Latest news with #Dent
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Striking poppy display to line city's famous pier
Thousands of knitted poppies are expected to turn a city's famous pier into a striking remembrance memorial. The display will run the entire 1.33-mile (2.14km) length of Southend Pier in Essex from 5-16 November. People have been invited to donate their creations by the end of September. Labour city councillor Matt Dent said it would be a "truly memorable" commemoration. The display would culminate with a "dramatic installation at the pier's selfie signpost", Southend-on-Sea City Council said. Crafters of all skills were encouraged to get involved, with Dent hoping it would instil "a sense of civic pride". He added: "As well as being a poignant tribute, I expect the display will give a welcome boost to tourism and visitor numbers on the pier during the quieter off-peak season." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Much-loved biker event makes comeback Rundown playgrounds will be spruced up with £1m Seafront celebrates first City Day festival Southend-on-Sea City Council
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A promise fulfilled
May 21—OLYMPIA — Washington farmers were promised fuel exemptions from the state's Climate Commitment Act, and four years after its initial passage, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1912, which facilitates fuel exemptions for farmers under the CCA. "Washington's agriculture is among the best in the world because of the hard work of Washington farmers," Governor Ferguson said in a statement. "Our agricultural industries operate on thin margins, and they can't afford to pay unnecessary fees." The bill's sponsor, Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, emphasized the necessity of the legislation as an important support mechanism for Washington's agricultural community, which continues to face mounting operational challenges. "The legislature promised our agricultural industry this exemption when the Climate Commitment Act was originally passed," Dent said. "It was time we honored that promise to make it easier for farmers to access lower-cost fuel and lower the costs of fuel for our farmers." History The Climate Commitment Act was signed into law in 2021, establishing stringent targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Within this broad environmental framework, the act included exemptions for agricultural producers and transporters regarding fuel-related fees. Currently, an agricultural producer can apply for a rebate run by the Washington State Department of Licensing for up to $4,500. That amount for many farmers was much less than they lost from the CCA fee. However, despite the available exemptions, accessing exempt fuel proved to be significantly complicated in practice. "The formula for figuring out the rebate program was so difficult and complicated for no reason, I know I am not the only person who couldn't figure it out," Dent said. Farmers found it challenging to navigate the complexities associated with obtaining exemption certificates, Dent said, exacerbated further by various logistical hurdles in the supply chain. "Farming is a tough place to be in," Dent said. "We put in an additional tax on farmers, which is just killing them. Even though we put together a rebate program, the rebate program wasn't working very well. It was difficult. It's hard to get people that are already up to their eyeballs busy to do something like that." Under the CCA, agricultural fuel users are exempt from compliance fees if they can provide the necessary documentation. This requirement, however, entailed a cumbersome application process that often deterred farmers from taking full advantage of the benefits, according to Dent. As a result, many farmers were left paying additional fees on their fuel purchases, further squeezing their already tight profit margins, Dent explained. This prompted calls for legislative action to simplify the process. "Most farmers don't sit on a computer every day," Dent said. "This was not necessarily easy for them to do. Some use more technology than others, but it still challenges them to do that, especially in a time where their time is so limited. The idea around this bill was to give them their ongoing exemptions for agricultural fuel that they don't have to pay. They don't have to pay the fee, the tax at all, now." Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, said she remembers fighting for the agriculture fuel exemptions in the Senate when the CCA was being passed. However, like Dent, she felt like the system that was in place was not working for farmers. "Part of that promise was that agriculture would not be impacted by the increase in gas prices or fuel prices," Warnick said. "That didn't hold true." New law House Bill 1912 addresses these barriers by mandating the Washington Department of Ecology to create a comprehensive online directory for retailers selling exempt fuel. The bill also clarifies which types of fuels — gasoline, diesel, biodiesel and propane — are eligible for exemption under the CCA. The exemption is extended for an additional two years, maintaining it until Dec. 31, 2029, enabling further access to a relief mechanism that many farmers have found essential. "Agriculture, it's very hard," Dent said. "To give them some relief on taxes, and then the whole idea was to get it where they wouldn't pay the tax and then get a rebate two or three or four months later. If it's 50 cents a gallon and you bought 20,000 gallons of fuel. It adds up quickly. We didn't want them to have to wait on that money." The legislation has been positively received across party lines, passing the House with a vote of 93-4 and the Senate unanimously. "Well, every little bit helps," Warnick said. "It really does. I think it depends on how many farmers actually apply for this or are paid for fuel usage. I'm hoping it'll have an easier impact than it has been. It was too difficult. It was kind of a complicated process, and so hopefully this will make it a lot easier." Dent noted that the bipartisan support stemmed from a collective recognition of the vital role agriculture plays in Washington's economy. The positive response from the agricultural community underscores the desire for collaborative solutions that support farmers and acknowledge their contributions, he said. "I'm excited because the legislature and governor have recognized the importance of agriculture and the fact that they really need the help," Dent said. "They need financial help, and we finally got it." As the bill establishes clearer guidelines for fuel exemptions, it is also designed to simplify the process for obtaining exempt fuel, thus alleviating some of the financial strain on farmers. Under the new structure, farmers will be able to reference the online directory created by the Department of Ecology to find local sellers of exempt fuel more easily—an approach that Dent said will directly benefit the agricultural sector. Looking forward While House Bill 1912 marks an important moment for Washington farmers, Rep. Dent expressed that this initiative is only the beginning. "I don't think I'm finished with this yet, but that being said, I need a year, and perhaps two years, to see how this thing unfolds," Dent said. "Now begins more work with and also the success of the Climate Commitment Act." He has plans to work on further improvements beyond the lifespan of this legislation, potentially extending exemptions indefinitely. "We have to keep the momentum going," Dent said, elaborating on the need for continuous legislative efforts to support agricultural producers in a rapidly changing economic environment. "Agriculture is a community endeavor, and it's imperative we fortify our systems to ensure they thrive." Another piece, Dent said, he would like to see returned is a fuel exemption for natural gas for the agricultural industry. "We use natural gas in different areas, like they use them in greenhouses and things like that," Dent said. "I would like that back there, too. You take small bites. Did I get everything I wanted? No, but I view it as a big win. We're just going to continue on to see if we can add to it." As various pieces of legislation intersect with agricultural practices, continued advocacy for farmer support remains paramount, he said. "This is not a new thing, and I think we have to be aware and support and strengthen our farm economy and our farmers, in general," Dent said. "One of the things that Franklin D. Roosevelt did, when he was president, that was when the cheap food policy came along. He put together a farm program to keep our farmers, hold our farmers up, keep them in business, because he knew how important it was that we grow our own food. I think it's really important that we grow our own food. We shouldn't depend on another country, when we have done it ourselves and can do it ourselves."
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WA farmers get their gas tax exemption. Ferguson signs key bill in Tri-Cities
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson reaffirmed that agriculture is exempt from fuel taxes related to the Climate Commitment Act at an unusual bill signing in Kennewick on Thursday. The Democrat signed 11 bills into law during a swing through the Tri-Cities. Typically, the governor signs bills passed by lawmakers in a conference room outside his office in Olympia. But Ferguson said it was important to visit communities around the state. The bills signed reflect East side priorities, none more pressing that sorting through the confusion that led to farmers paying fuel charges despite being exempt. The ag fuel exemption has been a priority for the industry since Washington implemented its Climate Commitment Act in 2023. The act aims to curb the state's greenhouse gas emissions and included a cap-and-trade system to raise money to invest in sustainable industry. Agriculture was supposed to be exempt. In reality, farmers paid the fees on both gasoline and diesel and had to apply for rebates. The problem was particularly acute for small farmers who fuel up at retail stations, according to Capital Press. Cap-and-trade fees raise costs at the pump as distributors pass the costs on to both gasoline and diesel customers. Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, sponsored a fix. Co-sponsors include Tri-Cities Republican Reps. Stephanie Barnard and April Connors. The bill, officially Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No 1912, exempts fuel used both on- and off the farm from climate commitment fees. It also directs the state Department of Ecology to identify locations where ag operators may purchase exempt fuel, rather than applying for rebates later. Dent served as co-chair for Ferguson's agricultural subcommittee as he transitioned into office. He said the incoming governor pledged to support his work to address the fuel charge problem. Dent traveled to the Tri-Cities to stand next to the governor as he signed the bill. The fuel tax bill was a 'heavy lift,' Dent said. 'The governor kept his word.' Ferguson called it a 'great' bill and said he was pleased to honor the Climate Commitment Act's promise to exempt agriculture from the fees. The bill passed 93-4 in the House in March and 49-0 in the Senate on April 16. Ferguson signed 10 other bills at a crowded ceremony hosted by the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC). Senate Bill 5543. The bill, sponsored by Tri-Cities Republican Sen. Matt Boehnke, expands eligibility for college scholarships. House Bill 1253 allowing public utilities to enter joint use agreements with private companies. House Bill 1258: The Spokane-focused bill clarifies how the city and county share fees for the regional 911 system. House Bill 1648 clarifies child care provider qualifications. House Bill 1934 redacts personally identifying information from certain records released under the Public Records Act. House Bill 936 makes it easier for retired school employees to work in schools Senate Bill 5305 provides additional time to carry out the Yakima River basin integration plan. Senate Bill 5323 enhances penalties related to the theft and possession of property stolen from first responders. Senate Bill 5485 extends the state's livestock identification program. Senate Bill 5682 concerns the state's employment training program.
USA Today
09-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jacksonville Jaguars have quarterback tryout in for rookie minicamp
Jacksonville Jaguars have quarterback tryout in for rookie minicamp Tennessee-Martin quarterback Kinkead Dent is the lone tryout player at Jaguars' rookie minicamp. Tennessee-Martin quarterback Kinkead Dent is the lone tryout player who was brought in for the Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie minicamp. Along with Dent, undrafted rookie signee Seth Henigan out of Memphis is the other quarterback on the rookie minicamp roster. During the pre-draft process, Dent measured in at just under 6-5 and weighed 213 pounds. He spent the last two seasons at Tennessee-Martin after being at Ole Miss from 2019 through 2022, where he had nine pass attempts. As a starter over these last two seasons, Dent has completed 56% of his passes at 7.1 yards per attempt with 46 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. His production in Year 2 took a big jump across the board, including efficiency and in generating big plays. At the FCS level in 2024, Dent ranked 16th in yards per pass attempt, 21st in touchdown passes, and was 12th in big-time throws, according to PFF. Already on the roster at quarterback beyond Trevor Lawrence and Nick Mullens, the Jaguars have Henigan and John Wolford. The Jaguars' 91-man roster is currently at full capacity. Wolford has experience in Liam Coen's system, while obviously the Jaguars like Henigan because they prioritized signing him after the NFL draft.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fans Saddened by Death of PGA Tour Legend and HBCU Trailblazer at 85
While we often celebrate the athletes who shine brightest in sports, we sometimes forget those who paved the way—especially when the odds were stacked against them. On May 2, former PGA Tour star and trailblazer Jeff Dent passed away at the age of 85. The news was shared by his grandson in a heartfelt Facebook post. Advertisement "I'm grateful I was able to have you as my grandfather... until the next time, Chinababy. Thank you for the foundation," wrote Dent's grandson, Andre. The PGA Tour later confirmed that Dent had suffered a stroke, just one day after it was announced that Tiger Woods would design a par-3 course at 'The Patch'—a course in Georgia where Dent spent much of his time golfing over the years. One of the greatest golfers of all time, Gary Player, responded to the news this week with a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter): 'Jim Dent was one of the finest gentlemen I've ever met. I was very surprised to hear that he passed away because I spoke to him just last week. Having met his son, who is a wonderful young man, he got Jim on the phone, and we were able to catch up. Jim's family can be proud of such a great gentleman and a wonderful golfer—an incredible talent whom I admired. He will be missed very much. Sending my condolences to his family." Dent, known for his powerful drive off the tee, didn't earn his PGA Tour card until 1970, but his impact on the game remained immense. He helped create a path for African American golfers—many of whom had once been restricted to working as caddies—to compete professionally. His efforts opened doors for generations to come. Advertisement He is remembered not only as a pioneer, but as one of the finest Black golfers of his era, who had a tremendous career on the Champions Tour, winning 12 times after the age of 50. Golf fans reacted with sadness—but also immense pride—remembering Jeff Dent for his kindness, trailblazing spirit, and lasting impact on the game. "What a great guy. He came to the volunteer party every year for what was then the Allianz in West Des Moines and hung out with all the volunteers," a fan said. "I played with him multiple times and he was always a gentleman with serious game. His good deeds around Tampa will never be forgotten," another fan posted. Advertisement Someone else added, "A true loss to the golfing world and to all who knew him. Jim Dent carried himself with class both on and off the course. My deepest condolences to his family — may he rest in peace." One more fan commented, "Jim wasn't just a great golfer, he was the kind of man who made you feel better just by talking to him. Hearing about his passing is heartbreaking. Sending love and strength to his family." Jim Dent tees off on the 9th hole of the Raven course during the second round of the Boeing Championships at Sandestin.© Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images Jim Dent attended Paine College, a longtime HBCU in Augusta, Georgia. He faced significant hardship early in life—losing both of his parents by the age of 12—and was the fourth of six children. Advertisement His legacy lives on through his son, Jim Dent Jr., who currently serves as the head golf professional at The Patch, the same course where his father honed much of his game. "A lot of people will remember Jim Dent for how far he hit the ball, and he really did," said Miller Brady, president of the PGA Tour Champions. "Yet his long-term success, especially on our tour, proved Jim was more than just long off the tee." Related: PGA Tour Star to Miss Next 3 Majors After Revealing Devastating Injury News
