Latest news with #Gillespie
Global News
8 hours ago
- Global News
Trial begins for Markham man accused of crash that killed off-duty officer
Sitting in the front row of a fourth-floor courtroom in Newmarket on Monday, the mother of Travis Gillespie clutched her late son's forged cap, the police hat which the 38-year-old constable wore while in uniform with York Regional Police. Gillespie's family and friends lining the front row of the gallery. They were there for the opening day of the dangerous and impaired driving causing death trial for 26-year-old Haoju Zhou. Crown attorney Sean Doyle told Superior Court Justice Mark Edwards that evidence will show that Zhou, who was a G2 driver at the time of the collision and was prohibited from having any alcohol in his blood while driving, is guilty of both offences. Zhou has pleaded not guilty. Timothy Dixon testified he was driving to work with three co-workers around 6 am om September 14, 2022 westbound along Major Mackenzie Drive west of Warden Avenue in Markham. Dixon said he saw headlights and thought an oncoming car was coming right towards him. Story continues below advertisement 'I said 'holy sh-t. I cranked the vehicle from the left-lane to the right-hand lane. It hit the car behind me instantaneously. I was slowing down and craning behind me. I could see a car up in the air spinning in circles,' said Dixon referring to the car behind him. That car, a white Honda Accord, was being driven by Travis Gillespie, an off-duty police constable who was on his way to York Regional Police's #2 District in Richmond Hill. Court heard Gillespie was in the westbound passing lane and behind him, in the curb lane was a dump truck operated by Dhaneshwar Hardial. Hardial testified as he was driving up a hill, he heard a loud noise and later realized a white car had struck his truck. Hardial testified he called 911 but didn't speak to any of the drivers involved. Dixon who told court the road way dry said he spoke to Zhou, after realizing he was the driver of the black Porsche SUV that had collided with Gillespie's Honda. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'The driver of the vehicle was walking down towards me and he was asking 'is he okay? is he okay?' said Dixon. He said the driver was very emotional and crying and said he wanted to use the phone. 'He said 'I'm so tired, I fell asleep. I'm so tired. He was so emotional,' said Dixon adding Zhou wanted to hug him. 'He gave me one. He wanted to hug me again. I said 'once is enough''. Story continues below advertisement Dixon said he detected an odour of a really bad air freshener. 'Whatever the odour was, I could taste it, like a pine tree. He borrowed the tow truck driver's phone and phoned home. By this time, police had taken him from me,' Dixon added. Doyle told court that Gillespie died at the scene. 'The cause of death was multiple trauma,' said Doyle. During cross-examination, defence counsel Paul Aubin asked Dixon if he smelled alcohol on Zhou. Dixon said no and agreed Zhou wasn't slurring his word. 'He asked me if a person died in the car,' said Dixon who remembered he was fidgeting and couldn't sit still. One of the first officers on scene, Constable Sean Lee testified when he arrived, he saw the black Porsche Cayenne with severe front end damage. He said a white man pointed out an asian male that was the driver of the Porsche. 'I walked towards the asian male and prior to either of us saying anything, he stretched out his arms in an 'arrest me gesture,' said Lee. 'I was confused and I recall asking why are you doing that?' Lee said Zhou said in english, 'I will cooperate'. 'Immediately I formed suspicion in my mind that this may be a criminal investigation for impaired operation,' said Lee who recalled that Zhou was swaying side to side as he was speaking to him. 'I did observe his eyes were glossy, one of the indicia of impairment by alcohol,' he added. Story continues below advertisement The other officer who arrived on scene at the same time as Lee, Const. Ryan Krkachovski said he arrested Zhou for impaired after Lee instructed him to do so. He said after Zhou was in custody , he escorted him from one ambulance to another and thought he was stumbling and his gait was off. 'He was not walking in a straight line,' Kr\kachovski told court. He said later after accompanying Zhou to Markham-Stouffville Hospital and arresting him for impaired driving causing death, Zhou suddenly said to him 'the curb was too tight'. Krkachovski said he told him to stop talking since he hadn't spoken to a lawyer. Krkachovski said he noticed a 'sweet odour about him' but during cross-examination, couldn't say he made any observations of impairment. Doyle told court that the posted speed limit for traffic on Major Mackenzie Drive in the area of the collision is 70 km/hr. He said on impact, the Porsche SUV was travelling between 69-76 km/hour but no data is available in relation to braking or steering control. 'The Honda Accord was travelling at 84 km/hour. The brakes were not applied at any time and the steering input was minimal,' said Doyle. Doyle said two blood samples were drawn from Zhou at Markham Stouffville hospital at 8:11 am and again at 9:13 am and were sent for analysis at the Centre for Forensic Sciences. The crown said an expert in the field of forensic toxicology is expected to testify that blood drawn at 8:11 am contained 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood. 'That result would equate to a blood alcohol concentration of between 82 and 130 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood around the time of the collision. Story continues below advertisement The blood drawn at 9:13 a.m. contained 58 mg of alcohol, said Doyle, equated to a BAC of between 70-128 mg/100 ml of blood around the time of the collision. Doyle said the forensic toxicologist will testify the hospital's own analysis of the blood drawn at 8:11 am converted to 92 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood at the time of the collision. Doyle said the crown must prove that Zhou's ability to operate the motor vehicle was impaired to any degree by alcohol or that his blood-alcohol concentration within two hours of ceasing to operate the motor vehicle was equal of greater to 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood. 'The crown will lead evidence to prove both,' said Doyle. He added that the crown asserts that Zhou operated his motor vehicle in a manner, that having regard to all the circumstances, is dangerous to the public and was not a momentary lapse in judgement. The trial continues.
The Advertiser
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
They made a career switch nine years ago to build something special. The moment has arrived
Alex Gillespie and Dan Yaxley have been there for some of Cooks Hill United Football Club's biggest occasions. But nothing is likely to compare to an appearance in the Australia Cup round of 32 against Adelaide Croatia in Adelaide on Wednesday night for the club's long-serving players. Cooks Hill and Weston, who will be hosted by Victorian National Premier Leagues (NPL) heavyweights Heidelberg United on Wednesday night, are into the final stage of the nationwide knockout soccer competition for the first time. The opportunity is huge for one of Northern NSW Football's oldest clubs and one of its youngest. "It's massive because this is one of the biggest moments in my career, to get a chance like this," Gillespie told the Newcastle Herald. "There's probably not too many years left in the legs, so it will definitely be a good experience and one that will give us that bit of a professional environment. "That is something that Zoro [coach Chris Zoricich] has had most of his career and will give us a little bit of a taste of it." The 34-year-old centre-back was among a group of players who joined Cooks Hill in 2017 determined to build something special. They helped spark a premiership threepeat in Northern League One after the club had finished eighth in Northern NSW Football's second-tier competition in 2016. Promotion to the top-flight NPL followed in 2022. Now, eight years on, and in their ninth campaign in Cooks Hill colours, Gillespie, Yaxley and Daniel Clements remain from that group and are set for another milestone moment. "That is why we thought we were so successful for so long, because we had that good, core group," Gillespie said. "We had Daniel Yaxley, Nick Russell, who hung up the boots this year, Ash [Balcomb], who is coaching our reserve grade now, Dan Clements. "We kept that core group for a while, and we're just trying to hang on as long as we can. "It's been good keeping the boys together, the older group, to sort of pass the baton to the younger boys who are coming through now." Cooks Hill, founded in 1997, booked their maiden appearance in the Cup play-offs by pulling off a stunning upset to beat NPL Northern NSW (NNSW) heavyweights Broadmeadow 2-1 in June. Magic are defending NPL NNSW premiers and champions and share the competition lead with Edgeworth on 50 points. Cooks Hill, who's highest finish in NPL has been seventh, are eighth on 21 points, four points below the top five with five games to play. "The boys stepped up big for that game, and it shows that big moments can win the game, which is what we're hoping for in Adelaide," Gillespie said. "We don't see why we can't keep this run going." READ MORE: Broadmeadow and Edgeworth have both previously made it through to the Cup's round of 16, and Yaxley, 31, hopes Cooks Hill can also achieve the feat. "Anything can happen in the Cup, which is why it's so exciting, and, now that we're here, we just want to soak it in and make the club proud as well," Yaxley, who plays wing or fullback, said. "There are so many people that work so hard for the club, volunteers, that it will be a good opportunity to do it for them as well." Cooks Hill and the Bears are NNSW Football's representatives in the Cup's main draw, where they join 21 other qualifiers from NPL competitions around the country and 11 A-League clubs. Weston progressed after beating Edgeworth 1-1 (3-1) on penalties following an epic 120-minute exchange. George Stephens produced some goalkeeping heroics in that match, denying three successive Edgeworth attempts from the spot to seal the win and etch his name in Weston folklore. But, in a blow for the young shot-stopper and the Bears, Stephens has been ruled out of the Cup clash on Wednesday night due to concussion. Weston will take keepers Jack Butler and Gerard Roebuck to Melbourne. Like the Bears, who were founded in 1907, Heidelberg United have a rich football history. They were a founding member of the old National Soccer League and have reached the Australia Cup quarter-finals on multiple occasions. Heidelberg are top of the NPL Victoria standings while Weston (37 points) are third in NPL NNSW. Both games kick off at 7.30pm AEST on Wednesday night and are being streamed through Football Australia's YouTube channel. Alex Gillespie and Dan Yaxley have been there for some of Cooks Hill United Football Club's biggest occasions. But nothing is likely to compare to an appearance in the Australia Cup round of 32 against Adelaide Croatia in Adelaide on Wednesday night for the club's long-serving players. Cooks Hill and Weston, who will be hosted by Victorian National Premier Leagues (NPL) heavyweights Heidelberg United on Wednesday night, are into the final stage of the nationwide knockout soccer competition for the first time. The opportunity is huge for one of Northern NSW Football's oldest clubs and one of its youngest. "It's massive because this is one of the biggest moments in my career, to get a chance like this," Gillespie told the Newcastle Herald. "There's probably not too many years left in the legs, so it will definitely be a good experience and one that will give us that bit of a professional environment. "That is something that Zoro [coach Chris Zoricich] has had most of his career and will give us a little bit of a taste of it." The 34-year-old centre-back was among a group of players who joined Cooks Hill in 2017 determined to build something special. They helped spark a premiership threepeat in Northern League One after the club had finished eighth in Northern NSW Football's second-tier competition in 2016. Promotion to the top-flight NPL followed in 2022. Now, eight years on, and in their ninth campaign in Cooks Hill colours, Gillespie, Yaxley and Daniel Clements remain from that group and are set for another milestone moment. "That is why we thought we were so successful for so long, because we had that good, core group," Gillespie said. "We had Daniel Yaxley, Nick Russell, who hung up the boots this year, Ash [Balcomb], who is coaching our reserve grade now, Dan Clements. "We kept that core group for a while, and we're just trying to hang on as long as we can. "It's been good keeping the boys together, the older group, to sort of pass the baton to the younger boys who are coming through now." Cooks Hill, founded in 1997, booked their maiden appearance in the Cup play-offs by pulling off a stunning upset to beat NPL Northern NSW (NNSW) heavyweights Broadmeadow 2-1 in June. Magic are defending NPL NNSW premiers and champions and share the competition lead with Edgeworth on 50 points. Cooks Hill, who's highest finish in NPL has been seventh, are eighth on 21 points, four points below the top five with five games to play. "The boys stepped up big for that game, and it shows that big moments can win the game, which is what we're hoping for in Adelaide," Gillespie said. "We don't see why we can't keep this run going." READ MORE: Broadmeadow and Edgeworth have both previously made it through to the Cup's round of 16, and Yaxley, 31, hopes Cooks Hill can also achieve the feat. "Anything can happen in the Cup, which is why it's so exciting, and, now that we're here, we just want to soak it in and make the club proud as well," Yaxley, who plays wing or fullback, said. "There are so many people that work so hard for the club, volunteers, that it will be a good opportunity to do it for them as well." Cooks Hill and the Bears are NNSW Football's representatives in the Cup's main draw, where they join 21 other qualifiers from NPL competitions around the country and 11 A-League clubs. Weston progressed after beating Edgeworth 1-1 (3-1) on penalties following an epic 120-minute exchange. George Stephens produced some goalkeeping heroics in that match, denying three successive Edgeworth attempts from the spot to seal the win and etch his name in Weston folklore. But, in a blow for the young shot-stopper and the Bears, Stephens has been ruled out of the Cup clash on Wednesday night due to concussion. Weston will take keepers Jack Butler and Gerard Roebuck to Melbourne. Like the Bears, who were founded in 1907, Heidelberg United have a rich football history. They were a founding member of the old National Soccer League and have reached the Australia Cup quarter-finals on multiple occasions. Heidelberg are top of the NPL Victoria standings while Weston (37 points) are third in NPL NNSW. Both games kick off at 7.30pm AEST on Wednesday night and are being streamed through Football Australia's YouTube channel. Alex Gillespie and Dan Yaxley have been there for some of Cooks Hill United Football Club's biggest occasions. But nothing is likely to compare to an appearance in the Australia Cup round of 32 against Adelaide Croatia in Adelaide on Wednesday night for the club's long-serving players. Cooks Hill and Weston, who will be hosted by Victorian National Premier Leagues (NPL) heavyweights Heidelberg United on Wednesday night, are into the final stage of the nationwide knockout soccer competition for the first time. The opportunity is huge for one of Northern NSW Football's oldest clubs and one of its youngest. "It's massive because this is one of the biggest moments in my career, to get a chance like this," Gillespie told the Newcastle Herald. "There's probably not too many years left in the legs, so it will definitely be a good experience and one that will give us that bit of a professional environment. "That is something that Zoro [coach Chris Zoricich] has had most of his career and will give us a little bit of a taste of it." The 34-year-old centre-back was among a group of players who joined Cooks Hill in 2017 determined to build something special. They helped spark a premiership threepeat in Northern League One after the club had finished eighth in Northern NSW Football's second-tier competition in 2016. Promotion to the top-flight NPL followed in 2022. Now, eight years on, and in their ninth campaign in Cooks Hill colours, Gillespie, Yaxley and Daniel Clements remain from that group and are set for another milestone moment. "That is why we thought we were so successful for so long, because we had that good, core group," Gillespie said. "We had Daniel Yaxley, Nick Russell, who hung up the boots this year, Ash [Balcomb], who is coaching our reserve grade now, Dan Clements. "We kept that core group for a while, and we're just trying to hang on as long as we can. "It's been good keeping the boys together, the older group, to sort of pass the baton to the younger boys who are coming through now." Cooks Hill, founded in 1997, booked their maiden appearance in the Cup play-offs by pulling off a stunning upset to beat NPL Northern NSW (NNSW) heavyweights Broadmeadow 2-1 in June. Magic are defending NPL NNSW premiers and champions and share the competition lead with Edgeworth on 50 points. Cooks Hill, who's highest finish in NPL has been seventh, are eighth on 21 points, four points below the top five with five games to play. "The boys stepped up big for that game, and it shows that big moments can win the game, which is what we're hoping for in Adelaide," Gillespie said. "We don't see why we can't keep this run going." READ MORE: Broadmeadow and Edgeworth have both previously made it through to the Cup's round of 16, and Yaxley, 31, hopes Cooks Hill can also achieve the feat. "Anything can happen in the Cup, which is why it's so exciting, and, now that we're here, we just want to soak it in and make the club proud as well," Yaxley, who plays wing or fullback, said. "There are so many people that work so hard for the club, volunteers, that it will be a good opportunity to do it for them as well." Cooks Hill and the Bears are NNSW Football's representatives in the Cup's main draw, where they join 21 other qualifiers from NPL competitions around the country and 11 A-League clubs. Weston progressed after beating Edgeworth 1-1 (3-1) on penalties following an epic 120-minute exchange. George Stephens produced some goalkeeping heroics in that match, denying three successive Edgeworth attempts from the spot to seal the win and etch his name in Weston folklore. But, in a blow for the young shot-stopper and the Bears, Stephens has been ruled out of the Cup clash on Wednesday night due to concussion. Weston will take keepers Jack Butler and Gerard Roebuck to Melbourne. Like the Bears, who were founded in 1907, Heidelberg United have a rich football history. They were a founding member of the old National Soccer League and have reached the Australia Cup quarter-finals on multiple occasions. Heidelberg are top of the NPL Victoria standings while Weston (37 points) are third in NPL NNSW. Both games kick off at 7.30pm AEST on Wednesday night and are being streamed through Football Australia's YouTube channel. Alex Gillespie and Dan Yaxley have been there for some of Cooks Hill United Football Club's biggest occasions. But nothing is likely to compare to an appearance in the Australia Cup round of 32 against Adelaide Croatia in Adelaide on Wednesday night for the club's long-serving players. Cooks Hill and Weston, who will be hosted by Victorian National Premier Leagues (NPL) heavyweights Heidelberg United on Wednesday night, are into the final stage of the nationwide knockout soccer competition for the first time. The opportunity is huge for one of Northern NSW Football's oldest clubs and one of its youngest. "It's massive because this is one of the biggest moments in my career, to get a chance like this," Gillespie told the Newcastle Herald. "There's probably not too many years left in the legs, so it will definitely be a good experience and one that will give us that bit of a professional environment. "That is something that Zoro [coach Chris Zoricich] has had most of his career and will give us a little bit of a taste of it." The 34-year-old centre-back was among a group of players who joined Cooks Hill in 2017 determined to build something special. They helped spark a premiership threepeat in Northern League One after the club had finished eighth in Northern NSW Football's second-tier competition in 2016. Promotion to the top-flight NPL followed in 2022. Now, eight years on, and in their ninth campaign in Cooks Hill colours, Gillespie, Yaxley and Daniel Clements remain from that group and are set for another milestone moment. "That is why we thought we were so successful for so long, because we had that good, core group," Gillespie said. "We had Daniel Yaxley, Nick Russell, who hung up the boots this year, Ash [Balcomb], who is coaching our reserve grade now, Dan Clements. "We kept that core group for a while, and we're just trying to hang on as long as we can. "It's been good keeping the boys together, the older group, to sort of pass the baton to the younger boys who are coming through now." Cooks Hill, founded in 1997, booked their maiden appearance in the Cup play-offs by pulling off a stunning upset to beat NPL Northern NSW (NNSW) heavyweights Broadmeadow 2-1 in June. Magic are defending NPL NNSW premiers and champions and share the competition lead with Edgeworth on 50 points. Cooks Hill, who's highest finish in NPL has been seventh, are eighth on 21 points, four points below the top five with five games to play. "The boys stepped up big for that game, and it shows that big moments can win the game, which is what we're hoping for in Adelaide," Gillespie said. "We don't see why we can't keep this run going." READ MORE: Broadmeadow and Edgeworth have both previously made it through to the Cup's round of 16, and Yaxley, 31, hopes Cooks Hill can also achieve the feat. "Anything can happen in the Cup, which is why it's so exciting, and, now that we're here, we just want to soak it in and make the club proud as well," Yaxley, who plays wing or fullback, said. "There are so many people that work so hard for the club, volunteers, that it will be a good opportunity to do it for them as well." Cooks Hill and the Bears are NNSW Football's representatives in the Cup's main draw, where they join 21 other qualifiers from NPL competitions around the country and 11 A-League clubs. Weston progressed after beating Edgeworth 1-1 (3-1) on penalties following an epic 120-minute exchange. George Stephens produced some goalkeeping heroics in that match, denying three successive Edgeworth attempts from the spot to seal the win and etch his name in Weston folklore. But, in a blow for the young shot-stopper and the Bears, Stephens has been ruled out of the Cup clash on Wednesday night due to concussion. Weston will take keepers Jack Butler and Gerard Roebuck to Melbourne. Like the Bears, who were founded in 1907, Heidelberg United have a rich football history. They were a founding member of the old National Soccer League and have reached the Australia Cup quarter-finals on multiple occasions. Heidelberg are top of the NPL Victoria standings while Weston (37 points) are third in NPL NNSW. Both games kick off at 7.30pm AEST on Wednesday night and are being streamed through Football Australia's YouTube channel.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Three Six Zero Names Aimee Jessiman U.K. Head of Management
Music management company Three Six Zero Group, led by founder and CEO Mark Gillespie, has named Aimee Jessiman U.K. head of management. Jessiman takes on the new role working with such global Three Six Zero acts as Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia. More from The Hollywood Reporter Locarno Director on 'Dracula,' Jackie Chan and Hosting a Film Festival With the World "in Flames" YouTube Heading to MIPCOM as TV Market Embraces Creator Economy 'I Saw the Face of God in the Jet Wash,' Cornwall, Callum Turner, Truth, and Super 8 Adventures: A Chat With Mark Jenkin In the role, she will work closely with Gillespie, 'overseeing all aspects of artist management, serving as a resource and mentor for talent managers across the company, and driving business development across the U.K. division,' the firm said. Founded in 2007, Three Six Zero Group also represents Kid Cudi, Jaden and Willow, among others. The firm recently took on rock band Muse, which had been managed by Q Prime for two decades. 'Aimee brings leadership and experience to Three Six Zero, and is a valuable asset to our U.K. operation,' said Gillespie. 'I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.' Added Jessiman: 'I'm incredibly proud to step into this new role at Three Six Zero and to collaborate with Mark on such an exceptional roster of talent. This is a pivotal time for the company, and I'm deeply motivated by the chance to help shape its future.' Three Six Zero describes itself as 'an international management and entertainment partnership company at the forefront of the music, film, television, and digital content landscape.' The company has offices in Los Angeles, Miami, and London. The company's Three Six Zero Recordings, described as a 'forward-thinking independent label built around creative freedom,' was founded in electronic music, but has since expanded to work with 'boundary-pushing artists across genres, including Dom Dolla, f5ve, Willow, and Jaden.' Three Six Zero Recordings also sees itself as 'a platform for artists who disrupt the norm, creating music that resonates from the underground to global arenas.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter From 'Party in the U.S.A.' to 'Born in the U.S.A.': 20 of America's Most Patriotic (and Un-Patriotic) Musical Offerings Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Solve the daily Crossword
Chicago Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Quad County Urban League celebrates 50 years of creating as ‘family' and ‘game-changer'
Her photo may have been prominently displayed, along with Aurora matriarch Marie Wilkinson's, when the Quad County Urban League celebrated its 50th anniversary at Monday's open house, but Theodia Gillespie was determined to keep the focus of this event on others. With about 40 years working for the League – and over three decades as its president and CEO — Gillespie certainly has been at the forefront of the success of this group, which since July 14, 1975, has been advancing civil rights and empowerment through community partnerships for African-Americans and other underserved populations in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties. Over five decades, the Quad County Urban League has benefited tens of thousands through programs in job training, youth services, education, workforce development and housing advocacy. At this open house, which drew well over 100 guests to the QCUL headquarters on Farnsworth Avenue, Gillespie used her moments at the podium in the packed room to acknowledge the 'visionary' community and business leaders who joined Wilkinson five decades ago after she reached out to the National Urban League to help launch a chapter in Aurora: Jannette Elliott, Ivan Fernandez, Elaine Hegy, John Marion and Charles Thurston. Gillespie also gave credit to the current board of directors, who helped her present 50th anniversary awards to key collaborators, including Challenge to Change, College of DuPage, East Aurora School District, Fox Valley Park District, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Kane County Health Department, Painters District Council No. 30, University of Illinois 4-H Program, Waubonsee Community College and former league president and CEO Peggy Hicks. There are so many groups and businesses that work to enhance the mission of QCUL … all of which have 'created pathways in skilled trades, healthcare and more …' Gillespie noted. Those include the utility Nicor, which has been with Quad County Urban League since 1975, when it was then known as Northern Illinois Gas. I got to meet a couple of QCUL students enrolled in the Nicor Gas Career Academy, who both insisted that just two weeks into the six-week program, they already realize what a 'game-changer' this opportunity has been. The program, according to 44-year-old Randy Caruthers, is designed to 'train us to be the best employees we can be before walking in the door' as a job candidate. In essence, he said, 'it puts us at the front of the (hiring) line,' by helping 'you be the best version of yourself. And that, he quickly points out, will help land a job in any company. A former construction business owner, Caruthers said it was a major move from Texas to Will County that made him realize he needed a new career start. So, taking the advice of his wife's aunt, who works for Nicor, he decided to enroll in its academy at QCUL. 'I'm so glad I came to his place,' he said. The Nicor academy class of 38 students, by far its biggest, has 'been like a family,' noted 23-year-old Artays Bailey, which has not only made him feel welcomed but has given him more confidence in all aspects of his life. 'I've been networking all day,' added Bailey, who described himself as a 'dedicated warehouser' before taking the advice of a former student now up for a promotion at Nicor. 'I just really love this place and the people.' The open house did indeed feel more like a family reunion, with lots of smiles, hugs and plenty of lively conversation as the guests – partners and community leaders as well as past and current students and staff — toured the facility, heard about current programs and enjoyed the hundreds of photographs through the decades that were on display. Not surprising, the poster photo that seemed to receive the most attention was that of Marie Wilkinson, whose multi-tiered legacy in this community included feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, educating the young and fighting for fair laws and equal rights for everyone. Standing next to Marie's likeness, Gillespie knows just how fortunate she was 'to have a mentor like her,' who tirelessly worked for social justice even into her mid-90s; and who offered a young shy girl, not so long out of college, a chance to carry on a legacy that no doubt will go for at least another 50 years. 'I still feel her voice in my ear,' said Gillespie, '…telling me I can do this.'
14-07-2025
- Business
What's new at KFC? Brand reveals free bucket of fried chicken promo, new comeback era menu items
KFC has launched a Kentucky Fried Comeback, complete with new menu items, a serious new look for the Colonel, a celebrity chef cameo, and a free chicken promotion, all in the name of reclaiming its position among competitors as the No. 1 fried chicken quick service restaurant. KFC announces Kentucky Fried Comeback KFC U.S. president Catherine Tan-Gillespie told "Good Morning America" that charting the course to help pivot this legacy brand "feels personal" to her, adding, "I'm incredibly passionate about getting the brand back to its rightful place on the fried chicken podium." As fast food restaurants vie for customers' attention and retention in the increasingly popular crispy chicken category, Gillespie said "it's the place to be, it's growing and the competitor intensity is definitely there." "Most incumbent brands and legacy brands, sometimes we lose some ground -- so now is the time to come back," she said of KFC's new turnaround strategy. The former CMO, who was named president in February, said she has a three-pronged approach: putting fans at the forefront, being more food obsessed, and modernizing the customer experience and pricing. KFC comeback includes free bucket of fried chicken promo, new menu items "We're no longer being chicken about our chicken," Gillespie said, before revealing the company's "most exciting promotion," free buckets of fried chicken. "We're so confident with the strides that we've been making on our menu with our launch of Original Recipe tenders -- that we're giving this offer away where all Americans can get a free bucket on us," she said. When customers spend $15 on the app or the website, they can get a free bucket of Original Recipe classic fried chicken or Original Recipe tenders. KFC also announced the launch of new fried pickles, another nod to the food-obsessed fans who are all about pickles this summer. The dill pickle slices are fried to golden perfection and served with the brand's signature Comeback Sauce or ranch. Gillespie also reminded consumers about the return of the popular $7 Fill Ups value meal, which offers four combination options: three-piece tenders, one-piece fried chicken, two-piece fried chicken -- which come with mashed potatoes, gravy, a biscuit, pie poppers and a medium drink -- or the Famous Bowl for just $7. Why KFC made Colonel Sanders serious As part of the comeback campaign, KFC flipped the Colonel's smile to serious in store signage and billboards, which Gillespie said indicates the brand is serious about winning back hearts and stomachs of fans. "The Colonel would not be happy about our market share," Gillespie said. "So this is to say we're serious about being back in the game. The Colonel's not going to be smiling until our customers are." Matty Matheson in new KFC comeback campaign The Louisville-based fried chicken chain tapped chef, restaurateur and TV star Matty Matheson to appear in a new spot that highlights Colonel Sanders as the original "chefpreneur" in his culinary quest to create the best fried chicken. See the video below.
