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Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland Secures Funding for Yelm's Fuller Footpath Project

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland Secures Funding for Yelm's Fuller Footpath Project

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland has played a pivotal role in securing $1 million in grant funding from USDA Rural Development for the Fuller Footpath construction project in Yelm, Washington. The Yelm City Council recently approved a $2.23 million construction contract with Active Construction Inc. for the project, bringing the total budget, including a previously approved management contract, to over $2.65 million. The city received six bids for the project, with Active Construction Inc. being selected as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. In addition to the federal grant, Yelm also received a $44,620 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, leaving the city to fund approximately $1.61 million of the project. The Fuller Footpath project aims to transform an existing alley into an ADA-accessible pedestrian corridor, enhancing public infrastructure and community space in downtown Yelm.

State Senator Rachel Ventura to Host Town Hall in Romeoville for Will County Residents

State Senator Rachel Ventura to Host Town Hall in Romeoville for Will County Residents

State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) is scheduled to host a town hall meeting on Thursday, October 8, from 6-8 p.m. at the Romeoville Recreation Center, located at 900 W. Romeo Rd. She will be joined by Will County Board Member Destinee Ortiz and DuPage Township Clerk Barbara Parker. The purpose of this interactive session is to engage directly with the community, allowing residents of Will County and the 43rd District to ask questions, share concerns, offer ideas, and weigh in on issues at both state and local levels. Senator Ventura emphasized the importance of these conversations in shaping her legislative work in Springfield.

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her Replaces Police Security Detail Amid Sexual Harassment Claims

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her Replaces Police Security Detail Amid Sexual Harassment Claims

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her has transitioned from using the St. Paul Police Department for her security detail to employing Ramsey County deputies. This change occurred shortly after the St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry filed a sexual harassment complaint against the mayor, alleging inappropriate sexual comments and providing a screenshot of a text message with sexual innuendo. While the mayor's office stated the switch was made to alleviate the police department's workload and due to increased political violence threats, it coincided with the completion of an HR investigation into the chief's complaint. The investigation found the sexual harassment and retaliation claims unsubstantiated, but did deem some of Mayor Her's conduct as 'offensive and inappropriate.' The police department confirmed they are no longer providing a driver for the mayor as of September 8, but emphasized their continued commitment to her safety.

St. Louis County Sues Regional Tourism Board Over Rejected Appointments

St. Louis County Sues Regional Tourism Board Over Rejected Appointments

St. Louis County has initiated a lawsuit against the St. Louis Regional Convention and Visitors Commission. The county seeks a judicial declaration to compel the commission to seat two appointees of County Executive Sam Page: former Explore St. Louis President Kitty Ratcliffe and former County Councilwoman Rochelle Walton Gray. The commission previously rejected these appointments, citing issues related to the timing of Walton Gray’s appointment and the duration of Ratcliffe’s term. St. Louis County argues that the commission overstepped its authority by refusing to approve these individuals for their respective board seats. The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, aiming to resolve the dispute over the composition of the regional tourism board.

Spartanburg County Council Unanimously Approves Juneteenth as Official County Holiday

Spartanburg County Council Unanimously Approves Juneteenth as Official County Holiday

Spartanburg County in South Carolina has officially recognized Juneteenth as a county holiday following a unanimous vote by the Spartanburg County Council. This decision means that county buildings will be closed on Juneteenth, though essential services like 911 operations will remain unaffected. District 1 Representative Monier Abusaft, who has advocated for this recognition for approximately six years and is the founder of Juneteenth Inc. in Spartanburg since 2016, highlighted the significance of this move. He stated that the ending of slavery represents the fulfillment of the American dream and the principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence. The county estimates that adding Juneteenth as a paid holiday will incur a cost of around $200,000. Despite the formal recognition being recent, Abusaft noted that the county has historically been the largest sponsor of Juneteenth celebrations in Spartanburg.

City of San Diego Corrects Trash Fee Data, Updates Property Tax Statements to Follow

City of San Diego Corrects Trash Fee Data, Updates Property Tax Statements to Follow

The City of San Diego has provided corrected Solid Waste Management Fee data to the County of San Diego, following an error that affected approximately 87,000 customers. The incorrect amounts were included in billing information transmitted to the County, with some customers seeing higher fees and others lower than the correct amount. Mayor Todd Gloria stated that immediate action was taken to rectify the error, and the City's Environmental Services staff has now provided accurate billing information. The City is coordinating with the Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office to update affected property tax statements. City staff will directly notify affected residents, and no one will be expected to pay more than the correct amount for their selected service level. Customers do not need to take any action at this time, and no payment is currently due, as property tax bills are due November 1.

Converse Voters to Decide Future of VIA Metropolitan Transit Services in November

Converse Voters to Decide Future of VIA Metropolitan Transit Services in November

Voters in the City of Converse, Texas, will cast their ballots in November to determine whether to continue their nearly 50-year partnership with VIA Metropolitan Transit. The Converse City Council ordered a special election in August following resident interest in the matter. Currently, Converse residents utilize VIA's regional network for transportation. If voters choose to end the partnership, VIA services in the city of over 32,000 would be discontinued. The City of Converse was a founding member of VIA in 1978. The core of the discussion revolves around the use of local sales tax revenue, with Converse currently dedicating one-half cent of its local sales tax to VIA. City Manager Stan Farmer stated that citizens feel VIA spends sales tax revenue outside city limits and that the city has requested extensions of services beyond the current limited fixed bus route. Farmer also noted that VIA refuses to fund road repairs caused by heavy, often empty, buses.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Sarasota County approves contested Siesta Key beach land swap

Sarasota County approves contested Siesta Key beach land swap

Sarasota County approves Siesta Key deal for three public beach lots as commissioner calls the land swap a costly mistake.

The Commercial Appeal

Fraser addresses Mehner's departure, talks next steps for Collierville

Fraser addresses Mehner's departure, talks next steps for Collierville

Collierville Mayor Maureen Fraser address exit of ex-Town Administrator Molly Mehner as well as talks about what's next for the Town.

Florida Times-Union

City Councilman Kevin Carrico leaves Boys & Girls Clubs

City Councilman Kevin Carrico leaves Boys & Girls Clubs

Jacksonville City Council member Kevin Carrico steps down from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida that experienced growth and controversy.

Representative David Rouzer Announces October Mobile Office Hours for North Carolina's 7th Congressional District

Representative David Rouzer Announces October Mobile Office Hours for North Carolina's 7th Congressional District

U.S. Representative David Rouzer's office has announced a schedule of mobile office hours for October across North Carolina's 7th Congressional District. These mobile visits are designed to provide one-on-one assistance to residents who require help with various federal agencies and programs but are unable to travel to his permanent district offices. Staff members will be available to assist constituents with issues related to Social Security, the IRS, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), passports, and Medicare, among other federal services. The scheduled locations include Surf City and Burgaw in Pender County, Sunset Beach in Brunswick County, Whiteville in Columbus County, Elizabethtown in Bladen County, and St. Pauls in Robeson County. The initiative aims to make federal assistance more accessible to a broader range of constituents within the district.

Minot City Council Approves 2027 Budget with Property Tax Hike Amidst Split Vote

Minot City Council Approves 2027 Budget with Property Tax Hike Amidst Split Vote

The Minot City Council has narrowly approved the city's 2027 budget following extensive discussions and debate. The approved budget includes a property tax increase. This decision comes after weeks of deliberation among council members regarding the financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The split vote indicates differing opinions within the council on the necessity and scope of the budget, particularly concerning the tax implications for residents. The approval signifies the finalization of the city's financial framework for 2027, setting the stage for municipal spending and revenue collection.