Latest news with #Allgood
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mississippi teacher donates part of liver to save student
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WJTV) – Mississippi State University (MSU) alumna and Tupelo Public School District special education teacher Holly Allgood didn't hesitate to help one of her students. Allgood was in her classroom at Tupelo's Early Childhood Education Center when she received a call that she was a match. She donated 30% of her liver to her student, Bowen Dorr, who is battling carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I deficiency (CPS1). Belhaven University recognized for online programs 'MSU alumna Holly Allgood's selfless act of love and concern for one of her students reflects what I believe is a core value of our university, which is service,' said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. 'We try to instill in our College of Education graduates the sense that they are stewards of the future in teaching and impacting the lives of their students. Certainly, Holly has taken that to an entirely new level, and all of us in the Mississippi State family admire and applaud her sacrifice and devotion to her student.' Both Allgood and Bowen are recovering well after the August transplant and have gained national attention for their story. Allgood, Dorr, and Dorr's mother were recently featured on the 'Jennifer Hudson Show' during this week's national Teacher Appreciation Week. They shared Dorr's story, and Allgood received a $10,000 gift from PaperMate. 'He's a completely different kid now,' Jamie Dorr, Bowen's mother, said in the interview. '…To have someone so close to home that was willing to lay down her life for [my child] when I couldn't—it's a gift I can't put words to. We need more Hollys.' Allgood, a Tupelo native and 2005 MSU College of Education graduate, has spent nearly two decades teaching special education. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
These Caldwell voters want to recall Mayor Wagoner, council members. Here's why
Voters in Caldwell filed a petition to recall Mayor Jarom Wagoner and four of the city's council members as the public reels from their decisions to approve a hotel development and support their police chief amid sexual harassment accusations. Lifelong Caldwell resident Jim Hollis, who worked for the Police Department for eight years, told the Idaho Statesman over the phone that he filed petitions, which each had at least 45 signatures — 20 more than the required amount — with the Canyon County Clerk's Office on Monday. Once the petitions are approved, residents will have 75 days to gather additional signatures. Hollis said the petitions largely stem from city leaders' approval of a Marriott hotel despite public outcry, paid parking meters that the city installed, then removed, and their statements supporting Police Chief Rex Ingram after he was accused of sexually harassing a female officer. He also pointed to concerns over the city's prioritization of development without improving infrastructure and the loss of over $1 million in impact fees, a one-time charge on new developments that help offset the cost of certain projects, after a miscommunication left the funds uncollected. 'We're sick and tired of the non-transparency,' Hollis said by phone. The petitions, which Hollis posted on a community Facebook page, called for the recall of Wagoner and four of the six council members: Brad Doty, Geoff Williams, Chris Allgood and Mike Dittenber. Doty, Dittenber and Allgood in statements to the Statesman said they were grateful to be able to represent the city and do their best for the public when faced with making difficult decisions. Williams didn't respond to requests for comment. Doty said that while the public has the freedom to express disagreements, he has the right to be free from harassment. 'It would be my hope that the individual or individuals who prepared the petition would focus their efforts on pursuing legitimate grievances in a lawful and civil manner,' he said. 'At the end of the day, I trust in the process, our constitutional freedoms and the rule of law.' Allgood, who worked for the city's police department for 30 years, eight as the chief, said he's seen Caldwell go from 'a crime-riddled gang town to the absolute pride of the valley.' 'Together we have built a wonderful place to live, work and raise our families. Now is not the time to go backwards or lose sight of our future,' Allgood said. 'I will not back down, quit or stop making the decisions necessary to continue Caldwell's success.' Through a spokesperson, the city declined to comment on the petitions. Elected city officials can be subject to a recall under Idaho law if at least 20% of registered voters from the time the official was elected sign a petition. If the petition is submitted on time with enough signatures and approved, the elected official has either five days to resign or the secretary of state will call for a special election. The majority of voters must be in favor of the recall. Votes in favor of the recall also have to equal or exceed the number of votes cast at the last general election for that official, according to state law. Council members Chuck Stadick and Diana Register weren't named in the recall. Register told the Statesman she respected the democratic process and remained committed to doing what's best for Caldwell 'no matter the outcome.' Both Register and Stadick voted against a controversial hotel project. Hollis said the two council members are extremely communicative with taxpayers. 'This is a challenging time for our city, and it's clear the community has concerns that need to be heard,' Register said in an email. 'My focus has always been on serving the people of Caldwell, and I believe it's important we work toward rebuilding trust and ensuring transparency.' The recall petition comes as Ingram has been embattled with allegations, many of which are in several lawsuits filed against the chief and city. Three employees — two of whom no longer work for the city — have filed complaints in the past five months. It's 'too many lawsuits,' Hollis said. Concerns against Ingram arose in January 2024 after an internal complaint from Caldwell Police Officer Allison Butler prompted Wagoner to direct the city's then-Human Resources Director Shelli Boggie to investigate the allegations. Butler accused the chief in a lawsuit of making 'offensive' and 'gendered' comments toward her and violating her civil rights by creating a hostile work environment, discriminating against her, and retaliating against her when she reported her concerns. The city commissioned an outside law firm at Boggie's direction to conduct an independent investigation into gender discrimination and sex-based hostile workplace environment complaints against Ingram, according to a lawsuit filed by Boggie. She alleged that the City Council didn't reappoint her to her role as an act of retaliation by the city. Months later, the investigation sustained several of Butler's allegations 'but abstained from concluding clear violation of law' or of the city's policy, the lawsuit said. The report found that some of Butler's allegations were substantiated. Many of them weren't, though, some of them because they couldn't be corroborated, the complaint alleged. Boggie in the lawsuit said she reviewed the report and based her recommendation included looking at how the human resource department handled employees who had 'exhibited similar conduct in the past,' the lawsuit said. It's unclear in the lawsuit whether Boggie recommended the chief's resignation or suspension. But she said her decision was based on her opposition to gender-based harassment, discrimination and hostile work environments. Boggie's lawsuit was resolved through 'mutual agreement,' her attorney Brian Ertz told the Statesman. The Statesman filed a public records request for documents related to a settlement between the city and Boggie and was told Wednesday the matter was pending. Wagoner and the then-city attorney declined to consider Boggie's recommendation, according to her complaint. Voters who signed Wagoner's petition also took aim at him for not following her recommendation, and raised concerns about the city's decision to publicly support Ingram hours after the lawsuit was publicized. Wagoner urged the public during a brief news conference to 'avoid drawing any conclusions' while also saying, 'We are confident in Chief Ingram's leadership and professionalism, and firmly stand behind him during the legal process.' Hollis questioned why they didn't come out and support Butler. 'She's still an officer, right?' he said by phone. 'Why don't they do anything to defend her?' Ingram is also under investigation by Idaho State Police over allegations he misused public funds. The investigation has been sent to the Boise County Prosecutor's Office for review, said ISP spokesperson Aaron Snell. He added by email that the prosecutor will advise on a 'charging decision' but that they don't have an expected timeline. Then-Caldwell Police Nathan Douthit also sued the city. In November he said he raised concerns over the agency's increased spending and alleged he was fired 'because he dared question' the chief's conduct. Ingram previously told the Statesman he had done nothing wrong and that all of his purchases were approved through the proper channels. Wagoner also stood by the chief over the spending concerns. 'I support the chief 100%,' Wagoner said, adding that they planned to fully cooperate with the state police investigation. Some of the petitions also focused on the city's push for development and concerns over a dirt lot located near the Canyon County Fair and the grounds of the Caldwell Night Rodeo. Caldwell's City Council entered into a development agreement last month to construct a Marriott-branded hotel at the lot despite hundreds of letters opposing the construction, according to the Idaho Press. More than 100 people protested the development following the council's approval citing concerns over the loss of parking spots and increased urbanization. 'They're all too poised on development,' Hollis said. 'The mayor is responsible for every department — and he needs to get the hell out of the development department and leave it alone.' The hotel was approved by four council members during the Feb. 3 council meeting, with Register and Stadick voting against it. Dittenber during the meeting said he'd 'rarely seen anything bring about more disinformation' than the hotel proposal. He said projects like the hotel will encourage economic development and bring property taxes to the city. 'I understand nostalgia and the desire to keep Caldwell a small town, but the people and desire to work cooperatively in a unison manner is what makes our community a small-town feel,' he said. Register brought concerns over the legality of the agreement, pointing to three leases the city already has on that same land. But Dittenber told the Statesman that the city attorney reviewed the contracts and the process, and found no problems before a vote was taken. The meeting turned chaotic when Williams cut Register off by making a motion to stop all discussion and vote. Members of the public watching the meeting protested, with one shouting, 'Let her speak.' Register attempted to keep talking and pointed out that she didn't interrupt anyone else. 'If we sign this, it's illegal,' Register can be heard saying before Wagoner stops her. He then announced the council would be taking a five-minute break before the audio of the recorded meeting cuts out. When the council returned, Williams withdrew his motion, and Register was given 10 minutes to finish her comments. 'Once this land is gone, it's gone. There's no turning back once there's a massive building on here,' Register said toward the end of her time. 'The current leases we have in place need to be modified first to protect the city of Caldwell and its taxpayers before moving forward with any consideration for the hotel.' 'We will not survive another divide in our community, another legal battle based on rushed or failed process nor should we have to,' she continued. 'Nobody is against progress, but it needs to be responsible and it needs to make sense.' Stadick also opposed the development. Of the over 200 emails he received regarding the dirt lot, only 4% were in favor of building the hotel, he said during the hearing. 'I'd like to remind the council members, we're here because of the taxpayers,' he said. 'We're not here because of developers and everyone else.'
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Yahoo
Clark County students participate in competition all about confidence, professionalism
WINCHESTER, Ky. (FOX 56) — Confidence and professionalism are important skills to learn early on. Thanks to a competition all about growth, these Clark County students are a step ahead. A group of students gathered at the Clark County Board of Education for the final interview portion of a competition called 'The Amazing Shake.' The goal is to teach the value of confidence, communication, and professionalism. Amber Murphy is an instructional specialist in the district, and she also helped organize the competition. 'They have amazed me each and every round in all the different scenarios. They've all carried themselves with such confidence, poise, and grace,' Murphy said. Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news There have been five rounds leading up to Friday. This portion of the competition involved eight students participating in interviews about being empowered leaders and how they'll take what they learned here into their futures. Sebastian Allgood and Ashtyn Walters are eighth graders at Robert D. Campbell Junior High School, and both agree that they'll take a lot from this. 'I knew what it was before, but I've never really been in it. For the first year getting this far, it really means a lot,' Allgood said. 'I'm very relieved that I did it, and I'm happy I did it because it definitely gave me a lot of new and great opportunities,' Walters added. Missing woman last seen leaving Hopkinsville hospital Music, food, bourbon and cars: Time for Kentucky's 2025 spring season London mayor under fire for distributing expunged records: Defamation litigation continues The top three students from this round will compete in the global Amazing Shake competition in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted at The Ron Clark Academy. More than winning, the goal is for these students to take these life lessons and skills with them. 'You can't be nervous; you can't be scared. If you're scared on the inside, you must put up a front and be confident. If you're like, 'I'm not going to make it', then you're not going to make it. You have to put yourself in the position to be the underdog,' Allgood said. The Amazing Shake has been a part of Clark County for several years, and organizers said it's something now adults have looked back on when they participated as young students. Music, food, bourbon and cars: Time for Kentucky's 2025 spring season What does it take to be middle class in Kentucky? New study explains Lexington ranked 10th worst large city for football fans: WalletHub 'Just try new things and put yourself out there. You can't go wrong with putting yourself out there,' Walters said. 'It makes me so incredibly proud of every student who competed this week and how they were able to adapt and remain true to themselves while maintaining that professionalism,' Murphy added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Here are our 15 snubs for the 2025 Tennessee Miss Basketball finalists list
The 2024-25 TSSAA Miss Basketball finalists were announced this week, with three players being selected from each Tennessee high school classification. The Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards winners will be announced at MTSU's Tucker Theater on March 18. Of course, not every top player could make the final group. Here's our list of players that should have been heavily considered for Mr. Basketball honors. Aniston Allgood, Nashville Christian: The sophomore was a solid candidate in Division II-A and the Lady Eagles are 22-4. Allgood is averaging 18.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, two steals and a block. More: Meet the Tennessee Mr. and Miss Basketball finalists for 2025 TSSAA basketball award Cecilie Brandimore, Franklin: Brandimore's numbers are unmatched, but Class 4A is loaded with talent. She has dominated with 26.8 points, 13.1 rebounds and three blocks a game. Ke'Miyah Buggs, Fayette-Ware: The junior is one of the top scorers in Class 3A, averaging 24.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.9 steals. Ellie Butler, Livingston Academy: It would not have been a surprise to see Butler on the Class 3A list. She's averaging 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.9 steals. More: Tennessee high school basketball girls statewide rankings: New No. 1 emerges in Class 3A Julie Hampton, Scotts Hill: The Class 2A field has a ton of great players, but Hampton had a chance. She has 48 3-pointers this season and is averaging 22.5 points. Zoey Nicholas, Pickett County: She's the top scorer for the defending Class 1A champions, averaging 22 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and two steals while shooting 58% from the floor. Kinsley Owen, Silverdale: Owen, who has offers from MTSU and Chattanooga, is averaging 21.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 5.8 steals for the DII-A Seahawks. Allye Pennington, East Robertson: One of the best scorers in Middle Tennessee, Pennington is averaging 22.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.6 steals while shooing over 40% from 3 for 2A McKenzie Percoski, Houston: A near double-double average like Percoski's usually impresses voters, but the senior didn't make Class 4A's list. She's averaging 18 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Amaya Redd, Knoxville Catholic: Redd didn't make the DII-AA list but has averaged 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.8 steals in just 25 minutes a game against a brutal schedule. McCall Sims, Westview: Sims has been instrumental in Westview knocking off defending state champions from Tennessee five times this season. The Tennessee softball signee is averaging 15.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 steals and Michelle Shields, Unaka: The junior has been difficult to guard in Class 1A while averaging 19.7 points, three assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals. Harmonie Ware, Bradley Central: The Arkansas signee was last year's Class 4A state tournament MVP and is averaging 15.5 points, four rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals for No. 1-ranked Bradley Central. Kami Wilson, Lakeway Christian: Wilson was a strong candidate in Division II-A. She's among the state's top scorers averaging 26.5 points, five rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.1 steals. Lily Morrow, CPA: Maybe Morrow's time is coming next year as a senior. She's averaging 20.7 points, 6.7 rebounds with two assists and 1.2 steals for the 19-5 Lions as they try to reach the DII-AA state semifinals again. She leads the team with 47 3-pointers. Reach sports writer Tyler Palmateer at tpalmateer@ and on the X platform, formerly Twitter, @tpalmateer83. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TSSAA basketball: Miss Basketball snubs for 2025 Tennessee high school season
