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Former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange Urges Continued County Funding for Montgomery Whitewater Amid Closure

Former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange Urges Continued County Funding for Montgomery Whitewater Amid Closure

Montgomery Whitewater, a whitewater rafting park, recently announced its closure for the season. This decision follows significant criticism from some Montgomery County Commissioners regarding the park's finances and business model. Commissioners have expressed reluctance to continue funding the project, citing a lack of audited financial statements and cost overruns. Montgomery County Commissioner Isaiah Sankey described the park as a 'hemorrhage on the county budget.' Despite these concerns, former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange is advocating for the county to continue its financial support. Strange believes the park is a 'great project' for Montgomery and suggests that improved management and marketing could enhance its viability. The Montgomery County Commission is scheduled to vote on the 2027 fiscal year budget, which includes potential funding for Montgomery Whitewater, at their upcoming meeting.

Kemmerer Surveillance Cameras Spark Privacy Debate Amidst Misinformation

Kemmerer Surveillance Cameras Spark Privacy Debate Amidst Misinformation

The city of Kemmerer, Wyoming, is embroiled in a privacy debate following the installation of new surveillance cameras, which were mistakenly identified on social media as 'Flock cameras.' This misidentification led to public outcry and concerns about police surveillance and personal privacy. Kemmerer Police Chief Michael Kahre clarified that the cameras are standard surveillance devices, similar to those used by businesses and schools, and are not part of the Flock Safety system or equipped with automated license-plate reader technology. Mayor Robert Bowen stated that the city had already purchased the cameras and that they do not collect data, are not routinely monitored in real-time, and lack artificial intelligence or facial recognition capabilities. Town Attorney Jason Petri provided a legal opinion to the city council, asserting that the cameras do not violate residents' privacy rights, citing U.S. Supreme Court decisions on the expectation of privacy in public places. The cameras were funded by indu...

Pike County Secures $2 Million Grant for Workforce Housing Near Centrus Project

Pike County Secures $2 Million Grant for Workforce Housing Near Centrus Project

Pike County, Ohio, has been awarded a $2 million state grant to develop new workforce housing infrastructure. This funding is part of the second round of the Residential Economic Development District (REDD) program, which distributed a total of $14 million across 10 counties to support workforce housing initiatives. The Village of Piketon, specifically, will receive the $2 million to build essential infrastructure for a significant housing development situated within four miles of Centrus Energy's American Centrifuge Project. Ohio state officials have indicated that this investment aims to address the increased housing demand resulting from economic growth in the area. Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals filling new job opportunities can find suitable housing nearby. The REDD program provides grants to communities located within 20 miles of major economic development projects, allowing eligible local governments to use the funds for expanding housing-related infrastr...

Avery County Board of Elections Addresses Security Gaps Ahead of Fall Vote

Avery County Board of Elections Addresses Security Gaps Ahead of Fall Vote

The Avery County Board of Elections recently convened its monthly August meeting to address security vulnerabilities and finalize its agenda in preparation for the upcoming fall vote. Board members Minnie Johnson and Gary McClure, alongside Director Fabienne Dellinger, were present to hear updates from Chair Crystal Vance and Deputy Director Joseph Trivette. The meeting focused on identifying and rectifying potential security weaknesses within the electoral process to ensure the integrity and smooth operation of the fall elections. Discussions included various aspects of election security, ranging from physical safeguards to procedural enhancements, all aimed at bolstering public confidence and preventing any disruptions. The board's proactive approach underscores a commitment to maintaining a secure and transparent voting environment for all county residents. This session was a critical step in the ongoing efforts to prepare for the significant electoral events scheduled for the fall.

Wheeling City Council Approves MOU for Silicon Foundry Data Center, Caps Power Use at 90 Megawatts

Wheeling City Council Approves MOU for Silicon Foundry Data Center, Caps Power Use at 90 Megawatts

Wheeling City Council Approves MOU for Silicon Foundry Data Center, Caps Power Use at 90 Megawatts

Henderson City Council Considers Allowing To-Go Alcoholic Drinks

Henderson City Council Considers Allowing To-Go Alcoholic Drinks

Henderson City Council Considers Allowing To-Go Alcoholic Drinks

Judge Strikes Down Rule Changes Benefiting Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn

Judge Strikes Down Rule Changes Benefiting Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn

A New York Supreme Court judge, Jill Epstein, ruled against Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, declaring that outgoing executive committee members had 'no authority' to vote on sweeping rule changes at a recent August meeting. The decision blocks an effort by party leaders to add dozens more members to the executive committee, a move that would have likely allowed Bichotte Hermelyn to retain control of the party. The court found that the votes of these outgoing members were improper and made the difference in the rule changes, thus declaring the amendments a nullity and issuing a permanent injunction against their implementation. This ruling was celebrated by the New Kings Democrats, who had gained enough district leader seats in the June primary to potentially select their own party chair, and had announced their support for Julio Peña III.

Covington Commissioner James Toebbe Withdraws from City Council Race

Covington Commissioner James Toebbe Withdraws from City Council Race

Covington Commissioner James Toebbe has announced his withdrawal from the race for the city's new six-member council. Toebbe is the third candidate to withdraw from the election, following Tyesha Gordon and Tom Hull. His departure leaves only two incumbents, Tim Downing and Tim Acri, remaining in the running for a seat on the council. Toebbe stated that the decision was not easy but felt it was the right one for him and his family. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his hometown as an elected official. Covington is transitioning from its current city manager form of government to a new mayor-council form of government at the end of the year. Under the new structure, the mayor will have more executive power, and the primary duty of council members will be setting the city budget.

National Low Income Housing Coalition Releases Podcast Episode on Housing Insecurity Among Older Adults

National Low Income Housing Coalition Releases Podcast Episode on Housing Insecurity Among Older Adults

The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) has released the sixth episode of its podcast, 'The Common Ground,' titled 'Growing Older, Growing Invisible.' This episode features filmmaker Davey Schaupp and producer Michael Larson, creators of the documentary 'There Is No Place to Grow Old.' The discussion focuses on the increasing housing insecurity and homelessness faced by older adults in the U.S., particularly in places like Portland, Oregon. The episode explores how rising housing costs, fixed incomes, long-standing policy decisions, and gaps in support systems contribute to this crisis. It challenges the common misconception that homelessness is solely a result of individual choices, instead highlighting systemic issues related to affordability and housing supply. The podcast aims to use storytelling to foster a deeper understanding of housing justice and emphasize collective responsibility for ensuring everyone has a home.

Cumberland County Commissioners Order Closure of Crown Theatre and Arena Due to Major Structural Issues

Cumberland County Commissioners Order Closure of Crown Theatre and Arena Due to Major Structural Issues

Cumberland County commissioners have voted to close the Crown Theatre and Crown Arena to the public following an assessment that revealed significant structural and building issues. This decision was made after a closed-session discussion on September 10, with County Manager Clarence Grier tasked with implementing the closure. The assessment indicated that the planned modernization project, initially budgeted at $80 million to $100 million, could face substantial cost increases due to the extent of the problems. The project team presented three options to the commissioners: proceed with a new, higher budget, replace the facilities entirely, or cancel the project. The facilities, built in 1967, require major reconstruction, including the theatre's exterior walls, stage support, and balcony, as well as the arena's concrete slab and roof structure.

Redwood City Voters to Decide on Rent Control and Tenant Protections with Measure E

Redwood City Voters to Decide on Rent Control and Tenant Protections with Measure E

Redwood City voters will decide in November on Measure E, a ballot initiative proposing rent control and expanded tenant protections. Supporters, including nonprofit advocacy group Faith in Action, argue the measure is crucial for residents struggling with rising housing costs, noting that 87% of apartments in Redwood City are owned by corporations or real estate trusts. The proposal seeks to cap annual rent increases at 5% or 60% of the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower, addressing current increases that often range from 8% to 10%. Additionally, Measure E would provide enhanced protections for specific tenants, such as those over 62, and safeguard against unfair evictions. Redwood City Councilmember Chris Sturken supports the measure, believing it will help retain the city's workforce and community members. Opponents, including Redwood City Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos and the California Apartment Association, contend the measure is poorly written, would be expensive to implement (estimated at $11...

Calais City Council Votes to Pursue Financing for Armory Purchase

Calais City Council Votes to Pursue Financing for Armory Purchase

The Calais City Council has unanimously voted to allow City Manager Mike Ellis to solicit bids for financing to purchase the Calais Armory from the Maine National Guard. The city has been pursuing the property for several years, with the aim of relocating some municipal services, including the police department and city administration, to the building. The asking price for the armory is $578,000, slightly above its assessed value of $575,000. The Maine National Guard had initially decided to retain the armory but reversed its decision and offered it for sale to the city. The armory underwent extensive renovations in 2016 to improve energy efficiency and preparedness. Councilor Michael Sherrard expressed concerns about the purchase given recent property tax increases in Calais.