Latest news with #Darin
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Freeport to replace non-compliant accessibility ramps over next decades
FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — The City of Freeport is undertaking an expensive, multi-decade project to bring accessibility ramps for disabled people in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). About 75% of the ramps in Freeport are not compliant with the act's regulations, according to Acting Public Works Director Darin Stykel. Freeport has over 1,800 ADA ramps. Each ramp costs around $20,000 to replace. 'The city of Freeport started approximately a year ago with a plan to evaluate all the ramps and accessibility needs within the city of Freeport and the right of ways,' Darin said. The city collected data and put it in a '.' 'We wanted to create the living documents that could be updated, and they'll always be a resource on the City Hall site, along with the policy and plan that we put together that gives a grievance process for anybody that feels like a ramp in their neighborhood might be not compliant or it can be fixed,' Darin said. The city is replacing some of the noncompliant ramps with federal and state funding, along with local road project funding. 'In the last three years, the City of Freeport has replaced about 322 ADA ramps. We have another 50 scheduled for this year,' said Darin. Megan Ebert, Youth Services Director for RAMP, a nonprofit disability service, said the changes will benefit those with disabilities. 'I think that whenever we have an opportunity to make our community more inclusive, we should take that opportunity. And it's really exciting that we're going to give everyone access to the goods and services that they need,' she said. Darin said replacing all of the accessibility ramps in Freeport will take time and money. 'We're targeting 25 years, based on the finances that will be required for this project. Currently, in 2025, we have about $25 million in ramps to replace. If we extrapolate that for the cost of inflation over the 25 years, that will climb to nearly $38 million,' he said. A majority of the funding will come from Freeport's 1% sales tax. 'This project is able to be funded and move forward because of the 1% sales tax that the city of Freeport took on,' he added. 'We wouldn't have the funding currently to replace ramps or even fixed streets if we didn't have that funding.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
2 days ago
- General
- Axios
As strawberry season ends, here's where you can still pick them in the Triangle
The waning days of spring — and with it, strawberry season — are upon us. Yes, but: If you haven't gotten around to picking your own strawberries, it's not too late. Driving the news: Strawberry season in North Carolina usually begins in April at the earliest and runs through late May or early June (if we're lucky). Among the farms that are still offering U-Pick, this might be one of the last weekends to do it. Here are some of the places where you can still pick your own strawberries in the Triangle as the season comes to a close. Pro tip: Check the farm's Facebook or Instagram or give them a call to confirm hours and ensure berry availability. And if you don't make it in time for strawberry picking, most farms offer other seasonal produce and ice cream. Of note: Hours are for strawberry season, and many farms change hours with the seasons. Porter Farms and Nursery has two locations, with one in Willow Spring (3525 NC Highway 42) and another in Raleigh (7615 Ten-Ten Road). Willow Spring hours: Monday through Friday 8:30am to 9pm, Saturday 8am to 9pm and Sunday 10am to 9pm Raleigh hours: Sunday through Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 7pm Bonus: The Willow Spring location offers ice cream year round. DJ's Berry Patch, named for Darin and his wife Jessica, is at 1223 Salem Church Road in Apex. Hours: Monday through Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 7pm and Sunday 11am to 7pm. Buckwheat Farm sells Bigfoot shirts, local honey, homemade jam and more alongside its strawberries at 2700 Holland Road in Apex Hours: Monday through Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm. Po Hous Farm, a fourth-generation farm, is in Apex at 2300 Richardson Road. Heeks Farms, which grows fruits and vegetables with sustainable farming practices, is near Durham at 3602 Hall Road, Rougemont. Hours vary, so check Facebook or Instagram or give them a call before you head that way. McAdams Farm is at the Carrboro Farmers Market Saturday mornings and at 1100 Efland Cedar Grove Road, Efland. Pace Family Farms, a Johnston County family farm just outside Archer Lodge, is at 12701 Buffalo Road, Clayton. WildSide Farm in Chapel Hill offers various U-pick options, from blackberries and strawberries to carrots and beets. Be sure to grab a ticket online before you go. Find the farm at 4001 Teer Road.
Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Milei beefs with Netflix star over price of a dozen empanadas
The price of empanadas – and the impact of Mr Javier Milei's policies on pocketbook issues – dominated headlines on May 26. PHOTO: REUTERS BUENOS AIRES - President Javier Milei and his finance chief criticised a globally known Argentine actor for complaining that the country's staple food was overpriced, stirring debate about how expensive Argentina has become in dollar terms. Mr Ricardo Darin, the award-winning star of Netflix science-fiction hit The Eternaut drew the administration's ire when he told a popular weekend dinner-show host he paid 48,000 pesos (S$54) for a dozen empanadas and questioned Mr Milei's latest tax measures meant to spur dollar spending. The government accused the actor of snobbery and making generalisations after buying a gourmet version of the savory pastry. The price of empanadas – and the impact of Mr Milei's policies on pocketbook issues – dominated headlines on May 26, a preview of what's to come as October midterm elections inch closer. 'There's a lot of people having a very hard time,' Mr Darin said May 24 on Mirtha Legrand's show. 'Empanadas aren't that expensive, Ricardito,' Economy Minister Luis Caputo shot back in a May 25 interview. 'People can eat good empanadas for 16,000 pesos,' Mr Caputo told La Nacion. 'I'm glad he can eat the most expensive ones.' Mr Milei joined in May 26, posting an AI-generated image of Mr Darin from an Instagram story holding a small gold empanada in a jewellery box. Empanadas – a classic takeout option in Argentina – range in price depending on size, ingredients and restaurant status. Mi Gusto, a popular chain on the higher end, sells a dozen for 47,900 pesos. But the median price for 12 in the city of Buenos Aires was 22,000, closer to Mr Caputo's estimate, according to data from the municipal government. Darin defended his remarks Monday when asked by a local television station. 'Of course there are empanadas of every kind – more expensive, cheaper, depending on the neighbourhood,' he told America TV. 'But it's clear what we're talking about. Prices are elevated. People know it.' The president's measures have forcefully tamed inflation, bringing monthly price hikes down to 2.8 per cent from a peak of 25.5 per cent when he took office. But in dollar terms, the peso has strengthened significantly since Milei took office. It was one of the five best-performing currencies around the world in 2024, gaining more than 40 per cent against the US dollar. For locals and foreigners alike that's also made Argentina home to the world's second most expensive Big Mac ($7) and Latin America's priciest cup of coffee ($3.50). Mr Milei's economy will a dominant ballot question in October's midterm vote, when Argentines will elect half of the House of Deputies and a third of the Senate. Investors are watching the election closely to see whether the country is willing to keep backing the libertarian economist in longer-term reforms. 'For the average voter, it's a blessing to be expensive in dollar terms because their buying power goes up,' said economist Martin Rapetti, founder of consultancy Equilibra. 'The thing is salaries in dollar terms went up a ton, but buying power fell.' Prices for some items in the Argentine capital, like the popular pastry, have increased faster than inflation. Empanada prices are up 240 per cent in the city since November 2023, compared with overall consumer price gains of 219 per cent over the same period. 'It is true that the price of empanadas exceeds cumulative inflation and I think it's owed mainly to the fact that the previous government either subsidized or otherwise stepped on food prices,' said Mr Sebastian Menescaldi, an economist at Buenos Aires-based consultancy EcoGo. Everything from wheat flour to milk received government subsidies under Mr Milei's predecessor, Mr Alberto Fernandez, while barriers to meat exports forced down local prices – all of which the libertarian president removed. Meanwhile, price increases since he took office have outpaced pay increases by 3.6 per cent, Mr Menescaldi calculated using the national statistics agency. 'People lost purchasing power,' he said. BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Joyful, kind person': Family of victim in deadly St. George crash speaks after 92-year-old woman dies
ST. GEORGE, Utah () — Last week, a while walking on the sidewalk. One of those pedestrians — a 92-year-old woman — has since . spoke to Dallas Richardson — a family member of the two pedestrians, who were identified as his uncle, Darin, and his grandmother — about what the aftermath of the crash means for the family. Dallas remembered his grandmother as 'a very joyful, kind person' who was willing to share advice with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He said that his uncle is 'doing better' and has left the hospital. 'It's going to take a while for him to heal,' Dallas told 'But, yeah, he's not in the hospital anymore and he can walk, which is good because at first he couldn't really move his arms or his legs when he was in the hospital after the accident.' PREVIOUSLY: New footage released of deadly St. George crash involving 92-year-old woman Dallas said his uncle needed to get staples in his head, and that his uncle lost some feeling in his arms and legs after breaking a bone in his neck. Dallas said he was shocked after learning that his uncle and grandma had been hit by a car — and he said his family has 'bad luck' with car crashes, as his father died after a car crash. He encouraged drivers and pedestrians to stay alert as best as they can. 'Just ensure that the streets are safe… for everybody,' Dallas said. 'I feel like if everyone just worked together on that, you know, we can make that happen.' Dallas helped set up a to help raise money for his grandmother's funeral costs, and to support the recovery of his uncle. Officials have not released any additional information about the crash. * is not affiliated with the online fundraiser or the organizers behind it. While this fundraiser is designated as 'donation protected' by GoFundMe, does not guarantee that any funds donated will be used for the person(s) named as beneficiaries of the fundraiser. Renisha Mall contributed to this report. 'Joyful, kind person': Family of victim in deadly St. George crash speaks after 92-year-old woman dies These are the key last-minute changes to Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' Two Israeli embassy staff members shot and killed near DC Jewish museum Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay dies at 65 High schoolers in Jordan School District install 'Buddy Benches' at elementary schools Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Box tree moth wreaking havoc in Southeast Michigan
The Brief Gardeners beware: a new invasive species is creating problems for Michigan plants in and around Metro Detroit. The Box Tree Moth likes to feed on boxwood plants, stripping the vegetation of its nutrients. The solution is a product called bacillus thuringiensis, according to a gardening manager at English Gardens. WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (FOX 2) - There's a new pest in town, and it's wreaking havoc on local gardeners and their boxwood plants. The box tree moth is the latest invasive species to create problems for Southeast Michigan, which already wrestles with dozens of other non-native plants and animals. Local perspective About five years ago, the box tree moth traveled from Europe to Canada. How it made its way across the Atlantic Ocean, and then into the U.S., is a mystery. Left to manage the growing fallout of a pest with no predators to keep it in check are the gardeners and landscapers of Southeast Michigan. First appearing in Washtenaw County in 2023, they have become a growing concern around Metro Detroit, targeting boxwood plants, including the popular bush homeowners use as a natural border on their property. According to one local garden manager, cases of box tree moths are climbing a lot - including nearly 30 people just this week. "We're seeing a big concentration in the Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield area right now," said Dean Darin of English Gardens. Big picture view In 2023, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development implemented a quarantine on boxwood shrubs due to the concern driven by the moth's emergence in Michigan. It's since expanded to 13 counties, including Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Lapeer, Livingston, Oakland, Jackson, Washtenaw, Wayne, Lenawee, Monroe, Macomb and St. Clair. Michigan State University worked with the state to develop an early-detection program for the box tree moth that made use of special traps. The university's science communication arm, MSU Extension, says the traps were hung along the perimeter of the quarantine area. What you can do Once a box tree moth's eggs hatch, the offspring feed on the plant, turning it from a vibrant green shrub into a faded plant with falling vegetation. According to Darin, the caterpillars hatch and feed on the leaves. "Once they hatch they'll be on the plant for a week before they start eating. If you see them, that's when it's time to spray. You're going to spray a product called BT or bacillus thuringiensis," said Darin. BT is a natural insecticide that stops the caterpillar but won't hurt the plant or the pets. It may feel satisfying to squash the caterpillars, but it won't make a difference. Each moth lays around 120 eggs. "Squishing them isn't going to help. You really want to kill them with the BT, that's the most effective way," said Darin. The Source Interviews with local experts and information from Michigan State University and MDARD was used while reporting this story.
