States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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State Correctional Institution Mahanoy Reports Inmate Death
FRACKVILLE, Pennsylvania, Nov. 13 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections issued the following news release:
State Correctional Institution at Mahanoy Superintendent Theresa A. DelBalso reports the death of an inmate.
On November 11, 2019, at 3:20 PM,inmate Tyrone Briggswas involved in an altercation with another inmate on the walkway near their housing unit. While waiting to be processed into the restricted housing unit, Briggs became unresponsive. Medical was notified, and Briggs was transported to the prison's medical triage area where CPR was started. Briggs was pronounced dead by Dr.
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FRACKVILLE, Pennsylvania, Nov. 13 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections issued the following news release:
State Correctional Institution at Mahanoy Superintendent Theresa A. DelBalso reports the death of an inmate.
On November 11, 2019, at 3:20 PM,inmate Tyrone Briggswas involved in an altercation with another inmate on the walkway near their housing unit. While waiting to be processed into the restricted housing unit, Briggs became unresponsive. Medical was notified, and Briggs was transported to the prison's medical triage area where CPR was started. Briggs was pronounced dead by Dr.Saifullah at 4:56 PM.
Briggs, 29, was serving a 15-to-30-year sentence for rape of a child out of Philadelphia County. He was committed to the Department of Corrections on August 19, 2008, and had been at SCI Mahanoy since August 2011.
The Pennsylvania State Police will conduct an investigation, and the official cause of death will be determined by the county coroner's office.
Facility staff has notified the inmate's next of kin.
Missouri PSC Approves Change in Fuel Adjustment Charge for Empire District Electric Customers
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Nov. 13 -- The Missouri Public Service Commission issued the following news release:
The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a request filed by The Empire District Electric Company (Empire) to change the fuel adjustment charge (FAC) on the monthly bills of its electric customers.
As a result of this filing, the FAC for a residential customer using 1,000 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity a month will decrease by approximately $5.01 a month. The change is expected to take effect on December 1, 2019.
The FAC change reflects Empire's fuel and purchased power
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Nov. 13 -- The Missouri Public Service Commission issued the following news release:
The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a request filed by The Empire District Electric Company (Empire) to change the fuel adjustment charge (FAC) on the monthly bills of its electric customers.
As a result of this filing, the FAC for a residential customer using 1,000 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity a month will decrease by approximately $5.01 a month. The change is expected to take effect on December 1, 2019.
The FAC change reflects Empire's fuel and purchased powercosts for the six month period of March 2019 through August 2019 (Case No. ER-2020-0093). It also reflects Empire's FAC true-up filing (Case No. EO-2020-0094).
The Empire District Electric Company serves approximately 155,165 electric customers in the Missouri counties of Barry, Barton, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Hickory, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Polk, St. Clair, Stone and Taney.
Mich. State Rep. Markkanen: Rate Reduction Shows Car Insurance Reforms Are Working
LANSING, Michigan, Nov. 13 -- The Michigan House Republicans issued the following news release on behalf of State Rep. Greg Markkanen:
State Rep. Greg Markkanen today said a fee reduction announced by the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association is a positive indication that drivers across the Upper Peninsula will save money through the state's recent car insurance reforms.
The MCCA announced it will charge a $100 per vehicle assessment for the year-long period beginning July 2, 2020. That is down from the current $220 per vehicle - a 55 percent savings and a direct result of reforms supported
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LANSING, Michigan, Nov. 13 -- The Michigan House Republicans issued the following news release on behalf of State Rep. Greg Markkanen:
State Rep. Greg Markkanen today said a fee reduction announced by the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association is a positive indication that drivers across the Upper Peninsula will save money through the state's recent car insurance reforms.
The MCCA announced it will charge a $100 per vehicle assessment for the year-long period beginning July 2, 2020. That is down from the current $220 per vehicle - a 55 percent savings and a direct result of reforms supportedby Markkanen.
"Michigan drivers have been paying out-of-control rates for their car insurance for far too long. This is the first clear indicator that relief is on the way because of the reforms signed into law earlier this year," said Markkanen, of Hancock. "The great news is that this is just the first of many reductions drivers can expect to take effect as these reforms progress."
The MCCA said the $100 per vehicle assessment - the lowest rate since 2003 - will be charged only to drivers choosing to maintain unlimited lifetime personal injury protection benefits in their car insurance policies. Those who choose lower coverage limits under Michigan's revised no-fault insurance law will avoid the fee altogether.
The current $220 fee is assessed on all insured vehicles.
Maryland Approves Three New Apprenticeship Programs and Adds 11 Youth Apprenticeship Employers
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Nov. 13 -- The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation issued the following news release:
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- Expanding Opportunities for Marylanders While Building the State's Future Workforce
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The Maryland Department of Labor today announced that the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council has approved three new registered apprenticeship programs and 11 new youth apprenticeship employers. These additions to Maryland's apprenticeship programs are expanding opportunities for students and workers in high-wage skilled trade jobs and non-traditional industries while
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Nov. 13 -- The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation issued the following news release:
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- Expanding Opportunities for Marylanders While Building the State's Future Workforce
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The Maryland Department of Labor today announced that the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council has approved three new registered apprenticeship programs and 11 new youth apprenticeship employers. These additions to Maryland's apprenticeship programs are expanding opportunities for students and workers in high-wage skilled trade jobs and non-traditional industries whilesupporting the workforce needs of local businesses.
"As Maryland recognizes National Apprenticeship Week, we are excited to welcome a number of new employers to our apprenticeship team," said Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson. "These new partnerships allow us to further diversify our registered and youth apprenticeship programs while encouraging our state's jobseekers to take advantage of Maryland's many earn and learn apprenticeship opportunities."
Apprenticeships are full-time careers that include on-the-job training and classroom instruction that allow apprentices to earn while they learn. Anyone 18 or older can be a registered apprentice, while high school students can pursue youth apprenticeships in. The school-to-apprenticeship model allows youth ages 16 or 17 to register as apprentices with a registered apprenticeship sponsor prior to graduation.
At the November council meeting, OST Global Solutions, Willard Agri-Service, Inc., and Access to Wholistic and Productive Living, Inc. were approved as new apprenticeship sponsors. These new programs include occupations such as Marketing Manager, Agricultural Service Applicator, and Community Health Worker. Each of these occupations has not previously been available in Maryland through registered apprenticeship.
The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council also approved the addition of 11 new eligible employers for the Apprenticeship Maryland Program, the state's youth apprenticeship program. Maryland's youth apprenticeship program now has over 135 participating employers statewide. These employers, located in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore, Frederick, Montgomery, Queen Anne's, Talbot, and Washington counties, include: Contour Construction, LLC, First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union, Gruber-Latimer Restoration, Inc., E&B Automotive, Inc., Queenstown Collision Center, Inc., Spring & Associates, Inc., The Inn at Perry Cabin, C&R Electric, Inc., Shepherd Electric, Inc., Shapiro and Duncan, Inc., and Tulkoff Food Products.
"The opportunity to partner resonates with our core Pillar of Service," said Jennifer Powell, Human Resources Director for The Inn at Perry Cabin. "As a business with a long standing legacy and deep roots within the community, we look forward to this newest partnership and opening the doors of hospitality learning to the youth of the community."
Businesses and job seekers interested in apprenticeships are invited to call 410-767-2246 or e-mail info@mdapprenticeship.com.
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About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.
Illinois State Rep. Mah Measure Will Cap Insulin Costs for Patients in Need
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Nov. 13 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Illinois State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago:
State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, is working to cap insulin costs for patients as part of her work to lower prescription drug prices for Illinoisans.
"It is wrong for patients in need of insulin treatments to be priced out of lifesaving health care," Mah said. "In Illinois, we will put an end to large insurance corporations and prescription drug companies putting profits ahead of people."
To ensure that individuals in need of insulin do not face outrageous
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Nov. 13 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Illinois State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago:
State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, is working to cap insulin costs for patients as part of her work to lower prescription drug prices for Illinoisans.
"It is wrong for patients in need of insulin treatments to be priced out of lifesaving health care," Mah said. "In Illinois, we will put an end to large insurance corporations and prescription drug companies putting profits ahead of people."
To ensure that individuals in need of insulin do not face outrageousout-of-pocket costs, Mah is sponsoring Senate Bill 667 to cap co-payments for insulin at $100 per month. Mah's measure would also direct the Illinois Attorney General's Office to investigate and report on additional consumer protections for insulin pricing. Mah's legislation would make Illinois the second state after Colorado to cap out-of-pocket costs for insulin treatments.
"Building a stronger Illinois means lowering prescription drug prices for patients and protecting critical health care access," Mah said. "No person should be forced to choose between having lifesaving insulin and keeping a roof over their head or putting food on their table. This measure will help ensure that drug companies aren't putting patients in a bind by charging outrageous and unreasonable prices."
Mah represents the 2nd District, which includes the Chicago neighborhoods of Back of the Yards, Bridgeport, Brighton Park, Chinatown, McKinley Park, and Pilsen.
Georgia Gov. Kemp Names Eighteen Appointments
ATLANTA, Georgia, Nov. 13 -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp, R-Georgia, issued the following news release:
On Wednesday, November 13, 2019, Governor Brian P. Kemp conducted swearing-in ceremonies for eighteen (18) appointees to serve on the Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Commission.
Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Commission
Stephen "Steve" Weizenecker is an entertainment lawyer with Barnes and Thornburg in Atlanta. He earned a bachelor's degree from Emory University and law degree from J.D. Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He and his wife have two children.
Frank Patterson previously
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Nov. 13 -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp, R-Georgia, issued the following news release:
On Wednesday, November 13, 2019, Governor Brian P. Kemp conducted swearing-in ceremonies for eighteen (18) appointees to serve on the Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Commission.
Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Commission
Stephen "Steve" Weizenecker is an entertainment lawyer with Barnes and Thornburg in Atlanta. He earned a bachelor's degree from Emory University and law degree from J.D. Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He and his wife have two children.
Frank Patterson previouslyserved on the Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Commission. He is the president of Pinewood Atlanta Studios and a professor for Florida State University's College of Motion Picture Arts.
Daniel Rosenfelt is president of Third Rail Studios in Doraville. He earned a bachelor's degree in Film and TV/Integrative Arts at Pennsylvania State University. He and his wife reside in Dunwoody with their two children.
Daniel "Danny" Dawson is a county music singer, songwriter, and performer. He and his band performed "Georgia on My Mind" at Governor Kemp's inauguration. Dawson and his wife live in Pearson.
Chris Albrecht is a partner with Double A Productions, an event production company. He earned a bachelor's degree from Georgia State University. Albrecht resides in Johns Creek with his wife and two children.
Keith Perissi has been the director of the Joel A. Katz Music & Entertainment Business Program at Kennesaw State University since 2013. He earned a bachelor's degree in Media Studies from Kennesaw State University, and he has been a recognized professional musician for over fifteen years. Perissi is experienced in the management, merchandising, touring, promotion, and booking of a self-owned business. He and his wife live in Roswell.
John Raulet is the vice president of Raulet Property Partners, a real estate brokerage firm. With the advent of the Georgia Film Tax Credit, he expanded the company's services into the film and television industry in 2008. Since then, he has represented every major film studio in the nation, including Universal, Warner Brothers, Lionsgate, Fox, and Paramount in securing production space. He and his wife live in Atlanta, and they have three children.
William "Craig" Miller is the executive producer for Craig Miller Productions, a full-service film production company that he founded in 1985. The company's capabilities include creative strategy, script writing, production design, and production management. Miller and his wife live in Alpharetta, and they have six children.
Mala Sharma is an entertainment business executive who handles business affairs, marketing, and client relations with Wabi Sabi Sound, Inc. She earned a bachelor's degree in Public Relations from the University of Georgia. Sharma and her husband have two children and reside in Atlanta.
Cardellia Hunter works for the City of Atlanta and is the co-director of operations and productions for the Mayor's Office of Film and Entertainment. She and her husband have one daughter, and they live in Hampton.
John Neel, Jr. is the chief executive officer and principal of The Sandford Company, Inc. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia. Neel has several children, and he resides in Macon.
Michael Akins is a business agent with IATSE Local 479, a labor union that represents theatrical stage employees. He earned a master's degree in Science from Oklahoma State University. He has four children and resides in Madison.
Representative Bert Reeves represents House District 34, and he serves as vice chairman of the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee. He is also the chairman of a subcommittee of Judiciary Non-Civil Committee and a member of the Ways and Means, Insurance, Higher Education, and Interstate Cooperation Committees. Representative Reeves is an attorney and partner with Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering, Collins, Reeves, Hobson & Hobson, LLP. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology where he received a bachelor's degree in Management. Representative Reeves resides in Marietta with his wife, Amy, and their two children.
Representative Terry Rogers represents House District 10, and he currently serves as vice chairman of the Georgia House Economic Development and Tourism Committee and the State Planning and Community Affairs Committee. He is also a member of the Appropriations, Defense and Veteran Affairs, Rules, Regulated Industries, and Human Relations and Aging Committees. Representative Rogers is active in his community, and he has chaired the Banks, Rabun, and Habersham County Joint Development Authority. He and his wife, Laura, live on their farm in Clarksville.
Representative Carl Gilliard represents House District 162, and he is a member of the Appropriations, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, State Properties, and Transportation Committees. He attended Morris Brown College in Atlanta where his community career began. In 2012, he launched a multi-media communication company called Urban Media and also established the Gilliard Foundation, a media company and foundation that produces documentaries and television specials on history. Representative Gilliard resides in Garden City.
Senator Jeff Mullis is the chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, Senate Music Committee, and Halls of Fame Joint Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Appropriations, Economic Development and Tourism, and Regulated Industries and Utilities Committees. Senator Mullis was born and raised in Chickamauga, and he currently serves as an economic developer in Northwest Georgia. He and his wife, Teresa, have three children and one grandchild.
Senator David Lucas was first elected to the state Senate in 2012. He currently serves as a member of the Senate Appropriations, Economic Development and Tourism, Regulated Industries and Utilities, Transportation, and Urban Affairs Committees. Senator Lucas earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Tuskegee Institute, a doctorate degree from Mercer University's Medical School, and a honorary doctorate of law from Mercer University. He and his wife, Elaine, have four children and reside in Macon.
Stratton Leopold is the owner of Leopold's Ice Cream in Savannah, and he has been in the film business for more than forty years. He previously served as the executive vice president of Paramount Pictures.
Colorado A.G.: October Safe2Tell Report Shows Continued Increase in Tips
DENVER, Colorado, Nov. 13 -- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser issued the following news release:
Safe2Tell released its monthly report for October today.
In October, the program received 2,622 tips, a 15% increase in monthly tip volume compared to the same time last year.
"By reporting any information that could be a threat to themselves or others, our Colorado students and families are helping keep our schools safe," said Attorney General Phil Weiser. "Safe2Tell aims to encourage students to speak up, and to know their tips are taken seriously."
To date for the 2019-2020 school year,
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DENVER, Colorado, Nov. 13 -- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser issued the following news release:
Safe2Tell released its monthly report for October today.
In October, the program received 2,622 tips, a 15% increase in monthly tip volume compared to the same time last year.
"By reporting any information that could be a threat to themselves or others, our Colorado students and families are helping keep our schools safe," said Attorney General Phil Weiser. "Safe2Tell aims to encourage students to speak up, and to know their tips are taken seriously."
To date for the 2019-2020 school year,Safe2Tell has received 6,790 actionable tips, a 36% increase over the 2018-2019 school year. Suicide threats (417), bullying (208), and drugs (182) continued to be the top categories of tips reported to the program.
In October, 250 duplicate tips were reported. Those tips were reports regarding a concern or event that had already been reported. This school year, 614 duplicate tips have been reported.
False tips remain at approximately 2.5% of all tips submitted. False tips are those that contain untrue information and are submitted with the intent to harm, injure, or bully another person.
"Students and parents regularly ask us what they can and cannot report to Safe2Tell and they are often surprised with our response: they should report anything that is a safety concern to themselves, to their peers or to their community," said Essi Ellis, director of Safe2Tell.
In October, anonymous tips from students and other individuals successfully helped prevent incidents of self-harm and illegal activity. For example:
* A tip was received about unsafe driving. Police investigated and a citation was issued.
* A tip was received about abuse of a minor. Law enforcement conducted a welfare check and the Department of Human Services was notified.
Safe2Tell is a successful violence intervention and prevention program for students to anonymously report threats to their own, and others', safety. Safe2Tell is not an emergency response unit; it is a conduit of information for distributing anonymous tips to local law enforcement, school officials, and other appropriate responding parties according to state law.
To make a report, individuals can call 1-877-542-7233 from anywhere, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reports also can be made at Safe2Tell.org or through the Safe2Tell mobile app which is available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
