Latest news with #Lanigan
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Rome growing, looking toward future with new opportunities, new legacy
Though Rome has had a tough year after a tornado ripped through its heart, its future is looking bright as new projects and strong foundations are being laid for the future. From a successful cleanup and continued work on damaged or destroyed properties, to the reveal of the Michael E. Jensen Recreation and Civic Center, Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan went over all the strides and future projects at the 2025 State of the City, held at the Griffiss Institute and livestreamed. 'Just a year ago, our city was tested by an EF2 tornado,' Lanigan said on the livestream. 'It could have broken our spirit, but it didn't. We came together. We rebuilt. And today, we look forward with hope, with confidence, and with purpose.' On July 16, 2024, an EF2 tornado struck the city of Rome, carving a path of destruction that irrevocably damaged many lives in an instant. Lanigan said over 400 properties were damaged and 82 were deemed unsafe or unfit to live in. Some people were trying to clean up the day after, with trees still lodged in their homes. 'To date, 31 properties were unable to be saved and have now been demolished, either publicly or privately,' Lanigan said. 'And, unfortunately, there are still another 13 to come down.' City officials estimated damages to city property, the loss of infrastructure, and the loss of trees totaled around $23.6 million. County damages were estimated at approximately $8 million, just short of the FEMA threshold. Clean up was quick and efficient, with the city spending over $800,000 in payroll and just over $500,000 in other expenses. The cost was offset by a $1 million New York State emergency operating expenses grant. 'Our emergency crews were truly the unsung heroes in this disaster. They worked tirelessly, logging over 17,000 hours to clear nearly 30,000 cubic yards of debris- much of it downed trees,' Lanigan said. 'Our city streets were clear in just under five days, which is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our DPW crews, working alongside multiple agencies who came to assist. We cannot thank them enough for their efforts.' The Rome Victim Recovery Fund, in partnership with Oneida County and the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, provided $1.3 million in emergency assistance to 500 residents. Additionally, Rome, Oneida County, and the Rome Chamber of Commerce partnered to create the Rome Emergency Business Fund, assisting 50 local businesses in their recovery, totaling $231,301.76. And through all the municipal work distributing funds and assistance, Lanigan said the most powerful force was the people of Rome. 'We can never fully recognize the number of people, businesses, and organizations that stepped up to help this community,' Lanigan said. 'It was difficult, and it was emotional. But Rome was strong. Rome is strong, and we proved it together. And I'd like to thank the residents for their patience during a very difficult time.' Animal Deaths: Fire in Rome claims life of two dogs, two cats; fire department investigating Corrections: 2 inmates have been killed in Oneida County prisons in past year. Where the cases stand Shooting Investigation: Man grazed by bullet while in his home in Utica. What we know Thanks to a $1 million grant in emergency funding from the New York State Assembly, Lanigan said the city of Rome is launching a recovery strategy at the site where the tornado first touched down. Step one is the Erie Boulevard Brownfield Opportunity Plan, which extends from south Rome to Erie Boulevard. A comprehensive flood and drainage strategy will be implemented for South Rome and a new streetscape project is in the works on South Madison Street. Trees are also expected to be removed and replaced to create a new 'urban canopy' as the city starts its sidewalk repairs and expansion. 'This will be a significant targeted investment to improve and transform that corridor into a vibrant and walkable neighborhood,' Lanigan said. Oneida County has provided $500,000 of recovery funds to the project. And this is only one part of the major plans the city has in store. 'For industrial recovery, we applied for a $3.5 million New York State RESTORE grant to help rehabilitate the buildings at 220 South Madison Street and 522 Henry Street, both tornado-damaged properties,' Lanigan said. "We are very happy that we just received notice last week that our application for funding was approved.' Once rehabilitated, 220 South Madison will be, according to the mayor, the largest available industrial property in the Utica-Rome area at 180,000 square feet. Among the new announcements was what would happen to the YMCA property on Floyd Avenue. Lanigan said the new facility was 'abandoned' and its absence left a major gap in services and opportunities for residents. And so, Lanigan has revealed that the city is moving forward with The Legacy Center, the Michael E. Jensen Recreation and Civic Center.' 'Named in honor of Michael E. Jensen, a Rome native and heroic Syracuse Police Officer who gave his life in the line of duty, the Legacy Center will serve as a lasting tribute to those who have shaped and served our city," Lanigan said. "At its heart will be Legacy Hall, where community members will have the opportunity to honor individuals whose knowledge, talent, and service have left an enduring mark on the city of Rome.' Lanigan said the Legacy Center will feature the region's largest single indoor turf field — capable of supporting 11x11 soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and other field sports in all four seasons. 'The Legacy Center will feature many amenities requested by residents, including an indoor walking track, fitness center, and community space for public use,' the mayor said. At the end of April, the Greek yogurt company Chobani announced its intention to build a $1 billion facility at the Griffiss Triangle Site in Rome. 'A few weeks ago, I had the incredible honor, alongside my good friend County Executive Picente, of officially welcoming Chobani to our great city,' Lanigan said. 'What an amazing time to be a Roman.' The mayor said this will bring jobs, growth, and new opportunities for families, Rome's workforce, and local businesses. 'This is more than a single investment — it's a spark. A transformational force that has the power to shape the future of Rome for the next 50 years,' Lanigan said. The city of Rome is working closely with Chobani's engineering team to ensure infrastructure is ready and in place to support operations. 'With an aggressive construction timeline already in motion, we anticipate seeing shovels in the ground within months and the completion of this significant project in 2026,' Lanigan said. On a dark day in July last year, Rome's skyline was changed forever as the EF2 tornado tore down buildings and broke many a spirit. But now, Lanigan said the city isn't just imagining a better future, it's building it. 'This is a proud moment, but it is also a defining responsibility. We understand that this project will reshape Rome's economy, our skyline, and our story. And we are more than ready to lead that transformation,' he said. 'Here at City Hall, we're energized by what's ahead. We're focused. We're united. We're determined.' This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Rome, New York, looks to future with new projects, new legacy
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Regina Pat Canadians advance to West regional final
The Regina Pat Canadians are just one win away from a trip to the national championship. After putting together a 3-0 record through the round robin at the Telus Cup West Regionals in Kenora, Ont., the Pat Canadians will now play in the regional final on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time with a trip to the Telus Cup on the line. The national under-18 AAA male hockey championship is set for Apr. 21 to 27 in Chilliwack, B.C. with the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds serving as host. The Pat Canadians earned the right to represent the province at the regionals after beating the Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors in the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA League final. Regina — who finished first place in the league with a 35-7-2 regular season record — also beat the Prince Albert Mintos and Saskatoon Blazers in the playoffs. As for the round robin at regionals, Regina began the tournament with a 5-1 win over the Manitoba champion Winnipeg Wild on Thursday. League MVP, rookie of the year and top scorer Maddox Schultz, Chase Surkan, Ryan Ulmer, Logan Mehl and Cash Lanigan scored for the Pat C's while Taylor Tabashniuk made 33 saves to collect the win in net. Regina then picked up its second straight win on Friday night with a 5-0 victory over the host Kenora Thistles. For a second straight game, Schultz opened the scoring while Regina also got goals from Nathan Gardiner, Ulmer, Lanigan and the SMAAAHL's top forward Jonah Sivertson. In net, Tabashniuk made 20 saves for the shutout. On Saturday against the Thunder Bay Kings, the Pat Canadians kept their undefeated record intact with an 8-0 win. Cruz Klapak had four goals in the win with Schultz, the SMAAAHL's top defenceman Eli Johnson, Gardiner and Lanigan scoring the others. Adam Muntain made 18 saves for the shutout. The winner of the West regionals will join host Fraser Valley plus the Pacific region champions, the Atlantic region champions, the Quebec region champions and the Ontario region champions. tshire@ Here's what comes next for the Regina Pat Canadians and their booming fan base Regina Pat Canadians advance to Telus Cup west regional by sweeping Moose Jaw Warriors The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe. With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.
Forbes
23-03-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
IndyCar Team Owner Mike Lanigan Returns After Surviving Health Scare
IndyCar team owners Michael Lanigan (left) and Bobby Rahal (right) Michael Lanigan returned to the IndyCar paddock Sunday at The Thermal Club after surviving a major health scare five weeks ago that left him with a broken neck. Lanigan is one of the three owners of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing along with 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner and three-time CART Champion Bobby Rahal and television icon David Letterman. Lanigan continues to wear a neck brace to stabilize his fractured neck and explained what happened while sitting on a golf cart a few hours before The Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix on March 23. Five weeks ago, Lanigan couldn't sleep and got up at 3 a.m. to make some coffee. According to Lanigan, he walked down the stairs when his heart stopped. Lanigan fell, fracturing his neck and sustained a gash on his head. Somehow, the impact helped to restart his heart and the industrialist from the South Suburbs of Chicago was transported to the hospital. Lanigan explained that doctors installed a pacemaker that triggers his heart whenever it stops. It is something he will likely have to utilize from now on. Lanigan has been involved in IndyCar racing for decades after he started Mi-Jack, a heavy construction company, in 1973. In 1989, Lanigan returned to the family headquarters in south suburban Chicago in 1989 to take over the business, to become the company's president. Mi-Jack produces rubber-tire gantry cranes. In 1992, began sponsoring cars in CART and the Indianapolis 500. In 1993, Lanigan co-founded Walter Payton Power Equipment, a crane and heavy equipment distributor. He currently leads the Lanco Group, a conglomerate involved in cranes, industrial equipment, entertainment, motorsport interests, and a joint venture that operates the Panama Canal Railway. Lanigan was co-executor of Walter Payton's estate along with Matt Suhey after the Pro Football Hall of Fame running back of the Chicago Bears passed away from a rare liver disease in 1995. Lanigan became a racing team owner in 2001 when he was a partner with driver Eric Bachelart at Conquest Racing. That team competed in the IndyCar Series in 2001 and 2002, and in the Champ Car World Series from 2003 to 2006. After the 2007 season, he sold his interest in Conquest and joined Newman/Haas Racing, which was renamed Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. The team transitioned to the IndyCar Series following the unification of Champ Car and IndyCar in 2008. Lanigan became close friends with one of the team's owners, actor Paul Newman, and was among the last to see him before he passed away son September 26, 2008. In 2007, Lanigan also held partial ownership of Carl A. Haas Motorsports in NASCAR. Lanigan left Newman/Haas in 2010 and, in December of that year, joined Rahal Letterman Racing, which was subsequently renamed Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. The team competes in both IndyCar and the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Lanigan was one of the winning team owners of the 104th Indianapolis on August 23, 2020, when Takuma Sato was the winning driver in the only Indy 500 held outside of the month of May. That was because of the COVID pandemic that forced Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials from allowing spectators at the race.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Grand jury finds probable cause to charge sitting legislator with domestic violence
Domestic violence survivors and advocates protested in Sanford on Jan. 9, 2025, one day after the Maine House of Representatives approved an ethics probe into the domestic violence allegations against Rep. Lucas Lanigan. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/Maine Morning Star) Sanford Republican Rep. Lucas Lanigan was indicted on Wednesday after a grand jury found probable cause to charge the sitting legislator on two counts for domestic violence offenses. Lanigan, who was arraigned in York County Superior Court, pleaded not guilty to both charges, which include a Class B felony for aggravated domestic violence and a Class D misdemeanor for domestic violence charges. An indictment is not a guilty verdict or sentencing, rather it means the grand jury found probable cause to convict Lanigan on the charges the police recommended. Lanigan was arrested one week before the November election for domestic violence aggravated assault. According to a police report, a Sanford police officer alleged that Lanigan strangled his wife after she confronted him and another woman his wife believed he was having an affair with. Lanigan then won reelection by one vote after a recount. During Lanigan's first court appearance in October, his wife called the incident a 'misunderstanding' and said the case should be dropped. However, Assistant District Attorney Linda Holdsworth-Donovan said victims regularly recant or downplay their stories after the fact and that the state would still pursue charges. Lanigan, who represents the towns of Newfield, Shapleigh, and parts of Sanford and Springvale, did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. He told the Portland Press Herald that he promised his caucus he would 'immediately resign and step down' if he is convicted, 'because someone that's convicted of that should not be serving in the House of Representatives.' The Maine Democratic Party called for Lanigan's resignation following the indictment, reiterating earlier calls from the party and Democratic legislators. 'There is no place for domestic violence in our society,' Maine Democratic Party Vice Chair Imke Schessler-Jandreau said in a statement, 'and I call on Republican leaders to join the widespread calls for Mr. Lanigan's immediate resignation.' Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick) and Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford) did not respond to requests for comment on the sitting legislator's indictment by the time of publication. Fecteau stripped Lanigan of his assignment to the Labor Committee in December. In January, Maine House members voted 74-69 to direct the House Ethics Committee to investigate the allegations against Lanigan to determine if he had violated the code of ethics. A report is due a month after the committee convenes. One day after that vote, Finding Our Voices, a domestic violence survivor network, held a protest against Lanigan's reelection. 'Thank you to the York County DA for continuing to pursue criminal charges against Lucas Lanigan,' Patrisha McLean, CEO and founder of Finding Our Voices, wrote in a statement to Maine Morning Star following the indictment. 'And thank you to every individual working to end Lanigan's law making abilities: Maine needs stronger laws against domestic violence stranglers and not lawmakers who stand indicted for domestic violence strangling.'
