Latest news with #Cason
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Spartanburg man sentenced to prison for severe infant abuse
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) – A Spartanburg man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the severe abuse that sent an 11-month-old to the hospital with injuries that included a broken back. Dalton Lane Miller, 23, pleaded guilty on Friday to felony child abuse with great bodily injury and unlawful neglect of a child. In June 2024, Hannah Cason brought her extremely bruised infant to the Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Miller, who had been dating Cason for three months at the time, drove her and the child to the hospital, but refused to enter the building and stayed in the parking lot, according to the 7th Circuit Solicitor's Office. PREVIOUS: Three accused of abusing infant in Chesnee The infant was suffering from multiple bruises across his body, head, and genitals, swollen eyes and lips, and a toe that later needed to be amputated. He also tested positive for cocaine, fentanyl, and THC. Officers with the Chesnee Police Department and the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office were called to the hospital and the infant was transferred to Prisma Health Children's Hospital in Greenville for further treatment. Later examination showed that the infant had a broken frenulum, infected eyes, two fractured vertebrae, and suspicion of chemical injury. Officers found text messages from Miller, sharing photos of the child's injuries to a neighbor and how he was upset he that no one had wished him a happy Father's Day. Messages were also found between him and Cason, discussing a fabricated story they would tell police in regards to the child's injuries, according to the Solicitor's Office. A DSS Foster Care Case Manager involved with the child said that the infant is 'keeping score of what happened to him,' and 'he is still experiencing trauma and suffering from the abuse.' Miller received credit for the nearly one year of time served. He must also cooperate with counseling and the substance treatment unit. The Solicitor's Office said that Cason has also entered a guilty plea to the same charges and is awaiting sentencing. The child's grandmother, Kathryn Cason, pleaded guilty to failing to report child abuse or neglect and was sentenced to 30 days in jail suspended to a $200 fine, according to court records. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Legislature moves West Virginia libraries under tourism department
FAIRMONT — Republicans stripped the credential qualification previously required for the state's library director position this past legislative session. House Bill 2009 dissolved the Department of Arts, Culture and History and moved its functions under the Department of Tourism. Libraries, which previously were under the umbrella of Arts, Culture and History moved into the Department of Tourism as well. The bill was part of a larger effort in conjunction with two other bills that reorganized the executive branch and created more cabinet secretaries who report to the governor's office. Senate Bill 2009 didn't just move the Department of Arts, Culture and History under the Tourism Department. Sen. Bill Hamilton, R-Upshur, criticized the bill for doing away with the civil service. The bill's lead sponsor, Del. Chris Phillips, R-Barbour, did not respond to a message by press time. Marion County Public Library System Director Larissa Cason, who also serves as the elected president of the West Virginia Library Association, said the bill originated from the governor's desk. She said Gov. Patrick Morrisey was most likely thinking in terms of synergies when putting together the bill. The fiscal note summary submitted by Krysten Wolfe states moving Arts, Culture and History under Tourism would reduce state spending by around $203,000. House Bill 2009 also included a provision that removed a requirement that the state's library section director have a master's degree in library and information science and have at least three years of administrative experience. The new requirement simply states the library director 'shall be qualified, with relevant experience.' 'It's extraordinarily broad,' Cason said. 'It's just a further devaluing of professional expertise.' Cason cast this choice within the broader context of what's happening to library specialists who work at the federal level. The Trump Administration and Elon Musk's DOGE recently gutted the Institute for Library and Museum Services, and put its employees on administrative leave. The agency provides funding to the nation's libraries, including those here in West Virginia. IMLS provided $1.6 million in funding to West Virginia public libraries. The American Library Association and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court on April 7 demanding the Trump Administration stop dismantling the IMLS. With the removal of professional library leadership at the federal level, Cason said the potential exists that there won't be any guidance at the state level either. 'Managing a large and diverse library system requires leadership skills and practical experience in budgeting, staffing, policy development and collaboration with local libraries and community organizations,' the West Virginia Library Association said in a statement. 'The library section director is tasked with navigating complex decisions that impact libraries across West Virginia, advocating for resources and ensuring that library services are equitable and accessible for all.' Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, argued by removing the credential requirement, it gives the executive branch more leeway to find what she vaguely referred to as the 'best individual' for the job. She said the current requirements exceed the requirements sought by the Library of Congress. She cited US Code that addresses pay rates for the Librarian of Congress and their deputy, but does not appear to deal with credential requirements. 'As the Senator said, we have many librarians to fulfill this position, but this just doesn't make it where we're excluding a highly qualified and excellent individual who can do a good job in the position,' Rucker said during the Senate floor hearing. State Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, attempted filing an amendment to restore the credential requirements. Garcia said the library section director serves over 70 libraries in the state. He argued there are many online degree options that fulfill the existing educational requirements to ensure the qualification is attainable. Garcia said a lot of people who reached out to his office about the bill said it was about respect. 'I don't think these requirement are that much to ask for somebody,' Garcia said during the bill's floor hearing. 'I think they're bare minimum. But, I also think — just the message that this sends. It just makes sense to have a librarian running or advocating for our libraries in West Virginia.'
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Decision to hobble federal library support agency will have impact on state libraries
FAIRMONT — Thanks to taxpayers, Marion County will be spared most negative impact from the loss of a federal agency dedicated to supporting libraries. However, the same won't be true at other libraries across the state. President Donald Trump ordered on March 14 the elimination of several more federal agencies, such as the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and Institute of Museum and Library Services. The IMLS provides funding and support to libraries across all 50 states. 'Statewide, this is going to have a big effect on some libraries, especially smaller libraries,' Larissa Cason, director of the Marion County Public Libary System, said. Cason is also president of the West Virginia Library Association. 'There are some libraries where these monies pay for their internet access. So that could devastating to lose funding for internet acces and then having to privately source or pay for that.' The American Library Association said in a press release IMLS has 75 workers and funds 125,000 public, school, academic and special libraries across the country. It's funding in 2024 was $266.7 million, or 0.003% of the federal budget. 'Americans have loved and relied on public, school and academic libraries for generations,' the ALA wrote. 'By eliminating the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services, the Trump administration's executive order is cutting off at the knees the most beloved and trusted of American institutions and the staff and services they offer.' Congress approved funding for IMLS in the March 14 Continuing Resolution to keep the government open. While Trump's order doesn't remove the IMLS in its entirety, since it would take an act of Congress, it does call for the functions of the agency to be elimated to the maximum extent of the law. The Trump Administration cast the order under its drive to reduce 'the scope of the Federal Bureaucracy.' The American Alliance of Museums charge that Trump's order would gut the IMLS within seven days. Thanks to the levy, Cason said most of the services the Marion County Library provides won't be affected drastically. However, some services will feel an impact. The library provides a lot of electronic resources through its website, such as access to the WV Info Depot. The depot provides access to services like which provides one-on-one tutoring, test prep and job search assistance. Marion County residents can access National Geographic Kids, World Book online and other research databases at no cost through the services IMLS provides to Marion County. There are 17 different services in total that the library provides thanks to IMLS funding. Taxpayers provide $1.3 million in levy funds for the services the library provides, with the state only providing $295,000. The library also gets money fom the Marion County Board of Education and City of Fairmont. Statewide, West Virginia receives $1.6 million per year from IMLS, which passes through the West Virginia Library Commission to local libraries. IMLS funding also provides reimbursement for the software patrons use to check books out. Internet costs are also a large expense for libaries. While thanks to taxpayers, Marion County Libraries can float its own internet bill, other libraries in the state aren't as lucky. They rely on IMLS funding, Cason said. Donna Calvert, Library Section Director of the West Virginia Library Commission, directed all queries to Ennis Smith, Acting Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History. Smith did not return a request for comment by press time. Cason said the state is moving libraries under the tourism department. Smith lists director of destination development for the West Virginia Department of Tourism on her LinkedIn. 'I have strong feelings about that personally, but I'm not in a position to speak,' Calvert said, referring to the elimination of IMLS. 'I am not authorized to speak for the agency. It will have an impact.' Cason said she is glad Marion County taxpayers believe in supporting its library. She said President Trump tried to do something similar in 2017, so the latest move against IMLS was not unexpected. She said they will now have to get a jump on educating people about IMLS and getting residents to reach out to Congress to protect the agency and its funding. 'I will say we're extraordinarily lucky in Marion County that we have had a levy that is a long standing Levy, and that Marion County supports its library so well,' she said. 'There are other counties where that is not the same.'
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Nacogdoches community joins forces to bless family after 2017 crash
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) – A tragic 2017 crash that left a child in a wheelchair has prompted a recent outpouring of support from several East Texas organizations and businesses. IN FOCUS: Meet the animals of Caldwell Zoo's 'Amazon River's Edge' The Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation (NACLEF) recently shared the story of Cason Snider who was injured in a Nacogdoches County two-vehicle crash in 2017. According to NACLEF, a nonprofit which supports law enforcement, the crash left then 5-year-old Cason with paraplegia, which means he has to use a wheelchair. Fast forward to 2024 and NACLEF wanted to let Cason and his family know that they haven't been forgotten. In Feb. 2024, NACLEF revisited Cason's story with the Charles & Lois Marie Bright Foundation. Cason, whose father Chris Snider is a Nacogdoches Police Department officer, was brought up as a way that they could help a law enforcement family and any future families that may go through similar tragedies. The foundations came together to donate a TerrainHopper off-road mobility vehicle to Cason along with an ADA-compliant bathroom vanity. They didn't want to end the kindness there so they got in contact with several other organizations and plans were made to get even more help for Cason. According to NACLEF, the following donations and opportunities were organized for Cason: A TerrainHopper electric off-road mobility vehicle from NACLEF and the Charles & Lois Marie Bright Foundation was donated to Cason. An ADA-compliant bathroom vanity from NACLEF and the Charles & Lois Marie Bright Foundation was donated to Cason. Manager of the Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center, Miranda Hoffman hosted an event to present the TerrainHopper to Cason. The Hell or High Water Outdoors nonprofit and Ben Mallon offered to take Cason on a duck hunting trip near Corpus Christi. The Texas Game Warden Association donated a Lifetime Resident Combination Hunting & Fishing License for Cason. Niche Creek Kennels is donating the cost of Cason's first ten years of Federal Duck Stamps after he turns 16. The NWTF April AWOL Chapter donated a Beretta semi-automatic shotgun for Cason. The NWTF – Kaufman County Double Beards Chapter offered a white-tailed deer hunt to Cason. Texas Hunt For The Cure donated full taxidermy services to Cason. Pineywoods Ambucs donated an Academy gift card to Cason. Cowboy Trailer Sales in Crockett had a perfectly sized trailer for Cason's new TerrainHopper. They donated the first round of the trailer's maintenance and the trailer's reduced price tag was covered by the Dallas Safari Club – East Texas. Proven Industries donated a trailer lock for Cason's trailer. Todd Lemay and TerrainHopper USA donated a GoPro camera with a mount for Cason's TerrainHopper and they gave him a custom license plate which says 'Joshua 1:9', a Bible verse used on t-shirts supporting Cason. The foundation shared the following photos of the Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center event where Cason received his TerrainHopper and more, earlier this month. 'Over the past four months, many prayers have been answered, new friendships have been formed, and most importantly, God's love has been shown to a family that has endured so much over the past eight years. This story is a testament to the power of our amazing Creator, community and the incredible ways we can come together to make a difference.' Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation To learn more about how all these donations came together, visit NACLEF on Facebook. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Local health officials on alert during measles outbreak
Columbus, Ga – This year's measles outbreak may have started in Texas and in other parts of the country but health officials in the Chattahoochee Valley are still on alert in case it spreads to the area.'It spreads pretty quickly. And it spreads very quickly especially in those who are unvaccinated,' said Dr. Dana Cason, St. Francis' Director of Newborn Services. Over 200 cases of the measles have been confirmed in the U.S. At least two deaths have been confirmed in this measles outbreak. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has emphasized the importance of a vaccine to combat this disease. In part he said 'Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.' For Secretary Kennedy's full statement about the 2025 measles outbreak click here. Dr. Cason explained just how effective the MMR vaccine is to combat measles. 'They give the first vaccine between 12 and 18 months, and the second one is between 4 and 6 years of age. The first one gives about a 90 percent coverage. The second one goes up to 97 percent,' said Dr. Cason. The resurgence of measles has also created another problem for many current doctors. 25 years ago this disease was considered to be eradicated, and now some doctors are very unfamiliar with how to treat their patients with measles. 'This was eradicated in 2000. So most of us have not really ever seen the measles. So when something comes back around like this it's time for everyone to dust off these books because we haven't seen it in so long,' said Dr. Cason. If you are diagnosed with the measles it's important to seek medical help. However, you have to alert either you primary physician or the hospital you're going to because measles is very contagious. 'You want to make sure that they get the care but you want the pediatrician office or where ever you want to take them, to be able to know that they're coming. So that you're not in the waiting room with a bunch of kids. The droplets from respiratory, they stay in a closed room for about 2 hours,' said Dr. Cason. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
