Latest news with #Chaplin
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
School district 11 voters reject second budget at referendum
Voters in regional school district 11 defeated a second budget proposal for 2025-2026. The budget of $7,330,553 was rejected by a vote of 281 in opposition to 257 in favor. The regional budget includes the operation of the Parish Hill Middle/High School and tuition and transportation for outsourced programming. One town in the district actually had a majority in favor of the budget, but not a significant enough number to offset the defeat in both of the other two towns. Scotland residents supported the budget by a 51 in favor to 44 against. Chaplin, however, turned down the budget down with 144 voters opposed to it, and 114 accepting it. Hampton very narrowly defeated the budget, by a vote of 93 against to 92 for it. This second budget represented an increase of 2.88% over the 2024-2025 approved budget of $7,125,171. The original budget proposal for 2025-2026, with a bottom line of $7,386,184, was rejected by voters at a district-wide referendum held on May 6. Chaplin voters denied passage by 349 to 217; Hampton shot it down by 162 to 104; and Scotland residents narrowly defeated it by 47 to 37. Before sending the revised bottom line to voters at the second vote, regional school district 11 school board members changed the administrative structure to streamline the budget and eliminated under-enrolled sports programs. 'We are frustrated the budget did not pass, especially in that any budget failure harms children and families,' regional school district 11 Superintendent Andrew Skarzynski said. 'We have already put forth a very conservative budget that is significantly lower than the state average, including the elimination of a school administrator position.' The board of education will now draft a third budget proposal for another referendum vote this summer. 'We will attempt to identify any further cost savings, including those areas not previously reduced, and produce another budget,' Skarzynski said.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘They scratch the walls': Washington woman, 66, was stuck in raccoon-infested government housing for a year
Few things are as inconvenient than an unwanted visitor who just won't leave. But the reality was more than mere annoyance for Washington, D.C. resident Linda Chaplin, whose apartment was overrun by raccoons for more than a year. After months of unanswered complaints, Chaplin has finally been able to move into a new space, according to ABC 7News. But the path to a new home has been anything but easy. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Here's how she finally broke free from the infestation. After getting basically ignored by her Congress Park Plaza landlord, who had only put up wooden boards over the holes in her home, Chaplin reached out to 7News in one final attempt to get help. Chaplin shared photos of raccoons poking their heads through holes in her home with the news team. The animals had dug their way through the wooden boards, and when local reporters visited Chaplin's government-managed property, they witnessed a raccoon knocking a clock off her wall. 'I'm going crazy, makes me seem like I'm going crazy, losing my mind,' Chaplin told 7News. 'If I go to sleep, I'm scared they're going to come out. They scratch the walls.' The team at 7News looked into Chaplin's management company, SE Washington Development Associates II LP, and discovered they're facing numerous violations, fines and lawsuits. And that landlord is managed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). After 7News aired its report, the building finally called out a wildlife team to her home to remove one of the raccoons — and returned to remove 14 more. The critters had clearly made their home in Chaplin's apartment, as well as the neighboring units. Wildlife Solutions said that Chaplin's infestation was the worst they'd seen in a single property and that if the landlord had called them six months earlier, Chaplin would have been able to remain in her home safely. But now, the only way to address the situation was to move Chaplin out. 'They might as well pay rent in here then," Chaplin told 7News, referring to the animals. 'They might as well pay rent, not me, they're running me out [of] my home. It's crazy.' Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Throughout the station's investigation, reporters found the process for reporting unsafe conditions in government housing was a challenge, contacting multiple government offices, housing agencies and tenant associations. HUD rules show that government-managed properties have no less obligation to ensure safe living conditions for tenants than private management companies. Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and property owners are expected to be communicative with residents on all issues, and any complaint should be resolved as soon as possible. Property agents are not allowed to retaliate, intimidate, harass or neglect any resident filing a complaint. HUD codes hold that PHAs are 'required to either make repairs to such conditions within a reasonable period of time or to abate the situation (usually by moving the tenant's family).' Chaplin's situation is unfortunately not unique. About 2.2 million Americans are living in public housing and thousands may be experiencing poor conditions such as mold, plumbing issues, pest infestations and lead paint, according to In such cases, it's important for tenants to advocate for themselves and demand their rights to a safe dwelling. One of the first steps to reporting unsafe conditions is to contact the PHA managing your property. If management doesn't immediately address the issue, like in Chaplin's case, a tenant may need to contact HUD directly to report housing discrimination. Make sure to include documentation of complaints already filed with the PHA and include descriptions and photos of the conditions. A tenant may also want to reach out to local tenant organizations or legal aid groups who can help access free or low-cost legal help, as well as help locate a replacement dwelling if the PHA won't address the conditions. According to HUD, a tenant has the right to organize with neighbors and distribute information to other residents if the issue is widespread throughout the property. And, like Chaplin, a tenant might consider contacting local news stations, which often have hotlines or other ways to lodge complaints, create unwanted attention for the landlord and force a quick resolution. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KAP Group CEO Gary Chaplin to step down, Frans Olivier appointed successor
KAP Group announced on Thursday that CEO Gary Chaplin will step down from his executive role effective October 31, 2025, after 28 years with the company, including a decade as CEO. During his tenure, Chaplin steered KAP through significant challenges, including the collapse of its major shareholder, a downturn in the polymer cycle, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a recent major investment cycle. Under his leadership, the group achieved substantial growth and built a robust platform for future value creation, the company said in a statement. The KAP Board expressed gratitude for Chaplin's contributions to the group, its shareholders, customers, and staff, acknowledging the loss his departure represents while respecting his decision. Chaplin will remain available post-October 2025 to support the Board and his successor, ensuring a smooth transition.
North Wales Live
16-05-2025
- North Wales Live
Driver was trying to show off. He ended up causing the death of an innocent man
A dangerous driver killed a dog walker after taking a bend at speed while "showing off" and losing control of his vehicle. The victim suffered multiple traumatic injuries and died at the roadside. Motorist Daniel Boucher, 28, struck and killed David Chaplin, 66, after his red Peugeot 207 left the road as he failed to negotiate a left bend. The car rolled onto its side and struck Mr Chaplin who was later found unconscious on a grass verge. The defendant, of New Road, Argoed, Caerphilly, was found guilty on Friday of causing death by dangerous driving after a trial at Cardiff Crown Court, reports WalesOnline. Boucher had denied this charge and had pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving but this plea was rejected by the jury. Prosecutor Owen Williams said the defendant worked for a window cleaning firm based in Nelson, Caerphilly and was leaving the premises at Whitebeam industrial estate at around 5.10pm on April 18, 2023 when the collision occurred. The defendant had been speaking to colleague Scott Williams about his Peugeot 207 and his love for cars. He had told Mr Williams his Peugeot was "turbo-charged" and had brake horsepower between 165 and 170. Upon leaving the industrial estate, Boucher repeatedly revved his engine for no apparent reason, with Mr Williams suggesting the defendant was "showing off". He revved his engine again as he left the industrial estate with Scott Williams following on behind. On reaching a junction onto Ty Du Road, Boucher took a left at speed and accelerated as he made the turn. Prosecutor Mr Williams said the defendant was travelling "way too fast" to negotiate the bend. At this point, Mr Chaplin was walking two dogs in the opposite direction of Boucher's car as the defendant took the left bend and "oversteered". This caused his rear tyres to lose grip, and the vehicle slid sideways across the road towards the pavement. The Peugeot mounted the pavement while sideways at an angle and collided with a lamppost, causing the vehicle to flip onto its side and come to a stop on a grass verge on the driver's side. Scott Williams ran to help Boucher and opened the passenger door to help him climb out of the vehicle. He was in a state of shock and had an injury to his head. The men then saw Mr Chaplin lying on his back on the grass verge and he was unconscious. He was breathing but had been seriously injured. Scott Williams called an ambulance and briefly returned to his workplace to get help as Boucher remained at the scene of the collision with Mr Chaplin. Paramedics and police later arrived and took over Mr Chaplin's treatment but despite their best efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene. A cause of death was later given as multiple traumatic injuries. Police officers attended Boucher's workplace, where he had been told to go by those at the scene, and he was arrested. He told officers "I lost control of the car" and confirmed he was driving over the speed limit. He did not respond to his arrest and caution but he later said: "What have I done, I'm sorry." Following the guilty verdicts, Judge Vanessa Francis thanked the jury for their service. And the judge told Boucher he would be receiving a custodial sentence but remanded the defendant on bail while a pre-sentence report is prepared and to allow for him to put his affairs in order. The defendant will appear at the same court on June 23 for sentencing.
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Wales Online
Driver was trying to show off. He ended up causing the death of an innocent man
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A dangerous driver killed a dog walker after taking a bend at speed while "showing off" and losing control of his vehicle. The victim suffered multiple traumatic injuries and died at the roadside. Motorist Daniel Boucher, 28, struck and killed David Chaplin, 66, after his red Peugeot 207 left the road as he failed to negotiate a left bend. The car rolled onto its side and struck Mr Chaplin who was later found unconscious on a grass verge. The defendant, of New Road, Argoed, Caerphilly, was found guilty on Friday of causing death by dangerous driving after a trial at Cardiff Crown Court, reports can sign up for all the latest court stories here Boucher had denied this charge and had pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving but this plea was rejected by the jury. Prosecutor Owen Williams said the defendant worked for a window cleaning firm based in Nelson, Caerphilly and was leaving the premises at Whitebeam industrial estate at around 5.10pm on April 18, 2023 when the collision occurred. (Image: John Myers) The defendant had been speaking to colleague Scott Williams about his Peugeot 207 and his love for cars. He had told Mr Williams his Peugeot was "turbo-charged" and had brake horsepower between 165 and 170. Upon leaving the industrial estate, Boucher repeatedly revved his engine for no apparent reason, with Mr Williams suggesting the defendant was "showing off". He revved his engine again as he left the industrial estate with Scott Williams following on behind. On reaching a junction onto Ty Du Road, Boucher took a left at speed and accelerated as he made the turn. Prosecutor Mr Williams said the defendant was travelling "way too fast" to negotiate the bend. At this point, Mr Chaplin was walking two dogs in the opposite direction of Boucher's car as the defendant took the left bend and "oversteered". This caused his rear tyres to lose grip, and the vehicle slid sideways across the road towards the pavement. The Peugeot mounted the pavement while sideways at an angle and collided with a lamppost, causing the vehicle to flip onto its side and come to a stop on a grass verge on the driver's side. Scott Williams ran to help Boucher and opened the passenger door to help him climb out of the vehicle. He was in a state of shock and had an injury to his head. The men then saw Mr Chaplin lying on his back on the grass verge and he was unconscious. He was breathing but had been seriously injured. Scott Williams called an ambulance and briefly returned to his workplace to get help as Boucher remained at the scene of the collision with Mr Chaplin. Paramedics and police later arrived and took over Mr Chaplin's treatment but despite their best efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene. A cause of death was later given as multiple traumatic injuries. Police officers attended Boucher's workplace, where he had been told to go by those at the scene, and he was arrested. He told officers "I lost control of the car" and confirmed he was driving over the speed limit. He did not respond to his arrest and caution but he later said: "What have I done, I'm sorry." Following the guilty verdicts, Judge Vanessa Francis thanked the jury for their service. And the judge told Boucher he would be receiving a custodial sentence but remanded the defendant on bail while a pre-sentence report is prepared and to allow for him to put his affairs in order. The defendant will appear at the same court on June 23 for sentencing. Find crime figures for your area
