Latest news with #ORC
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Overland Park police retail crime operation results in 7 arrests
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Overland Park Police Department conducted a National Organized Retail Crime (ORC) 'Stop the 'Lift' Operation over the weekend to target retail theft. The goal of the operation was to fight these crimes by enhancing partnerships with local retailers and increasing law enforcement presence. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV During the two-day 'Stop the 'Lift' campaign, uniformed officers and undercover detectives made numerous contacts and seven arrests. The goal of the operation was to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and retail businesses, apprehend retail theft offenders, gather intelligence on ORC networks and deter future retail theft activity. The department said increased police presence and tight coordination with retailers were key components of the proactive enforcement. Building solid cases before catching suspects was prioritized, along with officer and public safety. Officers' and detectives' contact details were given to retailers to enable the timely reporting of suspected criminal activity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Otago Daily Times
20 hours ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
ORC's pest plan ‘partially effective'
Eradicating wallabies from the region is proving a challenge for the Otago Regional Council as credible sightings are increasing. Of the three pest species the council aims to eradicate from the region, the marsupials appear to be giving the council the most trouble, a new report suggests. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The Otago Regional Council is effective at raising awareness of the threats wallabies pose to the region, less so at actually dealing with the pest, a new report says. The mid-term review of the council's 2019-29 Otago regional pest management plan, by consultants Sapere, found the council was "partially effective" in achieving the objectives of its plan to exclude, eradicate, contain or control the 51 pest species it addresses. The council was graded as "effective" at excluding, or keeping out, six pest species identified in the plan — African feather grass, Chilean needle grass, egeria, false tamarisk, hornwort and moth plant. It was also effective at eradicating both rooks and spiny broom. The consultants found the council was effective in raising awareness of the wallaby issue in Otago but "not effective" in reducing populations and preventing spread. But there was hope, the review report said. In particular, the consultants were impressed with the council's work on its "Judas wallaby trials" where helicopter-based hunters follow GPS-collared wallabies to find other wallabies, which are destroyed. "Targeted monitoring by ORC has demonstrated effective outcomes, especially in controlling rooks, spartina, and spiny broom," the report said. "In wilding pine management, ORC has achieved partial effectiveness by leveraging national funding support. "While ORC's wallaby population control efforts are not effective at present, their collaboration with the national wallaby programme has yielded promising results. "Initiatives such as the Judas wallaby trials have contributed to developing targeted and cost-effective control measures." The report said containing wallabies, which could move up to 9km a day, was a challenge because there were limited numbers of the animals across a very large area. It said council staff told the reviewers the at present 1.5 fulltime staff positions would need to increase to five fulltime staff to meet the objectives of the pest plan. "A recent report identified that current funding is indeed too little to maintain gains and progressively eradicate wallabies in Otago, stating that $1.4 million is needed." The reviewers said the plan provided a "framework" for the council to identify priority pest species, set objectives for their control, and outline responsibilities for landowners, local authorities, and other stakeholders. Funding increased from $1.3 million in 2019-20 to $2m in 2021-22. It then jumped to $3.2m in 2021-22, then $3.8m (2022-23) and $4m (2023-24). "The increased funding reflects the fact that the 2019 [plan] introduced significant changes to align with national policies and address local pest management challenges more effectively." The review found overall, the council had made important investments, such as improving pest data capture and increasing its biosecurity team, in response to meeting the the pest management plan's objectives. The changes it had made were "significant", and the council could build on its progress in the first five years and achieve "greater effectiveness" by the conclusion of the 10-year plan. The report suggested "ineffective enforcement" was plaguing rabbit control efforts. Wilding pine containment suffered from inadequate "good neighbour" rules. It contained 13 recommendations to improve the 2019-29 plan and nine recommendations to help prepare the next 10-year pest plan.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
District Collector Orders Full-Scale Preparations for Bhoo Bharati Revenue Conferences from June 3 to 20
Gadwal: District Collector B.M. Santosh has directed officials to be thoroughly prepared for the upcoming Bhoo Bharati revenue conferences scheduled from June 3 to June 20, emphasizing the need for systematic and effective implementation. On Friday, an orientation session on Bhoo Bharati was conducted at the IDOC Conference Hall for Tahsildars, Deputy Tahsildars (DTs), and Revenue Inspectors (RIs). Speaking at the session, the Collector said the government's main goal is to resolve all land-related issues efficiently. He stated that the new Bhoo Bharati Act is being implemented in place of the previous Dharani system. Through this new legislation, services such as land registration, mutation, prohibited lands, ROR (Record of Rights) changes, inheritance issues, unregistered agreements (Sada Bainamas), and ORC services will become more accessible and streamlined for citizens. The Collector mentioned that the pilot project in Itikyala Mandal has been successfully completed, with applications accepted and issues being resolved under the new system. He further stated that the revenue conferences would be held in all village panchayats across the district between June 3 and June 20. He emphasized that all officials participating in the Bhoo Bharati program must have complete understanding of the relevant laws, rules, and schedules. Tahsildars were instructed to prepare and submit village-wise schedules for the revenue meetings. Each mandal must form two teams, which will visit one village per day and conduct the conference from morning to evening. Officials were asked to stay in the villages during the program and accept grievances and applications related to land issues directly from the public, ensuring prompt redressal. In cases of assigned lands, officials must identify and immediately report them to higher authorities, with the intention of forwarding them to the CCLA (Chief Commissioner of Land Administration). Applications must be accepted until June 20 and all issues should be resolved by August 14, the Collector said. He instructed that the public should be informed a day in advance of the scheduled date of the conference in their village and that application forms be distributed beforehand. At the end of each day's conference, the received applications must be digitally recorded by data entry operators. A detailed report of the day's activities and public responses must be submitted to the district center after every session. The Collector noted that under the new Bhoo Bharati Act, land disputes can be appealed from the Tahsildar level itself, enabling faster resolution of land-related issues. He called on farmers to utilize this opportunity to resolve their land problems effectively. Following the Collector's address, several officials' queries and doubts were clarified. The program was attended by Additional Collector Revenue Lakshmi Narayana, RDO Srinivas Rao, Tahsildars, Deputy Tahsildars, Revenue Inspectors, and others.
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Some towns' air quality still poor
While some areas of Otago still face winter air quality exceedances, more than 70% of days across monitored sites during 2024 were classified as "Good" under the Ministry for the Environment's Environmental Performance Indicators. The 2024 Annual Air Quality Report, recently released by the Otago Regional Council, revealed some towns continued to have challenges in managing their air quality. ORC air quality scientist Sarah Harrison said Otago recorded 28 exceedances of the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NESAQ) for particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres (PM10) during the winter months in 2024, compared with 17 exceedances in winter 2023. The annual report shows PM10 monitoring was conducted in the Alexandra, Arrowtown, Central Dunedin and Mosgiel airsheds in 2024. Alexandra, Arrowtown and Mosgiel recorded exceedances of the (NESAQ) during the winter months. "Alexandra and Arrowtown recorded 11 and 16 exceedances, respectively, and Mosgiel recorded one." PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometres) was also monitored in Arrowtown, Central Dunedin, Clyde, Cromwell, Milton, Mosgiel and Wānaka in 2024. The sites with the highest annual averages were Clyde and Mosgiel, and the site with the highest 24-hour average was Milton. "Otago has several towns where air quality is considered degraded during winter, namely Alexandra, Arrowtown, Clyde, Cromwell, Milton and Mosgiel. "In Otago, the main source of PM is home heating emissions in winter. "Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 contribute to the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions," she said. "In Otago, a lot of PM2.5 comes from burning wood for home heating, and is seen in the data for most towns." A new PM2.5 monitoring site was installed in Frankton in late 2024, and this data would be reported in the next annual report. Ms Harrison said black carbon was also a component of particulate matter, and monitoring of it would help improve both our understanding of PM as a product of burning, and black carbon as a health and climate pollutant. "Monitoring smaller sizes of particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant step forward," Ms Harrison said. "These smaller particles pose greater health risks, and by enhancing our network, we're better equipped to inform policy and protect community wellbeing." Upgrades to the air quality monitoring network would continue throughout 2025, including more co-location and calibration work to improve the accuracy of new instruments. "These investments ensure the ORC remains at the forefront of air quality management, backed by reliable science and community collaboration," she said.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Air Quality Monitoring Expands As Seasonal Challenges Continue
Press Release – Otago Regional Council The annual report shows that while some areas still face winter air quality exceedances particularly Alexandra, Arrowtown and Mosgiel over 70% of days across monitored sites were classified as Good under the Ministry for the Environments Environmental … Otago Regional Council has released its Annual Air Quality Report for 2024, revealing some challenges in managing air quality across the region. The report underscores the importance of ongoing community engagement, updated monitoring technologies, and a clear path forward as part of Otago's commitment to cleaner air and healthier communities, says ORC's Air Quality Scientist, Sarah Harrison. The annual report shows that while some areas still face winter air quality exceedances —particularly Alexandra, Arrowtown and Mosgiel — over 70% of days across monitored sites were classified as 'Good' under the Ministry for the Environment's Environmental Performance Indicators. The report includes PM2.5 monitoring (particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) data at seven locations. These fine air particulates (PM2.5) pose greater health risks to communities. A new PM2.5 monitoring site was installed in Frankton in late 2024 and this data will be reported in the next annual report. Black carbon is a component of PM and monitoring of it will help improve both our understanding of PM as a product of burning, and black carbon as a health and climate pollutant. 'Monitoring smaller sizes of particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant step forward,' Ms Harrison says. 'These smaller particles pose greater health risks, and by enhancing our network, we're better equipped to inform policy and protect community wellbeing.' While winter emissions continue to be a challenge, especially in towns where home heating is the main source of particulate matter, the seasonal patterns reinforce the importance of community focused initiatives like Burn Dry, Breathe Easy, which encourage the use of cleaner heating methods. 'We're not just measuring air quality — we're continuing to build the evidence needed to inform decisions and we're also building stronger community partnerships,' Ms Harrison added. 'Improving air quality in Otago is a shared responsibility, and the data tells us we're on the right track, even if there's more work to do.' Upgrades to the air quality monitoring network will continue throughout 2025, including more co-location and calibration work to improve the accuracy of new instruments. These investments ensure the ORC remains at the forefront of air quality management, backed by reliable science and community collaboration. Upon validating last year's winter data, Otago recorded *28 exceedances of the NESAQ (National Environmental Standards for Air Quality) for PM10 during the winter months in 2024, compared with 17 exceedances in winter 2023. Otago has several towns where air quality is considered degraded during winter, namely Alexandra, Arrowtown, Clyde, Cromwell, Milton, and Mosgiel. In Otago, the main source of PM is home heating emissions in winter. Long term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 contribute to the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Mobile air quality trailer – maiden mission A mobile air quality monitoring station was acquired by ORC last year to monitor PM2.5. PM2.5 is a pollutant emitted by combustion. In Otago, a lot of PM2.5 comes from burning wood for home heating and is seen in the data for most towns. PM data is extremely seasonal with very high concentrations in winter. Having a mobile air quality monitoring station will allow ORC's science team to: · Collect air quality data across a number of locations in Otago · Investigate pollution hotspots, industrial zones, or areas with complaints · Gather time-sensitive data during specific events or seasons · Help raise awareness by visibly showing communities their local air quality · Teach about pollution and environmental health at schools or public demonstrations. · Monitor multiple communities or research sites · Quickly deploy a monitoring station in response to environmental events, accidents, or wildfires. The air quality trailer's first assignment is to learn more about the concentration patterns in the Wānaka area. It is currently installed in the reserve on Rifleman Street in Albert Town. ORC also has a monitoring site in Wānaka township. The information gathered at these two locations will be useful in understanding where the highest concentrations occur. Concentrations can vary due to density of housing, types of emissions, topography, how sheltered an area is, and wind speed and direction. The PM2.5 sensor is the small box located halfway up the mast. The meteorological sensor is at the end of the mast. This measures temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure — all of these help us to analyse the PM2.5 data. The data is being collected but the real-time transfer of data from the mobile monitoring station to LAWA is still being set up. New Frankton monitoring station ORC monitors Otago's air quality at air monitoring stations, located in towns across the region. The stations measure the amount of combustion-related particles in the air (think particles from wood burning, vehicles, and industrial operations as examples). This latest addition to our region-wide monitoring network is a permanent monitoring station, recently installed in the Kawarau Falls Playground in Frankton to monitor PM2.5 in the area. These are particles from combustion alone. To learn more about particulate matter (PM) and find out the air quality in your area, go to Data from this new station in Frankton will make its way onto LAWA in coming months. Burn Dry, Breathe Easy firewood campaign Given the predominance of home heating emissions seen in our air quality data, ORC runs an annual Burn Dry, Breathe Eas y campaign. The campaign highlights better ways to manage home heating emissions, including checking wood is dry before burning and not burning wet wood or rubbish — both of which have an adverse effect on air quality and the environment. Woodsmoke pollution can be reduced when residents burn only dry wood and keep their fire hot and not smouldering. Further woodsmoke reductions could potentially be made through thermally efficient homes with good insulation, she says. Burn Dry, Breathe Easy tips: Stack your firewood off the ground and out of the rain — anywhere you wouldn't put your washing out to dry Use a wood moisture meter to check if your firewood is dry enough to burn. Less than 25% moisture means more heat and reduced smoke A well-built fire of scrunched up paper or firelighters, dry kindling and firewood ensures a well-heated home and less smoke Don't burn wet or green firewood, treated wood or household rubbish as they can release harmful toxins into the air To reduce smoke overnight, make sure you can still see flames when you turn your fire down Plan ahead — stock up on firewood before Christmas to allow it to dry out before the following winter. Everyone has responsibilities whether at home or as landowners, industry, or businesses to play their part to improving air quality. The Council hopes the campaign encourages people to think about the health of their families and community and use wood burners responsibly or consider the installation of ultra-low emission burners or heat pumps. Notes: *ORC issued a media release last October on an increase in winter air quality exceedances (linked below). And while there was an increase in recorded exceedances in 2024 compared to 2023, figures quoted have now been confirmed as raw data from monitoring equipment and had not yet been validated. This data has since been validated and shows Arrowtown experienced only 16 exceedances and not 25. Therefore, there were only 28 winter air qualityexceedances for Otago in 2024 and not 37.
