Latest news with #Nickels
CBS News
07-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Baltimore healthcare group supports young victims of abuse, assault
Every year, the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) brings community members together for a powerful display of solidarity. GBMC's Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event aims to raise awareness and support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This year, the event will be held on Friday, April 11, at 4 p.m. Every month, GBMC's Child Protection Coordinator Danielle Nickles leads a support group session with teen girls in Maryland who have experienced sexual assault and abuse. "Girls are able to do some sort of art-based activity with their peers, knowing that these peers have gone through something similar to what they have been through, but they're not required to talk about anything, with the goal being support," Nickels said. The team calls itself The Safe Squad. "Safe, for them, stands for support, acceptance, friendship and empowerment," Nickels told WJZ. "So many of them have said this has been my escape, this is where I can get away from the real world," Nickels said. "They said they feel safe here, they felt heard here, and it's been life-changing for them." A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that one in four girls and one in six boys will report experiencing sexual abuse in their childhood. A sobering and eye-opening statistic that local organizations like GBMC's S.A.F.E. and Domestic Violence Program are hoping to turn around. "So many of these abuses will go unreported and so that statistic is likely higher," Nickels said. "But the statistic overall, that equals out to overall about 1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse before they turn 18." Support group therapy sessions like the one with GBMC help survivors continue their journey of healing. "Especially in adolescence, having that sense of friendship, sense of belonging with their peers, I mean that's critical throughout that time period, and throughout life," Nickels said Community support and fundraisers like GBMC's Walk a Mile in Their Shoes allow the S.A.F.E. Program to operate 24/7, 365 days a year, free of charge for patients. The event brings together people from all walks of life to raise awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence. "This group started with a community donor, so we're just really fortunate to have the community awareness about this group," Nickels said. "The knowledge of how important and how life-changing it is for so many of these girls." With continued support and resources, survivors can take steps toward healing and reclaiming their lives. "I've seen some of them go from where they've been critical and hospitalized because of their mental health and their trauma symptoms to now, they're about to graduate and a couple of them are talking about where their college options are," Nickels said. "So, I mean it really is– If I think about it too deeply, I will get emotional. It's beautiful." GBMC will hold its 10th annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event. Baltimore Ravens Coach John Harbaugh is the honorary chair of the event this year. If you or someone you know is a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault, you can find resources at GBMC's website or by calling the national hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Justin Nickels and Jason Prigge react to Manitowoc mayor's race & more election takeaways
MANITOWOC – Justin Nickels will start his fifth term as Manitowoc's mayor April 22 during a swearing-in ceremony. More than 60% of Manitowoc voters chose Nickels over challenger Jason Prigge. Nickels has been mayor since 2009 and has championed a variety of changes to the downtown area, creating the River Point District and cleaning up vacant properties such as the former Mirro site on Washington Street and the former Mid-Cities Mall site on Memorial Drive. Nickels was not immediately available for comment Wednesday, but did send out a Facebook post thanking his supporters and Prigge, and reassuring those who didn't vote for him that he would not ignore their wants and perspectives. Nickels wrote: "From the bottom of my heart, thank you for entrusting me to serve another term as your mayor. I am excited to continue our great work. ... To those who didn't vote for me, I won't dismiss you. Please continue to reach out to me and help guide me in my decisions. It's all about Manitowoc now and everyone has a say." Prigge, a local entrepreneur and one of the minds behind Coolest Coast, a site that highlights the area's best features, shared a statement with the Herald Times Reporter. In that statement, he thanked his wife, family and supporters, and congratulated Nickels on winning the election. "This isn't the end of my commitment to Manitowoc," he wrote. "I will continue to serve and advocate for our city's progress. We have started conversations and sparked ideas that I know will grow." New and returning representatives for the Manitowoc Common Council will also be sworn in April 22. In District 1, Andrew Dunbar won with 51.3% of votes. He will replace Brett Vanderkin on the council. In District 2, Chad Beeman ran unopposed for another term. In District 3, Michael Cummings won with 54.5% of votes against challenger Angela Myers. In District 7, Bill Schlei filed noncandidacy and did not run for another term. As the only candidate in the race, Brian Anderson was voted in and will replace Schlei on the council. In District 10, Todd Reckelberg ran unopposed for another term. Three new representatives for the Manitowoc Board of Education will be added this month. Incumbents Matthew Phipps, Matthew Spaulding and Tony Vlastelica filed for noncandidacy and did not run for another term. Ann Holsen, David Bowman and Mary Lofy Blahnik were elected to replace them on the school board. According to the unofficial ballot tallies from Tuesday, Holsen received the most votes with 21.1%, Bowman received 20.4% and Blahnik received 18%. Conversely, challengers Lisa Anne Krueger received 15.1% of the votes, Brayden Myer received 12.9% and Chrystal Myer received 12.5%. A referendum from the Manitowoc Public School District asking for voters' approval to borrow $25 million for facility repairs and maintenance passed Tuesday with 75.8% of voters choosing yes while only 24.3% of voters chose no. In a news release from MPSD, Interim Superintendent Lee Thennes said the money will allow the district to focus on critical needs identified in a 2024 facilities audit. School board President Chris Able stated: "We thank everyone for their support and pledge to use this authority wisely to ensure safe and secure schools for all. The MPSD board will be active stewards of these funds. We will work rigorously to get the most value for every dollar, while ensuring we maintain not just our buildings but also a quality education for every student." Thennes has said that the borrowing will have no impact on taxpayers. According to an MPSD news release from March 26, administrators have identified more than enough in operational budget savings to pay for the annual borrowing debt payments. Voter turnout in Manitowoc County was high for the April 1 election with 51% of eligible voters casting ballots. In the 2024 spring election and presidential primary, only 27% of voters turned out. In 2021, the previous election for Manitowoc mayor, there was a 24% voter turnout. Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@ This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Justin Nickels, Jason Prigge react to Manitowoc mayor race outcome
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Manitowoc mayoral candidates participate in forum
MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV) – A four-term incumbent matches up against a local business development and marketing entrepreneur in the Manitowoc mayoral race. The League of Women's Voters teamed up with the Chamber of Manitowoc County to host a forum with the two candidates on Thursday night at city hall in the council chambers. Incumbent Justin Nickels became the city's youngest mayor ever (22 years old) when voters first elected him in 2009. Since then, voters have re-elected him three more times. 'I'm not a career politician, I've just given my career to this point to the citizens of Manitowoc, it's been the greatest honor of my life,' Nickels said. Fox Cities Chambers honors 10 teachers for 2025 Excellence in Education Shining Star Nickels' challenger Jason Prigge is a marketing and business development professional, radio host, and artist. He started his own company to market the city of Manitowoc and encourage people to visit called 'Coolest Coast'. He's also served on the boards of multiple local non-profits. 'I've been like the mayor said one of the biggest cheerleaders for this community for a very long time,' Prigge said during the forum. Mayor Nickels had an opportunity to tout his accomplishments during the forum, making the argument that his long tenure is an asset for his candidacy because of his experience. He said that revitalizing downtown Manitowoc and removing blighted areas from around the city were some of his most significant accomplishments as mayor. 'Under my leadership the city has lowered its debt and balanced its budget allowing us to invest in the critical services that you the citizens expect from your local government every single day,' he said. Prigge said the city needs a fresh perspective in the mayor's office. He stressed his ability to collaborate with all different types of people and said making sure he's fiscally responsible with the city's budget is also a priority. 'There is a sacred bond that a taxpayer has with their government and you should have a say in how that is used (taxpayer money),' he said. 'Right now we're being taxed out of our homes.' Prigge said building that responsible budget would be his top priority if he earns the right to become mayor. He also emphasized growth pointing out that there's still empty downtown storefronts and talked about the importance of adding a variety of affordable housing options. He floated tiny homes as a way to bring housing to the Manitowoc community. Nickels said if re-elected his biggest priorities would be maintaining and fixing the roads and continuing to beautify blighted areas in the city. 'We've made decisions that made it (Manitowoc) a better place, a place that a lot of people are proud to call home,' Nickels said also pointing out that developers want to build in their city. C.D. Smith Construction, industry professionals celebrate 'Women in Construction' at Marian University 'When you realize that you have a limited amount of time on this planet you want to do what's best for the rest of your days,' Prigge said referring to a serious motorcycle accident over the summer that seriously injured him and his wife. 'I want to dedicate myself to the service of this city. If I'm the smartest guy in the room then I'm in the wrong room.' The candidates also discussed how to bring more childcare options into the city, how to address homelessness, and how tax incremental financing districts can benefit the city. Audience members had the opportunity to ask the candidates questions during the forum as well. The election is on April 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
