Latest news with #EastHighSchool
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
DMPS dedicates Stop the Bleed program to Doug Richardson
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Public School district is honoring its former public safety manager Doug Richardson, who died unexpectedly earlier this year. 'Though Doug is no longer with us, the lessons he taught and the memories we shared will remain etched in our hearts forever,' Melissa Abbott, health services manager at DMPS, said. 'I am proud to announce this is the first cabinet that has been hung at East High School, district-wide, in remembrance of Doug Richardson.' That first cabinet is part of the district's Stop the Bleed program. Richardson worked with Abbott to equip schools with Stop the Bleed kits in case of an emergency. He was also instrumental in adding Narcan and AEDs to the district's more than 60 buildings and vehicles. Julie Stauch announces run for Iowa governor Richardson's passion for public and school safety was evident throughout his career. Friends and family say Monday's dedication was a fitting tribute for him to forever be remembered at East High. 'East, I would say, was the biggest challenge to keep safe. And if there was one thing about him, he would never back down from a challenge,' Meegan Richardson, Doug's daughter, said. 'He always wanted to go straight into the problem and find a solution that benefited everyone.' East High School Principal Jill Versteeg said Richardson was always focused on the safety of students and staff. 'He would always take the chance to sit down and talk with staff members if they had concerns or they weren't sure why a policy was in place or why a system was in place,' Versteeg said. 'He was kind of my right hand to be able to do that and explain those after some pretty tragic events here.' A federal grant is helping the school district buy 184 kits to equip buildings and athletic facilities. Metro News: DMPS dedicates Stop the Bleed program to Doug Richardson Celebrated comedian bringing 2025 tour to Des Moines this fall Virtual reality arcade at Merle Hay Mall faces harsh reality How some DSM residents conserve water after CIWW reduction use request Riders share style and stories, Coolest Bike in Town show Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Final defendant sentenced in 2022 fatal shooting outside East High
DES MOINES, Iowa — A painful chapter in Des Moines' history is coming to a close with the sentencing of the final defendant in a deadly drive-by shooting outside East High School in 2022. The Polk County Attorney's Office said Nyang Mai Chamdual was sentenced to life in prison on Friday. Because of his age at the time of the shooting, 14, he will have the possibility of parole. He previously pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and has been held at the Boys State Training School in Eldora. He turns 18 next month. Previous stories: Deadly East High School shooting Chamdual was one of 10 teens charged in the March 7, 2022 shooting that killed 15-year-old Jose Lopez and injured Kemery Ortega and Jessica Lopez Torres. The three were outside of East High School when shots were fired from three passing vehicles. The Polk County Attorney's Office says Chamdual fired a .38 revolver from the back seat of a Ford F-150 truck in the incident. During sentencing, Chamdual's attorney Van Plumb argued for leniency for his client and said he had made 'tremendous leaps and bounds toward his rehabilitation,' and that 'He's a changed man.' Chamdual received his high school diploma while incarcerated. In the end, Chief Judge Michael Huppert sentenced Chamdual to life in prison with the possibility of parole. He applauded Chamdual's progress but said it did not balance the scales of his actions. Huppert did not set a mandatory minimum sentence, leaving the decision on when Chamdual is released up to the Board of Parole. Chamdual must also pay restitution of $150,000 to Jose Lopez's estate. The Polk County Attorney's Office provided a summary of the other defendants and their dispositions, along with their current age: Alex Santiago Perdomo, 18, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, because he was a juvenile at the time of the crime. Romeo Perdomo, 20, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, because he was a juvenile at the time of the crime. Octavio Lopez Sanchez Jr., 20, was sentenced to 70 years in prison in January 2024. He had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of willful injury. Daniel Hernandez, 21, was sentenced to 60 years in prison. He had pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and two counts of willful injury causing a serious injury. He was a juvenile at the time of the shooting. Henry David Valladares Amaya, 21, was sentenced to 50 years in prison. He had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of willful injury causing serious injury. He was a juvenile at the time of the shooting. Manuel De Jesus Buezo, 20, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of willful injury causing serious injury. He was a juvenile at the time of the shooting. Braulio Damien Hernandez-Salas, 20, pleaded guilty to two charges of intimidation with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Kevin Isidro Martinez, 19, pleaded guilty to two counts of intimidation with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Gumaro Marquez-Jacobo, 21, was sentenced to a four-year suspended sentence. He had pleaded guilty to one count of accessory after the fact, one count of person ineligible to carry a dangerous weapon, and one count of providing a pistol or revolver to a person under 21. Final defendant sentenced in 2022 fatal shooting outside East High DMPD seeks help to find missing teen with medical condition Superheroes coming to Iowa for Des Moines Con Golf greats aim at record lows while Principal Charity Classic hopes for record high in giving Supportive housing Monarch Apartments has positive impact in first few months after opening Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
2025 graduation ceremonies for Sioux City Community School District
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — This week, all three high schools in the Sioux City Community School District are set to hold graduation ceremonies for their seniors. North High School will have their ceremony on Tuesday. West high school is expected to have their graduation on Wednesday, and East High School will hold their ceremony on Thursday. Story continues below Top Story: 11th annual Thunder on the Missouri rides on Lights & Sirens: Dickinson Co officials looking for possible suspect Sports: Local Iowa high school state track and field highlights and results (5-23-25) Weather: Get the latest weather forecast here All the graduations will take place at 7 p.m. at the Tyson Events Center. Doors will open an hour before the ceremony starts. Those attending the graduations are not allowed to have items such as alcohol, illegal drugs, and weapons. Events center officials stated only one, clear bag is permitted per person. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Salt Lake City School District issues first of $730M school improvement bonds
The Salt Lake City School District has initiated the first steps toward a massive overhaul of its high schools, following a vote last year. District officials announced Wednesday that they've issued the first series of bonds tied to the $730 million bond that residents approved in the 2024 election. The bond was proposed to fund plans to rebuild West and Highland high schools, as well as support other projects like a 'modern' new athletic field house at East High School and sustainability projects throughout the district. Officers added that the first issuance follows recent meetings with Fitch Ratings and Moody's Investor Services over the bond market. Both agencies affirmed the district's AAA bond rating following reviews of the proposed projects, the district's financial operations, and the local economy. AAA is the highest credit rating available, signaling the least amount of risk, as noted by the bond agencies. It allows the district to borrow at the lowest possible interest rate. 'This is a win for our students, our schools and our taxpayers,' said Salt Lake City School District Superintendent Elizabeth Grant in a statement. 'We know Salt Lakers are facing rising costs in nearly every area of their lives. Thanks to our district's history of strong financial management, we can make critical investments in our facilities while minimizing the financial impact on our community.' Construction of a rebuilt West High School is on pace to begin in March of 2026, according to the district. The $300 million project is expected to take five to seven years to complete. Highland High School's rebuild is also expected to cost $300 million, but construction isn't expected to take as long. The district anticipates breaking ground on the project next spring, with completion expected in 2030. Construction on East High School's new field house is expected to begin sometime after that, likely two to three years after construction begins at the other schools. The $40 million project is tentatively expected to be completed in 2030. The remaining $82 million in project costs will be allocated toward a student-led Sustainability Resolution that the school board adopted in 2020. The money will go toward new solar panels and electric heat pumps at facilities, enabling the district to achieve its goal of using 100% clean energy by 2030 and becoming 100% carbon neutral by 2040. The district estimates that projects will begin this fall and continue through 2029. The bond received 61% of the vote from Salt Lake City's residents in November 2024. Property tax increases related to the bond will begin appearing on tax notices in August, district officials wrote on a project website. The increase is expected to raise district property taxes by $38.33 per year, or $3.19 per month, for every $100,000 in home value, which equates to $220.80 per year for the median homeowner. Businesses will also receive an increase of $67.70 per year, or $5.81 per month, for every $100,000 in value. Still, district officials say landing the AAA bond rating should help taxpayers save 'millions' in future interest payments over the life of the issued bonds. 'This is an external recognition of Salt Lake City School District's long-standing practice of sound financial management and wise long-term planning,' said Alan Kearsley, business administrator for the Salt Lake City School District. 'We are proud to be able to save our taxpayers money as we begin selling the bonds approved by our community last November.'
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rush, Monella in race to replace retiring magisterial district judge in Erie's 1st Ward
Two Erie residents with extensive backgrounds in helping people are seeking to become the next magisterial district judge representing residents in a portion of the city's east side. Christine Rush, 59, and Paul "P.J." Monella, 32, are running to fill a position currently held by Sue Mack, who has served as 1st Ward district judge since first appointed in 2001 and who is retiring at the end of the year after completing her fourth term. Monella has cross-filed and is seeking the Democratic and Republican nominations in the May 20 municipal primary, while Rush is seeking the Democratic nomination. District judges serve six-year terms. The annual salary of a magisterial district judge in Pennsylvania was set at $113,713 effective Jan. 1. Rush, married and the mother of four children and eight grandchildren, is a graduate of East High School and the former Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, now part of PennWest. She is the longtime district director for State Rep. Patrick Harkins, D-1st Dist., overseeing the first legislative district office, and is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. sorority (Mu Nu Omega chapter). Rush said she has dedicated her life to community service and public advocacy. She has served as chair of Erie's Fifth Ward Juvenile Diversion Program, chair of the Pittsburgh-based Project Impact juvenile diversion program, past assistant cheer coach and parent representative for the R. Benjamin Wiley Community Charter School and a frequent celebrity guest reader in schools and mentor to young women across the state. Rush said she has utilized her role as past chair of the Greater Erie Community Action Committee to improve the board's planning and operations and aided in maintaining the agency's overall integrity and vital service delivery during the pandemic. As vice-chair of the Erie County Land Bank, Rush said she assisted in brokering a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to rebuild underserved communities. Those experiences, Rush said, make her uniquely situated for the position of district judge, as it takes a community member and leader who has a relationship with the community to address its needs. If elected, Rush said she will work with community partners to address truancy and support a juvenile diversion program for first-time juvenile offenders of nonviolent crimes. She said she believes and has experienced first-hand that addressing the challenges youth experience earlier in their lives supports their mental health and general well-being, which in turn helps guide youth through their life on a supported path. Rush said she has received the endorsement of community organizations including the General Teamsters Local 397, Women The Future PAC and Erie County United. Monella, who is married and has two stepchildren, is a graduate of Penn State University and George Washington University. He has served as regional government affairs director for the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and chief executive officer for the Greater Erie Board of Realtors and is presently chief of staff for State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-3rd Dist. Monella said he is running for district judge because he wants to help people, as he does every day in his current role as Bizzarro's chief of staff. He said he is a problem-solver, leading the busiest legislative office in Pennsylvania by cutting red tape for people throughout the state, and his aim is to offer the same kind of attitude and work ethic while sitting on the bench. He said he will offer solutions to solve problems, reduce recidivism and apply common sense. Monella said the most important quality in a judge is being able to determine the difference between a bad person and a person having a bad day. He said he possesses the necessary skills to effectively listen and communicate with individuals, the professional temperament and demeanor required by judges to be successful, and the necessary critical thinking and analytical skills required to sit on the bench. Monella additionally points to his management experience that will help in managing court staff and working with court administration, noting that he now manages a staff of five and previously managed a budget of over $750,000. If elected, Monella said he would like to work with the Erie County Court of Common Pleas to create a Teen Court where a judge sits on the bench but young people serve as prosecutors and defense attorneys for low-level juvenile offenders, with their peers ultimately deciding their consequence. Once the consequence is completed, the offense would be removed from the person's record, he said. Monella said he would also like to establish an Erie City Housing Court with the city to specifically address landlord-tenant issues, with a few judges trained to specialize in that area. He said this would provide consistency in landlord-tenant matters and alleviate the workload of other judges, saving time and taxpayer money. Contact Tim Hahn at thahn@ Follow him on X @ETNhahn. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: District judge race in Erie's 1st Ward: Rush, Monella seek election
