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[] | 2016-08-28T04:46:50 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fspecial-sections%2F577009%2Fguide-to-luzerne-county-2016.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/cover-6-547x1024.jpg | en | null | Guide to Luzerne County 2016 | null | null | timesleader.com | null | http://timesleader.com/special-sections/577009/guide-to-luzerne-county-2016 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/cd4a1c334e4a6b00d32b4a67375065e1ef3b0aa31bf64d1d2ed2d424d1b20f54.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T12:47:05 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F581166%2Fsunny-skies-chance-of-showers-and-thunderstorms-expected-into-the-midweek.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_NWSLogo_400x400-11.jpg | en | null | Sunny skies, chance of showers and thunderstorms expected into the midweek | null | null | timesleader.com | Sunshine is expected in the Wyoming Valley for the beginning of the week, but the chance of showers and thunderstorms will return by the midweek.
The National Weather Service indicated it was 73 degrees as of 6:54 a.m. at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, and overcast skies were reported.
Mostly sunny skies are expected today, with a high near 85. Clear skies will follow into tonight, with a low around 56.
Sunny skies are predicted for Tuesday, with a high near 83. Mostly clear skies will carry over into Tuesday night, with a low around 61.
Mostly sunny skies are expected on Wednesday, along with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. The high will be near 84.
Mostly cloudy skies are predicted for Wednesday night, along with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. The low will be around 63.
Be sure to check out the Times Leader’s weather page for up-to-date forecast information and radar!
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_NWSLogo_400x400-11.jpg
By Travis Kellar [email protected] | http://timesleader.com/news/local/581166/sunny-skies-chance-of-showers-and-thunderstorms-expected-into-the-midweek | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/e4820eed8342c90fbc8bea6a17dbb33fec962b70406c5989662e185d1019953e.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T04:46:40 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fsports%2Fhigh-school-football%2F580256%2Fnorthwest-football-drops-opener-to-high-powered-north-penn.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_WVCMediaDay-Northwest_5-2.jpg | en | null | Northwest football drops opener to high-powered North Penn | null | null | timesleader.com | UNION TWP. — The first drive of the 2016 lasted not even three minutes. But all of the opening day excitement in the grandstands dissipated before Northwest touched the ball.
After giving up a touchdown to a high-powered no-huddle offense, the Rangers walked out to receive the kick in a depleted, sluggish state.
North Penn Mansfield ran circles around Northwest in the first half en route to a 41-6 win in Friday’s season opener. The Rangers allowed five unanswered touchdowns in the first half.
“We knew we were playing them since February,” Northwest coach Lon Hazlet said. “We only had two weeks of camp; so did they. Credit goes to the victor. They executed their game plan. They dominated in all facets of the game.”
North Penn’s no huddle offense did not have an answer from the Rangers defense. The Panthers drove down the field to punch their first touchdown on a Kipp Hillson run with 9:13 left in the first.
The Northwest offense started with three straight three-and-outs that gave the team little momentum. North Penn scored each of its next three touchdowns with three possessions that lasted fewer than three possessions. The Panthers’ lead expanded to 28-0 with less than a minute left in the first quarter.
“That’s our offense,” North Penn coach Tom Dickinson said. “We run no-huddle shotgun the whole time. We wanted to push the button on the team and wear them down. And they seemed, even in that first quarter, a little worn down.”
Posing the biggest problem for the Rangers’ defense was North Penn’s Brendan Hill. Hill touched the ball five times for 184 yards and three touchdowns. He juked his way around the Northwest linebackers for a 58-yard rushing score at the end of the first quarter.
After the Rangers’ defense looked to have finally solved the North Penn offense by pinning the Panthers deep in their territory, Hill broke away for a 92-yard touchdown in the closing seconds of the half to go into the break with a 35-0 lead.
“He was a wide receiver last year,” Dickinson said. “I guess we were poor coaches for two years.”
In a packed stadium, Northwest scored its lone touchdown from a 4-yard Jake Anderson rush.
Northwest quarterback David Piestrak had a solid debut. He completed 12 of 20 passes for 126 yards. Wide receiver Ezra Judge caught three passes for 52 yards.
“(Piestrak) is a tough kid,” Hazlet said. “It was his first time, not only playing quarterback, but his first start. We didn’t do the best job of protecting him. He certainly did some encouraging things.”
North Penn 41, Northwest 6
North Penn`28`7`0`6`—`41
Northwest`0`0`0`6`—`6
First quarter
NP — Kipp Hillson 1 run (Justice Giarth kick), 9:13
NP — Brendan Hill 15 run (Giarth kick), 6:51
NP — Garrett Bickhart 30 pass from Brock Burleigh (Giarth kick), 4:19
NP — Hill 58 run (Giarth kick), :52
Second quarter
NP — Hill 92 run (Giarth kick), :02
Third quarter
No scoring
Fourth quarter
NW — Jake Anderson 4 run (Jake Rielly run failed), 5:24
NP — Hunter May 2 run (kick blocked), :24
Team statistics`NP`NW
First downs`13`11
Rushes-yards`27-293`29-81
Passing yards`97`126
Total yards`389`207
Passing`8-14-0`12-20-0
Sacked-yards lost`0-0`1-5
Punts-avg.`2-36.5`3-31
Fumbles-lost`0-0`1-1
Penalties-yards`1-5`6-35
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING — NP, Hill 5-184, Judson Wise 3-6, Hillson 6-20, BroBurleigh 4-30, Mason Gee 1-(minus-2), Don Edwards III 7-55, Brent Burleigh 1-20; NW Anderson 14-57, Ezra Judge 1-0, Beau Getz 1-2, David Piestrak 11-37, Nick Levandowski 1-3, Tyler Stevens 1-12
PASSING — NP, BroBurleigh 7-11-0-102, BreBurleigh 1-3-0-(minus-5); NW Piestrak 12-20-0-126
RECEIVING — NP, Hillson 2-9, Hill 2-12, Joel Whitteker 1-45, Bickhart 1-30, Nick Kasper 2-7, Edwards 1-(minus-5); NW, Adam Bukavich 3-26, Judge 3-52, Connor Hazlet 3-30, Austin Ford 1-11, Bryce Koser 1-7
Lon Hazlet, Northwest head coach http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_WVCMediaDay-Northwest_5-2.jpg Lon Hazlet, Northwest head coach
By Jay Monahan For Times Leader | http://timesleader.com/sports/high-school-football/580256/northwest-football-drops-opener-to-high-powered-north-penn | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/1f55401ac1d61cecfacd0cc4edeb3404cfd514fc796d5dbfff857b74b6d316d6.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T00:46:37 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fbreaking-news%2F580191%2Ffriday-night-football-scores.json | http://timesleader.com/news/breaking-news/580191/friday-night-football-scores | en | null | FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SCORES | null | null | timesleader.com | null | http://timesleader.com/news/breaking-news/580191/friday-night-football-scores | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/39f893dfc24910792231cb603aef39b5fe7fb88dbe67ccac8d66faf4b50283e1.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:46:29 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580114%2Fmaine-governor-leaves-obscene-voicemail-on-lawmakers-phone-4.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580114/maine-governor-leaves-obscene-voicemail-on-lawmakers-phone-4 | en | null | Maine governor leaves obscene voicemail on lawmaker’s phone | null | null | timesleader.com | PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Republican Gov. Paul LePage unleashed an obscene tirade on a Democratic legislator, leaving him a voicemail message that said “I am after you” and telling reporters he wished it were 1825 so he could challenge the lawmaker to a duel and point a gun between his eyes.
The governor later apologized to “the people of Maine” but not to the legislator.
LePage said in the Thursday voicemail that he wanted to talk with Rep. Drew Gattine of Westbrook about the legislator calling him a racist. Gattine has denied calling LePage a racist.
“I want you to prove that I’m a racist,” LePage said, adding that he had spent his life helping black people and calling Gattine a vulgar name related to oral sex. “I want you to record this and make it public because I am after you.”
LePage, who’s white, was accused of making racially insensitive comments Wednesday at a town hall in North Berwick, where he said photos he’s collected in a binder of drug dealers arrested in the state showed that 90 percent of them “are black and Hispanic people from Waterbury, Connecticut; the Bronx; and Brooklyn.” He displayed the binder at a Friday news conference.
The governor issued a public apology to “the people of Maine” on Friday for the vulgarity but said he was right to defend himself against Gattine because he considers being called a racist worse than any insult.
House and Senate Democrats and the Maine Democratic Party on Friday questioned LePage’s capacity to lead. LePage said he would not resign unless several of his political opponents, including Gattine, did as well.
Assistant House Democratic Leader Sara Gideon called for a “political intervention” from members of both parties to either ensure that the governor “gets the help that he needs” or that he’s removed from office.
Gattine said Friday that the governor left him another voicemail Friday morning, asking him to debate him at a town hall meeting next week. Gattine said the governor didn’t apologize.
After leaving the voicemail on Thursday, LePage invited reporters to the governor’s mansion, where he said he wished he and Gattine could face off in a duel.
“When a snot-nosed little guy from Westbrook calls me a racist, now I’d like him to come up here because, tell you right now, I wish it were 1825,” LePage said, according to the Portland Press Herald. “And we would have a duel, that’s how angry I am, and I would not put my gun in the air, I guarantee you, I would not be (Alexander) Hamilton. I would point it right between his eyes because he is a snot-nosed little runt and he has not done a damn thing since he’s been in this Legislature to help move the state forward.”
Police in Westbrook said Friday that they had received a citizen complaint about the voicemail. A police official said the complaint came from someone who didn’t live in the city. It’s unclear if there will be an investigation. Gattine said he didn’t plan to file a police report.
Gattine has clashed with the governor on how to address welfare reform, drug addiction and eligibility for developmental disabilities programs.
Gattine said he wasn’t concerned about his safety, but he called the voicemail a distraction and the latest of LePage’s personal vendettas against lawmakers. Gattine shared the voicemail’s audio with the Press Herald.
“The fact is he sits around fantasizing about having duels with legislators or obsessing over the race of people who are arrested for crimes,” Gattine said.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree said in a statement that it’s “embarrassing” that LePage is contributing to the “steady loss of civility in politics.” Michael Thibodeau, the Republican president of the Maine Senate, also rebuked LePage, saying it “damages our public institutions when inappropriate comments come from either party.”
LePage, in his second and final term as governor, has a history of drawing attention for his blunt remarks. In January, Paul LePage said drug dealers with names like “D-Money, Smoothie, Shifty” are getting Maine’s white girls pregnant. He later apologized, saying he meant to say “Maine women” and not “white women.”
LePage has compared his style to that of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, whom he supports, though he recently said Trump was his third choice for president after Chris Christie and Jeb Bush.
“I was Donald Trump before Donald Trump became popular, so I think I should support him since we’re one of the same cloth,” he told a radio show host in February.
LePage this week called the father of a dead Muslim U.S. Army captain a “con artist” for criticizing Trump. LePage’s daughter Lauren has been hired by Trump and vice presidential candidate Mike Pence to work as the state’s coalitions director.
___
Associated Press writers Patrick Whittle and David Sharp in Portland contributed to this report.
___
This story has been corrected to show that LePage said he wished it were 1825, not 1812. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580114/maine-governor-leaves-obscene-voicemail-on-lawmakers-phone-4 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/60e7686a6ad41d5ecbe7573454faf21a6e34ae774f30e08ed3c78e621550c66c.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T22:47:07 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2F581411%2Fstahl-objections-to-wrongful-termination-lawsuit-meant-to-harass-me.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Stahl-Stephen-3.jpg | en | null | Stahl: Objections to wrongful termination lawsuit meant ‘to harass me’ | null | null | timesleader.com | WILKES-BARRE — The Wilkes-Barre Area School District and Pennsylvania State Education Association objected to Stephen Stahl’s wrongful termination lawsuit in a deliberate attempt to bully the former Coughlin administrator and hike up the cost of his legal fees, Stahl alleged in court documents filed Monday.
The school district suspended Stahl, 49, of Hunlock Creek, on Feb. 7, 2014 and fired him the following month amid a sex scandal involving a 16-year-old student. He was paroled after serving a little over six months on a corruption of minors conviction.
Stahl claimed in a complaint filed in July that the school district breached his contract when he was given a “bogus” Loudermill hearing the day of his suspension without his or a union member’s presence.
The former dean of students and wrestling coach alleged the PSEA, the state branch of the nation’s largest teacher’s union, failed to represent him or force the district to hold a proper Loudermill hearing, a due process given to a public employee before their employer moves to terminate them.
In their objections filed earlier this month, the defendants’ lawyers argued the complaint should be thrown out in its entirety because it fails to include multiple documents required by law, including a signed verification, a notice to defend and several writings referenced in the filing.
Stahl’s lawyer, New Jersey-based attorney Edward F. Bezdecki, argues the objections should be dismissed without merit because they were filed “solely for harassment against (Stahl) and to drive up (Stahl’s) legal fees.”
Stahl affirmed the alleged harassment in court documents filed with his lawyer’s response Monday.
“The facts contained in the preliminary objections are false and done merely to harass me,” he says in the document.
The ex-administrator seeks $137,884 in damages.
Stahl http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Stahl-Stephen-3.jpg Stahl
By Joe Dolinsky [email protected] | http://timesleader.com/news/581411/stahl-objections-to-wrongful-termination-lawsuit-meant-to-harass-me | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/6cb30641241a83170570f8556daa36f8d9f38f8169f5308b5ee3100d36ddbe93.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:46:45 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580483%2Fthe-latest-iowa-governor-says-trump-can-win-on-agriculture-2.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580483/the-latest-iowa-governor-says-trump-can-win-on-agriculture-2 | en | null | The Latest: Iowa governor says Trump can win on agriculture | null | null | timesleader.com | WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the 2016 presidential campaign (all times EDT):
1:45 p.m.
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad says Donald Trump can beat Hillary Clinton in Iowa by focusing on agriculture, pointing to his support for a renewable fuel standard important to the state’s corn growers.
Branstad told The Associated Press on Saturday that he’s going to personally deliver that message to Trump when they share a ride to a campaign stop at the state fairgrounds.
The Republican governor spoke to the AP Saturday before he was to appear with Trump and other officials at a fundraiser hosted by Sen. Joni Ernst.
Branstad’s son Eric Branstad is running Trump’s Iowa campaign.
Branstad said he wants Trump to call for restoring a “robust” renewable fuel standard requiring corn-based ethanol in fuel. The current standard is set to expire in 2022.
Branstad says Trump should also emphasize his opposition to a clean water rule enacted by the Obama administration.
Polls show a tight race in Iowa. Branstad says he thinks Trump and Clinton are running “about even.”
___
12:05 p.m.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine is asking elected officials in Florida to help drive Democratic turnout, stressing the importance of the state on Election Day in November.
Kaine was at a campaign event in South Florida on Saturday. He said other traditional swing states such as Virginia and Colorado are becoming safer bets for Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid, meaning her campaign is going to spend even more time focusing on Florida.
Polls in the Sunshine State continue to show a close race between Clinton and GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Kaine told a crowd of supporters, “Now we can really spend a lot of time here.”
Kaine urged the local officials to focus on getting their supporters registered and to get as many possible to vote early.
___
10:15 a.m.
Words, but no wheels for Donald Trump in Iowa.
He’s skipping a 42-mile motorcycle ride that’s part of a fundraiser hosted by one of the state’s Republican senators, Joni Ernst.
Trump is the headline speaker at her “Roast and Ride” fundraiser at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. But for the ride, Ernst will be joined by veterans and soldiers — not the Republican presidential nominee.
Iowa remains a bright spot for Trump on the 2016 election map amid a sea of challenging battleground states.
Trump lost the lead-off Iowa caucuses to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. But much of the state’s Republican establishment has since rallied around Trump.
Recent polls suggest a tight race against Hillary Clinton.
___
8:50 a.m.
Hillary Clinton has arrived at an FBI facility in White Plains, New York, for her first national security briefing as the Democratic presidential nominee.
The former secretary of state routinely received such briefings when she was in President Barack Obama’s Cabinet.
But the briefing Saturday in suburban New York is her first since she became her party’s nominee. Republican Donald Trump had his first briefing earlier this month.
The briefings have been customary for presidential nominees so the next commander in chief has an understanding of the country’s national security apparatus. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580483/the-latest-iowa-governor-says-trump-can-win-on-agriculture-2 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/8c8316109007383ad7f5adc2ba304be0e412e6b9cea00df5862931230f89eb84.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:47:31 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581716%2Fanother-university-furls-confederate-themed-mississippi-flag.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581716/another-university-furls-confederate-themed-mississippi-flag | en | null | Another university furls Confederate-themed Mississippi flag | null | null | timesleader.com | JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Another Mississippi university has stopped flying the state flag that prominently features the Confederate battle emblem.
Mississippi State University becomes the sixth of the state’s eight public universities to do so.
University spokesman Sid Salter said Tuesday that President Mark Keenum approved deans’ plans to remove the flag from four locations on the Starkville campus. Salter said the state flags have been replaced with larger American flags, to mirror the large American flag that has flown alone in MSU’s central quad for at least 15 years. He said MSU removed Mississippi flags from athletic arenas “several” years ago.
Keenum didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. In April, students staged a protest and demanded the removal of the state flag. Keenum responded that he wanted the state flag to change, but that MSU should keep flying the flag until it does.
“Taking the state flag down arbitrarily is a symbolic gesture that accomplishes nothing toward actually changing the state flag to something that everyone can support and feel good about,” he said then.
Salter said Tuesday that Keenum “has been outspoken in expressing his heartfelt personal support for flag change and has maintained an open dialogue with those representing diverse points of view on the question of the state flag.” Salter said individual deans have “flexibility” in seeking changes to their academic units.
Deborah Frazier, a junior and English major who is president of the Mississippi State campus branch of the NAACP, said she and other students led the protest last spring after Keenum told them in a meeting he didn’t intend to remove the flag. She said she learned over the summer that the flags had been removed.
“It was important to us to take it down because it just reminded us of the Civil War and people who wanted to keep us slaves,” said Frazier, a 20-year-old from Benton. “Now it doesn’t remind us daily when we see the flag of that oppression.”
Salter said flags were removed from outside a veterinary building, a conference center belonging to the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, an alumni center and a veterans’ center. He said the changes were made in June and July.
Salter said Mississippi’s flag remains part of a display of the flags of all 50 states and other nations in the university’s main cafeteria.
Since 1894, the Mississippi flag has had the Confederate battle emblem in its upper left corner — a blue X with 13 white stars, over a field of red. In a 2001 referendum, Mississippi voters strongly supported keeping the flag. But agitation against the flag resumed following the 2015 massacre of nine black worshippers at a church in Charleston, South Carolina. The white suspect in that case had posed for online photos with Confederate flags.
A number of groups at Mississippi State renewed calls for a new flag after the shooting.
The University of Mississippi, MSU’s archrival, took down the Mississippi flag in October. The University of Southern Mississippi also removed state flags last year and three historically black universities removed them earlier. Some local governments and K-12 schools also no longer fly Mississippi’s state flag. Some state lawmakers introduced unsuccessful bills in 2016 to force governments, schools, community colleges and universities to display the flag.
Delta State University school continues to fly the state flag, school spokeswoman Jennifer Farish said Tuesday. Mississippi University for Women President Jim Borsig did not respond to a request for comment.
___
Follow Jeff Amy at: http://twitter.com/jeffamy. Read his work at http://bigstory.ap.org/author/jeff-amy | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581716/another-university-furls-confederate-themed-mississippi-flag | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/4801e5dbad313898071c3800f152f8a1153c242aee58700059fcf8aa44c71796.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:47:04 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fbirthdays%2F581199%2Fhappy-birthday-louden-john-mullery.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082917mullery.bdy_.jpg | en | null | Happy birthday Louden John Mullery! | null | null | timesleader.com | Louden John Mullery, son of Gerald and Michele Mullery of Alden, is celebrating his ninth birthday today, Aug. 29, 2016. Louden is the grandson of Gerald and Patricia Mech, Nanticoke and the late Gerald and Janet Mullery, Plymouth Township. Louden has two sisters, Leah Marie, 16 and Lauren Shea, 14, and a brother, Liam Gerald, 10.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082917mullery.bdy_.jpg | http://timesleader.com/birthdays/581199/happy-birthday-louden-john-mullery | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/ff50e053e44fd52f6fb9fbe212b35dbcd8364330ffaa3919bee2c32bd7c70c4f.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T06:46:47 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580310%2Fbangladesh-police-kill-3-including-suspect-in-dhaka-attack.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580310/bangladesh-police-kill-3-including-suspect-in-dhaka-attack | en | null | Bangladesh police kill 3, including suspect in Dhaka attack | null | null | timesleader.com | NEW DELHI (AP) — Police in Bangladesh say they have killed three suspected militants, including an alleged masterminds of a major attack on a cafe last month that left 20 people dead.
Top counterterrorism official Monirul Islam said police raided a two-story house in Narayanganj district near Dhaka and killed the suspects early Saturday.
The dead included Tamim Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi-born Canadian, who police believe was one of two masterminds of the attack on a popular restaurant in Dhaka.
Police said they opened fire after the suspects started firing when the raid began.
Bangladesh police have been conducting raids across the country to hunt those behind the attack. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580310/bangladesh-police-kill-3-including-suspect-in-dhaka-attack | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/412137a24aa7addafc71a8fa245ea0442daa374103dc6aafa6c1363bfa59f3d3.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T16:46:58 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fsports%2Fpenn-state%2F580712%2Fpsu-preview-2016-back-mountain-grads-give-lions-local-flavor.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_12033220.jpeg | en | null | PSU preview 2016: Back Mountain grads give Lions local flavor | null | null | timesleader.com | Standing on the field, it takes Ryan Monk just a few seconds to point out his old seat at Beaver Stadium.
Section NDU, up at the top of the north end zone, opposite the tunnel entrance. That’s where his family owned season tickets for many years, with Monk coming to watch Penn State games since he was “4 or 5 years old.”
“Coming in as a fan, I just loved it,” the Dallas grad said. “Ever since then, I wanted to play football. I got to high school and (Penn State’s coaches) gave me the opportunity. Couldn’t say no. Couldn’t say no.”
He’ll get his chance to play this fall.
The redshirt freshman defensive tackle is one of four Wyoming Valley Conference alums on Penn State’s roster this year, joining fellow Back Mountain players in OL Connor McGovern and RB Nick Eury of Lake-Lehman and Berwick long snapper Zach Ladonis.
Hailing from elsewhere in District 2 are Valley View LB Nyeem Wartman-White, Scranton Prep OL Noah Beh and Wallenpaupack LS Kyle Vasey. Two Lackawanna College transfers — OL Paris Palmer and DL Brenon Thrift — are also on the squad.
“It’s incredible. We have a great contingent here from Northeast Pa., and I think that keeps us all together,” Monk said. “We like to joke around and talk all the time about where we’re from and everything. It’s awesome.”
Of the WVC players, Monk and McGovern bear close watching this season.
Two guys who played against each other in the trenches of one of the area’s best rivalries again find themselves staring across the line from each other in practice.
Monk arrived last summer as a walk-on for the defensive line. McGovern graduated from Lehman a semester early last winter and enrolled at Penn State in January as one of the Nittany Lions’ heralded recruits on the offensive line.
While redshirting in 2015, Monk drew the attention of Lions coach James Franklin on the scout team because of his attitude and effort. At the start of spring practice this year, Franklin made it a point to talk about him without being asked.
“This Monk guy, I’m telling you — his work ethic, his attitude, his demeanor, is unbelievable,” Franklin said. “I’m really, really proud of him.
“I think he’s a great example for our entire team about you get an opportunity, you take it, and you run with it. He’s done great in the weight room. He was a pain to deal with on scout team. He is as driven and as motivated as any guy that I’ve been around.”
The praise provided a nice boost through the spring and into the summer.
“What he said was awesome,” Monk said. “Coach Franklin’s a great guy. He’s given me an unbelievable opportunity.
“For me, it’s just a day-at-a-time thing. If I can get one percent better each and every day, eventually over 365 days, that’s pretty good.”
While Monk tries to work his way into the rotation for this season, McGovern is making his case to be the first true freshman offensive lineman to play for Penn State in eight years.
A center at Lehman, that would seem to be the spot he will end up at long-term for the Lions. But with fifth-year senior Brian Gaia at the position this fall, McGovern was getting some first-team and second-team reps at guard during training camp.
“Connor has helped himself,” offensive line coach Matt Limegrover said. “Physically, he’s ahead of schedule. And then he came here early. So he’s a veteran now, believe it or not, from the standpoint of he knows what to expect. He knows how we’re gonna practice. “
The coaching staff even gave McGovern a shot at tackle during spring practice because of his 6-foot-5, 310-pound frame.
“We tried him at a few different spots, and that was by design to get an idea of where he fit — if he was a guy that was going to have the ability to help us early, what could he do for us,” Limegrover said. “He’s a guy that brings a lot of versatility.
“The nice thing was that even though it was a little bit of trial by fire, I know if we need to (move him), he’s a guy that’s got the mental makeup and the maturity — even though he’s a young guy — to be able to jump in there and do a number of different things.”
A year ago, Eury ran for 1,400 yards behind McGovern at Lake-Lehman. As a walk-on who just arrived in the summer, he’s likely ticketed for a redshirt. Ladonis, a redshirt junior, is backing up Ty Yazujian at long snapper.
For the WVC group as a whole, this could just be the start.
“It’s been a great experience,” Monk said. “I think it’s been one of the best times of my life. A great experience and an unbelievable opportunity at the same time. It’s awesome. I love it.”
Lake-Lehman grad Connor McGovern (center) could become one of the rare few offensive linemen to play as a true freshman. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Lake-Lehman-Mid-Valley-ftbl-2.jpg Lake-Lehman grad Connor McGovern (center) could become one of the rare few offensive linemen to play as a true freshman. Tony Callaio file photo | For Times Leader Dallas’ Ryan Monk (center) drew plenty of attention from Penn State coach James Franklin while redshirting last year. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_12033220.jpeg Dallas’ Ryan Monk (center) drew plenty of attention from Penn State coach James Franklin while redshirting last year. Penn State Athletics
NEPA alums look to make an impact this fall
By Derek Levarse [email protected] | http://timesleader.com/sports/penn-state/580712/psu-preview-2016-back-mountain-grads-give-lions-local-flavor | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/f64d67249a0320ba0020034cd9e2096d9140d6eedf0eac7fb0609361b569ccc6.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:46:12 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2F579873%2Fstate-police-to-exhume-3-more-unidentified-bodies-in-long-cold-local-cases.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_babyboy.jpg | en | null | State Police to exhume 3 more unidentified bodies in long-cold local cases | null | null | timesleader.com | WILKES-BARRE — State and county investigators will exhume the remains of three unidentified people — a man shot to death, a newborn baby discarded in a landfill and a woman dumped nude along a highway — as part of an expanding initiative to put advances in forensic technology to work in resolving decades-old cold cases in the county.
The exhumations, approved for late September by a county judge’s court order signed Friday, will bring the total number of bodies set to be removed from their graves to four, and officials say the actions are necessary steps toward identifying the victims and potentially tracking down their killers.
The Times Leader on Aug. 12 reported state police and Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office planned to exhume the remains another woman whose death was long-considered suspicious.
In that case, the decomposed body of a black female was found in 1973 along Interstate 80 in Black Creek Township, wrapped in a blanket and doused with sulfuric acid. Despite the presence of acid and how the body was disposed of, the investigation was abandoned after three months.
State Police Cpl. Thomas McAndrew said he believes the killers could still be on the loose.
“Even though some these cases are more than 40 years old, if the killer or killers were in their 20s or 30s, they’re still out there,” McAndrew said, noting state police recently helped convict a Texas man of a 1968 fatal shooting in Monroe County.
McAndrew has led the effort to unearth the remains and place them under the direction of Dr. Erin Kimmerle, a forensic anthropologist from the University of South Florida, so she can examine them using modern-day methods.
“We need to bring attention to this matter so that other similar cases do not remain forgotten,” McAndrew said. “Quite simply, it’s the right thing to do.”
Officials say current forensics could propel the cases forward, potentially bringing closure to families missing loved ones, but they caution nothing will happen until the victims are identified.
‘Bear Creek John Doe’
“VENDON.”
The inscription on the dead man’s four-strand gold bracelet was a question mark for investigators in 1979.
The bracelet, the gold ring on the little finger of his right hand, and the white pair of socks worn underneath a black pair are among the few identifiers investigators found when they discovered the man’s body on White Haven Road in Bear Creek Township on May 28, 1979, according to an article that appeared on the front page of the Times Leader the following day.
The man — a white male between the age of 25 and 40 — was dressed in a black, long-sleeve silk shirt and tan trousers that sported a white pinstripe, the newspaper article says.
Dr. George Hudock, a former county coroner who died in 2005, estimated the man had been shot and killed about two weeks earlier. He ruled the death a homicide.
That the man remains unidentified hinders the case from being further investigated and keeps the killer or killers from being brought to justice, the petition says.
“The goals and objectives of this exhumation are to establish facts about the death of Bear Creek John Doe and to clarify the official record,” says the petition, filed by District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis and Assistant District Attorney Daniel Zola.
“It is in the public interest to identify him and in doing so, attempt to further this investigation,” they say.
‘Baby boy’
A granite plaque marking an unidentified infant’s grave sits below blades of grass in an remote section of St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Courtdale.
The inscription on the marker, isolated from the rows of headstones bearing names, prayers, and personal messages, offers only a short description: “Baby Boy Aug. 1980.”
The infant, discovered Aug. 6, 1980 by a bulldozer driver spreading trash at the now-closed West Side Landfill, was alive for 24 to 72 hours after birth and died “due to acts of omission in that the infant was not provided proper care at birth,” Hudock ruled at the time.
The death was ruled a homicide.
Edward O’Malley, former president of the landfill’s board of directors, described the grisly discovery to the Times Leader the day the baby boy was discovered.
“Our bulldozer operator made a couple of passages over the pile and saw what he thought was a toy doll,” O’Malley said. “He immediately stopped the bulldozer and took a closer look, something we always do just in case, and discovered it was an infant.”
Then-Deputy Luzerne County Coroner Andrew Strish, who died in 2014, kept the baby’s body for 10 days, hoping someone would come forward, his sister, Rosemarie Strish-Lipski said Friday. When no one did, he was buried at the cemetery on Aug. 18, 1980.
“He loved children,” Strish-Lipski recalled. “”It was hard for him to know someone would do that to a baby.”
‘I-81 Jane Doe’
Authorities on Sept. 28, 1970 discovered the nude, badly decomposed body of a woman about a mile south of the Nuangola exit on Interstate 81, about 35-feet into a wooded area on the west side of the southbound lane, according to newspaper reports at the time.
Hudock determined the body had been dumped at the site for about three days. The body, that of a black female between between 5-foot-2 and 5-foot-3 in height, was taken to Nesbitt Memorial in Kingston for autopsy.
The location of her body and the fact that she was unclothed when found make the manner of her death highly suspicious, according to the petition.
An unidentified person reported the body to the Wright Township Police Department.
Modern methods
With the exception of the baby boy, all three bodies are buried at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hanover Township.
The court orders, signed Friday by Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Vough, give county prosecutors permission to exhume the remains and ship them to Kimmerle, who will collect DNA samples, complete isotope testing and perform a skeletal examination, among other methods, the petition says.
Kimmerle, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of South Florida, routinely assists law enforcement in similar matters, the petition says, and recently secured federal funding for the examinations.
Kimmerle could not be reached for comment Friday. An email response indicated she was on leave.
The bodies will be reinterred following the examinations. Each are scheduled for Sept. 26.
A marker for an unidentified infant found discarded in a landfill sits at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Courtdale far from other gravesites. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_babyboy.jpg A marker for an unidentified infant found discarded in a landfill sits at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Courtdale far from other gravesites. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader file photo
By Joe Dolinsky [email protected] | http://timesleader.com/news/579873/state-police-to-exhume-3-more-unidentified-bodies-in-long-cold-local-cases | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/57235fc68c0df86d5573dcfbabccb4e4a2edced7bbd27c2fb374c6faae8803a8.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:47:18 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Ffeatures%2F581576%2Fwhats-up-nepasenior-news-30.json | http://timesleader.com/features/581576/whats-up-nepasenior-news-30 | en | null | What’s Up, NEPA?/Senior News | null | null | timesleader.com | EXETER: The Cosmopolitan Senior Citizens Club is sponsoring a casino trip to Sands Casino Thursday, Sept. 8. Pickups are in Exeter and Pittston. Club membership is not required. Call Johanna at 570-655-2720 for reservations and information.
KINGSTON: Kingston Active Adult Center, 335 Third Ave., will host AARP driver safety classes 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 12 and Sept. 19, for new participants. Both sessions required for insurance credit. $15 for current AARP members, $20 for non-members. Call 570-287-1102 to pre-register, space is limited.
LUZERNE: Home Instead Senior Care is hosting Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Caregiver Workshop from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at their facility, 269 Bennett St. There is no charge and reservations for a seat can be made by calling 570-714-4260.
LUZERNE/WYOMING COUNTIES: Senior Farmers Market vouchers are still available for eligible senior in these counties who have not yet received vouchers. Call Rhonda Adams at Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne/Wyoming Counties, 570 822-1158 for information.
Each “eligible” senior will get four $5 vouchers ($20) for purchase of Pennsylvania grown fresh fruits and vegetables from a participating farmer’s market stand.
To be eligible you must be at least 60 or turn 60 this year, have two forms of ID, live in Luzerne or Wyoming counties and meet the 2016 household total income requirements: One person, $21,978; two people, $29,637; three people, $37,296.
Assisted living, nursing home or convent residents does not qualify.
MOUNTAIN TOP: The Mountain Top Senior Club to meet at 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 13 and 27, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Route 309.
A trip is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Hollywood Casino, Hershey.
A trip to the October festival is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 11, to see “Ace in the Hole” for dinner and a show in Wayne, New Jersey.
Seats are still available for both trips. For trip information, please call Otto, 570-407-0056. For general club information call Grace, 570-474-0250. New members 50 years and older are welcome.
PITTSTON: The Pittston Active Adult Center, 441 N. Main St., is offering an AARP Smart Driver’s 4- hour Refresher Course from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at the center. Cost is $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. Check with your insurance carrier for a possible 5% discount on auto insurance upon completion, if 55 or older. Class size is limited, pre-registration is necessary.
A few seats remain for a day trip to the Sands Casino on Thursday, Nov. 3. Cost is $26 with $20 in free play and $5 food voucher.
For further information contact Connie Kokinda at the Center.
PLAINS TWP.: Plains Senior Citizens Project Head is planning a trip to the Pines Dinner Theatre, Allentown, Thursday, Dec. 15. Dinner, play and transportation is $70.The play is the “The Miracle of Christmas.”
The bus leaves at 10 a.m. from St. Peter and Paul Church and arrives back at 6 p.m.
Contact Mike Boncheck at 570-823-2871 for reservations.
SWOYERSVILLE: The Swoyersville Senior citizens will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Saint Elizabeth Ann Church social hall. President Liz Zdanciewicz will preside.
WILKES-BARRE: The Lee Park Senior Center is closed Monday for Labor Day.
Flu shots will be administered at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday by Superior Health.
A special lunch will be served Friday, Sept. 9, to celebrate Grandparent’s Day.
a Cognitive Skills Game will be played at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, by the Guardian Center.
A Fall Prevention Presentation will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, by Golden Living.
WYOMING/W.WYOMING: The Wyoming, West Wyoming Senior Citizens met at St. Monica”s Parish Hall.
The fifty-fifty winners were Frank Perfinski, Theresa Alexander and JoAnn Kwasny.
The bingo jackpot was won by Theresa Kennedy.
The next meeting is at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept 6. Bakers are Frank Perfinski and Olga Mizin.
New members are always welcomed and residency is not required. | http://timesleader.com/features/581576/whats-up-nepasenior-news-30 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/7244daf3126c97ef40e9164195b0dd5f8a44296d2542a6e26660b50f1e42418b.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T16:47:01 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fsports%2Fpenn-state%2F580716%2Fpsu-preview-2016-future-hinges-on-moorheads-system.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_psu_med8_faa.jpg | en | null | PSU preview 2016: Future hinges on Moorhead’s system | null | null | timesleader.com | The issue for Joe Moorhead is time.
Penn State’s new offensive coordinator hasn’t had much control of that since arriving in Happy Valley. At least, not until recently.
Time to teach. Time to evaluate. Time to install, adjust and repeat.
NCAA rules gave him 15 spring practices before having to turn things over to his players to take charge until training camp.
“There are a ton of things we wanted to get done in the spring and in meetings,” Moorhead said. “Then you’re not around the guys a ton in the summer and you’re doing different things — travel camps and vacation time.
“The biggest thing you’re always looking for is more time.”
He’s gotten that this month with the start of camp. And as the Nittany Lions prepare for Saturday’s opener against Kent State, he’ll be looking to turn the tables.
Moorhead’s no-huddle spread scheme is designed to put a time crunch on opposing defenses, dictating the pace of the game as he sees fit. How successful he is will set the tone for Penn State’s 2016 season and beyond.
Lions coach James Franklin is banking on it working out. Franklin fired John Donovan — the offensive coordinator he brought with him from Vanderbilt in 2014 — some 20 hours after the end of the regular season last November.
A few weeks later, Franklin replaced him with Moorhead, a Pittsburgh native who had been the head coach at FCS Fordham, his alma mater.
An overhaul was next. Penn State will now operate from the shotgun, utilizing plenty of run/pass option plays (RPOs) based on how the defense reacts. And “huddle” is no longer part of the team’s vocabulary. Moorhead refers to it as “the H-word.”
“He’s demanding a lot out of us, he’s expecting a lot out of us,” quarterback Trace McSorley said. “But I think we’re ready to step up.”
It’s an offense that wouldn’t have fit pro-style passer Christian Hackenberg, now with the New York Jets.
But McSorley and fellow signal-caller Tommy Stevens are used to making things happen with their legs going back to their high school days.
“I’m really a fan of the RPOs that we’ve got,” Stevens said. “Really makes the defense not able to be right. They’re always going to be a guy short, whether we run or throw it.
“It’s fast. But it’s playing at a speed which we dictate. The coolest thing about it is being able to control the tempo of the game and have defenses backpedaling.”
Managing that tempo will be key to the offense.
The idea is not always go full bore between every play — a la Oregon — but to be able to change things up as needed. Players will hustle to get back in formation after each play, but in most cases, the signal will come in from the sideline once everyone is set.
According to Moorhead, the offense will switch between four different speeds as the situation dictates.
“One is where we can snap as fast as we can, regardless of the look,” Moorhead said. “The second one, we’ll call a live play, and then based on the look we can keep it on or switch to a different play. One is a simulated audible — so we won’t call a live play, we’ll call a snap count. And then based on the look, get into the play we want.”
To facilitate it all, play-calls are kept as brief as possible.
“Everything’s one word,” McSorley said. “Real quick play-calls. There’s no long, drawn-out West Coast-style play-call. You get the signal, it’s one-word communication to the offensive line, everyone understands it and we’re rolling.”
Some of that is familiar to Penn State’s oldest players. Former coach Bill O’Brien utilized a huddle in most situations but would often turn to a hurry-up package dubbed “NASCAR” that would use one-word calls to move things along.
When Moorhead first installed his scheme in the spring, it took a few practices just for the players on offense to get used to the speed of things.
“Halfway through the practices, you really felt things click,” Stevens said. “Definitely a big adjustment the first few days. But other than that, that was it.”
While much of the focus is understandably on how the quarterbacks will handle everything, the effect of the system on the offensive line will also be significant.
Aside from having quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs, the scheme itself should be friendlier to the linemen.
“With the offense we had before,” starting tackle Andrew Nelson said, “it was kind of more — ‘This is what we want to run. Even if it’s not an advantageous look (from the defense) we’re running into, put it on the offensive line how to figure it out and make it work.’
“This offense that coach Moorhead has, there’s a lot less of that. If it’s not an advantageous look, we can check with coach Moorhead and he’ll change the play. It’s a lot easier on us.”
There’s also a guy named Saquon Barkley involved in all of this.
The guy who broke Penn State’s freshman rushing record a year ago isn’t going to be any less of a factor in the new offense. At Fordham, Moorhead had a talented tailback from Harrisburg named Chase Edmonds, who rushed for 1,648 yards and 20 touchdowns a year ago, adding 31 catches and five more scores as a receiver.
“He’s a great fit for what we’re going to do offensively and has all the tools to be a special, special player,” Moorhead said.
Moorhead has also been able to spread it around in the pass game as five different players caught at least 30 balls a year ago. With the Lions, he has a diverse group of receivers that’s being called one of the country’s deepest by national pundits.
In all, it’s a scheme that Moorhead has been cultivating since 2008, taking it from Akron to UConn to Fordham before returning to his home state.
“I’m just excited to play in the offense,” McSorley said. “Coach Moorhead beings a ton of energy and I’m really excited to see what this offense is going to do with the players we have.”
Joe Moorhead was brought in from Fordham to overhaul Penn State offense’s heading into the 2016 season, installing a no-huddle spread scheme. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_mcsorley-moorhead.jpg Joe Moorhead was brought in from Fordham to overhaul Penn State offense’s heading into the 2016 season, installing a no-huddle spread scheme. Abby Drey | AP photo, Centre Daily Times Penn State quarterbacks Tommy Stevens (2) and Trace McSorley (9) have both run option packages while in high school. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_psu_med19_faa.jpg Penn State quarterbacks Tommy Stevens (2) and Trace McSorley (9) have both run option packages while in high school. Fred Adams | For Times Leader New offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead has said his offense will move between four different speeds depending on the situation. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_psu_med8_faa.jpg New offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead has said his offense will move between four different speeds depending on the situation. Fred Adams | For Times Leader
PSU offense reformed under Joe Moorhead
By Derek Levarse [email protected]
30TH ANNIVERSARY • Penn State will be honoring its 1986 national championship team during the Oct. 22 game against Ohio State at Beaver Stadium. Follow the Times Leader and timesleader.com throughout the fall for stories and anecdotes from the landmark season. | http://timesleader.com/sports/penn-state/580716/psu-preview-2016-future-hinges-on-moorheads-system | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/3a5427bbf3aa85c7541d0eb6b0c0465db7de0a19d0a693b4e336b0d6c317f57f.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T16:46:57 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fsports%2F580719%2Fcaught-on-camera-31.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_BearZavada.jpg | en | null | Caught on Camera | null | null | timesleader.com | Lately it seems the best place to get a photo of a bear is not in the wild, but in the suburbs. They’re seen almost everywhere in the Wyoming Valley and surrounding areas, and the bruins can get brazen.
The photo of a bear wandering a neighborhood was taken last summer by Frank Semanski of Hanover Township. Semanski and his wife, Marilyn, were eating dinner when they noticed the bear outside of their patio door in the Countrywood Community near St. Mary’s Cemetery. The bear walked through the neighborhood, passing through lawns and checking out bird feeders while people walked their dogs and sat out on their decks, according to Semanski.
Speaking of bird feeders, Robert Zawada used a trail camera to catch this bear raiding the bird feeder in his Slocum Township backyard. The bruin toppled the feeder by snapping the pole it was attached to. It also raided nearby trash cans.
Capture anything interesting on your hand-held or trail camera? A nice buck, bear, coyote or any other wildlife? We’d love to see it. Each week, we’ll run photos from a reader’s trail camera on the Sunday Outdoors page. Email your photo, along with date and area it was taken (township is fine), and any other details to [email protected]
— Tom Venesky
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_BearFrank.jpg http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_BearZavada.jpg | http://timesleader.com/sports/580719/caught-on-camera-31 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/a687c4f1bde1f85ccf7c622958dc657ef955cdffe6e3cdf9ee018c63cfce9267.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:46:53 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Ftop-stories%2F580513%2Fcowboys-qb-tony-romo-out-indefinitely-with-broken-bone-in-his-back.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Romo-HURT-1.jpg | en | null | Cowboys QB Tony Romo out indefinitely with broken bone in his back | null | null | timesleader.com | The Dallas Cowboys worst nightmare has been realized.
Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo has been sidelined indefinitely with a fractured bone his back.
Per sources, Romo is expected to be sidelined 6 to 10 weeks, though coach Jason Garrett refused to put a timetable on his return.
Garrett even declined to rule Romo out of the Sept. 11 season opener against the New York Giants because he has played with fractured bones in his back before.
“We’re going to monitor his condition day by day and we’ll see how he feels going forward,” Garrett said. “There’s no timeframe when he’s going to return.”
But that’s more wishful thinking as even Garrett acknowledged that the Cowboys expect Romo back “during the season”, making rookie fourth-round pick Dak Prescott the team’s opening day starter. Per a source, Romo’s most likely return is the Oct. 30 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, putting him out for the first six games of the season.
Romo suffered the injury on the third play of Thursday’s 27-17 preseason loss to the Seattle Seahawks when he was sacked by defensive end Cliff Avril.
He stayed on the ground for a few minutes in pain before walking off the field on his own power. The pain dissipated and Romo tried to lobby to go back in the game. Garrett kept him on the sidelines out of precaution.
After the game, the Cowboys and Romo thought they had dodged a bullet. He felt fine and seemingly hadn’t suffered a serious injury.
But he woke up Friday morning in discomfort as his back stiffened up on him, resulting in a magnetic resonance imaging exam. They learned of the fractured bone Friday night.
Garrett broke the news to the team after practice Saturday morning.
Romo, 36, has not played a full season since 2012. He underwent two back surgeries in 2013. He missed two games in 2014 with fractured bones in his back. He missed 12 games in 2015 after twice fracturing his collarbone.
The Cowboys will now turn to Prescott who has had a sensational preseason, completing 39 of 50 passes for 454 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions. He has also rushed for two touchdowns. His quarterback rating of 137.8 in three games is the highest in the NFL.
Jameil Showers will now likely make the team as the third quarterback, serving as Prescott’s backup until Romo returns.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, left, is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril, right, in the first half of a preseason NFL game on Thursday. Romo has a broken bone in his back and is expected to miss 6 to 10 weeks. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Romo-HURT-1.jpg Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, left, is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril, right, in the first half of a preseason NFL game on Thursday. Romo has a broken bone in his back and is expected to miss 6 to 10 weeks. | http://timesleader.com/top-stories/580513/cowboys-qb-tony-romo-out-indefinitely-with-broken-bone-in-his-back | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/759933545882af0a1ec0eac82fe710915f7d720dd4db6401a4bed7543281448f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:21 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F372146%2Fcost-insurance-limitations-keep-many-from-dental-treatment.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_doreen.jpg | en | null | Cost, insurance limitations keep many from dental treatment | null | null | timesleader.com | By Geri Gibbons [email protected]
Dr. Loren Grossman talks with a reporter about dental care in the area. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_TTL061415Dental3.jpg Dr. Loren Grossman talks with a reporter about dental care in the area. Dr. Loren Grossman talks with a reporter about dental care in the area. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_TTL061415Dental1.jpg Dr. Loren Grossman talks with a reporter about dental care in the area. Dr. Loren Grossman pulls up a set of x-rays in his Kingston office. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_TTL061415Dental2.jpg Dr. Loren Grossman pulls up a set of x-rays in his Kingston office. Santos http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_doreen.jpg Santos
Kingston dentist Loren Grossman believes the failure to value oral health and understand the mouth as the gateway to the body has impeded people’s ability to achieve good overall health.
Maxine Feinberg, president of the American Dental Association, in a statement referencing that failure, seems to agree with him.
“It can negatively affect anyone, but it is particularly devastating to low-income people who lack dental coverage or who for other reasons don’t seek or receive regular care,” Feinberg said.
In dentistry, as in life, the bottom line seems to be the bottom line, and although recent changes to both federal law and state programs have attempted to better address medical needs, dental health services have fallen through the cracks for many.
Jean Chapin, billing coordinator for Grossman’s dental office said several categories of patients are of special concern.
For those who have recently lost their job or are transitioning to another job, COBRA a supplemental insurance policy that provides temporary coverage, is an option, but Chapin said high premiums associated with the program often make it an unrealistic expense.
Those who have recently retired, often significantly reduce or lose their dental insurance, at a time when they most need it.
“With people living longer and keeping their teeth longer, maintenance of dental health is increasingly important over the life span.”
Young adults, who have lost benefits previously available to them as children, often find themselves without financial resources necessary to subsidize their own dental care.
According to a representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, revisions to Medical Assistance which became effective as of January of this year, made dental services increasingly available to adult, including young adult, residents of the state, because they are now linked to income and not age.
For example, a single adult can make up to $1,300 per month and still be eligible for medical assistance which includes dental.
Youths going without
Still, many young people still fall between the cracks.
For example, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides dental coverage for young people up to the age of 19, with many then left without insurance.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) now mandates adults obtain health insurance through the private or federally-facilitated marketplace, however, its requirement for “minimum essential coverage” does not include dental.
And although recent changes in federal law have made it possible for young adults to remain on their parents’ medical insurance plans until age 26, for many of them, it’s not an option.
They find themselves seeking jobs or entering the workforce, without dental insurance, at a time when dental insurance is essential.
At the “tipping point,” of their lives, where their ability to look their best, to function at their best and to maximize their health, lack of dental service presents if not a total road block, at least an obstacle to success.
Insurance issues
According to Grossman, not only have annual maximum allowable reimbursement rates from insurances remained low for each patient — often about $1,000, he said — maximum reimbursements to providers have remained relatively the same over the last twenty years.
Those with dental insurance often have co-payments that make extensive work such as root canals or crowns, cost-prohibitive.
Often, both dentists and patients must be motivated to seek innovative solutions to insure long term success.
Grossman encourages patients to look into financing dental care and assists in effectively planning and financing of a patient’s necessary work.
He said more people are now utilizing private dental insurances, which although incurring an additional monthly expenses in the short term, often make it possible for patients to maintain dental health in the long term.
As a dentist, Grossman acknowledges that even beyond healthy infection-free teeth that allow people to maintain good nutrition and optimize their opportunity for overall good health, people also focus cosmetic issues when it comes to their smile.
“People believe they have better social lives and more successful careers if they lead with an attractive smile,” he said, “It is for this reason that we work with people who not only want to be as healthy as possible, but also to look the best they can in the long term.”
Comprehensive approach
Dr. Doreen Santos, president of the Luzerne County Dental Society Association, said dental issues must be addressed comprehensively and in the long term.
Patients who have insurance, must show up for a series of appointments, first for initial planning of services and then comply with that plan.
“Often when a tooth stops hurting, patients will stop coming in for appointment,” she said, “then they lose their insurance and the tooth will again become problematic.”
Dental staff must be aware of the parameters of patient insurance, utilizing it in the most effective way.
Both patients and staff must also be aware of financing available, the likelihood of obtaining it and the most effective ways to use funding.
Seeking solutions
Colette Jesikiewicz, Pittston, a Fellow of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), and a dental receptionist, said even those who have medical assistance have difficultly locating dentists who will accept it.
“Not all dentists accept medical assistance,” she said, “and often it is very difficult to find a dental specialist that takes it.”
If necessary, information about the provision of subsidized services and clinics needs to be available to patients, so if they need to think or travel “outside the box,” they are aware of the opportunity to do so.
Locally, the Rural Health Corporation provides three dental offices, two in Luzerne and one in Wyoming County.
Serving the needs of both individuals and families the clinic charges for services, but does accept Medicaid, most commercial insurances, and offers a sliding fee program on the basis of income for those who qualify.
The Care and Concern Clinic, Pittston, has a dentist available during specific Wednesday night clinics, with referrals to other dentists mostly for basic and emergency care.
For those who need more extensive services, the Temple University’s Maurice H. Kohlberg’s School of Dentistry clinic, two hours away, provides implants, orthodontics, and emergency care to patients with a focus on comprehensive care.
One patient, who requested not to be identified, said that although implants received at the Kohlberg clinic took about nine visits, did have some associated costs and meant “too much time spent on the Northeast Extension (of the Pennsylvania Turnpike),” receiving extensive quality care at a reasonable price was well worth it.
“If it wasn’t for the availability of the clinic, the willingness of my own dentist to work with staff there, and some funding available to me throughout the whole process, I can’t picture what my life would be like now,” he said, “I can’t picture being able to work, being successful in my career, eating in a healthy way and feeling comfortable in social situations.”
Volunteering
Jesikiewicz goes beyond simply providing quality clerical and clinical services at the dental offices of LaFoca, Smith and Santos.
Motivated by the belief that dental services should be available to those who need them, Jesikiewicz volunteers her time once a year to participate in a non-profit effort entitled Mission of Mercy in Pennsylvania (MOM-n-PA), making dental services available to the underserved.
“Its first come, first served, so often people line up early in the morning in the hopes that they can receive dental services,” she said. | http://timesleader.com/news/local/372146/cost-insurance-limitations-keep-many-from-dental-treatment | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/00ede227c2037b0a65b38fcf176981ec15b1f02e4743ccf338ebb097a9a1d341.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T04:47:27 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flottery%2F581776%2Flottery-numbers-for-tuesday-aug-30.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_PA-Lottery-logo-24.jpg | en | null | Lottery Numbers for Tuesday, Aug. 30 | null | null | timesleader.com | Midday Drawing:
Pick 2: 8-1
Pick 3: 3-0-6
Pick 4: 8-2-7-3
Pick 5: 3-4-0-1-1
Treasure Hunt: 04-07-14-23-29
Evening Drawing
Pick 2: 0-5
Pick 3: 9-5-7
Pick 4: 0-1-5-5
Pick 5: 9-1-1-3-7
Cash 5: 09-15-24-25-33
Mega Millions
28-32-41-51-71
Mega Ball
11
No player matched all five numbers in Tuesday’s “Cash 5” jackpot drawing; Wednesday’s jackpot will be $600,000.
Lottery officials reported 76 players matched four numbers, winning $283 each; 3,343 players matched three numbers, winning $10.50 each; 40,484 players matched two numbers, winning $1 each. | http://timesleader.com/news/lottery/581776/lottery-numbers-for-tuesday-aug-30 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/d2d58a6643de877b5fa8160d278ffa7ed176eb180ac6c92558c0182f62f103ba.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T18:47:07 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581355%2Fbatman-v-deathstroke-speculation-high-after-affleck-tweet-2.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581355/batman-v-deathstroke-speculation-high-after-affleck-tweet-2 | en | null | Batman v. Deathstroke? Speculation high after Affleck tweet | null | null | timesleader.com | LOS ANGELES (AP) — Speculation is rampant about Ben Affleck’s upcoming stand-alone Batman film after the actor and director tweeted what appears to be footage featuring a famous DC Comics villain.
Affleck tweeted a brief video of what looks to be a film version of Deathstroke Monday. The mercenary character has been an antagonist of the caped crusader in other media and now some believe Batman and Deathstroke will square off on the big screen. DC Entertainment didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Affleck made his debut as the Dark Knight in “Batman v. Superman” earlier this year and will appear as Batman alongside Superman and other heroes in next year’s “Justice League.”
No release date is set for the stand-alone Batman film, which Affleck is also directing. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581355/batman-v-deathstroke-speculation-high-after-affleck-tweet-2 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/16ada5ea317c4903d6bcaaa496011ccaa40c7284eb0fbf40c80c88516354e7f7.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T06:47:09 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581159%2Fthe-latest-police-find-no-gunman-at-los-angeles-airport.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581159/the-latest-police-find-no-gunman-at-los-angeles-airport | en | null | The Latest: Police find no gunman at Los Angeles airport | null | null | timesleader.com | LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Latest on reports of a shooter and evacuations at Los Angeles airport (all times local):
10:15 p.m.
Police say no gunman has been found and no shots were fired at Los Angeles International Airport after reports of an active shooter brought a scare to hundreds of travelers.
Los Angeles police spokesman Andy Neiman said Sunday night that the reports were spurred by loud noises only, and police are still investigating to find the source of them.
The reports caused people to pour on to sidewalks and out on to the tarmac at the airport.
Later, people could be seen walking back into the airport and flights starting to take off again.
___
9:40 p.m.
Police say they are searching the terminals and social media posts show many people fleeing Los Angeles International Airport amid rumors of a possible shooting.
Airport police say they are searching terminals on Sunday night, but there is no confirmation of any shootings or injuries.
Scores of people could be seen on social media and on TV news running from the terminal out on to the sidewalks and streets. Many other evacuees are standing on the airport tarmac.
Airport police say traffic to the terminal area has been closed. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581159/the-latest-police-find-no-gunman-at-los-angeles-airport | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/955aeef0c1025daae92ee460b9b120434e87d52d9a91953b9189b9b505ffcef4.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T12:46:39 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Ffeatures%2F580318%2Fmeles-musings-guns-are-no-childs-play.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_mele-6.jpg | en | null | Mele’s Musings: Guns are no child’s play | null | null | timesleader.com | When I was growing up in the Bronx, my friends and I would regularly play “guns.”
It was a catchall name for playing Army or Cops and Robbers.
I had at various times a cap gun, a gold-colored pistol that was supposed to shoot little pellets but never really did and a plastic Tommy gun that I bought at Woolworth’s for 99 cents.
When we would “fire” at somebody in our imaginary play, we would make the appropriate noises of “pew pew pew” or something more rapid fire like “pppppdddddd.”
In determining whether a person was shot or was missed was based on the honor system between shooter and target: Was the target ambushed? Had they taken cover? Did they return fire?
Of course, real life gunplay has no referee to say whether you are wounded or dead.
This all became clear when the members of the About Men Radio crew recently piled into the Dingmans Shooting Range in Dingmans Ferry on a rainy Saturday afternoon as part of a long-planned outing.
Of the four of us, I probably had the most experience with weapons — and that’s not saying much.
As a kid, I shot a rifle at tin cans with my uncle in his backyard and an M1, bolt-action, single-shot rifle at Boy Scout summer camp; and went to a range in the Poconos with my late fiancée about a dozen years ago and fired three different handguns.
Two years ago at Drive A Tank in Minnesota, I shot a Sten machine gun, a 1919 belt-fed machine gun and M4.
Those occasions were fun. I had looked forward to this day at the range as an opportunity for male bonding but something about this visit was less exhilarating.
Unlike my previous shooting experiences, this one felt fraught with the heaviness of the super-heated debate about gun control and the drumbeat of news about mass shootings and other gun violence.
There was something profoundly unsettling about the power and responsibility that rested in my hands.
A wrong move or a lapse of attention and I could hurt – or kill — myself or others.
I felt hyper-vigilant.
To its credit, the range emphasized safety, including an extended safety video and patient, attentive instructors.
Maybe I was feeling overwhelmed by the small space (six shooting lanes), the crowd, the noise, the smell of gunpowder and spent shells popping everywhere.
It got me to thinking about police officers in the middle of pitched gun battles, the likes of which we saw in Dallas, where five officers were assassinated. I, for one, would not be able to keep a clear head in the chaos of a situation like that.
A number of people at the range were gun owners and/or enthusiasts who had a good time.
As for me, I was glad to hang up my ear protection and get outside. My palms were sweaty and my heart was beating through my chest.
The experience left me with an even deeper respect for law enforcers and reinforced that, unlike my pretend gunfire as a kid, handling a weapon was no mere child’s play.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_mele-6.jpg
By Christopher Mele Mele’s Musings | http://timesleader.com/features/580318/meles-musings-guns-are-no-childs-play | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/83f63373292d96de19c18af8aa09f2277fd3a42689747106c66cdb09037afd77.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T16:46:43 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fcommunity-features%2F580375%2Farea-agency-on-aging-at-wyoming-county-fair.json | http://timesleader.com/community-features/580375/area-agency-on-aging-at-wyoming-county-fair | en | null | Area Agency on Aging at Wyoming County Fair | null | null | timesleader.com | The Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne and Wyoming Counties will host its annual “Wyoming County Active Aging Day” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Wyoming County Fairgrounds, Meshoppen, opening day of the Wyoming County Community Fair.
DJ and entertainer George Rittenhouse will perform. All seniors age 62+ get in to the fair free that day! Pre-arranged bag lunches are available by contacting your local Active Adult Center or call the Wyoming County Active Adult Center at 570-826-2324 no later than Monday.
Active Aging Day is an opportunity to discover what services the Area Agency on Aging offers. There will be information tables with staff available from the Agency, as well as other community non-profit organizations, to assist with any questions on available services.
There will be plenty of freebies, food, fun and friends, so please come rain or shine and join us for a wonderful community day at the Wyoming County Community Fair.
Contact your local Active Adult Center with any questions, or the Area Agency on Aging at 570-822-1158, ext. 2303. | http://timesleader.com/community-features/580375/area-agency-on-aging-at-wyoming-county-fair | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/44692a5f8c0f2c81d3a535dc244251d7d1a6528fab307cc6d6f0a17b2414c89d.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T02:47:14 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fsports%2Flocalsports%2F581446%2Fhigh-school-sports-berwick-edges-hazleton-area-3-2-on-tennis-courts.json | http://timesleader.com/sports/localsports/581446/high-school-sports-berwick-edges-hazleton-area-3-2-on-tennis-courts | en | null | High school sports: Berwick edges Hazleton Area, 3-2, on tennis courts | null | null | timesleader.com | After dropping the first set, Alexis Zalutko and Sydney Lloyd rallied to win the No. 1 doubles match 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 to power Berwick’s 3-2 win over Hazleton Area in a girls tennis game on Monday.
Berwick’s Lily Force-Moore won the Bulldogs’ lone singles match after a 6-0, 6-2 result over Isabelle Wilusz.
Tunkhannock 4, Crestwood 1
Tunkhannock opened its season with a 4-1 win over Crestwood.
Autumn Grey won No. 1 singles 6-2, 6-1, while the duo of Miranda Donovan and Leah Rome won the No. 2 doubles 6-0, 6-0.
MMI Prep 4, GAR 1
Libby Pinto defeated Michelle Tapia 6-1, 6-0 in No. 1 singles as MMI Prep beat GAR.
The Preppers duo of Jackie Braunstein and Abby Paul won No. 1 doubles 6-1, 6-0.
Holy Redeemer 5, Hanover Area 0
The Royals didn’t drop a set in their sweep of Hanover Area.
Camryn Cassetori (No. 1 singles) won 6-0, 6-0 and Emily Evans and Lauren LaMarca took the No. 2 singles match 6-0, 6-0.
Pittston Area 4, Dallas 1
Breanna Yaskus and Mikayla Renolds recorded a straight sets win in No. 1 doubles as the Patriots rolled past Dallas.
Abby Connors and Taryn Whitman nabbed singles’ win.
GOLF
Dallas 263, Hazleton Area 266
Mason Gattuso nabbed medalist honors as Dallas topped Hazleton Area.
Teammates Colin Bowansko finished with a 40 and Brett Ostroski shot a 43.
Hazleton Area’s Frank Seratch and Jordan Pick each finished with a 39.
Wyoming Area 167, Coughlin 169
Despite medalists performances from Ryan Keyes and Marco DeLuca (38), Wyoming Area slipped past Coughlin.
Ryan Wrubel led the Warriors with a 39.
Lake-Lehman 174, MMI Prep 185
Medalist Robert Lugiano shot a 40 to lead the Black Knights to a victory over MMI Prep.
Adam Motovidlak chipped in with a 42 for Lehman.
Morgan Long shot a 42 for the Preppers.
COLLEGE GOLF
Penn State Wilkes-Barre places 2nd
Penn State Wilkes-Barre opened it’s 2016 fall season with a second-place finish at the Penn State Hazleton Invitational. Wilkes-Barre’s team score of 324 was 14 strokes behind Penn State Mont Alto. Leading scorers for PSU WB were Jonathan Wilson (Dallas) 79, Shane Straley (Tunkhannock) 80, Tim Walters (Wyoming Valley West) 81 and Jeff Carter (Lake-Lehman) 84.
GIRLS TENNIS
Tunkhannock 4, Crestwood 1
SINGLES — Autumn Grey (TUN) d. Kara Grenzberg 6-3, 6-2; Allison Knorek (CRE) d. Stephanie Seward 6-4, 6-0; Hannah Chesner (TUN) d. Abby Eielecki 6-2, 6-3.
DOUBLES — Miranda Donavan/Leah Rome (TUN) d. Rachel McFarland/ Chloe Lacoste 6-0, 6-0; Angelique Antenucci/Erin Kelly (TUN) d. Natalie Klimek/Bree Kravchick 6-0, 6-1.
MMI Prep 4, GAR 1
SINGLES — Libby Pinto (MMI) d. Michelle Tapia 6-1, 6-0; Jessica Smith (MMI) d. Dominque Crupp 6-0, 6-0; Katherine Pinto (MMI) d. M. Martinez 6-0, 6-0.
DOUBLES — Jackie Braunstein/Abby Paull (MMI) d. Diamond Cruz/Yazmin Guzman 6-1, 6-0; GAR won by default.
Holy Redeemer 5, Hanover Area 0
SINGLES — Camryn Cassetori (HR) d. Victoria Hoffman 6-0, 6-0; Charlotte Maria (HR) d. Deanna Wadzin 6-0, 6-0; Alex Kester (HR) d. Taylor Gavlick 6-0, 6-0.
DOUBLES — Emily Evans/Lauren LaMarca (HR) d. Bridget Hannon/Julia Fritz 6-0, 6-0; Julia Randazzo/Cassie Benderevitch (HR) won by forfeit.
Pittston Area 4, Dallas 1
SINGLES — Allie Stallard (D) d. MacKenzie Connors 6-4, 2-6, 6-4; Abby Connors (PA) d. Reese Lewandowski 6-2, 6-0; Taryn Whitman (PA) d. Emily Heltzer 6-4, 6-4.
DOUBLES — Breanna Yaskus (PA) d. Mikayla Renolds 6-2, 7-5; Charity McLeod/Kerry Shamonski (PA) d. Joelle Scrafia/Greta Ketchner 6-0, 6-1.
Wyoming Seminary 5,
Wyoming Valley West 0
SINGLES — Nicole Joanlanne (SEM) d. Bryden Peters 6-0, 7-6; Abbey Capin (SEM) d. Madisen Jastremski 6-0, 7-5; Isabella Sobejano (SEM) d. Ally Dotter 6-0, 6-1.
DOUBLES — Meghna Melkote/Emily Laurore (SEM) d. Ryley Phillips/Nada Elbattah 6-1, 6-0; Becca Hammerman/Emily Urbanski (SEM) d. Mary Chitswara/Anabel Gifoli 6-2, 6-2.
Wyoming Seminary 5, Wyoming Valley West 0
Berwick 3, Hazleton Area 2
SINGLES — Stephanie Mazurek (HA) d. Gabi Popko 6-0, 6-1; Lily Nowak (HA) d. Isabella Arndt 6-1, 6-4; Lily Force-Moore (BER) d. Isabelle Wilusz 6-0, 6-2.
DOUBLES — Alexis Zalutko/Sydney Lloyd (BER) d. Kim Delregno/Adrianna Bohman 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4; Jacee Carrathers/Airlia Martz (BER) d. Sophia Sebo/Samantha Delmonico 6-0, 6-1.
GOLF
Wyoming Area 167, Coughlin 169
at Fox Hill CC, par 35
COUGHLIN (169) — Ryan Wrubel 39, Cole Coolbaugh 41, Nik Athmann 43, Jimmy Kosco 44.
WYOMING AREA (167) — Ryan Keyes 38*, Marco DeLuca 38*, Noah Stankinas 45, Alek Krokos 48.
Dallas 263, Hazleton Area 266
at Irem Country Club, par 36
DALLAS (263) — Mason Gattuso* 38, Colin Bowansko 40, Brett Ostroski 43, Kyle McAndrew 45.
HAZLETON (266) — Frank Seratch 39, Jordan Pick 39, Matt Boretski 41, Brady Bortel 47, Brian Bartel 47.
Lake-Lehman 174, MMI Prep 185
at Huntsville Golf Club, par 36
MMI PREP (185) — Robert Lugiano 40*, Adam Motovidlak 42, Mike Sikora 46, Tanner Harry 46.
LEHMAN (174) — Morgan Long 42, George Palermo 44, Dave Genetti 49, George Palermo 44.
*Medalist
Times Leader | http://timesleader.com/sports/localsports/581446/high-school-sports-berwick-edges-hazleton-area-3-2-on-tennis-courts | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/4bb274ce71e3932ff7570aa5df1f842fe5d7226f7e47f1ad301f819f52dafa23.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T06:47:02 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581164%2Fdrake-went-in-rihanna-leaned-back-twitter-was-all-over-it.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581164/drake-went-in-rihanna-leaned-back-twitter-was-all-over-it | en | null | Drake went in. Rihanna leaned back. Twitter was all over it. | null | null | timesleader.com | NEW YORK (AP) — Drake, in love with Rihanna since he was 22, presented his crush with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award on Sunday night, but he didn’t turn over the Moon Man until he went in for a kiss.
It was a slightly awkward moment in an otherwise adorable, heartfelt speech by Drake — and his landing in the region of Rihanna’s neck was the gif that kept on giving on Twitter.
Where was he headed? We’ll never know. He leaned in. She leaned back. He skimmed her cheek before moving south.
Vulture.com tweeted it was “The curve to end all curves.” The Twitter account of the VMAs itself put the kiss on a loop, tweeting: “I’m just gonna leave this gem right here.”
The two have dated in the past, having known each other since they were kids. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581164/drake-went-in-rihanna-leaned-back-twitter-was-all-over-it | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/61792e59c551ca65e2b32913f8019254ecdb50a185b9c461f1c361a6972e20b3.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T12:46:52 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fsports%2F580675%2Foutdoors-with-tom-venesky-pfbcs-catfish-plan-heavy-on-potential.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Venesky-1-3.jpg | en | null | Outdoors with Tom Venesky: PFBC’s catfish plan heavy on potential | null | null | timesleader.com | I clearly remember the first big fish I ever caught.
It wasn’t a largemouth bass from a farm pond or a rainbow trout in the Lehigh River, but rather a channel catfish caught at Lake Nuangola.
I was just a kid fishing with a worm and bobber, and I remember trying to grip my rod and reel in line at the same time while the big catfish tugged with surprising strength. It was completely different than the feel of the stocked trout that comprised the early years of my fishing career.
And I remember the thrill as I hoisted the heavy fish onto the dock, marveling at its size before releasing it back into the lake.
To be honest, I don’t think the channel catfish was any longer than 15 inches and maybe weighed a few pounds. But as a kid, the fish was an absolute monster and it created a memory that has lasted.
That’s why I think a new plan being kicked around by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is a good idea. The agency is considering stocking certain lakes with adult-size channel catfish next year.
The goal of the catfish stocking program is to give anglers – particularly families and children, a reason to be out on the water during the hot, summer months. If the program becomes a reality, the PFBC hopes to stock channel catfish that average 14 inches and 1 pound. Currently, the agency raises and stocks channel catfish fingerlings about two inches in length.
The program may be targeted for urban areas of the state in the southeast and southwest where there are plenty of anglers and suitable ponds so the fish can be utilized.
It’s a similar approach to stocked trout: The PFBC wants them to be caught and enjoyed.
I hope if the program comes to fruition the northeast part of the state eventually gets its fair share of stocked channel catfish. There are plenty of places where habitat and access wouldn’t be a problem – Lake Took-A-While, Lily Lake, Moon Lake and Harris Pond come to mind.
And let’s not forget about the Susquehanna River, although the channel catfish population is so high in certain stretches that it’s really an overlooked fishery.
Yet the numbers and size of the channel catfish in the river is extremely impressive. I saw it firsthand when I joined PFBC fisheries manager Rob Wnuk and biologist Aaron Frey as they surveyed the river as part of a statewide catfish study in 2014.
During an August afternoon we checked hoop nets and caught, measured and released 207 channel catfish near the boat launch in Bloomsburg.
Days earlier, Wnuk and Frey caught 954 channel catfish in the river near Northumberland. A stop in Danville increased the catch at all three locations to 1,632 channel catfish, all between 13 and 31 inches. In fact, during that afternoon in Bloomsburg one of the nets held a catfish that was 31 inches and weighed 12 3/4 pounds. Best of all, the fish had just spawned and was in the process of adding even more weight.
Imagine the thrill a young angler would experience hooking into that.
Before our lakes can be populated with monster catfish, the agency has some hurdles to clear with the program. While they don’t have a problem raising and releasing two-inch channel catfish, those fish often serve as a feast for largemouth bass after they’re stocked. Raising catfish to 14 inches or more is a challenge because it takes a while,
There could also be resistance from anglers who prefer other species because catfish are predatory.
But I think the potential positives outweigh any negatives. Everyone likes to catch big fish. Sure, we have them already but it takes a specialized approach to catch a monstrous muskie and largemouth bass tend to shut down at times during the summer.
Catfish, however, keep on biting and the potential to produce the catch of a lifetime always exists.
Venesky http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Venesky-1-3.jpg Venesky
By Tom Venesky [email protected] | http://timesleader.com/sports/580675/outdoors-with-tom-venesky-pfbcs-catfish-plan-heavy-on-potential | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/fea9f14ad8a0eb0a45fa0fd01c1dcd0355576845f498ba08a53342833587bfec.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T22:47:11 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Ffeatures%2F581401%2Fmountain-top-director-chris-fetchko-screens-acclaimed-film-in-wilkes-barre.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Vanessa-Ray-and-Sean-Modica-All-in-Time-3-.jpg | en | null | Mountain Top director Chris Fetchko screens acclaimed film in Wilkes-Barre | null | null | timesleader.com | WILKES-BARRE — Chris Fetchko didn’t always see himself in the film industry, but following his dreams brought him to write and direct a movie that has received awards at several national and international film festivals.
Now, the West Hazleton native has come home to celebrate the project.
The Mountain Top-based director introduces “All In Time” to the Wyoming Valley at 2 p.m. Oct. 16 at the F.M. Kirby Center. Live performances by Northeastern Pennsylvania roots rockers, The Badlees, and special guest Laura Shay will follow the screening.
The film received 12 awards on the 2015 film festival circuit, including a Best Director nod for Fetchko and co-director Marina Donahue at the Milan International Film Festival.
Shot almost entirely in NEPA, the dramatic comedy follows main character Charlie as he leaves a secure job in New York City to manage his favorite band in his home region of Pennsylvania. Conflict arises when Charlie must learn to balance band tensions and his relationship with his girlfriend.
Fetchko said the film is “autobiographical but fictionalized” with “lots of twists and turns.”
When Fetchko left NEPA to attend college in Syracuse, he had a passion for business and hoped to land in the entertainment industry.
“My dream was, literally, to be Bon Jovi’s accountant,” he said.
Friends who were filmmaking majors pulled him to the outskirts of the film world while he worked on his accounting degree, and a love affair with The Badlees and their hit single, “Fear Of Falling,” whet Fetchko’s appetite to delve into entertainment.
Fetchko quit his comfortable accounting job in 1998 and he and a friend, who was also displeased with his job, made the film “Everything’s Jake,” followed by a short stint in Los Angeles to promote the movie.
After completing his second film project, “Eavesdrop,” Fetcko returned to New York and took a job with Capitol Records, doing accounting for artists like Norah Jones.
It wasn’t long before the rock and roll bug bit him and Fetcko changed directions to manage The Badlees and other artists. This, Fetchko said, was “the seed” of his film.
The Badlees’ music acts as the catalogue for the film’s fictional band, The Damnsels, and two members of The Badlees, Ron Simasek and Pete Paladino, portray band members in the film.
“It’s ultimately a story about a guy going after his dreams and the choices you have to make in doing that,” Fetchko said.
The film premieres in New York and Los Angeles markets Oct. 7. Following the major market premiers, “All In Time” goes on a 20-city tour with stops featuring post-viewing concerts by The Badlees.
Filming locations included Wilkes University, the Wilkes-Barre River Common and PCN Bank, and Fetchko is proud to hold a screening event in the city.
“Because we shot the film locally, we used a lot of local people as extras; I wanted to do something cool in Wilkes-Barre and get everybody in one place at the same time to celebrate this movie,” he said.
The writer/director admits he’s too close to the film to objectively tell whether or not it’s a good movie, but critics have lauded it, and Fetchko is excited to share it.
“I can say that whether you like it or hate it, you won’t be able to predict how the movie ends,” he said. “And these two bands that are playing are solid, and if anybody comes and doesn’t feel they got their money’s worth, I’ll be in the lobby afterwards. Come find me, and we’ll find some way to make it right.”
Chris Fetchko holds his award for Best Director at the Milan International Film Festival. Fetchko’s film, ‘All In Time’ garnered 12 awards on the 2015 film festival circuit. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Chris-Fetchko-with-award.jpg Chris Fetchko holds his award for Best Director at the Milan International Film Festival. Fetchko’s film, ‘All In Time’ garnered 12 awards on the 2015 film festival circuit. Submitted photo The Damnsels perform in a scene from ‘All In Time.’ The Damnsels’ music was pulled from the catalog of Northeastern Pennsylvania roots rockers, The Badlees. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Still-from-the-film.jpg The Damnsels perform in a scene from ‘All In Time.’ The Damnsels’ music was pulled from the catalog of Northeastern Pennsylvania roots rockers, The Badlees. Submitted photo Actors Sean Modica and Vanessa Ray work on a scene at the Wilkes-Barre River Common. ‘All In Time’ was shot entirely in Northeastern Pennsylvania, except for interior rock-club scenes, which were shot at the Chameleon Club in Lancaster. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Vanessa-Ray-and-Sean-Modica-All-in-Time-3-.jpg Actors Sean Modica and Vanessa Ray work on a scene at the Wilkes-Barre River Common. ‘All In Time’ was shot entirely in Northeastern Pennsylvania, except for interior rock-club scenes, which were shot at the Chameleon Club in Lancaster. Submitted photo
Award-winning ‘All In Time’ shows in October
By Matt Mattei [email protected]
IF YOU GO … What: NEPA premiere of “All In Time” Where: F.M. Kirby Center, 71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre When: 2 p.m., Oct. 16 Additional information: Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show and are available at the Kirby Center box office, online at www.kirbycenter.org and by phone at 570-826-1100. | http://timesleader.com/features/581401/mountain-top-director-chris-fetchko-screens-acclaimed-film-in-wilkes-barre | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/0ea55ad3b220fb09e19b68f8594b35d0b325d91d02c52713086ae6642d240a41.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T06:47:01 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580654%2F1-rescue-water-search-ongoing-after-new-orleans-plane-crash-4.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580654/1-rescue-water-search-ongoing-after-new-orleans-plane-crash-4 | en | null | 1 rescue, water search ongoing after New Orleans plane crash | null | null | timesleader.com | NEW ORLEANS (AP) — U.S. Coast Guard officials say one person has been rescued and crews are searching for two others after a small plane crashed into a lake near a New Orleans airport.
Multiple media reports say Coast Guard personnel responded to the scene Saturday night after the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of the Seabrook Bridge near New Orleans Lakefront Airport. The airport is located adjacent to Lake Ponchatrain, about 10 miles northeast of downtown New Orleans, Louisiana.
Coast Guard officials say the Cessna training flight crashed about 8:30 p.m.
The person rescued was transferred to a New Orleans hospital in unknown condition.
No further details were immediately available. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580654/1-rescue-water-search-ongoing-after-new-orleans-plane-crash-4 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/ea206ba01de057750802b11870d8092811ccb8a99e3fcb2a9c1e50b27bb06fd2.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:46:47 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F580324%2Fbeyond-the-byline-show-some-respect-for-florence-foster-jenkins-and-for-wilkes-barre.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_florence.foster.jenkins-4.jpg | en | null | Beyond the Byline: Tinsel Town should show more respect for our town and Florence Foster Jenkins | null | null | timesleader.com | WILKES-BARRE — Driving home from work the other day, I saw the sign for “Hollenback Cemetery,” so I veered my car through the gate and along the winding road.
I had seen the movie — “Florence Foster Jenkins” — the night before and remembered that she was interred in her family’s mausoleum in Hollenback Cemetery. Not having a clue where her final resting place was, I just drove around. It didn’t take me long to find it.
I parked the car, got out and walked to the doors of the rather large mausoleum. Like some sort of eerie, weird tombstone tourist, I peered through the glass doors to see what was inside.
And there it was — Florence Foster’s crypt with her date of birth (July 19, 1868) and date of death (Nov. 26, 1944).
It was an odd feeling. I have passed by Hollenback Cemetery hundreds of times in my lifetime, never knowing much about the historical significance of many of its, err, residents.
This might sound odd, as well — I thought it was cool to stand in front of the final resting place of a woman portrayed by Meryl Streep in a Hollywood movie.
Like I said, I went to see the movie about this woman — Florence Foster Jenkins — who was a popular singer who couldn’t really sing. Actually, she was awful. She was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre and is buried in Hollenback Cemetery in Wilkes-Barre.
But Wilkes-Barre doesn’t even get a mention in this movie.
Not a mention.
I’m thinking what’s the big deal here? I guess it was a nice story and I could see she was a nice lady. After all, she was from Wilkes-Barre.
But I mean Meryl Streep? Oscar talk? Maybe, but I don’t think so.
It was an OK movie, but kind of an easy role to play. I know a lot of people who could play the lead role of a singer who couldn’t sing — people who sing in the car or in the shower, but never in public. Florence? Well, she sang at Carnegie Hall.
And if you play up Wilkes-Barre, now you’ve got something.
Otherwise, you’ve got a big budget movie with big name stars focusing on making fun of a good-hearted woman who loved to sing but, as my uncle used to say, couldn’t carry a note in a bucket.
Even more disturbing is that I had to travel to Moosic to see the movie because it was not playing in Wilkes-Barre. How the heck does that happen? A major motion picture about a woman from Wilkes-Barre, who is buried in Wilkes-Barre, and the Wilkes-Barre movie theater doesn’t see how that might play well — in Wilkes-Barre? “Ben-Hur” was playing in Wilkes-Barre, but I don’t think he was from the city.
So I look into this Florence Foster Jenkins woman. I wasn’t going to believe much of what I had seen in a movie that failed to mention Wilkes-Barre. I wanted to get a more complete picture of Florence.
I learned she grew up in the city and her family lived on South Franklin Street — first at 124 and later at 17. I’m not sure if either of those buildings still exist — at least I couldn’t find them on my three trips around the block. Each time I slowed down to peer at the addresses, some impatient drivers behind me would lay on their horns. Give me a break — I’m searching history here.
I found out the Foster family attended St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on South Franklin Street, which would be located almost next door to the Foster residence at 17 S. Franklin St.
This is all very interesting stuff. Maybe not to Hollywood moguls or to Meryl Streep, but to me, it is. I’m told Ms. Streep has been invited to visit Florence’s gravesite but, not surprisingly, the Oscar winner has yet to accept.
If I were to be cast in an Oscar-caliber movie role, I would want to know everything there is to know about the character whose life I have been entrusted to portray on the big screen.
I sure hope Meryl Streep reads that, has a conscience and honors Florence by visiting her hometown and her final resting place.
I don’t care if Meryl Streep tells anybody she’s coming to visit Florence. She can do it under the radar.
It would be a wonderful way to honor a woman who deserves this show of respect.
It was a nice film. And the nachos were pretty good. See ya at the movies.
Bill O’Boyle http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Oboyle_Bill-2-1-7.jpg Bill O’Boyle Florence Foster Jenkins http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_florence.foster.jenkins-4.jpg Florence Foster Jenkins | http://timesleader.com/news/local/580324/beyond-the-byline-show-some-respect-for-florence-foster-jenkins-and-for-wilkes-barre | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/df61f012a98bf2bed4029b501c01c159c072969dc0ef79d37ed39111fbafb2ab.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T00:46:34 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F580190%2Four-opinion-wilkes-barre-rightly-seeks-more-diversity-within-its-employee-ranks.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/editorials-9.png | en | null | Our Opinion: Wilkes-Barre rightly seeks more diversity within its employee ranks | null | null | timesleader.com | Diamonds to Wilkes-Barre Administrator Ted Wampole. He and others who are keenly aware of the predominantly white makeup of the city’s firefighter and police ranks intend to encourage more minority applicants to apply for the posts, according to a recent news article. No one’s talking about quotas, only common sense. In an urban center populated by a spectrum of whites, blacks and Hispanics, shouldn’t the city’s workforce reflect that diversity? Wampole, who formerly served on the Wilkes-Barre Fire Civil Service Commission, noticed in prior years how few non-whites took the exam to be considered for the public-sector jobs, he said. The city’s outreach efforts, if successful, will encourage qualified men and women of all colors to take the test and vie for selection. In turn, that can make the community stronger.
Coal to the person, or people, who see the word “diversity” in an editorial and immediately fire off letters equating it to a new criminal element in the ol’ neighborhood. Sorry, Archie Bunker, but we’re not buying into your narrow-minded beliefs.
Diamonds to Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis. After long seeking to take control of the county’s drug task force from the state Attorney General’s Office, she learned this month that the transfer became official. The development makes Luzerne County the 46th county in Pennsylvania to have its task force under a local DA’s authority. One advantage of the setup: All cash and assets seized in civil forfeitures resulting from drug investigations will be kept in the county, rather than shared with the state, and put toward policing efforts. Salavantis plans to soon appoint a task force coordinator.
Coal to confessed hit-and-run culprit Gregory M. Strazdus. The Dallas resident, 47, pleaded guilty this week to aggravated assault charges related to his vehicle’s clipping of a bicyclist on Lakeside Drive at Harveys Lake. Strazdus supposedly didn’t stop at the accident scene, instead telling police later that he believed he had struck a mailbox. Um, wouldn’t a responsible driver have stopped and checked, no matter what had been hit? Strazdus – who is expected to be sentenced Oct. 13 – should thank his lucky stars that no one was killed, then commit himself to making amends.
Diamonds to volunteers at the area’s high school football games, toiling through four quarters inside those food concession stands. From behind their counters, they miss the big plays. But they’re eager to hand off the sodas, pretzels, pizza and hot dogs that keep fans fueled. This weekend, concession crews likely will cope with energy-sapping heat. In only a matter of weeks, however, they’ll dole out hot chocolate and coffee – making them among the most popular people in the stadium. If you attend a game, hand ’em a few extra bucks; it’s for the booster club. | http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorials/580190/our-opinion-wilkes-barre-rightly-seeks-more-diversity-within-its-employee-ranks | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/2c5e1f4a440387da96bc81b46a9a2f906f2ecf82536529e32a65786cf65bf274.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T20:47:13 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fengagements%2F580868%2Fholly-ann-savner-and-george-alan-szacska-jr-announce-their-engagement.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082816savner.eng_-1.jpg | en | null | Holly Ann Savner and George Alan Szacska Jr. announce their engagement | null | null | timesleader.com | Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Savner, of Mountain Top, announce the engagement of their daughter Holly Ann to George Alan Szacska Jr., son of Mr. George Alan Szacska Sr. and Ms. Cindy Szacska, both of Lehighton.
Holly Ann is the granddaughter of the late Eleanor and Raymond Savner Sr., of Mountain Top and the late Dorothy and Lawence A. Marini Sr., Wilkes-Barre Township.
George is the grandson of Eleanor and George Ale Szacska, Lehighton and Mrs. Carol German, Lehighton; as well as the late Robert German, Lehighton.
The bride-to-be is a 2008 graduate of Crestwood High School. She will graduate in the spring from East Stroudsburg University with a bachelors degree in biology. She is currently working as a veterinarian technician in Mount Pocono.
The prospective groom is a 2004 graduate of Lehighton Area High School.
He currently works as a foreman for UGI in the Bethlehem area.
The couple will take their vows in June 2017 surrounded by family and friends. | http://timesleader.com/engagements/580868/holly-ann-savner-and-george-alan-szacska-jr-announce-their-engagement | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/a7e9bb972842233cd47b19d0f937a2ccbe866cea9e2266fd810dc41bd89c804a.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:47:22 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fcommunity-features%2F581747%2Fplymouth-kiwanis-awards-scholarship.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082916kiwanis.scholar.jpg | en | null | Plymouth Kiwanis awards scholarship | null | null | timesleader.com | The Plymouth Kiwanis Club annually awards a scholarship to a deserving senior student from Wyoming Valley West High School. This year’s recipient is Tyler Wozniak, son of Tom and Ninaleigh Wozniak, of Forty Fort. He will begin studies in August at Penn State University majoring in civil engineering with a concentration is surveying. At the presentation, seated, is Dr. Frank Gazda, Plymouth Kiwanian. Standing, from left, are: Tom and Ninaleigh Wozniak, parents; Wozniak, Jim Mahon, Plymouth Kiwanis president; Richard Schall, Kiwanis president-elect and Ray Motyka, Kiwanis treasurer.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL082916kiwanis.scholar.jpg | http://timesleader.com/community-features/581747/plymouth-kiwanis-awards-scholarship | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/4a5d65f5045da7883c7bd5ee7abd87757f7200cf042165f1d4a89febba794b99.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T22:47:10 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2F581404%2Flyndwood-building-in-hanover-township-fully-reborn-for-first-day-of-school.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_liufirstday01.jpg | en | null | Lyndwood building in Hanover Township fully reborn for first day of school | null | null | timesleader.com | HANOVER TWP. — John Balbach read “Five Little Monkeys” with Shakespearean flair, Ava Spielmann broke into a fully-choreographed cheer routine and Chloe McDaniels used her ginger-cute looks and a first-day-of-school-ever excuse to get a chair while everyone else sat on the floor.
Monday was the first day of classes for six Luzerne County school districts. But at Hanover Area School District’s former Lyndwood Elementary — closed in 2011 — it was a bit of a rebirth. For the first time since the district locked the school’s doors, the “Lyndwood Center” had students in nearly every classroom, a new mascot and that time-honored tradition: the morning announcement.
“We want it to be more like a traditional school,” said Luzerne Intermediate Unit Treatment Coordinator Jamie Fine, beaming at the notion that the building has come so far from the brink of blight.
In the last few years, Hanover Area teamed with Head Start of Luzerne County to bring pre-kindergarten classes into the building, while the LIU — which offers special education services to area school districts — rented space and brought some of its programs for earlier grades.
This year, LIU services were expanded to students from kindergarten through eighth grade, occupying pretty much all of the available space on the building’s second floor. The preschool programs fill the first floor.
This past summer, Fine and other staff members decided to give the school a new lion mascot and formed a “Lion Pride” committee that volunteered time to spruce up the rooms and hallways. They are also working to set up things like field trips and community-based learning opportunities.
Upstairs, older students from various districts get both special needs services and their academic lessons, while downstairs the pre-school youngsters read, sing and exercise their way through the day.
During a brief lull in teacher Kaitlyn Cibello’s class of 3- and 4-year-olds, Balbach decided to read some of his “Five Little Monkeys” book aloud, adopting a stentorian style worthy of a Macbeth soliloquy, waving his hand in the air. “Out, Out!” he bellowed, presumably to the mischievous primates in the fable.
Spielmann spontaneously ran through a cheering routine, complete with arm and leg choreography. “Did you go to cheerleader camp this summer?” Cibello asked. “Yes!” Spielmann replied emphatically.
But it may have been red-headed McDaniels who stole the show. Unlike her classmates, she had not attended the pre-kindergarten class last spring, so this was her first first day of school. When Cibello sat on a kid-size chair for a reading session, McDaniels immediately started dragging one to her spot.
“I want a chair, too,” she said.
Other youngsters rose from the rug, reaching for other chairs. Realizing she had a bit of a pre-kindergarten revolt on her hands, Cibello told the class that “this is Chloe’s first day and she doesn’t know how we do everything, so we’ll let her have a chair today,” nudging the others to sit back on the carpet.
The literal uprising averted, Cibello began reading “Little Tiger Picks Up.”
Pre-kindergarten school teacher Kaitlyn Cibello and her students sing songs during story time on Monday the first day of school at the Lyndwood Center in Hanover Township. Pete G. Wilcox | Times Leader http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_liufirstday02.jpg Pre-kindergarten school teacher Kaitlyn Cibello and her students sing songs during story time on Monday the first day of school at the Lyndwood Center in Hanover Township. Pete G. Wilcox | Times Leader Pre-kindergarten students Ava Spielmann, left, and Zayden Bradshaw explore story books during the first day of school on Monday at Lyndwood Center in Hanover Township, a school that has found new life after being closed in 2011 http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_liufirstday01.jpg Pre-kindergarten students Ava Spielmann, left, and Zayden Bradshaw explore story books during the first day of school on Monday at Lyndwood Center in Hanover Township, a school that has found new life after being closed in 2011
By Mark Guydish [email protected] | http://timesleader.com/news/581404/lyndwood-building-in-hanover-township-fully-reborn-for-first-day-of-school | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/7032c7a1a0b07d471ed0f36e9e4c512f0985f58c3bd0927c79d43a3a8e53b511.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:48:11 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F579860%2Fofficial-striking-miners-kill-deputy-minister-in-bolivia-4.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/579860/official-striking-miners-kill-deputy-minister-in-bolivia-4 | en | null | Official: Striking miners kill deputy minister in Bolivia | null | null | timesleader.com | LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Striking miners in Bolivia kidnapped and beat to death the country’s deputy interior minister after he traveled to the area to mediate in the bitter conflict over mining laws, officials said.
Government Minister Carlos Romero called it a “cowardly and brutal killing” and asked that the body of deputy minister Rodolfo Illanes be turned over to authorities.
Illanes, whose formal title is vice minister of the interior regime, was “savagely beaten” to death by the striking miners, Defense Minister Reymi Ferreira told Red Uno television, his voice breaking.
Earlier, Romero had said that Illanes had been kidnapped and possibly tortured, but wasn’t able to confirm reports that he had been killed by the striking informal miners, who are demanding the right to associate with private companies, among other issues.
The fatal beating follows the killings of two protesters in clashes with police, deaths that likely escalated tensions in the strike.
Illanes had gone to Panduro, 80 miles (130 kilometers) south of the La Paz, to open a dialogue with the striking miners, who have blockaded a highway there since Monday. Thousands of passengers and vehicles are stranded on roads blocked by the strikers.
Officials say he was taken hostage by the miners on Thursday morning. At midday, Illanes said on his Twitter account: “My health is fine, my family can be calm.” There are reports that he had heart problems.
Bolivia’s informal or artisan miners number about 100,000 and work in self-managed cooperatives. They want to be able to associate with private companies, which is prohibited. The government argues that if they associate with multinational companies they would cease to be cooperatives.
The National Federation of Mining Cooperatives of Bolivia, once strong allies of President Evo Morales, went on an indefinite protest after negotiations over the mining legislation failed. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/579860/official-striking-miners-kill-deputy-minister-in-bolivia-4 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/f8ff276e27793895f4eee2844e889c4829eb8b60542d4b325fbefd08f668940d.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:47:14 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Ffeatures%2F581524%2Fto-your-health-take-a-minute-and-check-for-ticks.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_casale-6.jpg | en | null | To your health: Take a minute and check for ticks | null | null | timesleader.com | In most of our region, the weather was fantastic last weekend. I hope that you and your family had a chance to get outside, get some fresh air, stretch a little and be active. Remember though, whether you’re camping, spending a late summer night by a fire or hiking in the mountains, there’s a good chance that, if you’re in Pennsylvania, you’re in tick country.
Blacklegged ticks, or deer ticks, which can carry Lyme disease, can be found throughout the state primarily in wooded areas.
Lyme disease, named for Lyme, Connecticut, is a tick-borne infectious illness that can affect the joints, heart and nervous system if it’s not treated early enough.
When you return from being in or near a wooded area, it’s best to check for ticks within an hour or two. Taking a shower or bath is one way to easily check. Take care in removing clothing that could also carry ticks. If you find one, remove it using fine-tipped tweezers, rather than squeezing it or pulling it off your skin with your fingers. Most pet supply stores have handy little devices to make the removal easy.
It’s important to realize that getting bitten by a tick doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll contract Lyme disease. It typically takes 36-48 hours for Lyme disease to be transmitted from an attached, infected tick to a human.
If you remove the tick within this timeframe, you’re much less likely to get Lyme disease. However, it’s a good idea to watch for signs and symptoms of Lyme disease just in case.
The early signs of Lyme disease are somewhat similar to flu symptoms: you might feel feverish, have a mildly elevated temperature or have the chills, along with aches and fatigue. However, what sets Lyme disease apart from the flu is a pink-red bull’s-eye rash that typically appears about anywhere from three to 30 days after a bite.
Most people with Lyme disease get this bull’s-eye-shaped rash that gets bigger over time. If you notice this rash, it’s time to visit your doctor.
If you don’t see a rash within a few weeks, you might notice other symptoms like a drooping of muscles in your face called Bell’s palsy, severe headaches or a stiff neck, continued bone, joint or muscle pain, an irregular heart beat, dizziness or shortness of breath.
When Lyme disease is caught in the early stages, it’s treated with antibiotics.
If it’s caught early, Lyme disease is typically treatable and you’ll make a full recovery within a few weeks. However, in a small percentage of people, symptoms of Lyme disease can last six months or longer. We all know someone who can tell a horror story that they relate to Lyme, but really, that severe, life-altering situation is uncommon.
The best defense against Lyme disease is prevention. To avoid tick bites in the first place, wear pants and long sleeves if you’re taking a hike in a wooded area. Real outdoor pros tuck the cuffs
of their pants into their socks. Stick to the center of the trail, away from bushes and shrubs. Finally, treat your exposed skin and clothing with a repellent that contains DEET or permethrin.
The long Labor Day weekend is a great time to get outside and move. Please take advantage of the many options our beautiful region offers for healthy outdoor family activities. Don’t be afraid of ticks and Lyme disease, but be smart.
Alfred Casale To Your Health http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_casale-6.jpg Alfred Casale To Your Health
By Alfred Casale To Your Health | http://timesleader.com/features/581524/to-your-health-take-a-minute-and-check-for-ticks | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/6ba8fc8af71bf1af7a5dafc855e7cc21d700435bddb60cac038f4ac96f0f9b17.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:47:10 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Ffeatures%2F581208%2Fdance-theatre-of-w-b-offers-master-classes.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_ballet.jpg | en | null | Dance Theatre of W-B offers master classes | null | null | timesleader.com | Downtown Arts will host a series of master classes celebrating, Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre’s 10th anniversary.
The first one will be Sept. 3, with a morning, modern dance session taught by Catherine Schaeffer from 10 a.m. to noon and an afternoon, ballet and lyrical dance session taught by Lauren Timek and Raphael Cooper of the Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre faculty from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Schaeffer, who recently relocated to Northeastern Pennsylvania, has danced with a dozen professional modern dance companies, working with renowned choreographers in New York City, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Phoenix. Her expertise spans all areas of modern dance from classical styles to contemporary contact improvisation and dance sciences.
As a dance professor, she has taught for Mercyhurst College, Dickinson College, and developed the bachelor of fine arts degree in dance at Valdosta State University.
The master class is open to all intermediate and advanced dancers, age 10 and older, and will be held at the Downtown Arts building, 47 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Cost is $20. To register, call 570-332-7817 or respond on the Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre’s Facebook page. | http://timesleader.com/features/581208/dance-theatre-of-w-b-offers-master-classes | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/a6d82c760528b6f0d70a99d7f3f19b3f9ceb78a2cb9b36752e2219369b644a72.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T06:47:16 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581515%2Fnorth-carolina-warily-watching-2-tropical-weather-systems.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581515/north-carolina-warily-watching-2-tropical-weather-systems | en | null | North Carolina warily watching 2 tropical weather systems | null | null | timesleader.com | RODANTHE, N.C. (AP) — Beachgoers, boat captains and business owners on North Carolina’s Outer Banks warily eyed a potent tropical weather system Monday that could rain out one of the last busy weeks of the summer.
The first system was expected by forecasters to become a tropical storm before brushing the North Carolina coast Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and high winds to barrier islands popular for serene beaches.
Another tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico could hit northern Florida as a tropical storm later in the week and possibly head toward the Atlantic coast, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami said. They cautioned that the storm’s exact path remained uncertain days in advance.
Coastal Dare County in North Carolina could face winds of up to 45 mph with higher gusts and heavy rain that could flood low-lying areas from through Wednesday, according to an emergency management news release. To the south, Carteret County officials also warned of flooding and advised residents to monitor forecasts.
A tropical storm warning was issued for areas of the coast from Cape Lookout to the Oregon Inlet along the Outer Banks.
“I would advise everybody to take a look at the weather,” Dare County emergency management director Drew Pearson said when asked whether visitors should keep their travel plans. “They need to make those decisions based on what they see in the weather forecast.”
Tourists sought to take the approaching storm in stride.
Visitor Katherine Vega, 45, of Springhill, Tennessee, said she could handle a day indoors during her vacation. By Monday afternoon, she had already fled the Atlantic’s swelling waves and strengthening currents off Hatteras Island in Buxton.
“We were just knee-deep, and there were a few times where we had to run out because it kept sucking us in,” she said, adding she’d watch movies with her husband until the storm blows through.
“We came from Tennessee,” she said with a shrug. “There are tornado threats over there.”
As of Monday night, the first depression was about 125 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras with top sustained winds of 35 mph and moving to the northwest. It was expected to become a tropical storm by Tuesday but not grow stronger than that, said National Weather Service meteorologist Shane Kearns in eastern North Carolina.
“Anything is possible, but we’re not really seeing any kind of significant strengthening for the storm,” he said in an interview.
The second depression was about 240 miles west of Key West, Florida, with maximum winds of 35 mph. It was moving west, but forecasters expect it could curve back to the northeast in the coming days. Authorities at some locations in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area of Florida were hauling out sandbags Monday to offer residents amid predictions of heavy rains.
On North Carolina’s Outer Banks, business owner Jennifer Scarborough said her biggest concern was that the first storm could saturate the area before another blow by the second storm.
“The second storm is the one I’m more worried about,” she said. “I’m definitely keeping an eye on it and planning accordingly. … If we have a lot of rain in a short amount of time that could be a problem. “
Roads along the thin barrier islands are prone to flooding and damage from erosion, including the two-lane N.C. Highway 12 that is the area’s main north-south artery.
“N.C. 12, our lifeline on Hatteras Island, even in a winter storm has some challenges,” Pearson said.
Scarborough, who manages Hatteras Harbor Marina and owns the Harbor Deli next door, said she’s receiving concerned calls from customers and that some captains are canceling fishing trips for Tuesday and Wednesday. With Labor Day approaching, the week represents one of the last busy stretches of summer for the area.
“It’s definitely making people think twice about coming here,” she said.
In the central Pacific, Hurricane Madeline strengthened Monday into a Category 3 storm about 630 miles (1,015 kilometers) east of Hilo, Hawaii. Top sustained winds reached 115 mph (185 kph) as Madeline moved west-northwest at 10 mph (17 kph). A hurricane watch was posted for Hawaii County and those in the main Hawaiian Islands were urged to monitor the storm’s progress.
Elsewhere in the Pacific, Hurricane Lester became a powerful Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph) while churning west at 14 mph (22 kph) about 1,375 miles (2,210 kilometers) west of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico. It posed no immediate threat to land.
___
Drew reported from Raleigh, North Carolina. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581515/north-carolina-warily-watching-2-tropical-weather-systems | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/df9ff6bac32a660d8a88546a0b148ce0082cdb91bf4cb4d665f75d52363b2375.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T06:47:36 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581819%2Fex-wartime-sex-slaves-sue-south-korea-over-deal-with-japan.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581819/ex-wartime-sex-slaves-sue-south-korea-over-deal-with-japan | en | null | Ex-wartime sex slaves sue South Korea over deal with Japan | null | null | timesleader.com | SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Twelve South Korean women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japan’s military in World War II have sued the Seoul government over a deal it reached with Tokyo to pay the victims, saying it doesn’t go far enough to establish Japan’s responsibility.
The plaintiffs are each seeking 100 million won ($90,000) from the South Korean government, which they say failed to hold the Japanese government legally responsible when it agreed to the settlement in December, a spokesman from the Seoul Central District Court said Wednesday. He didn’t want to be named, citing office rules.
The lawsuit was submitted days after South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said surviving victims will each be eligible to receive around 100 million won from a foundation that will be funded by the Japanese government. The ministry said the families of deceased victims will receive about 20 million won ($18,000), and added it expects the Japanese government to soon transfer a promised 1 billion yen ($9.9 million) to the Seoul-based foundation launched in July.
Many in South Korea believe the Seoul government settled for far too less in the sex slave deal and that Japan still hasn’t acknowledged legal responsibility for atrocities during its colonial occupation of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. Several South Korean victims, including at least six of the plaintiffs who sued the South Korean government, said through local media they will reject payments offered from the foundation.
Under the December agreement, which was described by both governments as “irreversible,” Japan pledged to fund the foundation to help support the victims. However, Japan said it didn’t consider the 1 billion yen it promised to the fund as compensation, saying such issues were settled in a 1965 treaty that restored diplomatic ties and was accompanied by more than $800 million in economic aid and loans from Tokyo to Seoul.
South Korea, in exchange, vowed to refrain from criticizing Japan over the issue and will try to resolve a Japanese grievance over a statue of a girl representing victims of sexual slavery that sits in front of the Japanese Embassy in downtown Seoul.
Historians say tens of thousands of women from around Asia, many of them Korean, were sent to front-line military brothels to provide sex to Japanese soldiers. At the time of the sex slave deal, Seoul said there were 46 surviving South Korean victims. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581819/ex-wartime-sex-slaves-sue-south-korea-over-deal-with-japan | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/c7e1b102f2fb74d4dd54b36f4ef35ffdc0686f9bbf504fc19a1384b970c26dea.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T06:47:04 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F580653%2F1-rescued-2-missing-after-plane-crash-in-new-orleans-lake-6.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580653/1-rescued-2-missing-after-plane-crash-in-new-orleans-lake-6 | en | null | 1 rescued, 2 missing after plane crash in New Orleans lake | null | null | timesleader.com | NEW ORLEANS (AP) — U.S. Coast Guard officials say one person has been rescued and crews are searching for two others after a small plane crashed into a lake near a New Orleans airport.
Multiple media reports say Coast Guard personnel responded to the scene Saturday night after the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of the Seabrook Bridge near New Orleans Lakefront Airport. The airport is located adjacent to Lake Ponchatrain, about 10 miles northeast of downtown New Orleans, Louisiana.
Coast Guard officials say the Cessna training flight crashed into Lake Ponchatrain about 8:30 p.m.
The person rescued was transferred to a New Orleans hospital in unknown condition.
No further details were immediately available. | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/580653/1-rescued-2-missing-after-plane-crash-in-new-orleans-lake-6 | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/5c31963a13057da1b400414909c73d2c99b9d503920aea4f9d2b0f1c5762d9b7.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T04:47:01 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fsports%2Fhigh-school-tennis%2F580919%2F2016-wvc-girls-tennis-preview-hazleton-area-ready-for-title-defense.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL101615D2Tennis_2.jpg | en | null | 2016 WVC Girls Tennis Preview: Hazleton Area ready for title defense | null | null | timesleader.com | The 2016 Wyoming Valley Conference high school girls tennis season looks to be a highly competitive race to the top.
Hazleton Area is coming off an undefeated 14-0 regular season in which the Cougars captured the WVC title.
This year, Hazleton Area brings in a brand new coach, Katie Pavlick, who led MMI Prep to an 8-5 record last season. She will be replacing long-time head coach Amber Corrado after 12 seasons at the helm.
The Cougars return key players Stephanie Mazurek and Lily Nowak who won a District 2 3A championship in doubles, along with junior Sosia Losen.
“With six returning players I have very high expectations,” Pavlick said. “I have full confidence in them and believe they will be tough to beat this year.”
Another talented squad to watch out for this season are the Holy Redeemer Royals. Joe Suchocki’s playoff-bound team went 11-2 last year, but will have big shoes to fill this season with the departure of three key starting players — Meghan McGraw, Angela Malinovitch and Abby Muth.
“We are looking for people to step up to fill the gaps,” Suchocki said. “Hopefully we can make the playoffs again this year.”
After a 10-3 finish last year, Tiffany Callaio’s Wyoming Area Warriors are a team to keep an eye on. The team returns key, experienced players such as Allison Lampman, Emily Cheskiewicz, Lea Getz and Nina Minnelli.
“After losing the three best players this program has ever had, it will be a rebuilding year,” Callaio said. “I would love to have another winning season and get back to the playoffs. It all depends on how they transition from playing doubles to now playing singles.”
Wyoming Seminary will also have to cope with the loss of its top two players in Jacqui Meuser and Megan Obeid. After going 9-2 last season and advancing to the semifinals in the district playoffs, Allison Joanlanne expects her team to be up for the challenge.
“We lost our top two players from last year, but we have a lot of good returners and new players. I hope to make the playoffs like we do every year,” she said.
BERWICK
Coach: Trinell Bull (33rd season)
2015 Record: 10-5
Home Courts: Berwick High School Tennis Court
Key Returning Players: Gabi Topko, Lily Force-Moore, Alexis Zalutko, Jacee Carrathers (All Seniors), Isabella Arndt
Key Losses: Linda Thelemaque (top player last season), Kayla Davis, Mary Kramer, Rachel Betz, Kate Dalrymple
Coach’s Outlook: “We are heavy on seniors and I expect to be very competitive. Our team goal would be for these girls to make district playoffs. We are very team-oriented with our four key returning seniors helping our new players. They are a cohesive unit, together both on the court and off.”
COUGHLIN
Coach: Teresa Popielarski (13th season)
2015 Record: 5-8 (Lost to Abington Heights in team district playoffs)
Home Courts: Plains Township Municipal Park on Clark Lane
Key Returning Players: Diana Rodriguez, Kira Meager, Diana Stavinski
Key Losses: Kristi Pearage (No. 1 singles), Deanna Richards (No. 3 singles)
Coach’s Outlook: “Along with our returning upperclassmen, we have a lot of new players who show great potential and will probably be rotated into the lineup. Our goal for this year is to play our best, have fun, and make it to team district playoffs.”
CRESTWOOD
Coach: Scott Lenio (19th season)
2015 Record: 4-10
Home Courts: Wright Township Park
Key Returning Players: Kara Grenzberg (singles), Allison Knorek (singles)
Key Losses: Emily Shiplett, Morgan Novosel, Alaina Williams, Gabby Slucki
Coach’s Outlook: “The team lost four starters from last year. The returning singles players this year have some experience in league play and we hope to improve as the year goes along. The doubles teams consist of players who have not played in league matches. We hope to improve as the year goes along and try to reach .500.”
DALLAS
Coach: Joe Pugliese (6th season)
2015 Record: 5-8
Home Courts: Dallas High School
Key Returning Players: Hannah Bonk, Allie Stallard, Emily Heltzel, Mikayla Renolds
Key Losses: Caitlyn Landau, Michelle Leonard
Coach’s Outlook: “A few of our top players missed a lot of matches last year. That allowed me to get some other players some experience in varsity matches. That should help us going into this year. We have no superstars, but we have good depth. Our goal every year is to make the playoffs. That may be a tough task this year, but I like the positive attitude of this team.”
GAR
Coach: Raphael Cooper (4th season)
2015 Record: 2-11
Home Courts: Barney Farms in Wilkes-Barre
Key Returning Players: Michelle Tapia, Samantha Rodriguez, Roselyn Kosich
Key Losses: Giselle Huertero, Josmarlyn Rizas, Jessica Valencia, Tatiana Reed, Paige Gartin
Coach’s Outlook: “For my assistant coach Josh Wasielewski and I, we have a very young, new inexperienced team where we hope they learn the game and to play it the right way. We want them to go out and compete and enjoy the experience. We would be happy to see them grow in upcoming years and rebuild a nice foundation for our program for many seasons to come.”
HANOVER AREA
Coach: Terry Schnee (29th season)
2015 Record: 2-11
Home Courts: Hanover Area High School
Key Returning Players: Victoria Hoffman (No. 1 singles), Victoria Downey
Key Losses: Lauren Richmond, Maryann Chapin
Coach’s Outlook: “We would like to compete and have a complete lineup for our tennis matches. We want to help our newer girls develop basic tennis skills to play competitive matches and to rebuild the program that will hopefully become the nucleus of our team. We have had a declining number of players on our roster the last several years, we used to have anywhere from 14 to 16 players on a given roster and last season we only had four players on the entire team. This season is looking up, as we have eight girls on the roster and should have a complete lineup.”
HAZLETON AREA
Coach: Katie Pavlick (1st season)
2015 Record: 14-0 (Won Wyoming Valley Conference, won doubles in District II 3A)
Home Courts: Hazleton Area High School Tennis Courts
Key Returning Players: Stephanie Mazurek, Jr.; Lily Nowak, soph; Sosia Losen, Jr.
Key Losses: Jessica Wenner
Coach’s Outlook: “With six returning players I have very high expectations. The girls are coming back in full swing and I look for them to be competitive and strong throughout the whole season. I have full confidence in them and believe they will be tough to beat this year.”
HOLY REDEEMER
Coach: Joe Suchocki (5th season)
2015 Record: 11-2 (made playoffs)
Home Courts: Kirby Park
Key Returning Players: Charlotte Maria, Alex Kester, Lauren LaMarca, Emily Evans, Gracyn Giampietro, Julia Randazzo, Erika Serafin
Key Losses: Meghan McGraw, Angela Malinovitch, Abby Muth
Coach’s Outlook: “Losing three starters from last year’s squad leaves a big hole to fill. We are looking for people to step up to fill the gaps. Hopefully we can make the playoffs again this year.”
MMI PREP
Coach: Michael Portonova (1st season)
2015 Record: 8-5
Home Courts: MMI Prep
Key Returning Players: Jessica Smith,Sr; Libby Pinto, Sr.; Jackie Braunstein, Jr.; Katherine Pinto, fr.
Key Losses: No players lost from last year
Coach’s Outlook: “My goals are to continue building the program. We have a good group of girls returning, and we look to be very competitive in both the conference and districts this season.”
PITTSTON AREA
Coach: Amanda Wascazich (2nd season)
2015 Record: 4-9
Home Courts: Martin Mattei Middle School
Key Returning Players: McKenzie Connors, Sr.; Taryn Whitman, Sr.
Key Losses: Sarah Schwartz, Jess Borglet
Coach’s Outlook: “We are looking to improve on our 4-9 record from last year. We have lots of returning players from last year’s starting lineup. We put in a lot of work in our offseason and are looking forward to having a good year, hopefully making team districts.”
TUNKHANNOCK
Coach: John Grey (3rd season)
2015 Record: 7-6
Home Courts: Tunkhannock Tigers Tennis Courts
Key Returning Players: Autumn Grey, Miranda Donovan, Stephanie Seward, Lia Rome
Key Losses: Briana Grey, Haley Puterdaugh, Kaitlyn Markovitz, Emily Gesna
Coach’s Outlook: “You hope for the best and plan for the worst. The girls have been playing hard over the summer, and we hope they can fill in some big shoes for the upperclassmen we lost from last year. Hopefully our depth chart is strong enough to overcome those losses. Even more important than any possible playoff goals, we look to improve and have fun, as they learn the sport of tennis along the way. We think we can be competitive throughout the entire season.”
WYOMING AREA
Coach: Tiffany Callaio (5th season)
2015 Record: 10-3 (Lost to Valley View in the playoffs)
Home Courts: Martin Mattei Middle School in Pittston Area
Key Returning Players: Allison Lampman, Emily Cheskiewicz, Lea Getz, Nina Minnelli, Brianna Pizzano
Key Losses: Kierstin Grillo, Anna Thomas, Laura Perry, Melanie Wrubel, Emily Ambruso
Coach’s Outlook: “After losing the three best players this program has ever had, it will be a rebuilding year, but the four returning players do have playing time experience. I would love to have another winning season and get back to the playoffs. The girls are young, but have been working hard. It all depends on how they transition from playing doubles to now playing singles.”
WYOMING SEMINARY
Coach: Allison Joanlanne (5th season)
2015 Record: 9-2 (made it to semifinals in district playoffs)
Home Courts: Lull Tennis Center
Key Returning Players: Abbie Catin, Jr.; Emily Laurore, Sr.
Key Losses: Jacqui Meuser, Megan Obeid
Coach’s Outlook: “Even though we lost our top two players, we have a lot of good returning and new players. We hope to make playoffs like we do every year.”
WYOMING VALLEY WEST
Coach: Jim Zimmerman (21st season)
2015 Record: 1-12
Home Courts: Hamilton Park in Kingston, PA
Key Returning Players: Bryden Peters, Sr.; Madisen Jastremski, Jr.; Allison Dotter, Sr.; Mariah Care, Sr.
Key Losses: Laura Thompson
Coach’s Outlook: “We return our first and second singles players, Bryden Peters and Madisen Jastremski, and a couple of key doubles players from last year’s team. We are working hard and I hope we improve as the season moves along.”
Hazleton Area’s Stephanie Mazurek returns to a Cougars squad that went 14-0 last season and won the WVC title. morning. http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL101615D2Tennis_2.jpg Hazleton Area’s Stephanie Mazurek returns to a Cougars squad that went 14-0 last season and won the WVC title. morning.
By Ross Turetsky For Times Leader | http://timesleader.com/sports/high-school-tennis/580919/2016-wvc-girls-tennis-preview-hazleton-area-ready-for-title-defense | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/8e7c5f820dc601ef9a8c496194941c00ca44829a1ae19ec0ca61f5592bf33b6a.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T04:47:00 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F580930%2Fwest-hazleton-police-investigate-report-of-fight-with-bats-knives-machete.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_police-report-3.jpg | en | null | West Hazleton police investigate report of fight with bats, knives, machete | null | null | timesleader.com | WEST HAZLETON — A large group of people armed with baseball bats, knives and a large machete were fighting on a borough street on Sunday afternoon, according to police.
Officers were dispatched to the 400 block of West Green Street at about 3 p.m. after receiving a report of the incident.
One man with had head injuries were located nearby.
Others involved in the incident were located by police on Lincalis Street and dispersed as officers arrived, police said.
Police said they recovered multiple weapons at the scene, including brass knuckles and knives.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to call borough police at 570-455-3733.
http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_police-report-3.jpg
By Times Leader Staff [email protected] | http://timesleader.com/news/local/580930/west-hazleton-police-investigate-report-of-fight-with-bats-knives-machete | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/dd25e370a4f0a90a7ae5a6ea691bcf941e7bf99b50657be99c62fd37fbb32d12.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:46:58 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F580497%2Fletter-to-the-editor-republican-congressmen-from-nepa-too-partisan-for-this-voters-taste.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_letter-to-editorUpdated-10.jpg | en | null | Letter to the Editor: Republican congressmen from NEPA too partisan for this voter’s taste | null | null | timesleader.com | In Northeastern Pennsylvania, we’re represented by two congressmen who happen to be Republicans, Lou Barletta and Tom Marino.
Now there’s nothing wrong with being a Republican, any more than there’s anything wrong with being a Democrat. The problem is when they think more of the party than the people.
These two vote the party line even if it’s bad for their constituents. We need to consider that when we vote in November.
Ed Cole
Clarks Summit | http://timesleader.com/opinion/letters/580497/letter-to-the-editor-republican-congressmen-from-nepa-too-partisan-for-this-voters-taste | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/ef58713876d5ce0130e66f42c2381e1d331558fae6bec347883a1f6fa2fb2adc.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:47:08 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2F581222%2Fluzerne-county-restaurant-inspections-aug-12-18-two-established-restaurants-and-one-new-one-are-out-of-compliance.json | http://timesleader.com/news/581222/luzerne-county-restaurant-inspections-aug-12-18-two-established-restaurants-and-one-new-one-are-out-of-compliance | en | null | Luzerne County restaurant inspections Aug. 12-18: Two established restaurants and one new one are out of compliance | null | null | timesleader.com | The following are recent Luzerne County restaurant inspection reports from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. According the agency: “any inspection is a ‘snapshot’ of the day and time of the inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term cleanliness of an establishment. Also, at the time of the inspection violations are recorded but are often corrected on site prior to the inspector leaving the establishment.” The information is taken from the inspection database at www.eatsafepa.com. Postal addresses used here are as listed on the state’s website, and may not correspond to the municipalities in which facilities are physically located.
Charlie Weaver’s Restaurant, 42 Tunnel Rd., White Haven, Aug. 12. Regular inspection; out of compliance. Violations: Refrigerated ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the refrigeration units, is not being date marked. Person(s) in charge are not monitoring establishment operation for compliance with food code requirements. Bag of onions is stored on floor in basement. No thermometers visible in all in-use refrigeration units. Approx. 1/2” pooled condensate is observed on floor of bottle cooler in bar. Condensate is pooled on floor in 2-door cooler. Evaporator is leaking condensate onto floor in walk-in cooler. Approx. 1/4” condensate is pooled on floor. Outdoor storage area (dumpster) for waste is located approx. 20 feet from rear door and is creating a potential insect or rodent hazard for the food facility. Trash is lying on ground around dumpster. Ceiling in walk-in cooler is deteriorated/loose/falling down. Floor covering in food prep area is deteriorated/missing sections of surface material. Light bulb in walk in cooler is not shielded. Basement Bilco door is exhibiting open gaps along sealing surfaces. Approx. 10 live large black ants observed on food counter in rear store room. Old dried and semi soft rodent droppings too numerous too count are observed on shelf in basement stair well.
Cheers Cafe, 700 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston, Aug. 12. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations; Scoop being stored in the ice machine with handle buried beneath the ice. Scoop was removed. Observed knife with a deteriorating handle. Knife removed from facility. Observed a buildup of syrup residue in the soda gun at the bar. Gun was cleaned. Observed a buildup of residue on the shelves in the walk in cooler in the kitchen and the reach in cooler at the bar. Utensil observed in the hand-wash sink, indicating uses other than hand washing. Utensil was removed.
Clancy’s Bar and Grill, 1174 Twin Stacks Dr., Dallas, Aug. 12. Opening inspection; out of compliance. Violations: Observed a loose metal plate on the bottom right door opening of the walk-in freezer that is not allowing a tight seal and ice buildup is occurring. Buildup of construction dust and dirt inside of the three-compartment sink located at the lower level bar. Water, as observed at the lower level bar sinks, is not under pressure during inspection. Owner has them turned off because they want to install a glass washer and the bar area was ready for inspection at this time. The hand wash sink located in the lower bar area does not have water at a temperature of at least 100° degrees F. Water is turned off to the bar at the time of this inspection. Plumbing system not maintained in good repair – observed water leaking at the filter box under the dish machine. Entire lower level bar/dining area of the food facility is extremely dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning. they had yet cleaned the bar following construction.
Dupont Volunteer Hose Co., 308 Main St., Dupont, Aug. 15. Opening inspection; in compliance. Violations: Container of cleaner/sanitizer stored above single service articles in the storage area. Chemicals were moved. Observed knives stored in wooden block. Knives were removed and block was discarded.
Huns’ West Side Cafe, 570 Union St., Luzerne, Aug. 15. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view. Shell stock (clams) located in the walk-in cooler area did not have identification tags attached to the container. Owner stated that the tags were pulled off the bags and filed. Observed a buildup of grease on the outside surface of the fryer facing the wall in the prep area. Observed a buildup of static dust on the fan guard inside of the reach in freezer in the prep area. The fan was cleaned and sanitized during this inspection. Receiving door located in the back room of the food facility has a gap at the floor door junction with visible light and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. Observed a pool of grease on the floor between the wall and fryer in the prep area. There was also a buildup of grease on the wall next to the fryer.
Jerry’s Place, 70 – 72 Hudson Rd., Plains, Aug. 15. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.
Kernel Moonie’s Gourmet Popcorn Shoppe, 55-57 Main St., Luzerne, Aug. 15. Opening inspection; in compliance.
Gerrity’s Supermarket #490, 552 Union St., Luzerne, Aug. 16. Complaint inspection; in compliance.
Hampton Inn, 1 Top of the 80’s Rd., Hazleton, Aug. 16. Change of owner inspection; in compliance. Violations; No temperature holding thermometer or temperature tapes (160 degrees F) are available to monitor final rinse plate surface temperature in high temperature dish machine.
JR’s Food Mart, 120 S. Vine St., Hazleton, Aug. 16. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Kaps and Taps, 301 Main St., Duryea, Aug. 16. Regular inspection; in compliance.
New Mirakuya Japanese Restaurant, 700 W. Broad St., Hazleton, Aug. 16. Change of owner inspection; out of compliance. Violations: Person in charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection. Facility does not have a PH meter and mediums for calibration of meter. Facility does not have an approved HACCP plan for Sushi bar and associated processes. Left copies of HACCP development guidelines and discussed development of HACCP plan. A Food Employee Certification is displayed, but the individual is no longer employed by the food establishment. One new certified food handler required within 90 days. Food employees observed in food prep area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Assorted food containers are stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Person in Charge not able to produce records showing that raw or partially cooked ready-to-eat fish has been frozen by the facility or approved supplier as required, before use or sale. Cooked noodles stored in plastic lug in walk-in cooler are 71 degrees F (prepared 3 hrs ago) are stored to a depth of approximately 10”. Depth and volume of product will not allow for proper cooling to 41 degrees F within 6 hrs. Discussed cooling methods with staff/manager. Main kitchen food prep sinks are not accessible due to basins filled with miscellaneous items. Sinks made available during inspection. Food facility does not have enough outside waste receptacles as evidenced by refuse and waste lying on the ground.
P & R Discounts, Gateway Shopping Center, Unit 29, Kingston, Aug. 16. Follow-up inspection; in compliance.
Residence Inn By Marriott, 1 Station Circle Dr., Hazleton, Aug. 16. Change of owner inspection; in compliance.
Tim’s Salsa TFS1, 210-212 Gedding St., Avoca, Aug. 16. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Town Tavern of Duryea, 815 Foote Ave., Duryea, Aug. 16. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Soda gun observed with a buildup of black residue. Soda gun was cleaned. Observed a buildup of dust on the fan guards in the walk in coolers. Observed a buildup of dust on the hoods above the cooking area. Observed a buildup of food debris on the bottom of the bain marie and the floor in the walk in cooler. Observed a buildup of residues and debris on door/gasket on freezer in the kitchen, Observed single-service, single-use articles stored in storage closet directly on the floor, and not 6 inches above the floor.
4 Play, 165 Rt. 11, Nanticoke, Aug. 16. Change of owner, in compliance. Violations: Observed a buildup of dust on the fan guard in the walk-in cooler. Women’s toilet room is not provided with a covered waste receptacle for sanitary napkins. Observed 5 fruit flies in the bar area.
Church of Christ Uniting, 190 S. Sprague Ave., Kingston, Aug. 16. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Paper towel dispenser empty at the hand-wash sink in the prep area. The facility replaced paper towels at the hand-wash sink during this inspection.
Curry Donuts, 733 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, Aug. 16. Follow-up inspection; in compliance. Violations: Doughnut glaze bin cart has old buildup of glaze The cart was cleaned during this inspection. 1/2” gap along loose weatherstripping on vertical edge of receiving door into prep area. Wall tiles behind and around doughnut prep tables are broken and cracked.
Fairfield Inn and Suites, 118 State Route 93, Sugarloaf, Aug. 16. Change of owner inspection; in compliance.
Peculiar CC LLC TFS3, Pittston Tomato Festival Pittston, Aug. 18. Opening inspection; in compliance.
Sabatelle’s Festival Stand, Pittston Tomato Festival, Pittston. Aug. 18. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Sheetz #291. 101 Airport Rd., Hazle Twp., Aug. 18. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Residual date sticker material observed on exterior surfaces of cleaned, stacked food pans.
Tony Thomas Deli, Pittston Tomato Festival Pittston, Aug. 18. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Tony’s Pizza TFF3, Pittston Tomato Festival Pittston, Aug. 18. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Two Gentlemen’s Catering TFF3, Pittston Tomato Festival Pittston, Aug. 18. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Valenti’s, Pittston Tomato Festival, Pittston. Aug. 18. Regular inspection; in compliance.
Vik and Lana’s TFS3, Pittston Tomato Festival, Pittston, Aug. 18. Opening inspection; in compliance.
Webby’s Concessions TFF3, Pittston Tomato Festival, Pittston, Aug. 18. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violation: Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration.
Yogi’s, Pittston Tomato Festival, Pittston, Aug. 18. Regular inspection; in compliance.
My Sister’s Kitchen, 421 Main St., Duryea, Aug. 18. Regular inspection; in compliance. Violations: Food employees observed in cooking area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets or hats. Observed in use food ingredient containers not labeled with the common name. Containers were labeled. Observed a build up of rust on the shelves in the 2- door refrigeration unit in the kitchen area. Chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature sanitizing dishwasher was 0 ppm, and not 50-100 ppm as required. Facility will sanitize equipment in the 3-bay sink until unit is serviced. Interior of both microwaves, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Microwaves were cleaned. Observed a buildup of food residue on the exterior of the microwave, microwave cleaned. Observed single-service, single-use articles (pizza boxes) stored directly on the floor, and not 6 inches above the floor. | http://timesleader.com/news/581222/luzerne-county-restaurant-inspections-aug-12-18-two-established-restaurants-and-one-new-one-are-out-of-compliance | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/3a8b5eada3fd70f01fedc5560feb38d71d32432b3933f73972ec81897e1e111a.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T06:47:27 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fwire%2Fnational-wire%2F581815%2Ftrump-to-make-quick-trip-to-mexico-before-immigration-speech.json | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581815/trump-to-make-quick-trip-to-mexico-before-immigration-speech | en | null | Trump to make quick trip to Mexico before immigration speech | null | null | timesleader.com | EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — In a surprise move, Donald Trump will travel to Mexico on Wednesday to meet with President Enrique Pena Nieto, just hours before the Republican delivers a highly anticipated speech on immigration.
Trump took to Twitter on Tuesday night to say he looks “very much forward” to meeting with the Mexican leader. Pena Nieto’s office confirmed the meeting with its own tweet, saying the two men would meet privately.
The unexpected trip comes as Trump seeks to clarify his stand on illegal immigration, a contentious issue that has been a centerpiece of his Republican presidential campaign. Trump has long called for deporting people currently living in the U.S. illegally and building a wall along the country’s border with Mexico.
But in meetings recently with Hispanic supporters, Trump has suggested he could be open to changing the hardline approach he outlined during the GOP primaries. After one such roundtable this month, his new campaign manager said Trump’s stance on deportations was “to be determined.”
In the days since, Trump and his staff have broadcast varied and conflicting messages, with Trump himself saying one day he might be open to “softening” his stance, and days later saying he might, in fact, be “hardening.”
Pena Nieto has been sharply critical of Trump’s original immigration policy, particularly the Republican’s insistence that Mexico would pay for the border wall. In a March interview, Pena Nieto said that “there is no scenario” under which Mexico would do so.
In the same interview, Pena Nieto compared Trump’s language to that of dictators Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, saying it had hurt U.S.-Mexico relations. Former Mexican Presidents Vicente Fox and Felipe Calderon have also alluded to Hitler in describing Trump.
Pena Nieto cast a different tone late Tuesday, writing on Twitter of the visit, “I believe in dialogue to promote Mexico’s interests in the world and, principally, to protect Mexicans wherever they are.”
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a close Trump adviser, has been among those pushing Trump to make the trip to Mexico, according to a person familiar with their conversations who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss them publicly. Christie made his own successful trip to Mexico City in September 2014 and has a warm relationship with the Mexican president.
Last week, Pena Nieto extended invitations to visit Mexico to both Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, who met with him in Mexico in 2014. The Washington Post first reported Tuesday that Trump was considering making the trip to Mexico.
The New Yorker didn’t mention the trip and didn’t spend much time discussing illegal immigration during an evening rally outside Seattle, although he teased his scheduled speech on immigration that’s set for Wednesday evening in Phoenix.
“We are also going to secure our border and stop the drugs from pouring in and destroying our country,” he said. “And I’ll be talking about that tomorrow night in Arizona. Big speech on immigration. We’ll be talking about that in Arizona tomorrow night.”
Trump’s short stop in Mexico would mark his second visit to a foreign country during his campaign. Earlier this summer, Trump traveled to Scotland to attend the re-opening of one of his golf resorts, but notably didn’t meet with any U.K. political leaders while there.
The Republican has faced a torrent of criticism from Clinton, a former secretary of state, about his preparedness to lead on the world stage. Several Republican foreign policy experts have also warned that Trump is unprepared for the numerous international issues that land on a president’s desk.
Clinton’s campaign has urged voters to not “be fooled” by what it calls Trump’s attempts to disguise his immigration policies.
“What ultimately matters is what Donald Trump says to voters in Arizona, not Mexico, and whether he remains committed to the splitting up of families and deportation of millions,” said Clinton campaign communications director Jennifer Palmieri.
___
Pace reported from Washington.
___
Follow Julie Pace and Jill Colvin on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jpacedc and http://twitter.com/colvinj | http://timesleader.com/wire/national-wire/581815/trump-to-make-quick-trip-to-mexico-before-immigration-speech | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/212686f283cba7303acfc022354839f5c3ce5c81121727b300cb3882bc5dc6b2.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:46:58 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F580691%2Fcbs-veteran-charles-osgood-to-end-22-years-as-sunday-morning-host.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_osgood.jpg | en | null | CBS veteran Charles Osgood to end 22 years as ‘Sunday Morning’ host | null | null | timesleader.com | NEW YORK — Charles Osgood, who has said “good morning” to his audience every Sunday for 22 years, will say “goodbye” as host of “CBS News Sunday Morning.” He announced his Sept. 25 departure on Sunday’s edition.
But he assured his viewers he won’t be absent from the program after that, explaining he will make occasional appearances.
No successor was announced.
The 83-year-old Osgood is exiting a job only one other person has held since “Sunday Morning” premiered in 1979. Charles Kuralt retired in 1994 after hosting for 15 years.
Osgood was already a CBS veteran. Since joining in 1971, he has been an anchor and reporter for many CBS News broadcasts on both TV and radio. He has long delivered “The Osgood File” on radio, and will continue to do so.
Charles Osgood, host of "CBS Sunday Morning" on the show’s set. Photo: John Paul Filo/CBS http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_osgood.jpg Charles Osgood, host of "CBS Sunday Morning" on the show’s set. Photo: John Paul Filo/CBS | http://timesleader.com/news/local/580691/cbs-veteran-charles-osgood-to-end-22-years-as-sunday-morning-host | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/920cb4a1e17ff569915cbe18ed3fe29c90c0020c71ff5da19d47380d734807bf.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:53:53 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2F372121%2Farea-teachers-get-favorable-reviews-in-new-evaluation-system.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/teacher-evals-chart-6-28-2015.pdf | en | null | Area teachers get favorable reviews in new evaluation system | null | null | timesleader.com | By Mark Guydish [email protected]
The majority of Luzerne County’s public school teachers — 87 percent — were rated “proficient” in 2013-14 under a new evaluation system adopted by the state, while 23 percent received the top ranking of “distinguished.” Two teachers hit the bottom of the four-level system, getting the designation of “failing.”
The state recently released results of the evaluation, though it only provides total number of teachers rated in each of the four categories. No data for individual teachers is provided. In fact, in an effort to make sure teachers can’t be identified, no data is given for schools that have five or fewer teachers.
The data release marks the first time all districts statewide were supposed to be using a new teacher evaluation system that is considerably more complex than the old one. For starters, the now defunct evaluation system results were the equivalent of a toggle switch: Satisfactory or unsatisfactory. The new system puts each teacher into one of four groups: Failing, needs improvement, proficient or distinguished — though, in the end, it still classifies them as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
Evaluation process
The real changes were in the details, though. Both systems base the evaluation on observation of the teacher at work in the classroom. But under the old system an administrator could stop in for a lengthy review or just pop a head in the door. The new system requires teacher and administrator to sit down prior to and after classroom evaluation, and mandates detailed notes by the person doing the review.
The new system also uses student test results as part of a teacher’s final rating, a first in Pennsylvania.
Luzerne Intermediate Unit Executive Director Tony Grieco said the new system is a “Lot more work, but if applied correctly I think there’s been a lot of benefit seen by both the teachers and administrators.”
The LIU provides a variety of services to area schools. While the primary services are related to special education, the LIU helped area district prepare for and implement the new system. Grieco also pointed out that the “rubrics,” or standards a teacher is measured against, are now more job-specific.
Prior state evaluation systems used the same form for people with different jobs, Grieco said — a school nurse and physical education teacher, for example.
The system is designed primarily to help identify weaknesses and help teachers improve, Grieco said. The first time a teacher is rated as needing improvement, and “an improvement plan is developed that has a specific time frame and measurable goals to move the teacher along the continuum toward “satisfactory.”
The law does allow dismissal if a teacher gets two “unsatisfactory” ratings in a row, Grieco said.
Highlights
The data come with some caveats: All numbers are reported to the state by the district, and some did not provide any data; the state made no interpretation of the results; and while the system was implemented state-wide in 2013-14, some districts stuck with the old system because of existing teacher contracts.
That said, here are some highlights:
• Evaluation results were available for 10 of Luzerne County’s 11 districts (there was no information for Wyoming Area), both career and technical centers, and the Luzerne Intermediate Unit, an agency that provides various services to area districts, primarily special education. All told, 2,637 teachers were rated.
• In four instances, 100 percent of those evaluated ended up in the “proficient” category: Greater Nanticoke Area, Wyoming Valley West, West Side Career and Technical Center and Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center.
• Only two teachers were rated as failing, one at the LIU and one in Wilkes-Barre Area School District.
• Only one district had a majority of teachers rated in the highest category, “distinguished”: Dallas, where 97.5 percent of those evaluated hit that mark. The rest of the teachers were rated proficient.
• The state also released data on principal evaluations, but because the same rule applies — no data is released for districts with five or fewer principals — information was only available for Luzerne County’s three largest districts: Hazleton Area, Wilkes-Barre Area and Wyoming Valley West. Principals were rated on a scale from one to six rather than one to four, and all principals in those three districts received the highest rating. | http://timesleader.com/news/372121/area-teachers-get-favorable-reviews-in-new-evaluation-system | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/5dde5b434992bb7e730eca011b5afc980ed9c723ca50e6e6cb6fe9979b69c160.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:47:23 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fcommunity-features%2F581741%2Fmisericordia-hosting-fall-prevention-workshops.json | http://timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_TTL083016mu.pt_.charney.jpg | en | null | Misericordia hosting fall prevention workshops | null | null | timesleader.com | Misericordia University is holding a series of nine free fall prevention workshops beginning in September as part of a National Fall Prevention project. The second annual program runs from 9 to 11 a.m. beginning Thursday, Sept. 22, at John J. Passan Hall, home of the College of Health Sciences and Education, 100 Lake St., Dallas.
Misericordia University faculty members Lori Charney, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., assistant professor of occupational therapy and Nicole Evanosky, P.T., D.P.T., assistant professor of physical therapy as well as students from both departments are collaborating on the program.
Participants will learn to identify ways to prevent falls and will also be instructed in an individualized exercise program to build strength, balance and confidence. There will be an opportunity to participate in vision, balance and blood pressure screenings throughout the nine sessions.
The program is open to those 65 years or older who live independently within the community. Sessions will be held Thursdays; Sept. 22 and 29, Oct. 6, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17 and Dec.1., with Dec. 8 as a weather make-up date, if needed.
For more information or to register contact Dr. Charney, [email protected] or (570) 674-3330 by Wednesday, Sept. 7. For additional information, http://misericordia.edu/chs. | http://timesleader.com/community-features/581741/misericordia-hosting-fall-prevention-workshops | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | timesleader.com/3e23aed0cc26eb5f66d09cee97f5e52a3f848474d20dcca4555e6a9fc5284b27.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:48:38 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F31%2Feditorial-cartoon-aug-31-2016%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/30/cartoon_COLOR.jpg | en | null | Editorial cartoon: Aug. 31, 2016 | null | null | www.dcourier.com | null | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/31/editorial-cartoon-aug-31-2016/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/c07381c2a14b446906f91446f984454c0a513c5074886ec5283fcee4c00e08d4.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T06:47:46 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F26%2Fchino-valley-shuts-out-camp-verde-claim-bronze-boo%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Chino Valley shuts out Camp Verde to claim Bronze Boot | null | null | www.dcourier.com | CHINO VALLEY – Usually when you ask a coach or the quarterback if they just played the perfect game, they hedge no matter how dominating the score. There’s always something to improve on, to get better at. Perfection is not meant to be achieved.
Chino Valley’s coach and quarterback weren’t going to go there. Asked if the host Cougars just played the perfect game after defeating Camp Verde 52-0 to open the football season.
“Yes, yes, it was a great feeling,” Chino Valley head coach Wade Krug said.
“Yeah, there were a few parts that I could like work on, but it was pretty good,” Chino Valley senior quarterback Josh Fisher said.
The Cougars claimed the Bronze Boot trophy that Camp Verde had won a year ago. The schools have played each other for years, but last year decided to formalize the rivalry by awarding the winner a Bronze Boot trophy. The Cowboys won last year’s game, 26-12.
Chino Valley rushed for 262 yards and Camp Verde turned the ball over five times, including three straight times on three consecutive offensive plays in the third quarter.
The Cowboys were held to 41 yards rushing in the game.
“I don’t know the last time we pitched a shutout, but defensively it was a great night,” Krug said.
It was Chino Valley’s first shutout since Sept. 17, 2010, when they defeated South Pointe 42-0.
“We flat beat ourselves tonight,” Camp Verde head coach Steve Darby said. “You can’t turn the ball over that many times. I don’t want to take credit away from Chino, they got a good team this year and I wish them luck the rest of the season.”
Fisher led Chino Valley on its opening drive, running the final 23 yards for a touchdown. He finished the game with 94 yards rushing, scoring two touchdowns, and added 60 yards passing and a score.
The defenses held the next three series and it looked to be a defensive game, but Camp Verde being forced to punt out of its end zone set Chino Valley up at the Camp Verde 22-yard line. Seven plays later Michael Paulus scored on a 1-yard run.
On Camp Verde’s second play of the ensuing drive quarterback Payton Sarkesian tried to pass to Matt Newtown, but it was incomplete. However, the officials ruled it was a lateral. Chino Valley’s Colton Sandberg picked up the ball and ran 26 yards for the touchdown and a 20-0 lead with 8:03 to play in the first half.
Chino Valley scored again on a Fisher to Gavin Thompson 18-yard touchdown pass with 16 seconds left in the half for a 27-0 lead, and they never looked back. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/26/chino-valley-shuts-out-camp-verde-claim-bronze-boo/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/a17859d03a5cd3a51bfa2a3275e7aeb55c3b431422319991e3a486800384d705.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T04:48:21 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F30%2F2016-primary-election-unofficial-results-8-pm%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/29/Election_Call_Center.jpg | en | null | 2016 Primary Election unofficial results | null | null | www.dcourier.com | The following preliminary results were released by the Yavapai County Elections Department on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 8 p.m.
Statewide races will be updated from the Secretary of State Office, as soon as results are available.
Watch dCourier.com for updates.
2016 Primary Election
Unofficial Results – Aug. 30 – Contested Races
Precincts reporting: n/a% / 92% (state / local) as of 8 p.m.; turnout (local): 27.72%
U.S. SENATOR (GOP)
McCain, John (i) -- 52.48%
Meluskey, Alex -- 4.95%
Van Steenwyk, Clair -- 2.46%
Ward, Kelli -- 40.11%
U.S. REP IN CONGRESS – DIST. 1 (DEM)
O’Halleran, Tom -- 73.31%
Olivas, Miguel -- 26.12%
U.S. REP IN CONGRESS – DIST. 1 (GOP)
Babeu, Paul -- 32.70%
Bennett, Ken -- 19.43%
Gowan, David -- 3.17%
Kiehne, Gary -- 15.89%
Redd, Shawn -- 2.20%
Rogers, Wendy -- 26.28%
U.S. REP IN CONGRESS – DIST. 4 (GOP)
Gosar, Paul (i) -- 72.47%
Strauss, Ray -- 27.33%
STATE REP – DIST. 1 (GOP) – 2 SEATS
Campbell, Noel (i) -- 39.02%
David, Chip -- 31.37%
Stringer, David -- 29.35%
CORP. COMMISSION (GOP) – 3 SEATS
Burns, Robert (i) -- 23.51%
Dunn, Boyd -- 17.04%
Gray, Rick -- n/a%
Melvin, Al -- 14.97%
Tobin, Andy (i) -- 29.54%
COUNTY SUPERVISOR – DIST. 1 (GOP)
Hrin, Mary Beth -- 45.89%
Simmons, Rowle (i) -- 54.04%
COUNTY SUPERVISOR – DIST. 3 (GOP)
Garrison, Randall -- 61.40%
Joens, Diane -- 38.43%
COUNTY SUPERVISOR – DIST. 4 (GOP)
Brown, Craig (i) -- 63.26%
Festenese, Marla -- 36.64%
COUNTY SUPERVISOR – DIST. 5 (GOP)
Irwin, Steve -- 34.61%
Smith, Jack (i) -- 39.95%
Wise, Harold -- 25.37%
COUNTY ASSESSOR (GOP)
Pearsall, Pam (i) -- 47.23%
Simmons, Judd -- 52.71%
CHINO VALLEY MAYOR
Croft, Darryl -- 57.75%
McCaullay, Robert -- 42.11%
CHINO VALLEY COUNCIL
(2-YEAR TERM) – 3 SEATS
Best, Mike (i) -- 27.57%
Harris, Alex -- 19.27%
Mendoza, Corey (i) -- 24.70%
Turner, Lon (i) -- 27.51%
DEWEY-HUMBOLDT MAYOR
Nolan, Terry (i) -- 59.86%
Treadway, Doug -- 39.97%
DEWEY-HUMBOLDT
COUNCIL – 3 SEATS
Crofutt, Lori -- 11.80%
Hughes, John -- 15.69%
Leonard, Kevin -- 10.57%
Repan, Dennis (i) -- 10.51%
Rogers, Denise -- 10.64%
Timmons, Amy -- 11.93%
Wendt, Victoria -- 15.18%
Wright, Nancy (i) -- 13.23%
PRESCOTT VALLEY
COUNCIL – 4 SEATS
Anderson, Rick (i) -- 13.20%
Arps, Craig -- 8.49%
Bradford, Charlotte -- 11.29%
Cilano, Joey -- 6.45%
Grossman, Marty (i) -- 12.88%
Mallory, Mary (i) -- 16.25%
Montes, Sergio -- 9.91%
Nye, Lora Lee (i) -- 13.25%
Trovini, Kevin -- 8.09%
Source: Arizona Secretary of State & Yavapai County Elections | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/30/2016-primary-election-unofficial-results-8-pm/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/1060726fe3fe711bed58d5d395b09b19ff95245291ed5ca3d56f504f3c4b8a35.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:50:30 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F26%2Flocal-haz-mat-teams-descend-sharlot-hall-2-days-tr%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/25/Syrupus_2000.189.2.jpg | en | null | Local haz-mat teams descend on Sharlot Hall for 2 days of training | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Hazardous Materials Response Teams from Prescott Fire Department, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority and the Arizona National Guard’s 91st Civil Support Team will conduct training exercises at Sharlot Hall Museum Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 30 and 31. No, there’s nothing wrong nor dangerous at the campus – rather, a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for hazardous material response teams to conduct “live” response exercises.
During a recent inventory of collectibles acquired over the decades, some of the sealed, turn-of-the-century glass containers – themselves being works of art – contain liquids and powders completely unknown due to lack of identification or labels.
Other items contain substances referred to as “Bitters” or “The Magical Exlixir” – once considered useful tonics and antiseptics, but which have since been deemed carcinogenic or otherwise hazardous.
Recognizing the potential risks with certain items in the collections, museum curators contacted the Prescott Area Hazardous Materials Response Team to conduct an evaluation. After multiple discussions, all agreed that a “real-life training opportunity was at hand,” said Mick Woodcock, chief curator.
“What a great way to have hazardous materials technicians participate in a training exercise that allows for a practical response application, as well as real-world materials handling in a community learning exercise,” Woodcock said.
The haz-mat teams will conduct the actual – not just simulated – collection and identification process for this two-day “hazardous materials event.”
Daily media briefings and public question-and-answer opportunities will be at 11 a.m. on both days of the exercise.
The Sharlot Hall Museum is located at 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott. Government vehicles will commandeer McCormick Street just south of Gurley during the exercises.
For more information, call the museum at 928-445-3122. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/26/local-haz-mat-teams-descend-sharlot-hall-2-days-tr/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/7bb49fbf05e6bb1373fe89482303b2fa4306588571acf89ad8f22537eef3e054.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:48:28 | null | 2016-06-15T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F31%2Fdear-annie-hey-where-are-you%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/06/15/Dear-Annie_Annie-Lane-thumbnail-1.jpg | en | null | Dear Annie: Hey, where are you? | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Dear Annie: I’m wondering whether you could settle a dispute between my friend “Laura” and me. She thinks it’s rude to “ghost” – leave parties without saying bye. I think it’s fine.
For example, last weekend, our mutual friend had a barbecue. This particular friend is a social butterfly, so there were probably close to 75 people there. I knew a dozen or so of the guests. I enjoyed catching up with them and meeting some new people, but after a couple of hours, my socializing meter was about up and I was ready to go home and get to bed.
I didn’t want to take the trouble to say bye to everyone I knew there, so I just said good night to the people in my immediate vicinity and then stepped out quietly. About an hour later, Laura texted asking where I’d gone. When I told her I was already at home, she got angry and said it was rude for me not to say goodbye.
I really have never thought of it as rude. I think of it as a timesaver for everyone. I hate awkwardly interrupting the flow of conversations to tell people I’m leaving, especially because then other people usually chime in, “Oh, I should get going, too,” and I feel as if I’ve killed the party. I just want to slip out quietly and let everyone else keep doing their thing.
What do you think, Annie? Is it bad manners to ghost? – Tiptoeing Toward the Exit
Dear Tiptoeing: People might better like your vanishing act if it came with a bang and a cloud of smoke. Almost all the people whom I’ve talked to about this maneuver say it drives them crazy. They’ll be out with friends and suddenly have a “Home Alone”-like moment in which they realize they’re one short.
Though I don’t condone the behavior, I get it; you don’t want to interrupt conversations or derail the party train. Plus, there’s a frozen pizza at home calling your name. (Admit it.)
I think a good rule of thumb is: Don’t ghost the host. You don’t have to make the rounds to say bye to everyone you know, but at the very least, seek out the host to say thanks for having you. Then you may spirit yourself away and into some pajamas.
Dear Annie: My stepson was married in a small backyard ceremony. His father and I were not invited and were not even aware of the wedding until after it was over. Now, a year and a half later, we are invited to a “wedding reception.” He lives in another state, and it is very difficult to travel (for health and money reasons). I don’t want to go, but my husband insists we go. I won’t know many people, but all his ex-wife’s family will be there, and they are not very nice.
What can I do? The parties will be in a place I cannot stand to be. Should I grit my teeth and suffer through the long car ride and the rest? If he goes without me, his ex will be all over him. (It’s happened before, right in front of me.) What to do? – Wary and Weary Traveler
Dear Wary: You may want to pick up a mouthguard, because yes, I think you have to grit your teeth through this one.
When you marry someone, you also marry his family. If it’s possible to overcome the health and financial issues (and it sounds as if it is, seeing as your husband is set on going), then go. It’s just one weekend. Your husband should appreciate the effort on your part for a long time.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/31/dear-annie-hey-where-are-you/ | en | 2016-06-15T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/4036979af812609b3c37f72f390fc37a897e960a56f0e9376c97431cadb5db67.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T08:48:32 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F31%2Fcolumn-what-can-we-learn-ryan-lochte-affair%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Column: What can we learn from the Ryan Lochte affair? | null | null | www.dcourier.com | If you thought the Rio Olympic Games morphed into the Ryan Lochte saga, you can be forgiven.
Lochte, a 12-time Olympic medalist in swimming – six gold, three silver and three bronze – created a firestorm that took on a life of its own, one that seemingly won’t die.
By now, it’s hard to find an American who can’t recount the circumstances that gave rise to the controversy. Lochte and fellow Olympian Jimmy Feigen claimed they, along with U.S. swimmers Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger, were robbed at gunpoint on the night of Aug. 14 during a night on the town in Rio. The perpetrators, according to Lochte, were Rio police.
However, almost immediately Lochte began backtracking from his original narrative, finally admitting that he had concocted the story – “over-exaggerated,” in Lochte’s words – in an attempt to cover up his juvenile transgressions. The group had been confronted by a security guard after they vandalized a Rio gas station. After fleeing Brazil ahead of the authorities, who wanted him held for court proceedings, Lochte went on national television to “clear the air” and apologize, sort of. Rather than take full responsibility, Lochte blamed his drinking.
The Lochte affair proved once again that scandal sells. It dominated every television network, newspaper, website and social media platform in this country, in the process taking the spotlight away from the stunning achievements of the U.S. Olympic delegation. The initial recounting of the incident played into the pre-Olympic fears and predictions that the conditions in Rio were unsafe and the athletes were in danger. Only none of it was true.
Lochte’s success in the pool made him famous, not to mention wealthy. He has raked in millions in corporate sponsorships and endorsements. But now many of those lucrative revenue sources have deserted him. Companies such as Speedo, Ralph Lauren, Gentle Hair Removal and Japanese mattress manufacturer Airweave terminated their relationships with Lochte for violating the personal conduct clauses in his contract. What now for the former golden boy? Rather than capitalizing on his fame and expected marketability, Lochte is left to ponder what might have been.
Although Olympic athletes are reimbursed for some of their training expenses they aren’t compensated for their performance. Their income is based on the aforementioned sponsorships and endorsements, along with speaking engagements.
Mike Eruzione was the captain of the U.S. hockey team that won a gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics Games in Lake Placid, New York. The Cinderella team of collegiate players defeated the favored Russians in the semifinals and then beat Sweden in the finals. Eruzione and his teammates became the subjects of books, a movie and became the darlings of the entire country. Eruzione is fond of saying that he hasn’t worked a day since, living handsomely on endorsements and speaking engagements.
Lochte effectively threw all of that away, at least in the short term.
But as much as Americans love to see the high and mighty fall, we also believe in comebacks, redemption and transformation. Few of us escape this life without having a lapse or two in judgment or doing something inappropriate. The key is how quickly and honestly we respond to those incidents.
Michael Phelps, Lochte’s Olympic teammate, has dealt with not one but several personal controversies. In 2009, a photograph of Phelps holding a bong went viral. The incident brought a three-month suspension from USA Swimming and cost him a sponsorship with the Kellogg Company. Rather than deny the obvious, Phelps took full responsibility for the incident and issued a public apology for his “inappropriate” behavior. He was also arrested twice for DWI, once in 2004 and again in 2014. The second arrest resulted in another suspension from USA Swimming, this time for six months.
Phelps was able to rebound from his personal transgressions in part because his apologies, coupled with his community activity following each incident, seemed sincere. He is now the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, including 23 gold.
Unlike Phelps, Tonya Harding, another Olympian who physically attacked teammate Nancy Kerrigan in an attempt to enhance her Olympic prospects, never accepted responsibility for her actions. By failing to do so, Harding became an infamous note to history.
The challenge for Lochte is to emulate Michael Phelps, not Tonya Harding.
Jordan Kobritz is a former attorney, CPA, Minor League Baseball team owner and current investor in MiLB teams. He is a Professor in and Chair of the Sport Management Department at SUNY Cortland and maintains the blog: http://sportsbeyondthelines.com The opinions contained in this column are the author’s. Jordan can be reached at jordan.kobritz@cortland.edu. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/31/column-what-can-we-learn-ryan-lochte-affair/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/1699f4bc0247a3811ad807df1c377617b2ef0945ff099502a6bb3f1c9b375981.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:08 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F25%2Feditorial-cartoon-aug-25-2016%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/24/delivery.asp.jpg | en | null | Editorial cartoon: Aug. 25, 2016 | null | null | www.dcourier.com | null | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/25/editorial-cartoon-aug-25-2016/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/a0d5acf46e5104806837acabc2479f5f9078328b81bce5bb3b642bb3e8a9fe2a.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T08:48:35 | null | 2016-03-09T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F29%2Fobituary-daniel-bissen%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/03/09/In-Memory-obituary-obit-thumbnail-candle.jpg | en | null | Obituary: Daniel Bissen | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Daniel Bissen, 67, of Dewey passed away on Aug. 27, 2016, in Prescott, Arizona.
Abcfunerals is in charge of arrangements. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/29/obituary-daniel-bissen/ | en | 2016-03-09T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/a3e9d8c4ab329c416010c8d514860671fdcaf4934cd1e38dc948d93c7f3e42ef.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:49:36 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F26%2Fheroin-meth-found-prescott-home-police-also-recove%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/25/WEB_PANT_bust.jpg | en | null | Heroin, meth found in Prescott home: Police also find stolen guns, mountain bikes | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PRESCOTT — When detectives served a search warrant on a Prescott home Wednesday morning, Aug. 24, they arrested a woman and man on multiple charges related to drugs and reportedly stolen property found in the home.
The warrant was served at a home in the 1000 block of Opal Drive, after Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking task force detectives had evidence of meth and heroin sales from the home, according to a report from Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
A woman identified as 47-year-old Rebecca Saiz was immediately detained. She is on active probation with a current warrant for probation violation, YCSO said.
A man, later identified as 24-year-old Michael Pace, ran out of a south-facing door. He was caught after a short foot chase and Taser stun gun deployment.
In a search of the home, deputies found methamphetamine, heroin, opioid-based prescription pills packaged for individual sale, drug paraphernalia, meth pipes and two handguns. The type of drug paraphernalia observed indicated heavy drug/narcotic use involving both meth and heroin. The quantity of drugs seized included nearly 2 ounces of meth with a street value exceeding $4,000, and more than 16 grams of heroin with a street value exceeding $2,400.
A records check of the handguns revealed both had been reported stolen earlier this year, YCSO said.
Detectives also found three high-quality mountain bikes in the home. During investigative follow-up, they learned that all three – valued at more than $10,000 total - had been stolen. The bike owners have since been contacted and expressed overwhelming gratitude for the recovery of their bikes.
Saiz was booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center on charges including possess/use dangerous and narcotic drugs, possession of narcotics/drugs for sale, possession of drug paraphernalia, misconduct involving weapons, and multiple counts of trafficking in stolen property. She remains in custody on a $55,000 bond.
According to court sentence records published in The Daily Courier in June and ordered at Yavapai County Superior Court in Prescott, Saiz was sentenced April 26 by Judge Jennifer Campbell to two years of probation for the possession of drug paraphernalia.
Pace was booked on charges to include possess/use dangerous and narcotic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, traffic stolen property, resist arrest, and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony. He remains in custody on a bond of $17,500.
Investigation continues into the actions of the suspects related to drug and property crimes. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/26/heroin-meth-found-prescott-home-police-also-recove/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/b2b4f1467c011e926dc73c6fcf6d59bacb1dcc72dd5813a6cbbdc8cb13a01f8f.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T06:47:50 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F27%2Fdalton-takes-reins-badgers-eye-state-golf-tourname%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Dalton takes reins, Badgers eye state golf tournament in 2016 | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PRESCOTT — After missing out on the state tournament in 2015, the Prescott golf team is heading in a new direction with first-year head coach Tony Dalton taking the reins of a program aiming for success.
“Things are going well. We had 19 kids try out for golf,” Dalton said. “I’ve enjoyed working with them, but it’s been challenging due to the weather and monsoon season.”
Juniors Payton Peterson and Joey Christopherson figure to be the No. 1-2 punch for the Badgers this fall, with freshman Ben Osterloh possibly taking ahold of the No. 3 spot with his solid play in practice.
Junior Maria Turner also returns this season looking to consistently stay in the top five for Prescott, which failed to send one golfer to Tucson for the state tournament last November.
Prescott will begin the 2016 season in Flagstaff at the Continental Country Club and play a four-way with Coconino, Page and Kingman on Tuesday, Aug. 30. Tee time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Brian M. Bergner Jr. is a sports writer and columnist for The Daily Courier. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Periscope and SoundCloud at @SportsWriter52, or on Facebook at @SportsAboveTheFold. Reach him by phone at 928-445-3333, ext. 1106. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/27/dalton-takes-reins-badgers-eye-state-golf-tourname/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/7c199297e7fb74eddfb881f3eb49eb12a7f323b891241def10e0e50b755d134a.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T08:48:24 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F31%2Fcardinals-bring-depth-running-back%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/31/BC-FBN--Cardinals-Running_Game-ref.jpg | en | null | Cardinals bring depth at running back | null | null | www.dcourier.com | TEMPE — The Arizona Cardinals have had some issues this preseason. Running the ball has not been one of them.
Of course, there's David Johnson, expected to be among the best in the NFL. But there's also Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington.
Behind a rebuilt offensive line, the trio has been impressive, particularly in Sunday's loss at Houston.
The Cardinals rushed for 165 yards in that game, more than 100 of them in the first half against a lineup mostly of Houston starters.
"It really is looking good," David Johnson said. "We can all play."
Much has been written about David, the second-year pro from Northern Iowa. No doubt he will get the most carries.
But there will be plenty of time on the field for Chris Johnson, the veteran who was having a big season before he went down with a knee injury a year ago, and for Ellington, who finally is healthy and will return kickoffs and punts as well as provide a fast, big-play threat off the bench.
"Every time (they get the ball) it looks like they're going to break it to the house," Arians said after practice Tuesday. "That's a beautiful thing. David doesn't have to play tired whatsoever."
There seems to be no jealousy among the three, certainly not from Chris Johnson, who chose to return to Arizona because he liked it there, appreciated the opportunity the team gave him a year ago and wants to win.
"We're easygoing, get along," he said. "I'm having fun out there, just trying to win games."
David Johnson has embraced the hype that surrounds him.
"I feel great," he said. "Like I've been telling everyone, my teammates and my friends, how much different it is for me from last year to now. It's like night and day."
His finish to last season brought on predictions for a big sophomore year.
David led the Cardinals in touchdowns last season with 13. With Chris Johnson and Ellington both down with injuries, David started the final five games, rushing for 442 yards and four touchdowns in 90 carries and caught 17 passes for 216 yards and one TD.
He's come a long way from the wide-eyed rookie he was a year ago.
He's leaned on Chris Johnson's experience, asking lots of questions.
"David's a very humble guy and, on top of that, he's a very talented guy," Chris said. "There's a lot of linebackers in this league that can't take him one on one. He's got great hands. If he wanted to play receiver, he could do that. That's how good he catches the ball."
But don't overlook the other Johnson.
Chris was one of the great comeback stories in the NFL last year before a season-ending knee injury. In 11 games, the 30-year-old back rushed for 814 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He joined the team late in training camp with a bullet still in his shoulder from an offseason drive-by shooting.
"I think I'm way better than last year," he said. "I was coming back last year from being shot, not being in shape. This year I'm in shape. I can use my hand a lot more this year."
One way to get on the field is to catch the ball, and Chris Johnson said he's has been working on that. Ellington lines up at times at wide receiver. So does David Johnson.
After all, Arians does love to throw the ball.
But with this trio of backs, expect a lot of activity on the ground, too.
Notes: Arians said safety Tyrann Mathieu and wide receiver John Brown were cleared to play but whether they do Thursday night remains to be seen. Mathieu is returning from ACL surgery and Brown has been out with a concussion since early in camp. ... The Cardinals made two roster moves to get to the 75-man limit. They placed cornerback Elie Bouka on injured reserve with a leg injury and reached an injury settlement with cornerback Alan Ball. ... Arians said 12 players are vying for the final four spots on the roster. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/31/cardinals-bring-depth-running-back/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/4d14330de5c809c0bf25b7acc2545c02f17a7f316fdf60fad45d6f6ce0a4599a.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T08:48:25 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F31%2Fgreinke-solid-d-backs-beat-cueto-and-giants-4-3%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/31/Diamondbacks_Giants_Baseball.jpg | en | null | Greinke solid, D-backs beat Cueto and Giants, 4-3 | null | null | www.dcourier.com | SAN FRANCISCO — Even when he lacks his best stuff, Diamondbacks ace Zack Greinke usually has enough to beat the Giants.
On Tuesday night, one big inning from his Arizona teammates helped, too.
Greinke threw six solid innings to continue his mastery of San Francisco and the Diamondbacks beat Johnny Cueto and the Giants 4-3.
"He just sucked it up and was able to get us through six," Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said. "It was almost like he was trying to make perfect pitches. The last couple innings he went back to just working down in the zone and getting early count outs."
Greinke (12-4) allowed two runs — one earned — and six hits to earn his ninth win in 13 career starts against San Francisco and his first overall since Aug. 9.
Arizona's ace also improved to 4-0 with a 1.66 ERA in six starts at AT&T Park.
"I think the first time I pitched here I gave up five runs," Greinke said. "It's a good place to pitch obviously. I felt I was making good pitches all game. I couldn't strike anyone out but I was getting weak contact so it was fine."
Welington Castillo hit a two-run single to cap a four-run fifth that chased Cueto, while A.J. Pollock singled twice and reached four times to help the Diamondbacks end a four-game losing streak to their division rival.
Daniel Hudson gave up an RBI single to Angel Pagan in the ninth but retired three batters for his second save.
The loss keeps the Giants 1 1/2 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.
Cueto (14-5) pitched well early but failed to make it out of the fifth for the first time this season. He allowed four runs, walked four and struck out five.
"I think the pitches caught up with him," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "His command was a little off, he started missing his spots. It just got away from him."
Pagan and Hunter Pence had three hits apiece for San Francisco.
In the fifth, Chris Owings hit an RBI triple, and after Cueto walked Greinke, Jean Segura singled in Owings. Two batters later, Castillo's two-run single gave Arizona a 4-1 lead and ended Cueto's night.
"Once we got something going we kept it going," Hale said.
Brandon Crawford drove in San Francisco's first run with a sacrifice fly in the third.
Pence and Joe Panik hit back-to-back doubles in the sixth to make it 4-2.
DEFENSIVE GEM
The Diamondbacks preserved the win by turning double plays in the seventh and eighth innings. Second baseman Segura started the inning-ender in the eighth when he fielded Panik's grounder near second base and flipped the ball out of his glove to shortstop Owings, who threw to first to complete the double play.
CUETO'S SLUMP CONTINUES
Cueto dominated the first half but has struggled since. The NL's starting pitcher in the All-Star game has just one win in nine starts since the break.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Diamondbacks: Chris Herrmann (strained left hamstring) continues to rehab with Triple-A Reno and Hale is confident the catcher will rejoin the big league club soon.
Giants: Span left the game with a stiff neck in the seventh. ... Pence had missed the last three games with a strained right hamstring. ... Jake Peavy received a cortisone shot to alleviate some of the pain in his lower back.
UP NEXT
Diamondbacks: RHP Shelby Miller (2-9) will be called up from Reno to make his 15th start of the season Wednesday in the second half of this two-game series. Miller hasn't pitched in the majors since July 6 and his 7.14 ERA is nearly double that of any previous season.
Giants: LHP Matt Moore (8-10) pitches the finale for San Francisco. Moore lost his bid for a no-hitter with one out in the ninth inning against the Dodgers in his most recent start. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/31/greinke-solid-d-backs-beat-cueto-and-giants-4-3/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/f6fe1df8538b37b7be158c4d8a0cb4ae51a92852470b9dce610ac4928d33b063.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:48:27 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F31%2Farizona-center-afterschool-excellence-cox-communic%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence, Cox Communications award STEM Grants to out-of-school programs | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Abia Judd Elementary School’s Lego Robotics after-school program was one of nine out-of-school time programs statewide to receive grants totaling nearly $12,000 from the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence and Cox Communications.
Abia Judd will use its grant to purchase 2 Lego Mindstorms EV3 kits and accessories to take their afterschool STEM program to the next level. Youth will use analytical and critical thinking to collaborate with partners to explore, create, and share as they develop solutions to robotics challenges.
Now in its sixth cycle, the grants from $500 to $1500 “will provide valuable opportunities for youth to keep them on the path to success,” said Courtney Sullivan, executive director of the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence (AzCASE). “These STEM grants are designed to encourage and promote the inclusion of informal STEM learning opportunities in out-of-school programs of all kinds.”
Other recipients were Fireside Elementary in Phoenix, the Scottsdale Public Library, Kyrene Community Education in Tempe, Northland Preparatory Academy in Flagstaff, Peoria High School, Catalina Foothills School District in Tucson, Western Valley Elementary in Phoenix, and Paradise Valley Unified School District in Phoenix.
For more information about the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence, visit www.azafterschool.org. For more information about the Cox Communications, visit www.cox.com. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/31/arizona-center-afterschool-excellence-cox-communic/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/5beedc107f7d73ae33271c719073ed48046c15bc0119d7bba0f262915cf1d579.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:47:49 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F28%2Fobituary-carmen-e-freiss-farmer%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/27/Farmer_OBIT.jpg | en | null | Obituary: Carmen E (Freiss) Farmer | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Carmen passed away in Prescott, Arizona on August 4, 2016 at 10:05 p.m. She is survived by her husband, Fred Farmer (Carlson) of Prescott Valley, Arizona; her daughters Sally Farmer, of South Pasadena, California and Cindy Hedrick of Columbus, Ohio, and her sister Linda Holt, of Clearlake, California. In addition, Carmen has four grandchildren: Trina, Jeff, Evan, and Nicholas, and three great-grandchildren: Carter, Carmen, and Carson. Preceding her passing are Jay (son), Bonnie (sister), Darlene (sister), and Durwood (brother).
Carmen was born in Dickerson, North Dakota. Her mother moved the family out west in the forties to join her father, who worked on Whidbey Island, Washington. From there the family moved to Yakima, Washington, and a short time later to Kennewick, Washington. In Kennewick she attended grade school through high school, where she was active in drama, winning the Thespian of the Year Award. Although not very athletic she was on the pep squad. She loved to sing and was also in the school chorus. English was her favorite class; she loved to read and always wanted to be an English teacher. She went with Fred for part of high school.
Carmen attended Central Washington College for a year after graduating. While home for summer break and Fred home on leave from the Marine Corps, they became engaged and were married six days later. They have been married 61 years. After a short stay at Camp Pendleton they moved to San Jose, California where Sally, their first child was born; then to Kennewick, Washington. They weren’t going to have any children until Fred finished college and Carmen earned her teaching degree, but by the time they had been in Pullman, Washington for two years and Fred had graduated, they had two more children, Cindy and Jay.
The family moved many times after that, from Anacortes, Washington to Bozeman, Montana, where Carmen finally started back to college. During this time Carmen and family lived for two summers in Yellowstone National Park. Fred received a commission in the U.S. Public Health Service, so off to Cincinnati, Ohio. From there Fred inspected national parks and monuments, and the family went with him in the summers, staying in a little Scotty travel trailer. During this time Carmen attended the Univ. of Cincinnati and the Univ. of Miami, Ohio. Fred was then transferred to San Francisco, California, where Carmen attended Calif. State College, Hayward, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. It was a hard road for her. After moving to Northridge, California she received her California teaching certificate and taught high school English and journalism at Kennedy High School for 18 years.
After retirement Fred and Carmen lived on a 25-ft. sailboat in Marina Del Rey, California. They sailed the San Juan Islands in Washington and, Canadian waters, Florida’s west coast, the Florida Keys, the Chesapeake, and 1000 miles down the east coast to Florida, then 500 miles in the Bahamas. Carmen was Fred’s first mate: she would not allow a second mate. They bought a house and R.V. in Englewood, Florida and travelled the northern states and to northeast Canada. Moved to Prescott Valley where she had many friends from the R.V. Club, Bunco Ladies, and bowling league.
For four months Carmen was in heavy pain, which she managed with little complaint. Her illness was caused by an inoperable non-cancerous tumor. We will miss her greatly and her memory will be cherished.
Information provided by survivors. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/28/obituary-carmen-e-freiss-farmer/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/d11f6a89a8a294c111b37b1bb11a53a2294387198856b5ef27c874f8c33b49a5.json |
[
"Scott Orr",
"Howard Fischer",
"The Daily Courier",
"Capitol Media Services"
] | 2016-08-27T14:48:05 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F27%2Flaw-experts-want-arizonas-bail-system-change%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/27/Prescott_jail_cell_t715.jpg | en | null | The Daily Courier | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PRESCOTT – When a judge sets an amount for a defendant’s bail, the object is to choose the minimum amount that will ensure that defendant will continue to appear in court.
A special panel of experts on criminal law wants to scrap the current system of setting bail and imposing fines and replace it with one linked to a defendant’s ability to pay.
“Every year in Arizona, thousands of people are arrested and sit in jail awaiting trial simply because they cannot afford to post bail,’’ according to the report released Tuesday by the Task Force on Fair Justice for All. “While people arrested are protected by a presumption of innocence, if they lack the access to money, they often remain in jail.’’
Dave Byers, who chairs the panel created by Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales, said that inability to pay has a financial cost on taxpayers, with the bill statewide for operating jails at $1 million a day.
That, he said, creates a spiral where people who are locked up awaiting trial lose their jobs and perhaps their homes. And Byers said there is evidence that people locked away for only two or three days are 40 percent more likely to commit a future offense than those who are arrested for the same crimes but released without bond.
What’s worse, he said, is there are people who are arrested for minor crimes who can’t afford the bail set — a bail often determined by the charge — who sit behind bars for far longer than they would be sentenced.
Byers said there are people who should remain behind bars who are multiple offenders or could be considered a danger to others. But because they have money or a “friendly bail bondsman,’’ they can easily make the $1 million bond that a judge set under the premise it would keep the person off the streets.
He said existing laws and constitutional provisions give judges only limited ability to deny bail. So the committee is recommending a constitutional amendment to expand that power.
Bail and bond
If you’ve encountered the words “bail” and “bond” enough in news coverage, they might seem to be interchangeable, but they really aren’t.
Although both “bail” and “bond” refer to money paid to the court to guarantee that defendants will come to court, bail is money paid by the defendant (or his friends or family) and it’s usually the full amount required.
That defendant has “bailed out” of jail.
Bond is paid by a bail bonds company, which makes a loan to the defendant or his family for the amount the court imposes. The bonding agent takes a house, vehicle, jewelry, or other collateral, as well as a set fee of 10 percent of the total.
The courts accepts a promise of payment from a bail bonds company because it guarantees it will pay the balance if the defendants forfeits the bond by failing to appear in court, said Brian Tickner, owner of Fitzgerald All-State Bail Bonds.
But what if the defendant does disappear?
Tickner said that isn’t common – he estimated that 90 percent of defendants out on bond do appear.
Deputy County Attorney Tom Stoxen said that, of the hundreds of cases heard each year in Yavapai County Superior Court, there are about 50 felony defendants who fail to appear when they’ve been released on bond.
When that happens, the bonding company is not necessarily on the hook for the bond money, Tickner said, because there is time between the defendant’s missed court appearance and the day a bond forfeiture hearing is set.
“If somebody absconds, there is a small window of time, before the bond forfeiture hearing, that you can recover the defendant, put him back in jail, and then you’d go to court” and try to convince the judge that, with the defendant back behind bars, the bond shouldn’t be forfeited, Tickner said.
But, bail bondsman John Otto said Arizona is not a “bail-friendly” state.
“If the defendant misses one court date … and then we bring him back to jail the next day, the courts can, and they have, forfeit the bond, even though we brought the person back to jail,” Otto said, which is different than most other states, where the bondsman has as long as six months or a year to return the defendant.
“It doesn’t give us incentive to find the person and bring him back if we’re going to forfeit the bond anyway,” he said. “I think the jail would rather have the money … a lot of time they give us a month to find him,” which isn’t enough time to locate someone.
Otto pointed out that, usually, police will find the defendant who failed to appear, given time.
And, while the percentage of absconders is pretty low, Otto said, the bail bondsman isn’t out any money when someone runs – it’s usually “Mom and Dad,” who put up their home or their vehicles to guarantee their family member’s appearance. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/27/law-experts-want-arizonas-bail-system-change/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/34f8698e08ba91fec76cc5a06218ddcfb0bb1ee58a3c612cb67efc8f13ca74e2.json |
[
"Photo The Associated Press"
] | 2016-08-29T06:48:05 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F28%2Fosweiler-solid-texans-victory-over-cardinals-34-24%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/28/BC-FBN--Cardinals-Texans-ref_osweiler.jpg | en | null | Osweiler solid in Texans’ victory over Cardinals, 34-24 | null | null | www.dcourier.com | HOUSTON — Pro Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins couldn’t quit smiling Sunday after the Houston Texans’ 34-24 exhibition victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
He’s beginning to see just how good this offense can be now that new quarterback Brock Osweiler is settling into his role.
“The mindset that we have when we go out there is that we can’t be stopped and today kind of showed that,” Hopkins said.
Osweiler threw for 146 yards and a touchdown and Houston intercepted two of Carson Palmer’s passes to help the Texans improve to 3-0 in the preseason. The Cardinals are 0-3.
Osweiler led the Texans to scores on three of his four drives. He connected with Fuller on a 26-yard touchdown pass that extended Houston’s lead to 24-10 before sitting down with about three minutes left in the first half.
It was Osweiler’s second successful outing after he and Houston’s starting offense struggled in the team’s first preseason game.
“We’re constantly improving, we’re fixing mistakes and we’re getting better each week,” Osweiler said. “That’s really what you want to see at this point in time.”
While Osweiler was solid, Houston’s starting defense starred. Andre Hal intercepted Palmer’s second pass of the day to set up Houston’s first score, a 1-yard touchdown run by new running back Lamar Miller.
Palmer’s second drive was his only clean one, and it ended with a 3-yard touchdown run by David Johnson.
On Arizona’s next possession, linebacker John Simon tipped a pass by Palmer, intercepted it and returned it 59 yards for a touchdown. It was the second straight game in which Palmer had an interception returned for a touchdown after Brandon Flowers did it last week in a 9-3 loss at San Diego.
“It’s easy to evaluate that game: it’s just called turnovers,” Arizona coach Bruce Arians said.
Palmer attempted to tackle Simon after the interception and was tackled by 305-pound defensive end Devon Still, a hit that knocked the quarterback’s helmet off. Arians had seen enough after that hit, and Palmer was replaced by Drew Stanton.
Palmer chipped a tooth on the play. “I’m fine,” he said. “It (just) looked bad.”
Fuller finished with 67 yards receiving and fellow rookie Braxton Miller, the former Ohio State star quarterback, added three receptions for 29 yards. The Texans chose Fuller in the first round this year to take pressure off Hopkins, who was third in the NFL with 1,521 yards receiving last season despite facing near constant double teams.
He had two receptions for 31 yards Sunday.
INJURY UPDATE
Cardinals: CB Mike Jenkins, who had recently returned after having surgery to repair a broken bone in his right hand, was carted off the field after injuring his right knee in the first quarter. He was injured when he was juked by Hopkins and immediately crumpled to the ground. He appeared to be in a lot of pain as he was helped to the cart, and slammed his right hand on the cart in disgust before he was taken to the locker room. Arians didn’t have an update on Jenkins after the game.
All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu, who came off the physically unable to perform list last week after knee surgery, was expected to play on Sunday, but remained on the sideline in a T-shirt and shorts.
“I’ve been making great strides in my rehab, my recovery ... but I just didn’t feel like I was ready to go out there and play the game,” he said.
Texans: K Nick Novak returned after sitting out most of the week after getting a concussion against the Saints last week. He made a 44-yard field goal in the first quarter and added one from 42 yards in the fourth.
POSITION BATTLES
Cardinals: Jenkins had been among three players the mix to start at cornerback opposite star Patrick Peterson. If his injury is as severe as it appears, Arians will now have just Brandon Williams and Justin Bethel as candidates for the job.
Texans: C Greg Mancz started at center on Sunday in the position left open when rookie second-round pick Nick Martin had season-ending ankle surgery this week. But he struggled with some protections on Sunday, leaving open the possibility that offseason free agent acquisition Tony Bergstrom could get another shot at the job.
QUOTABLE
Cardinals: Palmer on if his chipped tooth will make him look tougher: “I’m not looking for street cred right now.”
Texans: Simon in response to teammates saying he looked slow on his interception return: “I was able to get into the end zone without getting caught, so that’s what’s important.”
ROOKIE WATCH
Cardinals: Undrafted free-agent Chris Hubert had a 43-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.
Texans: Fourth-round pick Tyler Ervin looks to have solidified his position as the team’s kick returner after returning one for 58 yards on Sunday. Irvin also had two carries for 13 yards and a 20-yard reception. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/28/osweiler-solid-texans-victory-over-cardinals-34-24/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/e7c725c9a93313fa053ab15d97e39c8cb10f651e63649255c131c902d6733c5d.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:48:13 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F27%2Fclinton-fundraiser-ruins-clooneys-rug%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Clinton fundraiser ruins Clooney’s rug | null | null | www.dcourier.com | HOLLYWOOD – God bless America, and how’s everybody?
George Clooney raved about his dog Einstein while promoting the joys of pet adoption during a political fundraiser he hosted for Hillary Clinton in Los Angeles. In the long run it doesn’t matter if you adopt a dog or host a fundraiser for the presidential candidates. Either way, your rug is ruined.
Bernie Sanders launched his political group Our Revolution Wednesday but eight staffers quit when they found it can take large donations. He’s always been a true liberal. Back when he was a little boy and his friends played Cowboys and Indians, Bernie was always the Chinese railroad worker.
Hillary Clinton was found Tuesday to have scheduled half of her Secretary of State telephone meetings with Clinton Foundation donors. It looks like access-buying. Hillary is so afraid the media will blow this up into a huge story that she just asked Ryan Lochte to make up another robbery.
Donald Trump launched his minority outreach Wednesday by addressing a crowd in Jackson, Mississippi, a city that’s eighty percent black. He began his speech by asking blacks and Hispanics to trust him as president. It’s always a smart idea to open with a good joke to get the crowd on your side.
Donald Trump conducted a town hall meeting in Austin Tuesday where he said he would meet with the president of Mexico if elected U.S. president. A day before, the president of Mexico said he would meet with Trump if he were elected president. It’ll be just the two of them and their food tasters.
Donald Trump hinted at a softening of his proposal on mass deportation of illegal immigrants if elected president. He wants to keep all the law-abiding people and deport all the criminals. Australia announced they’re building a wall around the country to keep Donald Trump’s exports out.
Los Angeles gyms had a huge spike in women’s gymnastics classes following the performance of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team in Rio. The dividends don’t stop there. Skid Row reported a record amount of public urination following the performance of the U.S. Men’s swimming team in Rio.
The White House sent the government of Brazil an official note of congratulations this week for putting on a spectacular and secure Summer Olympics Games during the past two weeks. We need to stay on that country’s good side. Brazil has biological weapons that come right out of the tap.
The White House wired over $1 billion to Iran shortly after flying them $400 million on a cargo plane. This didn’t go unnoticed. Three health insurance companies are thinking about taking U.S. hostages till Obama pays them a fair price for covering all these deadbeat sick people.
Republican Party officials were reported Monday to be devising a GOP strategy assuming that Hillary Clinton is going to win the presidential election. It’s s a plan of action. They’ve asked the British Embassy how many Republicans the Grand Cayman Islands could accept as political refugees.
The British Medical Journal Lancet issued a warning Tuesday about the effects of hard liquor cocktails. Vodka on ice can give you kidney failure, rum over ice can give you liver failure, whisky on ice can cause heart problems and Scotch over ice rots your brain. Apparently ice is really bad for you.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that a woman from Hawaii won $10 million dollars playing the penny slots at the Wynn. The casino is a true reflection of America. It’s amazing how the people playing the nickel slots look over at the people playing the penny slots and consider them white trash.
NASA scientists said they’ve found an Earth-like planet in the next solar system 20 trillion miles from Earth and it may have water and oxygen. It’d take our fastest spacecraft seventy-five thousand years to get there. This planet’s discovery takes a lot of pressure off Canada this November.
Argus Hamilton is the host comedian at The Comedy Store in Hollywood and entertains groups and organizations around the country. E-mail him at Argus@ArgusHamilton.com. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/27/clinton-fundraiser-ruins-clooneys-rug/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/b126c1ca7b80e169d72504db20bdcc9f5d027edbe05f9a3e15859316656027a2.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T08:48:05 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F29%2Fclubs-meetings-aug-30-sept-5%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Clubs & Meetings: Aug. 30-Sept. 5 | null | null | www.dcourier.com | ADDICTION GROUPS
AA groups meet at Safe Harbor, 520 W. DeLano, Prescott. 928-771-9633.
AA–11th Step at 7 p.m. Monday.
AA–Back to Basics at 9 a.m. Saturday.
AA–Candle Lite 7 p.m. Sunday.
AA–CMA at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
AA–CODA meets 6:30 p.m. Monday.
AA–Cover to Cover 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
AA–I Am Woman at 9 a.m. Monday and Friday.
AA–Lazy Birds meets 10:30 a.m. Sunday
AA–Lunch Bunch at noon daily.
AA–Rarely Group meets 7 p.m. Wednesday.
AA–Rush Hour at 5:30 p.m. daily.
AA–Safe Harbor Speakers 7 p.m. Saturday.
AA–Spiritual Awakening at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday.
AA-12 step meeting, 7 p.m. Wednesday at First Congregational Church, 216 E. Gurley St., Prescott. 928-499-8643.
AA Blue Book step study, noon Fridays at 240 S. Montezuma, Suite 101. 928-776-0766.
AA meeting, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday at the Step One Center, 6719 E. 2nd Street, Prescott Valley, meeting room 1. Jerry 928-202-1134.
AA Step Study meeting noon Sundays at Bradshaw Senior Community, 133 Bradshaw Drive, first floor dining room, Prescott.
AA Sunny Days, noon Mondays and Wednesdays, at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E. Rosser St. 928-778-3000.
Awakening Awareness Discussion Group meets Monday to enhance one’s understanding. 928-771-0535.
Chino Valley Al-Anon Family Group meets 7 p.m. Mondays at 318 Perkinsville Road, Chino Valley, in the group room.928-446-8758.
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) 8 p.m. Friday at First Southern Baptist Church, 20172 E. Pinto Drive, Cordes Lakes. 928-632-9689.
Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), 7 p.m. Monday at 520 W. Delano Ave., Prescott. 928-776-4631.
GamAnon meets 6 p.m. Fridays at the VA domiciliary, Building 151, Prescott. 928-443-1081.
Gamblers Anonymous at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Step One Center, 3343 N. Windsong Drive, Prescott Valley. 928-759-7318.
Incest Survivors Anonymous Meeting, noon Saturday at Safe Harbor, downstairs room, 520 W. Delano Ave., Prescott. Bring a teddy bear.
Narcotics Anonymous – Rising with the Ravens, 6 to 7 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at Granite Creek Park. 1-800-698-5148.
Narcotics Anonymous – A New Light, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at Step One Coffee House, 6719 E. 2nd St., Suite A, Prescott Valley1-800-698-5148.
Narcotics Anonymous – Gratitude Too Group, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Step One Coffee House, 6719 E. 2nd St., Suite A, Prescott Valley. 1-800-698-5148.
Narcotics Anonymous – The Sunset Group, 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Thursday at Step One Coffee House, 6719 E. 2nd St., Suite A, Prescott Valley. 1-800-698-5148.
Narcotics Anonymous – Feelings, 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the VA Medical Center, 500 Highway 89N, Building 151, Prescott. 1-800-698-5148.
Narcotics Anonymous – Lava Love, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Chino Valley Community Church, 1969 N. Highway 89. 1-800-698-5148.
Narcotics Anonymous – Biscuits and Gravy, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Step One Coffee House, 6719 E. 2nd St., Suite A, Prescott Valley. 1-800-698-5148.
Narcotics Anonymous Y.A.S.C. Business Meeting – Prescott, 10 a.m. 1st Sunday at 6719 E 2nd St., Suite A. Prescott Valley. 1-800-698-5148.
Overeaters Anonymous meets 3 to 4 p.m. Sundays at Step One Community Center, 6719 E. 2nd Street, Prescott Valley. Andrea 928-277-0329.
Overeaters Anonymous meets noon Tuesday at Trinity Presbyterian Church, family room, upper level, 630 Park Ave., Prescott. 928-899-6406.
Overeaters Anonymous meets noon Wednesday at Step One Community Center, 6719 E. 2nd Street, Room 1, Prescott Valley. Florence, 928-759-3578.
Overeaters Anonymous meets noon Friday at Unity Education Center, 141 S. Arizona Ave., Prescott. Sandy, 928-445-7240.
Overeaters Anonymous meets 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday Acupuncture Center, 1559 W. Gurley St., Prescott. Bonnie, 928-541-1956.
Recovery International, 4 p.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Sebrina, 925-5026 or www.recovery-inc.com.
Recovering Couples Anonymous, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Union Station, 114 Union St.
Rejoice and Recovery for Women at 7 p.m. Monday, Solid Rock Christian Fellowship, 114 S. Marina St. Pat, 928-300-2095.
S-Anon meets 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mingus View Presbyterian Church, 8240 E. Leigh Drive, Prescott Valley, in the basement. cconaway2011@gmail.com.
Seniors in Sobriety at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Prescott Adult Center, 1280 E. Rosser St., Prescott. 928-778-3000.
Serenity Seekers Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s at 12:15 p.m. Saturday at 6719 E. 2nd Street, Prescott Valley. 928-772-0970.
Si usted ó un familiar tiene problemas con el alcohol. Nosotros le pedemos ayudar, llame a Alcoholicos Anonimos del condado Yavapai. Al telefono 928-771-0457. Sesiones en Español. (Miércoles).
12-Step Spiritual Recovery Group meets 6:30 p.m. Monday at St. Luke Ebony Christian Church Serenity, 12191 E. Turquoise Circle, Prescott Valley. Deacon Paul Pounds, 928-533-7349.
Workaholics Anonymous meets noon Thursday at 1040 Whipple St., Building 300, Room 335, Prescott. 928-308-8412.
CLUBS/GROUPS
A Course in Miracles, discussion group, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Prescott Public Library, Bump Room, 215 E. Goodwin St. Gregg, 714-928-6139; Gregg.rooten@gmail.com.
Biz Links creative brainstorming and networking at 7 p.m. 1st Monday at The Oasis of Granite Dells. 928-708-0784.
Bliss Talk Club at 6:30 p.m. 1st Sunday at The Oasis of the Granite Dells. 928-708-0784.
Business Network International (BNI) Thursday Morning Money Makers meets at 7 a.m. Thursday at J&B’s Restaurant in Prescott. Abe, 928-713-1563.
Change Begins in Yavapai County, 12:30 p.m. 1st Sunday at the Prescottonian, Casa Bonita – back room, 1317 E. Gurley St. in Prescott. RoJean, 928-445-1927.
Citizens Tax Committee meets 1 to 2:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Thursday at the Yavapai Title Conference Room, 1235 E. Gurley St., Prescott. contact@CitizensTaxCommittee.com.
Civil Air Patrol, Prescott Squadron 206 cadets meets at 6 p.m., Thursday Prescott Airport administration building, second floor. Open to young men and women ages 12-21. 928-415-1506.
Communication Practice Group, inspired by cNVC.org, meets Tuesdays on Willis Street in Prescott. Improve speaking compassionately. gk1@netwrx.net
Community Drum Circle, 7 to 8:30 p.m. 1st Sunday at Peaceful Heart Hearing Center, 3147 N. Robert Road, Prescott Valley. 928-301-6526 or email mpclare@yahoo.com.
Conversational Spanish, 11 a.m. Mondays at Prescott Public Library, 215 E. Goodwin St. Information: 928-777-1526.
Course in Miracles Spiritual Study Group meets 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in Prescott Valley. Karen, 928-227-1428.
Creative Writing Support Group meets 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at 505 S. Cortez, Small Conference Room, Prescott. Victoria, 928-533-4290; Teri at the WYGC, 928-445-5211.
D.E.A.F. Chat Group, meets 6 p.m. 1st Friday at Prescott’s Gateway Mall food court. Jason or Patty Beck at 928-830-0118; email aslsignstylady@hotmail.com.
Drop-in Chess 2 p.m. Saturday at Prescott Public Library, 215 E. Goodwin St. 928-777-1526.
Free Skool Weekly Discussion Group meets 7 p.m. Wednesday; Socrates Café meets 5 p.m. Monday at The Catalyst Infoshop, 109 N. McCormick St. in the McCormick Arts District. 928-443-8525.
German for Everyone, 5 p.m. Monday at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 Rosser St. Information: 928-778-3000.
GMO Free Prescott, 8 a.m. Thursdays. For location, email gmofreeprescott@gmail.com; gmofreeprescottaz.org.
High Mountain Chordsmen, a men’s acapella chorus and Barbershop harmony meets 7 p.m. Thursday. Men of all ages welcome. www.highmountainchords.men.org.
High Noon Toastmasters of Prescott meets noon Wednesday at the Aztlan Masonic Lodge, 1029 Willow Creek Road, third floor. DeeAnn, 928-713-8305.
Job Help Hub, 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Prescott Public Library, 215 E. Goodwin St. Information: 928-777-1526.
Korean War Veterans Association meets 11:30 a.m. 1st Thursday at The Cracker Barrel Restaurant. Jack, 928-541-0269.
Mensa meets at 5:30 p.m. the 1st Monday. For information, call Area Coordinator Will Hepburn at 928-925-2685 or email will@hepburn.com.
Mindfulness Practice meets noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. 602-791-0840; PatriciaPritchess.com.
Mystery Book Group meets 2 p.m. 1st Friday at Prescott Public Library, 215 E. Goodwin St. in the Elsea Room. 928-777-1509.
NACOG-Business Assistance Center, Orientations, 10 a.m. Mondays at 221 N. Marina St., Prescott. 928-778-1422.
NACOG Job Readiness Workshop, 2 to 4 p.m. 1st and 3rd Thursdays at Northern Arizona Council of Governments, 221 N. Marina St., Suite 201, Prescott. Reservations: 928-778-1422.
Northern Arizona Genealogy Society free assistance with genealogy research, 1 to 3 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Thursday at Prescott Valley Public Library, 7401 E Civic Circle.
Occupy Prescott, in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street, meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday and noon Saturday on the Prescott Courthouse Plaza. 928-771-9426.
Optimist Club of Yavapai County meets 6 p.m. Tuesdays at Canton Dragon, 7305 E. Pav Way, Prescott Valley. 928-772-3227, michaelwhiting@aol.com; www.optimistclubofyavapai.org.
Prescott Antique Auto Club Workdays, 9 a.m. Tuesdays at the PAAC Building, 823 Osburn St., Prescott. www.paacaz.com.
Prescott Area Dowsers Society, 2 p.m. 1st Saturday in the Yavapai Title Agency, conference room, 1235 E Gurley, Prescott. 928-776-1346, prescottdowsers@gmail.com.
Prescott Area Socially Responsible Business Network at 11:30 a.m., Thursday Prescott College Crossroads Center. Mary Lin, 928-717-2990.
Prescott Area Wildland Urban Interface Commission (PAWUIC) meets 8 a.m. 1st Thursday in the Freeman Building at the Rodeo Fairgrounds, Prescott. www.pawuicaz.org.
Prescott Arizona Kennel Club, meets 7 p.m. 1st Thursday at the Marriott Residence Inn, off Highway 69, Prescott. www.prescottazkennelclub.com.
Prescott Computer Society meets 3 times a month on Saturdays at the Prescott Public Library, 215 E. Goodwin St. www.pcs4me.com.
Prescott Frontier Rotary Club meets noon Tuesdays at Plaza Bonita on Gurley St., Prescott. 928-710-2369.
Prescott Insight Mediation meets 6:30 p.m. open sit; 7 p.m. formal sit with guided meditation; 7:45 p.m. brief talk and discussion, every Tuesday at the First Congregational Church, 216 E. Gurley St., Prescott. www.prescottinsightmeditation.org or email doris@prescottinsightmeditation.org.
Prescott Kiwanis Club meets noon Thursdays at the Hotel St. Michael, Banquet Room, Prescott. Information: 928-445-8700.
Prescott’s Mactintosh User Group (PMUG), meets 10 a.m. 1st Saturday at Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Building 4, Room 102. www.pmug.us.
Prescott Noon Lions meet at noon Wednesday for lunch at Plaza Bonita Restaurant, 1317 E Gurley St., Prescott. www.prescottnoonlions.org.
Prescott Oneness Blessing, meets 7 to 8 p.m. Thursdays at 537 S. Cortez, Prescott. Jade, 928-777-8877.
Prescott Saddle Club Rides Saturdays.
Prescott Sunrise Lions meets 7 a.m. Thursdays at Waffles and More in Prescott.
Prescott Sunup Rotary Club at 7 a.m. Wednesday at Hotel St. Michael Ballroom on the square in Prescott. 928-443-1356.
Prescott Toastmasters at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday at Unity Church, 145 S. Arizona St., Prescott. (Does not meet on holidays.) Bob Smith, 928-443-9321 or Doug Thompson, 928-778-6407.
Prescott Valley Early Bird Lions meet at 7 a.m. Wednesday at Sally B’s Café, 7680 E. Highway 69, Prescott Valley. 928-925-6895.
Prescott Valley Rotary Club at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at Step One Coffee House, 6719 E. 2nd St., Room 3, Prescott Valley. 928-925-5068.
Prescott Valley Toastmasters meet 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the Prescott Valley Hampton Inn, 2901 N. Glassford Hill Road, Prescott Valley, ground floor conference room.
Prescott Vette Sette Corvette Club at 5:15 p.m. last Tuesday at Lamb Chevrolet. All Corvette owners are welcome. Joe, 480-338-7850; www.prescottvettesette.org.
Pro-Net meets at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday. Allan Blaker, 928-237-3074.
Ringing Cedars Series Readers Group meets 6:30 p.m. every other Thursday, at Prescott Public Library, Founders Room A, 215 E. Goodwin St. Autumn, 928-460-2342
Rotary Club of Prescott at noon Friday, Casa Bonita, Best Western Prescottonian, 1317 E. Gurley St. 928-710-3466.
Sign Language, 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays at the Prescott Valley Public Library, 7401 E. Civic Circle, Genealogy Room.
Song of the Pines, (Sweet Adelines, Inc.), meets 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the First Congregational Church, 216 E. Gurley St., Prescott. www.sotpchorus.org.
Spiritual Awakening Fellowship (SUBUD) 8 p.m. Monday at Territorial Courthouse, 130 N. Cortez, Prescott. 928-443-1580.
Spiritual Movie Night, 7 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Friday at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. Donations accepted. 928-856-2823.
The Spot…a Child’s Museum, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday in the Prescott Gateway Mall. www.thespotmuseum.org.
TJ’s Travel Club for Seniors 9 a.m. 1st Thursday, Prescott Community Center, 1280 E. Rosser St., Prescott. 928-778-3000.
TM Meditators, 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Prescott Public Library, 215 E. Goodwin St., Bump Room. 928-771-9212.
United Daughters of the Confederacy, Johnny Reb Chapter of Prescott, 11 a.m. Saturdays in Jan., March, May, Sept. and Nov. at Alta Vista, 916 Canterbury Lane, Prescott. Betsy, 928-443-9747.
Yavapai Amateur Radio Club 7 p.m. 1st Thursday at Granite Mountain Middle School, Technology Room 404, 1800 Williamson Valley Road, Prescott. 928-775-8432.
Yavapai Classic Cruisers of Arizona meets 6 p.m. for coffee and meet club members the 1st Thursday at Prescott Country Club Property Owners Association building, 1133 Old Chisholm Trail, Dewey, and 6 p.m. for coffee and meet club members. www.yccaz.org.
Yavapai County Sheriff’s Air Group, 7 p.m. last Wednesday at the Prescott Airport Administration Building, second floor, Prescott. 602-571-4604.
GAMES/HOBBIES
Alliance of Renaissance and Medieval Empires, at noon Sunday, a non-profit historical re-enactment group. 928-710-2220.
Alliance of Renaissance and Medieval Empires, combat practice, at 2 p.m. Sunday in Memory Park on Highway 89 in Chino Valley. 928-533-7361 or 928-636-8273.
Antelope Hills Ladies Niner’s Golf Club meets 9 a.m. Tuesday at Antelope Hills Golf Course. Andrea Byers, 928-636-9485; abcbyers@reagan.com.
Ballroom Dance Party 7:30 p.m. Fridays at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E. Rosser St. 928-778-3000.
Bingo doors open at 6 p.m., start time is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Elks at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 2062 N. Highway 89, Chino Valley.
Bingo 6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday at the Prescott Elks Lodge #330, 6245 E. Second St., Prescott Valley. 928-772-8660.
Bingo at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday early bird games and 5:30 p.m. Saturday at CASA Senior Center, 9360 E. Manzanita Circle, Prescott Valley. 928- 772-3337.
Bingo, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Villages at Lynx Creek. 928-759-7293.
Bingo, 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at the Moose Lodge, 6501 6th St., Prescott Valley. Moose members and guest. 928-772-3700.
Bingo, at 5 p.m., Wednesday at the Cordes Lakes Community Center.
Bingo, 1:30 p.m. Thursday and Sunday at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E. Rosser St. 928-778-3000.
Bingo, 6:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Saturday at Orchard Ranch Resort, 11250 E. Highway 69, Dewey. 928-772-8266.
Bridge Club at noon Friday at the CASA Senior Center, 9360 E. Manzanita Circle, Prescott Valley. 928-772-3337.
Bridge Games Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E. Rosser St. 928-778-3000.
Canasta 12:30 p.m. Monday at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E. Rosser St. 928-778-3000.
Cribbage, 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, at CASA Senior Center, 9360 E. Manzanita Circle, Prescott Valley; 928-772-3337.
Crochet One, Knit Too, noon the 1st Saturday at Prescott Valley Public Library, 7401 E. Civic Circle, Crystal Room. 928-759-6193.
Dances hosted by The High Desert Kickers Line-Dance Club, 7 p.m. 1st Friday at the Cottonwood Civic Center on Maine Street in Old Town Cottonwood. Kent, 715-923-4502; Jeanne, 928-567-5874.
Desert Rose Line Dancing, 6 p.m. Tuesday at Casa Senior Center, Prescott Valley. Sue 928-775-8691.
Early Bird Lady Bowlers League, 10 a.m. Thursday at Plaza Bowl, Gurley St., Prescott. New season starts Aug. 11. Linn, 928-445-2166.
Elks Bingo at 6 p.m. Tuesday at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 2062 N. Highway 89, Chino Valley.
Funky Friday Game Night, 6:30 p.m. 1st Friday at The First Congregational Church, 216 E. Gurley St., Prescott.
Friday Night Live Music and Dancing, 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at the Moose Lodge, 6501 6th St., Prescott Valley. Moose members and guest only. 928-772-3700.
Gold Prospectors Association of America Congress chapter meets 7 p.m. 1st Monday at Congress Community Center, School House Road; Paul Clark, 928-427-9503 or ericksonsaraph@aol.com.
Hometown Walkers 10 a.m. Monday and Friday meet at the Gazebo on the Prescott Courthouse Square. Walks are about one hour. Sponsored by: People Who Care and Prescott Alternative Transportation.
Horseshoe Club at 8 a.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. Saturday at American Legion Park, 8569 E. Yavapai Road, Prescott Valley. John Nay, 928-379-1922.
Line Dancing with Ruth and Sue, 6 p.m. 1st and 3rd Thursdays at Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2375 N. Fifth St., Prescott Valley. 928-759-0095.
Lonesome Valley Quilt Guild at 6:30 p.m. (social), 7 p.m. (meeting) 1st Monday at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 7763 E. Long Look Drive, Prescott Valley. Chris, 928-775-6448.
Mahjong, 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E. Rosser St. 928-778-3000.
Mile High Horseshoe Group 6:30 p.m. Thursday (May-June; August-September) at Horseshoe Courts at Watson Lake Park, Cal, 928-533-6519.
Mile-Hi Squares dance lessons, 8 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at Lincoln School Cafeteria, 201 Park Ave., Prescott. Farrish Sharon, 928-899-3631, farrishsharon@gmail.com or Jack, 602-751-3147, jackminter@yahoo.com.
Mile-Hi Square Dances with Rounds, 7 p.m. 1st and 3rd Saturday at Lincoln School, Cafeteria, 201 Park Ave., Prescott. Farrish, 928-899-3631, farrishsharon@gmail.com; Jack, 602-751-3147, jackminter@yahoo.com.
Northern Arizona Porcelain Art Guild at 10 a.m. Monday alternating between Cottonwood, Pine Shadows Clubhouse or Prescott Country Club, Dewey. 928-634-3400.
NAPAG – Northern Arizona Porcelain Artists Guild, meets 10 a.m. 1st Monday at Prescott Country Club in Prescott and Pine Shadows in Cottonwood. Donna, 928-442-2311.
Photography Club meets 9 a.m. the 1st Saturday at Prescott Valley Public Library, 7401 E. Civic Circle, Auditorium. 928-759-6193.
Pinochle, 12:30 Tuesday at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E. Rosser St. 778-3000; or Arnie, 928-717-2769.
Pinochle 12:30 p.m. Thursday at CASA Senior Center, 9360 E. Manzanita Circle, Prescott Valley. 928-772-3337.
Plastic Modelers Society-USA, meets 1 p.m. 1st Sunday in the Conference Room of the Prescott Airport Administration Building, 6546 Crystal Lane, Prescott. 928-632-4011.
Pocket Billiards, 8 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E. Rosser St. 928-778-3000.
Prescott Chess Club meets 2 p.m. Monday at the Wild Iris Coffee House and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Prescott Public Library.
Prescott Gem and Mineral Club meets at 9.30 a.m. 1st Saturday at the Moose Lodge, 6501 E 6th Street, Prescott Valley; 928-237-1755.
Prescott Sailing Club meets 7 p.m. 1st Thursday. Dave, 928-273-1776.
Quilters Club meets 9 a.m. the 1st and 3rd Friday at Prescott Valley Public Library, 7401 E. Civic Circle. 928-759-6193.
Scrabble Game Group, 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E. Rosser St. 928-778-3000.
Sewing for Charity meets 1st Monday at First Southern Baptist Church of Mayer, 12791 E. Main St. 928-460-2856.
Social Bridge at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday Rosser St., Prescott. 928-778-3000.
Tap I meets 10 a.m. Wednesday at Prescott Community Center, 1280 E. Rosser St., Prescott. Experience required. 928-778-3000.
Tri-City Table Tennis Club meets noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at Fitness for $10, 3600 Ranch Drive, Prescott, close to Costco. 928-642-0101.
HEALTH/FITNESS
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program at 10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday at Mingus Café, Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, 3700 N. Windsong Drive, Prescott Valley. Low impact classes. 928-759-8800.
Free Blood Pressure Check 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Thursday in the lounge at The Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E. Rosser St. 928-772-8707, 928-778-3000.
Gentle Fitness Exercise, from 12:15 to 1 p.m. Wednesday and Friday at CASA Senior Center, 9360 E. Manzanita Circle, Prescott Valley. 928-772-3337.
Joint Replacement Class, 10 a.m. 1st Thursday at Legacy Home Health Care, 3636 Crossings Drive, Suite C, Prescott. 928-443-9331.
Medicare Counseling appointments only 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, at the Adult Center of Prescott. 928-778-3000.
Pedicures by C.C. from 8:30 a.m. to noon 1st Monday at the CASA Senior Center, 9360 E. Manzanita Circle, Prescott Valley. 928-772-3337.
Prescott Cycling Club at 6 p.m. 1st Monday upstairs at the Prescott Brewing Co.
Prescott Hiking Club is a hiking and social organization formed for the pleasure of hiking with others and enjoying the out of doors. For information about joining the club and about our hikes visit prescotthikingclub.org or email prescotthikingclub@gmail.com.
Prescott Outings Club, 8 or 9 a.m. Saturday Two levels: vigorous is 6-10 miles; moderate is 5-7 miles; and 1:30 p.m. Sunday for a moderate pace 3-mile hike. Bill, 928-708-0843 or Jim, 928-445-0761; schedule: http://prescottoutingsclub.webs.com/.
TOPS – Chino Valley meets 7 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at United Methodist Church, 735 E Road 1 South, Chino Valley. 928-636-9406.
TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly), Dewey meets 8 a.m. Tuesday at Faith United Community Church, 1061 Old Chisholm Trail, Prescott Country Club, Dewey. 928-775-3661.
TOPS – PV, 6 p.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3950 N. Valorie Drive, Prescott Valley. 928-772-9564 or TOPS.org.
TOPS – PV, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Germaine’s Catholic Church, 7997 E. Dana Drive, Prescott Valley. 928- 775-5896.
TOPS - Spring Valley 8 a.m. Thursday; 928-632-8263 or 928-632-7431.
TOPS 0064 - Prescott meets 9:45 a.m. Friday at Center for Spiritual Living, 3755 Willow Creek Road, Prescott. Rosemarie 928-963-0609.
Trekabout Walking Club at 8 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday Hikes from 1 to 4 miles. YMCA and Yavapai County Health Department. Information: Libby 928-777-1551.
SINGLES/SOCIAL
American Legion Post 6 breakfast, 9 a.m. Sunday at 202 S. Pleasant St. (corner of Pleasant and Goodwin), Prescott. All veterans are welcome. 928-778-6628.
American Legion Post 78 fish fry, 5 p.m. Friday 3301 Highway 69, Humboldt. 928-632-8028.
Friendship First program meets Wednesday for first through twelfth grade at CrossPoint Free Will Baptist Church. Pastor Chris Fannin 928-499-1754.
Men’s Open Circle Group 5:30 p.m. 1st Thursday at 303 N. Summit Ave., Prescott. Bill, 928-899-0606.
Senior Men’s Group meets 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday 928-445-5211 ext. 2672.
Tri-City Singles Social Organization meets 11 a.m. Saturday in the food court at the Prescott Gateway Mall. www.tricitysingles.org.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) and Dysfunctional Families – a 12-step program – meets at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Unity Church, south off Gurley on Arizona Street, Prescott. 928-777-9221.
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) and Dysfunctional Families, Prescott, meets 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at First Congregational Church Library, 216 E Gurley St., Prescott. 928-717-1424.
Al-Anon 12 Step 7 p.m. Thursday the First Southern Baptist Church, 1524 N. Highway 89, Chino Valley. Janie, 928-636-9168.
Al-Anon for Friends and Families 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Mingus View Presbyterian Church, 8340 E. Leigh Drive, Prescott Valley. Andrea 928-277-0329.
Al-Anon Sisters in the Spirit (women only), 10 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Park and Copper Basin. 928-308-8412.
Al-Anon Steps to Serenity, noon Tuesdays, and Steps to Serenity Newcomers meeting, 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Prescott United Methodist, 505 W. Gurley St., Simon Room. 928-778-6527.
Al-Anon Strength and Hope Meeting, for family and friends of alcoholics, 3 p.m. Wednesday at First Congregational Church, 216 E. Gurley St., Prescott. Jane 928-443-5998.
Al-Anon Workday AFG, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at Unity Church of Prescott, 145 S. Arizona Ave.
Alzheimer’s Association Support group (Prescott Valley Caregiver Support Group) meets at 10 a.m. Monday at the Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Health Center, 3407 N. Windsong Drive, Prescott Valley. 928-771-9257.
Alzheimer’s Association Support group (Prescott Caregiver Support Group) meets at 10 a.m. Monday at the Unity Church, 145 S. Arizona, Prescott. 928-771-9257.
Alzheimer’s Association support group for veterans and their families at 1:30 p.m. Friday Prescott VA Medical Center, ECRC Room A-205, 500 N. Highway 89. 928-771-9257.
Bereavement Group meetings 3 p.m. Tuesday and 4 p.m. Wednesday at Arizona Wakelin Bradshaw Chapel, 8480 E. Valley Road, Prescott Valley. 928-445-2221.
Breast Answer self-help Breast Cancer Support Group meets 5:30 to 7:30 Wednesday at YRMC East Campus, 7700 E. Florentine Ave., Prescott Valley, in the Quail Room. 928-442-8647, 818-926-0969.
Celebrate Recovery, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at American Lutheran Church, 1085 Scott Drive, Prescott. 928- 778-3771; junep@cableone.net.
Celebrate Recovery, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Prescott Valley Church of the Nazarene, 3741 N. Constance Drive, Prescott Valley. 928-775-4389, 928-899-8883 or 928-225-0365; pastor@pvnazarene.org or nancy1240@aol.com.
Celebrate Recovery, 7 p.m. Tuesday at 422 W. Gurley St., Prescott. 928-420-3071.
CoDA (Co-Dependents Anonymous) meets 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday and 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at 6719 E. Second St., Suite A, Prescott Valley. 928-759-2253.
D.E.A.F. Chat Group potluck at 6 p.m. Friday 440 N. Washington Ave. 928-778-0055.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Prescott Public Library, 215 E. Goodwin St. in the Elsea Room. 928-771-2534.
Divorce Support Group - Healing and Moving On, meets 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at 172 E. Merritt St., Suite A, Prescott. RSVP: startmovingon@gmail.com, Debbie Ritterbush, 928-458-9140. (remove Nov. 25)
Domestic Violence Support Group, noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday for the Spanish support group. Siri or Carmen, 775-0669.
Free Healing Grief Self-Help; pre-registration required, 928-227-8184; Learn more at www.maryannekelly.com/healing-grief-groups.html.
Grandparents Support Group, meets 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday through Aug. 29 at Prescott Business Center. Susan Kullman, 928-445-0231.
Grief and Loss Support Group meets 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Stepping Stones, 6719 E 2nd St., Suite C, Prescott Valley. 928- 632-0111.
Grief and Loss Support Group meets 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at 7051 N. Antelope Meadows Drive, Pronghorn Ranch, Prescott Valley. 928-632-0111.
Grief and the Forgotten Caregiver is from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Chino Valley Senior Center, 1021 W. Butterfield Road. Presented by the Area Agency on Aging and Good Samaritan Society. 877-251-3500.
Grief Support Group meets 10 a.m. last Tuesday at the Good Samaritan Society – Prescott Hospice, 1030 Scott Drive, in the upstairs apartment lounge. 928-778-2450.
GriefShare support group is starting Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon at Cornerstone Church Rosser Campus, 700 W. Rosser St., Prescott. This is a 13-week support group for those who have experienced a death of a loved one. Anyone in the community is welcome. Meets through Dec. 3. To sign up, text the word “HOPE” with your name to 602-410-8536.
Miracles Can Happen. Are you alone and pregnant? For confidential support, all religious beliefs welcome; 928-300-2335; happyheart2335@gmail.com; www.happyheartmiracles.com.
NAMI Connections (for those with a mental illness) meets 6 p.m. the 1st Monday in the Rose Community Room, 133 Bradshaw, Prescott. Jim Frost, 928-830-7847.
Northern Arizona Spinal Cord Injury support group, 6 p.m., 1st Thursday Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation therapy gym, 3700 N. Windsong Drive, Prescott Valley. 928-759-8800.
Ofrecemos grupos de apoyo en Español para mujeres con respeto a la violencia doméstica, si están interesados por favor de llamar a Carmen al 928-775-0669.
Parents Helping Parents: Al-Anon Family Group for Parents of Alcoholics/Addicts, meets 4:30 p.m. Fridays at the First Congregational Church, 216 E. Gurley, Prescott. 928-541-1739.
Prescott Valley Caregivers Support Group at 10 a.m. Tuesday. 928-445-5211, ext. 199.
Sleep Apnea Support Group meets 5:30 p.m. the last Tuesday at the Prescott Valley Elks Lodge #330, 6245 E. 2nd St., Prescott Valley. RSVP: 928-379-3252, email SMS.PatientServices@gmail.com.
Spouses of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Support Group meets 5 p.m. Monday at the Prescott Vet Center, 3180 Stillwater Drive, Suite A. Vicki Pippin, 928-778-3469 ext. 5546.
Survivors of Incest Anonymous – for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Mark, 928-308-3955.
TBI Support Group for Teens meets 6 p.m. 1st Monday at Calvary Chapel Prescott Campus, 2313 E. Highway 69. Wil, 928-776-4615 or Amy, 928-710-4764.
T.B.I. Support Group for teens and parents, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at The Cornerstone Church, 700 W. Rosser St., Prescott. Will, 928-776-4615; Amy, 928-710-4764.
TM Checking, meditation group, meets 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Prescott Public Library, 215 E. Goodwin St., in the Bump Room. Sue Campbell, 928-771-9212.
Trauma Intervention Program for victims of crisis, meets 1st Thursday. Sue, 928-445-4655 or visit www.TIPofAZ.org.
Tri City Weight Loss Surgery support group 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 3950 N. Valorie Drive, Prescott Valley; Teri Hill 928-772-9039 or www.tricitywls.com.
Women’s Support Group meets 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Peaceful Heart Healing Center, 3147 N. Robert Road, Prescott Valley. 928-632-8124.
Women and Aging Support Group meets 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday at 141 S. McCormick, Suite 103, Prescott. RSVP: 928-445-0231. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/29/clubs-meetings-aug-30-sept-5/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/fc61b79e12719f1a3705b1aecb2823f735a146c1ad20ac5a5f7a47c3ce39a5e8.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:48:44 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F31%2Fmobile-prostate-screenings-come-prescott%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/30/HEALTHFOCUSprostatepix.png | en | null | Mobile prostate screenings come to Prescott | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PROSTATE CANCER FACTS National Statistics: After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in American men and the second leading cause of cancer death. Prostate cancer is twice as common and has more than twice the mortality rate in African-American men as it has in Caucasian men. Approximately 232,090 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. That represents one man diagnosed with prostate cancer every two minutes. Approximately 31,800 men will die from the disease. That represents one man dying every 17 minutes. The lifetime probability of developing prostate cancer is 1 in 6 men. Arizona Statistics: 3,900 new cases and 550 deaths. After skin cancer, the most diagnosed cancer in Arizona, and the second cause of cancer death in men. Source: Prostate On-Site Projects (POP)
PRESCOTT – Just like woman need to be vigilant about regular mammograms to assure early detection of breast cancer, men need to have regular screenings so as to catch prostate cancer before in its most treatable stages.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation suggests that this disease is one of “great heartbreak and great hope.”
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
The heartbreaking news comes with the statistics that 29,000 men will die of this disease each year, and that it is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in the United States.
The hope comes from the fact that if prostate cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent, according to the foundation. At 10 years post diagnosis, 98 percent of those diagnosed and treated are still alive.
Toward the goal of early detection, the Prostate On-Site Projects (POP) headquartered in Mesa will once again be bringing their mobile medical screening project to downtown Prescott on Friday, Sept. 16, and Saturday, Sept. 17. An exam and physician consultation with a board-certified urologist are available by appointment at the mobile service to be set up on the corner of 201 S. Montezuma St. and Goodwin Street.
Annual exams are recommended for all men 40 and older, or those with family history. African-American are advised to have the annual screenings beginning at age 35.
Prostate cancer is a complex disease, primarily because often it occurs without symptoms.
POP has a testimonial from Tempe police detective Tim Barber who in 2009, at the age of 42, was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer. He said the scariest part of his disease was it came with no warning.
Barber underwent surgery soon after his diagnosis, but the cancer had already spread. He underwent hormone therapy for two years, chemotherapy and 45 treatments of radiation. But the cancer was relentless. In 2011, Barber died.
In his testimonial, Barber advised all men to get screened because that could have changed the course of his life.
“Early detection through an annual prostate exam will save lives and since my diagnosis I’ve tried to spread the word so that no one has to endure what I’m going through right now,” Barber wrote. “Please get tested. It’ll be the best 15 minutes you’ve ever invested in your future.”
Prostate cancer is usually a slow-growing disease that poses little threat to a man’s life span. But it can become aggressive, and therefore, screenings are critical to a proper health regimen, health experts said.
POP strives to make these tests convenient and relatively inexpensive. Their staff accept some private medical insurance – Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United HealthCare; Medicare is not accepted – and for those without insurance the exams are $72. They’re also free to state benefit-eligible employees, with special rates for city employees.
The mobile medical service will be available on both local days between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Flagstaff Risk Manager Dean Coughenour suggested in his written testimonial that without the mobile POP screening he did on a dare with one of the city’s police sergeants, his diagnosis could have proved fatal. Instead his cancer has been cured.
“If not for the convenience of the (POP) exam van, the persistence of the POP doc and the ‘just in time’ early detection afforded by the POP – I may not be writing this today,” said Coughenour, who at 53 was found to have an aggressive form of prostate cancer that he was able to have treated and cured in four months. “It’s not about you. It’s about everyone you leave behind – Just do it, ya big baby!”
Appointments are required and can be made by calling: 480-964-3013 or 800-828-6139. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/31/mobile-prostate-screenings-come-prescott/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/64e5eeede58b4bfc5ad9a076babc3891a0a9ea1096d95965986ada1423ee4da3.json |
[
"Tofrost",
"Special To Prescott Newspapers",
"Courtesy Photo"
] | 2016-08-30T08:48:38 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F30%2Fturn-negatives-adopting-aging-pet-positives%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/29/UAF_column_pic_2.jpg | en | null | Turn the negatives of adopting an aging pet into positives | null | null | www.dcourier.com | One of my weaknesses, and admittedly I have a few, is abandoned old dogs and cats.
Nothing must be more terrifying to a dog or cat, after spending most of their lives in a comfortable home, then suddenly finding themselves homeless, through no fault of their own.
We have all heard the reasons for these surrenders: the pet owner has passed away or can no longer care for the pet; the pet owner has lost their home or must relocate; the pet has medical issues that are difficult to manage, or the pet owner has had a lifestyle change and the companion animal on longer fits in.
As rescuers with a soft spot for these ol’ guys, we are then faced with another issue. We have all heard the reasons for not adopting older pets: the adopter just lost a pet and does not want to go through that again too soon; the pet may have health issues or habits that are unknown; or the pet may not fit into an active lifestyle.
But wait, let’s turn those negatives into positives. An older pet teaches us the grace and compassion that a briefer, but poignant, friendship can provide; the older pet with medical or behavioral needs leads us to new knowledge and training skills; and an older pet coaxes us into a gentler place and reminds us to sometimes just sit and watch the sunrise.
Remember those beautifully wrapped mystery gifts with big bows that enticed us to order from mail order catalogs? (And if you don’t, please just respectfully nod anyway.) I look at these senior dogs and cats just like those surprise packages.
They have forced me to step out of my “predictable safe place” when I take a chance with them and I tell you what, I have yet to be disappointed.
I urge you to look over some of the delightful seniors on our website, unitedanimalfriends.org, or check out the seniors that wait for a home at Petey’s Playground or Circle L, Yavapai Humane Society and Canine Rescue and Adoptions.
And don’t forget the older mellow lap cats that need a home through United Animal Friends, Miss Kittys Cat House or Catty Shack Rescue. Your beautifully wrapped gift with a beseeching bow is waiting for you there.
Toby Frost has been involved in horse/dog/cat rescue since the mid 1990s, she is one of a dedicated group of volunteers who helped start United Animal Friends in 2002 and has served as President of UAF since 2010. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/30/turn-negatives-adopting-aging-pet-positives/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/a9735c6436e3893b2683e6ac7ba994918e698578a31147c1290b08116d0d6f11.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:47:38 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F27%2Ffamily-seeks-distracted-driving-law-after-no-charg%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/26/distracted_driving.jpg | en | null | Family seeks distracted driving law after no charges filed in fatal crash | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PRESCOTT VALLEY – On the afternoon of April 2, 2016, Thomas R. Hall, 74, was struck and killed by a car that hit his motorcycle from behind as he drove along Highway 69 just east of Mendecino Road.
The 46-year-old woman driving the car that hit him didn’t know what she’d done until witnesses screamed at her to stop and told her, according to a police report.
She was cited for a civil traffic violation – failure to control speed to avoid a collision – but will not be prosecuted criminally. Because she was not charged with a felony, the Daily Courier is not identifying her by name.
Thomas Hall was a Phoenix firefighter who had retired and moved to Dewey. His daughter, Susan Huff, said, and her son, Jake, and her step-brother, Jonathan Hall, were just hired by the Phoenix Fire Department in October.
“My dad was so proud,” she said. “He went to their graduation in January.”
Thomas pinned Jonathan’s badge on at the ceremony.
Huff’s husband, Mark, is a battalion chief for Phoenix Fire and Thomas helped him prepare for his physical test, 38 years ago, she said.
The woman who hit Hall was driving a silver Nissan Sentra. According to the police report, she told the investigator that she was headed home from work, after starting at 3:30 a.m.
She said she was driving about 55, the speed limit on that section of highway, and that “she never saw the motorcycle,” the report said. “She reached for her cell phone with her left hand and that she took her eyes off the road for a second. That was when she looked up and the accident had already happened.”
Witness statements to police tell a similar story.
One said he was going about 60 when he saw the silver car come up from behind in the right lane, and approach the motorcycle at the same speed.
“My wife immediately screamed, ‘Slow down!’ at the vehicle as it appeared she was closing way too fast on the (motorcycle). At that exact moment, the driver of the car accelerated” and struck Hall, the witness said.
The report describes Hall as being thrown in the air and onto the pavement.
“He flew over her car, it seemed like it took a while for her to stop,” another witness statement said.
“The car never tried to avoid the collision,” a witness statement said. “I did not see brake lights until she finally pulled over.”
A Life Line ambulance was driving right behind the crash, and recorded video of it occurring. The crew stopped to help Hall, and took him to a helicopter waiting at Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s east campus. It was planning to fly to Flagstaff Medical Center, but it turned back shortly after lifting off because his “condition deteriorated abruptly in flight.”
Hall was pronounced dead at YRMC.
The woman was not intoxicated or otherwise impaired, according to the report.
The Yavapai County Attorney’s Office “determined that no felony criminal charges were appropriate in this matter,” Prescott Valley Police Officer Brad Penner said. “Their determination was made giving weight to all that is presented to them in our investigation in addition to their own direct inquiries and determinations regarding the facts and the likelihood of an appropriate and successful prosecution.”
Additionally, the police report said, “Town Attorney Bob Todd indicated that there was nothing in evidence that would support a successful criminal prosecution in this matter.”
Huff can’t understand why that is.
“It’s devastating,” Huff said, adding that when she read the accounts given by witnesses in the police report, she was “horrified. In my head, I could see exactly what happened … him flying over the car, based on what the witnesses said, he was up in the air.”
She wants to see a state law against distracted driving, noting that Arizona is one of two states that does not have one. Montana is the other. Huff said State Senator Steve Farley, who has fought for similar bills for years, has asked her to testify in a future hearing on distracted driving, and she agreed to do that and speak to news media about her father’s death. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/27/family-seeks-distracted-driving-law-after-no-charg/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/8153ce6f82eaee8f6f0a46a4a0114ff2841bd47d88d0ab303624e588573aa21b.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T00:48:09 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F29%2Fmotorcyclist-injured-collision-car%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/29/motorcycle_3.JPG | en | null | Motorcyclist injured in collision with car | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PRESCOTT – A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries Monday afternoon, Aug. 29, when he collided with a car and was thrown from the bike, Prescott Fire spokesman Conrad Jackson said.
It happened about 2:40 p.m. The motorcyclist, a man in his 60s, ran into a car that had stopped in front of him near the intersection of Willow Creek Road and College Heights Road.
“The resulting impact launched the motorcyclist from his vehicle and into the curb along the roadside,” Jackson said.
The victim, who had been wearing an open-face helmet, was flown to a Flagstaff hospital.
Willow Creek Road was closed for about a half-hour to allow the helicopter to land, Jackson said. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/29/motorcyclist-injured-collision-car/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/29a36fcab77665a63153b2a0c4baede74a5331a406385a285e7bf61ee08762fe.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:48:27 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F28%2Fobituary-eugene-christopher-crowley%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/27/Crowley_OBIT.jpg | en | null | The Daily Courier | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Eugene (Chris or “Kit”) Christopher Crowley, 68, of Prescott Arizona passed away on August 21st, 2016 after battling heart conditions for many years. He was born March 27, 1948 in Albany, New York and had many fond memories of growing up in Averill Park, New York and living on Crystal Lake. He moved to Arizona in the early seventies and grew to deeply love Arizona as his adopted state.
Before his health declined, Chris was an avid hiker and spent several years teaching desert survival. He was passionate about the great outdoors and loved to share that passion with others. He was especially skillful at identifying everything from birds and wildflowers to stars and constellations. Chris volunteered with the Red Cross for many years in several capacities, including as a CPR and first aid instructor. He was an EMT instructor at Yavapai College for many years and worked as a driver and EMT for Med-Evac ambulance service during that time. He also volunteered and was trained as a wild land firefighter while living in Ponderosa Park, which made him passionate about defensible space and supporting the local firefighting community was very important to him.
Known for his clever and quick-witted sense of humor and his intelligence, Chris enjoyed playing board games, poker, and other card games with friends and family. Chris was a champion skeet shooter in his youth and won many competitions alongside his father. In his retirement he relished growing vegetables in his hilltop garden and sharing the bounty with others. Helping people was important to Chris, and he took much pride in being neighborly. His neighbors became his friends and they were kind enough to return the favor when he needed it most. Chris was truly a unique individual and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his beloved daughter Casey Rose Crowley and baby granddaughter Emmalyn Rose Fisher of Flagstaff; ex-wife Tammy Rose Lambert of Prescott; sister Jane (Paul) Kietzman of New York; nephew Colin Kietzman of Tennessee; niece Erin (Peter) Berical of New York; and many cherished friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene Sutherland Crowley and Louise Wallace Crowley of Averill Park, New York.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held sometime in the coming weeks, please email his daughter Casey at crc49@nau.edu if you would like details.
Information provided by survivors. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/28/obituary-eugene-christopher-crowley/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/d14f633d58ee1008fe8c61933ef150fc5c00a904644a6bee97e4351305398661.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:48:41 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F28%2Fletter-communist-infiltration%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Letter: Communist infiltration | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Editor:
In the Thursday, Aug. 25, edition of the Courier, Tom Cantlon continues the myth that Senator Joe McCarthy was wrong re: the number of Communists within the Federal government during that era. Whether Mr. Cantlon is totally unaware that his statements are incorrect or whether he knows this and refuses to acknowledge it or whether he just ignores the issue, only he knows. But the truth of the matter is that Senator McCarthy was absolutely correct regarding his assessments of the Communist infiltration in our government but this truth did not surface until the mid ‘90s.
The book titled “VENONA, Decoding Soviet Espionage in America,” by authors John Earl Haynes and Harvey Klehr, published in 1999, clearly describes the extent of the Communist infiltration of our government. And it was massive! And so for almost 17 years now and certainly plenty of time for those antagonists of McCarthy to know the truth, the lie prevails. I don’t know how many times I have seen this miscarriage of justice and character assignation with regard to McCarthy’s name but it seems that either those people don’t want to acknowledge that he was correct in his assessment of the government at that time or would just rather continue the spewing out of incorrect information.
Again, I don’t know what Mr. Cantlon’s motive[s] is/are but since he then includes comments about Trump, it would seem reasonable to assume that he is attempting ‘paint a similar’ picture.
Ron Gould
Prescott | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/28/letter-communist-infiltration/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/74958a2314b5182c9677ec27a21cd59514a61c52c56e6ccb4f9637d362b0bce5.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T08:48:35 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F31%2Flocal-rundown-chino-valley-boys-soccer-blitzes-sno%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Local Rundown: Chino Valley boys’ soccer blitzes Snowflake, 6-1, in season opener | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PREP SOCCER
Chino Valley boys 6, Snowflake 1
The three-time defending Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) small-schools state champion Chino Valley High boys’ soccer team trailed Snowflake 1-0 early in its 2016 season opener Tuesday, Aug. 30, but rallied with six unanswered goals for a convincing victory.
Playing on its home turf in Chino, the Cougars trailed 1-0 in the 10th minute before Arturo Gomez answered with the equalizer moments later. Gomez led the hosts offensively with three goals and an assist.
“It was a rough, physical, fast-paced game, but we wore them [Snowflake] down,” first-year Chino Valley coach Todd Carey said.
Chipping in for the 2A Conference Cougars were Walter Soto with a goal and two assists, Edgar Sanchez with a goal and an assist, and Jordan Sanchez, who scored a goal.
Chino Valley (1-0 overall record) will play host to the annual Chino Cup starting this Friday, Sept. 2, at its campus soccer field.
Chino Valley girls 8, Snowflake 2
Chino Valley High’s girls’ soccer team easily dispatched Snowflake in its 2016 season opener Tuesday, Aug. 30, winning by a six-goal margin on the road.
Katie Farnsworth scored four goals and added an assist to lead the Cougars’ charge. Freshmen Kacey Matthews (two goals, assist) and Ashley McGuffy aided in the effort.
Chino trailed 1-0 before tallying eight unanswered goals to run away with it. Snowflake scored a final goal in garbage time.
“We played really good on both sides of the ball,” Chino coach Allen Foster said. “It was a real good win. Our midfield play dominated and I am proud of our freshmen.”
The Cougars (1-0 overall record) will play host to Round Valley for their home opener at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, on their campus field.
PREP VOLLEYBALL
Bradshaw Mtn. 3, Moon Valley 0 (Mon.)
On Monday, Aug. 29, Bradshaw Mountain High’s volleyball team opened the 2016 season with a straight-games victory at Phoenix Moon Valley, 25-22, 25-16, 25-19.
For Bradshaw, Kat Brannan led the way with nine kills, one service ace and five digs. Randee Clifford followed with four kills, 14 assists and six digs.
Other Bears who stood out included Saylor Ford with 11 assists and a service ace; Mailani Manuel with six kills and four aces; Kaylee Kriwer with five kills, a solo block and two block assists; and Jordyn Moser with two aces.
Bradshaw played its Grand Canyon Region opener on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at Mingus Union, but the result wasn’t available at press time.
Bradshaw Mountain will play its home opener at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, versus Tempe High.
Ash Fork 3, Bagdad 0
Bagdad High’s volleyball team lost its 2016 season opener to Ash Fork in straight games on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at home.
The Sultans (0-1 overall record) will play host to Williams at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2.
Sedona Red Rock 3, Chino Valley 1
Chino Valley High’s volleyball team succumbed to visiting Sedona Red Rock in four games in its 2016 season opener on Tuesday, Aug. 30.
The Cougars (0-1 overall record) will have a week to prepare for their next match. They travel to Camp Verde on Tuesday, Sept. 6. First serve is at 6 p.m.
COLLEGE SOCCER
Embry-Riddle women 3, St. Katherine 0 (Aug. 27)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s women’s soccer team stayed unbeaten at 2-0-0 after shutting out St. Katherine College this past Saturday, Aug. 27, in San Marcos, California.
The Eagles received a goal apiece from Carly Elias, Callie Orizotti and Parker Lee. Nat Bristol and Megan Currier had one assist each. In a 2-1 victory over San Diego Christian Aug. 25, Bristol and Currier also provided an assist apiece.
ERAU will play its 2016 home opener versus Mid-America Nazarene at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, on the Eagles’ campus field off Willow Creek Road in Prescott. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/31/local-rundown-chino-valley-boys-soccer-blitzes-sno/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/d44280e5105fc470697499098c09b75efc3a4e6f48cbc07c4c1c4b73cf400b60.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:32 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F25%2Fbeat-heat-belly-dancing-workshops%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/25/Why_Not_Belly_Dancing_rgb.jpg | en | null | Beat the Heat with belly dancing workshops | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Schedule Saturday’s workshops are: 9 a.m. - Tribal ComboNation 10:15 a.m. - Sassy Spanish Skirt 11:30 a.m. (1.5 hours) -Bellyshare 1:15 p.m. - Beat the Drum Drum Combo 2:30 p.m. - Sword, Tray, Basket or Book: Balance Technique Made Fun At 3:30 p.m., a casual event, Belly Games, takes place in the Courtyard. From 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. is an Open Drum and Dance.
Open dancing, workshops, and performances take place Friday evening and all day/evening on Saturday at the Beat the Heat belly dancing event. More than 20 belly dance troupes from around the state are expected to participate in workshops and performances that take place at the Holiday Courtyard, next to the Grand Highland Hotel, 150 S. Montezuma St.
Hosted by Why? Not Belly Dance Troupe in Prescott, the event begins with Freaky Friday Night Meet and Greet that takes place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Courtyard. Participants are encouraged to wear a favorite costume, finest frippery, or silliest suit.
Registration fee for the workshops is $10, and $5 for each hourlong workshop. Registration takes place at Holiday Courtyard from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Saturday. In case of rain, classes will be held at the Flying Nest Studio, less than a block away. Payment is cash at the door; however, participants should register online in order to guarantee placement in classes. The first 20 people are guaranteed a spot.
In case of rain, classes will be moved to the Flying Nest with class size capped at 20. Workshops held in the Courtyard can accommodate up to 50 participants.
The free evening performance, Show Your Colors: A Bellydance Variety Show, includes 15 diverse groups from around Arizona and begins at 7 p.m. Food, alcohol and vendors are available. The public is invited. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/25/beat-heat-belly-dancing-workshops/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/232d6e1d37df9873ba416347c07180d503769c40f19aaa385d43fc96b7575530.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:47:40 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F27%2Ffood-truck-festival-round-2%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/25/Food_Truck_aug_cover_WEB.jpg | en | null | Food Truck Festival canceled, rescheduled | null | null | www.dcourier.com | UPDATE: The Prescott Food Truck Festival was canceled Saturday morning due to weather conditions. Mile High's field was too wet from an active monsoon week.
According to organizer Steve Gottlieb, the festival will now take place Sept. 24 to 25 to coincide with Oktoberfest.
ORIGINAL STORY: In case you haven’t noticed the signs posted at major intersections all over the city, the second annual Prescott Food Truck Festival is taking place on the Mile High Football Field Saturday, Aug. 27, from noon to 6 p.m.
Admission will be $5 and the trucks will strictly be selling entrees for $5 and food samples for $2.
Event organizer Steve Gottlieb believes this is the cheapest food truck festival in the state.
“I think that families need a break on food pricing, so we’re having the food trucks limit what they charge and find creative ways to make it work,” Gottlieb said.
There will be 12 food vendors on sight and 12 beers available for purchase.
There will also be two bouncy castles and three bands.
The Cross-eyed Possum will be playing at noon, KDMA Band takes over at 2 p.m. and Wes Williams finishes it off starting at 4 p.m.
The event will benefit Prescott Meals on Wheels. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/27/food-truck-festival-round-2/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/2c4490b575da0979a0486c173d119fe92b8ac1912979440617d84b17f2b510f9.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:48:05 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F29%2Fletter-pick-your-trash%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Letter: Pick up your trash | null | null | www.dcourier.com | EDITOR:
I am sharing this letter to voice concern to others about an issue in our beautiful quad-city area. I am speaking about the increasing amounts of garbage that is seen on the sides of the road on Highway 69 going from Dewey to Prescott. This is not only bagged garbage, but loose refuse as well.
Garbage on the streets destroys the beauty of an area. Which would you rather see? Clean roadways and tree-lined streets or someone’s fast food containers, cardboard boxes or more unappealing items left on the side of the road?
The solution is found in each one of us: If you are the responsible person, then be responsible. Pick up your trash, and I’ll pick up mine and then place it in a proper receptacle.
Christine Luis
Prescott Valley | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/29/letter-pick-your-trash/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/7a4ebb1db5207cbeaddbf47b051bb9d013a544947efae30fbd8390cd1ffcdb3f.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T06:47:41 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F26%2Fpadres-score-21-unanswered-points-4th-quarter-beat%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Padres score 21 unanswered points in 4th quarter to beat Prescott | null | null | www.dcourier.com | TEMPE – Collin Mills had 13 carries for 60 yards and two touchdowns, Ryan Greene threw for another, but Marcos de Niza outscored the Badgers 35-6 in the second half for a 44-23 win over Prescott on Friday night.
Despite Prescott taking a 17-9 lead into the locker room at halftime, Marcos de Niza scored three unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter, solidifying its top five ranking by most preseason polls in the 4A conference.
“We gave everything we had. Marcos was too much. They came at us in waves. They are a really outstanding football team,” first-year Prescott head coach Michael Gilpin said in a phone interview. “They took our best punch, we stood and swung with Mike Tyson and they caught us.”
Zyayre Moss scored all three of his touchdowns in the second half for the Padres, including a 10-yard catch from quarterback Nazareth Greer to put his team up 30-23 with 11:14 to play and they never looked back.
Prescott’s lone score in the second half came off a 35-yard touchdown strike from Greene to wide receiver John Chaffeur to put the Badgers up 23-15 with 6:22 to play in the third quarter.
“Ryan ran really well, but we missed several throws, so we have to double-down on our effort to get him back to where he was last year,” Gilpin said. “He’s struggling a bit, it’s just confidence.”
In the first quarter, an 18-yard field goal by Ryan Peach gave the Badgers a 3-0 lead, then Mills put Prescott up 9-6 on his first touchdown run of the night with 4:17 to play in the first half.
Mills made it 17-9 with just under a minute to play on a 1-yard score for his second touchdown.
“He was really lathered up and running downhill. … He was leaning on guys, and it made a difference,” Gilpin said about Mills. “[Marcos] was on their heels, but we ran out of steam and they’re too good for that. You have to hold strong for four quarters.”
NEXT UP
Marcos de Niza (1-0, 0-0 4A Desert Sky) will host Cactus on Friday, Sept. 2. The Cobras earned a Week 1 victory against Bradshaw Mountain by the final score of 70-49.
Prescott (0-1, 0-0 4A Grand Canyon) will return home in Week 2 to host Combs.
Kickoff for both games is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Brian M. Bergner Jr. is a sports writer and columnist for The Daily Courier. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Periscope and SoundCloud at @SportsWriter52, or on Facebook at @SportsAboveTheFold. Reach him by phone at 928-445-3333, ext. 1106. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/26/padres-score-21-unanswered-points-4th-quarter-beat/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/5a80f8c7a4807292a8a6b43cac47d71666c8e2972c5f7c244003501e9a019df6.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T08:48:36 | null | 2016-03-09T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F29%2Fobituary-thomas-james-williams%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/03/09/In-Memory-obituary-obit-thumbnail-candle.jpg | en | null | Obituary: Thomas James Williams | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Thomas James Williams, 77, of Chino Valley passed away on Aug. 19, 2016, in Prescott, Arizona.
Abcfunerals is in charge of arrangements. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/29/obituary-thomas-james-williams/ | en | 2016-03-09T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/d3368ce34254f189332c67d3bbd948fdbe6532809bdff532da3e81131b5d0823.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T06:47:49 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F27%2Fcolumn-bergners-college-football-predicitons-2016%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | COLUMN: Bergner's college football predictions for 2016 | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Although it may not be my favorite time of year, there’s no denying the football season is upon us, and it’s downright exciting. As the NFL winds down its lengthy preseason set of games, and high school football in Arizona just finishing its first week, my attention turns to the college football ranks, where the Crimson Tide of Alabama once again sit atop the year’s first AP Top 25 poll.
The 2016 college football season begins like it ended in January, with the defending national champion Crimson Tide at No. 1 and Clemson at No. 2. And no, I won’t scream “Roll Tide” like Alabama-natives do at the end of just about every conversation. Sorry folks, I’m a Wisconsin fan, and with that … “On Wisconsin!”
Speaking of the Badgers, I’ll have to call my first upset of the college football season in their opener at Lambeau Field against No. 5 LSU.
Leonard Fournette is mighty good at the running back position, maybe the best in the country, but Wisconsin’s defense should be able to at least keep him from going off for 150-plus yards and numerous touchdowns, forcing an inexperienced Brandon Harris at quarterback to make a few plays.
And with a defensive front featuring Conor Sheehy and an experienced secondary for Wisconsin, that’s not likely. I’ll take the Badgers, 23-17.
Other teams to keep an eye on this season include Heisman contender Baker Mayfield and his Oklahoma Sooners coming in at No. 3, while head coach Jimbo Fisher and his Florida State Seminoles chime in at No. 4.
Fisher will depend on redshirt freshman quarterback Deondre Francois to lead an offense that has every starter returning from a team that went 10-3 in 2015.
Other notable teams in the AP Top 25 include Urban Meyer’s No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes, and John Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines at No. 7.
And just in case you were wondering, Michigan and Ohio State lock horns two days after Thanksgiving on Nov. 26.
The Big Ten should be awfully exciting this year.
Notre Dame, another favorite team of mine, sits at No. 10 in the AP Top 25 poll after finishing 10-3 in 2015.
I know what you’re thinking. I’m no front-runner! Yes, I like Notre Dame, but I can’t help it. The first time I saw “Rudy” I was 10, and since then the gold helmets running out of that tunnel looking to sprint towards “Touchdown Jesus” has always inspired me.
PREDICTIONS
The following are my picks to win their respective conferences:
American Athletic - Houston
ACC - Florida State
Big 12 - Oklahoma
Big Ten - Michigan
Conference USA - Western Kentucky
Mid-American - Toledo
Mountain West - San Diego State
Pac-12 - UCLA
SEC - Alabama
Sun Belt - Appalachian State
Reaching the final four of college football this fall, I’ll nominate Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame and Florida State, with Harbaugh and the Wolverines winning it all in 2016.
Brian M. Bergner Jr. is a sports writer and columnist for The Daily Courier. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Periscope and SoundCloud at @SportsWriter52, or on Facebook at @SportsAboveTheFold. Reach him by phone at 928-445-3333, ext. 1106. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/27/column-bergners-college-football-predicitons-2016/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/53f170f8619f78f1dc139f310b8c3337cb43a34aa450ca4685aa2d573fddb03d.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T06:48:11 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F28%2Fsports-briefly-local-golf-horseshoe-tennis-pickleb%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Sports Briefly: Local golf, horseshoe, tennis & pickleball results | null | null | www.dcourier.com | LOCAL GOLF RESULTS
PRESCOTT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB MEN’S CLUB play was ‘4-Man Team, 2 Best Ball + Bonus’ Aug. 24 on the course near Dewey. Taking first place were Lee Denning, Joe Manzi, John Varhol and Don Brehm with a minus-11 score. On Aug. 15, 17 and 19, play was ‘Low Net’ for the President’s Cup Men’s Club Major. Overall winner was Conrad Kruswicki with a three-day total of 201. Flight A winners were Jerry Mobley (first, 204 score), Tim O’Brien (second, 210) and Jack Sands (third, 212). Flight B winners were Chuck Reading (first, 208 score), Gary Wolfe (second, 212), and Lee Denning and Joe Manzi (third, tied with a 215). Flight C winners were Tim Algarin (first, 210 score), Donald Brehm (second, 212) and Bill Oldfather (third, 220).
THE ANTELOPE HILLS MEN’S GOLF CLUB played its Aug. 22 tournament at the North Course at Antelope Hills Golf Course in Prescott with the format being ‘2-Man Total.’ The team of Perry Huyck and Rick took low gross with a 154, with a low net of 135 going to Ron Brunswig and Doug Turkington. They were followed by Andy Ozols and (Blind Draw). Ken Brack shot a low gross of 74, with Jim Brewer taking low net with a 63. On Aug. 24, the Club played its tournament on the North Course with the format being ‘4-Man Good, Bad and Ugly.’ This format is a four-man team event in which various scores are used on the par 3s, 4s and 5s. In the first flight, the team of Jerry Emery, Don Beaver, Joe Gouveia and Bill Hargrave took low gross, while low net going to Leon Kelly, Don Stever, Dan Medina and Jack Marr. In the second flight, Herb Keeling, Jim Brewer, Bill Huth and Ron Weiss grabbed low gross, with low net going to John Robinson, Mike Ruggio, John Leara and Herb Baggett. In the third flight, low gross went to Hank Engert, Roger Matthias, Jim Scott and Lou Gennarelli. Low net was captured by Joe Steed, Charles Steele, Bill Brady and Wayne Glasscock. In the fourth flight, Chuck Entwistle, Larry Richey, Chuck Gibson and John Teetor were good for low gross, and low net went to Bob Herrick, Bill McGivern, Fred Bursey and Terry Boren. The Antelope Hills Men’s Club is conducting its membership drive. To join, visit ahmgc.com or call 928-499-7788.
ANTELOPE HILLS LADIES’ GOLF ASSOCIATION’S play of the day was ‘Easy Nine’ Aug. 18 on the South Course in Prescott. Winners were as follows. In the First Flight, it was Gayle Rendleman (first place, 27 score), Karen Jennings (second, 28.5) and Melba Moeck (third, 30.5). In the Second Flight, it was Diane Flannery (first, 28), Jackie Schiller (second, 29.5) and Heidi Marshall (third, 30.5). In the Third Flight, it was Sharon Moore (first, 29), followed by Marsha Hicks and Bev Peck, who tied for second with identical 30s. In the closest to the pin competition, it was Jackie Schiller (hole No. 5) and Marsha Macdougall (No. 15). Low gross and low net of the week both went to Melba Moeck with scores of 80 and 69, respectively.
LOCAL HORSESHOES RESULTS
ON AUG. 20, the Central Arizona Horseshoe Club held its annual ‘Cooler Than The Valley’ tournament. There were 15 participants from the local area and around the
state. Results were as follows. In Class A: 1st – John Nay (Prescott Valley), 2nd – Trisha Hoshaw (Mesa), 3rd – Joe Starika (Overgaard). In Class B: 1st – Sherri Ochoa (Dewey-Humboldt), 2nd – Gary Chalberg (Kingman), 3rd – Steve Ochoa (Dewey-Humboldt). Class C: 1st – Terry Sloan (Prescott Valley), 2nd – Kim Ramey (Dewey-Humboldt), 3rd – Tommy Logsdon (Prescott Valley). Tournament Champion was John Nay. Club members remind interested pitchers that they do not have to be “good” to come out and pitch with them. The classes are set up so that one pitches with their peers. Most all of the pitchers are seniors. The Aug. 20 tournament was held at the Central Arizona Horseshoe Club courts, located in the American Legion Park on Bob Street, just off Navajo in Prescott Valley. Club courts are open to the public, with the exception of tournament days. For more information, call John Nay at 928-379-1922.
THE MILE-HIGH HORSESHOE CLUB played its ‘Hit the Stake’ tournament Aug. 13 at the Watson Lake Park Horseshoe Complex in Prescott. The winners were as follows. In Class A, Jerry Germain of Prescott Valley took first place, followed by Jay Mast of PV in second, and John Nay of PV in third. In Class B, Steve Ochoa of Dewey claimed first, followed by Sherri Ochoa of Dewey in second and Ron Davis of Cordes Lakes in third. In Class C, Debbie Nay of Prescott Valley won, followed by Gary Carter of Prescott in second and Terry Sloan of PV in third. “It was a beautiful day, and the tournament went well,” Mile-High Horseshoe Club’s Cal Cordes said. The Club conducts league play from 6-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, and those sessions are open to all pitchers, regardless of ability. For more information, call Cordes at 928-583-4258.
LOCAL TENNIS RESULTS
THE FOURTH MONTHLY GRAND PRIX was held at the Yavapai College Tennis Facility Aug. 21, and play was men’s and women’s doubles. The following players took first- or second-place in their respective divisions. Men’s 4.5 Level: Lance Green and Mark Jurica (1st); Andy and Matt Mraz (2nd). Men’s 3.0/3.5 Level: C.J. Gear and John Siegel (1st); Shain Stmod and Victor Wrublik (2nd). Women’s 4.0 Level: Cathy Low and Linda Smith (1st); Linda Gee and Julie Chirstensen (2nd).
LOCAL PICKLEBALL RESULTS
IN SPITE OF A RAINY WEATHER FORECAST, the 5th annual Prescott Lakes Pickleball Senior Games was enjoyed by more than 240 players from Arizona and states as far away as Pennsylvania during the weekend of Aug. 19-21. With the support of The Club at Prescott Lakes and an army of volunteers, the three-day event featured competitions in Women’s Doubles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded. Plans for next year’s event, from Aug. 18-20, 2017, have already begun. Medal winners for this year’s tournament were as follows: Women’s Doubles Age 50-59 – Gold: Jan Yu/Jeni James; Silver: Missy Myers/Diana Brown; Bronze: Sue Fox/Linda Dillon. Women’s Doubles Age 60-69 – Gold: Lisa Smith/Helle Sparre; Silver: Lynn Coulter/Mary Ashworth; Bronze: Irene Leaf/Sharon Nawara. Women’s Doubles Age 70-plus – Gold: Virginia Troester/Ann Faber. Men’s Doubles Age 50-59 – Gold: Jim Barbe/Kerry Krueger; Silver: Jim Kloss/Steve Ricke; Bronze: Jim Thomas/David Overmoyer. Men’s Doubles Age 60-69 – Gold: David Zapatka/Dennis Hackney; Silver: Jeff Stone/Michael Crawford; Bronze: Pat Murphy/Craig Hauger. Men’s Doubles Age 70-plus – Gold: Phillip Arinno/David Breault; Silver: Gordon Rama/David Moore; Bronze: Paul Hoggatt/Bob Barczak. Mixed Doubles Age 50-59 – Gold: Jan Yu/Jim Kloss; Silver: Jeni James/David Overmoyer; Bronze: Dianne Zimmerman/David Zapatka. Mixed Doubles Age 60-69 – Gold: Hoagie Hoggatt/Steve Ricke; Silver: Lisa Smith/Jim Barbe; Bronze: Sandy Scanlon/Ron Ward. Mixed Doubles Age 70-plus – Gold: Gwen Miller/David Moore; Silver: Virginia Troester/Paul Hoggatt; Bronze: Jacquee Ware/Ron Stiers.
BRADSHAW MTN. HIGH BOYS’ BASKETBALL FUNDRAISER
BRADSHAW MOUNTAIN HIGH BOYS’ BASKETBALL, in an exclusive partnership with Galpin Ford, is conducting a fundraiser called ‘Drive One for Your Team’ in October. Bears coach Matt Simpson said the fundraiser allows anyone older than 18 with a driver’s license to come to the Galpin dealership in Dewey on Oct. 1, beginning at 10 a.m., to drive a brand new Ford vehicle of his or her choosing. It is free to the individual who drives, so this is a no-cost-to-you fundraiser. Each test drive is 15-minutes long, and there’s no pressure to buy. For every drive, the Bradshaw boys’ basketball program receives $20 with the potential to earn up to $6,000. “We are looking to hit this $6k mark as soon as possible,” Simpson said. For more information, send an email to: Matt.Simpson@humboldtunified.com or call the high school at 928-759-4100.
TERRITORIAL DAYS 10K SEPT. 3 IN CHINO VALLEY
THE 18TH ANNUAL TERRITORIAL DAYS 10K and 2-Mile Run/Walk is scheduled for 7:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at Memory Park, 1020 W. Palominio Road, in Chino Valley. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Chino Valley High cross-country team.
Packet pick-up will last from 3-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at the Chino Valley High office at East Center Street and North Highway 89. Entry fees before Thursday, Aug. 25, are $20 for the 10K, $12 for the 2-mile and $10 for runners younger than 12 years old. After Aug. 25, the fees rise to $25, $15 and $12, respectively. Each race entrant will receive a short-sleeved T-shirt and finish-line refreshments. The top overall male and female finishers get awards; ribbons go to the 2-mile runners; and medals will be given to the top-three men and women placers in all 11 age groups. Aid stations will be positioned on the course for runners. For more information, call Chino Valley High cross-country coaches Marc Metz at 480-220-5085 or Jenda Ballard at 928-848-3587. Metz is also available via email at: mmetz@chinovalleyschools.com. To register for the race online, visit https://register.wingfootfinish.com/Register/?event=37509. Each year, Metz encourages well-conditioned athletes to run the so-called Labor Day Trifecta, a series of three nearby races in as many days. In addition to the Territorial Days 10K, there is the Jerome Hill Climb (http://arizonaroadracers.com/events/jerome-hill-climb-2) on Sunday, Sept. 4, and the Williams 10K (http://www.williamslionsclub.com/Mountain_Man_Run_15.html) on Monday, Sept. 5.
YOUTH BASEBALL
PROCESS DRIVEN BASEBALL ACADEMY is conducting a seven-week skills instruction program for players ages 8-12 every Monday from Sept. 12 through Oct. 24 at Ziegler Field, 1200 Commerce Drive in Prescott. Cost is $355 for all seven sessions, which go from 6-8 p.m. Nightly rates are also available. Instruction in mental approach, dynamics of the game, throwing, fielding, base running, hitting, infield, outfield and pitching are included. For more information, call Rob Chriss at 928-308-5822 or visit processdrivenbaseball.com.
CYCLING: SKULL VALLEY LOOP CHALLENGE SEPT. 18
THE ANNUAL SKULL VALLEY LOOP CHALLENGE, considered Prescott’s most scenic road-cycling event of the year, is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18, starting at the corner of Gurley and Goodwin streets in downtown Prescott. To register, visit: www.active.com/prescott-az/cycling/skull-valley-loop-challenge-2016. Entry fee is $55 per cyclist after Aug. 24. Riders must sign up by Aug. 31 to be guaranteed a ride shirt. Proceeds will benefit Prescott Alternative Transportation, a nonprofit “working toward a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly central Yavapai community.” Check-in and last-minute registration will occur from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, and again at 6 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, 117 W. Goodwin St. The ride begins at 7:30 a.m. Folks are encouraged to volunteer by emailing Jo at: PrescottSafeRoutes@gmail.com. The Skull Valley Loop Challenge is a 54-mile road bicycle ride that starts at the courthouse plaza and continues through town to Iron Springs Road and on to Skull Valley. Riders return to the Courthouse Square through the Prescott National Forest. The total ascent is 2,939 feet, with a maximum elevation of 6,133 feet. For GPS information, visit: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1730038. Organizers say the Skull Valley Loop Challenge, which began in 2007, has grown exponentially, bringing hundreds of riders and their families to the Prescott area. For more information, call Prescott Alternative Transportation at 928-708-0911. Those with questions are encouraged to leave a voicemail if no one answers. Those with problems registering online at active.com should call the website’s customer service number at 877-228-4881.
SKULL VALLEY POLO CLUB TOURNAMENT OCT. 1
YOU AND YOUR GUESTS are invited to the 12th annual Skull Valley Polo Club Players Cup Tournament and Texas Barbecue Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Van Dickson Ranch, 13125 Van Dickson Road, in Skull Valley. Sanctioned by the U.S. Polo Association, the tournament begins at 1 p.m., with the barbecue to follow at 4 p.m. Bring your own chairs, hats and drinks. A Texas-style barbecue will be prepared by C. Paul Harris, with proceeds benefitting the Skull Valley Polo Club and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post No. 7906. Please leave your dogs at home. RSVP by sending $35 per person at least 10 days in advance to the Skull Valley Polo Club, P.O. Box 314, Skull Valley, AZ 86338. For more information, call 928-442-3658 or send an email to: charris@gotsky.com. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/28/sports-briefly-local-golf-horseshoe-tennis-pickleb/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/7d0e0f0d2d36dcdc11e338a0cd7bc1e830e767f9651023f4d58b3b673b9ddd3e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:52:05 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F25%2Fobituary-charles-semlich%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/24/obit-SEMILICH.jpg | en | null | Obituary: Charles Semlich | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Charles Semlich, 87, of Sun City West, Arizona passed away on July 22, 2016, in Hospice of the Valley, Surprise, Arizona. He was born Feb. 28, 1929, in New York City, New York, to Charles and Anna (Lekow) Semlich.
He attended high school in New York City, then went on to college at Indiana Institute of Technology, before going into the Army and serving his country during the Korean War. He then became an engineer/consultant and retired in 1989.
He received many blue ribbons for photography of wildlife, scenery and flowers. His was the political cartoonist in the Chino Valley Review newspaper for 16 years.
Charles is survived by his wife, Patricia Semlich; stepchildren
Margot Utterback, Ralee Pruitt, Laurie Waller, Bobby Waller, William (Edwina) Swaim, and Sharon (Jim) Ledbetter; grandchildren Everett (Laura) Waller, Cheyenne (Angel) Carillo, Eric Christopher; great-grandchild Layla Carillo; seven stepgrandchildren, and special favorite Laura (Greg) Hayes.
He had many friends and always had a big smile and a joke or two to tell. Once a friend always a friend.
Memorial service will be Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 2062 N Highway 89, Chino Valley, Arizona. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley 14066 W. Waddell Road, Surprise, AZ 85399 or St. Vincent DePaul, 935 Fair St., Prescott, Arizona.
Hampton Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.
Information provided by survivors. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/25/obituary-charles-semlich/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/995449ecd0fb7f026685764fa281678316b8761af1c335c8bb6ab796bb9d44ab.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:48:11 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F27%2Fobituary-nelda-sue-mitchell%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/26/obit-Mitchell.jpg | en | null | Obituary: Nelda Sue Mitchell | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Nelda Sue Mitchell was born on Jan. 20, 1934, in Hughes, Arkansas, to James and Grace Henderson.
She passed away Aug. 25, 2016, in Prescott, Arizona. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Wayman; daughters Debbie Hasbrouck and Rhonda (Jeff) Rens; son Greg (Lisa) Mitchell; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother Tuney (Delores) Henderson; and other relatives. She is preceded in death by her parents, two siblings (Jay & Mamie) and three children (Terry, Karen and Sharon).
Nelda met and married Wayman in 1953. After the sudden death of their first child, Terry, they experienced a profound conversion by Jesus Christ that would alter the course of their lives. They responded to the call to ministry, and they Pastored churches in Wickenburg Arizona; Victoria Island, B.C., Canada; Phoenix, Arizona; Emmett, Idaho; Eugene, Oregon; and Carson, California. In January 1970 they assumed the pastorate of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Prescott, Arizona (Later called The Potter’s House). Shortly after they arrived, God began to reach large numbers of young people during the Jesus Movement, and Nelda began her life-long role as the mother figure of the church. She set the example, and gave practical instruction to young people on children and families. She served in numerous capacities in the church through the years – usually behind the scenes. She was an invaluable help to her husband, and left her home, family and comfortable security, and moved with Wayman to Perth, West Australia, to assume the pastorate there on three occasions: At age 47, 51 and 74!
Her infectious laugh and cheeky smile will be greatly missed. She serves as a great example of the impact of a quiet life surrendered to God. She has touched multiplied thousands of lives in over 110 nations.
A celebration of life service will be held Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 10:30am at The Potter’s House, 5195 N. Hwy 89 Prescott, AZ 86301.
Proverbs 31:28-29 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”
Heritage Memory Mortuary assisted with the arrangements.
Information provided by survivors. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/27/obituary-nelda-sue-mitchell/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/93d43737afbe961178831baf33018aad0c13afa138164e10867d5ba057bce021.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T08:48:27 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F31%2Froughriders-soccer-tops-pumas-improves-2-1-0%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/31/Payne_and_Nunez_Arellano.jpg | en | null | Roughriders soccer tops Pumas, improves to 2-1-0 | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PRESCOTT VALLEY – After splitting a pair of one-goal matches to start the 2016 season, the Yavapai College men’s soccer team nearly pitched its first shutout on Tuesday night, Aug. 30.
In their home opener at Mountain Valley Park Amphitheater in Prescott Valley, the Roughriders dispatched struggling Paradise Valley, 3-1, upping their record to 2-1-0 in the Arizona Conference.
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I No. 8-ranked Yavapai kept Paradise Valley winless at 0-3-0. The Pumas did not score until 11 seconds remained in regulation time.
The Roughriders will face one of their stiffest tests of the campaign at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, when they battle NJCAA No. 5-ranked Pima at Mountain Valley Park Amphitheater. Pima is the defending NJCAA Division I Region I champion and West District titlist. The two teams won’t meet again until Oct. 4 in Tucson.
CORNER KICKS
• Yavapai improved its all-time record to 39-1-0 against Paradise Valley, outscoring the Pumas 180-26 in 40 meetings.
• The Roughriders improved their all-time record to 64-3-1 at Mountain Valley Park Amphitheater in Prescott Valley. YC is now 27-1-0 in home openers dating back to its inaugural season in 1989. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/31/roughriders-soccer-tops-pumas-improves-2-1-0/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/bed3cfc29212fc8419e3f259dcbafb306036972979d6e16b73e554bca39cb7d1.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:51:02 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F25%2Ftrauma-intervention-program-trains-volunteers-aid-%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/24/Nonprofittraumaprogrampix2.jpg | en | null | The Daily Courier | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Police, firefighters and ambulance crews are the first call when tragedy strikes, but once the emergency is over they are forced to return to duty.
Want to help? For those interested in learning more about the TIP program, visit the website: www.tipofaz.org A Prescott area training will begin on Sept. 29 with a three-hour orientation and continue with seven additional, three-hour sessions and a graduation on Nov. 3. Contact the TIP office for more information: 928-445-4655
For victims, be it the death of a spouse, a serious injury suffered in a car crash, or the loss of a home to fire, the departure of first responders is the beginning of their grief process.
“Following a traumatic event, the people involved often feel helpless, confused, and experience emotional shock. They are confronted with a situation for which they are totally unprepared. Often, there is no one available in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy to guide victims through these difficult hours,” said Sue Rutherford, executive director of Traumatic Intervention Programs of Arizona Inc (TIP) headquartered in Prescott Valley.
Research indicates people who receive emotional and practical support in the immediate aftermath of a trauma will recover quicker than those who do not, Rutherford said.
That is why TIP trains volunteers to work with emergency personnel – police and sheriffs, fire departments, and hospitals – to offer emotional first aid during and after a crisis occurs. A TIP dispatcher is charged with contacting these citizens who are of all ages and occupations.
Volunteer Ralph Gonzales in Prescott Valley said many volunteers are individuals who have experienced a trauma in their own lives. They know the importance of having a caring and knowledgeable person able to assist a person in their darkest hours. In his five years, Gonzales said he has responded to five home deaths, seven suicides, three structure fires, three calls to the emergency room, and one death notification.
TIP was founded in 1985 by Wagne Fortin, a licensed mental health professional in San Diego County. At present, there are 18 chapters serving 75 cities, 67 police departments, 100 hospitals and 55 fire departments. The Yavapai Chapter was started in 2000 and has 50 trained volunteers.
TIP volunteers go through an intensive training program, and after certification are required to commit a minimum of three 12-hour shifts, and no more than six 12-hour shifts, each month.
“Natural caregivers have known for centuries the value of listening with great care and little judgment to a person’s sorrow and pain. Crisis intervention is more than a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold or an ear with which to listen. It encompasses all of those attributes in a crisis intervener and more. It involves skill and knowledge - combined in a simple but powerful way,” Rutherford said in a written statement. “When tragedy strikes, many survivors face a critical moment in their lives, in which the vicarious circumstances of their experience can profoundly intensify the trauma of the tragedy itself.”
In what is known as the “dreadful hour,” TIP volunteers offer comfort to people who are in various stages of shock. They offer a comforting presence and protection as these individuals begin to comprehend the unthinkable in their life, Rutherford and Gonzalez described. TIP volunteers offer practical, emergency aids, such as blankets and stuffed toys for children, but most importantly, assure their clients they are not alone.
A TIP volunteer’s mantra is always, ““I’m here for you,” Rutherford said. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/25/trauma-intervention-program-trains-volunteers-aid-/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/008470af4e6e6e1fef64bc648deebc982dd9393c6e4c4e5c86a1ad90a5829bce.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T08:48:28 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F31%2Fsupporters-legalizing-marijuana-present-arguments-%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Supporters of legalizing marijuana to present arguments in court | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PHOENIX – Supporters of legalized marijuana go to court today to argue that Secretary of State Michele Reagan is lying to voters about what the measure would do.
Attorney Kory Langhofer said there are three misstatements of facts in the description that Reagan is legally required to prepare for Proposition 205. And he will argue to Maricopa County Superior Court Judge James Blomo that he should order the language be rewritten.
But Reagan spokesman Matt Roberts said there’s nothing wrong with the verbiage. And Roberts noted the language had been approved by the attorney general’s office.
The measure would allow anyone 21 and older to possess and use up to an ounce of marijuana as well as grow their own plants.
Langhofer pointed out, however, that the description which will go both on ballots and into brochures mailed to voters says the initiative would allow marijuana use by those “over 21.’’ And that, he contends means those 22 and older, which is inaccurate.
“We don’t share the opinion that it’s not factual,’’ Roberts responded.
Langhofer has two other problems.
He said Reagan’s description accurately mentions the 15 percent tax on marijuana and marijuana products. But Langhofer said it should have said where the funds are going to go.
“If you were a legislator looking at a bill that’s providing for a tax, you’d want to know what’s going to happen to that tax,’’ he said. “If you’re never told where it’s going to go, you’d have a different impression of that bill than if you said it’s going to go to education, law enforcement and local government.’’
Langhofer also wants Blomo to rule that it’s misleading to say that any other violations of the law that remain will be petty offenses punishable only by a fine. He said even if Proposition 205 is approved, certain things, like having more than 2 1/2 ounces of the drug, would remain felonies.
Blomo does not have much time to make a decision: Roberts said the ballots and the brochures are set to go to the printer on Thursday.
The pro-205 forces are not the only ones unhappy with Reagan. Opponents of the initiative filed their own objections Tuesday, asking Blomo to rewrite the measure in a way they contend is more accurate.
That means adding some other points, ranging from protection for employees who smoke marijuana outside the workplace to limits on the number of places that will be able to sell the drug until 2018.
The new legal challenges come as the Arizona Supreme Court considers whether Proposition 205 gets to go to voters at all.
Foes are appealing an earlier ruling by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Jo Lynn Gentry refusing to throw the measure off the ballot.
Foes contend a separate 100-word description of the measure on petitions, crafted by supporters, is misleading because it did not include certain facts that opponents said would be important to voters. Gentry said that, by definition, a summary cannot include every point. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/31/supporters-legalizing-marijuana-present-arguments-/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/a182531ec09aaaa84cf8a041068c70979298a11e3b70599ff855c7cf5bed5254.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:48:27 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F30%2Fletter-homelessness-solutions%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Letter: Homelessness solutions | null | null | www.dcourier.com | EDITOR:
There but for the grace of God go I, or possibly you.
The homeless situation in Prescott is one that none of us wants to admit exists, and yet it does.
There are far more folks that have been close to this situation than we care to admit.
If it were you, on the street, in the woods, in your car, under an overpass … How hopeless would you feel?
How fearful would you be? How emotionally broken would you be?
The truth of the matter is that the safe sleep program established by CCJ is not an answer, but rather an awakening. An awakening to a culture, that prefers to look the other direction rather than face the reality that there are those who are far worse off than ourselves and in need.
Having joined the board of CCJ earlier this year, I too was concerned about the creation of a “safe haven” for homeless folks. But when I realized it was just that, a temporary “safe haven,” I supported the venture.
The committee reviewed local regulations, secured insurance, met with local law enforcement, and established a code of conduct by those in need of such a service. Several of these same people are accessing CCJs other programs through the Community Advocacy Program that assist with employment and transitional housing.
Are there other alternatives? I believe there are. But at this time, they do not exist, or have not been made available.
CCJ has taken the first step in providing a compassionate and safe alternative to an oft overlooked need.
Sleeping on the street opens individuals up to violence, harassment, and incarceration.
Prior to the opening of the Safe Sleep program, CCJ and other organizations held community meetings looking for ideas and suggestions to assist the homeless population in Prescott from the public.
CCJ and other organizations are open and receptive to positive suggestions to create a realistic end to poverty. Please feel free to provide assistance, or information to: paul.mitchell@yavapaiccj.org
I am confident that there is a solution or ideas that might lead to a solution. If you feel you have one, I would suggest contacting Paul and his staff at CCJ or another such organization.
We long recognized and supported the programs of CCJ and Open Door, and other nonprofits that are addressing a need to help the most vulnerable in our society.
The work they are doing deserves our support and encouragement and I am certain they would appreciate any advice or assistance you could give.
Barry L. Barbe
Prescott | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/30/letter-homelessness-solutions/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/8276415fc4c6d316e51a90a2ea38d04512f5ef301a1778b8e11ba12eadcee606.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:47:20 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F26%2Fhumboldt-man-one-other-nevada-standoff-plead-guilt%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/23/Blaine-Cooper_2.jpg | en | null | Humboldt man, one other in Nevada standoff plead guilty | null | null | www.dcourier.com | LAS VEGAS (AP) — Two defendants became the first to plead guilty Thursday to federal charges in an armed confrontation with U.S. officials over grazing rights near cattleman and open-range advocate Cliven Bundy's ranch in Nevada.
Gerald "Jerry" DeLemus and Blaine Cooper each admitted to conspiring with others who engaged in a tense gunpoint standoff with federal Bureau of Land Management agents in April 2014 near Bundy's property about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
Both told U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro they weren't physically present for the standoff.
But they acknowledged interfering with the execution of federal court orders by recruiting and organizing armed gunmen to support Bundy and sons Ammon, Ryan, Mel and Dave Bundy in efforts to prevent the roundup of Bundy cattle from the scenic Gold Butte area.
Their plea deals call for sentences of six years in federal prison, although their defense attorneys can seek leniency at sentencing Dec. 1. Each also could be fined up to $500,000 and be subject to up to three years of government supervision after prison.
Cooper, 37, from Humboldt, Arizona, also pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer.
DeLemus, 61, of Rochester, New Hampshire, arrived in Nevada hours after the confrontation started. His second felony plea was to an interstate extortion charge, admitting he drove cross-country with guns with an intent to display "force and aggression" to stop the roundup.
DeLemus, a former U.S. Marine, spent weeks afterward living in a tent and organizing armed patrols near the Bundy ranch outside Bunkerville.
DeLemus was also politically active at home in New Hampshire, where his wife, Susan DeLemus, is a Republican state assemblywoman. He stopped several times Thursday to confer with his attorney while entering his guilty pleas.
"I don't know that I threatened anyone," DeLemus told the judge at one point, "but I made public statements hoping it would end peacefully."
Prosecutors characterized DeLemus and Cooper as "mid-level organizers" and leaders of the conspiracy to prevent federal agents and contract cowboys from rounding up Bundy cattle that federal officials said were trespassing on public land.
"Federal law enforcement officers must be able to engage in their official duties, including executing federal court orders, without fear of assault or losing their lives," U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden said in a statement after the pleas.
DeLemus and Cooper became the first among 19 defendants to take plea deals in the case in Las Vegas.
Trial for some of the remaining 17 defendants is scheduled to begin Feb. 2 on charges including threatening a federal officer, carrying a firearm in a crime of violence and obstruction.
Seven defendants in the Nevada case, including Cooper and Bundy's sons Ammon and Ryan Bundy, are also among 26 people charged in Portland, Oregon, in connection with a 41-day occupation of a wildlife refuge earlier this year.
Eleven people have taken plea deals in the Oregon case, including Cooper. The Oregon trial is scheduled to begin next month. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/26/humboldt-man-one-other-nevada-standoff-plead-guilt/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/a2fee87a7d4a8bff5966ae2e946e05883ecaee0c8975402d215f98a12367bd09.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:48:38 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F28%2Feditorial-distracted-driving-law-long-overdue%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Editorial: Distracted driving law long overdue | null | null | www.dcourier.com | It’s hard to understand why, after years of elected representatives trying, Arizona still has not addressed distracted driving.
State Sen. Steve Farley is a proponent of legislation for it. Our own Rep. Karen Fann has continually battled for a youth-driver texting law.
Where’s the disconnect here? Arizona is apparently one of two states without a distracted driver law and that should tell us something.
Drivers who cause injury or death while operating their vehicle need to be held criminally responsible. A vehicle is a deadly weapon in the wrong hands.
There are traffic citations that can be issued for things classified as driving distracted. Released by the Department of Public Safety in 2013 were the citations using the reasonable and prudent speed law and the distraction cause, November 2013 through March:
Occupant: 2,677
Cell: 2,474
Outside: 2,044
Media: 772
Equipment: 602
Reaching: 505
Texting: 505
Eating: 374
Other: 172
Pets: 120
Reading: 75
Smoking: 72
Grooming: 66
In contrast to being one of the last states to have a true distracted driver law, Arizona was named the “Strictest State on High Risk Drivers” in a recent study. The report from WalletHub looked at which states had the highest and lowest insurance premiums for high risk drivers, compared DUI laws to see which states were strictest and the most lenient and finally they examined the penalties in each state for speeding and reckless driving.
If we have that going for us, why can’t our legislature pass a distracted driving state law?
Here’s a bit more data to chew on, from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association on distracted driving laws as of this month:
Hand-held Cell Phone Use: 14 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. All are primary enforcement laws—an officer may cite a driver for using a hand-held cell phone without any other traffic offense taking place.
All Cell Phone Use: No state bans all cell phone use for all drivers, but 38 states and D.C. ban all cell phone use by novice drivers, and 20 states and D.C. prohibit it for school bus drivers (this includes Arizona bus drivers).
Text Messaging: Washington was the first state to pass a texting ban in 2007. Currently, 46 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers. All but five have primary enforcement. Of the four states without an all driver texting ban:
Two prohibit text messaging by novice drivers.
One restricts school bus drivers from texting.
It’s time for Arizona to stop stalling on some type of texting ban, if not a full-blown distracted driving law. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/28/editorial-distracted-driving-law-long-overdue/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/1a57d5b78845db8859762e35889740511047ab75c25b8cd7768ecd3801732427.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T06:48:23 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F29%2Fsuper-bowl-champs-name-their-starting-quarterback-%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/29/BC-FBN--Broncos_QB-ref.jpg | en | null | Super Bowl champs name their starting quarterback: Trevor Siemian | null | null | www.dcourier.com | ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Trevor Siemian couldn't be rattled.
Not by the knee injury that ended his college career at Northwestern and scared away everyone but the Denver Broncos, who made him the 250th overall pick in last year's draft.
Not by his six-month audition for the Broncos' starting QB job that began with him as the dark horse against veteran Mark Sanchez and first-round draft pick Paxton Lynch.
He wasn't even unnerved Monday when coach Gary Kubiak informed him he'd won the job — making him the only QB with no passing attempts to take over a defending Super Bowl champion in Week 1.
"I feel like it's the right decision," said Kubiak, whose team opens against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 8 in a title game rematch. "I believe in this kid and what he can do for our football team."
Siemian was just as calm after the announcement as he's been every other day during his remarkable rise from part-time college starter to Peyton Manning's surprise successor.
"I'm not trying to be Peyton. I could probably get in a lot of trouble trying to be a first ballot Hall of Famer," Siemian said.
"So, those shoes are way too big to fill. I'm just trying to be the best man I can be every day, be the best teammate and take it from there."
He has no plans to hit up Manning's phone, either.
"No, I'm sure he's pretty busy," Siemian said. "He's probably got some commercials to shoot or something."
Siemian says he pays no mind to the stress of the job. And he has no designs on changing his understated style, no plans to switch from the quiet, leader-by-example type to one who's more vocal.
"I don't think I want to change who I am or who I am in the locker room. I think we're really fortunate here we've got a lot of great leadership here in the locker room," Siemian said.
Siemian realizes a lot of NFL fans are asking who he is.
"That's a tough question," Siemian said. "I like playing football. I try to be a good teammate, work every day, put my head down and be the best guy I can be."
Siemian learned Kubiak's West Coast offense last year when he had a birds-eye view of the Broncos' QB conundrum that required the coach to gather his team every Monday from mid-November on to inform the players whether Manning or Brock Osweiler would start.
Kubiak said he won't pare the playbook for Siemian despite his inexperience — his only NFL snap was a kneel-down last year.
"If there's one thing that is a big strength of Trevor's is how much he can handle," Kubiak said.
Two things that impressed receiver Emmanuel Sanders about Siemian was his slow heartbeat and his lightning bolt of a right arm.
"He's very poised, even when he comes into the huddle, he's always the same guy," Sanders said. "I remember when he first came in, I said, 'You remind me a lot of Aaron Rodgers' in the way that he goes about his business and is always having fun, and even in the way he slings the football around. He's kind of that backyard football kind of guy. But yet he's still loose.
"I know everyone in the huddle enjoys when he comes in there because he's always cool, calm and collected."
Siemian was an afterthought even after Manning's retirement and Osweiler departed in free agency. GM John Elway traded for Sanchez and tried to woo Colin Kaepernick, a quest he abandoned after drafting Lynch.
Meanwhile, Siemian was out to prove Elway had his man in Denver all along.
"Last year I got a chance to learn a lot and I was starting to get comfortable in the system, but I hadn't taken a lot of reps," Siemian said. "So, coming back I got a chance to do that in OTAs and I think that's when I got a chance to grow a little more and pick things up and get comfortable with the guys and the scheme."
Also invaluable to his development was running the scout team last year against Denver's dizzying defense.
"Yeah, it was an unbelievable challenge," Siemian said. "You're forced to use your imagination a little bit against our guys, and you're right, I think going against them every day and getting your butt kicked a lot helped."
Kubiak said Lynch will play the entire preseason finale at Arizona on Thursday night. He didn't say if Sanchez has a future in Denver. The Broncos would save $3.5 million and a conditional seventh-round draft pick if they cut him.
Sanchez hurt his chances with two red-zone fumbles against San Francisco, but Kubiak said it was more of what Siemian did that won him the job.
"He's earned the right to be our guy," Kubiak said. "Is it a lot to ask of a young kid? Yes, it is. But it's not a lot to ask of our team. And I believe in our team. It's going to be about how we play as a group, not about one guy." | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/29/super-bowl-champs-name-their-starting-quarterback-/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/664b19876e3658eb5e6a3b6a48d930cbfda90b56c422920b1886b5250e64255a.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:47:42 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F27%2Fdiamondbacks-activate-center-fielder-j-pollock%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Diamondbacks activate center fielder A.J. Pollock | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PHOENIX (AP) — As expected, the Arizona Diamondbacks have activated center fielder A.J. Pollock and he was in the lineup for Friday night's game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Pollock, an All-Star and Gold Glove winner last season, broke his right elbow in a head-first slide at home in a preseason game two days before the start of the regular season.
Pollock was second in the batting order against the Reds behind Jean Segura and ahead of Paul Goldschmidt. The announcement of his name over the public address system at Chase Field during starting lineup introductions drew cheers.
The Diamondbacks sorely missed Pollock's offense and defense in a season that went south in a hurry.
He was jokingly asked to reintroduce himself to media during a pregame news conference.
"It's awesome to play the game I love again, and really just not even thinking about my elbow, which is incredible," Pollock said. "In the beginning of the year, everyone was saying I was out for the whole season and was not coming back. For me, I didn't think for a second that I wasn't going to play this year."
Pollock was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list and outfielder David Peralta (right wrist inflammation) took his place.
The plan for Pollock is to play him two days in a row followed by a day of rest. He said he might hesitate to slide head-first at the outset of his return.
"I'm a player and I feel like if I'm ready to play, I want to be out there," Pollock said. "I prepared to play every single day and I think that's how your mindset has to be ... Just going to go out there and play my role."
Outfielder Mitch Haniger was optioned to Triple-A Reno after Thursday night's game to make room for Pollock's return. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/27/diamondbacks-activate-center-fielder-j-pollock/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/5c0507d82be855b5b4b74affeacf655d68d202d065b4c9222db99e66022da199.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:50:21 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F26%2Fcorporation-commissioner-seeks-aps-records-politic%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Corporation commissioner seeks APS records on political cash | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PHOENIX (AP) — A member of the Arizona Corporation Commission who has been urging the state's largest electric utility to disclose whether it spent millions on the 2014 commission election issued subpoenas Thursday demanding the company provide the information.
The subpoenas issued to Arizona Public Service and its parent company up the ante in Commissioner Bob Burns' quest to get the information. They seek information on political, charitable and lobbying spending.
APS has been the subject of ongoing speculation that it spent $3.2 million backing the 2014 elections of two commissioners. The company won't confirm or deny that it contributed to groups backing the candidates.
Burns has said the alleged campaign contributions make the public look at the commission "with suspicion and mistrust."
The commission, a separate constitutional entity, regulates electricity providers, water companies and other firms that hold monopoly power in the state, including setting rates. It also oversees securities regulation, railroad and pipeline safety and facilitates business incorporation. It has executive, judicial and legislative power over the firms it regulates.
Attorney General Mark Brnovich in May issued a legal opinion that said a single commissioner can require regulated utilities to disclose whether they spent money to influence an election.
If APS acknowledges spending on the commission race, it would constitute a major change in practice from decades of hands-off approaches of the election of commissioners who regulate monopoly utilities.
CEO Don Brandt wrote in a December letter to Burns that the parent company has a right to use its shareholder profits as it wishes.
"Compelled disclosure about political contributions that APS or its affiliates may have made out of shareholder profits would go beyond what is required of all corporations under Arizona campaign finance law, and would impinge on APS's First Amendment rights," Brandt wrote to Burns.
APS spokesman Jim McDonald said the company is reviewing the subpoenas, which seek records from 2011 through 2016.
The company disclosed in public filings early this month that it has received federal grand jury subpoenas seeking information on the 2014 commission and secretary of state elections. The FBI has said it is "currently conducting a long-term investigation related to the financing of certain statewide elections in the 2014 election cycle," but it has not named APS.
Burns, who is running for re-election, has been rebuffed by the other four commissioners in his effort to hire an outside attorney to analyze how outside interests may be influencing utility regulators' decisions. During an Aug. 11 meeting, the other four lambasted him for tainting the commission by alleging its members may have been influenced by APS. Burns called the vote a disguised effort to prevent him from doing his constitutional duty to oversee regulated utilities.
The other members also said a subpoena from Burns would just end up with the commission in court against APS. Burns said he's not sure what will happen if APS refuses to comply.
"We don't know exactly what to do because we don't know exactly how they might refuse to comply," Burns said Thursday.
Three commission seats are up for grabs in November, with two Democrats and five Republicans on next week's primary ballot. In a debate, Commissioner Andy Tobin and GOP candidates Al Melvin, Rick Gray and Boyd Dunn said Burns should drop his effort to force APS to reveal whether it spent in the election.
Burns said his effort has nothing to do with politics.
"I don't view it as a political stunt," he said. "Since I've been working on this for 18 months or so, I don't see how anybody can label it as such." | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/26/corporation-commissioner-seeks-aps-records-politic/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/b15328b6e8b0fac39ccb6f22e17bc591cb79b4bc8c5e96210e3c95fd49a0d7f4.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T08:48:28 | null | 2016-03-09T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F29%2Fobituary-warren-huntington-smith%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/03/09/In-Memory-obituary-obit-thumbnail-candle.jpg | en | null | Obituary: Warren Huntington Smith | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Warren Huntington Smith, 91, of Prescott passed away on Aug. 22, 2016, in Prescott, Arizona.
Abcfunerals is in charge of arrangements. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/29/obituary-warren-huntington-smith/ | en | 2016-03-09T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/8c70e0c09cb1380acdcae0d65ebe2eb063445705ef06c68ecca394979b094ff4.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T06:48:21 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F29%2Fcollege-football-pick-six-blanding-harris-likely-s%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/29/BC-FBC--Pick_Six-Good_Players-Bad_Teams-ref.jpg | en | null | College Football Pick Six: Blanding, Harris, Likely star for struggling teams | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Nick Saban likes to tell all his four- and five-star recruits that if Alabama succeeds, all the individual accolades they crave will come with it.
Good call.
Last season, no players from a team that did not make a bowl game made the AP All-America first team. There was one each from a non-bowl team on the second and third teams.
Of course, there are some excellent players on losing teams, such as New Mexico State running back Larry Rose III. The 185-pound junior was a third-team All-American and ran for 1,651 yards and 14 touchdowns for a team that won three games.
Here are some of the best players in college football playing for teams that did not reach the postseason last year. And it doesn't look particularly promising for those teams to get there this season, either.
Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
Did you know the Buffaloes had one of the better pass defenses in the Pac-12 last year? Yes, really. Awuzie switches between cornerback and nickel and became the first CU defensive back to lead the team in tackles for loss (13). The senior is a legitimate NFL prospect.
Quin Blanding, S, Virginia
One of the best safeties in the country, Blanding ranked second in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 115 tackles last season. New coach Bronco Mendenhall plays the type of aggressive defense that could set up the 215-pound Blanding to spend a lot of time in opponents' backfields. If Mendenhall had a few more like Blanding, this rebuild would go much faster.
Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
The latest in a recent string of excellent pass rushers for Missouri. The junior had 11.5 tackles for loss, including seven sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries. Harris led a solid defense last season, though Missouri's offense was anemic. Could be more of the same this year.
Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming
The Mountain West's leading rusher at 135.9 yards per game. The Cowboys are still looking for a turnaround under third-year coach Craig Bohl, who led North Dakota State to three straight FCS national titles before coming to Laramie. Wyoming will lean heavily on the 219-pound Hill to break a four-year bowl drought.
William Likely, CB, Maryland
The senior is a solid corner and one of the best return men in the nation. Likely averaged 17.7 yards per punt return last season and led the nation with 1,197 total return yards. He also played some offense late last season and new Maryland coach DJ Durkin has said he expects to use the senior in all three phases of the game.
Mike Warren, RB, Iowa State
Warren should be right at home in new coach Matt Campbell's spread offense. Campbell's Toledo teams ranked either first or second in the Mid-American Conference in rushing the last three seasons. Warren ran for 1,339 yards as a redshirt freshman last season, tops in the nation among freshman. The Cyclones will need a few upsets and some big performances by Warren to get bowl eligible.
EXTRA POINT
Six more players set to star on teams that could struggle to make the postseason: Boom Williams, RB, Kentucky; Jake Replogle, DL, Purdue; Fish Smithson, S, Kansas; Matt Milano, LB, Boston College; Matt Davis, QB, SMU; Devonte Boyd, WR, UNLV. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/29/college-football-pick-six-blanding-harris-likely-s/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/4e4c5a7215ca74bda1c7f31600edecd5b394e6fb4c0399f98c8ef797f268d9a8.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:48:43 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F31%2Fgas-prices-aug-31-2016%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/31/GAS_NOW.jpg | en | null | Gas Prices: Aug. 31, 2016 | null | null | www.dcourier.com | EDITOR’S NOTE: Prices at the pump are according to www.arizonagasprices.com. Prices fluctuate; these price checks are as of yesterday afternoon. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/31/gas-prices-aug-31-2016/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/f76c7fc7c041de605da6a0cd9c82e40eb8d3071e9dccfbc5fd09a71d98adc7aa.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:48:10 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F27%2Fjustice-department-investigates-arpaio%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/27/Arizona_Sheriff_Fundr_Layt.jpg | en | null | Justice Department investigates Arpaio | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PHOENIX (AP) — The investigation and possible prosecution of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio will be handled by the U.S. Justice Department after federal prosecutors in Arizona asked to be removed because of unspecified conflicts of interest, according to a court filing made public Friday.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for Arizona said in its brief filing in U.S. District Court in Phoenix that the case has been assigned to the Justice Department's criminal division, public integrity section.
The filing cited "existing conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest pertaining to the matter" for Arizona's federal prosecutors, but it did not provide details.
Mel McDonald, an attorney for Arpaio, said he was disappointed by the decision.
"It's their call," McDonald said. "If they have a conflict ... I'm not one to second-guess that decision."
U.S. District Judge Murray Snow ruled last Friday that another judge should decide if Arpaio and others should be held in criminal contempt-of-court for ignoring court orders in a racial profiling case. Snow also said there was probable cause to believe Arpaio intentionally failed to turn over records that he had promised, under oath, to give to a court official.
The records were from a secret investigation that Arpaio's foes say focused on Snow in an attempt to discredit him.
Arpaio, a Republican who is running for a seventh term this year, has vigorously insisted that he didn't investigate Snow and instead said the probe was focused on widespread identity theft.
Snow has not publicly explained why he turned the Arpaio case over to another judge, but federal law says a judge is to be disqualified from a criminal contempt case if the defendant is accused of disrespecting or criticizing the court.
Snow also wanted another judge to determine whether sheriff's Chief Deputy Jerry Sheridan, Capt. Steve Bailey and former Arpaio attorney Michele Iafrate violated orders in concealing nearly 1,500 IDs in an internal investigation into whether officers pocketed items from people during traffic stops.
In May, the judge found Arpaio, Sheridan and two other sheriff's employees in civil contempt of court for violating three orders within the nearly 9-year-old profiling case. Arpaio and Sheridan were previously found to have made several intentional misstatements of facts last year during their contempt hearings.
Three years ago, the sheriff's office was found to have racially profiled Latinos in regular traffic and immigration patrols.
Snow imposed a series of changes aimed at guarding against profiling, but he has complained that Arpaio has been slow to make the changes.
Arpaio, 84, built his political reputation on pushing the bounds of local immigration enforcement, making inmates wear pink underwear and jailing them in tents during Phoenix's triple-digit summer heat.
He voluntarily gave up his last major foothold in immigration enforcement in January 2015 after the courts and federal government gradually reined in his powers. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/27/justice-department-investigates-arpaio/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/73885fd9ab910ea20b500bac7829c79b3428ac2946ad7997bab5a29e6296e658.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:51:34 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F25%2Ffood-truck-festival-round-2%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/08/25/Food_Truck_aug_cover_WEB.jpg | en | null | Food Truck Festival, Round 2 | null | null | www.dcourier.com | In case you haven’t noticed the signs posted at major intersections all over the city, the second annual Prescott Food Truck Festival is taking place on the Mile High Football Field Saturday, Aug. 27, from noon to 6 p.m.
Admission will be $5 and the trucks will strictly be selling entrees for $5 and food samples for $2.
Event organizer Steve Gottlieb believes this is the cheapest food truck festival in the state.
“I think that families need a break on food pricing, so we’re having the food trucks limit what they charge and find creative ways to make it work,” Gottlieb said.
There will be 12 food vendors on sight and 12 beers available for purchase.
There will also be two bouncy castles and three bands.
The Cross-eyed Possum will be playing at noon, KDMA Band takes over at 2 p.m. and Wes Williams finishes it off starting at 4 p.m.
The event will benefit Prescott Meals on Wheels. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/25/food-truck-festival-round-2/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/bf392d84fd6687564c8803a16d7ba759bdc903adef1d0e20e7de988c1d11a066.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T22:47:22 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F26%2Fgroup-revokes-arizona-lawmakers-award-over-use-new%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Group revokes Arizona lawmaker's award over use of new law | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PHOENIX (AP) — The League of Arizona Cities and Towns has revoked an honor given to a state lawmaker after he asked for an investigation into an Arizona city.
The league originally recognized Republican Rep. Paul Boyer of Phoenix with its Champion of the Cities award, The Arizona Capitol Times (http://bit.ly/2blPf52 ) reported. The group chose Boyer because he was one of a handful of Republicans to oppose a bill allowing lawmakers to force the attorney general to investigate a local entity if a lawmaker says it broke state law or the Arizona Constitution.
The bill was approved this year. The league revoked Boyer's award when the Phoenix lawmaker became the first to use the measure.
Boyer called for an investigation of Snowflake, which is more than 150 miles northeast of Phoenix. He said its leaders violated open meeting and public records laws when it approved a large-scale marijuana cultivation facility.
The day before Boyer was scheduled to receive the award, the group canceled the honor and un-invited him from speaking at the event.
The group's executive director, Ken Strobeck, said the organization didn't immediately regret recognizing Boyer because he still voted against the bill. He said the board of directors disagreed.
"Our board had quite a discussion, and they feel very, very strongly (the bill)," said Strobeck. "And the fact that he was the first legislator to actually use (it) on a town hundreds of miles from his district, they felt they couldn't look the other way and give him an award."
Boyer told the Capitol Times that one of the league's lobbyists informed him that he lost the award because it would send the wrong message.
"I'll continue to vote for good policy regardless of the source," said Boyer. "But I told them, people are watching and if this is how they treat their friends, I mean, it's not how I would have done it."
Information from: Arizona Capitol Times, http://www.arizonacapitoltimes.com | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/26/group-revokes-arizona-lawmakers-award-over-use-new/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/1afad57668d084cde4854e3b15367e9104bace36d54dd2816eb759cf8e1990b3.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:47:46 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F27%2Fletter-political-parties%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Letter: Political parties | null | null | www.dcourier.com | EDITOR:
I think the reason politics in our country have become such a mess is that political parties have become so meaningless. How many times have I heard people say, “I vote for the individual and not for a party.” Because of this, our political life is in a heap of trouble.
It is why a demagogue like Donald Trump can come along and attract such wide attention. It should be obvious by now, if you will pardon my crude language, he doesn’t give a damn about being a “Republican.” He could just as easily, and often has, called himself a Democrat. What is important to Trump is “himself” as an individual, his fleeting opinions and adoring crowds. He thinks of himself as somebody strong and important because, by hook or by crook, he has accumulated a lot of wealth, the popular measure of human worth in our country!
For this reason too, the “person” of Hillary Clinton is a big issue in the election. She is running primarily as an (albeit imperfect!) individual and not necessarily as part of a Party. Her troubles will continue even if she should become President until and unless she begins to take seriously the issues highlighted in the Democratic platform newly crafted with Bernie Sanders’ help. This is what should be more important to her and to us, rather than her being “President” simply because she is the particular woman she happens to be.
Bernie’s primary interest all along in this election is unique. He doesn’t see himself as important. He sees the issues facing us as a country as far more important, especially the corruption of money in politics. He is more interested in helping to create and participate in a long term “movement” away from our worship of money and he obviously has little interest in being President. Even now, after the primary, he continues with a movement called “Our Revolution” in which he is asking others (like myself!) to join.
This means that individual candidates, including Hillary, should forget about loading my e-mail box with daily requests for money to help beat whoever they might be running against, even Donald Trump. My contributions from limited retirement income will go to a non-partisan group called MAYDAY.US (check it out), the Democratic Party (however corrupt it might be) and Our Revolution!
Bob Fiske
Prescott | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/27/letter-political-parties/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/ab2e1a97b7764cb0ebda957e87cb5131226fa538f361baa57269c2b108e7f260.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T08:48:25 | null | 2016-06-15T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F30%2Fdear-annie-help-mother-out%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2016/06/15/Dear-Annie_Annie-Lane-thumbnail-1.jpg | en | null | Dear Annie: Help a mother out | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Dear Annie: I am the eldest of four remaining children of our soon-to-be 88-year-old mother, who has been sent home to hospice care.
She needs 24/7 care, and all four of us still work full time. A family meeting before her release produced a level of animosity and stress beyond imagination. I recommended a 90-day stay in a rehabilitation facility to get plans in order.
The doctor stated that Mom no longer has the mental capacity to make her own decisions. A family vote was 3-1 in favor of taking Mom home. Of course, I voted for the facility. It’s expensive, but money should not be a factor when it comes to her care.
All in favor of taking her home said that we could hire health care workers in addition to the hospice workers and that they themselves would fill in when needed.
It’s become apparent to me that my siblings are primarily focused on saving their share of the inheritance. At this time, among ourselves, we’re pitching in about 20 hours of care a week. Mom needs more help. We have a wonderful caregiver who is being limited to 25 hours per week. She would gladly work 40 hours each week. We also need to hire weekend help, which is available. This is Mom’s money, not ours. We need to spend what it takes for quality care.
But my siblings want to use only Mom’s Social Security income toward her care. They are putting extreme pressure on me to put in more care hours. It is exhausting to add this stress to full-time work. I personally don’t want to become a workhorse to save their inheritance. I’m extremely disappointed in their actions.
Annie, what advice do you have that might lessen the extreme stress and animosity of this situation? - Totally Disappointed and Stressed in Indiana
Dear Disappointed: When it comes to estate-related matters such as this, people often see sides of their loved ones they wish they hadn’t. Selfishness is ugly.
You’re absolutely right; it’s your mom’s money, and she’s still here. I’m sure she appreciates her golden child’s looking out for her.
You may need to appeal to your siblings’ guilt to shake them out of their stinginess. Remind them how your mom took care of you all practically her whole life. Now she’s depending on you.
However tense things get, keep the lines of communication open. Perhaps you could all sit down with an outside mediator to evaluate what your mom needs. Hang in there, and don’t neglect your own health.
Dear Annie: I am an Adult Protective Services investigator and disagree partially with your answer to “Defensive of Dad,” who wants his dad to stop giving money to a lady friend in her 50s. You stated that as long as his father is of sound mind, he has the right to make his own decisions. I would agree with that part of the answer. However, I do not think that your answer went far enough to protect his father, who at his age is vulnerable.
I, too, believe that this woman is bullying him. As you stated, it is important that his children stay involved. I would further suggest that they call Adult Protective Services in their state to start an investigation into the matter. In some states, they could make a report without the investigator’s revealing who the complainant was. Many children are afraid that their involvement will continue to push the parent away, but adult children of elderly parents have an obligation to do all they can to protect them.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/30/dear-annie-help-mother-out/ | en | 2016-06-15T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/3adcc6ddc3a179657088d1a3f317267cd09958c2cf36f493e890dea9ec8d0d83.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T04:48:23 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F30%2Farpaio-wins-primary-after-toughest-campaign-yet%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | Arpaio wins primary after toughest campaign yet | null | null | www.dcourier.com | PHOENIX (AP) — The Maricopa County Sheriff trounced three rivals Tuesday to win his Republican primary in what could be the toughest campaign in his 24 years in office as he faces a storm of legal troubles stemming from his immigration patrols.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio easily beat former Buckeye Police Chief Dan Saban and two lesser-known Republicans. Arpaio has raised a staggering amount of money for a local sheriff's race — $11.3 million and counting, most from people living in other states.
The 84-year-old lawman moves on to face the race's sole Democrat, retired Phoenix police Officer Paul Penzone, in the Nov. 8 general election. Penzone lost the 2012 sheriff's race by six percentage points, marking his second closest election in Arpaio's political career.
Arpaio is seeking a seventh term as he experiences the worst legal troubles in his career.
Over the past four years, a federal judge has ruled that Arpaio's officers racially profiled Latinos during traffic stop, and the sheriff was found in civil contempt of court for defying court orders in the case.
The judge recently recommended that Arpaio face criminal prosecution over the contempt case for prolonging his immigration patrols months after the court ordered them stopped. He could be sent to jail if he is found in violation of criminal contempt-of-court charges.
Arpaio rose to national political prominence by cracking down on illegal immigration and by jailing inmates in tents in triple-degree temperatures and dressing them in pink underwear.
The sheriff has been criticized for saddling taxpayers with huge legal bills by creating contentious immigration and jail policies that were later challenged in court. The taxpayer costs from the racial-profiling case alone are projected to reach $54 million by next summer.
In recent years, Republican presidential candidates have sought Arpaio's endorsement.
He has thrown his support this year behind Donald Trump and stumped for the GOP nominee during his visits to Arizona, including a huge gathering in March in the affluent Phoenix suburb where the sheriff lives. He also gave a speech at the Republican National Convention in which he said Trump would prevent immigrants from sneaking into the country.
He is scheduled to speak before Trump on Wednesday as he delivers a much-anticipated immigration speech in Phoenix.
Arpaio has seen his popularity wane over the past four elections. The 2012 race marked his second-closest election as sheriff; he defeated Penzone by 6 percentage points.
Still, the $11.3 million in campaign money Arpaio has raised far exceeds his opponents' fundraising. Saban raised $30,000, while retired sheriff's deputy Wayne Baker brought in $40,000 and former sheriff's posse volunteer Marsha Hill reported $15,000.
Arpaio's challengers have promised to bring more professionalism and less self-promotion to the job. Arpaio's critics say he wastes taxpayer money by pursuing flimsy cases that get him publicity but ultimately get thrown out and result in costly lawsuits. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/30/arpaio-wins-primary-after-toughest-campaign-yet/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/14b19f52837019988ba513520efb1d928a7fc3f8131e8b5a261c410f23bfb45e.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:47:41 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F27%2Fnew-prescott-idol-crowned-sept-1-finale-event%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/legacy/dcourier/gallery/984734114.jpg | en | null | New ‘Prescott Idol’ crowned at Sept. 1 finale event | null | null | www.dcourier.com | Everyone from Ray Charles to Martina McBride to Michael Jackson will be channeled next week, when the Prescott Idol finale takes to the stage of the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center.
The event, which features karaoke performances by local talent, will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at the college’s Performing Arts Center, 1100 E. Sheldon St.
Melissa Byrne, regional manager of Grenax Broadcasting and the coordinator of the Idol competition, said the finale will feature 18 to 25 of the top performers from the Idol competitions that have taken place throughout the summer.
“We have seven weeks of regular competition,” Byrne said, noting that the top two finishers from each week advance to the finale. Then, other top contenders are asked back for August wildcard events, which help to fill out the roster for the finale.
Already, Byrne said she has received requests from finalists for musical selections such as the soul sound of Ray Charles, the pop tunes of Ed Sheeran, and the country pop of Martina McBride.
Prescott Idol has taken place for years as a part of the Prescott Summer Concert Series on the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza. The competition regularly occupies the Thursday night slot in a lineup that also includes jazz on Tuesdays, the Central Arizona Concert Band on alternating Thursdays, and rock and blues bands on Fridays.
Previously coordinated by the City of Prescott, the concert series was turned over this year to the Prescott Downtown Partnership (PDP).
The chance to sing in front of hundreds of spectators in downtown Prescott has grown in popularity through the years, Byrne said. “It’s a little bigger this year; we ran out of space earlier than usual,” she said of the singers signing up to perform in the Idol competition. “Every year, it just gets bigger and bigger.”
Kathy August, who managed the Summer Concert Series this year for the PDP, says the Idol competitions regularly bring out large crowds. “It’s a good event,” August said. “Even on cooler nights, we get 650 to 700 people.”
People often arrive at the courthouse plaza by late afternoon, carrying lawn chairs, to stake out space for the performances, she said, adding, “It’s a very social event.”
PDP Director Kendall Jaspers says the Summer Concert Series was a success this year – once again offering a gathering place in the town’s center.
“I’m impressed with the amount of mostly local people who attend,” Jaspers said, “and I’m surprised at the number of people who are in town and just sort of discover it.”
To deal with the growing demand for tickets to the finale, the event was moved to the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center several years ago. Byrne said the hall’s 1,064 seats generally sell out, or come close.
Along with the competitors in this year’s event, a handful of returning Idol winners will return to sing while the judging is going on, Byrne said.
Tickets to the finale are $8 in advance, and $12 on the day of show. They are available by calling 928-776-2000; stopping by the college box office (1100 E. Sheldon St.) Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or online at http://www.ycpac.com/7th-annual-prescott-idol-finale/.
By Cindy Barks. Follow her on Twitter @Cindy_Barks. Reach her at 928-445-3333, ext. 2034, or 928-642-0951. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/27/new-prescott-idol-crowned-sept-1-finale-event/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/b7ac120cd29af4e489d22f6cac16cb11c55814453b1f0010dbe50b47a05238c3.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:48:31 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcourier.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2Faug%2F31%2Feditorial-step-dont-sit-down%2F.json | http://westernnews.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/static/custom/dcourier/images/dCourrier.ico | en | null | The Daily Courier | null | null | www.dcourier.com | San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit while the national anthem is being played has touched a nerve across the country and sports world.
He is doing this – until he sees change, he says – in protest of what he considers police brutality and disrespect to minorities in the United States.
As sometimes attributed to Voltaire, as well as others: “I do not agree with what you say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens head coach, said this week “I don’t think you can deny someone the right to speak out or mock or make fun or belittle anybody else’s opinion.”
Apparently he has not read the comments sections of dCourier.com; regardless, I agree that Kaepernick has an opinion. He has that right.
I do not, however, agree with his actions – the way he is getting his message out.
As evidenced by this week’s Primary Election, if you want to effect change … if you disagree with something … get involved, put some skin in the game. I respect all of the candidates – winners and losers – because they did just that: they got involved.
Kaepernick’s stage is a big one. Few people reach that level in sports. But don’t just sit there, disrespecting our flag – the symbol of the country that has allowed you, Mr. Kaepernick, the freedoms you enjoy.
As to the calls for the National Football League needing to discipline Kaepernick? No, that would be akin to the idea that you lose your freedom of speech because of who you work for. If the NFL takes a hardline approach, Kaepernick has serious choices to make.
Frankly, though, it’s become a sideshow, like celebrities weighing in on politics or humanitarian causes. Why do people think they’ve gained so much knowledge because of their fame? They have not. The media plays to their fame, no matter what they say.
Mr. Kaepernick, step up, don’t sit down. | http://www.dcourier.com/news/2016/aug/31/editorial-step-dont-sit-down/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.dcourier.com/23bae9b29b0d26e17ff9bde2568eb4fba5f03588e6aa8c541714829c7908c0a5.json |
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