeast Valley where races are typically low profile and amicable.
The mayor’s seat and three council positions were on the Aug. 2 ballot, with former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio spending massive amounts of cash in an effort to take the top spot from incumbent Mayor Ginny Dickey, and four candidates — three conservatives and one liberal — vying for the council seats.
It got ugly when some right-wingers sought to establish a conservative majority, painting their left-wing opponents as “communists,” “leftists” or extremists despite the election being for positions that require the winners to mostly oversee non-ideological issues such as zoning and road repair.
The race got so heated that an entire angry audience was removed during a candidate forum earlier this year, when GOP council candidate and former Illinois state Rep. Allen Skillicorn called his opponent, Cindy Couture, a liar before implying that she and other “liberals” were “ignorant.”
Fountain Hills’s departure from amiability to hostility marks another instance of party politics entering into “nonpartisan” local races. It’s a shift for the conservative-majority town where voters have rarely balked at electing Democrats in the past.
“This year's race was vitriolic. It was horrible,” said Couture, a 72-year-old retired English teacher who lost her race and was branded as a far-left radical because of her Facebook posts about prosecuting “anti-vaxxers” and Democratic Socialism. “I mean, it didn't belong in Fountain Hills. We are a nicer community than this, but they wanted to win at all costs.”
A political action committee called Reclaim Our Town, or ROT, spent thousands on signs that depicted Dickey as a puppet master leading the town to disaster and included slogans such as “leftists ruin towns.”
Conservative candidate Brenda Kalivianakis, who won a seat on the council, said she did not support ROT’s negative campaigning and “did her own thing,” while candidate Hannah Toth and Skillicorn, who wont the other two council seats, joined the PAC in taking swings, getting firmly behind the push to secure a partisan majority.
“I am only running because the current liberal majority does not represent the values of our conservative town,” Skillicorn told The Arizona Republic.
Dickey was labeled a “leftist” because of her connection with Couture, whose bid for Town Council she supported, although Dickey believes she’s governed in a nonpartisan way.
Complaints from the PAC and Republican council candidates about Dickey’s leadership largely centered around more material issues, like the town’s four “sober homes” — which multiple officials said sparked the desire to flip the Town Council — rules about how businesses can display signs, and COVID-19 mitigation measures that ended last year.
By the time the election was over, the conservative candidates had secured the majority they were after. They are slated to replace Councilmembers Mike Scharnow and David Spelich, both Republicans, and Allen Magazine, a Democrat. The latter two said they chose not to run for personal reasons.
Dickey narrowly defeated Arpaio despite “America’s toughest sheriff” spending an unusually high amount of cash in the small town’s race. He spent more than $160,000 — roughly three times that of all the other Fountain Hills candidates combined and 600% more than Dickey's nearly $27,000.
Arpaio has vowed not to concede; however, he was recycling debunked voter fraud allegations from 2020 and saying he will explore legal challenges — another instance of local races mirroring the troubled state of national politics.
“I'm waiting to confirm with a lawyer,” he told The Republic when asked if he was going to challenge the results. “I will say one thing: I am not going to concede.”
Whether the election in Fountain Hills is a canary in the coal mine for the longstanding practice of nonpartisan local elections in Arizona communities, one of the town's newest local leaders said it is already dead or never really existed at all.
“Nonpartisan or not, every single candidate for public office has a party behind them,” said Toth, the second-highest vote getter in the Town Council race. “In a lot of ways, I think we were kidding ourselves to believe otherwise.”
Most Arizona cities and towns don't place political party labels on mayoral or council candidates. A state lawmaker who proposed changing that several years ago faced fervent opposition from city officials, who said local issues such as pothole repairs are nonpartisan in nature.
‘Sober home’ issues spurred the partisan change
Fountain Hills candidates and officials said one hot-button issue is at the heart of the partisan shift this year: sober homes. The facilities are operated in residential neighborhoods and give people who are addicted to drugs a place to stay while they get clean.
Four sober homes have been opened in Fountain Hills since Dickey got into office, according to Kalivianakis, who said the new facilities worried residents and spurred political engagement ahead of August’s election.
“We had unregulated sober living homes moving into our community, which was very unpopular with (residents),” said the newly elected council member.
Kalivianakis described crowded Planning and Zoning Commission meetings as residents pushed for stronger regulations, adding that continued regulation is one of her priorities even though the number of sober homes is still relatively low.
“The last I heard it was four. But trust me, if we just let it go as it is right now, (it will) increase exponentially,” she said.
The town commission suggested a new policy that would require sober homes to be at least half a mile away from one another, a move that would drastically limit the number of those facilities in the 20-square-mile town.
Kalivianakis and other local conservatives said council members “watered down” the proposed ordinance over fears that it was too “exclusionary” and would cause the town to violate federal laws that limit how much officials can restrict group homes.
“There was some concern that that was maybe too exclusionary. And so the council ended up cutting (the distance) in half,” said John Wesley, the town’s development services director. “Staff and our attorneys just want to make sure the council was fully aware of potential issues with the ordinance as it had been recommended as they were making their final decision.”
It’s still unclear whether the half-mile rule would be illegal, but the three conservative candidates this election all contend that further restrictions are allowed.
Regardless, it was what sparked the creation of the ROT PAC and began the push to get a conservative majority on the council, according to Kalivianakis and other officials who said the “dirtiness” of the election may not have otherwise come to pass.
“That really created a lot of energy, which spawned a PAC called Reclaim Our Town,” Kalivianakis said. “Had it not been for sober living homes and detox centers, this election would have been completely different. That was the energy behind everything that transpired.”
Nonpartisan elections 'a myth'
Retired Fountain Hills residents Lawrence Meyers and Crystal Cavanaugh ran ROT with the goal of getting a conservative majority on the Town Council. Together with another PAC called Fountain Hills Forward, the groups spent about $30,000 to defeat Dickey and Couture.
Meyers, who served as treasurer, said ROT members hashed out a strategy with the conservative candidates before the PAC was formed. The plan was that the committee would take shots at liberal contenders, allowing conservative candidates to keep things positive.
“Before we formed the PAC, we went to the conservative candidates and we told them that if we were to form the PAC, we would take the role of the aggressor,” Meyers said. “We told the candidates you should be positive about what you want to do, the changes you will make, and stay away from attacks.”
Couture was at the receiving end of most of ROT’s attacks, being labeled a “communist candidate” because of a Facebook post about Democratic Socialism and another in which she appears to advocate that “anti-vaxxers” be prosecuted.
Couture, a first-time candidate, also accused ROT of circulating a photoshopped image of her in what’s supposed to be a Soviet-era uniform, although the PAC denies being behind that image.
It appears that ROT labeled Dickey as a “leftist” mainly because of her affiliation with Couture, given the PAC’s website that reads, “Mayor Dickey helped collect signatures for the far left, communist candidate Couture as well as contributing funds to her campaign.”
“I've been here 38 years and I'm not acting as a partisan in any way, shape or form, but that was probably their best shot,” the sitting mayor said of the ROT campaign against her.
The PAC’s hyperpoliticization of the election was part of the plan, according to Meyers, who said ROT saw nonpartisan elections as a “problem” that masked candidates’ true agendas, a sentiment echoed by Toth and Skillicorn.
“I get the whole nonpartisan nature of things, but in reality, it's a myth,” the PAC treasurer said. “(The left-leaning candidates) have gotten around it — that's what they shout, 'We're nonpartisan, we're nonpartisan,' and then they govern as Democrats do.”
Town says some ROT claims are bunk
In addition to sober homes, Meyers pointed to the town’s COVID-19 mitigation measures — which ended last year but hindered public participation in council meetings because of attendance limits—- and financial policies as examples of the mayor’s left-wing governance.
Meyers cited a roadway roundabout study, which he said would cost $400,000 and the town doubling its contribution to homelessness planning efforts that are conducted by the Maricopa Association of Governments — a regional organization made up of municipalities across the county.
“You have to connect all of the dots,” the PAC representative said. “We connected the dots, and the dots are who runs the town. … Because the town is run by a majority. The current majority, which is still seated right now, is a bunch of liberals.”
Bo Larsen, the town’s community relations manager, said the roundabout study would be necessary to get millions in federal roadway funds, but has yet to be approved and likely would not cost as much as Meyers' suggested.
About the town’s homeless program contribution, Larsen explained that “we pay in to help with the homelessness study and programs that MAG is providing for the homeless."
“When it's all said and done, we only donate like $50,000 to MAG programs," the town staffer said. "It's not a ton of money and we're not, like, promoting homelessness.”
ROT also slammed Dickey for “increased crime” under her leadership, as well as a rise in the town’s homeless population.
Larsen said neither spike actually exists and that “when we (last) went out and did our homelessness count, I think they literally counted one that day.”
“Crime has not gone up as an issue by any means,” he added. “The biggest thing that goes on around here is traffic stops.”
‘I have never seen such a dirty campaign’
Not all of the conservative candidates followed the strategy of letting ROT be the “aggressor” while they remained positive, according to Meyers who said “some listened, some didn't.”
Skillicorn, who received the lowest number of votes among the three winning candidates, was one of those who didn’t follow that advice.
He went after Couture during a candidate forum at the Fountain Hills Community Center this summer, which caused an uproar among the audience and led to event organizers clearing the hall for the remainder of the event.
“Some people have said some things online that are a lot different than what they say on the stage. There’s three of us who are telling the truth and (Couture) is not,” said Skillicorn, who went on to quote President Ronald Regan by saying, “it isn't so much that liberals are ignorant, it's just that they know so many things that aren't so."
The former Illinois lawmaker was referring to Couture’s political leanings, which he and other GOP campaigners felt she was hiding because of her stated desire to keep the election nonpartisan.
Fountain Hills election: Where mayoral, Town Council candidates stand on finances, other challenges
“To me, this shouldn't have been partisan,” Couture told The Republic, echoing her earlier statements during the campaign. “This should have been, 'we're neighbors, this is our community.' We do what's best for the community.”
Skillicorn’s antics on stage irked ROT and its contributors, according to Meyers who believes the candidate lost votes because he took an aggressive tact.
“Skillicorn, as is reflected by the vote, didn't listen. He attacked a lot,” Meyers said. “The overwhelming consensus (from PAC contributors and residents) was one of two things: I knew we needed a majority on the council, so I held my nose and voted for Skillicorn, or I didn't vote for him because he attacked Couture in a personal manner at the forum.”
Numerous others, including conservatives, liberals and sitting officials were turned off by the tone of the entire election.
Magazine, the outgoing council member who managed Couture’s campaign, said “I've spent almost 16 years in elected office. I can say with certainty, I have never seen such a dirty campaign in my life.”
Kalivanakis said she didn’t support ROT’s campaigning, calling the “negative” campaigning “bad politics.”
Scharnow, another outgoing council member, said the election was the “nastiest” one he’s seen in his four decades as a Fountain Hills resident.
“It just seems like this (election) was particularly nasty and more personal. (There was) a lot more polarization and name calling than I’ve seen before,” Scharnow said. “It's certainly disappointing.”
'I will not concede'
Arpaio's campaign largely avoided the mudslinging that was embraced by ROT and candidates like Skillicorn.
Nevertheless, the mayoral race between Arpaio and Dickey was a nail-biter until the final vote tally was released, with the former sheriff trailing the incumbent by only a few hundred votes throughout ballot counting.
He ultimately came up short by 213 votes. Arpaio said he plans to look into whether he can legally push for a recount through a legal challenge, although he has not yet hired an attorney.
"I will see what happens with the investigations and controversy going on with the fraud or incompetency," said Arpaio, who was referencing the debunked claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election. "I will say one thing: I am not going to concede."
The former sheriff was found guilty of criminal contempt of court in 2017 for ignoring orders to stop racial profiling at MCSO, but was pardoned by then-President Donald Trump. He lost his bids for sheriff in 2016 and 2020, and for U.S. Senate in 2018.
Arpaio mentioned that he lost by "pretty close" margins in each of those races.
The 90-year-old added that he plans to remain politically active, but did not say whether he would run for office again in the future.
“I still have my hands in the political system. I may not be running right now, but when you look at the last two months, 30 people around the country have called asking for my endorsement,” he said. “Somebody out there likes me.”
Reach Sam at sam.kmack@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @KmackSam.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale/2022/08/17/small-town-election-shows-party-politics-seeping-into-local-races-in-arizona/10313772002/ | 2022-08-17T14:11:11 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale/2022/08/17/small-town-election-shows-party-politics-seeping-into-local-races-in-arizona/10313772002/ |
Avondale's elected leaders decide behind closed doors to pursue a contract with Cottonwood city manager Ron Corbin
Avondale leaders are negotiating to hire Cottonwood City Manager Rob Corbin after the City Council fired their last top executive just before Christmas.
The council cited improper tuition reimbursements and living outside the city among the reasons for terminating Charles Montoya, who is seeking nearly $6.9 million, claiming the council breached his contract and defamed him.
The decision to go with Corbin came after the council conducted a national search that netted 41 applicants, brought in two finalists to meet with the public and then interviewed the pair in a closed-door council session. While public bodies can discuss personnel matters in private, executive sessions, two legal experts say under Arizona's Open Meeting Law the council should've come out in a public session when taking action. That action was directing staff to negotiate a contract with Corbin.
One only pursues a contract with someone they've decided to hire, First Amendment attorney Dan Barr told The Arizona Republic.
Avondale City Attorney Nicholle Harris, in response to The Republic's inquiry, said in an email that "No vote was taken because no official action was taken."
Harris said if negotiations are successful, "official action will be taken at a future council meeting to approve a contract with Mr. Corbin."
A city spokesperson said that is expected to happen Aug. 22.
Corbin has led Cottonwood, a city of more than 12,000 residents about 100 miles north of Phoenix, since 2019. He previously was a deputy city administrator in Yuma and is a U.S. Army veteran.
Closed-door action
Avondale hosted a meet and greet on Aug. 10 for residents and city employees to meet with Corbin and the other finalist Brent Stockwell, an assistant city manager in Scottsdale.
A third finalist, Prescott City Manager Michael Lamar, withdrew from consideration.
Immediately afterward, the council entered executive session to interview the two finalists.
A day later, the city issued a news release announcing they would pursue a contract with Corbin.
Danee Garone, a staff attorney with the Arizona Ombudsman office, said he thought both council actions should've been done publicly: the decision to pursue a contract and approval of the contract once hammered out.
"All council decisions should have been public," Garone told The Republic.
Arizona's Open Meeting Law — which aims to make government transparent — states that "collective decisions, commitments or promises" made by a public body — which includes City Council — should occur during a public meeting.
Avondale Mayor Kenn Weise did not respond to The Republic's requests for comment.
Weise said in a written statement that he is confident Corbin will "be the visionary leader to move the organization ahead.”
Phoenix, Surprise acted similarly
Other cities have acted behind closed doors, as well.
Phoenix's only public action when promoting Jeff Barton to city manager in September was when the council approved the contract.
That same month, Surprise's City Council in a closed-door session opted to pause its city manager recruitment effort after adding a last-minute candidate. That candidate, former city manager Bob Wingenroth, was not named until a council meeting agenda was posted to approve his contract about a week later.
More on Corbin
Weise, in the city-issued announcement, said he and the council "were seeking someone with strong, steady leadership who understands and believes in our core purpose of making lives better for the residents and business community in Avondale.”
Corbin, at the meet and greet with the finalists on Aug. 10, said if named city manager he would be interested in hearing from residents. "I want to know what they think of the city of Avondale. And then I'll begin to figure out what the community thinks of the work that we're doing," he said.
Corbin also outlined what his priorities would be, including making any necessary adjustments to the budget to ensure the city is prepared for a recession.
"We'll begin to look at the organizational structure to make sure it's aligned," Corbin said. "I call it right-sizing the organization, to make sure we can afford the staff we have, and that we have the staff doing the work that we need them to do and is prioritized by the council."
Corbin said community input on decisions is important. He said he would like to implement citizen surveys via social media, a practice he said was used when he worked in Yuma.
Republic reportTaylor Seely contributed to this report.
Reach the reporter at endia.fontanez@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @EndiaRain. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley/2022/08/17/avondale-leaders-make-closed-door-decision-city-manager-hire/10309021002/ | 2022-08-17T14:11:17 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley/2022/08/17/avondale-leaders-make-closed-door-decision-city-manager-hire/10309021002/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – It’s no secret many companies are struggling to find employees. Area restaurants are no different. Some are having a hard time keeping their doors open.
Copper Oven Cafe in Wichita recently celebrated its tenth year in business. But it recently changed some things as the owner said it is impossible to find enough staff.
“We used to get four or five applications a week, and we have walk-in applications, and we have had four applications in the last four months,” said Phil Schoenhofer, Copper Oven Cafe owner.
Schoenhofer said with the staffing shortage. They stopped serving dinner.
“We combined the best of our two crews and put them all on the first shift so we could continue to serve the best that we could,” said Schoenhofer.
Copper Oven Cafe isn’t the only place trying to find help.
Across town, Delano’s Diner sees many applications, but the manager, Amber Almos, said people do not show up for their interviews.
Almos said she is lucky to have a loyal staff that is willing to pick up the slack.
“Getting a few extra hours here and there for them, but I know it is starting to take a toll on them,” said Amber Almos, Delano’s Diner manager.
The diner raised starting pay to get more interest.
It’s not just a staffing issue. Both restaurants are raising prices on their menus to keep up with rising food costs. Plus, there’s a shortage of certain items.
“There is just no incentive out there for work, and people are responding to that, and they are not coming in,” said Schoenhofer.
Copper Oven Cafe is planning on keeping the new hours as long as staff can keep up.
Delano’s Diner said it is staying open for its supportive customers and helping support its employees.
They said to be patient and kind when dining anywhere because of the situation many restaurants are in right now. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/local-restaurants-pivoting-as-shortages-loom/ | 2022-08-17T14:18:39 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/local-restaurants-pivoting-as-shortages-loom/ |
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
As soon as President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, it became law. Thanks are in order to both Congress and the president.
In addition to finally attacking climate change, Americans will get lower prices for prescription medicines, expansion of health care, greater equity in taxation, and a lower national deficit. We owe thanks to Sens. Kelly and Sinema for their support of legislation that will make our country stronger. But climate change is a global challenge, and we need legislation that will foster global action.
For many years, the United States was the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, but we are now far outpaced by China, which emits over 27% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions compared to the United States’ 11%. While that 11% will decline further thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, what is needed now is a market-based mechanism that will move not just the U.S. but also the world toward clean energy. Legislation to do that has been passed in the European Union and Canada. The United States needs to follow suit by passing Senate Bill 4355, the Clean Competition Act recently introduced by Sen. Whitehouse of Rhode Island.
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The proposed Clean Competition Act identifies 20 products (fossil fuels, aluminum, iron and steel, pulp and paper, for example) whose manufacture creates heavy carbon emissions. Those emissions are aggregated and then divided by the number of manufacturers, thereby providing an average emissions level. Manufacturers that create carbon pollution above that average would be assessed a pollution fee of $55 per ton of greenhouse gas emissions with the fee increasing 5% per year beginning in 2024. This would spur both innovation and a transition to low- or zero-carbon energy as manufacturers worked to avoid the fee.
Further, the legislation would require that carbon pollution from those 20 industries must decrease by 2.5% per year for the next four years and then by 5% per year. To help manufacturers with the transition, 75% of the money from the fee would be awarded to domestic industries to help finance the transition to clean energy with the remaining 25% awarded to help developing countries decarbonize.
Imposing the same penalties on domestic manufacturing that apply to imports brings us into compliance with World Trade Organization rules. But the greater value of the Clean Competition Act is that it requires anyone selling goods into the United States to meet the same standards. This puts U.S. manufacturers at a competitive advantage because they are more energy efficient.
While China is working to transition to clean energy, it is simultaneously building huge coal-fired power plants, and the carbon pollution from those plants is simply released into the atmosphere for all to breathe. Those coal fired power plants are built with money made from exports. Requiring that those exported goods pay for the environmental costs associated with their manufacture is equitable and will level the playing field for manufacturers in Europe, Canada and the United States. Moreover, it encourages all exporting countries to move away from coal-powered manufacturing to avoid paying a fee on their exports to the U.S., Europe or Canada, thereby hastening the transition to zero or low-carbon energy.
While the Inflation Reduction Act will do a great deal to lower carbon emissions in the United States, carbon pollution simply goes into the atmosphere, which we all share. The Clean Competition Act, if passed by Congress and signed into law, would lower carbon emissions throughout the world, would provide American manufacturers a level playing field, would improve health outcomes for humans and a safer environment for all life.
Sens. Kelly and Sinema offered their support for the IRA; now they need to offer the same support for the Clean Competition Act. We should all call and ask them to do so.
Mike Carran is a retired public school administrator and longtime climate activist who lives in Oro Valley. He is currently a co-leader of the Tucson chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby. | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-reducing-global-emissions-must-come-next/article_876babae-1d83-11ed-beb8-6b3b5b706da1.html | 2022-08-17T14:19:12 | 0 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-reducing-global-emissions-must-come-next/article_876babae-1d83-11ed-beb8-6b3b5b706da1.html |
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
This summer, the Arizona Legislature expanded eligibility for government-funded school vouchers to every student in the state, regardless of their family’s income or ability to pay for private school tuition. Hailed by Gov. Ducey as “the most expansive school choice legislation in the nation,” the universal expansion of the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program heralds a drastic shift toward greater public funding of private schools.
Families who obtain an Empowerment Scholarship Account receive 90% of the state funding that would otherwise go toward their child’s public school. The families can then spend those funds on tuition for private school, uniforms or other school-related items. In turn, the public school in the child’s community does not receive state or local funding for that student. Families considering whether to apply for an Empowerment Scholarship Account might not realize that each account diverts funds away from their public school.
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The expansion of the Empowerment Scholarship Account Program comes at a time when our district schools are understaffed and under-resourced. The Arizona Daily Star recently reported that TUSD, Tucson’s largest school district, will begin staffing some classes with third-party providers due to a shortage of teachers. And TUSD is not the only one with teacher shortages. School districts across Pima County have started the school year with numerous unfilled positions.
District schools are a vital resource that our families and communities depend on. Despite the availability and prevalence of school choice options in Arizona, the vast majority of students attend a district public school. As TUSD Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo recently reported, enrollment in TUSD is up this year, with many students returning to district schools after homeschooling or attending charter schools.
District schools are here for all of us. District schools educate most of the children in our communities, and these children will grow to become the next generation of Tucsonans. Furthermore, district schools are here for every family — even those whose children are homeschooled or attend private school — as a reliable school option in case their chosen school does not work out. TUSD’s increasing enrollment numbers demonstrate that families across Tucson continue to rely on district schools to be available for their children, even with increasing school choice options that families might consider.
The universal expansion of the Empowerment Scholarship Account program is scheduled to go into effect Sept. 24. Families, including those who can already afford private school tuition, will be considering whether they want to apply for one of these school vouchers.
This choice may be appealing to many families. Private school costs can be steep. But there is a cost to obtaining an Empowerment Scholarship Account, too — one that comes at the expense of the public schools in our communities.
Diana Newmark is an associate clinical professor of law at the James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona. She directs the Education Advocacy Clinic. | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-school-voucher-expansion-means-less-for-public-schools/article_00bca7ea-1d9a-11ed-a009-8b676e20c5ab.html | 2022-08-17T14:19:18 | 1 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-school-voucher-expansion-means-less-for-public-schools/article_00bca7ea-1d9a-11ed-a009-8b676e20c5ab.html |
A task force set up by the Ohio Supreme Court has released recommendations for mitigating wrongful convictions.The report from the Task Force on Conviction Integrity and Postconviction Review proposes changing some laws, doing more training for appellate lawyers and creating an Innocence Inquiry Commission.» Task force recommends changes to decrease wrongful convictions in Ohio: What they suggestThe National Registry of Exonerations tracks the reversals of bogus convictions and lists 92 that have happened in Ohio since 1990.Local cases include:Roger Dean Gillispie: First convicted of rape in 1991 but maintained his innocence and was released from prison in 2011 after having the conviction against him vacated. Was declared a wrongfully imprisoned individual late last year after suing the state.Scott Chessman: Convicted of rape in 2003 and sentenced to three years in prison. He was also required to register annually for 10 years after his release. In 2009, Chessman was indicted for failing to notify officials about a new telephone number. He was convicted of a first-degree felony and was sentenced to three years in prison. On July 9, 2010, the Second District Court of Appeals vacated Chessman’s sentence stating that because “there is no penalty specified for such a failure, there can be no criminal offense.” He settled with the state for for $82,000.Robert Aldridge and Jennifer Wilcox: The former Huber Heights residents were wrongfully convicted in 1985 of 23 child molestation charges and told it would be 60 years before they would be eligible for parole. Wilcox and Aldridge appealed their convictions and had them overturned in March 1996 — after spending 11 years in prison. The highly sensational case fell apart after it was determined that key information was withheld at trial, testimony was coerced and the state was aware of the possibility that its child witnesses were committing perjury. Three witnesses later recanted as adults.Tyrone Zinkiewicz: Convicted in 1988 of taking nude photos of a juvenile, but was released after a new trial was ordered in 1992. He said the 17-year-old, who claimed to be an adult, made the allegations only after learning Zinkiewicz had recorded on his answering machine his admission to the rape of a Dayton man. A judge ruled Zinkiewicz’s lawyer should have been allowed to cross-examine the juvenile about the tapeHere’s a look at those people who have been exonerated in Ohio since 1990: NameCountyConvictedExoneratedContributing Factors Joseph AllenLorain19942022Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Marvell DixonFranklin19982022Perjury or False Accusation Nancy SmithLorain19942022Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Isaiah AndrewsCuyahoga19752021False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Maurice BradfordCuyahoga20162021False or Misleading Forensic Evidence Charles BrownLorain20182021 Kim Hoover-MooreFranklin20032021False or Misleading Forensic Evidence Ralph SmithFairfield20002021Mistaken Witness ID, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct William CampbellHamilton20092020False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense Patrick Baker, Sr.Sandusky20152019Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Charles JacksonCuyahoga19912019Mistaken Witness ID, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Shayla JohnsonCuyahoga20122018 Christopher MillerCuyahoga20022018Mistaken Witness ID, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Ru-El SailorCuyahoga20032018Mistaken Witness ID Rosalynd Collier-HammondCuyahoga19992017Perjury or False Accusation Roger Dean GillispieMontgomery19912017Mistaken Witness ID, Official Misconduct Derius IrbyCuyahoga20162017Mistaken Witness ID, Perjury or False Accusation Evin KingCuyahoga19952017False or Misleading Forensic Evidence Deontae WilsonCuyahoga20172017Mistaken Witness ID Laurese GloverCuyahoga19962016False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Official Misconduct Eugene JohnsonCuyahoga19962016Mistaken Witness ID, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Official Misconduct Derrick WheattCuyahoga19962016False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Official Misconduct Terry SwalleyAshtabula20102015Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Glenn TinneyRichland19922015False Confession, Official Misconduct Edward WilliamsSummit19972015Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Kwame AjamuCuyahoga19752014Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Wiley BridgemanCuyahoga19752014Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Scott ChessmanMontgomery20092014 Joel CovenderLorain19962014False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation Albert GravesLorain20082014Official Misconduct Ricky JacksonCuyahoga19752014Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Dewey JonesSummit19952014Mistaken Witness ID, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Anthony LemonsCuyahoga19952014Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Joe D'AmbrosioCuyahoga19892012False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct David AyersCuyahoga20002011Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Virginia LeFeverLicking19902011False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Thomas SillerCuyahoga19982011False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Walter ZimmerCuyahoga19982011False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Darrell HoustonCuyahoga19922010Perjury or False Accusation Raymond TowlerCuyahoga19812010Mistaken Witness ID, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence Joseph R. Fears, Jr.Franklin19842009Mistaken Witness ID James Vaughan IIICuyahoga20082009False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Inadequate Legal Defense Robert McClendonFranklin19912008Mistaken Witness ID, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence Carlos RocheCuyahoga20072008Inadequate Legal Defense Jack DempseyCuyahoga19962007Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense Robert GondorPortage19902007False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense Brock HenlyFranklin20032007Inadequate Legal Defense Randy ReshPortage19902007False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Inadequate Legal Defense Ronald LarkinsCuyahoga19862006Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Anthony McClainHamilton19952006Official Misconduct Dante AllenHamilton20052005Mistaken Witness ID Donte BookerCuyahoga19872005Mistaken Witness ID Clarence ElkinsSummit19992005Mistaken Witness ID Dartangnan HillFranklin20012005Mistaken Witness ID, Inadequate Legal Defense Derrick JamisonHamilton19852005Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct William WalkerStark20022005Mistaken Witness ID, Inadequate Legal Defense Nathaniel LewisSummit19972004Perjury or False Accusation Kenneth MoorePike19952004Official Misconduct Dale BeckettLucas19972003Mistaken Witness ID, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Timothy HowardFranklin19772003Mistaken Witness ID, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Gary Lamar JamesFranklin19772003Mistaken Witness ID, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Michael BelcherFranklin19992001Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense Danny BrownLucas19822001Mistaken Witness ID Anthony Michael GreenCuyahoga19882001Mistaken Witness ID, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Tyeona HunterHamilton19942001Perjury or False Accusation L. Lynn PettitVinton19992001Inadequate Legal Defense Jimmy WilliamsSummit19912001Mistaken Witness ID, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Official Misconduct Anthony HarrisTuscarawas19992000False Confession, Official Misconduct Timothy NeiningerTuscarawas19932000Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Franklin WilmothPortage19942000Perjury or False Accusation Johnny ReevesHamilton19891999Perjury or False Accusation George SeiberCuyahoga19871999Mistaken Witness ID, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Robert AldridgeMontgomery19851997Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Carl DossCuyahoga19951997 Dale Palmer, Sr.Medina19941997Perjury or False Accusation Teresa ThomasAthens19931997Official Misconduct Jennifer WilcoxMontgomery19851997Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Kent ApplemanMuskingum19921996Perjury or False Accusation Walter D. SmithFranklin19861996Mistaken Witness ID Andrew Surritt, Jr.Fayette19921996 Juan CelestinoSandusky19911995Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Kim HairstonFranklin19931995Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Anthony LewisHamilton19861995Inadequate Legal Defense Sean EnnisFranklin19901994Mistaken Witness ID, Official Misconduct Larry HoldsworthPortage19881994Perjury or False Accusation, Inadequate Legal Defense Brian PiszczekCuyahoga19911994Mistaken Witness ID James WardFranklin19911993 Morgan MillerLucas19841992Mistaken Witness ID Tyrone ZinkiewiczMontgomery19881992Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct Tyrone EllingtonMahoning19891991Mistaken Witness ID, Official Misconduct Randall Lynn AyersHamilton19821990Mistaken Witness ID Dale JohnstonHocking19841990Mistaken Witness ID, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Official Misconduct In Other News1 University of Dayton expects to maintain record enrollment when classes...2Ohio residents sue Kia, Hyundai over vehicle thefts3 Task force recommends changes to decrease wrongful convictions in Ohio...4Kia, Hyundai try to fight back against TikTok, Youtube theft trend5Don’t have internet and can’t afford it? New programs may change that | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/at-least-92-people-have-been-wrongfully-convicted-in-ohio-since-1990-heres-the-list/SMFSADLTDZCTHMND36P23YHSJU/ | 2022-08-17T14:31:36 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/at-least-92-people-have-been-wrongfully-convicted-in-ohio-since-1990-heres-the-list/SMFSADLTDZCTHMND36P23YHSJU/ |
University of Dayton expects to maintain record enrollment for this upcoming academic year, with about 12,000 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and law students expected to attend.
“UD continues its momentum of enrolling talented and an increasingly diverse array of students, due to our long tradition of providing the highest quality residential learning experience, and increasingly due to our newest programs such as the UD Sinclair Academy and the Flyer Promise Scholars,” said Jason Reinoehl, vice president for strategic enrollment management, in a statement.
More than 19% of the new students are from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, according to UD, and about 9% are the first in their families to attend college. About 17% of the new student body is eligible for the federal Pell Grant, which helps students from low-income backgrounds pay for college.
UD President Eric Spina said last September in an interview with the Dayton Daily News that UD has grown almost continuously over the last 25 years. But he said maintaining class size made sense for the university.
“You think about our university and the value in personal relationships and being able to wrap your arms around the university,” he said. “I think if we got any larger, we would lose some of the special character of UD.”
The UD Sinclair Academy will have 250 students the year, a high-mark, according to the university. The academy offers dual enrollment with Sinclair College and other benefits such as advisors on both campuses, and opportunities to join student clubs and take advantage of other leadership opportunities at UD while taking classes at Sinclair. The Flyer Promise Scholars program welcomes its sixth cohort, removing financial barriers for students at partner schools and programs, and offering support and leadership opportunities.
UD said interest from international students and demand in programs such as computer science, business analytics and graduate engineering has helped enrollment.
Undergraduate students begin moving in on Friday, Aug. 19. Classes begin Monday.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/university-of-dayton-expects-to-maintain-record-enrollment-when-classes-begin-monday/U2PUBHYZBNGFHOFMAF5Y5ULAMI/ | 2022-08-17T14:31:43 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/university-of-dayton-expects-to-maintain-record-enrollment-when-classes-begin-monday/U2PUBHYZBNGFHOFMAF5Y5ULAMI/ |
EMORY, Va. (WJHL)- Emery & Henry College will be breaking ground on a new apartment complex on Thursday.
According to a news release from the college, the new 96-bed apartment complex is being built to support the college’s growing enrollment and to add new living space for upperclassmen.
The release also states the college owns 10 acres of land and plans to build more complexes in the future.
Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony will be happening along Hillman Highway at 1 p.m.
College President John W. Wells, Burwil representatives and college staff will be present to say a few words at the groundbreaking. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/emory-henry-to-break-ground-on-new-housing/ | 2022-08-17T14:46:30 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/emory-henry-to-break-ground-on-new-housing/ |
ARLINGTON, Wash. — Authorities are investigating what caused a deadly fire at a recreational vehicle (RV) park in Snohomish County early Wednesday morning.
A man believed to be in his 60s was killed in the fire at the Smokey Point RV Park in Arlington, according to the Arlington Police Department.
The fire reportedly reached as high as 40 feet in the area, as several people called 911 just after 1 a.m. Investigators said the fire spread to nearby RVs, but it did not cause significant damage.
Firefighters put out the fire within minutes, but they were not able to save the man inside the RV.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Download our free KING 5 app to stay up-to-date on news stories from across western Washington. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/fatal-fire-smokey-point-rv-park-arlington-snohomish-county/281-0805c2e8-d661-4b1a-a1bb-0785b94ebf66 | 2022-08-17T14:46:37 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/fatal-fire-smokey-point-rv-park-arlington-snohomish-county/281-0805c2e8-d661-4b1a-a1bb-0785b94ebf66 |
Busy bee on the Rivergreenway Aug 17, 2022 10 hrs ago Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email 1 of 3 A bee looks for a spot to land Tuesday on a flower along the Rivergreenway. Mike Moore | The Journal Gazette A bee sits on a flower along the Rivergreenway on Tuesday. Mike Moore | The Journal Gazette A bee sits on a flower along the Rivergreenway on Tuesday. Mike Moore | The Journal Gazette Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Busy bee Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Most Popular Large-scale 'solar farm' in southeast Allen County draws ire Roster unveiled for Komets Alumni Game to support Braydin Lewis Delta to suspend flights from Fort Wayne to Detroit Large-scale solar installation proposal roils east Allen County Parents charged with neglect of 2-year-old with burns Stocks Market Data by TradingView | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/busy-bee-on-the-rivergreenway/article_f55198c6-1da2-11ed-9c75-bbc2a31187b3.html | 2022-08-17T14:49:41 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/busy-bee-on-the-rivergreenway/article_f55198c6-1da2-11ed-9c75-bbc2a31187b3.html |
Fort Wayne City Council members want a fair share of appointments to local boards and commissions, and they took a step Tuesday hoping to make that happen.
Councilman Russ Jehl, R-2nd, said he has spent time the last two years looking into the way members are appointed to boards and commissions. City Council Administrator Megan Flohr and Joe Bonahoom, the council’s attorney, have gathered information about the boards and commissions that work on legislation before it comes to the council.
Jehl asked members Tuesday for support on two non-binding resolutions to address what he calls inequity in board appointments. One asks Mayor Tom Henry to reconsider the division of appointments his office has compared with those handled by the City Council.
Among 61 local boards and commissions, the mayor has 180 appointments, and City Council appoints 49 members, Jehl said. Many of the boards don’t have anyone appointed by City Council members.
“(With) 28 out of the 61, the council is completely shut out of the initial process within the boards and commissions,” Jehl said. “That puts council in a difficult place.”
Board members are often local citizens who represent the entity that appointed them and pass along pertinent information.
The other resolution asks the Indiana General Assembly to do the same for the 23 boards – including the Board of Public Works and the county and city parks and recreation boards – that are defined by state law.
City Council members don’t have appointments to 15 of the 23 boards defined by the state. Without appointments to local boards and commissions, City Council members often don’t know what is being worked on, Jehl said.
“In general, boards are better served when there is a check and balance built into them that does not exclude the legislative body,” Jehl said.
Councilman Tom Didier, R-3rd, a mayoral candidate, said not having board appointments has prevented transparency in the past. He used the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority board as an example. The board approved an emergency declaration early last year, and the public didn’t know until Jehl found out and shared the information months later.
Didier said he supports the work, even though he doesn’t often vote in favor of nonbinding resolutions.
Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, D-at large, asked how the work would affect City Council’s budget. Flohr said the work would not affect the funds each member has set aside for their projects.
The members unanimously gave preliminary approval to the local resolution, and Chambers was the sole member to oppose the resolution to ask state legislators for help.
“The reality of it is I don’t even know if we could create some impact at a state level if he hasn’t already started those conversations at the state level,” Chambers said. “Always my priority is what we can do here locally and making sure we are getting that diversity and inclusion on our local boards.”
City Council members will cast final votes on the resolutions at the next meeting, which is at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Citizens Square. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/local-politics/fort-wayne-city-council-approves-move-to-ask-for-more-equitable-board-appointments/article_f66a5f70-1dc2-11ed-af77-1f3694cd7c36.html | 2022-08-17T14:49:42 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/local-politics/fort-wayne-city-council-approves-move-to-ask-for-more-equitable-board-appointments/article_f66a5f70-1dc2-11ed-af77-1f3694cd7c36.html |
DES MOINES, Iowa — 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.
On Day 6 of the Iowa State Fair, a competition like no other took place, with men lining up to have their facial hair measured.
The prize? The title of the longest beard at the fairgrounds.
For some competitors, the event is an amusing fair tradition.
"I usually come about every year. Just cause it's fun and something to do," one contestant said.
Another joins in on the fun because after all, it only takes one requirement to qualify: a beard.
"I was in the Army for six years. And after doing that, I just let it grow once I got out," he said.
One hopeful participant said that the transition to a long beard came as a change to his normal routine.
"When I was growing up, I'd grow it out in the wintertime, but my mom hated beards. So for mother's day, I'd always shave it off. But I always wanted to see what it'd be like if I grew up for a whole year," he told Local 5. "And I finally did and then it was just like, 'Well, I'm not shaving starting in August, September, like I'm not gonna shave it off then,' and so I just let it go."
But for this year's champion, Mark Bandonselaar, winning that blue ribbon was a few years coming — he'd entered the last three years hoping to win.
"I have never trimmed it actually. It just grows. This is nine years old. I've had a beard forever though. Well, the last time I shaved it off, Aiden was 1 and he's 18. It just grows."
Mark took the win with a beard of 41 7/8".
His victory was over the reigning champion, Harold Stephenson from Centerpoint, Iowa, who had brought home victory every year since 2009.
Watch a throwback fair competition below: | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-longest-beard-competition-winner/524-6b115f2d-1a60-493b-a99a-a4e084d708e6 | 2022-08-17T14:54:02 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-longest-beard-competition-winner/524-6b115f2d-1a60-493b-a99a-a4e084d708e6 |
DES MOINES, Iowa — 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.
There's something about the big horses that draw a crowd.
Lucky for Iowans, the state fair is hosting teams of draft breeds from around the country. Even luckier — Local 5 got to spend a morning at the Altoona farm of one of the favorites, the Shining Stars Percherons.
The thundering hooves, the jingle of the harness - these impressive horses are hitching up to work.
"I've always been drawn to the draft horses because they're, I don't know, they're just majestic. And they're so easy to learn and to teach. You know, they're great to be around," said Faith Brooks, the Shining Stars farm manager for owner Dianna Marquart.
Putting horses Ariel and Ray through the paces is a workout aimed to get them tuned up for the Iowa State Fair.
"Yeah, we always have the best cheering section, I'm not gonna lie. It's really great because Dianna has a lot of family here too, in the area," Brooks said. "Like her sister runs the rib shack and so all of her employees, they'll come and cheer us on."
"The horses feel it, we feel it. And it just makes it exciting. And hopefully, I don't let them down," she added.
Shining Stars shows have won both world and national titles before, and recently added a statuesque gelding, Cody, to the show string - a reigning world champion himself.
This team of four is driving their way to the fair, with Brooks at the lines and trailblazing herself.
"In our industry, there's not a lot of women in my position, so it's really exciting to maybe have the opportunity to get to excel and try to whoop the boys," she said.
Judged on their confirmation, movement and even the tack they’re wearing, Brooks and the horses should look and act like one.
These horses know how to work and how to put on a show, according to Brooks, there’s a secret to their success.
"We like the challenge of trying to figure them out — what makes them work, what makes them tick. And for us, it's really important that they drive a happy class and that they did the best they could and we did the best we could, and that the ribbon doesn't really matter as much in the end."
With steep competition headed toward the Iowa State Fair, now's the chance to support the local team and the gentle giants — the Shining Stars Percherons.
The team will be at the horse show at the state fairgrounds Thursday, Aug. 18. through Saturday, Aug. 20. Below is a full schedule: | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-percherons-draft-horse-competition/524-40601e79-3b2f-4c9a-90a5-299a9820b3a0 | 2022-08-17T14:54:08 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-percherons-draft-horse-competition/524-40601e79-3b2f-4c9a-90a5-299a9820b3a0 |
DES MOINES, Iowa — 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.
While many Iowans are likely accustomed to the sights, sounds and smells of the Iowa State Fair, some are hoping to create a new tradition at the annual event: a sensory-friendly morning.
Designed for those living with autism or sensory-processing disorders, sensory-friendly programming is Wednesday, Aug. 17 between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.
The goal of the morning is to provide a toned-down version of the event Iowans know and love.
"This is one particular audience that we're super excited to invite into the fair," said Mindy Williamson, marketing director for the fair. "Maybe the sights, sounds, smells at the fair have been too much for some folks, so this sensory-friendly morning, we're calming it down."
To do so, the fair made a few notable adjustments, including lowering the lights and sounds of the Thrill Parks, and opening buildings and activities such as the Animal Learning Center and Little Hands on the Farm early to avoid crowds.
Other additions included a "Calming Room" located inside the Service Center for people to visit when feeling overwhelmed, a PlayDoh station and an interactive event with creatures from Blank Park Zoo.
The planning portion of the sensory-friendly morning was no small feat. In fact, Williamson said it's been in the works for months.
For inspiration, Iowa State Fair organizers observed similar sensory-friendly mornings at fairs in Texas, Ohio and South Carolina. The fair collaborated with ChildServe and the Drake University occupational therapy program to better serve visitors.
"As an occupational therapist and as the director of an occupational therapy program where we're training future occupational therapists, we thought it was really important to be a part of that whole process, to collaborate with the state fair folks to help them do the best job that they can do, to make this a really wonderful and welcoming experience for the families," said Leslie Jackson, program director of the occupational therapy program at Drake.
While the sensory-friendly morning is designed for those with specific needs, anyone can enjoy a few quiet hours at the fairgrounds.
"Those of us who have been here every day will also be zen today," Williamson said with a laugh. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-sensory-friendly-morning/524-2f662f70-abce-4a90-bb29-cebe4932172a | 2022-08-17T14:54:14 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-sensory-friendly-morning/524-2f662f70-abce-4a90-bb29-cebe4932172a |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Lime Fresh Mexican Grill is looking to help some lucky students go back to school with custom sneakers at the chain’s Lake Nona location.
The event is set for Friday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the restaurant located at 13052 Narcoossee Road.
[ADD YOUR BUSINESS TO THE FLORIDA FOODIE DIRECTORY]
The restaurant is bringing in Central Florida artists from Lisa Brady Studio, Se7enCustomss, LacedUpFeed and ArtwithCJ to customize sneakers for more than 30 K-12 students, according to a news release.
Children are also encouraged to bring their other back-to-school items — backpacks, pencil cases, denim and lunch boxes — to receive iron-on patches from artist Julee Dempsey, the company said.
See Lime Fresh CEO Vinay Rama on Florida Foodie in the media player below:
The students are asked to bring in a fresh pair of sneakers too for the artists to customize. According to the release, sign-ups for the event are already filled but a waitlist is available here and will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Lime Fresh said Orlando City SC forward Benji Michel will also be at the event taking photos with fans and receiving his own custom cleats from Lisa Brady Studio.
In addition to the sneaker designs, the event will also feature food and giveaways along with music provided by DJ Chino, the restaurant said.
Check out the Florida Foodie podcast. You can find every episode in the media player below: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/17/lime-fresh-mexican-grill-offering-custom-shoes-at-orlando-back-to-school-event/ | 2022-08-17T14:55:51 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/17/lime-fresh-mexican-grill-offering-custom-shoes-at-orlando-back-to-school-event/ |
RICHLANDS, Va. (WVNS) — The former Richlands Police Department Chief resigned on Monday, August 17, 2022.
The town of Richlands is seeing a change in law enforcement personnel. Jerry Gilbert served as the Richlands Police Chief since 2018, but that no longer stands. He claims officials with the town gave him two options, to resign or be fired. Gilbert said he is devastated he cannot serve the community and people he loves.
“I’m lost,” Gilbert said. “I’ve served as a police officer in this community, Cedar Bluff and Richlands for 35 and a half years. I was one and a half months away from locking in a 25 years retirement.”
Gilbert claims the reason stems from political gain.
“I asked what I done wrong, they said poor job performance, but then when you’ve never been written up, you’ve never been talked to, never been counseled, nothing. And all of a sudden, they come and tell you that and you ask what did wrong and nobody can really tell you… then you know, it’s all political,” Gilbert said.
Richlands Town Councilman Doug Ratliff said in a statement, “the statements Jerry Gilbert made were not factual and he was offered his retirement.” | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/former-richlands-police-chief-speaks-out-claims-he-was-forced-to-resign/ | 2022-08-17T14:55:54 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/former-richlands-police-chief-speaks-out-claims-he-was-forced-to-resign/ |
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