Latest news with #Marconi
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
98FM announces replacements for Brian Dowling and Suzanne Kane
98FM have announced Paul Ryder and Leanne Hanafin will take over Brian Dowling and Suzanne Kane's former radio slot. The pair parted ways on Friday after just two years. It is unclear what prompted the two to step down from the popular show. Paul and Leanne will now take over the former duo's show on 98FM for the summer. Paul is no stranger to the entertainment industry, having risen to fame with his drag act on Ireland's Got Talent in 2018. He has guest-hosted Ireland AM in the past and hosts a weekend show on 98FM. Leanne, meanwhile, has worked on 98FM for several years and has filled in for Suzanne Kane for the past few months. Sharing the news this morning, Leanne said on air: "Welcome to a brand new show on 98FM. We are so excited to be here with you." Paul added: "We're here for the whole summer. We're going to have three months of absolute fun. We want you to be involved. It's as much your show as it is ours so we can't wait to get cracking." Brian signed off from the airwaves last Friday. In a final message to his listeners, he said: "I'm lucky enough that I meet our listeners on a daily basis. They are the salt of the earth, lovely people and I've had a laugh every single day. "I've never taken the job for granted. I've appreciated every day. I've been sat in front of this mic and I'm being myself. I don't regret any of it. I don't think you should have regrets in life. "I took a risk actually taking the job on. I was living in Straffan in Kildare at the time and I don't drive. I've never worked in radio before. "I probably didn't give myself enough credit. I said, 'I signed up for this now and it's two years. What am I going to do?' "To anyone - I joined this show when I was 45 years old. Never be afraid to take a risk. Never be afraid to say yes. I said yes to something that I couldn't do, but I said that I was going to learn how to do it." Suzanne confirmed she was leaving 98FM last week. A statement on her Instagram said: "After nearly 5 years, I'm stepping away from my role presenting 10AM to 1PM on 98FM. "Anyone who knows me, will know how much I adore radio and the Bauer family inside Marconi house, but for now, it's time to let the 'Good Times' roll for someone else. "A word to the amazing team, I loved the madness and radio nerdiness that we all shared and how much we cared. Radio is really special and that's because of the people who do the heavy lifting to make it all come together. I'm glad to have been on this rollercoaster with you all. "To everyone who listened to the show. I loved sharing my life and my kids with the soundest listeners on 98FM. We've been through a lot together & thank you for always turning up for me, it means more than any of you will know. "Lastly, a quick word to my kiddos Oisín, Hannah & Sadie. Thank you for letting me have a go of my dream radio job and playing ball every morning, even the really tough ones, so I could be in front of the mic by 10am and of course, [her husband] Joey. The voice of support, the constant, the reassurance, who always has the reminder 'We'll figure it out, we always do'. "Onward to the next adventure."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
State says lawsuit by Rye lobster shack should be dismissed
The state says a lawsuit filed by the owners of a popular Rye lobster shack against the Pease Development Authority, claiming they were targeted by former Port Authority Director Geno Marconi in a campaign of 'extortion, intimidation, and corruption,' should be dismissed because 'none of the plaintiffs' claims has legs.' Rye Harbor Lobster Pound, owned and operated for more than 27 years by Sylvia Cheever and Nathan Hanscom, filed the lawsuit in January in Merrimack County Superior Court against the Pease Development Authority (PDA) and its Division of Ports and Harbors (the Port Authority). The Lobster Pound leases land from the PDA at Rye Harbor. The lawsuit names Marconi and Paul Brean, executive director of the PDA, alleging Marconi improperly influenced the PDA and the Port Authority. It accuses Marconi, whose family owns and operates Geno's Chowder and Sandwich Shop in Portsmouth, of using his power to 'harm a competitor to his family business and in retaliation against the plaintiffs who were not part of Marconi's network of allied businesses and individuals who worked for or were otherwise connected with the Port Authority.' In response to the suit, the Attorney General's Office said the plaintiffs are not entitled to relief. 'The plaintiffs have failed to state any viable claim under the (Administrative Procedures Act) or the state or federal Constitution that would entitle them to prospective relief,' the AG's Office wrote. 'The plaintiffs' claims against the PDA, the Division of Ports and Harbors, and Paul Brean should therefore be dismissed in their entirety.' Marconi, 73, who was placed on paid administrative leave from the Port Authority in April 2024, is scheduled to go to trial in November on felony charges of witness tampering and falsifying evidence. He faces two felony and four misdemeanor indictments that allege he shared protected motor vehicle details and pier permit fee information about Neil Levesque, vice chairman of the PDA and director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. The lawsuit alleges the PDA and Port Authority implemented 'harsh, anti-business policies' that 'specifically target Rye Harbor Lobster Pound due to its competition with Marconi and other businesses aligned with him in Rye Harbor State Marina.' Those policies and actions, the suit says, include imposing an unauthorized and illegal tax, framed as a 'concessions fee' of 10% on the lobster pound's gross sales, a fee not applied to other similar businesses; interfering with its relationships with local fishermen; removing parking spots and harassing and interfering with its customers. The lawsuit asks the court to prevent the defendants from 'applying and enforcing their illegal rules to Rye Harbor Lobster Pound's prejudice,' and seeks compensatory damages. The AG's Office argues the plaintiffs do not allege any facts that, when taken as true, would support claims of negligence against the PDA. 'Indeed, they fail to identify any purportedly negligent acts in their complaint at all,' the state's motion says. 'The facts alleged in the complaint likewise do not support an inference that the plaintiffs suffered serious mental and emotional harm, much less identify any objective physical symptoms the plaintiffs allegedly suffered. In the absence of either of these elements, the plaintiffs have necessarily also failed to allege that the defendants' negligence foreseeably caused their emotional harm.' pfeely@
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Daily Record
Major update as 14 children arrested after 'much loved' boy's body pulled from fire
Police have shared a major update on the 14 children, aged between 11 and 14, that were arrested after the body of Layton Carr, aged 14, was found. A major update about 14 children who were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a missing boy's body was discovered following a fire has been issued by police. After a body, believed to be Layton Carr, was found inside an industrial estate in Gateshead, the children, including 11 boys and 3 girls, were taken into custody by Northumbria Police. The missing 14-year-old was found on Friday evening inside a building that had been on fire near Fairfield Industrial Park in Bill Quay area of the town, reports the Mirror. Cops confirmed on Sunday that the children have been released on police bail pending further inquiries. The blaze broke out on Friday evening and fears were raised for the missing teenager who was believed to have been in the area at the time. Firefighters rushed to the scene just before 8pm and put out the blaze. Police had issued an appeal for Layton on Saturday morning but he was later found in the building following the fire. A police spokesman said: "Sadly, following searches carried out by Northumbria Police and partners at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, a body believed to be that of 14-year-old Layton Carr was located deceased inside the building. His next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specialist officers." After the tragedy, the schoolboy was remembered as a "valued and much-loved" pupil by David Thompson, the head teacher of Hebburn Comprehensive School. In a Facebook post, he spoke of the "tragic loss of one of our pupils," and added: "Our school community is heartbroken. Layton was a valued and much-loved member of Year 9, and he will be greatly missed by everyone. "We extend our sincere condolences to Layton's family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. As a school, we will rally together to support one another through this tragedy." Stephanie Simpson, a friend of Layton's mother Georgia Dingwall, has now launched a GoFundMe page, which has raised over £11,000, where she tells of wanting to help the family give the tragic teenager "the best send off". She wrote: "As everyone is aware My best friend Georgia Dingwall has lost her 14 year old Son Layton Carr in one of the most tragic ways you could e(v)er imagine. I'm making this go fund me to help her give him the best send off and help take some stress off Georgia right now. The last thing Georgia needs to worry trying to pay for a funeral for her Boy while going through this. Any donations will help thank you." Neighbours at the crumbling industrial estate where Layton died - which was once Marconi's Radar Plant but is now mostly derelict - blamed poor security for the tragedy. Locals said children could get into the site through iron sheeting and then get out by squeezing under the main gate. One neighbour said: "It has never been right since Marconi closed. The kids have been getting in for God knows how long. There is not a building in there that has any copper wire left in it. They have damaged loads of cars by throwing things over the wall. Kids get in and run riot." In a joint statement, local councillors Amanda Wintcher, Ian Patterson and Paul Diston said they "share our community's sadness about the tragedy" and passed on their good wishes to the boy's family and friends. They said: "We have been in touch with residents about concerns regarding anti-social behaviour at Fairfield industrial estate and the former Harrison's slipway site nearby for some time." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Irish Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tragic 14-year-old found dead in burning building as police arrest 14 children
A family wants to give a 14 year old boy "the best send off" after his death in what's been described as "one of the most tragic ways", while police continue their search for clues over the heartbreaking incident. The remains of Layton Carr, 14, who went missing, were found in a torched building close to Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. Northumbria Police have taken into custody 14 children aged between 11 and 14 on suspicions of manslaughter following the young boy's death. Firefighters raced against the clock to deal with the inferno on Friday evening amid concerns for the teen believed to be in the vicinity at that time. The emergency crews got to the fiery scene shortly before 8pm and subdued the flames. After Layton's disappearance around 7pm the preceding evening, police appealed to the public for his whereabouts in the early hours of Saturday. However, the police later confirmed the grim discovery of his body in the aftermath of the blaze. Stephanie Simpson, who is a mate of Layton's mum Georgia Dingwall, has launched a GoFundMe campaign, sharing their desire to grant the tragic teen "the best send off", reports the Mirror. She penned: "As everyone is aware My best friend Georgia Dingwall has lost her 14 year old Son Layton Carr in one of the most tragic ways you could e(v)er imagine. I'm making this go fund me to help her give him the best send off and help take some stress off Georgia right now. The last thing Georgia needs to worry trying to pay for a funeral for her Boy while going through this. Any donations will help thank you." Locals near the dilapidated and heavily defaced Fairfield Industrial Estate in Bill Quay, Gateshead, which lies near the River Tyne, pointed fingers at inadequate security for the heartbreaking incident. The site, once home to Marconi's Radar Plant, has transformed into a 15-acre industrial estate, with residents claiming much of it is abandoned. Despite being encircled by a 10-foot-high wall covered in graffiti, parts of the barrier have been compromised in several spots, even though community members have tried to seal the breaches with corrugated iron. However, these makeshift repairs are frequently torn apart by vandals. Neighbours reported that kids could enter the premises through gaps in the iron sheeting and exit by wriggling under the main gate. Today, the gates were shut and taped off as part of a crime scene investigation, adjacent to the demolished security office, now devoid of all its glass doors and windows. A local resident remarked: "It has never been right since Marconi closed. The kids have been getting in for God knows how long. There is not a building in there that has any copper wire left in it. "They have damaged loads of cars by throwing things over the wall. Kids get in and run riot. I caught eight of them on Thursday. Four were on this side of the fence. Another four were trying to get under gates to get out. They were scraping their knees because they had shorts on trying to get under the gate. It has been like that for years. There is a security camera but no one goes in and checks it. Someone comes in a van and takes a picture of the entrance and goes off again. "Marconi closed a few years after we moved in 43 years ago and it was rented out to different businesses. What happened is terrible. It is a shame someone has had to lose their lives for it to get all this attention. Hopefully, some good will come of it." Flowers and other tributes have been left at the scene Including one that read: "Rest in Paradise Layton. Always in our hearts. Fly high with the angels. Took too soon. Love you forever. Lots of love." Another handwritten note left alongside flowers and toys read: "Thank you for brightening up our lives. You will be missed beyond words. All my love." And another card stated: "Thank you for brightening up our lives. The Close will never be the same without you. We will all miss you." Officers have arrested 11 boys and three girls, aged between 11 and 14, on suspicion of manslaughter. Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth has sent her "heartfelt condolences" to the family and mates of the young teen during this "devastating time". She said: "I'm being kept updated regularly by the Chief Constable and her team and would like to thank all emergency services involved in the response and ongoing inquiries."
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Thompson Park Golf Course restaurant's opening delayed until Thursday
Apr. 21—WATERTOWN — The clubhouse at the Thompson Park Golf Course did not open as planned on Monday because the city had issues with providing water to the restaurant. David J. Marconi, operator of the golf course restaurant, said Monday that D.J.'s at the Park will now open for the season on Thursday. The city turned the water back on Monday morning, so he'll use the next couple of days for "prep work." Marconi was told about nine days ago that there was an issue with water at the city-owned golf course, so he'd have to wait until the repairs were completed before he could open. "It's unfortunate" that it took phone calls to the city about what was happening to finally get it resolved, Marconi said. "We're trying to make the best of it," he said. "Obviously, we have to look out for the business and our employees." The city turned the water back on Monday morning, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Scott M. Weller said. The golf course opened only the front nine holes. Golf carts were not available Monday and the other nine holes were too wet to open, Weller said. Weller confirmed on Monday that the city planned to install a backflow prevention system at the park. The city decided about two months ago that the backflow prevention device needed to be installed, even though there haven't been any persistent flooding issues there in the past, he said. The backflow prevention device is a plumbing fitting that allows sewage to flow only one way — out — so when in times of heavy rain and flooding sewage does not back up into a building. Contacted later in the day. City Manager Eric F. Wagenaar explained that the contractor hired to install the backflow prevention device was supposed to get the work completed last week but couldn't. "For whatever reason, they couldn't get it done," Wagenaar said. The water department learned this winter that the golf course wasn't equipped with the device, so the contractor was retained, Wagenaar said. The equipment near the course's irrigation system could not be installed this winter, Wagenaar said. The City Council in March heard from City Engineer Tom Compo about a pilot program to spend $250,000 to install the devices in city homes in flood-prone areas, including Marra and Richards drives, Sherman and Cosgrove streets and Butterfield Avenue. Under the program, homeowners would buy the backflow prevention devices and hire a licensed plumber or contractor to install the equipment. The city would reimburse them up to $2,500 for the work. Over the years, the city has encouraged homeowners to install the devices as a way to prevent basement flooding, it was not immediately clear why the city decided now was the time to require such a device for the golf course, which is at an elevation higher than the rest of the city and has not previously flooded. Councilwoman Lisa A. Ruggiero saw a Facebook post on Sunday night about the restaurant not opening on time and sent out emails to the other council members and Wagenaar trying to find out why. Councilman Benjamin P. Shoen said Monday morning that he and his colleagues should have been made aware of the situation. "I didn't know anything about it," Shoen said. Council members weren't told why the backflow prevention system is needed or why the city waited until the golf course was about to open this spring before it would be installed. "Those are valid questions," Shoen said, adding that the golf course doesn't need any more bad publicity. This spring's wet weather has prevented the maintenance staff at the historic golf course to get started preparing for the season. This will be the third season under the city's ownership after the $3.4 million purchase from developer Michael E. Lundy in January 2023. Marconi took over the clubhouse restaurant last year. The menu will mostly remain the same from last year, with the addition of a picnic basket consisting of a sandwich, chips, drink and a novelty ice cream that he'll market to people enjoying the park, the playground, pool and other attractions. The restaurant will have about 15 employees and be open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and serving dinner from 11 a.m. to closing.
