Latest news with #CurtisJohnson
Epoch Times
3 days ago
- General
- Epoch Times
Orange County Summer Events Showcase Community Spirit
From farm fields to airfields, it's been busy and interesting in Orange County! Let's start with Curtis Johnson's journey. Curtis is a U.S. Army veteran, a fifth-generation dairy farmer, and now the brewmaster behind Long Lot Farm Brewery in Chester, which is featured in my most recent 'NeuCast.' Curtis took his family's long-standing dairy farm and gave it a fresh twist, turning it into one of Orange County's favorite farm-to-pint spots. From serving our country to serving craft beer, his story is all about hard work, reinvention, and keeping local traditions alive in a whole new way. Long Lot is a small, family business with big goals and a big heart, and I'm happy to highlight this great spot! If you are interested, I have hosted 24 episodes of 'NeuCast' (a fun twist on 'podcast'), featuring businesses and people all over the county. If you haven't tuned in yet, you can catch them all on YouTube at You'll get to meet some incredible neighbors and discover places you never knew that are right in our backyard. I truly enjoy meeting these folks who work hard and make our county such a wonderful place! Another thing that makes our Orange County special is the National Purple Heart Museum. We recently celebrated National Purple Heart Day, which is more than just a date on the calendar; it's an opportunity to honor those who have served with distinction and reflect on the sacrifices they've made. The Purple Heart was created right here in the county, and the Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor is a must-visit. If you've never been there, take some time to explore its history and the powerful stories behind those who've received this decoration. Staying on the topic of history, I had the privilege of attending the 158th Annual Picnic and Bull Family Reunion at the historic Stonehouse in Campbell Hall with my good friend and public servant, Orange County Clerk Kelly Eskew. The Bull family's story is a local legend. They are descendants of William Bull and Sarah Wells, who married in Goshen in 1718. They raised 12 children and planted seeds for a family tree that's still flourishing more than 300 years later. The reunion is a beautiful reminder of how strong family ties and community traditions can be. If you're a history buff, you can learn more at Speaking of strong communities, National Night Out was a tremendous success this year. More than 13 communities across the county hosted K9 demonstrations, emergency vehicle displays, community group exhibits, kids' activities, and even bands and tug of wars. Neighborhoods across the county (and the country) came together to connect with each other and our first responders. Thank you to our police, fire, EMS, and all who work tirelessly to keep Orange County safe. As we soak up these remaining summer days, a quick reminder to be wary of mosquitoes, which can be dangerous to you and your family. Please take a few extra minutes before heading out to protect yourself. Wear repellent, drain standing water, and be mindful when you're outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn. Of course, summer isn't just about safety, it's also about fun! Mark your calendars for the New York Air Show on Aug. 23 and 24 at Orange County Airport. This world-class event will feature the F-22 Raptor, P-51 Mustang, a NORAD Intercept Demo, Cyberbeast vs. Mustang race, Mark Meredith's aerobatics, and so much more. Get more details and your tickets at and prepare to be wowed. Be sure to put taking in our beautiful outdoor spaces, especially the many parks across our vast county, on your list of things to do before summer ends. Perhaps I'll see you around the county soon—at a farm, a festival, a historic site, or watching jets roar overhead!
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
Friends say it's like ‘losing a brother' after bounty hunter killed in Stockbridge shooting
Stockbridge police are investigating the shooting death of a bounty hunter. Officers found 46-year-old bail recovery agent, Curtis Johnson, shot to death at an apartment in Stockbridge. 'My heart was shattered. It was like losing a brother,' Daniel Dubee told Channel 2's Audrey Washington on Friday. Dubee said he learned of the passing of Johnson, his former partner and friend, this week. 'That day he was doing what we do just about every time we go out, you know. We went to go execute a warrant,' Dubee said. TRENDING STORIES: Jaywalking led to 2 officers being shot, suspect killed during shootout at Fulton County motel FSU shooting victims identified by families as dining coordinator, food service vendor Aimee Michael was sentenced to 36 years after killing 5 people. She has been paroled after 14 Stockbridge police said they got the call around noon on Wednesday. When they arrived at the Southwinds Point Apartments they said they found one person shot dead outside an apartment and another deceased in the bedroom. The medical examiner identified Curtis Johnson as one victim and 30-year-old Edward Atkins as the other victim. 'It's just devastating,' Dubee said. Right now, police are looking into what led up to the shooting. Neighbors shared pictures of the scene with Washington. The pictures showed a door off its hinges and bullet holes in the wall. Dubee said he believes Johnson was cautious and professional while executing the warrant. 'He was courageous, he was fearless, and safety was always number one to him,' Dubee said. Dubee set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for the funeral expenses. 'We are humbled by the support we've gotten from the community,' Dubee added.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Special election in Roseville-Shoreview district will decide control of Minnesota House
A Tuesday special election will determine whether the Minnesota House is tied between the parties or keeps a Republican majority. Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate David Gottfried and GOP candidate Paul Wikstrom are vying for a vacant seat in House District 40B, which includes Roseville and Shoreview. Republicans have had a one-seat advantage in the House since the legislative session started in January. While the November election delivered a 67-67 tie, Curtis Johnson, the DFLer who won in District 40B, didn't take the seat after Wikstrom successfully challenged his residency in court. That gave the GOP a one-seat majority, though the threshold to pass bills is 68, meaning they can't pass bills without DFL support. Under a power-sharing agreement that ended a weeks-long DFL boycott of the legislative session, Republicans are currently in control of the speakership and committees. If Gottfried wins, a 67-67 tie returns to the House, and the parties are set to enter a power-sharing agreement where they'll split control of committees. Republicans will keep control of the speakership and a new committee they created aimed at addressing fraud in state government. District 40B, which includes parts of Roseville and Shoreview, strongly leans Democratic. In the November election, Curtis Johnson won 65% of the vote in the district compared to Republican opponent Paul Wikstrom's 35%. Both candidates live in Shoreview. Gottfried, who works at a law firm helping low income clients access legal services, said his top issues include lowering the cost of prescription drugs, defending paid family and medical leave and boosting funding for education. Wikstrom, who has a background in engineering, is campaigning on fighting fraud and waste in state government and boosting public safety. Republicans have had a one-seat edge for a little longer than originally expected. In late December, Gov. Tim Walz had called for the special election to happen on Jan. 28, but the state Supreme Court said that was too soon. The special election's winner could be seated as soon as next Monday. Polls opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday and close at 8 p.m. Check back for results on Politics | Former Minnesota Sen. Melisa López Franzen to run for U.S. Senate in 2026 Politics | Control of Minnesota House depends on Roseville area special election Tuesday Politics | Economic 'uncertainty' drives down Minnesota's surplus, grows projected future deficit Politics | Minnesota lawmakers assess possible impacts of congressional Republican budget plan Politics | Minnesota House bill to ban transgender athletes from girls' sports fails
CBS News
11-03-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
See results for Tuesday's Minnesota House District 40B special election
Local News MINNEAPOLIS — Voters are going to the polls Tuesday for a Twin Cities metro state House seat that will determine the balance of power in the chamber. The election will conclude a political saga that's lasted months and ended up in court. DFL candidate Curtis Johnson won the House District 40B general election in November, but a judge then ruled in December he couldn't take the oath of office because he didn't live in the district, giving the GOP a one-seat advantage, at least temporarily, until there was a replacement to represent constituents there. That means this district, which covers Shoreview and Roseville, will have an outsized impact beyond its borders. If Democrat David Gottfried wins, the chamber will return to a 67 to 67 tie, but if Republican Paul Wikstrom prevails, the GOP will have a true one-seat majority, allowing them to advance their agenda without Democrats' support. Polls close at 8 p.m.
Washington Post
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Special election to determine if Minnesota House control is tied or locks in GOP majority
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A special election in a Minnesota House district at the center of a post-election drama to control the chamber will decide whether control will be tied between Democrats and Republicans, or if the GOP locks in a narrow but workable majority. The election in heavily Democratic House District 40B in the northern St. Paul suburbs of Roseville and Shoreview was scheduled after a state court ruled that Democratic state Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson failed to meet residency requirements. That disrupted an expected 67-67 tie in the House and led to the collapse of a power-sharing agreement between the two parties after Republicans decided to capitalize on their unexpected majority, prompting a three-week Democratic boycott of the chamber.
