Latest news with #LEADProgram
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Morgantown to implement alternative sentencing program for camping ban
MORGANTOWN, (WBOY) — Morgantown's camping ban has been a hot topic among the community over the past few months, as concerned citizens feared the policy would hinder its homeless population rather than help it. However, the city has announced that it will be taking a different approach to those who violate the ban. In a press release earlier this week, the City of Morgantown announced that it would implement an alternative sentencing for those who violate its camping ban. This comes after the vote to repeal Morgantown's camping ban failed in this year's municipal election. The sentencing comes to fruition through a partnership with Valley HeathCare Systems, which has seen its LEAD Program reach a 60% success rate in its first year. The press release outlined the specifics of the sentencing under the ordinance: A first violation results in a written warning and information about available shelter and services, both locally and regionally. A second violation may result in a fine of up to $200 and information about available shelter and services. A third violation within 12 months may result in a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in jail, along with information about available shelter and services and alternative sentencing options. Clarksburg labor union to pay nearly $270k to settle federal PPP claims 12 News spoke with Morgantown's Director of Public Relations and Communications, Brad Riffee, on why the city chose to create this sort of sentencing. 'There's a balance between compliance and compassion, right? We want to make sure that we're offering the best solutions to meet the needs for our citizens, and we believe that at the end of the day, that's a very important part of how we engage and operate in the community,' Riffee said. 12 News also spoke with Steve Bennett, Director of LEAD and Crisis Services within Valley HealthCare, about what the program offers those who volunteer for it. 'Anyone who is seeking diversion voluntarily that might want treatment for substance use, mental health, or any other case management services can ask for services through us, we can help them, hook them up with the right program, and get them the help that they need,' Bennett said. The alternative sentencing partnership will begin on June 4, 2025. You can read more about the sentencing in Morgantown's press release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Greater Waco Chamber Awards Largest Amount of Scholarships in its History
Waco, TX (FOX 44) – The Greater Waco Chamber held its annual 'LEAD Banquet' at the Baylor University Hurd Welcome Center. The LEAD Program is a business and education partnership that connects students from local high school with business leaders. This connection fosters mentoring relationships and exposes students to various business fields. The Greater Waco Chamber founded the LEAD Program in hopes to motivate students to graduate high school and a pursue higher education. Eleven students were in attendance from Harmony School of Innovation, as well as McGregor, University, and Waco high school. Students received scholarships totaling to almost $95,000, the most ever awarded by the chamber. 'The majority of the kids are first generation, not only graduating high school, but going on to some form of higher education. When it comes time to fill out college applications there's not really anybody at home that can help them through that process. The mentors are the guiding force behind that process,' said Rachel Martinez, a senior director for the chamber. Since 2010, through the Greater Waco Chamber, scholarships totaling almost $800,000 have been awarded to students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
