Latest news with #Nowicki
BBC News
27-04-2025
- BBC News
Man, 46, dies after being assaulted along with woman in Slough
A 46-year-old man has died after he and a woman were assaulted in were assaulted in Grant Avenue at about 18:45 BST on Friday, Thames Valley Police force said the man was taken to hospital where he died on Sunday afternoon. His family has been told. The 34-year-old woman suffered minor Nowicki, 40, of Maidenhead, was charged with grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage on Saturday and is set to appear at Reading Magistrates' Court on Monday. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pinellas to withdraw from Duke clean energy program
As Duke Energy continues to face pushback from local leaders and residents about rising utility costs, Pinellas County made a move this week that would loosen its ties to the energy company. Pinellas County commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday that will end the county's participation in Duke's Clean Energy Connection program, through which subscribers help pay for solar power plants across the state in return for future savings on monthly bills. Commissioner Vince Nowicki added the resolution to the county's agenda and noted during the meeting that Duke's electricity rates continue to climb, but the percent returned for monthly credits doesn't. 'This isn't about putting clean energy to bed,' he said Tuesday. 'This is about removing from a program, looking at other options.' Duke representatives were at the commission meeting and answered a slew of questions from board members regarding the cost of staying in this program. The utility's representatives maintained that the long-term benefits are worthwhile. Starting no later than Oct. 1, Pinellas County will end its participation in the program. The county is spending millions of dollars a year on the program, which requires a monthly fee of $8.35 per kilowatt of energy used. When the county initially voted to participate in the program, Duke Energy estimated the county would save $15.18 million over 33 years and break even on its payments within five to seven years. Now, estimates show it wouldn't break even until its 12th year and wouldn't start seeing a return until the 20th year. Subscribers receive a credit to their bill based on how much energy they generate multiplied by a set rate, which increases annually after the first three years. The county joined the program in 2022. In its second year in the program, it spent $1.3 million in subscription fees and generated $1.0 million in credits. This past year, it paid $3.7 million and generated $3.2 million in credits. Commissioners said the amount of money the county is paying is too high for such little return. 'I just see a cash flow that's going out,' Commissioner Chris Scherer said, citing how much money the county would be paying over the next several years. 'We might want to call it quits, and this is a great opportunity to do so.' Pinellas isn't the first local government to express concern with this program. Last year, St. Petersburg City Council member Richie Floyd said 'it sounded like a corporate black box that we don't really have any control over,' and it has faced legal challenges at the state level. Nowicki's resolution also placed a restriction on the purchase of electric vehicles for the county's fleet unless a financial analysis is presented to the board that demonstrates the purchase's fiscal benefits. Also under the resolution, commissioners will work to realign the county's clean energy goals and redirect funding that previously went toward the program. Although Nowicki said the resolution has been on the county's agenda for two weeks and was discussed in a previous workshop, commissioners said they wanted a more in-depth discussion about clean energy goals and where to redirect the money that was to go toward the Duke program. René Flowers was the sole 'no' vote Tuesday. She shared concerns about changing direction at the federal level on clean and solar energy and said she isn't sure 'that this will stop here.' 'Before I could support anything that would take a step back, I would like for us to have, not just a soft conversation, but a true conversation, about the directions that we're going,' she said. Commissioner Dave Eggers voted to approve the resolution, but said he was also concerned about following the 'pendulum swings' happening at the federal and state levels. He said he did not want to signal that the county is closed off to clean energy or to having conversations about it. Commissioners are planning to meet again in the coming months to continue the discussion about alternative energy sources.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Springtime brings morel hunting in Michigan. What to know about the tasty mushrooms
As temperatures begin to climb across Michigan, morel enthusiasts soon will be heading into the woods to search for the tasty mushrooms. Like nearly all wild mushrooms, morels require certain conditions, including temperature and moisture, to grow, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said. Some years spring provides good conditions to produce morels, while others result in smaller yields. Warm and wet conditions are ideal for morel growth, while cold and dry conditions can result in a failure of the crop. Regardless of where they are found, morel mushrooms have become a springtime delicacy in Michigan and can become the star of numerous recipes, highlighting their earthy, nutty flavor. If you decide to head out and start morel hunting this spring, here's what you should know about morel mushrooms in Michigan. The white morel is the most common morel mushroom and is often called the white or gray morel. Its color varies from light cream to gray and to yellowish-brown depending on its habitat and age. Other species include black morel, half-free morel and burn-site morel. Detailed information about species can be found on the DNR's website. False morels are known as nonedible look-alike species and should not be eaten. The easiest way to check whether a mushroom is a false morel, is to check if the cap connects to the stalk. Free hanging varieties should not be eaten, the DNR warns. Morels can be found throughout Michigan, including both the Upper and Lower Peninsula. Morels can be unpredictable as to where they will grow from year to year, Joshua Nowicki wrote on the Pure Michigan website. They can be found in fields, forests, along the edges of paved roads, and in landscaping wood mulch. 'Once you have a location, the hunt really begins,' Nowicki said. The month of May is typically "morel month," According to Michigan's DNR, but the actual fruiting period is from late April until mid-June — depending on the location and the species of mushroom. No, there is no map to morel patches. And many morel lovers hate to share their favorite picking locations. However, large burn sites in forested areas tend to be ideal for morel mushroom hunting in Michigan and the DNR has created a 'Mi-Morels Map' showing large burn areas that have occurred within the past couple of years. Grassy and other non-forest areas are not as likely to produce morels, the DNR said. A detailed mushroom identification book can be helpful for those who are just starting their morel hunting adventure, or they can travel with someone who has experience with finding morel mushrooms. Be sure to carry a map, compass or GPS device to avoid getting lost off-trail. Dress appropriately for the weather, and for walking in forested/wooded areas. Be sure to keep your skin covered and wear boots or closed-toe shoes. Use a mesh bag or a basket to collect your mushrooms as these will allow the morels to stay dry. Plastic bags are not recommended as they can speed up decay. Beware of ticks. The DNR provides tips for choosing, collecting and handling mushrooms: Cut mushroom stems with a pocket knife to collect. Collect mushrooms in a mesh bag. Select only fresh, young mushrooms that show no wormholes, damage or decay. Clean mushrooms with a brush or by washing and drying thoroughly. Open lengthwise to check for any bugs that may be inside. Refrigerate collected mushrooms in a paper bag. "Morels have a distinct flavor unlike any other, and won't taste like supermarket mushrooms. The flavor is delicate and easily diminished by overseasoning," the DNR said. Morel mushrooms tossed with a little flour and sautéed in butter is perhaps the simplest way to enjoy the seasonal delicacy. Other recipes can include morels with pasta, made into a cream sauce or as a pizza topping. The Midwest American Mycological Information offers a workshop program that, if successfully completed, will qualify you as an expert mushroom identifier who can then legally sell wild-foraged mushrooms in Michigan, the USDA said. Once completed, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will provide certification for people to lawfully broker select wild-foraged Michigan mushrooms. Michigan's Food Code requires that mushroom species picked in the wild must be obtained from sources where each mushroom is individually inspected and found to be safe by an approved mushroom identification expert. MAMI offers an online map showing the growing season of Michigan mushrooms as well as which species are edible. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Morel mushroom hunting season coming soon to Michigan: What to know
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pinellas County commissioners discuss moving to a county mayor instead of county administrator
The Brief Pinellas County is discussing proposals that would allow residents to elect a county mayor. A Pinellas County mayor would replace the county administrator position as the top county official. Some believe it would give residents a stronger voice in their representation, while others think it would strip the county of its authority. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Pinellas County voters could get the chance to decide on what form of government they want. Commissioners are discussing moving to a county mayor instead of a county administrator, ultimately letting the voters decide on the county's leadership. Commissioner Chris Latvala introduced the idea on the premise that it allows voters to elect the top county official. The backstory County Administrator Barry Burton currently oversees a budget of $4.3 million and over 2,000 employees. Latvala says this does not reflect Burton, who shepherded the county through the Covid-19 pandemic, hurricanes and the Ray's stadium deal. Instead, he says this shift could mirror Burton's eventual retirement. "Mr. Burton has done a tremendous job for Pinellas County, and I have no complaints about his performance," said Latvala. Instead, Latvala says it puts power in the hands of voters. In doing so, commissioners would be giving up some of their authority. Right now, they can hire and fire the county administrator, and they would not be able to do that with a county mayor. READ: CDC staffers that investigate cruise ship outbreaks recently laid off, HHS says "We would be weakening our own power. But I believe, philosophically, that the voter should decide who makes the day-to-day decisions for Pinellas County," said Latvala. Big picture view Commissioner Vince Nowicki says he's interested in having the conversations and weighing the pros and cons of the proposal. "I think it could be good with the right system of checks and balances in place. It's good to have somebody that's kind of pulling on the levers of day-to-day that's an elected official, because they can be held accountable to the voters directly," said Nowicki. Nowicki is also concerned about handing too much centralized power to one elected official. "I think that's a slippery slope. When you have one person making that decision, the power is stripped away from the local body of government," said Nowicki. "I'd like to see, which we haven't really talked much about, is maybe elevating the chairman (of the board's) position a little bit on our commission. Perhaps we're able to elevate the powers of our chair and maybe have more checks and balances and be able to decide more as a commission," said Nowicki. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube Still in the early phases of discussion, he's focused on finding out what residents want. "I think it's important to really have our finger on the pulse of what the residents want to make sure we're leading with that, a resident first agenda," said Nowicki. What's next Commissioners are set to continue the dialogue around the issue. They'll have to decide whether to put it on the ballot for voters in 2026 and then potentially implement it by 2028. If Pinellas County creates a mayor's office, it would not be the first county in Florida to do so. Miami-Dade and Orange Counties have mayors elected by voters, while Palm Beach County has a mayor whom the Board of Commissioners elects. The Source FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis collected the information in this story. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS LIVE: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
It's nearly morel season. What to know about the tasty springtime Michigan mushroom
As temperatures begin to climb across Michigan, morel enthusiasts soon will be heading into the woods to search for the tasty mushrooms. Like nearly all wild mushrooms, morels require certain conditions, including temperature and moisture, to grow, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said. Some years spring provides good conditions to produce morels, while others result in smaller yields. Warm and wet conditions are ideal for morel growth, while cold and dry conditions can result in a failure of the crop. Regardless of where they are found, morel mushrooms have become a springtime delicacy in Michigan and can become the star of numerous recipes, highlighting their earthy, nutty flavor. If you decide to head out and start morel hunting this spring, here's what you should know about morel mushrooms in Michigan. The white morel is the most common morel mushroom and is often called the white or gray morel. Its color varies from light cream to gray and to yellowish-brown depending on its habitat and age. Other species include black morel, half-free morel and burn-site morel. Detailed information about species can be found on the DNR's website. False morels are known as nonedible look-alike species and should not be eaten. The easiest way to check whether a mushroom is a false morel, is to check if the cap connects to the stalk. Free hanging varieties should not be eaten, the DNR warns. Morels can be found throughout Michigan, including both the Upper and Lower Peninsula. Morels can be unpredictable as to where they will grow from year to year, Joshua Nowicki wrote on the Pure Michigan website. They can be found in fields, forests, along the edges of paved roads, and in landscaping wood mulch. 'Once you have a location, the hunt really begins,' Nowicki said. The month of May is typically "morel month," According to Michigan's DNR, but the actual fruiting period is from late April until mid-June — depending on the location and the species of mushroom. No, there is no map to morel patches. And many morel lovers hate to share their favorite picking locations. However, large burn sites in forested areas tend to be ideal for morel mushroom hunting in Michigan and the DNR has created a 'Mi-Morels Map' showing large burn areas that have occurred within the past couple of years. Grassy and other non-forest areas are not as likely to produce morels, the DNR said. A detailed mushroom identification book can be helpful for those who are just starting their morel hunting adventure, or they can travel with someone who has experience with finding morel mushrooms. Be sure to carry a map, compass or GPS device to avoid getting lost off-trail. Dress appropriately for the weather, and for walking in forested/wooded areas. Be sure to keep your skin covered and wear boots or closed-toe shoes. Use a mesh bag or a basket to collect your mushrooms as these will allow the morels to stay dry. Plastic bags are not recommended as they can speed up decay. Beware of ticks. The DNR provides tips for choosing, collecting and handling mushrooms: Cut mushroom stems with a pocket knife to collect. Collect mushrooms in a mesh bag. Select only fresh, young mushrooms that show no wormholes, damage or decay. Clean mushrooms with a brush or by washing and drying thoroughly. Open lengthwise to check for any bugs that may be inside. Refrigerate collected mushrooms in a paper bag. "Morels have a distinct flavor unlike any other, and won't taste like supermarket mushrooms. The flavor is delicate and easily diminished by overseasoning," the DNR said. Morel mushrooms tossed with a little flour and sautéed in butter is perhaps the simplest way to enjoy the seasonal delicacy. Other recipes can include morels with pasta, made into a cream sauce or as a pizza topping. The Midwest American Mycological Information offers a workshop program that, if successfully completed, will qualify you as an expert mushroom identifier who can then legally sell wild-foraged mushrooms in Michigan, the USDA said. Once completed, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will provide certification for people to lawfully broker select wild-foraged Michigan mushrooms. Michigan's Food Code requires that mushroom species picked in the wild must be obtained from sources where each mushroom is individually inspected and found to be safe by an approved mushroom identification expert. MAMI offers an online map showing the growing season of Michigan mushrooms as well as which species are edible. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: What to know: Michigan's morel mushroom hunting season starts soon
