Strip clubs pay off for state; candy store robbed again; ducks cause pileup
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Odd and interesting news from the Midwest.
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SANDUSKY, Ohio (AP) — Ohio troopers say parents who had been drinking let their 15-year-old son drive some 125 miles on a family trip to the Cedar Point amusement park, but their ride ended before they got there when he was stopped for speeding.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol says a trooper stopped their Dodge Caravan going 83 mph in a 70 mph zone Saturday morning near Vermilion, Ohio. The driver told the trooper he didn't have a driver's license or permit. The trooper reported that the father in the front seat had been drinking as had the mother, sitting in the rear with their 12-year-old daughter. He said they were obviously impaired.
The father was in jail Sunday on a child endangerment charge. No attorney information was available. Children's services has been notified.
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OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Omaha zoo welcomed its millionth visitor of the year on Sunday — earlier than ever before.
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium says Morgan Owens of Minneapolis, Minnesota, became the attraction's millionth visitor of the year Sunday afternoon.
Excitement about the zoo's new elephant exhibit that opened this year may have helped the facility reach the milestone earlier. Previously, the earliest the zoo reached a million visitors was on July 11th in 2012.
Owens was visiting the zoo with his fiance and their three children. The family received a special zoo tour, a gift basket and a free zoo membership.
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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska mom who was injured by a firework last year while shielding her 2-year-old daughter isn't looking forward to this year's barrage of celebratory explosions.
The Lincoln Journal Star reports (http://bit.ly/29fcKi0 ) that Shannon Tellier has been experiencing panic attacks as this year's fireworks revive memories of last year. Tellier is still recovering from injuries she sustained when an errant artillery shell struck her cheek.
"My teeth ache," she said. "It's my daily reminder."
Tellier's jawbones were broken in three places, several teeth were loosened and she had a steel plate in her mouth for much of the past year. She continues to visit a dentist almost monthly and has pain in her mouth.
"I don't want anything to do with the Fourth of July," she said. "And I don't think I'm going to be able to get through it without hiding."
The anxiety is new for the 31-year-old mother who grew up celebrating the holiday by lighting off fireworks with family while watching Lincoln's main display.
Tellier's injury was one of 176 reported statewide between June 25 and July 5 last year. The State Fire Marshall's Office says fireworks also caused 49 fires last year that caused more than $60,000 in damage.
Tellier's father, Dave O'Melia, said his daughter is dealing with the injuries and the reminders as best as she can.
"She's coping with it," he father said. "I don't know if she's coping it with very well, but she's coping with it."
Tellier said she hopes the fear will eventually fade.
"Maybe next year, it won't be so hard," she said. "But since it's coming up on a year, I'm just terrified."
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Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, http://www.journalstar.com
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NAPOLEON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A southern Michigan teen has been injured after a tree being cut by his father struck him in the head.
MLive.com reports (http://bit.ly/29hQzXr ) that the 17-year-old boy was hit by the 10-inch diameter tree about 2:40 p.m. Sunday in Jackson County's Napoleon Township as it deflected off another tree.
He was airlifted to a hospital.
Township police Sgt. Duane Pittman says the teen suffered from "real trauma" and "quite a bit of bleeding."
Pittman says the teen was conscious and breathing.
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Information from: Jackson Citizen Patriot, http://www.mlive.com/jackson
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RACINE, Wis. (AP) — Robbers have hit a Racine candy store for the second time this year.
The Racine Journal Times reports (http://bit.ly/29hQpzj ) three men robbed the Your Mini Sweet Shop on Wednesday. The clerk told police one of the men produced a handgun and demanded money. They made off with the clerk's wallet and money clip, an unspecified amount of money from the register and store merchandise.
The store was robbed in January as well. Twenty-seven-year-old Nickendrick Jackson has been charged in that robbery. His jury trial is set for October.
Police couldn't comment on whether the two robberies are connected. Officers found marijuana in a display case at the store in March during a tobacco sale compliance check.
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Information from: The Journal Times, http://www.journaltimes.com
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FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A 2-year-old boy has fallen from a third-story apartment balcony in Fargo.
WDAY-TV reports (http://bit.ly/29mO6gi ) police responded to the apartment around 5 p.m. on Saturday. The boy's mother said she was doing laundry at the time and didn't know how the child got onto the balcony. She said she called 911 after hearing a thud and finding the child on the ground below.
Emergency responders found the boy conscious and breathing on the ground. He was taken to a hospital.
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Information from: WDAY-TV, http://wday.com
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FRIDLEY, Minn. (AP) — A group of ducks has apparently caused a three-car crash in Fridley.
KSTP-TV reports (http://bit.ly/29cT0K5 ) the ducks were crossing Interstate 694 on Sunday morning when the driver of a Chevrolet Astro van stopped to let them pass. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a Ford Edge rear-ended the van, spun out of control and was hit by a Kia Sportage.
The driver and passenger in the Ford were taken to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale with non-life-threatening injuries. The drivers of the minivan and the Kia weren't hurt.
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Information from: KSTP-TV, http://www.kstp.com
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CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — A tax imposed on facilities across Illinois that serve alcohol and have adult live entertainment has been generating about a half-million dollars annually for state agencies.
The Live Adult Entertainment Facility Surcharge tax, which taxes facilities where patrons can watch topless and nude dancing and stripping, went into effect Jan. 1, 2013.
The State Department of Revenue reported about $406,000 in revenue for fiscal year 2014, $501,000 for fiscal year 2015 and $532,000 for fiscal year 2016.
Cathy McClanahan, executive director of the Rape Crisis Center at The Women's Center, thought her organization would receive more than the almost $9,000 that it has for the past few years from the taxes, she told The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan (http://bit.ly/293BEnB). She said her organization and others were expecting at least $1 million to fund their work with rape crisis centers and with rape prevention.
"They were expecting it to raise quite a bit of revenue," McClanahan said of the tax. "It's money that's needed for services. If we can't prevent the sexual assault, at least they can help in paying for services for victims."
The Women's Center Rape Crisis Services Program, which is budgeted at $188,000, is still awaiting its $8,700 portion of the Live Adult Entertainment Facilities Surcharge Tax due to the state's budget issues.
McClanahan said she believes her organization and others like it could be getting more funds from the tax. She also said she wonders whether facilities that are subject to that tax are fully reporting their earnings.
"I look at it as restitution from an abuser," McClanahan said. "At least it is providing services for someone (who's been abused)."
About 57 live adult entertainment facilities were identified by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault when it was conducting research on the industry as it supported legislation calling for the tax, according to executive director Polly Poskin.
"We anticipated it would be a greater number of clubs that would be paying and we would have anticipated about a million in revenue," Poskin said. She said she doesn't know "if the tax that they're paying is accurate and consistent with their gross receipts."
But she said the money received does help Illinois residents who have been sexually assaulted.
"(It's) greatly needed and greatly appreciated and well used," Poskin said. "We are very pleased with the effect of the law."
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Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com
- By ROXANA HEGEMAN Associated Press
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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas taxpayers have been picking up the tab for state officials and legislators to fly in the state-owned executive aircraft to attend out-of-state sports events and take trips with family and friends, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.
Government officials appear to have no qualms about their own travel in the state's nine-passenger Raytheon King Air 350, despite Kansas' budget crunch that's led the governor to criticize schools for spending too much and lawmakers in the GOP-majority Statehouse to accuse poor people of spending welfare money on cruises.
Using open records requests to obtain daily flight logs, emails, schedules and other materials to piece together the plane's usage from Jan. 1, 2015, to March 24 of this year, the AP found state officials often mixed political, religious and family interests with state business on government excursions.
Among those travels is an 834-mile, one-day trip that Gov. Sam Brownback took to Memphis, Tennessee, on Jan. 2 to watch the Liberty Bowl contest between Kansas State University and Arkansas. He took his wife, son, his three daughters, two sons-in-law and infant granddaughter on the trip, which cost $1,251.
The Republican governor also flew on the plane at a cost of $465 to attend a NCAA tournament game in Omaha, Nebraska, between the University of Kansas and Wichita State on March, 22, 2015. Traveling with him were a couple friends, as well as Republican state Senate President Susan Wagle and state Rep. Gene Sullentrop and their spouses. When cameras zoomed in on Brownback during the game, the crowd booed him; it was aired on national television, prompting Twitter backlash over his underfunding of Kansas' universities.
"Kansas Governors have long attended sporting events of Kansas teams as part of their official duties and have used the state aircraft for travel to those events," Brownback spokeswoman Eileen Hawley said in an email. "There is no additional expense incurred by the State when other Kansans are on the plane for an official trip with the Governor."
Kansas has a statute that specifically allows the governor to use the plane for personal or political travel as long as he reimburses the state, but it mentions no other state agencies. The governor has not taken any reimbursable trips, as he typically uses commercial air travel when conducting personal and political business, Hawley said.
The Kansas Highway Patrol flies the plane and bills the state agency that uses the plane. KHP Capt. Greg Kayser said there are no specific guidelines as to who can be brought onboard as passengers or where the plane can go, adding "that is on them."
The most frequent flyers on the executive aircraft are:
— Brownback, who is tops with more than 17,348 miles during the 15-month period examined by AP. His trips are mostly ceremonial: groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting events, community meetings, business announcements and tours as well as visits to government agencies. But his schedule also shows he often meets with pastor groups across the state while traveling on government business.
— Transportation Secretary Mike King racked up 6,247 miles, which his office says was used to travel to speaking events, groundbreaking ceremonies for highway projects and staff meetings across the state.
— Agriculture Secretary Jackie McClaskey has flown 5,460 miles, much of it was for travel with various staff members to western Kansas to attend water meetings and other agriculture-related events. Flying saved time and prevented overnight stays, her office noted.
— Secretary of State Kris Kobach has flown 4,350 miles, including flights to promote voter ID efforts outside of Kansas and to speak at Republican Party events across the state. He often includes on-site visits to county election officials that coincide with political functions. Kobach says that his office is funded by fees paid by regulated businesses, not taxes, and the other events while traveling on state business did not cost extra.
"The state plane ... is an important tool to get around in a big state," said Jim Ward, a Wichita Democrat. "But it should be for a public purpose."
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Follow Roxana Hegeman on Twitter at https://twitter.com/rhegeman and find more of her work at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/roxana-hegeman
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BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) — Six west Michigan teens are jailed in connection with the theft of a pair of $2,000 designer sunglasses outside a Battle Creek gas station.
The Battle Creek Enquirer reports (http://bcene.ws/29r5OOD ) Sunday that a 22-year-old man told police he was in a parking lot when his Cartier sunglasses were taken at gunpoint.
The man called 911 as he drove after the group when they fled in a vehicle.
Police say the suspects stopped and fired shots at the man pursuing them. Several slugs hit his vehicle and they drove off again.
Officers arrested the four Grand Rapids males and two females — aged 16-19 — on a dead-end street. They are charged with assault with intent to murder and armed robbery.
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Information from: Battle Creek Enquirer, http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com
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CLEVELAND (AP) — Two boys arrested with BB guns in a park have been ordered to write essays about Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old who had a pellet gun when he was fatally shot by Cleveland police outside a recreation center.
Cleveland.com reports (http://bit.ly/29p4wDG ) the boys were 12 and 15 at the time of the incident and admitted to disorderly conduct. Police in Parma say they responded to reports of two kids with guns in a park pavilion in February and surveillance video captured the two brothers surrendering to police.
The judge asked both boys if they knew about Tamir's case and told them they're putting themselves at risk. Both have been ordered to write the judge a report comparing their case to Tamir's.
The boys are due back in court on Aug. 19.
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Information from: cleveland.com, http://www.cleveland.com
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EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — A southern Indiana couple is raising awareness about how fireworks can affect military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Their Evansville-based nonprofit group — Military with PTSD — has distributed thousands of yard signs to people around the country. The signs say: "A combat veteran lives here. Please be courteous with your fireworks."
Explosions on the Fourth of July can trigger anxiety, panic and flashbacks in veterans with PTSD. Evansville Army veteran Scott Thompson says he tries to stay indoors to avoid the noise, which can remind him of incoming gunfire.
Justin and Shawn Gourley are the founders of the group distributing the yard signs. She tells the Evansville Courier & Press (http://bit.ly/29EXDxd) they're flabbergasted by the demand for the signs. The group mailed 8,000 signs this year.
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Information from: Evansville Courier & Press, http://www.courierpress.com
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GREENFIELD, Wis. (AP) — A Greenfield man is in trouble with the law after he allegedly fired a gun in the direction of a child during a dispute over fireworks.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/29gIT8e ) the child called police Saturday evening, telling them that a neighbor fired a gun toward him.
Police said in a news release that the 45-year-old man said the child had been shooting off fireworks. He first told officers he'd shot fireworks in the child's direction, but later said the sound came from a gun. Police found a .40-caliber pistol and a magazine of ammunition in the man's apartment.
He was arrested on suspicion of recklessly endangering safety. The case has been referred to prosecutors for possible charges.
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Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com
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MILWAUKEE (AP) — A giant invasive plant with toxic sap that can burn human skin has turned up in southeastern Wisconsin for the first time, state environmental officials say.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/29fGtbV ) the Department of Natural Resources confirmed in June that hundreds of giant hogweed plants were present in Sheboygan.
The plant is a native of the Caucasus region of Eurasia, between the Black and Caspian seats. It was brought to the United Kingdom and to the United States in 1917 as an ornamental plant. It can grow to as high as 20 feet and sprout 3-foot leaves.
It's fast-growing, invading roadsides, the edges of forests and empty lots. It also produces thousands of seeds, which can be dispersed by flowing water or animals. The most common way it spreads, however, is by humans who are attracted by its size and decide to plant it.
Giant hogweed can crowd out native species and its sap contains glucosides that react with the sun's ultraviolet rays and can severely burn the skin, cause blisters or cause temporary blindness.
It's been found in Michigan, Illinois, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Washington. It was first discovered in Wisconsin in 2004, with confirmed reports in Iron, Waupaca and Manitowoc counties.
Sometimes called giant cow parsley, giant hogweed is listed as a prohibited species. That means the plant isn't widespread and so far has been found only in isolated spots but likely will spread if not controlled. If necessary the DNR, can obtain a court order to eradicate it.
DNR biologist Kelly Kearns said authorities believe they've been able to control all known populations.
"It's a big deal, from my perspective, because it's a prohibited species that's not yet widespread," Kearns said. "When we find the plant, we try to get it under control."
A crew from Brodhead-based Applied Ecological Services surveyed the Sheboygan neighborhood where the plants were found and sprayed more than 800 plants with herbicide last week, said Scott Horzen, a board member of the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, which helped to oversee the eradication plan.
Neighbors said the plants may have been there for as long as a decade, Horzen said. He described the plants as "ginormous — it stands out in a spot because it's so big. It's unlike any other plant in Wisconsin."
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Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com
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HOWELL, Mich. (AP) — Several Livingston County communities have issued rules on outdoor burning and officials are asking people to be cautious with fireworks over the July Fourth holiday due to dry conditions.
The Livingston Daily Press & Argus of Howell reports (http://bit.ly/29hfXwq ) Sunday that a burn ban is in effect in Hamburg, Green Oak, Putnam and Unadilla townships.
Leaf and yard waste burning, as well as recreational fires, should be postponed until conditions improve.
Fire officials in dozens of Lansing-area communities last week banned open burning.
People celebrating with fireworks are asked to monitor where burning material lands and be prepared to extinguish small spot fires with garden hoses and buckets of water.
Fireworks also should be lit a safe distance from houses, vehicles and other people.
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Information from: Livingston Daily Press & Argus, http://www.livingstondaily.com
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WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, S.D. (AP) — A Wind Cave National Park ranger is marking his 50th season with the Park Service this summer.
Ranger Don Frankfort has worked 49 summers at Wind Cave National Park and a winter season at the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. He got an offer for his first summer job at Wind Cave via telegram in 1967.
The National Park Service estimates that Frankfort has led around 5,200 tours through the cave guiding more than 100,000 people.
The New York City resident says he still enjoys "making the experience exciting, fun, and memorable" for visitors.
The cave in western South Dakota is one of the longest and most complex in the world. The park is home to bison, elk and other wildlife.
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BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (AP) — A pyrotechnician suffered burns after authorities say part of a Chicago suburb's fireworks display detonated prematurely.
A spokesman for Bridgeview said in a statement that the professionally trained fireworks installer was setting up a firework when it exploded around 1 p.m. Sunday.
The statement says that caused most of the remaining fireworks to "ignite in a rapid succession."
Authorities say the man was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Bridgeview Fire Department Battalion Chief David Lis tells WBBM-TV the worker suffered burns to his extremities, chest and face.
The display, which the city says involved about $12,000 worth of fireworks, has been canceled.
SANDUSKY, Ohio (AP) — Ohio troopers say parents who had been drinking let their 15-year-old son drive some 125 miles on a family trip to the Cedar Point amusement park, but their ride ended before they got there when he was stopped for speeding.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol says a trooper stopped their Dodge Caravan going 83 mph in a 70 mph zone Saturday morning near Vermilion, Ohio. The driver told the trooper he didn't have a driver's license or permit. The trooper reported that the father in the front seat had been drinking as had the mother, sitting in the rear with their 12-year-old daughter. He said they were obviously impaired.
The father was in jail Sunday on a child endangerment charge. No attorney information was available. Children's services has been notified.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Omaha zoo welcomed its millionth visitor of the year on Sunday — earlier than ever before.
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium says Morgan Owens of Minneapolis, Minnesota, became the attraction's millionth visitor of the year Sunday afternoon.
Excitement about the zoo's new elephant exhibit that opened this year may have helped the facility reach the milestone earlier. Previously, the earliest the zoo reached a million visitors was on July 11th in 2012.
Owens was visiting the zoo with his fiance and their three children. The family received a special zoo tour, a gift basket and a free zoo membership.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska mom who was injured by a firework last year while shielding her 2-year-old daughter isn't looking forward to this year's barrage of celebratory explosions.
The Lincoln Journal Star reports (http://bit.ly/29fcKi0 ) that Shannon Tellier has been experiencing panic attacks as this year's fireworks revive memories of last year. Tellier is still recovering from injuries she sustained when an errant artillery shell struck her cheek.
"My teeth ache," she said. "It's my daily reminder."
Tellier's jawbones were broken in three places, several teeth were loosened and she had a steel plate in her mouth for much of the past year. She continues to visit a dentist almost monthly and has pain in her mouth.
"I don't want anything to do with the Fourth of July," she said. "And I don't think I'm going to be able to get through it without hiding."
The anxiety is new for the 31-year-old mother who grew up celebrating the holiday by lighting off fireworks with family while watching Lincoln's main display.
Tellier's injury was one of 176 reported statewide between June 25 and July 5 last year. The State Fire Marshall's Office says fireworks also caused 49 fires last year that caused more than $60,000 in damage.
Tellier's father, Dave O'Melia, said his daughter is dealing with the injuries and the reminders as best as she can.
"She's coping with it," he father said. "I don't know if she's coping it with very well, but she's coping with it."
Tellier said she hopes the fear will eventually fade.
"Maybe next year, it won't be so hard," she said. "But since it's coming up on a year, I'm just terrified."
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Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, http://www.journalstar.com
NAPOLEON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A southern Michigan teen has been injured after a tree being cut by his father struck him in the head.
MLive.com reports (http://bit.ly/29hQzXr ) that the 17-year-old boy was hit by the 10-inch diameter tree about 2:40 p.m. Sunday in Jackson County's Napoleon Township as it deflected off another tree.
He was airlifted to a hospital.
Township police Sgt. Duane Pittman says the teen suffered from "real trauma" and "quite a bit of bleeding."
Pittman says the teen was conscious and breathing.
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Information from: Jackson Citizen Patriot, http://www.mlive.com/jackson
RACINE, Wis. (AP) — Robbers have hit a Racine candy store for the second time this year.
The Racine Journal Times reports (http://bit.ly/29hQpzj ) three men robbed the Your Mini Sweet Shop on Wednesday. The clerk told police one of the men produced a handgun and demanded money. They made off with the clerk's wallet and money clip, an unspecified amount of money from the register and store merchandise.
The store was robbed in January as well. Twenty-seven-year-old Nickendrick Jackson has been charged in that robbery. His jury trial is set for October.
Police couldn't comment on whether the two robberies are connected. Officers found marijuana in a display case at the store in March during a tobacco sale compliance check.
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Information from: The Journal Times, http://www.journaltimes.com
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A 2-year-old boy has fallen from a third-story apartment balcony in Fargo.
WDAY-TV reports (http://bit.ly/29mO6gi ) police responded to the apartment around 5 p.m. on Saturday. The boy's mother said she was doing laundry at the time and didn't know how the child got onto the balcony. She said she called 911 after hearing a thud and finding the child on the ground below.
Emergency responders found the boy conscious and breathing on the ground. He was taken to a hospital.
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Information from: WDAY-TV, http://wday.com
FRIDLEY, Minn. (AP) — A group of ducks has apparently caused a three-car crash in Fridley.
KSTP-TV reports (http://bit.ly/29cT0K5 ) the ducks were crossing Interstate 694 on Sunday morning when the driver of a Chevrolet Astro van stopped to let them pass. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a Ford Edge rear-ended the van, spun out of control and was hit by a Kia Sportage.
The driver and passenger in the Ford were taken to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale with non-life-threatening injuries. The drivers of the minivan and the Kia weren't hurt.
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Information from: KSTP-TV, http://www.kstp.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — A tax imposed on facilities across Illinois that serve alcohol and have adult live entertainment has been generating about a half-million dollars annually for state agencies.
The Live Adult Entertainment Facility Surcharge tax, which taxes facilities where patrons can watch topless and nude dancing and stripping, went into effect Jan. 1, 2013.
The State Department of Revenue reported about $406,000 in revenue for fiscal year 2014, $501,000 for fiscal year 2015 and $532,000 for fiscal year 2016.
Cathy McClanahan, executive director of the Rape Crisis Center at The Women's Center, thought her organization would receive more than the almost $9,000 that it has for the past few years from the taxes, she told The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan (http://bit.ly/293BEnB). She said her organization and others were expecting at least $1 million to fund their work with rape crisis centers and with rape prevention.
"They were expecting it to raise quite a bit of revenue," McClanahan said of the tax. "It's money that's needed for services. If we can't prevent the sexual assault, at least they can help in paying for services for victims."
The Women's Center Rape Crisis Services Program, which is budgeted at $188,000, is still awaiting its $8,700 portion of the Live Adult Entertainment Facilities Surcharge Tax due to the state's budget issues.
McClanahan said she believes her organization and others like it could be getting more funds from the tax. She also said she wonders whether facilities that are subject to that tax are fully reporting their earnings.
"I look at it as restitution from an abuser," McClanahan said. "At least it is providing services for someone (who's been abused)."
About 57 live adult entertainment facilities were identified by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault when it was conducting research on the industry as it supported legislation calling for the tax, according to executive director Polly Poskin.
"We anticipated it would be a greater number of clubs that would be paying and we would have anticipated about a million in revenue," Poskin said. She said she doesn't know "if the tax that they're paying is accurate and consistent with their gross receipts."
But she said the money received does help Illinois residents who have been sexually assaulted.
"(It's) greatly needed and greatly appreciated and well used," Poskin said. "We are very pleased with the effect of the law."
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Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com
- By ROXANA HEGEMAN Associated Press
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas taxpayers have been picking up the tab for state officials and legislators to fly in the state-owned executive aircraft to attend out-of-state sports events and take trips with family and friends, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.
Government officials appear to have no qualms about their own travel in the state's nine-passenger Raytheon King Air 350, despite Kansas' budget crunch that's led the governor to criticize schools for spending too much and lawmakers in the GOP-majority Statehouse to accuse poor people of spending welfare money on cruises.
Using open records requests to obtain daily flight logs, emails, schedules and other materials to piece together the plane's usage from Jan. 1, 2015, to March 24 of this year, the AP found state officials often mixed political, religious and family interests with state business on government excursions.
Among those travels is an 834-mile, one-day trip that Gov. Sam Brownback took to Memphis, Tennessee, on Jan. 2 to watch the Liberty Bowl contest between Kansas State University and Arkansas. He took his wife, son, his three daughters, two sons-in-law and infant granddaughter on the trip, which cost $1,251.
The Republican governor also flew on the plane at a cost of $465 to attend a NCAA tournament game in Omaha, Nebraska, between the University of Kansas and Wichita State on March, 22, 2015. Traveling with him were a couple friends, as well as Republican state Senate President Susan Wagle and state Rep. Gene Sullentrop and their spouses. When cameras zoomed in on Brownback during the game, the crowd booed him; it was aired on national television, prompting Twitter backlash over his underfunding of Kansas' universities.
"Kansas Governors have long attended sporting events of Kansas teams as part of their official duties and have used the state aircraft for travel to those events," Brownback spokeswoman Eileen Hawley said in an email. "There is no additional expense incurred by the State when other Kansans are on the plane for an official trip with the Governor."
Kansas has a statute that specifically allows the governor to use the plane for personal or political travel as long as he reimburses the state, but it mentions no other state agencies. The governor has not taken any reimbursable trips, as he typically uses commercial air travel when conducting personal and political business, Hawley said.
The Kansas Highway Patrol flies the plane and bills the state agency that uses the plane. KHP Capt. Greg Kayser said there are no specific guidelines as to who can be brought onboard as passengers or where the plane can go, adding "that is on them."
The most frequent flyers on the executive aircraft are:
— Brownback, who is tops with more than 17,348 miles during the 15-month period examined by AP. His trips are mostly ceremonial: groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting events, community meetings, business announcements and tours as well as visits to government agencies. But his schedule also shows he often meets with pastor groups across the state while traveling on government business.
— Transportation Secretary Mike King racked up 6,247 miles, which his office says was used to travel to speaking events, groundbreaking ceremonies for highway projects and staff meetings across the state.
— Agriculture Secretary Jackie McClaskey has flown 5,460 miles, much of it was for travel with various staff members to western Kansas to attend water meetings and other agriculture-related events. Flying saved time and prevented overnight stays, her office noted.
— Secretary of State Kris Kobach has flown 4,350 miles, including flights to promote voter ID efforts outside of Kansas and to speak at Republican Party events across the state. He often includes on-site visits to county election officials that coincide with political functions. Kobach says that his office is funded by fees paid by regulated businesses, not taxes, and the other events while traveling on state business did not cost extra.
"The state plane ... is an important tool to get around in a big state," said Jim Ward, a Wichita Democrat. "But it should be for a public purpose."
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Follow Roxana Hegeman on Twitter at https://twitter.com/rhegeman and find more of her work at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/roxana-hegeman
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) — Six west Michigan teens are jailed in connection with the theft of a pair of $2,000 designer sunglasses outside a Battle Creek gas station.
The Battle Creek Enquirer reports (http://bcene.ws/29r5OOD ) Sunday that a 22-year-old man told police he was in a parking lot when his Cartier sunglasses were taken at gunpoint.
The man called 911 as he drove after the group when they fled in a vehicle.
Police say the suspects stopped and fired shots at the man pursuing them. Several slugs hit his vehicle and they drove off again.
Officers arrested the four Grand Rapids males and two females — aged 16-19 — on a dead-end street. They are charged with assault with intent to murder and armed robbery.
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Information from: Battle Creek Enquirer, http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com
CLEVELAND (AP) — Two boys arrested with BB guns in a park have been ordered to write essays about Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old who had a pellet gun when he was fatally shot by Cleveland police outside a recreation center.
Cleveland.com reports (http://bit.ly/29p4wDG ) the boys were 12 and 15 at the time of the incident and admitted to disorderly conduct. Police in Parma say they responded to reports of two kids with guns in a park pavilion in February and surveillance video captured the two brothers surrendering to police.
The judge asked both boys if they knew about Tamir's case and told them they're putting themselves at risk. Both have been ordered to write the judge a report comparing their case to Tamir's.
The boys are due back in court on Aug. 19.
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Information from: cleveland.com, http://www.cleveland.com
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — A southern Indiana couple is raising awareness about how fireworks can affect military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Their Evansville-based nonprofit group — Military with PTSD — has distributed thousands of yard signs to people around the country. The signs say: "A combat veteran lives here. Please be courteous with your fireworks."
Explosions on the Fourth of July can trigger anxiety, panic and flashbacks in veterans with PTSD. Evansville Army veteran Scott Thompson says he tries to stay indoors to avoid the noise, which can remind him of incoming gunfire.
Justin and Shawn Gourley are the founders of the group distributing the yard signs. She tells the Evansville Courier & Press (http://bit.ly/29EXDxd) they're flabbergasted by the demand for the signs. The group mailed 8,000 signs this year.
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Information from: Evansville Courier & Press, http://www.courierpress.com
GREENFIELD, Wis. (AP) — A Greenfield man is in trouble with the law after he allegedly fired a gun in the direction of a child during a dispute over fireworks.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/29gIT8e ) the child called police Saturday evening, telling them that a neighbor fired a gun toward him.
Police said in a news release that the 45-year-old man said the child had been shooting off fireworks. He first told officers he'd shot fireworks in the child's direction, but later said the sound came from a gun. Police found a .40-caliber pistol and a magazine of ammunition in the man's apartment.
He was arrested on suspicion of recklessly endangering safety. The case has been referred to prosecutors for possible charges.
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Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A giant invasive plant with toxic sap that can burn human skin has turned up in southeastern Wisconsin for the first time, state environmental officials say.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/29fGtbV ) the Department of Natural Resources confirmed in June that hundreds of giant hogweed plants were present in Sheboygan.
The plant is a native of the Caucasus region of Eurasia, between the Black and Caspian seats. It was brought to the United Kingdom and to the United States in 1917 as an ornamental plant. It can grow to as high as 20 feet and sprout 3-foot leaves.
It's fast-growing, invading roadsides, the edges of forests and empty lots. It also produces thousands of seeds, which can be dispersed by flowing water or animals. The most common way it spreads, however, is by humans who are attracted by its size and decide to plant it.
Giant hogweed can crowd out native species and its sap contains glucosides that react with the sun's ultraviolet rays and can severely burn the skin, cause blisters or cause temporary blindness.
It's been found in Michigan, Illinois, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Washington. It was first discovered in Wisconsin in 2004, with confirmed reports in Iron, Waupaca and Manitowoc counties.
Sometimes called giant cow parsley, giant hogweed is listed as a prohibited species. That means the plant isn't widespread and so far has been found only in isolated spots but likely will spread if not controlled. If necessary the DNR, can obtain a court order to eradicate it.
DNR biologist Kelly Kearns said authorities believe they've been able to control all known populations.
"It's a big deal, from my perspective, because it's a prohibited species that's not yet widespread," Kearns said. "When we find the plant, we try to get it under control."
A crew from Brodhead-based Applied Ecological Services surveyed the Sheboygan neighborhood where the plants were found and sprayed more than 800 plants with herbicide last week, said Scott Horzen, a board member of the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, which helped to oversee the eradication plan.
Neighbors said the plants may have been there for as long as a decade, Horzen said. He described the plants as "ginormous — it stands out in a spot because it's so big. It's unlike any other plant in Wisconsin."
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Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com
HOWELL, Mich. (AP) — Several Livingston County communities have issued rules on outdoor burning and officials are asking people to be cautious with fireworks over the July Fourth holiday due to dry conditions.
The Livingston Daily Press & Argus of Howell reports (http://bit.ly/29hfXwq ) Sunday that a burn ban is in effect in Hamburg, Green Oak, Putnam and Unadilla townships.
Leaf and yard waste burning, as well as recreational fires, should be postponed until conditions improve.
Fire officials in dozens of Lansing-area communities last week banned open burning.
People celebrating with fireworks are asked to monitor where burning material lands and be prepared to extinguish small spot fires with garden hoses and buckets of water.
Fireworks also should be lit a safe distance from houses, vehicles and other people.
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Information from: Livingston Daily Press & Argus, http://www.livingstondaily.com
WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, S.D. (AP) — A Wind Cave National Park ranger is marking his 50th season with the Park Service this summer.
Ranger Don Frankfort has worked 49 summers at Wind Cave National Park and a winter season at the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. He got an offer for his first summer job at Wind Cave via telegram in 1967.
The National Park Service estimates that Frankfort has led around 5,200 tours through the cave guiding more than 100,000 people.
The New York City resident says he still enjoys "making the experience exciting, fun, and memorable" for visitors.
The cave in western South Dakota is one of the longest and most complex in the world. The park is home to bison, elk and other wildlife.
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (AP) — A pyrotechnician suffered burns after authorities say part of a Chicago suburb's fireworks display detonated prematurely.
A spokesman for Bridgeview said in a statement that the professionally trained fireworks installer was setting up a firework when it exploded around 1 p.m. Sunday.
The statement says that caused most of the remaining fireworks to "ignite in a rapid succession."
Authorities say the man was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Bridgeview Fire Department Battalion Chief David Lis tells WBBM-TV the worker suffered burns to his extremities, chest and face.
The display, which the city says involved about $12,000 worth of fireworks, has been canceled.
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