Latest news with #Choate
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
The late James Beaty takes home 2024 ONG Editorial Sweepstakes award
The late James Beaty, who served as the Managing Editor for The McAlester News-Capital, received posthumous honors as the 2024 ONG Editorial Sweepstakes Award winner. The award was presented Saturday, June 7 during the The Oklahoma Press Association's annual convention, hosted June 6-7 at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort in Shawnee, Oklahoma. ONG sponsors the contest and award. The contest takes place on a monthly basis and members of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame judge the monthly contests. At the end of the year, winners throughout the year are considered and an overall winner is selected as the sweepstakes award winner. The final selection for the ONG Sweepstakes Awards came from members of the Mississippi Press Association. Beaty won the award for his editorial titled 'McAlester Council shouldn't repeal the will of voters.' Ed Choate, publisher of The Muskogee Phoenix, presented the award. 'The winning writer said the McAlester council shouldn't repeal the will of voters after four city councilors repealed a quarter cent sales tax for a cancer treatment center that was already approved by a vote of the people,' Choate said when presenting the award. 'He wrote the quality of future cancer treatment for McAlester, and the surrounding area is at stake.' Judges said the 'editorial stood out among a dozen excellent entries.' 'It gave a complete picture of the problem, discussed it so everyone could understand it and gave a solution,' judges said. 'The fact it was so clearly presented made it a good choice as the best entry. Good job with letting the reader know the problem that needs correcting.' Choate said Beaty was 'one of our state's great reporters.' Beaty passed away in the summer of 2024. Beaty reported for the MN-C for more than 38 years and celebrated his 72nd birthday on May 3, 2024. He passed away May 12, 2024. The late award-winning journalist started his career in 1985 after graduating from East Central University in Ada. Beaty was also a graduate of Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton and Hartshorne High School. Beaty's writing over his career helped expose several issues related to corruption and nepotism in local governments that led to dismissals, resignations and even criminal charges against several individuals — earning him several state and national awards for his reporting. His weekly Ramblin' Round music column was a favorite, with his writings making their way onto music forums across the globe. His reporting lauded him into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2017. In August 2024, a portion of Kiowa Avenue in McAlester was renamed as James Beaty Avenue. McAlester News-Capital publisher Reina Owens accepted the award on behalf of Beaty's family, who were unable to attend the luncheon where the award was presented. 'James was a remarkable journalist and it was an honor to accept the award for him and his family,' Owens said. 'His absence in our newsroom is still felt today but his memory will live on.'
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hilton Head Christian Academy opens new school facility ahead of schedule
BLUFFTON, S.C. (WSAV) — Hilton Head Christian Academy (HHCA) officially opened its new 16,500-square-foot facility for students today. This new space was part of the school's plan after relocating to Bluffton four years ago. Originally expected to open for the 2025-2026 school year, the facility is now ready ahead of schedule. The $7.8 million project broke ground last April, with plans to open in the 2025 school semester. However, due to favorable conditions and support from community partners, the building was completed earlier than planned. 'This was one of the things that was, you know, envisioned to come down the road. And the combination of great partners, like Choate, Court Atkins and others, just God's grace with the weather and all the different things enabled the building to open a month or two early, which is amazing,' HHCA Head of School, Doug Langhals said. The new building is part of HHCA's Created to Soar campaign, which is designed to create more flexible, project-based learning environments. 'Whether it be learning suite styles that open up and close to bigger and smaller spaces, some open spaces, small group workspaces, indoor, outdoor, you'll see a lot of that is all designed to really enable that vision to come to fruition,' Langhals said. Junior Luke Williams, who is also the Student Council President, shared his excitement about the new facility. 'Myself and many of the students, think this building represents, you know, a lot of new opportunities for us,' Williams said. He added that the new design, including more natural light and updated seating, will make the space more enjoyable for students. 'It's the little things in my opinion, like the new seating for lunch, you know, the fact that there's more glass. I like to see the sun at school. So just stuff like that really makes me happy for the future and for my next year here.' The new facility is nearly fully funded, with 95% of the cost already covered. School officials are still looking for additional donations to help raise the remaining 5%. Despite this, the building is now open and ready for students to use. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cajun Claws reopens after destroyed from high-speed car chase
ABBEVILLE, La. (KLFY)– The popular crawfish restaurant is back open after being hit by a car in July. A high-speed chase ended as a car crashed into Cajun Claws, destroying the bar in the front of the building. The Choate family rebuilt what was destroyed of their family business with the help of their community. Their GoFundMe raised nearly $13,000. Jodi Choate said the crash was financially devastating, which concerned the Choate Family about the future their business and livelihoods. 'Financially for us it was scary,' Choate said. 'And it was going to be the end of our chapter. We didn't really want to end it on that note, and we said we are going to do it again.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now She said the community helped more than just monetarily. Choate said local carpenters, plumbers, customers and farmers helped as well. 'One of the farmer's wife…I was sitting in the back with Donnie, and she went up to Donnie,' Choate said. 'And she put something in his pocket, and he pulled it out. He says, like, 'No, I don't want this.'' Choate continued, 'She came to me and said, 'I just want you to know your husband paid more for years for my husband's crawfish. And we're at a point where we can help pay it forward.'' She said it feels good to be back and even better that they made it in time for crawfish season. 'It feels like I can breathe again,' Choate said. Cajun Claws were able to open their doors just in time for Mardi Gras season and business has been booming since because of the love of the community. Exclusive interview with UFC fighter Carli Judice Cajun Claws reopens after destroyed from high-speed car chase Carencro honors NFL champ, Kevin Faulk, with a new welcome sign Breaux Bridge Teen killed in shooting New Iberia hosts 11th annual Teche Plein Air competition Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sudbury restaurant serving Chinese and Japanese food didn't open March 5. What happened
SUDBURY — A Route 20 restaurant wasn't able to open for business on Wednesday after it experienced an overnight kitchen fire, according to Fire Chief Timothy Choate. Choate said he does not know how long Lotus Blossom, 394 Boston Post Road (Route 20), will remain closed. No one from the restaurant, which typically opens at 11:30 a.m., could be reached for comment on Wednesday. 'They will have to be closed for cleanup and repairs for the damage,' Choate said. The chief said firefighters responded to the Chinese and Japanese restaurant at 12:47 a.m. Wednesday after an alarm went off due to the business' fire suppression system being activated. Upon arrival, they found smoke coming from the building and once firefighters entered the building, they discovered fire in the kitchen, according to a Sudbury Fire Department press release. 'There will be no reopening': Lotus Flower restaurant in Framingham has closed The fire was quickly knocked down and no one was injured. Choate said the sprinkler system helped contain the fire until firefighters arrived. 'Last night, the system worked,' he said. 'What ended up happening is the fire suppression held the fire in check. Had it not operated as designed, the damage would have been much worse.' The Framingham and Wayland fire departments provided mutual aid at the scene, while Concord, Marlborough and Maynard provided station coverage. A portion of Boston Post Road remained closed for about an hour. Choate said all food in the restaurant had to be discarded, and that the town Building Department would determine when Lotus Blossom can reopen. No one from the Building Department could be reached on Wednesday. Lotus Blossom opened in 1991, according to its website. Its management said the restaurant "blends authentic recipes with contemporary influences" to "create modern dishes using traditional techniques and the finest quality ingredients." The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Sudbury Fire Department and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the state Fire Marshal's Office. Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@ For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Kitchen fire prevents Sudbury Chinese-Japanese restaurant from opening
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
5 Spring Vacation Destinations That Middle Class Families Can't Afford Anymore
Gone are the days when young families would pile into minivans and make the trek south on I-95 to visit the most magical place on Earth. A Disney World vacation has become cost-prohibitive for many middle-class families in 2025. Explore More: Trending Now: 4 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money A 'baseline' Disney World vacation at a value resort cost $6,865 for a family of four in 2024, as previously reported by GOBankingRates. However, it's not just the famed Mouse House that costs too much for an average middle-class family. Here are other destinations you might want to re-consider for a spring break getaway if you have a limited budget. Hawaii has always been considered a pricier excursion than mainland U.S. tourist destinations. But tourist fees proposed in 2024, along with an already-high 18% hotel tax, could make this tropical paradise cost-prohibitive in 2025. Tim Choate, founder and CEO of Inc. said that Oahu and Maui are most likely to increase in price. 'Demand has traditionally come from beautiful beaches, energetic local culture, and the idea of a perfect paradise. But rising luxury resorts, a levy on rental cars, and more flights from most major American cities help to guarantee that rates stay high.' Find Out: Aspen, Colorado, is another pricey U.S. destination that's more suited for luxury travelers than families seeking an affordable getaway. 'Rich visitors and celebrities today have turned Aspen and adjacent places into a playground for the well-to-do,' Choate said. 'Smaller middle-class families find themselves paying premium rates for lodging that is either too big for their requirements or just too expensive.' If you hope to escape the U.S. looking to find regions less affected by the inflation of recent years, you'll still need to comparison shop. Alonso Marly, travel expert at SkyLux Travel pointed out that islands like St. Bart have become spring break destinations 'for the rich and famous only.' Pointing out that accommodations can cost an average of $1,770 per night, the gourmet restaurants, world-class spas and exclusive nightclubs also drive up entertainment costs. 'It truly comes to life at night with its beach parties and exclusive nightclubs welcoming A-list celebrities and some of the world's wealthiest people,' he said. That makes it hard to find an affordable resort in the region for a budget-friendly spring break. Marbella, Spain, is a coastal city that used to attract families and students on spring break who were interested in its gorgeous beaches, sports activities and vibrant culture. Yet, Marly said, a typical vacation in the city could start at $5,000 per person, while luxury waterfront villas start at $2,500 for a week. 'While the Southern coast of Spain is still a popular choice for American spring breakers,' he said, 'most middle-class travelers now opt for more affordable coastal cities such as Malaga or Cadiz.' For decades, Mexico has been recognized as a relatively low-cost spring break destination. However, today, spring break prices in certain cities have skyrocketed, said Choate. 'Tulum in Mexico was originally a peaceful beach town where you could rent basic cabanas for $40 a night, but with the flood of boutique hotels, Instagram-famous yoga retreats, and high-end cuisine, Tulum's total cost might feel more in line with luxury U.S. resorts,' he said. More From GOBankingRates3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 Find Your State: The Best Banks of 2025 For Each State 9 Things You Must Do To Grow Your Wealth in 2025 This article originally appeared on 5 Spring Vacation Destinations That Middle Class Families Can't Afford Anymore
