Latest news with #Ramone
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Scranton council president apologizes for not stopping derogatory remarks
Scranton City Council President Gerald Smurl apologized Tuesday for not stopping derogatory remarks made during public comment at the June 3 weekly council meeting. Smurl's apology that opened council's meeting Tuesday came in response to comments the prior week by resident Bob Bolus opposing having the rainbow flag flying at City Hall for Pride Month, as well as other remarks Bolus directed at a pro-LGBTQ resident, Angela Ramone, who was in attendance at that meeting. The events also resulted in several other residents attending Tuesday's council meeting to express support for LGBTQ people and condemn hate speech, according to an Electric City Television simulcast and video of the weekly meeting posted online. According to ECTV videos and minutes of council meetings, preceding events at council meetings included: April 29: Ramone advocated for LGBTQ protections and challenged council members to voice support for them. May 13: Ramone expressed opposition to a bill in the state Legislature that would ban transgender athletes from competing in sports in the state and 'require genital inspections for any player that is accused of being transgender, specifically playing in women's sports. This bill is incredibly, incredibly invasive and disgusting and hurtful.' May 27: Bolus spoke about his efforts and intent to run for mayor of Scranton. Ramone noted a prior Bolus felony conviction makes him ineligible to serve as city mayor. June 3: Noting June is Pride Month, Councilwoman Jessica Rothchild said having a rainbow pride flag raised on June 1 on a City Hall flagpole was a great way to have the LGBTQ community feel welcome and a part of the city. Bolus spoke directly to Ramone, who was seated in the gallery, as having made false comments the prior week about Bolus that 'disparaged' his name. He warned Ramone against battling him and 'mouthing off about me.' Bolus then called the pride flag raised June 1 at City Hall a 'slap in the face' to veterans and likened it to an affront to the 'Rule of God,' among various other remarks. Ramone reminded council of its rules prohibiting anyone speaking during public comment from addressing any individual council or audience member, and asked that council enforce its rules. Resident Doris Koloski said she's glad the pride flag is being flown and it wouldn't be needed 'if people didn't act like Mr. Bolus.' Resident Norma Jeffries said no one has a right at council 'to degrade or bash' anyone because of who they are, and chastised Smurl for not gaveling down Bolus. Councilman Bill King agreed with Koloski and Jeffries and told Smurl he needs 'to start using that gavel because our rules were violated and it's not acceptable.' On June 6, Smurl submitted to council a letter of apology that he read aloud at Tuesday's meeting. 'I understand a lot of hateful statements were made and some were directed towards speakers and council members. It is my job as council president to not allow hateful and derogatory remarks to be directed at any one individual. As council president, I take full responsibility for not doing my job to maintain order at last week's meeting. I apologize for not performing my job properly,' Smurl's apology said in part. 'Going forward, I will fulfill my duties that I promised to uphold when I was sworn in as council president.' Scranton city councilman Gerald Smurl walks out of council chambers at Scranton City Hall before a council meeting in 2022. Also at Tuesday's meeting, Bolus said, 'I make no excuse for last week.' He read a lengthy statement that noted Rothchild on June 3 expressed opinions about Pride Month and the pride flag and he should be allowed to express his opinions. As his speaking time ran out, Bolus was saying he filed a lawsuit to have the pride flag removed from City Hall. Bolus filed that lawsuit Friday in Lackawanna County Court on a pro-se basis, meaning representing himself without an attorney. This lawsuit as a 'mandamus petition for extraordinary relief' sought to compel the removal of the pride flag from City Hall, as well as having it barred from display there and at all public buildings in the county. Also on Friday, Lackawanna County Judge Terrence Nealon dismissed Bolus' lawsuit on various procedural errors, including that he did not properly file or serve the action or name defendants. Nealon dismissed the case 'without prejudice,' meaning Bolus could try to do it again properly. Bob Bolus Sr. (COURTESY OF BOB BOLUS SR.) Some residents who spoke Tuesday in support of the LGBTQ community urged people to speak out against intolerance. 'When someone stands at this podium and spews dehumanizing rhetoric and it's met with a 'thank you' or no response at all it sends a message, a message that hate has a place here. Silence is not neutrality. It comes off as complicity,' resident Jessica McGuigan said. 'We are living in a moment where lines are being drawn across the country, in our own backyards, and the fear, the rhetoric of fear, division and dehumanization is not abstract. It's being written into laws, spoken from pulpits and shouted at school board meetings.'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Toronto family 'devastated' after three kids killed in alleged drunk driving crash
TORONTO — The family of three Toronto children who were killed in an alleged drunk driving crash says they are 'utterly devastated' as they plan a funeral for the victims later this month. Ramone Lavina, 15, his younger brother Jace, 13, and their six-year-old sister Mya died in a collision on May 18 that Toronto police allege was caused by an impaired teen driver. The family's lawyer confirmed a publication ban on the children's identities was lifted on Thursday. Police have said the crash happened shortly after midnight at the eastbound off-ramp at Renforth Drive and Highway 401. They said a 19-year-old behind the wheel of a Dodge Caravan was allegedly speeding as he exited the highway, lost control, went over a raised median and slammed into a Chrysler Pacifica minivan that was stopped at a red light. Inside the minivan were a mother, her four children and a male acquaintance of the family, police said. Ramone and Jace were pronounced dead at the scene, while Mya was rushed to hospital but died a short time later. The mother, Jade Galve, her 10-year-old child Avery and the male driver were taken to hospital in stable condition. The Lavina-Galve family said they are reeling from the "unimaginable tragedy," and they thanked the first responders, hospital staff and community members who have provided support. "Although we remain utterly devastated, we are now in the process of planning the funeral for our three dear children, which is something no parent should ever have to endure," the family said in a statement through their lawyer. An online obituary says a funeral for the children is scheduled for June 14. Police said 19-year-old Ethan Lehouillier of Georgetown, Ont., was arrested at the scene of the crash and faces 12 charges, including three counts of impaired driving causing death and three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm. The allegations have not been tested in court. Jim Cantos, a family friend, said in an interview after the crash that the Lavina siblings were "tight-knit." He said he's known the Lavina family for years — the children's father, Maverick Lavina, is an old friend of his sister's, and they went to high school together. "The kids were very respectful,' said Cantos, who coached Ramone at Toronto Future Phenom, a basketball training program in Scarborough. 'Whenever Ramone came to practice, his siblings were there as well, cheering him on. I believe they did everything together.' Cantos said the Lavinas are Filipino Canadian and he'd heard from many in the community who are shaken by the news. He said the family is well-liked in the community. 'The Filipino community is hit hard by this,' he said, adding it's been a tough time for Filipino Canadians, especially after the late April tragedy at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, where 11 people were killed after an SUV rammed into a crowd. 'Filipinos, we move as a group… We are very tight family-wise and community-wise," said Cantos. 'No parent wants to go through something as tragic as burying their own kid. That's something that a kid does to their parents, not the other way around.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025. Rianna Lim and Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press
Hamilton Spectator
02-06-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Toronto family ‘devastated' after three kids killed in alleged drunk driving crash
TORONTO - The family of three Toronto children who were killed in an alleged drunk driving crash says they are 'utterly devastated' as they plan a funeral for the victims later this month. Ramone Lavina, 15, his younger brother Jace, 13, and their six-year-old sister Mya died in a collision on May 18 that Toronto police allege was caused by an impaired teen driver. The family's lawyer confirmed a publication ban on the children's identities was lifted on Thursday. Police have said the crash happened shortly after midnight at the eastbound off-ramp at Renforth Drive and Highway 401. They said a 19-year-old behind the wheel of a Dodge Caravan was allegedly speeding as he exited the highway, lost control, went over a raised median and slammed into a Chrysler Pacifica minivan that was stopped at a red light. Inside the minivan were a mother, her four children and a male acquaintance of the family, police said. Ramone and Jace were pronounced dead at the scene, while Mya was rushed to hospital but died a short time later. The mother, Jade Galve, her 10-year-old child Avery and the male driver were taken to hospital in stable condition. The Lavina-Galve family said they are reeling from the 'unimaginable tragedy,' and they thanked the first responders, hospital staff and community members who have provided support. 'Although we remain utterly devastated, we are now in the process of planning the funeral for our three dear children, which is something no parent should ever have to endure,' the family said in a statement through their lawyer. An online obituary says a funeral for the children is scheduled for June 14. Police said 19-year-old Ethan Lehouillier of Georgetown, Ont., was arrested at the scene of the crash and faces 12 charges, including three counts of impaired driving causing death and three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm. The allegations have not been tested in court. Jim Cantos, a family friend, said in an interview after the crash that the Lavina siblings were 'tight-knit.' He said he's known the Lavina family for years — the children's father, Maverick Lavina, is an old friend of his sister's, and they went to high school together. 'The kids were very respectful,' said Cantos, who coached Ramone at Toronto Future Phenom, a basketball training program in Scarborough. 'Whenever Ramone came to practice, his siblings were there as well, cheering him on. I believe they did everything together.' Cantos said the Lavinas are Filipino Canadian and he'd heard from many in the community who are shaken by the news. He said the family is well-liked in the community. 'The Filipino community is hit hard by this,' he said, adding it's been a tough time for Filipino Canadians, especially after the late April tragedy at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, where 11 people were killed after an SUV rammed into a crowd. 'Filipinos, we move as a group… We are very tight family-wise and community-wise,' said Cantos. 'No parent wants to go through something as tragic as burying their own kid. That's something that a kid does to their parents, not the other way around.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Global News
02-06-2025
- Global News
Toronto family ‘devastated' after 3 kids killed in alleged drunk driving crash
The family of three Toronto children who were killed in an alleged drunk driving crash says they are 'utterly devastated' as they plan a funeral for the victims later this month. Ramone Lavina, 15, his younger brother Jace, 13, and their six-year-old sister Mya died in a collision on May 18 that Toronto police allege was caused by an impaired teen driver. The family's lawyer confirmed a publication ban on the children's identities was lifted on Thursday. Police have said the crash happened shortly after midnight at the eastbound off-ramp at Renforth Drive and Highway 401. They said a 19-year-old behind the wheel of a Dodge Caravan was allegedly speeding as he exited the highway, lost control, went over a raised median and slammed into a Chrysler Pacifica minivan that was stopped at a red light. Inside the minivan were a mother, her four children and a male acquaintance of the family, police said. Story continues below advertisement Ramone and Jace were pronounced dead at the scene, while Mya was rushed to hospital but died a short time later. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The mother, Jade Galve, her 10-year-old child Avery and the male driver were taken to hospital in stable condition. The Lavina-Galve family said they are reeling from the 'unimaginable tragedy,' and they thanked the first responders, hospital staff and community members who have provided support. 'Although we remain utterly devastated, we are now in the process of planning the funeral for our three dear children, which is something no parent should ever have to endure,' the family said in a statement through their lawyer. An online obituary says a funeral for the children is scheduled for June 14. Police said 19-year-old Ethan Lehouillier of Georgetown, Ont., was arrested at the scene of the crash and faces 12 charges, including three counts of impaired driving causing death and three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm. The allegations have not been tested in court. Jim Cantos, a family friend, said in an interview after the crash that the Lavina siblings were 'tight-knit.' He said he's known the Lavina family for years — the children's father, Maverick Lavina, is an old friend of his sister's, and they went to high school together. Story continues below advertisement 'The kids were very respectful,' said Cantos, who coached Ramone at Toronto Future Phenom, a basketball training program in Scarborough. 'Whenever Ramone came to practice, his siblings were there as well, cheering him on. I believe they did everything together.' Cantos said the Lavinas are Filipino Canadian and he'd heard from many in the community who are shaken by the news. He said the family is well-liked in the community. 'The Filipino community is hit hard by this,' he said, adding it's been a tough time for Filipino Canadians, especially after the late April tragedy at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, where 11 people were killed after an SUV rammed into a crowd. 'Filipinos, we move as a group… We are very tight family-wise and community-wise,' said Cantos. 'No parent wants to go through something as tragic as burying their own kid. That's something that a kid does to their parents, not the other way around.'
Winnipeg Free Press
02-06-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Toronto family ‘devastated' after three kids killed in alleged drunk driving crash
TORONTO – The family of three Toronto children who were killed in an alleged drunk driving crash says they are 'utterly devastated' as they plan a funeral for the victims later this month. Ramone Lavina, 15, his younger brother Jace, 13, and their six-year-old sister Mya died in a collision on May 18 that Toronto police allege was caused by an impaired teen driver. The family's lawyer confirmed a publication ban on the children's identities was lifted on Thursday. Police have said the crash happened shortly after midnight at the eastbound off-ramp at Renforth Drive and Highway 401. They said a 19-year-old behind the wheel of a Dodge Caravan was allegedly speeding as he exited the highway, lost control, went over a raised median and slammed into a Chrysler Pacifica minivan that was stopped at a red light. Inside the minivan were a mother, her four children and a male acquaintance of the family, police said. Ramone and Jace were pronounced dead at the scene, while Mya was rushed to hospital but died a short time later. The mother, Jade Galve, her 10-year-old child Avery and the male driver were taken to hospital in stable condition. The Lavina-Galve family said they are reeling from the 'unimaginable tragedy,' and they thanked the first responders, hospital staff and community members who have provided support. 'Although we remain utterly devastated, we are now in the process of planning the funeral for our three dear children, which is something no parent should ever have to endure,' the family said in a statement through their lawyer. An online obituary says a funeral for the children is scheduled for June 14. Police said 19-year-old Ethan Lehouillier of Georgetown, Ont., was arrested at the scene of the crash and faces 12 charges, including three counts of impaired driving causing death and three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm. The allegations have not been tested in court. Jim Cantos, a family friend, said in an interview after the crash that the Lavina siblings were 'tight-knit.' He said he's known the Lavina family for years — the children's father, Maverick Lavina, is an old friend of his sister's, and they went to high school together. 'The kids were very respectful,' said Cantos, who coached Ramone at Toronto Future Phenom, a basketball training program in Scarborough. 'Whenever Ramone came to practice, his siblings were there as well, cheering him on. I believe they did everything together.' Cantos said the Lavinas are Filipino Canadian and he'd heard from many in the community who are shaken by the news. He said the family is well-liked in the community. 'The Filipino community is hit hard by this,' he said, adding it's been a tough time for Filipino Canadians, especially after the late April tragedy at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, where 11 people were killed after an SUV rammed into a crowd. 'Filipinos, we move as a group… We are very tight family-wise and community-wise,' said Cantos. 'No parent wants to go through something as tragic as burying their own kid. That's something that a kid does to their parents, not the other way around.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025.
