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BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE 5:49 P.M.:
The crash has been cleared, according to VDOT.
ORIGINAL STORY:
A crash is causing delays on I-81S in Botetourt County, according to VDOT.
VDOT said the crash happened at mile marker 158.3 near the Troutville Rest Area.
As of 5:28 p.m., the south right lane and the right shoulder are closed, and traffic is backed up for about two miles, VDOT said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/crash-on-i-81s-in-botetourt-county-causing-delays/ | 2022-08-18T13:23:02 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/crash-on-i-81s-in-botetourt-county-causing-delays/ |
SALEM, Va. – More often than not, you can find Freedia Munsey sitting in her living room hard at work crocheting for a cause.
“An 8-year-old girl taught me to crochet when I was 19 years old,” said Munsey.
Now 96 years old, she said crocheting is her favorite pastime. Her son-in-law even jokes that Munsey could crochet in her sleep.
“I can watch television and just keep doing it,” said Munsey. “My fingers know what to do.”
Stitch by stitch, Munsey spent the past year crocheting about 100 baby blankets and hats for LewisGale Medical Center’s new NICU, which is set to open in 2023.
“I wanted to do something for children and babies because I love them so much,” said Munsey.
On Wednesday, she presented the blankets and caps to LewisGale staff in Salem.
Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Amy Woods said Munsey is an inspiration.
“It will absolutely comfort the moms and the babies. You know, it’s something soft and cuddly. It’ll be something that they can carry around for years to come,” said Woods.
Hospital staff said they hope to break ground this fall. A long-awaited day, after a 12-year application process.
“We’re really excited about that, that we’ll have the opportunity to better serve our community with the NICU,” said Woods.
Just like each newborn, each blanket is one-of-a-kind. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/crocheting-for-a-cause-96-year-old-woman-makes-baby-blankets-hats-for-local-hospital/ | 2022-08-18T13:23:08 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/crocheting-for-a-cause-96-year-old-woman-makes-baby-blankets-hats-for-local-hospital/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – Teachers from Roanoke Catholic spent their Wednesday at work giving back.
The teachers served at several churches in the area, as well as the Roanoke Rescue Mission and Feeding Southwest Virginia.
This week is Teacher Work Week at Roanoke Catholic, and they are prepared to welcome students back to school with a different method than usual.
The idea behind the day of service was ‘practice what you preach,’ showing students that service extends beyond the classroom.
“It continues that role modeling that we like to show in the classroom and sports teams and so forth,” Christopher Michael, Dean of Students and Associate Head of School at Roanoke Catholic said. “You know, we are not exempt from doing service.”
The teachers got together after their service events to reflect on the experience ahead of the school year. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/day-of-service-for-roanoke-catholic-teachers/ | 2022-08-18T13:23:15 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/day-of-service-for-roanoke-catholic-teachers/ |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty University is taking a major step to enhance safety on campus.
Leaders said they recently installed and activated 13 emergency blue light call boxes across campus.
The boxes are equipped with cameras and two-way communication systems to interact with emergency dispatchers.
The installation is part of a three-year, $9 million project to upgrade security and comes after a settlement with several women who sued LU over sexual misconduct.
A university spokesperson couldn’t tell 10 News whether LU plans on adding more emergency call boxes and declined our request for an interview. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/liberty-university-installs-emergency-blue-light-call-boxes-on-campus/ | 2022-08-18T13:23:21 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/liberty-university-installs-emergency-blue-light-call-boxes-on-campus/ |
BLACKSBURG, Va. – A variety of healthcare workers will be trained for locations in rural Southside and Southwest Virginia, thanks to this funding.
On Wednesday, the Virginia Rural Health Association announced over $1.5 million in funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program.
VRHA said they will use the grant to train around 110 new healthcare workers, including Community Health Workers, doulas, LPNs, Peer Recovery Specialists, and other similar positions at the associate degree level or below.
Through the training, the public health safety net in rural Southside and Southwest Virginia will be strengthened, according to VRHA, and also increase career opportunities in those areas.
Not only that, but the VRHA said it will also increase access to care and resources in those rural communities with residents in need of a wide variety of services, including prenatal care and recovery services.
Partnering organizations will recruit people to participate and coordinate with local community colleges to assure scholarship eligibility, according to the release. Those organizations include New River-Mt Rogers, Blue Ridge, and Western Piedmont Workforce Development Boards, while Carilion Clinic and Sovah Health will serve as trainee sites.
The release said that the project will target certain areas in the Southside and Southwest regions of Virginia that are experiencing shortages.
All of the targeted areas have Mental Health Professional shortages, four of the six hospitals in the areas offer no services for labor and delivery, and the other two have no certified doulas., according to the VRHA.
The project will target the following areas, according to the release:
- Franklin
- Giles
- Henry
- Pittsylvania
- Rockbridge
- Tazewell
- Danville
- Martinsville
- Lexington
You can learn more about the Virginia Rural Health Association on their website. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/local-organization-announces-healthcare-project-brings-more-services-to-rural-southside-southwest-va/ | 2022-08-18T13:23:28 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/local-organization-announces-healthcare-project-brings-more-services-to-rural-southside-southwest-va/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke City Fire Department is investigating a house fire in Roanoke that sent one man to the hospital, Roanoke Fire and EMS officials said.
Crews said the fire happened around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Tazewell and 11th Street in Roanoke.
The Acting Battalion Chief told 10 News that one man was hurt while trying to escape from the home.
Witnesses at the scene said that the man was climbing out a window with broken glass.
The investigation is still underway to determine the cause of the fire.
10 News has a crew on the scene working for you to learn more.
Stay with 10 News as this story develops. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/one-hurt-while-trying-to-escape-house-fire-in-roanoke-crews-say/ | 2022-08-18T13:23:34 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/one-hurt-while-trying-to-escape-house-fire-in-roanoke-crews-say/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – The Sheetz on Williamson Road in Roanoke is expected to close after its new location opens in the fall.
“Sheetz is currently in the process of building a new store along King Street that is anticipated to open to the public this fall. We are continually evaluating our strategy in every market where we operate, and as a result, we have made the decision to close the store along Williamson Road,” PR Manager Nick Ruffner said.
The new Sheetz is said to open at the corner of Orange Avenue and King Street in Roanoke.
The Orange Avenue - King Street location will be slightly over 4 acres, larger than the current Williamson Road Sheetz.
Data shows that Sheetz paid $3 million for the land in December last year.
Employees won’t lose their jobs, and Sheetz said that they’ve been given the option to seek new opportunities instead.
“All employees working at this location have been offered jobs at the new King Street location or at another store if requested,” Ruffner said.
And the closure is expected to come sooner than later.
“The closure is anticipated to be in late fall after the new store has opened,” Ruffner said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/sheetz-moving-to-new-location-in-roanoke/ | 2022-08-18T13:23:40 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/sheetz-moving-to-new-location-in-roanoke/ |
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation is looking to hire contractors for the winter months.
Leaders said every year, from June until November, the organization is looking to hire those who can help with snow removal.
VDOT is currently looking to hire contractors for the upcoming winter season.
“We have always supplemented our state forces with higher equipment and contractors and that’s the routine practice that we do all the time, especially on the interstate where it’s required to do that,”
If you’re interested, you can get more information at the Christiansburg Residency Office on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Interested in plowing #snow for #VDOT? Attend one of our upcoming information sessions below: pic.twitter.com/P7R5KMdFlO
— VDOT Salem (@VaDOTSalem) August 2, 2022 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/vdot-looking-to-recruit-contractors-for-winter-season/ | 2022-08-18T13:23:46 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/vdot-looking-to-recruit-contractors-for-winter-season/ |
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech is helping students in the LGBTQ+ community feel at home.
The Lavender House is the university’s first living-learning community specifically for students or allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
Lavender House, located on two floors of O’Shaughnessy Hall, will house 41 students in double-occupancy rooms.
The house is one of 18 living-learning communities at Virginia Tech and is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, but students of all majors are welcome as residents.
The dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Laura Belmonte, said studies show that marginalized communities — including LGBTQ+ students — are more likely to feel lonely and depressed.
The goal of launching Lavender House is to create a safe space for students to feel included.
“College isn’t just about what you do in the classroom,” said Belmonte. “College is about the people you meet, the clubs you join, the extramural/intramural sports you play in, going to football games, and being part of the Corps of Cadets. And it’s all a part of creating the whole student experience,” said Belmonte.
Lavender House residents will be required to take a three-credit introductory course on queer studies. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/virginia-tech-opens-new-housing-for-lgbtq-students/ | 2022-08-18T13:23:52 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/17/virginia-tech-opens-new-housing-for-lgbtq-students/ |
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. – A 71-year-old man lost his life after crashing on Route 40 in Patrick County on Wednesday, according to Virginia State Police.
Authorities say it happened shortly before 8:30 p.m.
We’re told Morgan George Strong, 71, of Ferrum, was driving west in a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox when he ran off the side of a road and hit a tree.
State Police say he was not wearing a seat belt and unfortunately, did not make it.
At this time, the crash remains under investigation. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/71-year-old-man-dies-in-patrick-county-crash/ | 2022-08-18T13:23:58 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/71-year-old-man-dies-in-patrick-county-crash/ |
DANVILLE, Va. – Danville police are checking in on members of a neighborhood coping from a shooting on their block Tuesday afternoon.
The police held a H.E.A.R.T. walk on Wednesday to talk with people on the 300 block of Halifax Street.
H.E.A.R.T. stands for Heal and Engage After Recent Trauma and Danville police have been doing these walks since 2019.
Jennifer Bowles, Public Relations Specialist for Danville Police Department, said the walks are not focused on the investigation itself.
“Coming out on these walks, we’re not looking for any information on the investigation. We’re just here to be a familiar face so the community knows we are available and accessible to them in more avenues than just doing you’re typical policing,” Bowles said.
It’s also important for the police to show a presence in a friendly manner.
“These walks are about relationship building so we don’t want the only time individuals to interact with the police are in a negative or scary fashion,” Bowles said.
The police are joined by other organizations in the area as well.
Mothers Strong Twogether is made up of members who have lost children to gun violence.
President of Mothers Stronger Twogether, Jean Jackson, founded the organization to have a space for people to cope with these tragedies.
“We know the feeling. We know what it takes to calm them down. We can relate to them. We know what they’re going through at that moment,” Jackson said.
Each time a child in the community is lost to gun violence ... memories resurface for some members.
“It brings back that ‘bam’ inside your heart. Each time it happens it gets better but it’s still there. It’s something that lives inside of you that has no word for it,” Jackson said.
Vice President of Mothers Stronger Twogether, Mary Barnes, was there for Wednesday’s H.E.A.R.T. Walk.
Barnes said her experience ultimately can help future mothers who lost their child or children to gun violence.
“Just because our loved one may have died ten years ago it doesn’t mean that that grief has already ended … and that we don’t walk down the street and don’t think about that person and don’t grieve for them,” Barnes said. “But we can understand a little bit what they’re going through just as traumatic. And that’s when they can lean on us.”
Even after the H.E.A.R.T. Walk, healing and coping continue.
“They are invited by our group to be a part of what we do and that’s reaching out to one another because of the experiences our members have already gone through and the things we’re dealing with. Because they probably won’t go for grief counseling but if they can be with other people who have gone through with ... now what they’re facing, they feel so much more at ease and begin the healing process,” Barnes said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/danville-polices-heart-walk-aims-to-cope-heal-with-neighbors/ | 2022-08-18T13:24:04 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/danville-polices-heart-walk-aims-to-cope-heal-with-neighbors/ |
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – Thanks to a recent partnership, broadband will be offered to underserved and unserved areas in Bedford County.
On Wednesday, ZiTel partnered with Bedford County to launch a project to more households.
The company is on an 18 month timeline and they expect to have the project completed within 16 months.
“I think in the last few years, we’ve come to realize that high-speed internet access is just as important as water and electricity for a utility in neighborhoods. Some bigger cities take it for granted and this area should be just as important as them. They have the same students, same residents, and same small businesses that need those services,” Rodney Gray said.
A launch ceremony was held at the Jordantown Market in Vinton to celebrate the expansion.
ZiTel added that you can call them directly at (540) 328-1970 to see if you’re eligible for the project and if you are when they expect access will be offered to you. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/new-step-forward-for-broadband-in-bedford-county/ | 2022-08-18T13:24:10 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/new-step-forward-for-broadband-in-bedford-county/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – Imagine in an emergency, being able to lock down an entire school with a click of a button. That is exactly what the teachers and staff at Roanoke County Public Schools are able to do this year with the help of an app called Raptor.
Raptor focuses on protecting students and staff while keeping school districts in complete control during drills and active incidents.
The Raptor App has multiple components, which include:
- A check-in system for parents and visitors: When visiting a Roanoke County School, you will need to swipe an ID card to get in. Then the system alerts everyone on Raptor that there is a visitor in the building. This way, the staff can know who is in the building at all times.
- A Lock-down system: In an emergency situation, teachers can open up their app, swipe and send the entire school into lockdown mode.
“Then what happens is—which I love this feature—is the app sends an automatic amber alert type alert that overrides everyone’s phone,” said Safety Manager for Roanoke County, Rhonda Stegall. “Every staff member, people at [the] central office, our SROs, and it also dials 9-1-1 immediately.”
Once the school is in lockdown mode, the app tells law enforcement which teacher activated the lockdown and what classroom they are in.
Once the school uploads its digital maps, Raptor will be able to send them to the police department. This will ensure that law enforcement has a complete layout of the school sent right to them. So all of these systems are working together.
Another feature Raptor provides is the attendance and well-being of students. This feature is updated with class lists every eight hours. This way, teachers can let law enforcement know if any students are missing or if they are hurt and need assistance.
“So if we were to have a critical incident, I, of course, would have the dashboard. I would be in [the] command center with the police department, then EMS, and we would all be seeing real live data coming in on how our students are doing, how the school is doing,” Stegall said.
Lastly, the new system helps with the reunification process. The app tracks when students are evacuating the building and which bus they are going on to the reunification site. This way, the school can know where students are at all times and the teacher they are with. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/new-technology-is-being-used-to-enhance-safety-at-roanoke-county-schools-this-year/ | 2022-08-18T13:24:17 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/new-technology-is-being-used-to-enhance-safety-at-roanoke-county-schools-this-year/ |
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – The American Red Cross is helping residents who were displaced after their apartment caught fire early Thursday morning in Vinton, according to the Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department.
Authorities say it happened at about 4:30 a.m. in the 100 block of Pine Street.
We’re told three adults were inside at the time of the fire, but luckily, no one was hurt. No other apartments were damaged either, officials say.
Crews were able to bring the fire under control within about 15 minutes.
At this time, the Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the scene to determine a cause and provide a damage estimate. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/residents-displaced-after-apartment-fire-in-vinton/ | 2022-08-18T13:24:23 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/residents-displaced-after-apartment-fire-in-vinton/ |
BUENA VISTA, Va. – Wednesday was day three of the 2019 deadly Rockbridge County gas explosion trial.
The third day of the trial was led by eyewitness accounts.
“I just didn’t know what to do,” said one witness who testified Wednesday.
Four people died in May 2019 when the South River Market exploded.
A grand jury indicted Phillip Westmoreland, a gas delivery guy who restocked the markets’ gas supply the day of the explosion, on involuntary manslaughter charges.
The Commonwealth said Westmoreland was careless in his behavior, and possibly spilled and mismanaged 800 gallons of fuel which could have played a role in the explosion.
With each witness, the Commonwealth focused on the proximity of the gas tanks out back to the building and the strongest source of fire after the explosion.
The magnitude of the explosion could be felt at least three miles away at Tony Bryant’s home. He was eating breakfast when he was jolted by it.
“It was like a nightmare. It really was. It was bad,” testified Bryant.
Pictures, videos, and testimonies are helping the jury understand what the scene looked like.
It’s also an opportunity for them to get to know the victims.
“He would let people keep a tab; Roger was very trusting,” testified one witness. “I was going [there that day] to pay him back.”
Rockbridge County Fire Rescue Chief Nathan Ramsey was one of the first on the scene, only getting beat by a medic crew. He immediately assumed command.
Ramsey said the heat from the fire was unlike any he’s felt before and knew sending his crew into the building was not an option.
It took fire crews 12 hours to finish their work.
Once the site cooled, Virginia State Police investigators took control of the scene.
Senior Special Agent Mark Austin testified to materials found on the scene like the canopy and gas pumps out front to the condition of the gasoline tanks out back.
One of their greatest difficulties that day was finding the deceased trapped inside.
“First, we had to locate the descendants. As you can see, there is a lot of debris, appliances, and different things that were inside the basement along with the decedents,” said Austin. “Anything that was in the store and not combustible had fallen into the basement.”
Austin’s testimony will continue on Thursday.
The defense will present its case upon the completion of the Commonwealth’s presentation. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/trial-for-rockbridge-county-explosion-case-continues/ | 2022-08-18T13:24:29 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/trial-for-rockbridge-county-explosion-case-continues/ |
A Virginia casting director is getting special recognition for playing a key role in bringing a critically acclaimed Hulu series to life.
Erica Arvold, of Blacksburg, has been nominated for a 2022 Creative Emmy Award for Location Casting of “Dopesick,” according to a release.
Dopesick, inspired by Beth Macy’s New York Times bestselling book, takes a closer look at America’s persistent struggle with opioid addiction, in small towns especially.
[INSIDER EXCLUSIVE: Q&A with Dopesick author Beth Macy ahead of second book]
Born and raised in a small town herself, Arvold said the stories told in ‘Dopesick’ are close to her heart.
“The thing I am most proud of is capturing the essence of the three different worlds within the show, including the small town in which I grew up and know so well,” she said. “We hired hundreds of MidAtlantic and Southeast actors for this project, and each brought their A-game. I dare say that the performances in Dopesick have proven to the world that Virginia and the Southeast market have a deep and incredible talent pool.”
Many admire Arvold’s relentless dedication to getting the job done. Arvold has served as a casting director for about 32 years and has helped make more than 150 films and 90 TV shows.
For this series in particular, she helped cast more than 200 local and regional actors.
“Having someone of Erica’s stature living in Virginia is one of our incentives to film here. Her passion for the business, endless connections and tireless work ethic have contributed significantly to bringing work to the commonwealth,” said Andrew Edmunds, Director of the Virginia Film Office. “We are so grateful for her support and excited for her well-deserved accolades from industry peers.”
The 2022 Creative Emmy Awards will be held Sunday, Sept. 4 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/virginia-casting-director-earns-emmy-nomination-for-hulu-series-dopesick/ | 2022-08-18T13:24:35 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/18/virginia-casting-director-earns-emmy-nomination-for-hulu-series-dopesick/ |
Wayne Campbell remembered was reminded how important internet access is when he visited his local butcher shop to buy meat.
“When [the cashier] went to run the credit card, I just kind of saw the expression go on her face ... and she said, ‘We just lost internet, I can’t run your credit card,’ ” he recalled.
Campbell, who is president of the advocacy organization Pennsylvania State Grange in Mifflintown, said he hopes an influx of federal and state funding can help rural internet access and prevent situations like the anecdote he described. Lehigh County officials have the same hope.
The federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program intends to use more than $42 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the country. It would allocate the funds to the states and, subsequently, counties.
Before any money can be allocated, Lehigh County Director of General Services Rick Molchany said, his task will be to audit municipalities for the state of residents’ internet access and report the county’s needs to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority.
“We believe that broadband accessibility is extremely important as we move further along with remote education opportunities, remote medical appointment opportunities, with potentially driverless vehicle opportunities,” Molchany said. “The backbone of all of that is broadband.”
The federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program intends to use more than $42 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the country. It would allocate the funds to the states and, subsequently, to the counties.
Tina Smith, Northampton County’s director of community and economic development, said the county is awaiting information on how the federal program dollars will be distributed.
In May, Northampton County Council approved a $150,000 study with dollars from another federal pot — the American Rescue Plan Act for pandemic relief — to look at ways to boost broadband access, Smith said. The county will hire a consultant to proceed with studying the needs, Smith said. She said about 15% percent of county residents lacks online access.
Counties are not directly responsible for managing broadband internet access for households; that is left for providers such as Astound and Service Electric.
Joanne Guerriero, vice president of marketing and sales for the Pennsylvania market of Astound, said she agreed that affordability and accessibility have been issues for local communities, and that Astound would be open to any partnership or discussions with local municipalities to improve those conditions.
Molchany said there are two issues in Lehigh County he’d like to address: accessibility, but also equity.
Regarding accessibility, he said there are many areas with broadband internet access, though areas in rural parts of northern, southern and western Lehigh County may be lacking. There are also areas where the internet service doesn’t meet a minimum speed.
In terms of equity, the issue is often whether a person can afford broadband access, which Molchany said is not the case all over the county, including in urban settings such as Allentown.
This issue was highlighted during the COVID pandemic, Molchany said, when some students in the county who didn’t have access couldn’t fully participate in online learning.
“So we have two distinctly different issues that we’re observing and we’re studying and we’re creating data to support,” Molchany said. “Our studies show that it’s an economic-driven issue. If you have greater than a $75,000 household income, there’s about a 95% chance you have the ability to afford and provide to your home high-speed internet. On the other side, if the household income is $20,000, it’s only a 50-50 perspective.”
First Call
Sascha Meinrath, the Palmer Chair in Telecommunications at Penn State University, said Lehigh County has a median internet speed of 89/15 megabits per second, exceeding the minimum speed to be considered broadband of 25/3 megabits per second.
However, with the Federal Communications Commission looking to update the minimum speed to 100/20 megabits per second, he said Lehigh County would no longer be able to call its internet access broadband.
“These are, of course, rough metrics — and I would anticipate that the more urban areas of the county [such as Allentown] likely have far better connectivity speeds than the rural areas,” Meinrath said in an email.
Some of the questions for the state, Molchany said, include getting a measure of the internet capabilities of municipalities, their rates, their speeds and what internet speed can be considered high-speed broadband.
Campbell, the Pennsylvania State Grange president, cautioned against a “one size fits all” solution for providing broadband internet, noting that an area’s topography can mean some types of internet infrastructure, such as cell towers, work better than others.
It’s unknown when the county will be ready to report to the state, Molchany said. His goal is to find a partner to assist with the audit process in the next couple of months.
Molchany said it’s too early to know how much money the county could get. | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-broadband-internet-access-20220818-tlc44ogngzcqzaa2b3lrym6xre-story.html | 2022-08-18T13:28:22 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-broadband-internet-access-20220818-tlc44ogngzcqzaa2b3lrym6xre-story.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — On Aug. 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, giving most women the right to vote.
One of the most vocal leaders in that movement lived and worked in Indianapolis. Her name was May Wright Sewall.
She founded numerous community organizations for women during her time in The Circle City, including the Indianapolis Propylaeum.
Ali Brown serves as its current executive director.
"The Propylaeum, itself, is Greek," said Brown. "It means 'gateway.'"
May founded the the Propylaeum 134 years ago as a place for women to gather, create, lead and fight for change.
"She saw other organizations in other states and thought, 'We can organize here,'" said Brown. "They created a space where women could come together, and they could plan, and they could work towards leadership, in a time when women weren't supposed to do any of that kind of stuff."
Now, gifts given to May are sprinkled throughout the 100-year-old building on Delaware Street. The founding documents even live in the "suffrage room" upstairs.
The original building on North Street also offered the first doctor's office for Indianapolis women and a place for women to retire if they no longer had anyone to care for them, according to Brown.
"We have had some of the greatest Indianapolis names live in our home," said Brown, who added that Indiana was the first state in the country to form an organized group to fight for a woman's right to vote.
A photo of that group still hangs on a wall inside the Propylaeum.
"This is the last picture of the last meeting at the old Propylaeum," said Brown. "The women who are ready to fight for our rights, it's pretty amazing to actually get to see their faces."
Thursday marks the 102nd anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
"We are only the granddaughters, some great-granddaughters," said Brown. "102 years isn't that far."
Brown said May passed away on July 22, 1920, less than a month before the ratification.
"She would be proud of what was accomplished," Brown said, "but she would not be satisfied. It feels like how far we've come, but how far we have yet to go, and how fragile our rights still are."
In present day, women still use the Propylaeum to gather and advocate for change, honoring the decades of women who came before them.
"They were some of the most important women to grace Indiana," said Brown, "at a time when Indiana was just finding itself."
As the new executive director, Brown hopes to be more intentional and inclusive with upcoming programming and community offerings, which includes free concerts and a soon-to-be young professionals' group.
"May believed in the power of women coming together to get something done," said Brown, "and she saw that and she believed we could do that here."
The Propylaeum offers self-guided tours through the mansion, carriage house, and grounds during the week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors are asked to call ahead at 317-638-7881. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indianapolis-woman-led-charge-womens-right-to-vote-19th-amendment/531-208ac6a6-664a-4cd9-a957-383096015127 | 2022-08-18T13:42:47 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indianapolis-woman-led-charge-womens-right-to-vote-19th-amendment/531-208ac6a6-664a-4cd9-a957-383096015127 |
MINNEAPOLIS — For four months, they've been waiting.
In one hospital room: Maddy Fleischacker, age 6, from Buffalo, Minnesota.
In another room: Rinken Braun, 21-month-old, from Brookings, South Dakota.
Separating the girls are four years and a few hundred feet. Yet, daily, Maddy and Rinken are joined by hearts.
“They're just inseparable,” Emily Johnson, Rinken’s mother says.
In April, both girls arrived at Children’s Minnesota as strangers. Rinken’s heart defect had been detected before she was born. Maddy’s was only discovered in January. To survive long-term, both need heart transplants.
So, they wait. And they play.
If Rinken is on a riding toy, Maddy will be pushing it. If Maddy is guest-hosting the hospital’s in-house TV show, Rinken will be at her side.
And if Maddy is drawing a picture, there’s never a doubt who the recipient will be.
“Rinken,” Maddy says, looking up from her crayons.
Rinken calls Maddy, "Mae Mae." She may as well call her "sister."
“I think it was at that level the day they met,” Rinken’s mother says.
Both girls require around-the-clock IVs. To leave their rooms means poles and plastic tubing comes with them.
It’s been this way for four months and will continue to be so until donor hearts can be found.
“We're waiting for a gift that is the hardest thing in the world to ask for – life,” Emily says.
Listening nearby, Miguella Fleischaker, Maddy’s mom, wipes away tears. “For another parent to have to lose their child for ours to survive is so hard,” she says. “I don't want to pray for it because I don't want someone to lose their child.”
It’s unlikely both girls will be matched with hearts at the same time.
It’s also unlikely either mom will feel a tinge of envy, should her daughter be left waiting while the other girl proceeds to a transplant.
“If they were to interrupt us right now to say Mae Mae's getting a heart, I would jump for joy,” Emily says.
Same for Miguella.
“Absolutely,” she says. “I mean, how could you not?”
The girls play in a hospital activity center. Maddy is dressed in her favorite shirt. On the front of the gray t-shirt, inside a red heart, are the words, “Rinken Strong.”
“It means I love her a lot,” Maddy says.
The girls wait, but seldom have a bad day.
Why would they, when their best friend is just an IV line away?
UPDATE: On the morning of Aug. 15, Maddy successfully underwent heart transplant surgery after a donor heart became available. Rinken continues to wait for her heart.
According to LifeSource, more than 3,000 people locally remain on the transplant waiting list. For more information on becoming an organ donor, click here.
Boyd Huppert is always looking for great stories to share in the Land of 10,000 Stories! Send us your suggestions by filling out this form.
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Watch the latest videos from the Land of 10,000 Stories in our YouTube playlist and subscribe to the Land of 10,000 Stories Complete Collection on YouTube. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/land-of-10000-stories/two-girls-form-sister-bond-while-waiting-months-in-hospital-for-hearts/89-2a073862-8f08-491a-83a6-f98f93ca014d | 2022-08-18T13:42:53 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/land-of-10000-stories/two-girls-form-sister-bond-while-waiting-months-in-hospital-for-hearts/89-2a073862-8f08-491a-83a6-f98f93ca014d |
PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — Heroism can often come in many shapes and sizes.
Six Rome High School football players displayed their courage on Friday morning after a woman, who a witness believed was in her 50s, was trapped in her car following an accident in the middle of an intersection, according to a viral Facebook post from Luis Goya.
Goya, an educator at Rome City Schools, said he heard a loud noise at an intersection while in front of the school on his morning duty. While running towards the intersection, he says he noticed a wreck involving two cars.
As the lady was trapped in her car, Goya noticed that she couldn't get out.
"Smoke started to come out of the car, and fluid started to spill everywhere in the intersection," Goya recounted in his Facebook post. "The door was jammed and in terrible shape."
While he was on the phone with the 911 dispatcher, Goya said he witnessed "something amazing."
A group of football players from Rome High School who had witnessed the incident ran to the car and started helping the lady, Goya said. He said that the players started using their strength to pry the door open so the woman could be released.
The students were named as Cesar Parker, Treyvon Adams, Antwiion Carey, Messiah Daniels, Tyson Brown and Alto Moore, according to the Rome City Schools' Facebook page.
After a few seconds of maneuvering the door back and forth, they were able to open the door and helped the woman get out of her car, Goya said. Although she was still shaking and panicked, Goya said that the players gave her comfort.
"The Rome High School football players really showed up today," Goya said on his Facebook post that now has over 6,000 likes and 3,000 shares. "They went above and beyond to help this lady without hesitation."
According to an incident report acquired by 11Alive, the accident occurred at Veteran's Memorial Highway at approximately 8 a.m. A 16-year-old was cited with a failure to yield while turning left after an officer reviewed surveillance video from the intersection's camera, the Rome Police Department said. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/high-school-football-players-pull-woman-out-smoking-car/85-de51f5c7-1053-467a-a74e-c4925cb3d57f | 2022-08-18T13:46:42 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/high-school-football-players-pull-woman-out-smoking-car/85-de51f5c7-1053-467a-a74e-c4925cb3d57f |
GREENSBORO — The Guilford County district attorney says three Greensboro police officers involved in a fatal shooting last year were justified in using deadly force.
Christopher Corey Moore, 41, was killed after setting a police vehicle on fire in the department's downtown parking lot and attacking an officer entering police headquarters on Aug. 27, 2021.
The officer who was attacked, J.M. Chavez, said Moore hit him in the head, knocking him to the ground, then continued to hit him in the head and face before trying to choke him, District Attorney Avery Crump said in a statement, citing the investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation. Moore also tried to take his weapon, Chavez told investigators.
"From the moment Officer Chavez was subject to an unprovoked physical attack that took him to the ground in a struggle for his gun, each of the officers were entirely justified in attempting to end a real and immediate deadly confrontation," Crump wrote.
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The police department and district attorney's office requested the SBI investigate the shooting, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings. The SBI sent its findings to the district attorney on May 12, Crump said in Wednesday's statement.
Crump reviewed the findings before deciding whether officers used force appropriately.
According to the SBI investigation, Moore walked into the police department parking lot at 100 E. Police Plaza about 3 p.m. that day. Security video showed him using accelerant to light a marked police vehicle on fire.
Due to the camera angle, there was no video of the assault on Chavez, according to the SBI.
Chavez told investigators that he was able to pull his weapon and believes he shot Moore in the chest as they struggled on the ground. Then his gun jammed.
Police said previously two other officers, A.L. Dellinger and R.T. Brooks, came to his aid.
Brooks was inside the building when he heard gunshots and someone shouting for help, according to the SBI investigation. When he got outside, he saw Chavez on the ground, face bloody with someone on top of him. He fired at the attacker as Chavez yelled for him to shoot, Brooks told the SBI.
Dellinger had just arrived at the parking lot and was getting out of his car when he heard the gunshots and shouting, he told investigators. He saw Chavez and Moore struggling and fired when he saw Moore trying to take a weapon from Chavez, according to the SBI investigation.
After the shooting, Dellinger pulled Moore off of Chavez and provided medical aid, the investigation shows.
Moore was pronounced dead at the scene. Chavez was taken to Moses Cone Hospital where he was released after treatment.
According to the investigation, several witnesses corroborated what officers said happened.
All three officers were initially placed on administrative duty by the police department, which is standard procedure in such cases, pending an SBI investigation.
Moore was previously convicted of assault on a police officer in 2015. The SBI investigation also revealed some evidence of mental health concerns, Crump said.
See previous reporting below: | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/guilford-da-greensboro-police-officers-justified-in-using-force-to-stop-man-who-set-fire/article_62934802-1ee9-11ed-83c4-07562b33f547.html | 2022-08-18T13:49:34 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/guilford-da-greensboro-police-officers-justified-in-using-force-to-stop-man-who-set-fire/article_62934802-1ee9-11ed-83c4-07562b33f547.html |
EATONVILLE, Fla. – Eatonville is celebrating 135 years with its Founders Day Festival this weekend.
The town of Eatonville was incorporated in 1887 and the two-day festival “pays homage to the Town of Eatonville and its impact nationally on the Chitlin’ Circuit performers who performed during segregation and Jim Crow time periods,” organizers said.
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“The Town of Eatonville was one of few places many Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers could perform and find housing during segregation and Jim Crow Law periods of time. Attendees will get to experience the essence of African American culture and music at (its) finest,” the event website said.
The Founders Day Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, themed “Tribute to the Culture” and “Southern Soul Sunday” respectively. There will be several artists performing, including Grammy-nominated group After 7.
To check out the groups performing and on what days, click here.
Tickets are available for purchase to attend. Click here to buy tickets.
Check out every episode of Riff On This in the media player below: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/18/eatonville-honors-celebrates-135-years-with-founders-day-festival/ | 2022-08-18T13:56:14 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/18/eatonville-honors-celebrates-135-years-with-founders-day-festival/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – All things K-pop are taking over an Orlando brewery with an artist market event this Saturday.
The KPOP Fanart Fair will have over 30 artists throughout Brewlando Brewing and outside the brewery from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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From prints to clothing to decorative items, there will be items related to various K-pop groups — such as BTS, Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together, Blackpink, Twice and more — to purchase.
Buttons pictured below are inspired by songs from Tomorrow x Together, created by NiceuArts.
Many of the items are inspired by songs, music videos, concert performances or the artists themselves.
There will be music blasting from a live DJ, prizes and a photo area for guests.
Enigmasticks designed stickers, pictured below, inspired by Jimin Park of BTS.
In addition to the artists’ products, there will also be food trucks and restaurants serving up specialties during the event:
Introducing all our artists & vendors who will be there this Saturday at the K-POP FanArt Fair! Screenshot this for reference!
— Purple You Orlando (@purpleyou_orl) August 16, 2022
> Ample seating for you to eat/drink, do PC trading, or just sit & enjoy the music!
> 32 fan artists & 5 food vendors to choose from! pic.twitter.com/xUgKR3ULq8
The first 125 people to enter the event will receive a free tote bag that can be personalized with a favorite K-pop group, organizers said.
Purple You Orlando is a group that organizes events celebrating the K-pop group BTS and gives a space for artists and vendors to sell their work to fans in Orlando.
Admission is free, but visitors are asked to RSVP ahead of the event. Click here to fill out the online form.
Tote designed by Korean Babes Tee, pictured below, is inspired by the group BTS and their fanbase, ARMY.
Check out every episode of Riff On This in the media player below: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/18/step-into-the-magic-shop-k-pop-market-fair-highlights-over-30-artists-at-orlando-brewery/ | 2022-08-18T13:56:20 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/18/step-into-the-magic-shop-k-pop-market-fair-highlights-over-30-artists-at-orlando-brewery/ |
BELLEVUE, Wash. – An Atlas Moth was discovered last month in Bellevue, Washington.
It’s the first time the insect has ever been spotted in the United States.
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The moth’s name hints at the fact that its wing looks like paper map.
When photographed next to a human hand, you can see its size is roughly 10 inches across. Its sheer size is shocking.
The creature is usually found in Asia. It’s considered a tropical moth.
It’s unclear how it traveled to the United States or if it can even survive Bellevue’s climate.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture said the insects don’t pose a public health threat.
The agency is asking people to report sightings. It will help determine if this creature is traveling alone, or if there is in fact a population in the area.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/18/worlds-largest-moth-found-in-washington/ | 2022-08-18T13:56:26 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/18/worlds-largest-moth-found-in-washington/ |
MERRILLVILLE —The Louvre. The Art Institute. The Met. The Guggenheim. The Getty. The Broad. The Whitney. Jiffy Lube?
Jiffy Lube of Indiana, an unlikely patron of the arts, is commissioning more artists around the state to paint murals on its stores, including on Broadway in Merrillville.
The oil change shop, a modern-day Medici, has partnered with the Arts Council of Indianapolis since 2016 to hire artists like Felix "Flex" Maldonado and Ish Muhammad to paint murals on store exteriors. The striking murals have gone up on Jiffy Lube locations in Chesterton, Griffith and Merrillville.
This year, Jiffy Lube is commissioning six more murals across the state, giving it 30 by year's end.
"What began as a small idea in Indy in 2016 has now grown to 30 of our stores around the state," Owner and President Steve Sanner said. "Hoosier artists are amazing and it has been really cool to see how they each bring their own unique perspective to the same canvas - the side of a Jiffy Lube service center. It's become a wonderful way for us to connect with communities around our state and it's been the perfect way for the Jiffy Lube brand to remain relevant on the 360+ days a year that our 600,000 Hoosier customers are not due for the oil changes, brakes and tire services that we provide better than anyone else."
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Johnathan Alejandro Arce was tapped to paint the mural "United and Divided" on the Jiffy Lube at 5920 Broadway in Merrillville, across the street from Andrean High School and just south of the Gary border. He's a Gary native who graduated from Merrillville High School.
"A good friend Ish Muhammad told me about this project for this wall," he said. "What I do is an abstract version of Aztec and Mayan hierography."
His work often features the motif of Mayan and Aztec graphic language and glyphs. His art "uses a range of mediums including acrylic, vinyl, oil, spray paint and silkscreen" and "hovers between figurative and abstract, formal and symbolic."
He recently started work on the "United and Divided" mural on the Merrillville Jiffy Lube.
"It's about migration and not just migration in Northwest Indiana, where a lot of people who lived in Gary moved to Merrillville and later Crown Point," he said. "My family grew up in Texas super close to Mexico. My half-Mexican mom and dad met in Gary. It's about the whole thing of Gary and united and divided places that are pretty divided by past segregation."
General Manager Aaron Newell got to watch the artist in action.
"I am so excited that my store now has a mural of its own! Johnathon is such a talented artist and it was great to be able to watch him work and to see his masterpiece reveal itself," he said. "I can't stop looking at it and thinking about its meaning."
Arce aspired to become an artist since childhood. He has been painting and drawing his whole life.
"The base on inspiration was my mother was constantly doodling these drawings," he said. "I would see different artwork of Jesus and try my best to draw it. I would draw Renaissance pictures and pictures of Native Americans and World War II. It was a weird clump of different arts. I also baked cakes and did a bunch of different things. I was constantly creating as I grew up. I wanted to do something I liked. I wanted to do art and try my best and be happy rather than do something I don't like."
His influences include Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Syd Mead. He's also influenced heavily by Mayan and Aztec art.
"I like the idea that the language is the art," Arce said. "I think my main reason for getting into Aztec art is that I was always told it was the art of my people. I grew up half white and half Mexican and was told I wasn't Mexican enough. I was also given little books by family about my past ancestry. Maybe there's a better word for it, but it's been an obsession."
He's painted many murals in Gary and Chicago and exhibited his work at Square One Culture Gallery in Gary's Miller neighborhood. Arce also paints basketball courts for Project Blackboard and cut his teeth working as an apprentice for another artist.
"Long-term, I would like to keep creating art and bringing it to the area," he said. "I would love to create a studio that would have studio space for other artists in the area. I love Northwest Indiana because it's a little bit of everything. There's Mexican food. There's a Greek Fest. There's Pierogi Fest. There's everything. Everybody is in the area, and you can experience anything. The area is so blended."
While there's a lot of great art in Gary, downtown Valparaiso and other communities, the Region art scene isn't as cohesive as it could be, Arce said.
"I feel like it's missing something. It's not as connected as I think it could be," he said. "In Northwest Indiana, we don't always have the support. A lot of artists think they have to go other places to do their best. I would like to see that change. A lot of people are trying their best to make things happen."
Projects like the Jiffy Lube mural project can be beneficial.
"It's an amazing opportunity," he said. "I am grateful and thankful I was chosen for this project. It's an important time for artists in the area and the entire state."
Arce hopes to expose more people to the arts.
"My hope is viewers take away something pleasant from it," he said. "It's nice to see any art in Merrillville. It's a piece on the Gary/Merrillville board. Gary is the place I come from and Merrillville is where I went to high school. The only art I saw growing up was in Gary, Chicago or trains passing by." | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/jiffy-lube-tapping-local-artists-to-splash-murals-on-its-stores/article_07474dca-3ce4-5e7e-ab26-ea9ce38f3067.html | 2022-08-18T13:59:24 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/jiffy-lube-tapping-local-artists-to-splash-murals-on-its-stores/article_07474dca-3ce4-5e7e-ab26-ea9ce38f3067.html |
BRIGANTINE — Residents told City Council recently that they're worried about the impact offshore wind projects will have on their community.
The residents aired their concerns at a meeting earlier this month during which Mayor Vince Sera provided updates on wind projects that will take place off the city's shoreline.
There are two such projects moving toward construction off South Jersey's coastline.
One is under the direction of Ørsted, a Danish renewable energy company licensed to build a 1,000-megawatt wind farm 15 miles off the coastline. More than 100 windmills will be placed in waters from Barnegat to Cape May. Another project, spearheaded by Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, will construct windmills 10 to 15 miles offshore between Barnegat Light and Atlantic City as part of a 1,510-megawatt project. The two projects will span 183,000 acres of leased offshore land and represent the the largest offshore project in New Jersey and third largest in the country.
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Ørsted is currently in its developmental phase, which involves holding informational open houses throughout South Jersey and conducting environmental and geological studies that can be presented to elected officials, community groups, and other external stakeholders.
Sera said a representative from the Danish firm has told him the project is progressing.
Brigantine resident Anne Phillips asked Sera several questions about the city's position on the windmills.
Sera said a local windmill committee was tasked with gathering information so it could recommend a path for the city on the renewable energy projects.
City council members have met with Atlantic Shores to discuss their plans, Sera said in response to Phillips, and a public meeting will be held in September.
Representatives from Rutgers University, which performed a visual impact study for Atlantic Shores, would also attend, Sera said.
Many of the public's concerns are focused on what the windmills will look like from land.
"When they talk about 1,000-foot-high windmills, what does that mean to the average person standing on the beach looking at it?" Sera said.
Sera said a lobbyist told him, "if you stacked four pennies up, that's what it would look like on the horizon."
But the mayor said he doesn't know whether that claim is true or not.
Sera sought to clarify some of the frequent questions about the project, including one regarding the proximity of the windmills to the city.
"Actually, we're not the closest," said Sera.
The distance to the nearest Ørsted wind turbine being built off Brigantine would be around 16 to 17 miles from the 16th Street Park Beachfront or North Brigantine Natural Area Observation Deck, Sera said.
Sera said other municipalities, like Long Beach Island and Ocean City, were closer to the windmills.
Part of the Ørsted project will have a power line going through the city, which city council was not able to deny due to a change in state laws, which has residents and the city in a debate for or against wind energy.
The city is working with Atlantic County state Sen. Vincent Polistina to make sure the windmill placements are too close, and cited New York as an example, where windmills could not be built 17 or 18 miles within the state's coasts.
The mayor said he feels New Jersey, in "fast tracking" development of offshore wind, "created some problems that should have never been created."
Sera said they were trying to discuss different options with the wind energy companies when trying to reduce visibility.
Sera said projects could potentially move further offshore, depending on if they can meet their wattage. But the wind energy companies have to complete their environmental impact studies in order to determine those configurations. Another option Sera said he mentioned was moving the smaller windmills in front of the towering 1,000 foot windmills.
Phillips asked if any other municipalities were opposing the Atlantic Shores organization, or at least raising questions about it.
Sera responded that many towns "with the exception of Ocean City" seemed to initially think the projects were inevitable, but that recently, more towns are starting to ask questions.
"This is amazing," said Phillips. "This is an enormous project."
Sera said there were a number of municipalities that were close to forming associations or committees. None have officially taken action.
"The federal government has the desire to push this forward," said Sera. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/brigantine-residents-have-questions-about-offshore-windmills/article_88a930de-1d85-11ed-b413-5f99d460bef0.html | 2022-08-18T14:11:29 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/brigantine-residents-have-questions-about-offshore-windmills/article_88a930de-1d85-11ed-b413-5f99d460bef0.html |
If you go
What: Picnic in the Park
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20
Where: Petrifying Springs Park, 5555 Seventh St. in Somers
Admission: Free
Schedule:
4 to 8 p.m.: Local community partner booths
4 to 8 p.m.: Kids’ games and bounce houses
4 to 9 p.m.: Concessions — 2022 Food Truck Series
4 to 6 p.m.: Live music by the Ethan Keller Group (rock)
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Live music by Failure to Launch (pop)
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Dusk: Fireworks finale
----------------
SOMERS — Kenosha County Parks is hosting a Picnic in the Park celebration Saturday in Petrifying Springs Park, 5555 Seventh St. in Somers.
The free event features activities for all ages: Live music, interactive kids’ activities, food trucks and fireworks.
There will also be a dash of learning available, too, at the all-day event, with educational booths “aimed at raising awareness and educating the public on the value of parks,” according to organizers.
Picnic in the Park is 4 to 9 p.m. Aug. 20 in the area around the Petrifying Springs Biergarten on the south end of the park.
In addition to the activities, Kenosha County Parks will host food truck vendors as part of the Biergarten’s summer long “Traveling Food Truck Series.”
As for live music, here’s the schedule:
- The Ethan Keller Group will kick off the event at 4 p.m., playing "a blend of folk, blues and rock -- with funk, jazz and hip hop."
- The headliner act, starting at 6:30 p.m., is Failure to Launch.
The Milwaukee based band was the 2021 winner of Shepherd Express’ Best of Milwaukee for best cover/tribute band.
The group describes itself as "a popular high-energy cover band that has been rockin’ for nearly two decades."
Audience members can expect "a dynamic show of some of the most upbeat and danceable pop, rock, hip hop and country music of the past 60 years."
The band features three vocalists, a two-man percussion section, a keyboard player, a guitar and a bass player -- and a professional DJ.
The band started "in our parent's basements, and we've grown from playing our first show at Whitnall High School's Battle of the Bands to rocking out for huge crowds at Summerfest, Oktoberfest and everything in between."
The band's sets include "an extremely diverse repertoire of songs and mashups, from Backstreet Boys to Beastie Boys," with songs ranging from the 1960s "all the way up to the current top 40."
The event will then come to a close with a fireworks show starting at dusk (about 8:30 p.m.).
“This is an event that’s truly for the community — another highlight of a busy summer,” Kenosha County Executive Kerkman said. “It will be a perfect day to come out, enjoy some fun with the family and hear some great live music.
Note: Western Kenosha County Transit will provide shuttle services for visitors to the Biergarten and parking areas. Additional parking and shuttle services will be available at University of Wisconsin-Parkside Parking Lots B and C in the Rita Lot. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenoshas-picnic-in-the-park-is-aug-20/article_4d25af9c-1cb8-11ed-88e6-d7082e4e5747.html | 2022-08-18T14:12:32 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenoshas-picnic-in-the-park-is-aug-20/article_4d25af9c-1cb8-11ed-88e6-d7082e4e5747.html |
August is Peach Month, which means you still have several days left to perfect that peach pie recipe. Remember: Sharing is caring!
The Kenosha County continues today. Tonight’s Grandstand entertainment includes an Antique Tractor Parade and a Truck and Tractor Pull & Combine Demolition Derby. 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.
The 20th season of Peanut Butter and Jam concerts continues today with performances by Jonny Lyons & The Pride. The weekly performances take place in Veterans Memorial Park, located at 54th Street and Sixth Avenue on Kenosha’s harbor. The free concerts are twice every Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
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The free Bristol Woodstock concert series continues its 2022 season today with Indigo Canyon. The concert takes place 6 to 8 p.m. in Bristol Woods County Park, 9800 160th Ave. For more details, see today’s Get Out & About entertainment section. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-events-for-thursday-aug-18/article_df33a832-1dce-11ed-b88d-bf11708f00bb.html | 2022-08-18T14:12:34 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-events-for-thursday-aug-18/article_df33a832-1dce-11ed-b88d-bf11708f00bb.html |
If you go
What: Fleeing Artists production of Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet"
When: Performances are two weekends: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 19-21 and Aug. 26-28. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. in Downtown Kenosha
Tickets: $15 general admission or $13 for senior citizens, students, educators and members of the military. (Please bring an ID to the box office for discounted tickets.) Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at fleeingartists.org.
About this show: This version of “Romeo & Juliet” has been trimmed for length, running "a brisk two hours," said Alex Metalsky, one of the founders of Fleeing Artists. “It’s all Shakespeare’s words, just less of them.”
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Another twist, Metalsky said, involves the staging. "The actors in the show are portraying actors in the fictitious Fleeing Artists Brigade, who are doing a production of 'Romeo & Juliet.' So, it's a show-within-a-show," he said. "There will also be some audience interactions."
This production, he added, "is fairly traditional. It's a beautiful story about love, and this is definitely a time when we need more stories about such things."
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Meet the troupe
Kenosha's Fleeing Artists Theatre was founded in 2018 by Kenneth Montley, Kevin Duffy and Alex Metalsky, three alumni of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside’s theater program.
Metalsky explained that the name “Fleeing Artists” came “from an article we read that said people in the arts flee small cities for larger cities.” Instead of leaving Kenosha, he said, “we want this to become a place where the arts flourish.”
Since it started, the nonprofit Fleeing Artists troupe has performed indoor and outdoor shows in Kenosha's Lincoln Park and the historic Rhode Center for the Arts theater.
Their productions range widely, including Shakespeare classics, Neil Simon comedies ("The Odd Couple"), modern dramas and Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."
The troupe's fifth season opens with "Romeo & Juliet" and also includes the comedy "Boeing, Boeing" and the landmark drama "A Raisin in the Sun."
For more about Fleeing Artists, go to fleeingartists.org and check their Facebook page.
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A family project
This production of "Romeo & Juliet" is a family project for the Churchills.
Ralph Churchill is working with his daughter, Annika, who is directing the play with him, and his wife, Jaime, plays Lady Capulet.
Ralph Churchill has decades of experience in community theater, having directed 20-plus shows and been on stage as an actor.
He's also done some technical work for professional theater groups, including sound and set design.
But this is his first time working with his daughter to direct a show.
"It's been very fun working together," the Round Lake Beach, Ill., resident said. "Annika started coming to theaters with us when she was 4 years old, and it's been a family passion."
Annika Churchill is making her directing debut "and getting to do this with my dad is great," she said. "We basically have the same brain, so we work really well together."
When she's not working in community theater, Annika — who graduated from Long Island University in May 2021 with a degree in musical theater — works as a singer and dancer at Six Flags Great America.
This production she said, "has a great cast and is so much fun. We tried to keep the truth of the show intact but with a 21st century mindset."
------------------------------------
Here's the thing with William Shakespeare: Everyone thinks they know his plays — at least his most famous ones — but it's still possible to be surprised by a production.
The Fleeing Artists’ theater group kicks off its fifth season with one of the Bard’s most popular shows: "Romeo & Juliet."
What? A tragedy during the summer season? And a romance written in 1595 — centuries before texting, Tinder and even the telephone?
How will this work?
"This is a very well-known story, but we're doing a little bit different take on it," said co-director Ralph Churchill, during a break in rehearsal Monday evening at the Rhode Center for the Arts, where the show opens Friday night.
Audiences will notice this "different take" as soon as Romeo — one half of the romantic couple at the center of the tale — appears on stage.
This Romeo is played by Chloe Attalla, and she's not playing Romeo as a male character.
This Romeo is a woman, and she's in love with Juliet, played by Emily Keiner.
The heads of the story's central families, the Capulets and the Montagues, are all female characters, too.
In other words, Romeo has two mommies. As does Juliet.
"Our focus is on how you don't control who you love," Churchill said, "and the people in this play love each other for who they are."
The star-crossed lovers
Attalla, who just graduated from UW-Milwaukee with an acting degree, is making her Fleeing Artists debut.
This is also her first time in "Romeo & Juliet."
"I'm enjoying this character," she said of her Romeo. "It's fun to take on a more aggressive role than I usually do."
Shakespeare's tragic romance, she said, "is a dream show for me. I like how there's a little bit of comedy throughout the show, even though it is a tragedy."
She cites Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film "Romeo + Juliet" — with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in the title roles of two teenagers who fall in love, despite being members of feuding modern-day crime families — as one of her inspirations.
When Keiner isn't playing Juliet onstage, she's a music teacher, having graduated from Augustana College in May of 2021.
This is her first-ever role in a Shakespeare play, and she's enjoying "really digging into the Juliet character. I didn't realize how much her family is a part of this show."
Having both Romeo and Juliet be female characters "put a different perspective on the show," she said. "We play two women in love during a time when this wasn't common. When they kill themselves, they may have thought they had no other choice."
Fight club
For Talia Last — a senior theater arts major at UW-Parkside — playing the role of Tybalt, Juliet's cousin, is a chance to mix it up on stage.
"This character is a full-on Capulet and loves to fight," Last said.
Luckily, she has a lot of stage fighting experience in her decade of doing theater (which started with a 2012 Lakeside Players production of the musical "Annie").
Stage fighting, she said, "is a fun way to get a workout. You feel powerful and confident while getting some exercise."
She enjoys "any time I'm on stage with a sword in my hand."
Nursing some laughs
The gender bending in this production extends to the role of Juliet's nurse/nanny, played here by Cory Fitzsimmons.
This role is quite a switch for Fitzsimmons, who made his Fleeing Artists debut in July of 2021 as the title character in the Greek tragedy "Oedipus Rex."
"Nurse is a very fun role," Fitzsimmons said. "It's the comedic role in the show, and I'm having a lot fun with it. I'm also having fun portraying a woman in an authentic way."
He "watched a lot of 'I Love Lucy' so Lucille Ball is my inspiration for this role, along with my high school lunch lady," Fitzsimmons said. "I'm finding the humor in this play." | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-kenoshas-fleeing-artists-performing-romeo-juliet/article_e34f53da-1d79-11ed-abe5-6740b5580f16.html | 2022-08-18T14:12:35 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-kenoshas-fleeing-artists-performing-romeo-juliet/article_e34f53da-1d79-11ed-abe5-6740b5580f16.html |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — City inspections at the Big Country Chateau apartments in Little Rock continued on Wednesday after Attorney General Leslie Rutledge made a big announcement.
"I'm announcing a lawsuit against Big Country Chateau and its parent company Apex Equity Group," Rutledge said.
After years of complaints by tenants and a city investigation, Rutledge said she wants the Big Country Chateau apartment owners to pay for what she deemed as mismanagement of rent and utility payments.
"Big Country Chateau chose instead to pocket the money and to not pay those water and electric bills," Rutledge said.
New York area-based parent company, Apex Equity Group, was also named in the lawsuit. Rutledge said she hopes that their time in Arkansas will end soon.
"In addition to the violation it's to prevent them from doing business in Arkansas," she added.
The apartment management in Arkansas has actually been praised by most residents for doing the best that they can under limited resources from the owners.
Management has told us that they're doing what they can to try and fix the various code violations the city addressed on Wednesday.
The code enforcement division said that they've seen some life-safety offenses but management has been cooperative thus far and they believe a fine and a court date might not be necessary.
Residents have been continually frustrated with the unknown of their future at Big Country Chateau.
Management at the apartments has reported thousands of dollars in unpaid rent from residents.
One resident said, "It's just unlivable. It's really unsafe and unlivable. And all we need is for them to step up and help us out but they won't."
Despite the allegedly unlivable conditions at Big Country Chateau, their parent company Apex Equity Group reportedly has millions of dollars in acquisitions.
Code enforcement expects that their full report on the investigation will be ready on Thursday, but the various complaints such as mold and gas issues are things that will need to be followed up on in the future.
The city and the Attorney General's office have not yet tested for mold at the complex.
Big Country Chateau management is expected in city court later this month to address their ongoing gas line issues from 2019. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/attorney-general-sues-big-country-chateau/91-5c56a9ff-838a-4175-9797-52456bc61000 | 2022-08-18T14:12:57 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/attorney-general-sues-big-country-chateau/91-5c56a9ff-838a-4175-9797-52456bc61000 |
DALLAS — When the State Fair of Texas kicked off in the fall of 1972, there was a new attraction in an old building that sat just across the street from Fair Park. The Dallas Firefighter Museum opened that year in an old firehouse built in 1908.
Now 50 years later, the museum is set to celebrate some big milestones while remaining nearly untouched by time. A 1972 WFAA story on the opening of the Dallas Firefighter Museum is preserved at the SMU Jones Film Library and if you walk through the museum today, it will look strikingly similar to how it looked in the old film.
“A lot of things have not changed in the museum,” said museum president and former Dallas Fire Battalion Chief Trixie Lohrke. “We still have a lot of the same artifacts.”
Several fire engines past and present are housed in the museum, but the centerpiece and crown jewel is “Old Tige,” a horse-drawn fire engine purchased by the city in 1884 and named after former Mayor W.L. Cabell. Currently, Old Tige is in Ohio where it is receiving some restoration work as preserving history is not free.
“We are supported by members of the department,” said Lohrke. “They donate out of their paychecks monthly to support this museum.”
The year 2022 marks many anniversaries for first responders in Dallas. Dallas Fire Rescue turns 150 years old while Dallas EMS and the Dallas Firefighter Museum both celebrate 50 years.
Though it has kept most its history in the original form, the museum is currently in the middle of a $10 million capital campaign. The proposed renovations would add a fire safety educational center for children on the building’s second floor among other improvements.
The “Ladders and Lagers” festival scheduled in October will help benefit the museum’s fundraising effort as well as celebrate the many birthdays for city services.
“It is a really great way to celebrate the community,” said Cali Franks, a museum board member and local attorney.” We want to make sure our first responders are celebrated and we continue this legacy.”
The festival will take place at Community Beer Co. in Dallas from October 28-30. The family friendly event will feature music, vendors and a firefighter games competition. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/rewind-unchanged-by-time-the-dallas-fire-rescue-firefighter-museum-turns-50/287-9babbe79-ad35-45cc-8909-71b7e17a32aa | 2022-08-18T14:20:29 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/rewind-unchanged-by-time-the-dallas-fire-rescue-firefighter-museum-turns-50/287-9babbe79-ad35-45cc-8909-71b7e17a32aa |
HOUSTON — Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday announced a grant program that will fund ballistic shields and travel reimbursements for Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training.
The money comes from $105.5 million, Abbott and state lawmakers set aside after the Uvalde shooting.
In the video from Uvalde, you can see ballistic shields in the hands of officers positioned in the hallway.
“The shield doesn’t do anything to mitigate why we have active shooters, it doesn’t stop the person with the gun from going in and shooting. It allows and helps officers to respond to that shooting after it happened," retired Chief of the Texas Rangers Tony Leal said.
It’s the response, that state lawmakers are funding. From the money, $50 million will go to a grant program to fund ballistic shields and $3 million will go towards ALERRT travel reimbursements.
In an interview before the school year began, Houston ISD’s Police Chief Pedro Lopez Jr. echoed the need for more funding.
“The most challenging thing to overcome is the lack of resources. When I say lack of resources, it’s in equipment and in training," Lopez Jr. said.
At a board meeting earlier this month, HISD passed a $2.3 million package to pay for ballistic shields, rifles and two-way radios.
After Abbott's announcement, the district said it will consider the grant as an additional funding option.
But remember, Leal points out, the officers in Uvalde had shields. He said equipment alone won’t prevent a shooting.
“We are treating an active shooter as something that’s inevitable – like a hurricane, it would be like we are going to issue plywood to every citizen in Houston because sooner or later there’s going to be a hurricane," Leal said.
School districts don’t have long to apply. The deadline is one month away -- on Sept. 16. The other requirement is all officers given shields must attend ALERRT training. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/50-million-grant-program-ballistic-shields-texas-schools/285-d372fc47-1559-462f-b04b-3858fa468f37 | 2022-08-18T14:20:35 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/50-million-grant-program-ballistic-shields-texas-schools/285-d372fc47-1559-462f-b04b-3858fa468f37 |
SAN ANTONIO — Nearly 1,600 people have so far signed a petition asking a Uvalde gun dealer to stop selling AR-15-style firearms and ammunition.
Organizers with Uvalde Strong for Gun Safety say they'll protest outside Oasis Outback if the store's owner does not comply with their request within 30 days. Their countdown started when a mailman delivered a formal petition to the store owner on Aug. 11.
Petitioners have also asked the store to cease gun transfers.
The Robb Elementary gunman picked up two rifles from the store during the week preceding the May 24 shooting. He used one of the weapons to kill 21 people inside the school.
"We recognize that Oasis Outback has positively served the community in several ways and performs a vital role in contributing to our municipality’s vibrancy," the letter reads. "The members of this group feel strongly about our second amendment rights and support your establishment’s commitment to selling guns and ammunition."
"Out of respect for and in support of those affected by this catastrophe, we strongly urge you to cease the sale of assault rifles and the ammunition paired with them," the letter continues. "Doing so will ensure that children across Uvalde County will never have to worry about a new purchase of this type of weapon."
Victims' families met Wednesday to determine how they'd proceed if their request is ignored or denied.
Oasis Outback did not return multiple requests for comment. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/uvalde-families-petitioning-gun-ar-15-style-weapons/273-30fc8993-644f-49bb-bddd-bd2b8f5d0619 | 2022-08-18T14:20:41 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/uvalde-families-petitioning-gun-ar-15-style-weapons/273-30fc8993-644f-49bb-bddd-bd2b8f5d0619 |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/collin-county-english-program-jumps-from-40-students-to-400/3051366/ | 2022-08-18T14:24:45 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/collin-county-english-program-jumps-from-40-students-to-400/3051366/ |
A North Texas nonprofit is learning just how much demand there is for expanded English language offerings for the fast-growing immigrant community in Dallas-Fort Worth.
This summer the Storehouse of Collin County offered a pilot program to teach an English as a Second Language (ESL) class to 41 students from six countries – Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and Venezuela.
Each of those students attended four-hour classes every Saturday for ten weeks in a row, and they completed the program earlier this month.
When the pilot program was expanded for the fall, approximately 400 people attempted to register for it within the first hour.
“I think we miss out on so much when we judge someone for their lack of language, and we don’t see them for who they truly are,” said Ben Skye, Director of Communications and Culture for The Storehouse of Collin County.
According to the Storehouse, more than half of the pilot program’s students have college degrees from their home country but are working more menial jobs to make ends meet here in this country while they study.
“I think we have this perception of people standing in food lines as unskilled or lacking in drive, when we really see a lot of our neighbors are highly educated and have a lot more to offer our communities in terms of expertise, knowledge,” Skye said. “And once they are able to speak and interact in English they can bring the breadth of their knowledge and expertise to the jobs that they are qualified for.”
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has one of the largest immigrant populations of anywhere in the country. As recently as 2019, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, 48,000 immigrants moved to North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/enrollment-in-collin-county-nonprofits-esl-program-skyrockets/3051459/ | 2022-08-18T14:24:52 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/enrollment-in-collin-county-nonprofits-esl-program-skyrockets/3051459/ |
A tiger was found at a Red Bird home where authorities were executing an arrest warrant Wednesday, Dallas police told The Dallas Morning News.
It happened in the 2700 block of Meadow Gate Lane, near Pecan Ridge Drive. Dallas police told DallasNews.com that officers were assisting U.S. marshals with a federal arrest warrant.
No word from Dallas police or the U.S. Marshals what the warrant was for, but police confirmed an arrest was made.
Dallas Animal Services told DallasNews.com they secured the tiger and that it is in protective custody “at an undisclosed location.”
The news of the tiger was a hot topic on social media, with rumors swirling it had escaped from the Dallas Zoo.
The Dallas Zoo took to social media to calm concerns saying, "we want to assure everyone our tigers are all accounted for and safe here at the Zoo."
Local
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Some states prohibit private citizens from owning big cats, but Texas leaves it up to local governments to ban such exotic animals. In Dallas County, keeping a tiger as a pet is prohibited.
Read more from our media partners at The Dallas Morning News | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/tiger-found-during-arrest-at-a-red-bird-home-in-das-custody-officials/3051401/ | 2022-08-18T14:24:58 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/tiger-found-during-arrest-at-a-red-bird-home-in-das-custody-officials/3051401/ |
Milwaukee has a reckless driving problem. Here are 4 ways street planners and engineers are helping to solve it.
Milwaukee's roads are unsafe. Ask residents, elected officials, business owners, police officers, community leaders and even kids — all will have a story to tell about the reckless driving they've seen, the headlines they've read and the infamous "Milwaukee slide."
A record 107 people were killed on city streets in 2020, followed by 87 deaths in 2021 and at least 40 so far this year.
Among the most talked-about solutions is ramping up police enforcement. MPD is now towing unregistered vehicles involved in reckless driving, and the city launched an unusual lawsuit last month hoping to make an example out of a repeat reckless driving offender. And at least threespecialefforts have been launched since 2018 to step up citations and enforcement.
Others point to educational campaigns, including giving MPS students low-cost drivers education. Mayor Cavalier Johnson hopes to fund universal drivers ed through insurance companies.
But there's another, less flashy way the city is trying to bring safety to its streets: changing the streets themselves.
It's subtle. You might see some additional construction in your neighborhood, but the work is otherwise fairly unassuming. A new walk sign here, some paint there, maybe a roundabout or two.
Bit by bit, street by street, engineers and transportation planners are giving Milwaukee a design facelift, trying to influence driver behavior without the drivers really noticing. They are using both old and new tricks in the design toolbox, hoping to further the city's "Vision Zero" safety goal of zero traffic deaths.
Here are four street design strategies Milwaukee is already deploying.
Rapid implementation projects
They're a mouthful to describe, but rapid implementation is one of the more immediate — and low-cost — fixes to a dangerous intersection. Often called "paint-and-post" projects, the Department of Public Works can put down bright pavement marking and use posts to construct wider curbs and pedestrian islands. In some cities, painted roads have also doubled as public art.
“Rapid implementation provides immediate safety improvements while allowing us to test out new ideas before more permanent concrete changes are constructed," interim DPW commissioner Jerrel Kruschke wrote in a news release.
A "pinned" curb extension creates a slightly more permanent alternative to posts and is similarly cost-effective.
This strategy simultaneously gives pedestrians more space to walk and decreases the space drivers have to maneuver through, which results in slower speeds.
Just last month, DPW announced a list of 30 intersections that will receive this treatment.
Road diets
Perpetrators of the "Milwaukee slide" — the description on social media of drivers who use bike or parking lanes to pass cars on the right — might find their options limited by a road diet. This strategy aims to reduce lane widths, or eliminate a lane of vehicle traffic altogether, with more parking or bike and bus lanes added in its place.
Road diets have been around for a while in Milwaukee, and the city just completed several along Oklahoma Avenue, Villard Avenue, King Drive and Van Buren Street. DPW touts reduced speeds, fewer crashes, and greater bike lane use at places where road diets have been used so far.
"We've been doing road diets — we're trying to do more," said Mike Amsden, a DPW multimodal transportation director. "Road diets have been used for many, many years and are proven to reduce crash frequency, speeds, and also helps prevent people from passing on the right."
There aren't any active road diets being constructed, a DPW spokesperson said. But they will be a tool in the $19 million box being poured into street safety this year.
Roundabouts and traffic circles
No, they aren't exactly the same. Roundabouts and traffic circles look similar, but roundabouts have dedicated channels for entering intersections, making them more suited to high-traffic urban areas. Traffic circles, meanwhile, are more common in slower residential zones.
Roundabouts have produced lots of controversy over the last decade because they are unpopular with drivers (and sometimes, legislators). But while they might not reduce crashes down to zero, both traffic circles and roundabouts can help decrease the severity of those crashes. So traffic engineers and insurance companies are fans, even if drivers are not.
"They eliminate the potential for the most severe types of crashes — a head-on crash across the centerline, the potential for a T-bone crash," Amsden said.
One of the city's latest additions is a traffic circle on Galena Street, part of its Active Streets program that partners with various community organizations to strengthen the nearby walking environment.
Bike infrastructure
Vehicle drivers aren't the only ones on wheels who stand to benefit. The nationwide spike in traffic-related fatalities has caused cities nationwide, including Milwaukee, to invest more in bike infrastructure.
Becher Street is the newest example of that. After the street was torn up and reconstructed, the city added a raised bike lane that is at sidewalk level, fully separated from car traffic.
"We hear time and time again that people want to be able to ride a bike safely and comfortably, and to do so for much more than just recreational purposes," Amsden said. "Numerous studies around the country showed that providing separate space for people to ride reduce crashes, and gets a broader spectrum of folks out riding."
In the short term, new bike lanes can be added with pavement paint and posts in the same vein as rapid implementation projects. Street parking spaces can be used to create a buffer between bike and car lanes. This strategy is already being used outside of City Hall on Kilbourn Avenue. | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/08/18/milwaukee-targets-reckless-driving-four-street-design-strategies/10174991002/ | 2022-08-18T14:26:56 | 0 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/08/18/milwaukee-targets-reckless-driving-four-street-design-strategies/10174991002/ |
VANCOUVER, Wash. — Well, did you smell it?
Washington State University's corpse flower officially started blooming on Tuesday — and boy did it come with a very distinct stench.
Its name is “Titan-VanCoug" and it stands nearly 7 feet tall. The plant is also 20 years old.
The corpse flower — nickname for amorphophallus titanum, or the titan arum — is native to the limestone hills of Sumatra, Indonesia’s rainforests; the only place in the world where it naturally grows.
This is the second of four blooms in this particular flower's lifetime. The first bloom took place in July of 2019, attracting 20,000 visitors to the WSU Vancouver campus.
“I'm proud and I'm blessed and I'm humbled to be able to take care of it,” said Dawn Freeman, the flower's caretaker. “It's a big job and it means a lot to a lot of people. So I'm ready for it.”
Freeman has been taking care of the plant for the past year and a half after it was passed down by now-retired Washington State professor Steven Sylvester, who planted it two decades ago. But apart from it being among the world's largest and rarest flowering structures, it comes with a pretty strong smell when it blooms. Many compare the aroma to rotting meat or dirty socks, to name a few.
“I was expecting the smell to be so strong,” said the Stilin family from Vancouver. “Kind of makes me not want to come close. But that didn't happen. So, that's good. I said that I could walk close and take a lot of photos and enjoy the flowers.”
Sylvester said he believes the flower's smell isn't as strong as some people may have anticipated. He thinks it's a combination of the flower's closing and the 90-degree temperatures we're seeing right now. The plant's ideal environment is 80 degrees and humid.
“I thought it would open up more,” said Sylvester. “But it has an internal clock mechanism and I think that the outdoor temperature yesterday in the afternoon sped that clock up because it seems to be going faster than I would have predicted.”
And while it has been a long time coming to get to this point, everyone is happy to be part of the long but rewarding journey.
“I just feel lucky and I'm learning all the time about it — you know, it surprises me with what it does,” said Sylvester.
“It makes us happy to be a part of conserving this threatened species. It's just a proud, happy moment all the way around,” said Freeman.
The two other corms — something like the flower bulbs we may be more familiar with — are still deciding on when they'll bloom. Sylvester and Freeman both said they're anticipating for the third to bloom within the next year or so. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/smelly-flower-wsu-corpse-vancouver-stinky-blooming/283-39a659db-6522-46b7-baae-4eb911a30d0b | 2022-08-18T14:38:55 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/smelly-flower-wsu-corpse-vancouver-stinky-blooming/283-39a659db-6522-46b7-baae-4eb911a30d0b |
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — A man was injured in a 2-alarm fire that destroyed a house in Snohomish County early Thursday morning.
A spokesperson for South County Fire said crews responded to the 12400 block of 51st Avenue Southeast just before 1 a.m. after multiple people called 911 to report hearing explosions and seeing large flames. The home is about 2.5 miles east of Silver Lake in the Seattle Hill area east of Everett.
When firefighters arrived, they found a two-story house at the end of a driveway that was engulfed in flames. South County Fire said more than 35 firefighters were at the scene at one point.
Officials said two men who were residents at the house escaped from the fire One of the men was injured and taken to the hospital. The man’s injuries “did not appear to be life-threatening,” the spokesperson said. No other injuries were reported.
Firefighters said the home is a total loss. South County Fire said the Red Cross and Support 7 responded to assist the displaced residents.
Firefighters from the Everett Fire Department and Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue also responded to the scene.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown. The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.
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/snohomish-county-2-alarm-fire-51st-ave-se/281-38f1603d-b260-4c95-bba0-d45cd17849e2 | 2022-08-18T14:39:01 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/snohomish-county-2-alarm-fire-51st-ave-se/281-38f1603d-b260-4c95-bba0-d45cd17849e2 |
HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Three people were injured in a crash on Highway 11-W Wednesday night, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).
In a preliminary crash report released by THP, investigators say that a Jeep carrying a driver and one passenger was traveling south along 11-W when a Ford Edge traveling along State Route 31 drove through a stop sign at an intersection with the highway.
Police say the Ford, driven by Curt Fawns, 58, of Flemingsburg, Kentucky, then hit the Jeep and caused it to drive through the median and into the northbound lanes of 11-W.
Both passengers of the Jeep were listed as injured in the crash, as well as Fawns. According to the report, criminal charges against Fawns were pending on Thursday. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/thp-3-injured-in-11-w-crash/ | 2022-08-18T14:40:05 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/thp-3-injured-in-11-w-crash/ |
'People are hurting': As food prices rise, Taunton food banks tackle growing hunger needs
TAUNTON — North Taunton Food Pantry supervisor Carol O'Connell said the rising cost of living is prompting more residents to request free food from the agency at 1940 Bay St.
"We used to serve only 175 people," she said. "Now, we help about 273 people every week. People are hurting."
The U.S. Bureau of Labor reported that food prices rose 1.3 % in July, which was the largest increase since April 2020.
The North Taunton Food pantry is adjacent to North Baptist Church and is open on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 6:30 to 11 a.m.
How to get help
O'Connell said would-be food recipients receive assistance if they sign a registration form upon arriving and offer proof of Taunton residency.
"The requirements are to come with an ID that shows an address," she said.
Acceptable identification forms include a phone bill or Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant billing statement.
O'Connell said many people are arriving in the pantry parking lot at 5:30 a.m. to receive assistance.
"The parking lot is packed," she said. "Every week, about five to 10 people sign up for food. We have almost 2,400 people on our list."
O'Connell said the increasing requests for food assistance from residents in the surrounding communities are challenging the pantry's ability to have enough groceries for distribution.
"We get 11,000 pounds of food every week from the Greater Boston Food Bank," she said. "We give it all away. But, unfortunately, we recently had to turn some people away because we did not have enough food in our stock area."
Real estate news:Taunton could be getting 36-unit condo building with gym and roof lounge
Pantry 'tries to serve everything'
O'Connell said the pantry distributes milk, eggs, and cheese regularly to people needing food "and tries to serve everything."
"Sometimes we give out cereal, apple juice, and butter," she said." We give out hamburgers, peanut butter, corn, and carrots. We give out fresh potatoes, bananas, apples, peaches, and sometimes corn on the cob."
O'Connell said eight volunteers place the groceries in bags for recipients.
"People can come in and get it all for free," she said. "We serve anybody and everybody for the Lord."
Additional Taunton-based pantries that offer food to people in need include; St. Vincent de Paul Taunton Food Pantry, 141 Washington St, Matthew Mission Food Pantry at First Parish Church, 376 Green, and St. Mary's Food Pantry, 78 Broadway.
Silver City Mall site update:What you need to know about massive FedEx facility planned for Taunton
Taunton Area Community Table servings
Taunton Area Community Table director Wendy Berry said inflation across the region encourages more people to seek free meals from the non-profit agency at 378 Bay St.
"A year ago, a busy day was serving 50-55 meals," she said. "We now go as high as serving 100 meals a day."
Berry said the agency serves meals from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
"We never run out of food," she said. "We always have hotdogs, canned food, and spaghetti. We never turn people away. There are no questions for forms that people have to complete. Anybody can come in and have lunch."
Berry said her granddaughter Beatrice Burbank, 7, believes "just because people are hungry does not mean they are scary or bad."
"She comes with me quite often and loves it," Berry said.
Berry said the ages of the people served to vary from "kids to elderly."
"Nobody in this country should have to be hungry," she said. "I love to make people a meal and show them compassion."
Berry said all the meals "are homemade.
"Every day, we serve an entrée," she said. "They get a green salad and a desert."
A 61-year-old Taunton resident said she has been getting meals regularly at Taunton Community Area Table during the past year because "of inflation and her apartment rent price."
"I like meeting some of the people who come here to eat," said Louise, who declined to have her last name published. "Sometimes they serve full meals, along with sandwiches and soup. They also have pizza sometimes."
A 40-year-old Taunton resident said he is unemployed and requests meals regularly at Taunton Community Area Table.
"Food stamps don't cover much," said Ricky, who did not want his last name published.
Berry said Taunton Area Community Table can serve people because of "donations from individuals, businesses, civic organizations and churches."
"We are members of the Greater Boston Food Bank, and depending on what they have, it is what we will give away," she said.
Fair Foods won't 'turn anybody away'
Fair Foods site manager Yvonne Davis said the agency offers bags of fresh fruits and vegetables for a $2 fee to people in need on Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. outside Old Colony YMCA at 71 Cohannet St., Taunton.
"We usually have those five items in each bag," she said.
The facility generally "offers non-canned or processed" spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, summer squash, and plantains.
Davis said the rising cost of overall prices during the past five months had encouraged more people to purchase fruits and vegetables at Fair Foods sites across the state.
"We try to feed a family of four for a week," she said.
Davis said Fair Foods volunteers wouldn't "turn anybody away" that seeks food assistance.
"We don't ask for any proof of income," she said. "You don't have to be a resident."
Fair Foods' website states people who can't afford to pay a fee can receive food.
Fair Foods truck driver Jeff Miller said food given to recipients is provided by major supermarket chains that utilize a warehouse in Chelsea.
"When they have extra food, they can throw it out or donate to us," he said. "We go every day to the warehouse to sort it out for transport to different sites."
'We're all suffering'
Bridgewater resident Sandra Smith said the rising cost of living prices prompted her to buy a bag of fruit from Fair Foods on Aug. 12.
"We're all suffering from that," she added. "Fair Foods' people are wonderful. God bless them."
Fair Foods packaging volunteer Samantha Moore, 27, said she offered to help the agency weeks after it provided food to herself and her husband.
"I had a hard time last year when my husband was unemployed," she said. "I came here approximately 30 or 40 times before I decided to volunteer."
Moore said her husband eventually found a job and appreciates how Fair Foods assisted them.
"I've been here six or seven weeks," she said.
Volunteer Kate McDermott said she enjoys assisting Fair Foods because they have "a nice group of people.
"I love to help the community and people in need," she said.
. | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/taunton-food-banks-tackle-growing-food-requests-caused-by-rising-costt-of-living/10343021002/ | 2022-08-18T14:43:18 | 1 | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/taunton-food-banks-tackle-growing-food-requests-caused-by-rising-costt-of-living/10343021002/ |
Work to close portion of Massachusetts Ave. near Lake Morton Aug. 26-28
A portion of South Massachusetts Avenue between East Lime Street and Lake Morton Drive will be closed Aug. 26 to 28 so that rooftop air conditioning equipment can be replaced on the Citizens Bank & Trust Building at 402 S. Kentucky Ave.
The parking spaces along the north side of Lake Morton Drive, east of South Massachusetts Avenue, will also be closed, the city of Lakeland said in a news release. Payne Air Conditioning will be removing the existing cooling tower units on the roof of the building and replacing them with new units. The work requires the use of a large boom crane.
Payne will use a crane with a 197-foot main boom with a 43-foot fly jib. The work is scheduled to take three days. All detours will be clearly marked to reduce the impact to drivers and pedestrians, the city said. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/crane-work-close-portion-massachusetts-ave-lakeland/10350471002/ | 2022-08-18T14:44:09 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/crane-work-close-portion-massachusetts-ave-lakeland/10350471002/ |
Still no suspects in vandalism of Winter Haven pregnancy center after Roe v. Wade overturned
The Winter Haven Police Department has no suspects in the vandalism of LifeChoice Pregnancy Center on June 25.
One day after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal right to an abortion, vandals targeted the center at 235 E. Central Ave. in Winter Haven. Overnight, the exterior of the building was painted with such phrases as “We’re coming for U” and “Jane’s revenge.”
The latter is a name used by a collective that favors abortion rights, according to national reporting. The vandals also defaced the center’s roadside sign and damaged a surveillance camera, LifeChoice employees said.
Previously:Winter Haven pregnancy center vandalized with graffiti
Overturned:Polk residents react with thanks, dismay to Roe v. Wade decision
After Supreme Court decision:Police arrest two protesters at Polk's only clinic that offers abortions
WHPD spokesperson Jamie Brown said Monday that the department has received no viable tips about the vandalism. Brown said the agency considered the act to be criminal mischief.
Lyndsy Flanagan, development director for LifeChoice, told The Ledger at the time that the FBI was investigating the incident.
A spokesperson for the FBI’s Tampa office said the agency by policy neither confirms nor denies investigations. Flanagan did not respond to a request for comment. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/no-suspects-vandalism-winter-haven-pregnancy-center/10331432002/ | 2022-08-18T14:44:15 | 0 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/no-suspects-vandalism-winter-haven-pregnancy-center/10331432002/ |
State Sen. Matt Dolan, R-Chagrin Falls, announced legislation Thursday morning meant to combat gun violence, making another try at some of the “Strong Ohio” proposals that his own party has ignored since 2019.
“We need to change the conversation about public safety, mental health and responsible gun ownership,” Dolan said. “We can’t just let the extremes of each position dictate.”
His bill includes a “red flag” law, improved background checks, some gun-purchase restrictions and major spending on mental health services. Dolan said his bill protects Second Amendment rights.
“This bill does not ban any guns,” he said.
Gov. Mike DeWine’s office indicated approval, if not active support.
“The proposed legislation contains several issues on which the Governor has been focusing, including mental health,” Press Secretary Dan Tierney said. “We look forward to following the bill as it progresses though the legislative process.”
Dolan’s bill has five major provisions, according to a news release:
· In cases where a judge deems people to be a threat to themselves or others due to a “severe mental health condition,” a probate judge could issue a safety protection order for police to “retrieve and temporarily hold” that person’s firearms.
“The retrieval process will protect constitutional rights and will be conducted with a focus on law enforcement safety,” the announcement says.
· Anyone aged 18 to 21 who wants to buy a gun other than “a rifle or shotgun that holds only a single round of ammunition” would need a cosigner at least 25 years old.
“The cosigner can be held civilly liable if that purchased firearm is used or brandished during the commission of a felony offense while the buyer is under the age of 21,” the announcement says.
· Private gun sales, other than transferring guns between family members, would require written clearance from a county sheriff confirming that those involved are legally eligible to own guns.
· Speeding up and enhancing background checks by requiring “critical information” on gun buyers to be entered in state and federal law enforcement databases by the end of the following business day.
· Using American Rescue Plan Act money to encourage training more mental health workers and expand the network of regional mental health crisis centers.
Someone judged to be mentally incapacitated should not be allowed to buy a gun, a belief that has broad support, Dolan said . His bill would extend that to people who suffer mental disability after buying a gun and who show the potential for causing harm, he said.
The “red flag” provision for police to impound someone’s guns during a mental health crisis has been done in other states, Dolan said. The language of his proposal contains more due process than most others, including Florida’s, passed by a “very Republican” state government, he said.
Dolan said he’s not aware of any other state requiring a cosigner for gun purchasers 21 younger, but his bill includes an exemption for people of that age in the military or police who have had proper training.
“The 18- to 21-year-old is not banned from buying any gun,” he said.
They would just need a cosigner for a weapon that could fire multiple shots without reloading, he said.
The bill would use $85 million in ARPA funds to work with hospitals and colleges to expand the pipeline of mental health workers able to serve in counties and schools, Dolan said.
Another $90 million in ARPA money would go to build mental health crisis centers around the state, to house people who are currently in jail but really need mental health treatment, he said.
Federal ARPA dollars are a one-time appropriation. Dolan said he hopes to design the worker-training program so it becomes self-sustaining. Ongoing funding for operating the crisis centers could be from counties or from the state, he said.
The deadliest mass shooting in Dayton’s history happened in August 2019, when a gunman killed nine and injured 37 people in the Oregon District. At a memorial event, a Dayton crowd chanted “Do something!” at DeWine, leading to his introduction in October 2019 of the “Strong Ohio” bill, which called for a slate of gun reforms: improving gun background checks, expanding 72-hour mental health holds, increasing penalties for crimes committed with firearms, and more.
But that legislation has languished in the General Assembly. Instead, legislators have passed multiple bills loosening existing gun laws, which DeWine has consistently signed.
Legislators need to show their constituents they can discuss gun violence and get something done, Dolan said.
Asked why his bill might pass when similar proposals haven’t, Dolan said he didn’t think legislators were “ready to have” this discussion when “Strong Ohio” was proposed.
“I think more people are ready to have it now than perhaps they were two years ago,” he said.
Dolan said he has talked with Ohio law enforcement, prosecutors and mental health advocates in “building support” for his bill. But he hasn’t sought advance cosponsors in the legislature; he plans to do that following its filing.
Dolan served in the state House for six years, and was elected to the state Senate in 2016 from the suburbs of Cleveland. This year he ran for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who did not run for reelection. Dolan came in third in the Republican primary on May 3.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/new-gun-laws-bill-announced-today-would-make-significant-changes-in-ohio-heres-what-it-would-do/RQPWY52WKZHUDAOFJO74VTQEAI/ | 2022-08-18T14:53:32 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/new-gun-laws-bill-announced-today-would-make-significant-changes-in-ohio-heres-what-it-would-do/RQPWY52WKZHUDAOFJO74VTQEAI/ |
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
In a recent Pew Research study, reducing health care costs is the second-most-important priority for Americans. And when it comes to health care, affordability is No. 1. From managing the most basic provider visits and medication to chronic conditions and complex treatments, every facet of the health care experience has seen huge cost increases. This makes it even more challenging for Americans, including Arizonans, to access what they need to take charge of their health and well-being.
Consider that:
Health spending increased by 9.7% from 2019 to 2020, much faster than the 4.3% increase from 2018 to 2019, according to Health System Tracker.
Half of all adults report they have delayed or gone without certain medical care during the past year due to cost, while 29% also report not taking their medicines as prescribed due to cost, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
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While the argument stands that cost pressures are real and require difficult conversations and creative solutions, it is counterintuitive for health care leaders to give up on lowering costs across the board — that is the easy way out and one we should not accept.
Some would say that the rising cost of medical care is the result of new medical technologies that allow better and faster diagnosing or improved surgical outcomes, or new drugs that cure or control chronic diseases. These are but a fraction of the increase in cost.
It is time that the health care community steps up to turn years of dialogue, discussion, and declarations into actionable change. Health care has reached a critical tipping point. Rising costs are unsustainable and it is time to correct course. Families should be able to meet their health care needs without fear of facing crushing debt.
Since individuals and families cannot negotiate their rates directly, we have become their advocates because it is the right thing to do. We aim to ensure that our more than 1.9 million members, and all Arizonans, get the most amount of health for every dollar spent on care. Every individual deserves quality, high-value, accessible care.
At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, our mission is to inspire health and make it easy, and we are committed to doing our part so that this trend does not continue. But it is going to take all of us in the health care space to come together to:
Be a bigger part of the solution: We are looking to provide a more comprehensive, end-to-end solution in support of our members’ health journey. This will mean interacting with care delivery in new and innovative ways to make health care more affordable, personal and convenient.
Work with providers, legislators and community partners to make health care more affordable: We will continue to negotiate with providers and hospitals to get better rates for our members. It is only fair that we compensate, honor and respect providers for their talent; however, we must ensure that unnecessary increases, such as those that exceed medical inflation, are questioned and kept in check. Together, we can also work to educate policymakers and the public on health cost drivers and support public policy that protects Arizonans’ private health insurance and keeps health care costs from rising.
Align incentives to pay providers for value over volume: It is crucial to move away from the sick care model way of thinking to paying for care to keep everyone as healthy as possible. We need to get creative to pay extra reimbursement for certain preventive measures, such as breast cancer screenings and well-child visits, and develop programs that ensure culturally competent, high-quality care that includes medication and disease management.
Eliminate costs by streamlining processes: Navigating the health care system has grown increasingly complex over the past decade. It is time that we step back and reevaluate processes and remove complexity and unnecessary bureaucracy. For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has removed pre-auth requirements from providers who have a history of consistently operating within best practice guidelines.
Invest in and support public and private initiatives to deal with pressing health issues: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies all 15 Arizona counties as socially vulnerable, with 11 of the 15 falling into the highest social vulnerability category. Social vulnerability is a measure of 15 social factors — such as poverty, lack of vehicle access, and housing status — that show how vulnerable communities are to health threats. We believe investing in the community will address health care inequity and reduce the overall cost of medical care in the long run. During the past three years, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has invested more than $20 million through 449 community partners supporting a range of public health and wellness issues.
Tackling rising health care costs is a team sport and requires all of us to step up and make a difference together. It will require innovation, out-of-the-box thinking, and collaboration to move the needle, and I invite Arizona’s health care leaders to do their part. It is our obligation to ensure that we are good stewards of every health care dollar.
Pam Kehaly is president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, 5285 E. Williams Circle, Suite #1000, Tucson, AZ 85711
Pam Kehaly is president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, 5285 E. Williams Circle, Suite #1000, Tucson, AZ 85711 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/arizona-opinion-arizona-let-s-stand-together-for-health-care-affordability/article_4a6f6c34-1e4d-11ed-934a-17d59ea42e9a.html | 2022-08-18T14:53:55 | 1 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/arizona-opinion-arizona-let-s-stand-together-for-health-care-affordability/article_4a6f6c34-1e4d-11ed-934a-17d59ea42e9a.html |
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Think of many of the great tourist attractions around the world. The Eiffel Tower, London’s Big Ben, Washington Monument, Seattle’s Space Needle. They all have one thing in common. They are tall. People love to look at them from the ground and take photos. Most have elevators so tourists can ride to the top and overlook the locale. When you see a picture of the attraction, you immediately know where it is. Not is it just beautiful, but it is a tremendous boon to the local economy. Millions are spent every year to visit these attractions, and those folks spend plenty while they are there.
I love Tucson. I grew up here. We have so many fine attractions, so many more than our competing behemoth city to the north, Phoenix. But, we are lacking that one giant attraction, the one that says “Tucson.” With the Golden Gate Bridge, you have no doubt where you are. The Space Needle. Yup. Empire State Building. Of course.
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OK, now I hear about Tucson having a $150 million surplus and the town big cheeses are trying to figure out how to spend it. Some say, “Feed and clothe the homeless.” Generous idea, but it reminds me of the old saw about “give the man a fish … blah, blah … instead teach him how to fish … blah, blah.” Hackneyed but true. Let’s take that money and turn it into something big. Something that will attract so many tourists and bring so much money into the city coffers that we will be able to not only feed and clothe the homeless, but buy them all houses as well.
Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of the fine city of Tucson … I give you … The Giant Cactus. Yes, this is our Eiffel Tower, our Space Needle, our Big Ben. Rising 700 feet in the air, over 50 stories, with green neon ribs from top to bottom and four elevators inside to take smiling money-laden tourists to the viewing deck at the top. Next to the gift shop. And, close to the four restaurants inside.
What an achievement! When you see that giant cactus you know it is Tucson. Now, you probably have some questions, so I will try to answer them.
How does its height compare to other structures? The tallest building in Tucson now is One South Church (catchy name), 330 ft. 23 stories. In Phoenix, it’s the Chase Tower, 483 ft. 40 stories. Seattle’s Space Needle is 605 ft. The Washington Monument is 555 ft. And, the Tower in Pisa attracts 5 million tourists a year at a measly 183 ft. And, it doesn’t even stand up straight!
I know there will be some naysayers, but that’s to be expected. The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and was planned to be torn down in 20 years. When the plans were first shown, the following ran in the publication Le Temps on 14 February 1887: “We, writers, painters, sculptors, architects and passionate devotees of the hitherto untouched beauty of Paris, protest with all our strength, with all our indignation in the name of slighted French taste, against the erection … of this useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower.” There’s always somebody around who wants to throw cold water on a new idea.
So there you have it, Tucson’s future wrapped up in a brilliant monument to our Southwest heritage that will attract additional millions of tourists every year. The only thing left is to name it. So, in the tradition of Eiffel, or Washington, perhaps, we could name it for a local person. Now, I am a modest man, but if you twisted my arm, I could be persuaded to allow you to name it the “Lindstrom Cactus.” You’re welcome.
Ray Lindstrom is a member of the Arizona Broadcaster’s Association Hall of Fame. He is a lecturer/writer, now retired in Oro Valley. | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-turn-that-150m-surplus-into-big-tourist-bucks/article_e79931ba-1e5d-11ed-84d7-a31336e2cd1f.html | 2022-08-18T14:54:01 | 1 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-turn-that-150m-surplus-into-big-tourist-bucks/article_e79931ba-1e5d-11ed-84d7-a31336e2cd1f.html |
BLOOMINGTON — The Regional Office of Education #17 has partnered with PCs for People to offer a device distribution event from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30.
The event will be held at Grossinger Motors Arena at the Front Street concourse entrance.
PCs for People is an organization that provides low-cost, and sometimes free, PCs, laptops and hot spots in communities where there is a high need for them. McLean County is one of those communities.
Those who are interested should pre-register at pcsrefurbished.com/event/registration so the organization will know how many devices to bring. Walk-ins will also be accepted.
Contact Victoria Padilla at 309-888-5120 or at vpadilla@roe17.org for more information. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/pcs-for-people-to-distribute-devices-in-mclean-county/article_e89e0274-1e59-11ed-88fe-aff0d566c037.html | 2022-08-18T14:58:19 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/pcs-for-people-to-distribute-devices-in-mclean-county/article_e89e0274-1e59-11ed-88fe-aff0d566c037.html |
Average daily flows
Snake River at Heise 9,332 cfs
Snake River at Blackfoot 3,302 cfs
Snake River at American Falls 10,684 cfs
Snake River at Milner 0 cfs
Little Wood River near Carey 197 cfs
Jackson Lake is 36% full.
Palisades Reservoir is 42% full.
American Falls Reservoir is 16% full.
Upper Snake River system is at 32% of capacity.
As of August 17. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/average-daily-streamflows/article_e236b040-1e4d-11ed-986d-4fe490783f08.html | 2022-08-18T15:01:18 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/average-daily-streamflows/article_e236b040-1e4d-11ed-986d-4fe490783f08.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Election workers in Sedgwick County were busy recounting the “Value Them Both” abortion amendment on Wednesday.
The county is one of nine in the state that must hand count each vote. Votes are being recounted in Douglas, Johnson, Shawnee, Crawford, Harvey, Jefferson, Lyon and Thomas counties. Abortion opponents lost all of those counties except Thomas.
Sedgwick County Election Commissioner Angela Caudillo said that workers had completed 25 election sites.
“Just as a reminder, we have 81 Election Day sites and then 14 early voting sites, and then beyond that, we also have boxes for the advance by mail and some provisionals as well,” Caudillo said.
The counties have until Saturday to get the recount done. Some smaller counties have already finished.
The recount was requested by Melissa Leavitt, of Colby, and longtime anti-abortion activist, Mark Gietzen, of Wichita. Leavitt and Gietzen provided credit cards to pay for the nearly $120,000 cost, according to the secretary of state’s office
A larger than expected turnout of voters on Aug. 2 rejected a ballot measure that would have removed protections for abortion rights from the Kansas Constitution and given to the Legislature the right to further restrict abortion or ban it. It failed by 18 percentage points, or 165,000 votes statewide. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/sedgwick-county-busy-recounting-abortion-vote/ | 2022-08-18T15:01:30 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/sedgwick-county-busy-recounting-abortion-vote/ |
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW) – Aside from the strong lineup at this year’s Nex-Tech Grandstand, there are more exciting events happening at the 2022 Kansas State Fair.
Young at Heart Day
On Thursday, Sept. 15, the Kansas State Fair is honoring our seniors. Tickets for anyone 55 and older are only $2. Guests can also enjoy bingo at Dillon Hall from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This event is sponsored by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
Free gate with Grandstand event
Anyone who purchases a ticket to one of the many Grandstand events will receive free gate admission for the day of the event. All you have to do is present your ticket at the event. You can even purchase your grandstand ticket the day of the event and still get free admission!
This year’s lineup:
The Demolition Derby does not include free gate admission as this event occurs on Dillons Dollar Day.
Dillons Dollar Day, and it is exactly what it sounds like. On Monday, Sept. 12, gate admission is only $1 or, even better, free with a Dillons Plus Card!
Alcohol Walk-About
This year, fairgoers will be able to walk around the fairgrounds with alcoholic beverages, whether it’s at the attractions, in the food court, or at entertainment events.
Alcoholic beverages must be in a clear plastic cup and remain on the fairgrounds.
Interested in working?
There are part-time, seasonal, and volunteer opportunities still available for this year’s fair. These positions include:
- Ticket seller/ticket taker
- Livestock area clean-up
- Traffic/parking and gate attendant
- Food servers/concession worker
- Midway set-up and tear down
The Kansas State Fair runs from Sept. 8-18 at the Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, 2000 N. Poplar. Visit the fair’s website for more information | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/whats-new-at-the-kansas-state-fair-this-year/ | 2022-08-18T15:01:36 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/whats-new-at-the-kansas-state-fair-this-year/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Let’s create a scene in your mind. Shall we? You’re sitting at your favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican food place. You are anxiously waiting for your order, just as you hear the sizzling of a fajita plate.
You look over and a server is taking the fajita plate away. You didn’t order the fajita plate. You don’t remember what you ordered. All you can think about is how you should have ordered the fajita plate.
We’ve all been there. The fajita plate is a tried and true option whenever eating out at any Mexican food restaurant.
In honor of fajitas, Thursday, Aug. 18, is National Fajita Day. You deserve to celebrate this day with a plate of your very own. Too many options to choose from? We got you covered.
Yelp has done the hard work and has released a list of the best places in Dallas to get fajitas. Here is their list:
- Gabriela & Sofia’s Tex-Mex
- Emilio’s Mexican Kitchen
- Meso Maya Comida y Copas
- E Bar Tex-Mex
- Mami Coco
- Las Palmas
- Avila’s Mexican Restaurant
- Molcajetes
- Ernesto’s Mexican Restaurant
- Fajita Pete’s
For more suggestions, visit Yelp. | https://cw33.com/news/local/best-places-to-get-fajitas-in-dallas-according-to-yelp/ | 2022-08-18T15:02:44 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/best-places-to-get-fajitas-in-dallas-according-to-yelp/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Rain, rain don’t go away! North Texans should be smiling at the skies as some rain has finally made its way into the region. Not only that, but cooler temperatures will also be in the mix on Thursday.
“Temperatures will likely remain in the 80s and lower 90s today with extra cloud cover. A warmup is expected back into the 90s on Friday with additional storm chances in Central Texas.”
NWS Fort Worth says that scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across North and Central Texas with more of a focus on the central region during the afternoon hours. Temperatures will stay nice and cool compared to the previous few days with 100-degree highs.
The center tweeted, “Scattered showers & storms are again expected across parts of North & Central TX today with the focus more in Central TX this afternoon. Temperatures will likely remain in the 80s and lower 90s today with extra cloud cover.” | https://cw33.com/news/local/chances-for-rain-storms-continue-in-north-texas-thursday-with-much-cooler-temperatures/ | 2022-08-18T15:02:50 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/chances-for-rain-storms-continue-in-north-texas-thursday-with-much-cooler-temperatures/ |
Anyone who’s been in the market for furniture in the last two years may have found themselves playing the waiting game, especially if they’ve purchased furniture manufactured in Asia. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a high demand for furniture, including from those who had to suddenly outfit home offices and study areas, those stuck at home who got bored with their current furniture and decided to replace it, and those who wanted to spruce up their outdoor entertaining areas in order to host friends more safely.
China exports the most furniture worldwide, according to the World Bank, with Vietnam also being a major global supplier. But COVID-19-related factory shutdowns and global supply chain disruptions have caused furniture shipping delays and rising prices, leaving many consumers and retailers looking to other countries to source furniture, including from American manufacturers.
Giving Assistant examined data from the U.S. Census Bureau to find which states have exported the highest value of furniture so far this year. All exports occurred between January and April 2022, the latest data available. This analysis includes furniture, bedding, mattresses, cushions and other stuffed furnishings, as well as lamps and light fittings based on world trade classifications.
The U.S. has a rich history in furniture manufacturing, particularly in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the country. Since the late 1800s, the Piedmont region of North Carolina has been a leading area for furniture manufacturing due to access to quality timber and good transportation. Today, High Point, North Carolina, is home to the world’s largest furniture market.
In the Midwest, Michigan is home to La-Z-Boy, the inventor of the recliner, as well as Steelcase, Herman Miller, and Haworth—three of the largest commercial furniture manufacturers in the world. Indiana and Ohio have also grown their local furniture manufacturing expertise.
While American manufacturers sell to domestic customers, their products are also in demand worldwide. The U.S. has exported $3.2 billion worth of furniture from January to April 2022.
Read on to see if your state is among the nation’s biggest furniture exporters.
Canva
#15. New Jersey
Total value of exports: $61 million
Canva
#14. Kentucky
Total value of exports: $69 million
Canva
#13. Tennessee
Total value of exports: $70 million
Canva
#12. Pennsylvania
Total value of exports: $71 million
Canva
#11. North Carolina
Total value of exports: $77 million
Canva
#10. New York
Total value of exports: $83 million
Canva
#9. Wisconsin
Total value of exports: $103 million
Canva
#8. Indiana
Total value of exports: $111 million
Canva
#7. Georgia
Total value of exports: $114 million
Canva
#6. Florida
Total value of exports: $126 million
Canva
#5. Ohio
Total value of exports: $134 million
Canva
#4. Illinois
Total value of exports: $138 million
Canva
#3. California
Total value of exports: $298 million
Canva
#2. Michigan
Total value of exports: $301 million
Canva
#1. Texas
Total value of exports: $379 million
This story originally appeared on Giving Assistant and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. | https://cw33.com/news/local/texas-exports-the-most-furniture-in-the-nation-study-says/ | 2022-08-18T15:02:56 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/texas-exports-the-most-furniture-in-the-nation-study-says/ |
PALESTINE, Texas — A father and son in Palestine have been arrested on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after officers found several animals living in poor conditions.
Animal Control were notified at around 10 a.m. Wednesday of several dogs in crates with no food or water outside a residence in the 100 block of Pillar on Wednesday.
Police said in a Facebook post Palestine police officers, animal control, and code enforcement were on the scene.
At the house, officers found and removed over a dozen animals. Through an investigation, it was determined that the animals were living in "awful conditions."
Their was no water or electricity in the residence and the owners were living in their truck parked in the carport, officials said.
The animals were transported to BARC Humane Society.
During the investigation, officers believe they saw cocaine and pieces of paraphernalia on the hood of the truck.
Both the father and son admitted to the possession of drugs and were arrest on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. Animal cruelty charges are pending.
The investigation remains ongoing, police said. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/father-son-arrested-after-animals-found-awful-conditions-at-palestine-home/501-ec23e334-c330-4f44-b5f4-4855300ed25c | 2022-08-18T15:18:08 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/father-son-arrested-after-animals-found-awful-conditions-at-palestine-home/501-ec23e334-c330-4f44-b5f4-4855300ed25c |
On Aug. 4, the A&T Four Middle College at N.C. A&T debuted a new logo and crest to go with its new name.
The Guilford County Board of Education voted in April to rename the school in honor of the four A&T students who sat down at the whites-only lunch counter at the Woolworth’s in downtown Greensboro, launching the 1960 sit-in movement.
Leaders with Guilford County Schools and A&T, and family members of the A&T (or Greensboro) Four, took part in the ceremony.
The A&T Four Middle College is an all-male public high school on A&T’s campus.
Students have the opportunity to take university classes at A&T and earn up to two years of college credit. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/watch-now-family-of-a-t-four-respond-to-school-being-named-after-sit-in/article_22759f08-1efe-11ed-abe4-bf0dff217553.html | 2022-08-18T15:21:12 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/watch-now-family-of-a-t-four-respond-to-school-being-named-after-sit-in/article_22759f08-1efe-11ed-abe4-bf0dff217553.html |
Grants to fund concerts, food assistance, band uniforms
MUNCIE, Ind. — Grants totaling $686,726 were awarded from the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County between June and August 2022 to benefit the community. Most grants are awarded through permanently endowed funds.
The Community Foundation serves all residents of Delaware County. The Town Endowment Program benefits three towns across Delaware County: Gaston, Selma, and Yorktown. Each community’s fund has grown through the generosity of community members. A committee of residents reviews applications.
Town endowment grants
The following grants were awarded from the Gaston Town Endowment Fund:
- The Gaston Volunteer Fire Department received $2,500 for technology upgrades. New personnel alerting equipment will replace obsolete radio pagers, allowing firefighters better communication.
- The Gaston Lions Clubreceived $1,400 to purchase and install an automated external defibrillator. The AED will be located in the Community Building at the Gaston Lions Club Park.
The following grants were awarded from the Liberty Perry Selma Town Endowment Fund:
- The Liberty-Perry School Corporation received $500 for Ropin’ Raiders. Students will have new jump ropes for physical fitness and start a jump rope club.
- The Liberty Township Fire Department received $590 for equipment upgrades. Firefighters and the community will benefit from new safety equipment and education.
- Selma Athletic Leaguereceived $700 for facility updates. Repairs will enhance the restrooms, and a new credit card machine will enhance the concession stand at the ball diamonds.
The following grants were awarded from the Town of Yorktown Endowment Fund:
- Yorktown Farmers Market and Grow Market Inc. received $3,000 for technology equipment and operating expenses. New technology will support educational initiatives and programs.
- Yorktown High School Band Boosters received $2,000 for uniforms. Student musicians will benefit from the replacement, repair, and alterations of marching band uniforms.
- Yorktown Reach Ministries received $2,000 for food. This funding will offset the rising cost of food.
Quarterly Competitive Grants
Quarterly Competitive Grants are awarded to fund projects and programs for which there is a demonstrable community benefit in one of the following areas of interest: arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education, and human services.
- Ambassadors for God’s Creatures received $8,250 (from the Ellen Lacey Endowment Fund for Companion Animals) to address pet and community cat overpopulation in Delaware County by offering financial assistance for spay/neuter surgeries to low-income households and colony keepers of community cats.
- College Mentors for Kids, Inc. received $9,000 (from the Stefan and Joan Anderson Unrestricted Fund, Gordon and Pam Cox Fund, and Jeff and Beth Lang Fund) to support the long-standing mentor program, matching children in Delaware county with Ball State University college student volunteers.
- East Central Indiana Chamber Orchestra received $4,000 (from the Unrestricted Fund of the Community Foundation) to provide concerts of orchestra music that appeals to the community.
- Indiana Youth Institutereceived $5,000 (from the Laura Stanley Keppler Fund, Jim and Mary Rosema Fund, Charles and Claudia Sursa Unrestricted Named Endowment Fund, and Faye Wingate Fund) to increase the professional capacity of 136 local youth-serving individuals by offering timely and relevant training.
- Little Red Door Cancer Agencyreceived $12,155 (from the Unrestricted Fund of the Community Foundation, KAKATU Foundation/David and Joanna Meeks Fund, and the Jeanne and John Smith Fund) to support the Nutritional Supplements Program.
- Masterworks Chorale received $4,000 (from the Bassett Family Fund, Linda and Connie Gregory Fund, and Old National Bank Fund) to support the cost of operations.
- Muncie Land Bankreceived $25,000 (from the Unrestricted Fund of the Community Foundation, Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Fund, MutualBank Charitable Foundation Fund, Jeanne and John Smith Unrestricted Fund) to support the cost of operations.
- Muncie OUTreachreceived $11,000 (from the Unrestricted Fund of the Community Foundation) to run a targeted outreach and marketing campaign over the next 12 months to engage more LGBTQ+ youth in East Central Indiana.
- Soup Kitchen of Muncie received $18,000 (from the Unrestricted Fund of the Community Foundation, Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Fund, and the Bassett Family Fund) to support the cost of food and a security officer.
Ten organizations were awarded $115,000 in grants from donor advised funds managed by the Community Foundation. One donor advised grant complemented the quarterly competitive grants program, including $3,000 to Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry for their “Meat” the Need program.
An additional $392,968 was awarded to nonprofit organizations with designated funds. Designated funds are established by donors or by nonprofits to provide ongoing support for specified organizations. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/grants-to-fund-concerts-food-assistance-band-uniforms/65408970007/ | 2022-08-18T15:26:06 | 0 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/grants-to-fund-concerts-food-assistance-band-uniforms/65408970007/ |
New walking track to open at Maring-Hunt Library
MUNCIE, Ind. — A new health track at the Maring-Hunt Library in the Thomas Park/Avondale neighborhood area will have a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. Aug. 28.
The track is a quarter-mile walking trail that encircles much of the green space at Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., and was made possible by a grant from the Sherman and Marjorie Zeigler Foundation, according to a release.
In case of rain, the event will move inside the library.
Information: munciepubliclibrary.org.
More:America's Hometown Band plans free concert for Aug. 25
Church to distribute free food Saturday
MUNCIE — Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 900 W. White River Blvd., will give out bags of food on a first come, first served basis for its Open Hands Food Distribution Day starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20.
Those attending should drive through the parking lot off Linden Street, and food will be brought to each car.
Learn about regenerative agriculture at free program Aug. 25
MUNCIE — Learn about techniques in land stewardship and conservation practices from farmers who are on the leading edge of innovation at "The Regenerative Agriculture Journey: Stories from East Central Indiana and Beyond."
Organized by the Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Delaware and Blackford counties, the free education day will be 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Delaware County Farm Bureau, 6100 N. Ind. 67.
Regenerative agriculture involves adopting research-based conservation practices that promote soil health and biodiversity, while producing nutrient-dense crops profitably. Attendees will hear from three Hoosier farmers and a regenerative agriculture consultant about the benefits of regenerative agriculture:
- Cameron Mills, 2022 Indiana Master Farmer, who has 20 years of experience in no-till farming, cover crops, alternative crops, and reduced inputs.
- Jeremey Russell, a Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District supervisor, who raises sheep and farms using no-till, cover crops, and precision-based approaches with the latest technology.
- David Kleinschmidt, a crop specialist based in Illinois, and expert in understanding how plants, nutrients, and animals interact in the ag ecosystem.
- Joe Hamilton, also a DCSWCD supervisor, who grows corn and soybeans with a focus on improving soil health through conservation practices such as no-till, cover crops and research.
As part of the event, Jeremey Russell will be hosting visitors to his farm.
A catered lunch will be provided. Event organizers ask that attendees register in advance by emailing delcoswcd@gmail.com, visiting conservationplan.org or calling 765-747-5531. ext 3.
Send news items to The Star Press at news@muncie.gannett.com. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/new-walking-track-to-open-at-maring-hunt-library/65408926007/ | 2022-08-18T15:26:12 | 1 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/new-walking-track-to-open-at-maring-hunt-library/65408926007/ |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Public discontent in Cape Canaveral over a potential roundabout for State Road A1A prompted the city council to officially pass a resolution asking state transportation officials not to go forward with the project and to consider redesigning the project as a traditional intersection, according to News 6 partner Florida Today.
Councilmembers passed the resolution 5-0 Tuesday night officially codifying their opposition to a roundabout that many believe would endanger pedestrians, hurt traffic and disrupt local businesses in the area.
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The roundabout would be intended for International Drive, S.R. A1A and Atlantic Avenue, where the two side roads meet the main thoroughfare at an awkward curve.
Incorporating a traffic circle into the area would be one way for traffic to flow in and out of S.R. A1A with fewer safety hazards, according to FDOT, but many residents have spoken out asking for an intersection instead.
The project is intended to enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, including a raised center median, new bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks, signalized mid-block crossings, upgraded pedestrian signals and drainage improvements.
The Cape Canaveral S.R. A1A roundabout would cost an estimated $10 million for rights-of-way purchases, $6.1 million for construction and $1.2 million for design. Full funding may be scheduled by the end of 2025.
But many Cape Canaveral residents are less than convinced the project will have the safety benefits promised.
“We are opposed to the roundabout because it will send more traffic down the Presidential streets. It’s not needed,” said resident Karen Whitten in a comment.
Others like Brian Blanton took no issue with adding a traffic circle to the area.
“I think the round about is a good idea. If you pay attention when you are driving, it should not be an issue,” he said in a public comment.
Data provided by Florida Department of Transportation showed that between 2017 and June of this year, there have been 47 crashes and zero fatalities at the intersection — data that he and opponents of the traffic circle see as a major reason to stop the change.
Mayor Wes Morrison said that many feared the Florida Department of Transportation would plow ahead with the project even against the wishes of the city’s residents.
But from his talks with state official—even though the resolution is non-binding—Morrison believes the agency will respect Cape Canaveral’s wishes.
“Even though they do believe the roundabout is the best solution from their analysis for this community they are not going to go against the grain and do something that this community does not want,” Morrison said at Tuesday’s meeting.
According to Morrison, FDOT has a backup plan to increase safety and efficiency at the intersection that does not involve a roundabout and they are willing to implement that plan if they don’t have the community’s support.
“The construction is supposed to be in fiscal year 2026-27. So the next step is to review the new design and plans, which I believe will be a traditional intersection. They’ve already started some preliminary designs,” he added. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/18/cape-canaveral-city-council-codifies-opposition-to-state-road-a1a-roundabout/ | 2022-08-18T15:28:17 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/08/18/cape-canaveral-city-council-codifies-opposition-to-state-road-a1a-roundabout/ |
Iconic Crescent Park Carousel in Riverside is open again. Here's how to ride it.
After being closed since the beginning of the pandemic, Crescent Park's iconic Looff Carousel is spinning again and open to riders.
The Riverside carousel opened to riders again August 6 and will continue to operate Saturdays and Sundays between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. until Oct. 10, as well as on three Friday night : Aug. 26, Sept. 23 and Oct. 21, all from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rides cost $2.
The carousel, which is the largest of the carousels built by Charles I.D. Looff, is 127 years old and recently underwent extensive renovation to stabilize and replace the carousel's foundation.
Read more::Behind the effort to keep the largest Looff Carousel still spinning at Crescent Park
Crescent Park Carousel: Hours, ticket prices and more
Where is the carousel? 700 Bullocks Point Avenue, Riverside RI
When does it run?
- Saturdays and Sundays until Oct. 10: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Aug. 26, Sept. 23 and Oct. 21: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sensory-friendly rides: Saturdays 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
How much do rides cost? $2 per rider. Children under three years old are free
Providence Journal reporter Wheeler Cowperthwaite contributed to this report | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/crescent-park-looff-carousel-open-hours-ticket-prices-and-how-ride/10356535002/ | 2022-08-18T15:29:03 | 1 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/crescent-park-looff-carousel-open-hours-ticket-prices-and-how-ride/10356535002/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/a-hoagie-train-will-help-septa-mark-opening-of-new-wawa-station/3338737/ | 2022-08-18T15:33:46 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/a-hoagie-train-will-help-septa-mark-opening-of-new-wawa-station/3338737/ |
An iconic Philly Art piece is flying away.
The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts announced Sunday artist Jordan Griska's long running installation Grumman Greenhouse, a 45-foot-long decommission Grumman Tracker plane will be taken down.
Crews began taking the installation apart on Monday, PAFA said the work will take two to three days.
The installation, which has been housed at Lenfest Plaza in Center City since 2011, will be replaced by John Rhoden's Art Safari in October. A John Rhoden Exhibit will open in PAFA in 2023.
PAFA says the airplane was only intended to be up for a year, as part of a rotating art program, but became so popular they kept it for more than a decade.
Griska said the plane will be put in storage for now until he finds a new home for it. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/pafa-plane-art-is-flying-away/3336681/ | 2022-08-18T15:33:50 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/pafa-plane-art-is-flying-away/3336681/ |
CLAY COUNTY, Iowa — A northwest Iowa woman who was found in a ditch died after being attacked by her five Great Danes, authorities said Wednesday.
A man found the woman in a rural area of Clay County on Monday but couldn't get close to her because of several large dogs, according to KTIV-TV.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office says the man reported what he found and deputies determined the woman was dead. She was identified as Mindy Kiepe, 43, of Rossie.
The state medical examiner said Wednesday that Kiepe died of multiple dog bites. An investigation determined Kiepe's Great Danes caused her death.
Kiepe lived at a farm near where her body was found.
The sheriff's office said the dogs were euthanized. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/dogs-attack-kill-owner-clay-county-iowa/524-3c285728-3789-4092-be1d-7d3418dc5676 | 2022-08-18T15:34:59 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/dogs-attack-kill-owner-clay-county-iowa/524-3c285728-3789-4092-be1d-7d3418dc5676 |
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.
Members of the "Good Morning Iowa" team got up close and personal with some larger-than-life animals on Day 8 of the Iowa State Fair.
Meet the two star horses: Cardi, a Percheron at Jackson Fork Ranch, and Pearl, a grand champion Clydesdale at Anderson Farms.
Cardi will participate in the six-horse-hitch competition with other Percherons, according to Ross Honsberger. But while the show will technically revolve around how well the horses pull the wagon, part of the judging is based on showmanship.
"It's definitely a performance," Honsberger said. "The horses are shiny, the harness is shiny ... lots of excitement going around here."
While this is the first time Jackson Fork Ranch is showing horses at the Iowa State Fair, that's not to say they didn't come prepared.
"A lot of preparation, a lot of work goes into this. A lot of practicing at home . . . we've been to a few shows already so hopefully things are kind of dialed in to have a good performance here at the Iowa State Fair," Honsberger said.
Pearl's handler, Robert Detweiler of Anderson Farms, is also no stranger to horse shows. At the Indiana State Fair, Pearl took home the 'Best of Show' award for the Clydesdale category.
Clydesdales may be best known as "the Budweiser horses," and are easily recognizable based on a few key features.
"The breed originates in Scotland and they're known for the big, beautiful feathers on their feet," Detweiler said. "[Pearl has] extraordinary hair ... the size and disposition is what separates a Clydesdale from the rest of the breeds."
Pearl is at the fair to compete in the National Clydesdale Show between Aug. 18-Aug. 21 this year, a huge opportunity for Jackson Fork Ranch.
"This is going to be a really, really big show to compete at, and we're looking forward to it." | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-horse-shows/524-b848cae6-cee4-4162-9ac6-be1299e3f8e2 | 2022-08-18T15:35:05 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/iowa-state-fair/iowa-state-fair-horse-shows/524-b848cae6-cee4-4162-9ac6-be1299e3f8e2 |
Boerne voters in November will decide on bond propositions that would improve roads and parks.
City Council voted this week to hold a $36 million bond election containing two propositions in conjunction with the Nov. 8 general election.
The $23 million Proposition A funds improvements on roadway infrastructure, turn lanes, intersections and traffic signals. Proposition B totals $13 million and would fund the development and improvement of the City of Boerne’s parks, trails and open spaces.
The bond program emerged from input from the 2021 citizen survey and several other Boerne “master plans,” which help direct the city and its government initiatives. The city plans to host online and in-person opportunities to inform its residents about the propositions before the election.
Boerne voters will get the chance to “address important community needs,” Mayor Tim Handren said in a statement.
Early voting runs from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4.
ricardo.delgado@express-news.net | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Boerne-looks-to-boost-parks-roads-with-36-17381851.php | 2022-08-18T15:35:06 | 0 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Boerne-looks-to-boost-parks-roads-with-36-17381851.php |
Greenwood house fire leaves man in critical condition; multiple Dobermans rescued
A house fire in Greenwood left the homeowner in critical condition, according to the Bargersville Fire Department (BFD) Wednesday. Several Doberman Pinschers were rescued from the house, which is the site of Chahal Kennel, in good condition.
The fire department responded about 4 p.m. to the house in the 6600 block of Travis Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found a 6000 square foot house with heavy smoke, according to a news release. Firefighters entered the home to battle the blaze but were ordered to evacuate after 10 minutes due to spreading fire and a lack of sustained water supply.
Additional fire crews began establishing a water supply from a nearby pond, which created delays in getting enough water to the fire, the department's release said. Once a water supply was established, it took 45 minutes to bring the fire under control.
Some of the homes in the area are built on several acres, which means the distance from the fire hydrant to the house can be farther than usual and make it difficult for firefighters to get water to buildings, Deputy Fire Chief Michael Pruitt explained.
Bargersville Police officers found the homeowner behind the house in critical condition with injuries from the fire. He was transported to Eskenazi hospital and has not been identified.
Contact Phyllis Cha at pcha@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @phyllischa.
House on Travis Road a total loss, fire officials say
The house was valued at about $800,000 and considered a total loss, according to the fire department. According to its website, Chahal Kennel breeds Doberman Pinschers, all of which were rescued from the house and are being cared for by family members, Pruitt said.
BFD believes the man was the only one at the property at the time of the fire, Pruitt said.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, Pruitt said, but investigators will be on the scene Thursday. The damage was extensive, Pruitt said, making it difficult to say when the investigation will conclude.
This article will update. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/johnson-county/2022/08/18/johnson-county-fire-dobermans-rescued-from-kennel/65408895007/ | 2022-08-18T15:37:11 | 0 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/johnson-county/2022/08/18/johnson-county-fire-dobermans-rescued-from-kennel/65408895007/ |
YUBA CITY, Calif. — Two people who've been missing since Aug. 7 were found dead in a car Wednesday evening.
The woman was identified as 29-year-old Janette Pantoja. The man was tentatively identified as 36-year-old Juan Almanza Zavala, the Yuba City Police Department and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said in a joint statement.
The car was found on Highway 20 and Poker Flats Road after someone called the Gridley Police Department reporting a crash. There were skid marks on the shoulder of the highway and the car was covered in brush, making it hard to see from the highway.
California Highway Patrol and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area and found both people outside the car. CHP is investigating the crash.
Zavala and Pantoja told their families they were going to Hot August Nights in Reno Nevada, which is a classic car event. They were planning to return on the night of Aug. 7.
Zavala's family reported him missing to the Yuba City Police Department and Pantoja's family reported her missing to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.
Law enforcement used cell phone information to try to locate the couple in rural Nevada County and searched the area where their phones were last located, but could not find the car.
Watch more on ABC10: Elk Grove student survives alleged homicide attempt at high school | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/missing-couple-found-dead-canevada-county/103-b97ad9f3-9063-4190-a765-b53cb5f11ae1 | 2022-08-18T15:37:37 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/missing-couple-found-dead-canevada-county/103-b97ad9f3-9063-4190-a765-b53cb5f11ae1 |
It's been a busy season for baby cheetah cubs at the Metro Richmond Zoo.
19 cheetah cubs from 6 different litters have been born at the zoo this year, the greatest number of cubs born in a single year in the zoo’s history.
The cubs were born in March, June, July, and August to cheetah moms Khari, Naya, Vaila, Rey, Zola, and Wiay after a gestation period of about 93 days.
"It's very exciting. We have cubs at all different ages: the youngest are 2 weeks old up to over 5 months," Jim Andelin, zoo director, said on Thursday.
The cubs were born at the zoo’s Cheetah Conservation Center, a private specialized area with 19 habitats dedicated solely to the protection of cheetahs. The center is on zoo grounds but not open for the public.
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Naya and her 6 cubs (4 males and 2 females) who are almost five month old were recently moved to the cheetah habitat in the zoo for guests to see.
"They're so playful, running all over the yard and wrestling," Andelin said. "There are very few zoos that are able to display baby cheetahs. Most of the time they're born in conservation centers not open to the public. We were able to take a litter and bring them into the zoo so the public can see the young cubs and watch them grow. It's very exciting."
During their first few months of life, the cubs have several vet checkups for weigh-ins, deworming, and essential vaccinations.
The cheetah’s wild population has decreased 93% in the last 120 years, making it Africa’s most endangered big cat. As of today, the cheetah inhabits only 9% of its historic range. Since 2013, 96 cheetahs have been born at the Metro Richmond Zoo.
The Metro Richmond Zoo collaborated with the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) to make recommendations on the breeding. Once the cheetahs can live independently, some will be transferred to other accredited zoos throughout the United States under the direction of the animal management plan. More information at https://www.metrorichmondzoo.com/ | https://richmond.com/news/local/19-cheetah-cubs-born-at-metro-richmond-zoo/article_823ef038-fd7d-5d2d-b5a4-ebc92c139102.html | 2022-08-18T15:39:55 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/19-cheetah-cubs-born-at-metro-richmond-zoo/article_823ef038-fd7d-5d2d-b5a4-ebc92c139102.html |
HERSHEY, Pa. — Traffic on Interstate 81 Thursday morning was slowed down by a pair of escaped pigs.
The wayward swine escaped from a truck that was hauling them as it traveled along I-81 North near Exit 77 (PA 39 Mandala Hill/Hershey) shortly after 7 a.m., according to a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokesperson.
One of the pigs was reportedly struck by a vehicle and had to be euthanized due to its injuries, according to PennDOT.
Traffic in the southbound lanes in the area of the incident was also affected, as drivers -- understandably -- slowed to observe the escaped pigs. This led to a second traffic incident that closed the shoulder of I-81 South at about 8 a.m., according to 511pa.com.
There I-81 South was cleared at about 9:40 a.m., 511pa added.
PennDOT had no further information on the condition of the second pig.
The 511pa traffic map showed a moderate traffic delay on I-81 North and a heavy delay on I-81 South at 10 a.m. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/escaped-pigs-interstate-81-traffic-delay/521-a8f0188e-e8ef-450d-9e5d-91bbddbac6d7 | 2022-08-18T15:40:01 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/escaped-pigs-interstate-81-traffic-delay/521-a8f0188e-e8ef-450d-9e5d-91bbddbac6d7 |
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — The Susquehanna Township Public Works Department is aware and has been monitoring the flow of what appears to be raw sewage in Asylum Run, according to the Susquehanna Township Police Department.
Chief of Police and Borough Manager Joseph N. Hogarth told FOX43 in a statement that Susquehanna Township received complaints yesterday that the nearby creek had a sewer smell.
After going to investigate, the borough found raw sewage coming from a storm water pipe indicating a sewer line break, specifically in the East Harrisburg Cemetery, which belongs to Penbrook Borough.
"Once the break was found, we set up a bypass pump from one manhole to the next to stop the flow into the break," Hogarth said. "This morning, an excavation crew started working on digging the site to replace the broken pipe."
Hogarth says he expects this work to be done "around lunch" on Thursday.
Penbrook Borough also brought in an environmental clean up company to restore the creek in the area of the discharge.
Questions should be directed to the Penbrook Borough Administrative Office at (717) 232-3733. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/raw-sewage-flowing-in-susquehanna-township-dauphin-county/521-bada9c38-c235-4ca1-8666-8663982dda22 | 2022-08-18T15:40:07 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/raw-sewage-flowing-in-susquehanna-township-dauphin-county/521-bada9c38-c235-4ca1-8666-8663982dda22 |
ODESSA, Texas — The Ector County Independent School District has partnered up with the Acceleration Academy to help out high school students get their diplomas.
Many of these students were dealing with family and personal problems, which lead to them dropping out. The program does not only help these kids get their diplomas, but also allows them to get the one on one help they need to succeed.
The program strays away from traditional schooling and instead uses a more flexible, and personalized approach with a blend of online and in person classes.
"My experience here overall was really excellent like they helped me graduate of course, and obviously its not in a hall full of students where I get anxiety or I'm on the computer by myself and I finish at my own pace," Said, Mariah Arriaga, an Accelerate Academy Graduate. "It really helped me a lot get to where I am now. My next step in life is to go to college. I have always wanted to be a nurse ever since I was little. So I've always wanted to pursue in the medical field. I would like to go to OC."
Like all public school programs, it is free of charge. It is open to students up to the age of 21 who want to earn their high school diplomas. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/acceleration-academy-helps-drop-out-students-earn-their-diplomas/513-73367be0-7ae6-42e4-804d-1e91f3b9d6b3 | 2022-08-18T15:47:08 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/acceleration-academy-helps-drop-out-students-earn-their-diplomas/513-73367be0-7ae6-42e4-804d-1e91f3b9d6b3 |
MIDLAND, Texas — Update: The Mulberry Draw near De Zavala Elementary has reopened.
The City of Midland has closed several low-water crossings due to rain.
Some of the low-water crossings closed include the Mulberry Draw, Midland Draw and Scharbauer Draw. These closures will impact school drop-off at multiple Midland ISD schools.
At the Mulberry Draw, it will effect drop-off at De Zavala Elementary, while at the Scharbauer and Midland Draws, it will impact access for Legacy Freshman High School and Pease Elementary.
The roadways will open back up as soon as the conditions get better. We will continue to update this story as we receive more information. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/city-of-midland-closes-several-low-water-crossings-due-to-rain/513-5c86fcb8-7c52-4c7f-9b71-2da2acf03703 | 2022-08-18T15:47:13 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/city-of-midland-closes-several-low-water-crossings-due-to-rain/513-5c86fcb8-7c52-4c7f-9b71-2da2acf03703 |
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) – Main Street Elizabethton announced its holiday lineup on Thursday, naming the year’s theme and dates.
According to a release from the organization, the parade will take place Saturday, December 10 at 6 p.m.
This year’s parade theme is “Silver Bells” and will honor the Elizabethton Senior Center as the annual Grand Marshal.
“Everyone loves Christmas traditions,” said Main Street Director Courtney Bean. “The holiday season brings out that warm, nostalgic feeling where we gather with family and our community. This is why we are especially excited to honor The Elizabethton Senior Center to celebrate this wonderful resource and gathering space for our community.”
Alongside the year’s musical theme, Main Street Elizabethton encouraged participants to decorate their floats to represent vintage styles and music.
Float applicants must submit their entry online or call Main Street at 423-213-0090. The deadline for application is December 4. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/main-street-elizabethton-announces-christmas-parade-timeline/ | 2022-08-18T15:47:13 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/main-street-elizabethton-announces-christmas-parade-timeline/ |
MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas — The Midland County Tax Office will be closed until further notice due to maintenance issues caused by rain.
The facilities team will be working on fixing the issues as soon as possible.
We will continue to update this story as we receive more information. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-county-tax-office-closed-due-to-maintenance-issues-caused-by-rain/513-8048840b-bfa3-45bd-82b9-69280fa7e37b | 2022-08-18T15:47:15 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-county-tax-office-closed-due-to-maintenance-issues-caused-by-rain/513-8048840b-bfa3-45bd-82b9-69280fa7e37b |
The Coconino County Flood Control District is seeking up to $150 million in federal funding to mitigate post-fire flooding in the Flagstaff area.
The district hosted a conference Wednesday with local elected officials and representatives of the federal government, including Rep. Tom O’Halleran and Forest Service Deputy Chief Chris French, to discuss the need for the large sum.
While some funding has already been secured through federal agencies, the district hopes legislative partners will be able to supply the money through congressional means before the end of November.
This season alone, Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff have endured 40 major flood events that have triggered more than 150 National Weather Service flash flood warnings, prompted three emergency declarations and impacted more than 1,500 homes for a total valuation of roughly $1.3 billion. The flood events have also forced multiple closures of state highways 89 and 180, which are important thoroughfares for regional commuting and commerce.
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This pattern of flooding is largely the result of the Pipeline Fire, which impacted at least nine watersheds in the county and increased their potential for discharge of rainfall by almost 2,000%. In some places, watersheds are now discharging water at rates of up to 5,000 cubic feet per second -- about half the flow of the Colorado River -- into neighborhoods and highways located downstream.
Flows of this magnitude have been induced by “normal” rainfall, said district administrator Lucinda Andreani, a fact that highlights the severity of the situation.
Put it all together, and the county is in “the crosshairs of disaster,” said Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman.
In response, the county has produced and distributed 820,000 sandbags, placed 4 miles of concrete barrier, prepared mitigation exhibits for about 1,000 properties and continually removed about 8,000 truckloads of flood sediment and debris from existing mitigation. Before the season is over, the county expects to spend more than $7 million in flooding response.
Despite the response, area residents are still experiencing repeated flooding and persistent threats to their life and property -- with weeks of a rainy monsoon season remaining.
It’s a situation that Horstman recently described as “beyond the capabilities” of both the city and county. Federal funds are thus “critical” to a timely and meaningful address of the crisis, Andreani said.
“If you look at the Flood Control District’s budget, it’s not even 10% of what’s needed," she said
Without federal funds, she added, “there is no way we’re going to get through this. Neither the city nor the county nor the district have the resources to do this.”
It's not for lack of trying. The county Board of Supervisors has transferred at least $5 million out of the general fund to the flood control budget. Both the county and the city have each secured $2 million in funding from the federal sources and submitted applications for greater sums. The City of Flagstaff has introduced a bond measure to provide $26 million for storm water system improvements, but Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy said even this is “simply not enough.”
If the requested $150 million is obtained, the funds would be distributed across three main areas of mitigation: on-forest watershed restoration, flood mitigation in neighborhoods and highway drainage improvements.
On-forest watershed restoration mostly includes restoration of alluvial fans that help slow flood waters and prevent sediment from flowing downstream, a technique that has been employed with demonstrable success in other areas such as Spruce Wash in the Museum Fire scar. The work would be performed in partnership with engineering firm Natural Channel Design (NCD).
“We’re looking at a huge area we have to work on,” said Allen Haden, president of NCD.
According to his presentation on Wednesday, the district hopes to pursue four new major watershed restoration projects spanning about 300 acres of alluvial fans and 1,000 new grade control features. In addition, they have also identified a need for expansion and repair of five existing alluvial fans as well as enhanced infiltration structures that can help floodwaters “percolate” into the deep, porous cinders near Cinder Lake landfill.
The proposed improvements would take place in both the eastern and western watersheds impacted by the Pipeline Fire.
Flood mitigation in neighborhoods includes stabilization or expansion of existing concrete channels and culverts in flood corridors, as well as new flood mitigation in at least three flood corridors — Peaceful Way, Copeland Lane and Government Tank — that have no mitigation.
It would also include “dry well” and “injection well” systems in Doney Park that would help reduce deep-water “ponding” in the neighborhood, said Chris Dusza, vice president of Civiltec Engineering.
Dusza noted that flood mitigation in neighborhoods, while an important piece of the puzzle, “makes no sense” without on-forest mitigation -- which is crucial to reducing sediment and debris that can quickly overwhelm channels and culverts. On-forest mitigation can also help control shifting flood paths and provide a “higher degree of predictability,” Dusza said.
Even so, the plan would be to approach neighborhood mitigation with “much more robust infrastructure,” Dusza said, citing improvements that would elevate current capacities from a few hundred cubic feet per second to 2,000.
Bigger and better is also the plan for highway drainage improvements, said Rick Schuller, engineering manager with Woodson Engineering.
These improvements would address culverts, channels and detention basins adjacent to highways 89 and 180 to reduce the likelihood of overtopping floodwaters and consequent highway closures.
“Things are undersized now,” Schuller said. “We’re going to have bigger [rain] events.”
Schuller noted that highway drainage improvements work best in conjunction with on-forest mitigation -- much like neighborhood mitigation
“The debris is really the challenge,” he said.
Naturally, the first challenge is the funding itself. Two areas where Andreani expects to see funding are from the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a sub-service of the Department of Agriculture.
Both sources have been “historically prominent” in providing funding for similar needs, Andreani said, though they do have limitations on where and how funds are used, as well as substantial “backlogs” of funding requests.
“That's what the congressman [O’Halleran] and our two senators [Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema] are focused on,” Andreani said. “They've been working very proactively with their colleagues to identify that funding for EWPP.”
Finding the particular funding could come through a congressional bill, O’Halleran said.
“In all likelihood there will be an emergency supplemental this year for a multitude of issues across the country that will gain support within the Congress,” he said.
The needs of Flagstaff would be lumped in with other places, such as Kentucky, that have also experienced catastrophic flooding to motivate deeper funding for programs like EWPP that could find their way to Flagstaff.
O’Halleran said it might also be possible to identify eligible funds in other areas.
“We have already put money in some of the bills that have been introduced over the past few years,” he said, citing the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the recent Inflation Reduction Act as pieces of legislation that may contain funds Flagstaff can claim.
O’Halleran also recognized that time is of the essence.
“We're going to try to get it done by the end of November,” he said. “That's our time frame. Otherwise, it’s going to go into a new Congress.”
But $150 million is a big ask, Andreani recognized, and it doesn’t even include the myriad costs of forest restoration and thinning that is necessary to help prevent further fires and flooding — a strategy that Andreani said must be a “key priority” moving forward.
“Right now our focus has to be relieving suffering,” she said. “We have a lot we’re asking for. But the cost of not doing this is so much higher.” | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/coconino-county-presses-feds-for-150-million-to-address-flooding/article_15307638-1e8b-11ed-9397-cf44e47bca38.html | 2022-08-18T15:52:08 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/coconino-county-presses-feds-for-150-million-to-address-flooding/article_15307638-1e8b-11ed-9397-cf44e47bca38.html |
The regular season for soccer is kicking off this week, and Northern Arizona is slated to host Utah State and Utah Tech today and Sunday, respectively.
Northern Arizona is coming off two exhibition matches that allowed them to find rhythm and play around with lineups.
The preseason was important, with 15 newcomers joining the squad.
Through both exhibition matches, all three goalkeepers -- Trinity Corcoran, Natalie Manzo and Ashley Williams -- saw playing time for the Lumberjacks.
Senior forward Taylor Gomez made her return to the pitch after rehabbing from an injury and quickly found success. She checked into Sunday night's match against Hawaii scored off a free kick right outside the box from a Hawaii foul.
Utah State was picked to finish fifth in the Mountain West in the preseason coaches' poll, after ending last season with a 13-6-3 record.
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The Aggies made it to the semifinal round in the Mountain West championships, falling 2-1 to New Mexico in overtime.
The Lumberjacks and the Aggies last met in August of 2021 -- which was also the former's season opener. The Lumberjacks ultimately fell, 2-1, to the Aggies, putting up eight shots on goal. Utah State holds the series advantage at 5-3.
Utah Tech will head to Flagstaff for the first time in program history after opening their season tonight at Colorado State. The Trailblazers were picked to finish eighth in the Western Athletic Conference preseason coaches' poll.
The Blazers finished the 2021 season with a 6-13-1 record.
Northern Arizona and Utah Tech last met in St.George, Utah, in September of 2021, with the Lumberjacks prevailing 2-0. The Lumberjacks' top-scoring returner, Maddie Shafer, scored the first goal of the match in the 60th minute, leading to the Lumberjacks' first road win of the 2021 season. Corcoran made two saves while Manzo came in and made four saves.
Today's match is set to start at 7 p.m. and Sunday's is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-soccer-hosts-opening-matches-this-week/article_23c73708-1e50-11ed-ae2d-23286ece6635.html | 2022-08-18T15:52:14 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-soccer-hosts-opening-matches-this-week/article_23c73708-1e50-11ed-ae2d-23286ece6635.html |
PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — Heroism can often come in many shapes and sizes.
Six Rome High School football players displayed their courage on Friday morning after a woman, who a witness believed was in her 50s, was trapped in her car following an accident in the middle of an intersection, according to a viral Facebook post from Luis Goya.
Goya, an educator at Rome City Schools, said he heard a loud noise at an intersection while in front of the school on his morning duty. While running towards the intersection, he says he noticed a wreck involving two cars.
As the lady was trapped in her car, Goya noticed that she couldn't get out.
"Smoke started to come out of the car, and fluid started to spill everywhere in the intersection," Goya recounted in his Facebook post. "The door was jammed and in terrible shape."
While he was on the phone with the 911 dispatcher, Goya said he witnessed "something amazing."
A group of football players from Rome High School who had witnessed the incident ran to the car and started helping the lady, Goya said. He said that the players started using their strength to pry the door open so the woman could be released.
The students were named as Cesar Parker, Treyvon Adams, Antwiion Carey, Messiah Daniels, Tyson Brown and Alto Moore, according to the Rome City Schools' Facebook page.
After a few seconds of maneuvering the door back and forth, they were able to open the door and helped the woman get out of her car, Goya said. Although she was still shaking and panicked, Goya said that the players gave her comfort.
"The Rome High School football players really showed up today," Goya said on his Facebook post that now has over 6,000 likes and 3,000 shares. "They went above and beyond to help this lady without hesitation."
According to an incident report acquired by 11Alive, the accident occurred at Veteran's Memorial Highway at approximately 8 a.m. A 16-year-old was cited with a failure to yield while turning left after an officer reviewed surveillance video from the intersection's camera, the Rome Police Department said. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/high-school-football-players-pull-woman-out-smoking-car/85-de51f5c7-1053-467a-a74e-c4925cb3d57f | 2022-08-18T15:55:10 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/high-school-football-players-pull-woman-out-smoking-car/85-de51f5c7-1053-467a-a74e-c4925cb3d57f |
DALLAS — A new video obtained by WFAA shows another angle of the fatal shooting of a coach at a youth football game in Lancaster over the weekend.
In the video you see the moments before coach Mike Hickmon was shot.
Witnesses say a person wearing a hat and white sneakers in the video is former NFL cornerback, Aqib Talib. They say he walked across the field first to the opposing side.
Coach Heith Mayes witnessed what happened.
”He ran across the field and ran over on our sideline and got in the ref's face,” said Mays.
Multiple witnesses say Aqib Talib was the one who started the brawl because he was upset about referees.
"He threw the first punch, and you see Mike trying to defend himself," said Mays.
Then you can hear the gunshots. Lancaster police arrested Aqib Talib’s brother, Yaqub Talib, saying he killed coach Hickmon.
In an arrest affidavit, police say this all started over an argument about the score of the game but doesn’t say who started the fight.
Aqib Talib’s lawyer, Frank Perez, issued a statement saying his client "was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devasted over this terrible loss of life. He would like to convey his condolences to the family of the victim and to everyone who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy.”
The Talib brothers are no strangers to law enforcement and have been investigated for multiple shootings, including in 2016 when Dallas police believe Aqib Talib was shot at the V Live strip club. Two other people were also shot that night.
Aqib Talib and his brother were also investigated in 2015 after someone fired a gun inside a downtown Dallas night club. Dallas police say the brothers had gotten into a fight.
Police say they couldn’t find enough evidence to charge them with any crimes.
But now, Yaqub Talib is charged with murder while police continue to investigate if any other charges will be filed. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/witnesses-say-aqib-talib-started-brawl-led-to-fatal-shooting-of-youth-coach/287-e313872d-e507-4064-9652-1ea858f6a0d4 | 2022-08-18T15:55:16 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/witnesses-say-aqib-talib-started-brawl-led-to-fatal-shooting-of-youth-coach/287-e313872d-e507-4064-9652-1ea858f6a0d4 |
A 55-year-old Lincoln man was arrested Wednesday evening after he chased and threatened two people near 11th and N streets as they celebrated a personal milestone near a downtown bus stop, according to police.
The victims told officers they had been celebrating when Derrick Waller, who was sitting near the bus stop, told them to settle down, Lincoln Police Capt. Todd Kocian said.
An argument ensued between Waller and the pair. Then, the 55-year-old retrieved a knife from his backpack and chased the two as he hurled threats, Kocian said.
Waller denied any involvement in the incident when contacted by police near 10th and N streets, Kocian said.
Police found a knife with a 10-inch blade in his bag, Kocian said, along with a 1-inch-by-1-inch bag of suspected fentanyl.
Officers arrested Waller on suspicion of terroristic threats, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony and possession of a controlled substance.
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He was taken to the Lancaster County jail. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/knife-wielding-lincoln-man-chased-people-near-downtown-bus-stop-police-say/article_68a27bc5-e743-501e-8b73-d651d5e6e9e0.html | 2022-08-18T15:55:42 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/knife-wielding-lincoln-man-chased-people-near-downtown-bus-stop-police-say/article_68a27bc5-e743-501e-8b73-d651d5e6e9e0.html |
The North Texas Tollway Authority is looking for the owner of a box of red and white football jerseys they say were fumbled onto the Sam Rayburn Tollway in McKinney.
"With football season just weeks away, we want to help keep the losing team’s Friday night lights on and return these jerseys for the homecoming they deserve," the NTTA said in a statement.
The NTTA would like some help finding the owner of the jerseys so they can be returned before the start of the upcoming season.
Are the jerseys yours? Please contact mrey@ntta.org with other identifying information to claim these jerseys.
The NTTA said a wedding dress recovered last year was never claimed and will soon go to auction. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/ntta-looking-for-the-owner-of-a-box-of-football-jerseys-fumbled-onto-tollway/3051614/ | 2022-08-18T15:55:51 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/ntta-looking-for-the-owner-of-a-box-of-football-jerseys-fumbled-onto-tollway/3051614/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — An inmate serving a life sentence in prison was found dead at William Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer Tuesday morning.
Anthony J. Gay, 42, was found unresponsive in an open dormitory by other inmates at approximately 5:50 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. By 6:09 a.m., he was pronounced dead.
No signs of trauma or foul play were found through an autopsy conducted after Gay’s death. The cause of Gay’s death has not been determined.
Gay had been staying at Donaldson following a murder conviction out of Autauga County in 1999.
The Alabama Department of Corrections is investigating the circumstances surrounding Gay’s death. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/inmate-found-dead-in-open-dormitory-at-donaldson-correctional-facility/ | 2022-08-18T16:03:15 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/inmate-found-dead-in-open-dormitory-at-donaldson-correctional-facility/ |
BRADENTON, Fla. — A Bradenton man was arrested for shooting his 38-year-old fiancé in both legs Wednesday morning, according to police.
Jason Smith, 44, was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and is currently in custody at the Sarasota County jail, Bradenton police wrote in a statement.
Authorities said that Smith's fiancé called police just before 11:30 a.m. to report that she had been shot in the leg, according to a news release.
When a Bradenton Police Department detective arrived at the area of 37th Street Court West and 41st Avenue West, the officer noticed that woman had been shot in both legs, police reported. The detective was able to apply tourniquets as they waited for EMS.
Police say an arrest warrant for Smith was issued. Around 4:30 a.m. Thursday, detectives were able to locate Smith in a hotel in Sarasota.
Smith's fiancé remains in the hospital, police say.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 941-875-2890. To remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000, call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous E-Tip through manateecrimestoppers.com. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/jason-whitehill-smith-fiance-shooting/67-a194cb2c-1659-49fe-985e-6a3a9755554e | 2022-08-18T16:29:43 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/jason-whitehill-smith-fiance-shooting/67-a194cb2c-1659-49fe-985e-6a3a9755554e |
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A 27-year-old Lakeland man was arrested and charged with five counts of attempted murder after allegedly shooting at his former business partner's home on Wednesday, according to the sheriff's office.
Victims at the scene say they believe Michael Stribling was upset about his business partner's decision to leave the company, the sheriff's office wrote in a statement.
According to deputies, Stribling arrived at his former business partner's home with a rifle 20 minutes after the former partner returned to a work van.
No one was hurt during the shooting. However, one person was hit in the arm by shrapnel, but refused treatment, deputies reported. One victim told deputies she heard about six to ten shots.
“The fact that nobody was seriously injured in an attack like this is both astonishing and fortunate," said Sheriff Grady Judd.
"Business partnerships end all the time…but going out and trying to end someone’s life for it while endangering the lives of four other people in the process is completely unhinged.”
According to deputies, several witnesses say they saw Stribling at the scene and reportedly flee in his truck. Deputies say they found Stribling a short time later at his north Lakeland home.
During a search of Stribling’s home, Polk County detectives say they recovered five firearms, ammunition that matched casings found at the scene of the shooting, marijuana, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/michael-stribling-lakeland-attempted-murder/67-775bc6b9-f221-471a-a7bf-f434f4c5dee9 | 2022-08-18T16:29:49 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/michael-stribling-lakeland-attempted-murder/67-775bc6b9-f221-471a-a7bf-f434f4c5dee9 |
SARASOTA, Fla. — Two Sarasota County Sheriff's Office deputies shot and killed a man accused of using a "massive" machete to cut another deputy during an apparent burglary.
Four deputies who were in the area of Richardson Way and Meldon Circle responded just before 9:30 a.m. Thursday to a 911 call on a report of an armed break-in, agency spokesperson Kaitlyn Perez said during a news conference.
A man was sleeping in a small apartment home on a larger property when he woke up to the sound of someone who had entered and was sharpening a machete with a baseball bat, said Perez, who added that the "massive" weapon was about the size of her forearm.
While the man was able to run out of the home, the deputies encountered the alleged burglar who then walked toward them. One of the deputies was critically injured when the machete, at the very least, sliced his hand.
"I pray to God he doesn't lose his fingers or his hand," said Perez, adding later, "He's in rough shape right now, he really is."
Two of the responding deputies then fired their weapons at the alleged attacker, killing him at the scene.
"Any day our officers have to fire their weapons is not a good day," Perez said. The deputy is believed to have been with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office for at least 15 years.
It's not yet known why the man entered the house before the attack. An investigation into the alleged burglary and shooting is ongoing, with more information expected later.
Watch the full news conference below: | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/sarasota-deputy-shooting-machete-attack/67-e641fe3a-43a6-4f15-b6b1-42f2ad9b297c | 2022-08-18T16:29:55 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/sarasota-deputy-shooting-machete-attack/67-e641fe3a-43a6-4f15-b6b1-42f2ad9b297c |
FORT WORTH, Texas — A new trial date has been set for Aaron Dean, the former Fort Worth police officer who fatally shot Atatiana Jefferson at her home in 2019.
Jury selection is now set for Nov. 28 through Dec. 2, and the trial is scheduled to begin Dec. 5, according to a scheduling order from 396th District Court Judge George Gallagher.
Gallagher also ordered a jury questionnaire to be finalized by Nov. 14, and dates for pretrial hearings were set for Nov. 16 and Nov. 18.
The trial, if the schedule remains intact, would start more than three years after Jefferson's death in October 2019.
Dean's trial was originally scheduled to happen this spring, and then again in June, but several setbacks and delays pushed the trial to the latter half of the year.
Dean is charged with murder in Jefferson's death. He fatally shot her while responding to a welfare check at her home, police said.
In June, the judge on the case, David Hagerman, was recused from the case after Dean's attorneys made allegations of bias against Hagerman.
Gallagher was then appointed to the case.
Dean's attorneys, Miles Brissette and Bob Gill, accused Hagerman of having an attitude toward the defense that showed he would not be fair or impartial during proceedings against Dean.
Hagerman declined to recuse himself, referring the request to the Eighth Administrative Judicial Region, where Judge Lee Gabriel presided over the case and decided to recuse Hagerman.
Brissette and Gill had first filed a motion this summer, asking Judge Hagerman for a delay in trial – citing several scheduling conflicts that also involved a bench trial set to begin the same day as the Dean trial.
But on June 3, Hagerman said the defense attorneys failed to prove a conflict with Dean’s scheduled trial date and ruled the trial will begin on June 23.
Hagerman was reportedly testy throughout the delay hearing proceedings, as Brissette and Gill brought up that some of their expert witnesses weren’t going to be available for the trial date due to other commitments. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/aaron-dean-atatiana-jefferson-new-trial-date-set-for-ex-fort-worth-officer-charged-in-atatiana-jeffersons-death/287-e0bc672d-10eb-4099-a23b-717ad1c1e565 | 2022-08-18T16:30:37 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/aaron-dean-atatiana-jefferson-new-trial-date-set-for-ex-fort-worth-officer-charged-in-atatiana-jeffersons-death/287-e0bc672d-10eb-4099-a23b-717ad1c1e565 |
FORT WORTH, Texas — Finally, Billy Bob's stole the pole(s).
An eyesore and nuisance for concertgoers, the Fort Worth-based honkytonk made do on its promise and removed the two large poles from its venue. No more obstructed views.
The pulled poles come as part of several renovations announced back in July. Billy Bob's general manager Marty Travis told WFAA in July that the venue would also lift a portion of the roof, helping improve viewing and sound quality.
Billy Bob's, located in Fort Worth's Stockyards area north of downtown, holds up to 6,000 people and bills itself as the world's largest honkytonk.
The venue has hosted major acts in country music since it opened in 1981, including George Strait, Garth Brooks and George Jones. Billy Bob's, like other music venues, shut down during the initial months of the pandemic, reopening in August 2020.
Randy Rogers, a Billy Bob's regular, was there in July to celebrate the removal of the poles, smashing a guitar into one of them during a ceremony the venue held.
Now, Billy Bob's customers can also enjoy shows to the fullest ... from anywhere in the house. Here's a first look at the renovations:
More Texas headlines: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/billy-bobs-texas-renovations-pole-gone-fort-worth-renovations/287-6492aec2-47a4-427c-a3d6-75aa0d69a204 | 2022-08-18T16:30:43 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/billy-bobs-texas-renovations-pole-gone-fort-worth-renovations/287-6492aec2-47a4-427c-a3d6-75aa0d69a204 |
PENSACOLA, Fla. — Two people have died – including a man reportedly from Dallas – of a bacterial infection after eating raw oysters in Florida, according to the Associated Press.
Both cases involved oysters from Louisiana.
The Pensacola News Journal identified the Dallas man as Rodney Jackson, who was the Director of Business Engagement at Studer Community Institute.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Vibrio bacteria doesn’t make an oyster look, smell, or taste any different. The agency added that about 80,000 people get vibriosis in the U.S. each year, and about 100 people die from it.
The Florida Department of Health told the Associated Press that, in 2022, 26 people have become infected with the bacteria and six of them later died after eating raw shellfish, including oysters. In 2021, 34 people became sick and 10 of those died. In 2020, there were seven deaths among the 36 who became ill.
According to the Pensacola News Journal, Jackson was in Pensacola on Aug. 3 and purchased oysters Maria's Fresh Seafood Market. The newspaper also reported that Jackson's family does not blame the seafood market for his illness.
Jackson originally suffered mild symptoms, but he did not go to the hospital until Sunday, Aug. 7 after he started having trouble breathing, the newspaper reported.
Jackson's obituary says he died on Tuesday, Aug. 9, and his service was scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
For more about the restaurant's response and the Florida's procedures on preparing oysters, read the Pensacola News Journal here.
More Texas headlines: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-man-oyster-dies-pensaola-florida/287-df791838-f961-459e-95a2-06d17d9ffd95 | 2022-08-18T16:30:49 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-man-oyster-dies-pensaola-florida/287-df791838-f961-459e-95a2-06d17d9ffd95 |
DALLAS — The former chief of police for the City of Mesquite has been named as the new chief of police for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).
DART announced its selection of Charles Cato on Thursday after conducting "an extensive national search."
As DART's chief of police, Cato will lead a team of more than 250 licensed peace officers, as well as 110 fare enforcement officers and 67 support staff. He has nearly 33 years of law enforcement and leadership experience.
"We are very excited to welcome a compassionate leader and true public servant like Chief Cato to the DART team," Nadine S. Lee, DART president & CEO said.
"His exemplary background in law enforcement, as well as his experience in developing and expanding cross-agency collaborations, provides our police department and the entire agency fresh perspectives for enhancing security in the transit system as we continue to serve the residents of the North Texas region."
Before serving as Mesquite's chief of police, Cato worked as the first assistant chief of police at the Dallas Police Department, which is second in command.
"I am honored to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead the dedicated women and men of the DART Police Department," Cato said. "I look forward to continuing the DART Police Department's community oriented policing efforts so that we can build and expand on the strong bonds we have developed with both our service area cities, as well as the citizens we serve. Together we will protect the communities we serve, and the DART passengers that rely on our services every day."
Cato will being his duties as DART's chief of police on Sept. 6.
More Texas headlines: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dart-police-chief-charles-cato/287-e0149383-bdea-4586-9a71-35d0fbde1878 | 2022-08-18T16:30:55 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dart-police-chief-charles-cato/287-e0149383-bdea-4586-9a71-35d0fbde1878 |
SCIOTO COUNTY, OH (WOWK) – One person has died and another was injured in a crash this morning in Scioto County.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, troopers received a call around 7:50 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022 involving a two-vehicle crash on State Route 823 just south of the Lucasville Minford Road exit.
Troopers say one person died at the scene, and a second person was taken by ambulance for medical treatment due to injuries.
Names are not being released at this time until next of kin are notified, troopers say. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/1-dead-1-injured-in-scioto-county-ohio-crash/ | 2022-08-18T16:33:24 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/1-dead-1-injured-in-scioto-county-ohio-crash/ |
GRAYSON, KY (WOWK) – An 11-year-old was struck by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon in Carter County, Kentucky.
According to the Grayson Police Department, the incident happened around 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 while the child was crossing the street in the 300 block of West Main Street.
Police say the extent of the child’s injuries are unknown at this time. The GPD also says the driver is not suspected of being impaired.
The incident remains under investigation by the Grayson Police Department. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/11-year-old-struck-by-vehicle-in-grayson-kentucky/ | 2022-08-18T16:33:30 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/11-year-old-struck-by-vehicle-in-grayson-kentucky/ |
Port Canaveral expects record revenue, $76 million profit in next budget year
Port Canaveral is projecting a record-shattering $153.96 million in operating revenue for the budget year that begins Oct. 1, boosted largely by an increase in cruise ship calls, having larger ships based there, and the debut of a sixth cruise line — Marella — in 2023.
The port also projects a $76.76 million profit for the coming year, which will be used by the port for a range of capital projects — from upgrades to cruise and cargo berths to improvements to campground and fishing facilities.
Port Canaveral Chief Financial Officer Michael Poole detailed the port's proposed 2022-23 budget to Canaveral Port Authority commissioners this week, and the reaction was positive among commissioners.
Port Commissioner Wayne Justice said he is "very excited about the fiscal year 2023 proposed budget," as the port prepares to close its current budget year with "the most revenues in our history."
"This should allow us to invest as much as $76 million next year in our infrastructure and, thus, in our community," Justice said.
MSC's plans for port:New MSC ship coming to Port Canaveral; cruise business gets stronger; mask requirements eased
Norwegian ship deal:Norwegian Cruise Line signs new deal with Port Canaveral involving Escape, Getaway, Prima
Port Authority Secretary/Treasurer Robyn Hattaway compliment port officials for "the fiscal conservative management we've had," including initiatives to "aggressively pay down debt" from past projects.
In addition to the gains in cruise operations, some of projected profit for 2022-23 is the result of $18.29 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act grant money, plus $22.31 million in federal and state grants for capital projects the port will receive in the 2022-23 budget year. The port calls its profit the "change in net position."
The overall projected operating revenue of $153.96 million for next budget year compares with estimated $122.31 million for the current budget year that ends Sept. 30, which would be the highest to date for the port. Next year's revenue would be a 25.9% increase from this year.
Jump in cruise operations
Cruise revenue — including from cruise ships and cruise-related parking — is estimated to be $124.48 million for 2022-23, up 32.1% from $94.25 million in the current budget year.
The 2022-23 revenue is based on 909 calls by multiday cruise ships, including 810 home-port calls and 99 port-of-call stops by ships based at other ports. There will be an increase of 112 home-port calls in 2022-23, compared with the current 2021-22 budget year.
Port Canaveral Chief Executive Officer John Murray said the port will have a record of 13 home-ported cruise ships in the coming winter.
This is the breakdown of ship visits by cruise line:
- Carnival: 264 home-port calls, with year-round service for the Liberty, Freedom and Mardi Gras, plus seasonal service with the Magic.
- Disney: 157 home-port calls, with year-round service for the Wish and Fantasy.
- Marella: 22 home-port calls, with seasonal service for the Discovery. Marella will debut at Port Canaveral next April. Initially, Marella's weeklong cruises will be open only to travelers who fly to Melbourne from Europe on flights by TUI Airways, an affiliate company.
- MSC: 73 home-port calls, with year-round service for the Meraviglia (then replaced during the year by the Seaside). MSC also plans to have 15 port-of-call stops.
- Norwegian: 63 home-port calls, with seasonal service for the Getaway, Escape and Prima. Norwegian also plans to have 11 port-of-call stops.
- Royal Caribbean: 231 home-port calls, with year-round service for the Independence of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas (then replaced during the year by the Wonder of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship), plus seasonal service with the Jewel of the Seas. Royal Caribbean also plans to have 58 port-of-call stops.
"It's an exciting lineup" of cruise ships, Murray said, including four of the world's newest cruise ships — Carnival's Mardi Gras, Disney's Wish, Norwegian's Prima and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.
"The numbers do look good for next fiscal year, but it didn't just happen," Murray said. "During the pandemic, we spent a lot of time with our cruise line partners, looking at opportunities for the future. We have more ships, larger ships, and that's all starting to show in our performance data."
Murray said the total number of cabins on Port Canaveral-based ships is up 32% from 2019.
Murray said the port's cruise ships generally now are operating at an average of 100% of their double-occupancy capacity, and that's what the port is using to arrive at its 2022-23 budget numbers.
"The ships are packed, because people want to get out" on vacation, Murray said. "It's still one of the most economical forms of vacation that somebody can take. It's strong demand. Once you're on the ship, you're on the ship, and you don't have to worry about anything else. You're on vacation."
Murray also noted that there is pent-up demand from frequent cruisers who had no sailings out of Port Canaveral from mid-March 2020 to the end of July 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The port had been budgeting the ships to operate at 50% of double-occupancy capacity for October through December 2021, then at 75% for January through September 2022.
Pre-pandemic, ships routinely were exceeding 100% double-occupancy capacity because many cabins were occupied by three or four passengers, particularly on cruises that have a large number of families with children sailing.
So Poole said budgeting at 100% capacity for 2022-23 is a conservative estimate for the port.
Victory Casino Cruises' gambling ship, the Victory 1, also offers twice-daily excursions from Port Canaveral, Wednesdays through Sundays.
During public comment at Wednesday's Port Authority meeting, Victory CEO Lester Bullock applauded the port for its financial outlook, saying: "I love the numbers. That's really great."
Three other major businesses
Other major business lines contributing to the port's operating revenue include:
- Cargo: Projected revenue of $18.57 million in 2022-23, up from $17.73 million in 2021-22. This includes $14.05 million in port fees and $4.52 million in rent paid by cargo-related tenants. Major cargo commodities at the port include petroleum, lumber, slag, limestone, granite, salt, space-related cargo, fertilizer, juice and frozen foods.
- Non-cargo leases: Projected revenue of $4.50 million in 2022-23, up from $4.35 million in 2021-22.
- Parks and recreation: Projected revenue of $4.25 million in 2022-23, up from $4.09 million in 2021-22, with most of the revenue coming from the port's Jetty Park.
Despite revenue increases in all four major businesses lines for 2022-23, Port Canaveral is projected to fall just short of the profit it expects in the current 2021-22 budget year of $77.05 million.
That's largely because the port received more American Rescue Plan Act money in the 2021-22 budget year ($38.60 million) than it will receive in the 2022-23 budget year ($18.29 million).
The money — part of a total $72.21 million ARPA allocation to Port Canaveral — is distributed monthly through the Florida Department of Transportation. The distribution began in the 2020-21 budget year and ends during the 2022-23 budget.
Higher expenses
Poole said expenses at the port will increase from $97.12 million in the current budget year to $108.59 million in the budget year that begins Oct. 1.
He said that reflects "the full resumption of cruise operations" following the halt of cruises during the height of the pandemic, as well as rising prices.
Poole cited increased costs for materials, supplies, fuel, professional services, custodial services, and maintenance of facilities and equipment.
"There are increases to service contracts, personnel costs, promotions, public safety, insurance and utilities," Poole said.
Surpassing projections
For the current budget year that ends Sept. 30, the numbers are better than expected, based on the port's projections before the budget year began.
- Operating revenue: $122.31 million vs. $109.15 million initially projected.
- Operating expenses: $97.12 million vs. $97.44 million initially projected.
- Profit: $77.05 million vs. $68.46 million initially projected. These figures include nonoperating revenue from ARPA grants, as well as other federal and state grants.
Capital projects
Poole said the port plans to spend $76.20 million in the 2022-23 budget year on capital projects, with about $53 million of that coming from cash generated by port operations, $17 million from state grants and $6 million from federal grants.
Major capital expenditures include completion of North Cargo Berth 3; road, parking and park improvements; and purchase of a new mobile harbor crane for cargo operations.
By category of capital projects, the port will spend:
- $33.9 million on cargo operations.
- $15.9 million on general infrastructure.
- $14.7 million on cruise operations.
- $9.9 million on parks and recreation, with projects at Jetty Park and Ketchum Park
- $1.2 million on real estate, such as heating/ventilation/air-conditioning systems and roof projects.
The port's five-year plan includes a total of $337.27 million in projects through the 2026-27 budget year. The biggest expenses in the plan are related to cruise terminals and a new North Cargo Berth 4.
Increased fees, parking cost
Port Canaveral is proposing 3% increases in what it charges ship companies for wharfage, dockage and line-handling fees.
It also is proposing having cruise passengers pay the 7% sales tax on parking fees, rather than the current practice of the port picking up the sales tax costs.
The port charges $17 for every day a cruise passenger parks at Port Canaveral, so the new cost will be $18.19 a day, when tax is included.
Port commissioners will vote on those proposals and the overall port budget at the commission's Sept. 28 meeting.
Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @bydaveberman.
Support local journalism and journalists like me. Subscribe today. | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/port-canaveral-projects-154-m-revenue-76-million-profit-2022-23/10345677002/ | 2022-08-18T16:35:53 | 1 | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/port-canaveral-projects-154-m-revenue-76-million-profit-2022-23/10345677002/ |
The restrictions on Hessen Cassel between Rudisill Boulevard and McKinnie Avenue during gas-line installation have been extended through Tuesday, the city of Fort Wayne said today.
For questions or to report problems, contact the city's right of way department at 427-6155. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/hessen-cassel-limits-extended/article_f774e3b8-1f07-11ed-8532-2f8a110f8e09.html | 2022-08-18T16:35:58 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/hessen-cassel-limits-extended/article_f774e3b8-1f07-11ed-8532-2f8a110f8e09.html |
The office of Gov. Eric J. Holcomb issued the following today:
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner joined Lilly Endowment Inc. to announce the state’s largest-ever financial investment in literacy, expanding Indiana’s commitment to support literacy development for Hoosier students. This combined investment from the state and Lilly Endowment of up to $111 million will support early literacy development using proven teaching strategies aligned with the Science of Reading.
The state will:
- Support the deployment of instructional coaches to schools throughout Indiana;
- Offer stipends to teachers who participate in professional development focused on the Science of Reading;
- Provide targeted support for students who need the most help in improving their reading skills; and
- Create a literacy center focused on Science of Reading strategies.
Lilly Endowment has approved a grant of up to $60 million for this effort. These efforts will support the state’s goal of having 95 percent of Indiana’s students achieve a passage rate on IREAD-3 by 2027.
“Lilly Endowment’s incredible investment today represents a long-term commitment to Indiana’s long-term success,” said Governor Holcomb. “Reading is fundamental to each student’s lifelong opportunities, and it’s foundational to the core of our state’s future. This immense investment will make an enduring impact on our youngest generation of Hoosiers, empowering them with fundamental skills that they will carry with them throughout their lives."
The stakes are high because more Indiana students must read well in order to support their long-term academic success and the success of the state’s future. Results from Indiana’s statewide third grade reading assessment, IREAD-3, indicate that nearly one in five Hoosier students (18.4 percent) have not yet mastered foundational reading skills by the end of grade three. These foundational skills set the groundwork for more robust reading comprehension, which is essential for future learning in later grades and throughout life.
More concerning is the fact that the most recent scores from the state’s summative assessment for grades three through eight (ILEARN) and NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) – tools which measure deeper reading proficiency – indicate that even more Indiana students will need additional support in order to read and comprehend increasingly complex materials, conduct research and write effectively.
In 2022, only 40.7 percent of Indiana third graders and 41.1 percent of Indiana fourth graders passed the English/Language Arts portion of ILEARN. Learning gaps in reading proficiency persist as demonstrated by 2019 NAEP results: only 17 percent of Black students, 24 percent of Hispanic students and 24 percent of students from low-income households scored proficient or better. “Far too few Indiana third graders have the necessary reading skills that they will need for future academic and life success,” said N. Clay Robbins, chairman and CEO. “Although we understand that many factors affect reading achievement, we are compelled by the research showing that Science of Reading strategies can help all students learn to read better and address equity gaps in reading. Knowing the important contributions teachers make every day in their classrooms, we want to make sure they are fully supported in this important work to help students learn to read well.”
Lilly Endowment’s grant, in addition to IDOE’s investment of approximately $26 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) II funds, aims to provide Science of Reading focused instructional support for educators in partnership with the University of Indianapolis’ Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) and the Hunt Institute.
The Science of Reading is a research-based strategy that integrates instructional practices with efforts focused around phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Decades of child development and brain research emphasize the need for all of these components to be taught to students to ensure they have the reading skills necessary for future academic and life success.
These funds will:
- Provide support to educators through instructional coaching in the Science of Reading – Through funding from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), 54 schools across the state are piloting the Science of Reading instructional coaching this fall, with recruitment, oversight and training provided by CELL. With the additional financial support from Lilly Endowment, IDOE expects to expand the reach of this effort to about 60 percent of elementary schools by the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Schools can opt-in to instructional coaching based on student need and school interest.
- Provide targeted support for Indiana students experiencing the greatest reading challenges – Many students experience reading challenges, including students in special education, students of color, students whose primary language is not English and students from low-income households.
- Establish a literacy center at IDOE focused on the Science of Reading – IDOE will recruit additional staff to provide Science of Reading technical assistance to schools, including resources through the Indiana Learning Lab. The literacy center will serve as a one-stop-shop to oversee literacy efforts, manage research and evaluation efforts and maintain quality technical assistance for educators.
- Provide stipends for teachers who participate in professional development regarding the Science of Reading – As Indiana’s early elementary school educators work to implement the Science of Reading in classrooms across the state, IDOE will provide financial incentives of up to $1,200 per teacher to allow them to opt in to additional training.
The state’s team will work with the Hunt Institute, which has nationally recognized expertise in the Science of Reading, to provide training and content for teachers. In addition, an advisory panel of national experts in Science of Reading will regularly advise IDOE on all of these efforts.
Future teachers entering the state’s elementary school system should be prepared to use Science of Reading instruction in their classrooms as well. To that end, in addition to the $60 million grant to IDOE, Lilly Endowment will make available up to $25 million to support Indiana’s colleges and universities incorporate or enhance Science of Reading methods into their undergraduate elementary teacher preparation programs. Lilly Endowment will provide further information about this initiative to Indiana colleges and universities in the coming weeks.
“We know that students first learn to read, and then they read to learn,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “This shift typically occurs after a student’s third grade year. However, in Indiana, too many of our students are concluding third grade without foundational reading skills. Fewer still have the reading skills necessary for long-term academic success. As a state, including our schools and community partners, we must lean-in to urgently and intentionally address this challenge. In partnership with Lilly Endowment, we have an unprecedented opportunity to provide Indiana’s educators with the support and tools they need to truly move the needle for Indiana students, ensuring all students receive the foundational reading skills that make all other learning possible, both in the classroom and beyond.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/indiana-lilly-invest-111-million-in-literacy/article_8d650ce8-1f00-11ed-84fe-3fca2608af9f.html | 2022-08-18T16:36:04 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/indiana-lilly-invest-111-million-in-literacy/article_8d650ce8-1f00-11ed-84fe-3fca2608af9f.html |
Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control issued the following:
Fort Wayne, IN – Effective immediately Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is suspending the adoption and intake of adolescent cats and kittens due to a recent outbreak of feline panleukopenia.
Feline panleukopenia, also known as the feline distemper or feline parvo, is a highly contagious virus that mostly affects unvaccinated kittens. Symptoms include fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and death. It is spread when a cat or kitten comes into contact with infected feces, vomit, nasal discharge and other bodily excretions. It does not affect people or other types of animals such as dogs.
FWACC is in the process of containing and decontaminating the shelter, and staff are testing and watching all cats currently at the shelter. All cats and kittens are vaccinated upon arrival at the shelter. To ensure the disease does not continue to spread to cats in our community, all adoptions of adolescent cats and kittens will be suspended until Tuesday, Aug 23 or it is determined safe by the shelter medical team.
Anyone who has adopted a cat or kitten from Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control, whether the shelter location or off-site, since Aug. 1 should monitor their pet at home. If it has or is showing symptoms please call our office at 427-1244 option 1 immediately. Staff are working to contact adopters that may be affected by the outbreak.
To prevent further outbreak of panleukopenia in the shelter, the intake of cats and kittens will be diverted until Sept. 1 or until shelter medical staff determine the shelter can return to normal operations. Citizens who currently have an appointment to surrender an at-risk cat or kitten will be contacted and offered options to get the cat vaccinated at the shelter then keep it at their home until the shelter is ready and able to take the cat or kitten. Citizens bringing in stray cats or kittens will be offered the same service, vaccinations then the option to hold them in their home to prevent further spread of the disease. FWACC is an open access shelter, so if the citizen does not wish to take the cat or kitten home we will take it in.
To further stop the spread of the disease in our community, all community cats will be vaccinated against feline panleukopenia before being returned to their colony.
Feline panleukopenia is a preventable disease. FWACC is urging all pet owners to ensure their cats are up-to-date on current vaccines. Kittens can receive the first round of vaccines to prevent the deadly disease at 4-6 weeks and should receive boosters as recommended by a veterinarian. Adult cats should also be vaccinated to prevent illness.
The shelter is seeking the community's immediate help with donations to the Angel Fund to help cover the cost of the additional vaccines needed for community cats and care needed for affected cats.
Those wishing to donate can help by either purchasing needed supplies via the shelter’s Amazon Wishlist or making monetary donations through the shelter’s website. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/panleukopenia-outbreak-halts-adoptions-intake-at-fort-wayne-animal-shelter/article_bc57cfc4-1f03-11ed-863c-37b84678e872.html | 2022-08-18T16:36:11 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/panleukopenia-outbreak-halts-adoptions-intake-at-fort-wayne-animal-shelter/article_bc57cfc4-1f03-11ed-863c-37b84678e872.html |
Spring Street will be restricted for three weeks, begininng Monday, from Lindenwood Avenue to North Wells Sgtreet during milling and paving street resurfacing work, the city of Fort Wayne said today.
Spring Street section tp be restricted for 3 weeks
- The Journal Gazette | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/spring-street-section-tp-be-restricted-for-3-weeks/article_c38b673a-1f06-11ed-9878-3fb7df97b039.html | 2022-08-18T16:36:17 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/spring-street-section-tp-be-restricted-for-3-weeks/article_c38b673a-1f06-11ed-9878-3fb7df97b039.html |
Memorial Coliseum issued this news release today:
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (August 18, 2022) -- The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum will hold their annual TEAM Member Job Fair on Thursday, September 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Center.
The job fair is designed to recruit new part-time employees for the upcoming 2022-2023 season of events, including Komets Hockey, Mad Ants and Mastodons Basketball, Concerts, Family Shows, and more. These positions feature event-based work schedules including nights and weekends.
Applicants can apply online for all positions in advance by visiting www.memorialcoliseum.com/jobs and can attend the job fair to speak to supervisors in person.
Departments that are looking for new staff include: Concessions, Catering, Culinary, Premium Seating, Housekeeping, Security, Parking Lot, Guest Services, and Ticket Office.
Aramark, the concessionaire at the Memorial Coliseum, is seeking committed and qualified non-profit groups to partner with for staffing concession stands at concerts and sporting events. Groups will receive a portion of proceeds from sales for each event worked. For more information, call 260-480-2165. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/verbatim-memorial-coliseum-to-host-job-fair/article_7198edfe-1f05-11ed-bc42-13237982fb15.html | 2022-08-18T16:36:23 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/verbatim-memorial-coliseum-to-host-job-fair/article_7198edfe-1f05-11ed-bc42-13237982fb15.html |
Agent: There was talk of blasting 2 bridges in Whitmer plot
An FBI agent who was working undercover told jurors Thursday about a stop at a bridge near Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s vacation home during a night ride by anti-government extremists to continue planning a kidnapping.
Tim Bates, simply known as “Red” to the group, said he encouraged Adam Fox to take a picture of the bridge after they got out of a pickup truck. The government alleges that destroying it was part of a scheme to get Whitmer.
“They wanted to slow down law enforcement response,” Bates testified.
No kidnapping took place in Elk Rapids. In October 2020, about a month later, Fox, Barry Croft Jr. and four others were arrested and accused of being domestic terrorists.
Fox and Croft are on trial for a second time on conspiracy charges. A jury in April couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict but acquitted two other men.
Bates said he pitched himself to the group as someone who could get explosives. By fall 2020, he said there was talk about buying bomb components, and the FBI wanted to stay on top of it. Another agent as well as informants already had infiltrated the group.
Bates said Fox also talked about destroying a second bridge in the Elk Rapids area, though the government didn’t offer any evidence of it on secretly recorded conversations. The agent also admitted during cross-examination that he hadn’t disclosed it during the first trial last spring.
“You were wearing a recorder the entire trip, correct? And the recorder functioned, true?” Fox attorney Christopher Gibbons said.
“I can’t speak to how all of them functioned,” Bates replied, “but I believe a recorder was on the entire time.”
The defense argues that Fox and Croft were entrapped by government operatives who fed their wild views. Prosecutors say the group wanted to trigger a national revolt and was especially furious over COVID-19 restrictions imposed by Whitmer during the early stages of the pandemic.
Defense lawyers have tried to make their case by sharply cross-examining the government’s witnesses. Like Gibbons, Croft attorney Joshua Blanchard picked at the lack of a recording about Fox talking about destroying a second bridge.
“We should be able to hear that, right?” Blanchard said.
Croft, 46, is from Bear, Delaware. Fox, 39, was living in the basement of a vacuum shop in the Grand Rapids area.
Whitmer, a Democrat, has blamed then-President Donald Trump for stoking mistrust and fomenting anger over coronavirus restrictions and refusing to condemn hate groups and right-wing extremists like those charged in the plot.
Trump recently called the kidnapping plan a “fake deal.” | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/08/18/agent-there-talk-blasting-2-bridges-whitmer-plot/7832846001/ | 2022-08-18T16:39:23 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/08/18/agent-there-talk-blasting-2-bridges-whitmer-plot/7832846001/ |
Hamtramck teen charged with fatally stabbing 56-year-old man on Belle Isle
Detroit — A 17-year-old Hamtramck boy has been charged with fatally stabbing a 56-year-old man near the Belle Isle Nature Center, according to prosecutors.
The teenager and Ali Mahyoub-Ali Mohammed, also of Hamtramck, were in a wooded area near the Belle Isle Nature Center at about 4:20 p.m. Aug. 12 when the boy stabbed the Mohammed multiple times and fled the scene, according to a press release from the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
The teen turned himself in to the Hamtramck Police Department later that same day and told police he "had stabbed and killed someone" on the island, Michigan State Police said on Twitter.
The 17-year-old was charged with first-degree murder as a juvenile with an adult designation, meaning the judge has the option of sentencing him as a juvenile, an adult or creating a blended juvenile sentence where he can also face an adult sentence if he is not rehabilitated.
kberg@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2022/08/18/hamtramck-teen-charged-fatal-stabbing-man-belle-isle/10357340002/ | 2022-08-18T16:39:29 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2022/08/18/hamtramck-teen-charged-fatal-stabbing-man-belle-isle/10357340002/ |
ANDERSON, Ind. — An officer with the Anderson Police Department is being credited with saving a woman's life Wednesday afternoon.
Police responded to a report of a crash with injuries near West 1st Street and Madison Avenue intersection around 1 p.m.
Police arrived and saw a woman severely bleeding and trapped in her vehicle.
A spokesperson with the Anderson Police Department said Officer Tyler McKeon acted quickly by placing a tourniquet on the woman's arm, which the department credits for saving her life.
"She would have bled out at the scene if it were not for Officer McKeon's swift reaction and response to what could have been a fatal situation," said Joni Brinkman, emergency department director of Community Hospital, confirming the woman had a torn artery in her right arm.
Police did not say how many cars were involved in the crash.
Following the life-saving effort, Chief Michael Lee nominated McKeon for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's Life Saving Award. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/anderson-police-officer-tyler-mckeon-life-saving-woman-crash/531-d57f72ce-0540-4db8-aa62-f17c280acdbe | 2022-08-18T16:46:23 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/anderson-police-officer-tyler-mckeon-life-saving-woman-crash/531-d57f72ce-0540-4db8-aa62-f17c280acdbe |
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