Latest news with #Noland
Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
South Shore Line fares increasing July 1 in first jump since 2018
Fares for South Shore Line riders will increase an average of 10% on July 1 after a 4-1 vote by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District board. Gary Mayor Eddie Melton voted no Wednesday, explaining he had more questions about it before he could support it. General Manager and President Michael Noland said the fare increase comes after the railroad has depleted its savings following the COVID-19 pandemic. 'We have not had a fare increase on this RR since 2018,' he said. Planned increases were skipped when the pandemic caused ridership to plummet. As the railroad went to the Statehouse looking for additional funding, Noland said, state officials asked, 'What are you doing with respect to self-help?' The railroad has been conservative with its operating expenses and partnered with labor unions to find ways to reduce expenses and turn that into wages, he said. Still, a fare increase was needed. Noland said the fare increase will bring in about $1.25 million to $1.5 million in additional revenue annually. The fare increase is a big jump, at an average of 10%, but it's been a long time coming. The consumer price increase has gone up 'something like 35%' since 2018, he said. Future fare increases are likely, perhaps 5% every other year beginning July 1, 2027, if inflation is around 2.5% per year, he said. The railroad held five public hearings on the fare increases in April and May and solicited comments in writing and by email as well. 'We received feedback. No one ever raises their hand and says please, please, please raise our fares,' Noland said. The hearings in Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph counties didn't draw any attendees, Director of Strategic Planning and Grants Kelly Wenger said. 'We did not have a tremendous opposition to it,' Noland said. In implementing the fare increase, the railroad is eliminating its buy-one-get-one-free promotion for monthly tickets. 'We heavily discount our monthly tickets,' which have historically been the railroad's bread and butter, Noland said. 'They're still important riders to us,' but ridership trends are changing. The pandemic taught companies that employees working at home could still be productive. Fewer people working in an office five days a week means fewer riders each day. Now a lot of workers are in the office just two or three days a week, Noland said. They're not necessarily working 9 to 5 in the office, either. Some just need to be there in time for a 9:30 a.m. staff meeting and can leave earlier, affecting rush hour demand for trains. 'The monthly ticket doesn't make sense to them. They're not getting the value out of it,' Noland said. Instead, they might opt for a 10-ride or 25-ride ticket. With the new fare structure, a 10-ride ticket is discounted 10% over the single-ride rate. It previously was discounted 5%. A 25-ride ticket now will be discounted 20%, rather than 10%. The monthly ticket price is going up 10%. 'We're going to keep it. We're not going to get rid of it,' Noland said. It will be up to riders to decide which ticket best serves their needs. The railroad's overall ticket sales have jumped 32.4% for the first four months of this year, compared to the same period last year. One-way tickets are up 33.2%, and monthly tickets are up just 8%, the lowest increase of any type of ticket. 25-ride ticket sales are up 11.6% and 10-ride tickets are up 11.7%. The railroad offers reduced-price fares for senior citizens, active duty military, children under 13 and riders with disabilities. In addition, up to three children 13 and under can ride free when accompanied by a parent on weekend, holiday and off-peak weekday trains. Wenger, whose many duties include compliance officer for Title 6, which affects low-income and minority communities, said they're not adversely affected by the fare increase, based on 2024 ridership data. Hudson Lake, the one community showing a disparate impact for the new fare structure, was based on insufficient response for that community. Only one person responded to the survey. 'Hudson Lake on a good day has four riders,' Noland said. The last passenger count was three, Wenger said. 'We must have lost someone somewhere along the way.' On-time performance has improved dramatically in the past year even as more trains are operating. Weekly trains reporting on-time performance increased 142% and trains arriving within 10 minutes of scheduled arrival time are up 85%. Noland, looking at a chart on the performance increase, remarked, 'I wish my stock portfolio looked like that.' The board discussed potential impacts on ridership from external events. If the state decided to turn the Borman Expressway into a toll road, that 'likely would drive, from an economic standpoint, ridership to the South Shore Line,' Noland said. 'That shifts their mentality: Maybe you know what, I'm going to take the train,' he said. When the Dan Ryan Expressway was under construction, ridership hit an all-time high. Board chair Lyndsay Quist, who heads the Indiana Department of Transportation, said her agency did some preliminary work when the General Assembly talked this past session about tolling on the state's expressways but hasn't submitted a formal request to the federal government yet.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iconic Provides Corporate Update on New Pass Gold Property and Engagement of Investor Relations
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - Iconic Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ICM) (OTC: ICMFF) (FSE: YQG) (the "Company" or "Iconic") announces that it is re-initiating an exploration plan on its New Pass Gold Property (the "New Pass" or "Property"), located in Nye County, Nevada USA. New Pass Gold Property Exploration Plan 2025 Iconic is initiating an exploration program on its New Pass Property (the "Exploration Program") where the primary focus will be infrastructure and drilling, followed by advanced metallurgy. In 2021 an extensive IP survey identified several oxidation zones anomalies located north, south and up dip of the defined mineralized zone, this Exploration Plan will test these anomalies. A total of 38 angled RC holes will be drilled to test extensions up-dip (east) and to the north and south of the current resource where mineralization occurs at the surface. Upon the completion of the drilling and advanced metallurgical program, a new NI 43-101 technical resource report would be generated. The Exploration Program is expected to cost approximately U.S. $1,000,000. New Pass Gold Property Highlights New Pass hosts the Carlin-type New Pass Gold-Silver deposit, with a historical (2010) NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource of 15,515,488 short tons averaging 0.018 oz/ton gold and 0.202 oz/ton silver which totals 279,279 ounces of gold and 3,139,054 ounces of silver. (Noland, P. D., 2010, (NI 43-101 Technical Report and Revised Resource Estimation on the New Pass Property, Churchill County, Nevada, NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared for Bonaventure Enterprises Inc.). Although the report followed CIM standards, the date of the work indicates verification assaying recalculating the resource is needed. The QP has not done sufficient work to make the resource current. A 2021 extensive IP survey identified several oxidation zone anomalies located north, south and up dip of the defined mineralized zone. An exploration plan to test these anomalies is currently being finalized; Mineralization comes to surface with 75% of the deposit estimated to be oxidized, amenable to heap leaching from previous metallurgical test work; Mineralization is open in all directions, providing an excellent opportunity for resource expansion and conversion; Highlight historical drill hole intercepts include: NP-28, 45 m @ 0.080 oz/ton Au NP-88-8, 20 m @ 0.078 oz/ton Au NP-54, 50 m @ 0.047 oz/ton Au The above is from Pelke, P. A., Arentz III, S. S., NI 43-101 Technical Report on the New Pass Property Churchill County, Nevada, April 12, 2006, NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared for Bonaventure Enterprises Inc. and White Knight Resources, p.91. New Pass has an active Plan of Operations, permitting up to 25 acres of exploration-associated allowable disturbance. New Pass is located in Nevada's prolific Sulfur-Lovestock-Austin structural gold trend which is only 75 kilometres south-southwest of the past-producing McCoy-Cove Mine (produced 3.3 Moz Au and over 100 Moz of Ag). is poised to resume production with i-80 Gold Corp. (NI43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Cove Project, Lander County, Nevada" is dated March 31, 2025). The technical and scientific information disclosed from neighboring properties does not necessarily apply to the current project or property being disclosed. New Pass Geology New Pass is a Carlin style sediment hosted deposit. The gold/silver mineralization follows bedding in south-westerly dipping limestone and rhyolite tuff. The thickest part of the deposit is associated with a 3,000 foot long jasperoid. A total of 277 drill holes were completed between 1982 and 2013. Between 2006 and 2010 three separate historic resource reports were reported with similar results. The most recent is by Noland, P. D., 2010, (NI 43-101 Technical Report and Revised Resource Estimation on the New Pass Property, Churchill County, Nevada, NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared for Bonaventure Enterprises Inc.), Its inferred resource is 341,750 ounces of gold and 3,134,129 ounces of silver. This grade is above cut-off grades of currently operating Nevada heap-leach gold/silver mines. The current leach grade at Round Mountain, Nevada, from the Kinross Gold Corporation May 6, 2025 press release ranged from 0.006 to 0.010 oz/ton gold. In 2021, GOLDNEV conducted an extensive IP survey over the project. The survey emphasized the northern and southern extensions of mineralization. Geophysicist Frank Fritz of Fritz Geophysics (from F. Fritz report titled New Pass Project Dipole-Dipole IP-Resistivity Survey Interpretation, April, 2021) noted that mineralization is associated with an "oxidation boundary," defined as the contact of high resistivity limestone below low resistivity altered limestone, tuff and siltstone. The survey confirms that the known mineralization follows bedding and dips to the southwest. Several oxidation zone anomalies were defined and some are confirmed by past drilling. Investor Relations Engagement The Company has engaged Paradox Public Relations Inc. (the "Paradox") subject to approval, to provide investor relations services to the Company for a period of 36 months for a consideration of a monthly payment of $10,000, commencing May 12, 2025 (the "Agreement"). Included in the Agreement, the Company has granted 1,500,000 stock options to Paradox (See Stock Option Grant below) exercisable at $0.05 cents and valid for a three-year term (the "Paradox Stock Options") Paradox Stock Options are subject to a one-year vesting period. Founded in 2001, Paradox is a boutique investor relations consultancy firm that has been driving high-performing results for its clients for over 20 years. Paradox will focus on developing and expanding the Company's communications and visibility with the investment community. Paradox does not currently own any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company, or its securities. Stock Option Grant The Company also announces the grant (the "Stock Option Grant"), pursuant to its 10% Rolling Stock Option Plan that was ratified and approved by shareholders on May 24, 2023, of stock options to certain eligible directors, officers and consultants to purchase a total of 5,000,000 common shares. The stock options vest immediately and are exercisable, in whole or in part, on or before May 14, 2028 at an exercise price of $0.05 per share. Richard Kern, Certified Professional Geologist (#11494) and CEO of Iconic is the Qualified Person who has reviewed and approved this press release in accordance with NI 43-101 reporting standards. On behalf of the Board of Directors SIGNED: "Richard Barnett" Richard Barnett, CFOContact: Keturah Nathe, VP Corporate Development (604) 336-8614 For further information on ICM, please visit our website at The Company's public documents may be accessed at Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release including, without limitation, the exercise of the stock options are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained lithium and gold demand and prices. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Iconic expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
South Carolina Quarterback's 5 Word Message for Dante Reno as He Enters Transfer Portal
South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Dante Reno revealed on April 24 that he's entering the NCAA transfer portal. Gamecocks quarterback Prentiss "Air" Noland was quick to leave him a short goodbye message on Instagram when the news broke. Reno shared a post on Instagram from Hayes Fawcett announcing that he was entering the transfer portal with four years of eligibility remaining. Advertisement Noland was one of the first to respond, simply writing: "Wishing you the best bro 🫡." Fans had mixed reactions to the amicable message. One person replied, "Your the reason he transferred..." Others disagreed, speculating that quarterback Cutter Woods was the reason. In December 2024, Noland announced that he was entering the transfer portal and leaving Ohio State. He ultimately chose to sign with South Carolina. © Jeff Blake-Imagn Images That same month, Woods officially committed to South Carolina on National Signing Day (although he had been unofficially committed since June.) The Westside High quarterback is known as a dual-sport athlete with versatility, SI reported. Advertisement While LaNorris Sellers will no doubt be the Gamecocks' starting quarterback, it's likely that Reno left because of the lengthy depth chart he'd be facing. As The State noted, numerous players could land the backup quarterback spot, including Luke Doty, Woods, Noland, and walk-on Jimmy Francis. Each of them played in the spring game, and head coach Shane Beamer said he wasn't ready to determine their order on the depth chart yet. "They've all flashed and they're all trending in the right direction," he said. Reno was a four-star recruit when he joined the Gamecocks. He confirmed to Rivals that he's transferring. Related: Shane Beamer's Emotional Response to Transfer Portal News
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
ETSU president speaks on recent DEI changes
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Recent changes in federal policy led schools like East Tennessee State University (ETSU) to make changes to DEI-related centers and resources on campus. ETSU's president, Brian Noland, said changes on campus were made to comply with the new policies. ETSU closes DEI office – no position cuts to occur 'Some of the structural changes we've made to the organizational components of staff, we've made to ensure that we remain in compliance with state law and with federal policy directives,' Noland said. Last week, the school announced its new approach to DEI programs. ETSU is sunsetting operations at its Office of Equity and Inclusion. The university also announced changes to the Pride Center, the Women and Gender Resource Center and the Multi-Cultural Center. Students previously told News Channel 11 that the school had not informed them of its decisions, but Noland said the university continued to keep communication channels open. 'I think we met with more than 35 groups over the course of the past couple of months,' Noland said. 'So I think the changes that we've made have been well vetted. They've been informed. Faculty, staff and students have had the opportunity to provide feedback, and that feedback shaped the ultimate direction of the initiatives that have been in place.' ETSU launches new center to support low-income and first-generation students While some centers are closing, another was created. The university announced it would soon open the Mary V. Jordan Center, focused on student success. Noland said the center was created to reach the students ETSU felt needed an extra level of support. 'We'll offer high-level advising, counseling services, mentoring services and scholarships to students,' Noland said. 'To position them so that four or so years after they begin as freshman, that they've got the ability to receive their degree and do so with limited to no debt.' Noland stressed that the university's commitment to its students has not and will not change. 'Our value statements indicate that people come first and are treated with dignity and respect,' he said. 'That does not change. I recognize that some students may have concerns about the things that have transpired across the campus over the course of the past few weeks. But we look forward to ensuring that we're an institution that remains committed to all students having the opportunity to realize their dreams here at East Tennessee State University.' Noland said the university would prepare to open the center as it looks toward the fall semester. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
01-04-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
South Shore fare hikes coming; state aid sought to continue operations
A previously announced 10% fare increase for South Shore Line passengers is expected this year, to be followed by future price hikes to keep up with inflation. The 10% increase could be approved as soon as the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District board's May meeting. General Manager and President Michael Noland briefed the board Monday on the need to avoid a fiscal cliff after the COVID-19 pandemic decimated the railroad's coffers along with ridership. 'Because of the loss of ridership, there also was a corresponding loss in revenue,' he said. The railroad is also seeking state assistance as the Indiana General Assembly drafts its biennial budget this month. 'We will get some kind of funding this year' from the state, Noland said, but just how much remains to be seen. The Legislature has an April 29 deadline to complete its work, including passing the 2026-2027 budget. The 10% fare increase, now going through the approval process, is intended as a way to not just increase revenue but also to show state officials that the railroad is doing its share to improve its bottom line. Railroad officials have had 'great meetings' with legislative leaders and the governor's office, Noland said. 'I'm cautiously optimistic.' 'We have burned through our rainy day fund,' he said, so a cash infusion is needed to keep operating and begin to rebuild reserves. Before the pandemic, the railroad had enough cash reserves to cover eight to nine months of operating costs, Noland said. During the pandemic, ridership plummeted during the stay-at-home order. While it's growing again, it hasn't reached pre-pandemic levels. More than 200,000 riders used the train in January 2019, with about 125,000 riding it in January 2025, according to a chart shared with the board Monday. That's a significant boost over January 2024, when the double-track project still required busing passengers to Gary's Metro Center station. March data was of course not available Monday, but ridership numbers for the St. Patrick's Day parade and dyeing the Chicago River will show March to be a good month for riders, Director of Capital Investment and Implementation Nicole Barker said. In 2023, the events drew 4,680 riders, growing to 4,930 in 2024 and 11,109 this year. Barker also serves as the railroad's marketing director. As the railroad improves its on-time performance, Noland looks forward to the railroad being able to boast about its on-time performance. When the double-track project was completed enough to start putting more trains in service last May, on-time performance was dismal, Noland acknowledged, at around 25% to 30%. 'There was not a single moment of recovery time in the schedule,' he said. The railroad tweaked the schedule and saw on-time performance improve to 55% to 60%. Since the newest schedule took effect on Feb. 18, performance is even better, often at 100% for rush hour trains, he said. 'We really have come a long way. We're not done,' he said. 'The low-hanging fruit is all gone.' 'Our goal is to be consistently at 90%. We're very close to that,' Noland said. 'It's going to bleed right into increased ridership,' he said. As the double-track service became operational, Noland communicated often with riders to update them on the railroad's progress and seek public input.
