States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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Pennsylvania State Rep. Toohil Issues Statement on Grand Jury Report
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Aug. 16 -- The Pennsylvania House Republicans issued the following statement by State Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-Luzerne, in response to the release of the grand jury report by the state Attorney General:
"We need to rip off the cloak of silence and address the civil and criminal statute of limitations. There are victims today that were silenced years ago and they deserve their day in court. Now is the time for the community to contact their legislators and tell them what you want us to change. We are your voice.
"This report is horrifying and beyond criminal. The fact that
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Aug. 16 -- The Pennsylvania House Republicans issued the following statement by State Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-Luzerne, in response to the release of the grand jury report by the state Attorney General:
"We need to rip off the cloak of silence and address the civil and criminal statute of limitations. There are victims today that were silenced years ago and they deserve their day in court. Now is the time for the community to contact their legislators and tell them what you want us to change. We are your voice.
"This report is horrifying and beyond criminal. The fact thatvictims were coerced and silenced to protect the institution is heart-wrenching. We must address the fact that many times families and victims were persuaded against finding justice with law enforcement and the district attorney.
"Currently, victims out there believe they cannot come forward because of these silencing agreements. This is just wrong. I am a 'yes' vote in changing this law to add clarifying language so victims can read their rights in black and white.
"The statute of limitations, both civilly and criminally, should not apply to these adults who were abused as children. The average age of someone coming out about being abused is age 50. The statute of limitations needs to afford redress to these victims.
"Please contact my office with your questions and concerns regarding the grand jury report."
Manufacturer to Add 42 Jobs in Burke County
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 16 -- Gov. Roy Cooper, D-North Carolina, issued the following news release:
Jackson Paper Manufacturing Company, North Carolina's largest recycled paper producer, will open a new plant in Burke County, creating 42 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest approximately $14 million in its new plant in Morganton and begin operations in the 2nd quarter of 2019. This new facility will produce more than 1 billion square feet per year of corrugated sheets for sale to corrugated box makers.
"Jackson Paper is already a strong member of the community
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 16 -- Gov. Roy Cooper, D-North Carolina, issued the following news release:
Jackson Paper Manufacturing Company, North Carolina's largest recycled paper producer, will open a new plant in Burke County, creating 42 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest approximately $14 million in its new plant in Morganton and begin operations in the 2nd quarter of 2019. This new facility will produce more than 1 billion square feet per year of corrugated sheets for sale to corrugated box makers.
"Jackson Paper is already a strong member of the communityin western North Carolina with its Sylva paper mill and headquarters," said Governor Cooper. "This expansion into Burke County is evidence of the company's commitment to our state and western North Carolina's ability to deliver the talented workers, infrastructure and climate manufacturers need to succeed."
Jackson Paper manufactures 100 percent recycled corrugated medium at its Sylva location. Corrugated medium is used in the production of corrugated sheets. Headquartered in Sylva, North Carolina, Jackson paper supplies paper to corrugated box makers throughout the United States. The company is committed to protecting the natural environment it calls home in western North Carolina.
"We are extremely excited about expanding our corrugated sheets business into the Morganton area. We greatly appreciate all the efforts of the Governor as well as the state and local governments in helping to facilitate this project and we look forward to a great future in the area," said Tim Campbell, CEO of Jackson Paper Manufacturing.
"Jackson Paper has first-hand knowledge of the advantages North Carolina offers a manufacturer, including a highly skilled workforce and opportunities for training and pipeline development, project-ready industrial sites and strong infrastructure," said Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. N.C. Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. were instrumental in supporting the company's expansion decision.
Salaries will vary by position. Once all positions are filled, the total annual payroll impact will be more than $1.8 million. Average wages for the project are expected to be above the Burke County average wage of $34,954.
A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Jackson Paper's project in Burke County. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
"Jackson Paper knows firsthand that Western North Carolina offers everything a manufacturer needs to succeed," said N.C. Senator Warren Daniel. "I welcome the expansion into Burke County and look forward to working with Jackson Paper."
"Burke County has a workforce, infrastructure and business climate that helps strong companies like Jackson Paper grow stronger," said N.C. Representative Hugh Blackwell. "Jackson Paper's new plant is an exciting addition to our business community in Morganton."
In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the Golden LEAF Foundation, Burke County, the City of Morganton and Burke Development, Inc.
MSCAA Board Awards Modernization Construction, Jet Bridge Contracts
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Aug. 16 -- Memphis International Airport issued the following news release:
The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) Board of Commissioners has approved the selection of Flintco, LLC as the primary contractor for Memphis International Airport's (MEM's) B Concourse modernization construction and redesign project. The total of the contract is $122,582,530. The board also approved a $32,000,038 contract with Aero Bridgeworks for new jet bridges that will be a part of the modernization project.
The contractor selections will allow construction to begin in September.
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MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Aug. 16 -- Memphis International Airport issued the following news release:
The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) Board of Commissioners has approved the selection of Flintco, LLC as the primary contractor for Memphis International Airport's (MEM's) B Concourse modernization construction and redesign project. The total of the contract is $122,582,530. The board also approved a $32,000,038 contract with Aero Bridgeworks for new jet bridges that will be a part of the modernization project.
The contractor selections will allow construction to begin in September.The project is expected to be completed in early 2021. The multi-year, multi-phase plan will involve the modernization of the spine and east leg of MEM's B Concourse as well as consolidation of all airline, retail, and food & beverage businesses into the remodeled concourse. The redesign will include the addition of wider corridors, moving walkways, larger boarding areas, higher ceilings and increased natural lighting. Additional amenities and concessions options will also be added. The project will also feature much-needed seismic upgrades to the B Concourse. The airlines and food and retail tenants are operating out of the A and C Concourses while the B Concourse is closed for construction.
MEM's previous operational layout was ideal for hub operations. However, Delta Air Lines' removal of its hub operations created a dynamic in which passengers, airlines, and retail and food businesses were spread out across three concourses. In addition, the nearly 50-year-old building was not built to modern seismic standards. Should the airport continue its passenger growth trends, additional gates will be available to accommodate more air service.
The new jet bridge contract is the result of the airport's decision to purchase all-new passenger boarding bridges rather than refurbishing existing ones.
"This is a huge milestone as the reinvention of MEM becomes a reality," said Scott Brockman, MSCAA President and CEO. "The end result will be a revolutionary new travel experience for Memphis passengers."
Governor Wolf Announces Funding for New Johnstown Park, Helps Unveil Community-led, Two-Mile Iron to Arts Corridor Plan
JOHNSTOWN, Pennsylvania, Aug. 16 -- Gov. Tom Wolf, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news:
Governor Tom Wolf was joined by local officials and business and non-profit leaders in Cambria County today to announce new funding to redevelop an abandoned rail site on Clinton Street to create a new community park. The park will become the gateway to a two-mile proposed Iron to Arts Corridor that local officials unveiled during the press conference.
"We are investing in Johnstown's quality of life to continue the revitalization of this area and boost the economy," said Governor Wolf. "Working together,
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JOHNSTOWN, Pennsylvania, Aug. 16 -- Gov. Tom Wolf, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news:
Governor Tom Wolf was joined by local officials and business and non-profit leaders in Cambria County today to announce new funding to redevelop an abandoned rail site on Clinton Street to create a new community park. The park will become the gateway to a two-mile proposed Iron to Arts Corridor that local officials unveiled during the press conference.
"We are investing in Johnstown's quality of life to continue the revitalization of this area and boost the economy," said Governor Wolf. "Working together,the state and community will transform this unused land and unlock its potential for improvements here and throughout the city."
"The Gautier Steel project symbolizes the comeback of downtown Johnstown and the potential that this great city hold," said Senator Wayne Langerholc. "Projects like this that think outside the box will attract new business and stimulate new economic activity. Additionally, this will enhance the quality of life for our region and will provide many meaningful recreational opportunities."
Gautier Steel was awarded $500,000 in funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for the community park project that also includes the Johnstown Industrial Development Corporation and other community partners. The funding will be used toward the purchase of some of the land from Norfolk Southern and construct the park with a playground, space for a farmer's market and other events, and new landscaping, lighting, sidewalks, and signage.
"I'm thrilled about this grant which will transform a crucial abandoned parcel into a hub of ongoing community investment and activity," Representative Bryan Barbin said. "I want to thank Governor Wolf for releasing funds that will serve as a linchpin of a business and recreational corridor located in the heart of Johnstown."
The park would mark the northeast corner of the proposed Iron to Arts Corridor project. The two-mile plan includes infrastructure improvements, new landscaping, street murals at several intersections, decorative lighting, facade enhancements, and trails to connect the city's history to its expanding business and art community.
From 2015 through July of this year, the commonwealth helped to secure more than $99 million in various transportation, business development, and community revitalization projects throughout the Johnstown region.
A previously announced $1.4 million state grant for improvements along Washington and Clinton Streets is part of the Iron to Arts Corridor proposal.
Separately, Gautier Steel was also awarded a $2 million grant in 2016 toward construction of a plate mill for production of non-aerospace titanium for the United States Department of Defense and other markets.
RACP funding support critical expansion projects, some of which will provide opportunities for additional economic development.
Game Warden Field Notes
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 16 -- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department issued the following news release:
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
A Shot in the Dark
A game warden received a call on Aug. 6 about a man in Titus County who had accidentally shot himself while out on his deer lease preparing for the upcoming hunting season. The man was driving his side by side UTV back to the house around 9 p.m. the previous night when the accident occurred. A battery on the seat next to the victim fell into the floorboard. In the dark the
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AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 16 -- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department issued the following news release:
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
A Shot in the Dark
A game warden received a call on Aug. 6 about a man in Titus County who had accidentally shot himself while out on his deer lease preparing for the upcoming hunting season. The man was driving his side by side UTV back to the house around 9 p.m. the previous night when the accident occurred. A battery on the seat next to the victim fell into the floorboard. In the dark theman reached for what he thought was his spotlight to try and locate the battery. The man mentioned that the grip of the spotlight and his Glock Model 22 have the same feel. Instead of pulling the switch to his spotlight, the man pulled the trigger on his handgun, discharging a round into his upper leg. The man was able to drive to the house and then make a 25-minute drive to the hospital. An investigation concluded the man suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Doctors said the bullet missed bone and major arteries and the man was discharged from the hospital with no complications. He is expected to make a full recovery.
We Charge a Rehoming Fee
On July 22, Harris County game wardens found a posting on the "Offer Up" app advertising a "toy" alligator for sale with a winky face ;). The seller was contacted by game wardens posing as an out of town rancher wanting a gator for his private pond and asked if his ranch hand could come pick it up. The wardens set a time and place to meet. The suspect was surprised to find out the rancher and ranch hand were wardens. Charges were filed.
Look Before You Leap
Tarrant County game wardens patrolling Lake Grapevine on July 21 noticed an unusual clustering of people close to the water's edge below a 25 foot cliff. Seems a middle-aged man had jumped from the cliff into what he thought was 10-12 feet of water that turned out to only be 2 feet deep. The leap resulted in a compound fracture of his lower leg. The wardens contacted local EMS, enlisted the help of some of the bystanders to stabilize the leg, and loaded the injured man onto their patrol vessel. The wardens then transported the man to a location where EMS could make a safe and speedy transfer. The wardens stayed with two juvenile boys who were with the injured man until a parent could be located. Alcohol played a factor in the incident.
Not Your Sign
On June 24, a Pecos County game warden was checking public access points to the Pecos River. The warden parked his patrol vehicle near a bridge crossing the river and walked underneath it to check out the area. While under the bridge the warden heard the sound of metal being cut with a power tool. As he made his way back up to the bridge the warden observed two men; one served as a lookout while the other used a right angle grinder to try to cut down a road sign marking the Crockett County line. After being caught in the act, the subject doing the cutting admitted he was trying to take the sign because "my last name is Crockett and I thought it would be cool to have the sign." The individual was charged with criminal mischief, a Class B misdemeanor, subsequently pled guilty and received six months' probation.
Holy King Mackerel
On July 14, game wardens in Brazoria County investigating an Operation Game Thief crimestoppers call about a violation of over the daily bag/possession limit of king mackerel made a shocking discovery. The tipster claimed a group of five was stockpiling king mackerel in a boat storage facility in Freeport. Armed with description of the suspects' vehicles and boats, wardens began checking vessels near the Freeport Jetties and came across a boat that fit the description. The occupants were in possession of king mackerel in excess of the daily limit, and while escorting them back to the boat ramp, the wardens made contact with the other culprits. The suspects were brought to the commercial boat storage, where wardens gained access to a unit that contained 30 king mackerel stuffed into a freezer, in addition to the 16 king mackerel the five fisherman had on board both vessels. After lengthy interviews, several citations were written to the five individuals for exceeding their possession limit of king mackerel. The cases and civil restitution are pending.
Caught Red-Handed
Cameron County game wardens received a call from South Padre Police Department stating they had come across an ice chest full of red snapper during a traffic stop and believed the occupants to be over their possession limit. Contact was made with the three individuals and consent was given to inspect the fish. The story given was inconsistent between the three individuals, who claimed they got the fish from friends, but could not produce any proof. Although they had been out on a fishing trip all day with the unnamed sources, they had taken no photos of the others onboard. A bag count showed the group was 16 red snapper over their daily bag limits, including two undersized fish. All three individuals received citations with restitution. The fish were donated to the public.
Ashcroft Cites Election Day Successes
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Aug. 16 -- Missouri Secretary of State Jay R. Ashcroft issued the following news release:
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft thanked local election authorities, poll workers and voters for their participation in the Aug. 7 primary election, which ended with almost 1.4 million Missourians casting a ballot.
"There is a great deal of work that goes in to conducting an election," Ashcroft said. "Missouri's local election authorities had a great day on Tuesday. The lines of communication are really open with our county clerks and boards of election, and I think everyone was
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Aug. 16 -- Missouri Secretary of State Jay R. Ashcroft issued the following news release:
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft thanked local election authorities, poll workers and voters for their participation in the Aug. 7 primary election, which ended with almost 1.4 million Missourians casting a ballot.
"There is a great deal of work that goes in to conducting an election," Ashcroft said. "Missouri's local election authorities had a great day on Tuesday. The lines of communication are really open with our county clerks and boards of election, and I think everyone wasvery happy as the day progressed and our voting systems and cyber protection stood up to the test."
After the first statewide election since Ashcroft took office in January 2017, he met with staff from several divisions of the Secretary of State's office to complete a review of election day and plan for the November general election. He also met Tuesday with election authorities from several other states, federal officials and county election officials to test actions and communication plans in the event of an election day problem.
"I am very confident in the protections that secure our election systems," Ashcroft said. "Election security is my greatest responsibility and I take it very seriously. It's important for us to be prepared at every level of government to protect elections and be prepared if something goes wrong."
Primary election results will be certified Aug. 27, and Ashcroft was encouraged by the turnout. "Voters went to the polls at a much higher rate than the previous two August primaries, and that's encouraging - but I want voter turnout at 100 percent. In November, voters will decide on some very important races and some very important issues. Our state is better when more Missourians cast ballots and make their voices heard."
Anti-Bullying Relentless Tour to Visit Mount Pleasant on August 22
LANSING, Michigan, Aug. 16 -- The Michigan Department of Civil Rights issued the following news release:
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights today announced the Relentless Tour - a first-of-its-kind anti-bullying initiative - will visit Mount Pleasant on Wednesday, August 22.
Motivational speaker Anthony Ianni, a member of Michigan State University's 2010 and 2012 Big Ten Champion and Tournament Championship teams and the 2010 Final Four team, will speak to Central Michigan Correctional Facility teachers at Comfort Inn & Suites and Conference Center, 2424 S. Mission Street, at 9:00 am.
Ianni
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LANSING, Michigan, Aug. 16 -- The Michigan Department of Civil Rights issued the following news release:
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights today announced the Relentless Tour - a first-of-its-kind anti-bullying initiative - will visit Mount Pleasant on Wednesday, August 22.
Motivational speaker Anthony Ianni, a member of Michigan State University's 2010 and 2012 Big Ten Champion and Tournament Championship teams and the 2010 Final Four team, will speak to Central Michigan Correctional Facility teachers at Comfort Inn & Suites and Conference Center, 2424 S. Mission Street, at 9:00 am.
Ianniwas diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 4 and was the victim of bullying as a child. He graduated from Michigan State University and became the first known individual with autism to play Division I college basketball. Under legendary MSU coach Tom Izzo, Ianni played with the 2010 and 2012 Big Ten Champion and Tournament Championship teams, and the 2010 Final Four team. He has won many awards including MSU's Tim Bograkos Walk-On Award, the 2012 MSU Unsung Player Award, and was named a 2013 Detroit Pistons Community Game Changer Finalist.
Through the Relentless Tour, Ianni and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights seek to raise awareness of autism and the problem of bullying. Students with autism are frequently targeted by bullies, with an estimated 65-90% of individuals with autism having been victims of bullying at some point in their lives.
Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley joined Ianni at the State Capitol on October 17, 2013 to kick off the Relentless Tour and announce the tour's mission of reaching 659 schools statewide with their anti-bullying message.
"Jobs and kids are the top two priorities for Gov. Snyder and his administration," said Lt. Governor Calley. "The governor and I strongly believe that every student in Michigan schools is entitled to a safe educational environment. We supported comprehensive legislation that requires each Michigan school to have an anti-bullying policy and the Governor signed that bill into law in 2011. The law makes it clear that bullying is wrong in all its forms and won't be tolerated in Michigan schools. No child should feel intimidated or afraid to come to school."
In addition to Lt. Governor Calley and MSU Basketball Coach Tom Izzo, the Relentless Tour has generated the support of Detroit Red Wing Niklas Kronwall and former Detroit Lion Nate Burleson, all of whom are working to spread the anti-bullying message.
"Bullying is something we must put an end to, not only in Michigan but across the country," said Ianni. "Everyone is affected by bullying in some way and students with autism are at incredibly high risk to be victimized. Our hope is that through my story and spreading our message we can not only inspire kids to take a stand against bullying but also make bullies rethink their actions."
To learn more, or to request a speaking engagement with Ianni, visit http://relentlesstour.com.
