Latest news with #JusticesofthePeace
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jefferson County Quorum Court meeting raises questions about budget legality
PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Just three days after the majority group for the justices of the peace passed a 2025 budget in a special quorum court meeting, the Jefferson County Quorum Court met for its regularly scheduled meeting, and questions were raised. The meeting on Monday night was filled with tension, as some officials questioned whether recent decisions, including Friday's special session to approve the budget, were legally or procedurally sound. Jefferson County Justices of the Peace pass 2025 budget in special meeting Justice of the Peace for District 10 Conley Bryd even stated he never received notice of the special session. Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson also expressed his concerns for the validity of the meeting once more, saying it's something he is actively seeking legal advice on along with what he calls the improper procedural ordinance. The roots of the controversy date back to December 2024, when Robinson presented his proposed budget to the quorum court. Since then, all budgets that the judge proposed have failed, even with new concessions. However, the budget passed during the special quorum court meeting Friday is the same budget the majority of JPs pushed at the beginning of the year, and the same one previously vetoed by Judge Robinson and failed to be overturned. More than 300 Jefferson County employees finally paid after county budget bill is signed into law Despite the approval, it's far from settled. The judge now has seven days to respond. 'Well, for one, we aren't sure if he is going to veto it or not because he didn't mention it,' said District 3 Justice Reginald Johnson. 'He hadn't said anything — but that does not mean he will not exercise his power to veto.' Robinson appeared to confirm that possibility. 'If I veto it, they will probably have the numbers to override it,' Robinson said. 'But at least I will have done my part as county judge to protect the county's interest — the county's money.' Gridlock continues in effort to pass 2025 Jefferson County budget The debate didn't end there, as the procedural ordinance still remains in question to the judge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
NZ Herald
26-04-2025
- NZ Herald
What do you do if you've lost your passport? Don't panic
In an age of apps and email, one can easily wander around a city with only a phone and easily go shopping, order a cab, book into a hotel or tip the barista. Even in the airport, your phone can hold an airline ticket or track your luggage. Yet, misplace your passport, and you can kiss your Europe summer holiday or Canadian ski trip goodbye. It was 10pm on a Tuesday night, 22 hours before my family's flight to Vancouver, when my sister texted to say packing was taking longer than expected. Partly because of digging out winter gear but mainly because her husband's passport was not where he expected it to be. Over the last six months, we'd booked flights and serviced skis, scheduled shuttle services, purchased ice hockey game tickets and even ordered customised family T-shirts. Yet, one thing you rarely do until a day, or hours before a trip, is hunt out your passport. Snuggled up in bed, I felt a strike of pity followed swiftly by relief that it wasn't my husband and I frantically tipping the house upside down, researching emergency passport costs and trying to contact the airline. However, the relief was short-lived after I realised, well, it had been a while since I'd seen my own passport. 'I'm just going to check…' I trail off, flicking on the light and jumping out of bed to grab the travel wallet in my desk drawer, where my passport is. Or, was. Tonight it wasn't there, or the second drawer, or the drawer beneath that. Perhaps it was tucked between paper folders or in the side pocket of a backpack? At just 30mm thick, it's the sort of thing that could quite literally hide anywhere. This is the infuriating thing about losing a passport; you often know it's in your house but you don't know where. It's not missing but you can't find it. Cue the frantic rummaging, the rustling and muttering, 'I know it must be here somewhere'. If 12 hours go by without finding it? The holiday is essentially over or you're up for thousands of dollars of emergency documents and replacement flights; maths no one wants to do. Annoyingly I recalled seeing it somewhere 'unusual' but it seemed no amount of money (say, the cost of an international trip) could clarify the memory. The next day at work, my story prompted a chat among colleagues about the lengths people go to keep essential travel items safe. Stories tumbled out effortlessly – credit cards hidden in shoes while in a foreign city, or Pins written on paper then hidden in shoes (after questioning the shoe theme I was told 'If you get robbed, they're unlikely going to ask you to take off your shoes'. Fair point). Others slept with passports under pillows, refused to keep passports in hotel safes or carried photocopies of the document signed by Justices of the Peace. Many said they'd love their phones to become holiday Swiss army knives, armed with passports, credit cards and more, granted the security was top-notch, they caveated. One doesn't need to be an expert to imagine the many limitations and complications of digitising passports. However, some countries have done it. In 2023, Finland took a global first by launching a mobile app that stores and presents passport information, freeing Finns from carrying (or losing) their physical passport. Would I use it? Yes, but I'd likely continue to travel with my physical passport as a back-up, revealing a subtle wariness of digital solutions. Yes, I love using the airline app but often also get airline tickets at the kiosk. I'll save the hotel confirmation email but print it out, just in case. Analogue may be less efficient (and easier to lose) but it's solid and dependable compared to a phone that could lose battery or a server that could malfunction (as they did during the global IT outage). Regardless of my opinions, the decision of getting a digital passport isn't one Kiwis need to make, at least for now. Thankfully, this particular story ended happily. My passport was found in a paper bag on my desk, hidden right in front of me. My brother-in-law's passport was neatly slotted between birthday cards in a drawer.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Phoenix area veterans gather for annual StandDown event
The Brief The annual Veterans StandDown event took place at Arizona State Fairgrounds on March 13. The event offers veterans with various resources, including legal. PHOENIX - On March 13, hundreds of veterans gathered at the Arizona State Fairgrounds near Downtown Phoenix for annual Veterans StandDown event. This event has been going on since 2001, and provides veterans with various resources. The event lasts from March 13 to March 14. One of the resources offered to people at the event is legal services. Judges in black robes were seen presiding over a makeshift courtroom, as people wait in line for their turn. Army veteran Joseph Matthews says it's a godsend. What Matthews Said "It's been a big help to me in my life because where else can we meet with people, get our problems solved, and come together as a community to help each other?" Matthews said. Attorneys like David Hintze with the Office of the Public Defender, along with Deputy County Attorney Denise O'Rourke, formed a unique partnership for the StandDown. What they're saying "We are trying to restore them to where they were when they were that person that said 'hey. I'm giving myself to this country,' and so whatever little piece we can do and be a part of that, I am honored to help," said Hintze. "It feels incredible," said O'Rourke. "Like, it sends chills down my spine. It's just the best feeling in the world." Dig deeper The opposing sides came together to help veterans resolve outstanding misdemeanors or fines. Judge Scott Blaney, who is also a 28-year Army veteran, said clearing up these seemingly trivial legal issues can fundamentally change lives. "If someone has a criminal record or fines where they can't get their rights restored, probably the best example is would be the ability to get a driver's license," said Judge Blaney. "If you can't get to work, you can't work. If you can't work, you can't support yourself. So it's kind of a spiraling effect. So we try to remove those minor impediments." Judge Blaney sees a pressing need, reflected by the large Thursday crowds. "It's very difficult for veterans to seek help," said Judge Blaney. "We are taught to be tough. We are taught to be self sufficient, self-disciplined. And so when they need help, they don't reach out." That is why commissioners and Justices of the Peace from across the Phoenix area said they're honored to help. "This is our big thank you to them for all the work they have already done," said Maricopa County Justice of the Peace Michele Reagan. "To be able to give back to our veterans is just invaluable for their service," said Commissioner Kristian Morales.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jefferson County no-pay lawsuit updated after employees miss a second paycheck
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ark. – A lawsuit against Jefferson County officials initially filed in April 2024 was updated on Jan. 30 as county employees remain unpaid due to a budget impasse. The update is the second one made in 2025 after the lawsuit's first update was made in mid-January when the county missed its first payday of the year. The Jan. 30 update reflects a second missed payday. Jefferson County judge back in court over not paying employees as budget crisis continues This suit names county Judge Gerald Robinson and five Justices of the Peace on the county's quorum court. The suit alleges the five JPs have not attended quorum court meetings so the county's disputed budget could not be approved. The county has not been able to meet its obligations, including payroll, due to the quorum court not being able to pass a budget for 2025. Jefferson County government shutdown continues as legislative action begins to step in The lawsuit alleges the county is violating federal law. 'Each Plaintiff and the Class has performed worked, but, despite demand, each Defendants has refused to pay Plaintiffs timely and the Class their wages for no legal reason,' the lawsuit states. 'Thus, each Defendant has violated the prompt payment rule under the FLSA [Fair Labor Standards Act]. It also states that Robinson has spent as much as $14 million without required quorum court authorization or required bids. The suit was brought by three county employees in 2024, although the update asks that all Jefferson County employees be made part of the suit as a class action since the county missed the Jan. 15 and 30 payday. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces plan to restore Jefferson County operations The suit asks for damages over $2 million, and the court order Robinson to pay wages. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
