Latest news with #Renshaw
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Berkeley, Dorchester Counties Urge Hurricane Preparedness as Season Begins
DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) — Emergency management officials in Berkeley and Dorchester counties are urging residents to take early steps to prepare for hurricane season, which officially began June 1 and runs through the end of November. Both counties have been reviewing emergency plans, hosting training exercises, and coordinating with state and federal partners to ensure a swift response when storms approach. In Dorchester County, officials say flooding remains their most consistent and serious threat during tropical systems. 'Our typical large threat here, and as part of the Lowcountry, is flooding,' said Thomas McNeil, Dorchester County's Emergency Management Director. 'We're always practicing, always training. It's important that we train that way so that the folks that sit here are ready and well prepared.' McNeil said the county is preparing for its annual hurricane response drill later this month, which brings together emergency leaders from across departments to test storm scenarios and communications. Meanwhile in Berkeley County, Emergency Management Coordinator Tori Renshaw said one of the most important lessons came from Tropical Storm Debby, which impacted the area in 2024. 'That was a very lengthy storm. It spanned over the course of a week from the beginning of the storm to the end of the storm,' said Renshaw. 'That's the other thing that folks need to remember. It's not just the day that the hurricane hits. There are effects that are felt before the hurricane makes landfall and after it makes landfall. And we did see a lot of flooding in areas that we hadn't previously seen flooding.' With continued growth and development across the region, officials say they've updated emergency plans to account for shifting flood zones and infrastructure. Berkeley County has also released its updated 2025 Hurricane Guide, which includes evacuation zones, shelter information, and preparedness tips. It's available on the county website, at all library branches, and the administration building. Residents in both counties are encouraged to: • Know their evacuation zones • Update emergency kits • Create a family communication plan • Sign up for emergency alerts like Smart911 • Consider needs for pets, elderly family members, and those with medical needs 'We're doing everything we can at the local level to make sure that our citizens are prepared,' said Renshaw. Hurricane season runs through November 30. Download Berkeley County's 2025 Hurricane Guide here. Check your evacuation zone: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The Breathing Hack That Enhances Focus and Lowers Cortisol Fast
We're a society constantly on the move, and it's wearing us down. Between early morning commutes, nonstop Slack pings, and never-ending to-do lists, most guys are running on fumes. Sure, you might squeeze in a game or catch a few minutes of your favorite show, but real downtime? Practically nonexistent. That's where breathwork comes in. Yeah, we know—sitting down to 'just breathe' sounds like some crunchy wellness trend. But here's the thing: It actually works. Straightforward breathing techniques can lower stress and dial in your focus. There are tons of ways to lower stress, but one technique stands out for its surprisingly powerful, almost instant calming effect. Alternate nostril breathing, also known as Nadi Shodhana, is exactly what it sounds like: You breathe in through one nostril while closing the other, then switch sides. It might seem simple, but this practice does wonders for calming your nervous system and restoring start, block your right nostril and inhale, then block the left and unblock the right, and exhale. Inhale through the right and then block the right and exhale from left. Keep repeating for 5-10 minutes (with 10 minutes being the most optimal amount of time to achieve nervous system balance). "I always recommend trying to tune in to yourself and feel what that balance means to you. Mark at what minute you feel best, seeing as everyone is different," says MJ Renshaw, a breathwork facilitator and the founder of The Being Method. Becoming more accustomed to that alert and calm feeling can teach your body how to arrive there faster and more often. Each nostril connects to the opposite side of your brain. The left hemisphere handles language and logic, while the right takes care of creativity and spatial awareness. Some studies suggest that alternate nostril breathing may help stimulate both sides of the brain, leading to better balance between analytical and creative thinking, while also calming your nervous system in the process. "Your right nostril will stimulate the left hemisphere and create sympathetic nervous system activity, while the left nostril will stimulate the right hemisphere and parasympathetic nervous system activity," says Renshaw. "Each hemisphere is responsible for a different way of thinking. Balancing both allows you to be focused and productive, but also use creativity to solve problems and have access to new ideas."Because alternate nostril breathing helps to create more balance in the nervous system, your body produces less cortisol and can function in a more parasympathetic state. When your body is in what Renshaw refers to as a "rest and digest mode," it can help you function better. "This is when your body will absorb nutrients best, digest with ease, and also do any healing your body needs, for example, detoxing or getting rid of old cells," she adds. "This state is vital for healing and maintaining a healthy body, but it's missing in a lot of people's lives because chronic stress is so common." The Breathing Hack That Enhances Focus and Lowers Cortisol Fast first appeared on Men's Journal on May 23, 2025
Leader Live
24-05-2025
- Leader Live
Bagillt drink-driver collided with vehicle at McDonald's
Ben Renshaw, of Cannon Drive in Bagillt, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon. The 32-year-old admitted that on May 3 this year, he drove a Ford Focus at McDonald's car park in Flint after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath exceeded the prescribed limit. Prosecutor Suzanne Cartwright told the court that at around 9.30pm on the day in question, Renshaw's car hit the back of another vehicle in the McDonald's Drive thru. The complainant got out of his vehicle to see what had happened, and noted the defendant's vehicle was touching his own "bumper to bumper." Initially Renshaw denied the collision had taken place and said he hadn't been driving. But the police were called, after which he did confirm he'd driven into the back of the other vehicle. A preliminary breath test resulted in his arrest and in custody, he provided an evidential sample of 104 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - almost three times the legal limit of 35. A probation officer told the court: "He said he'd been to a friend's that day. It was a sunny day so they decided to have a few cans of beer. "He'd had five or six but he was drinking on an empty stomach. He accepts he took the stupid risk of going to the local McDonald's to get some food. "He accidentally bumped his car into the other vehicle and said 'I didn't realise until that moment just how drunk I was'. "Looking back, he felt awful about the incident. Renshaw leaving court after being sentenced (Staff) (Image: Staff) "He understood he could have potentially have hurt himself or others and believed he drank more alcohol than intended because it was warm and sunny. "He works at a local factory and the (mandatory) driving ban will impact his ability to get to work. Elzbeth Kenny, defending, said: "He's been of exemplary behaviour until the age of 32. "Speaking to him, I genuinely believe this is a glitch and hopefully a one-off offence. "In anticipation of not being represented today, he prepared a reference [for the court]. "It reads: I take full responsibility for what I did - I completely understand how serious is it and it's not something I'll ever do again." Renshaw outside court (STAFF) (Image: Staff) Ms Kenny said in her client's statement, he stated his intention to "speak openly with friends and family" about his offence in order to help others learn from his experience. "He doesn't have any issues with alcohol on a daily basis," she added. "This was purely a recreational drink with friends." MORE COURT NEWS The Magistrates banned the defendant from driving for 24 months and warned him not to be tempted to get behind the wheel before the disqualification has been completed. Renshaw received a 12 month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work. He must pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
BBC News
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Life's work of Cheshire artist with Alzheimer's goes on show
The life's work of a renowned artist with Alzheimer's is to go on display. John Renshaw's paintings will be on display at the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery later. Renshaw, 78, from Macclesfield, trained in Stockport and then went on to teach at its daughter Anna Lomas said her father "remembers very little but his passion for art, painting, drawing, and literature is one thing he has not forgotten". Amongst Renshaw's many achievements was being selected for the Royal Academy of Painters' Summer Exhibition in Helen Foster-Grime, cabinet member for community, culture and sport at Stockport Council, said: "We are delighted to host this special exhibition of John Renshaw's work."Through his connection with Stockport College, John is remembered fondly by colleagues and former students alike and this is a unique opportunity to see a diverse collection of his work all in one place." Ms Lomas said: "Dad's love of painting, teaching, and talking about art is all consuming. "He is immensely proud of his career in this field, and making a difference to those he worked with and for along the way is something he cherishes deeply. "Now dad has Alzheimer's he remembers very little but his passion for art, painting, drawing, and literature is one thing he has not forgotten."She added: "We have chosen to show his work now so he can share his love with the public and be present to see how much it is appreciated."The exhibition will be by the Renshaw family and the University of Chester, where he was a long serving senior lecturer, head of department and Emeritus Professor of Fine will be hosted by Stockport Council, and will run until 18 May. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Falmouth baseball fields will stay closed at least two years, study finds lead in topsoil
In light of findings from a recent environmental risk assessment that found levels of lead in topsoil at the John L. Neill Youth Baseball Complex, Falmouth officials have decided to keep all three fields closed until corrective measures are completed. The fields, located at 525 Gifford St. on land once used as a town dump, have been closed to public access since January. An analysis of the topsoil and underlying landfill uncovered the lead and other contaminants in the soil, some at concerning levels of concentration. The investigation was prompted by the turning up of glass and metal during renovations to install new lighting at the ball fields last fall, according to Town Manager Mike Renshaw. As part of the analysis, he recently told the Select Board, "it was identified that there were elements of lead, arsenic, zinc and PCBs" (or polychlorinated biphenyls), and "importantly, the lead exceeded the MCP, or Massachusetts Contingency Plan, standards for lead in the soils." The risk assessment, conducted by Arcadis U.S., Inc., revealed that the topsoil on Field 1 — the field closest to the access road leading to the skate park — contained lead at levels as high as 600 parts per million. This exceeds the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection standard for safe lead levels in soil, which is 200 ppm. According to the report, this concentration in the short-term "could pose an unacceptable risk to young children if repeated contact with soil beneath the existing turf was allowed." Field 2 showed a lower concentration of lead at 190 ppm and Field 3 had even lower levels at around 45 ppm, which is considered safe under the state guidelines. The assessment also noted that the underlying landfill material below all three fields contains hazardous substances like antimony, arsenic, zinc, and PCBs that exceed the state's standards. Additionally, deeper samples up to 5 feet below turf showed high lead concentrations at all three fields, registering at 1,610 ppm under Field 1, 1,710 ppm under Field 2 and 755 ppm under Field 3. The contamination stems from use of the site as a municipal dump starting around the 1930s and continuing into the early '70s. The landfill was closed before the state adopted regulations in 1993 requiring landfill closures to include proper capping and post-closure monitoring, according to the state. In the early to mid '80s, the town made the decision to construct the ball field complex on top of the old dump. Based on the risk assessment findings, Arcadis emphasized that no play be allowed on Field 1 until a remedy is implemented. The firm suggested that Fields 2 and 3 could remain in use for up to 12 months, but only with strict precautions to prevent possible exposure to contaminants beneath the topsoil, which pose potential long-term risks throughout the field complex. But Renshaw told the Select Board a decision to maintain the use of Fields 2 and 3 while remediating Field 1 "is problematic." "It's my opinion and staff's opinion that remediating all three fields and getting the remediation process underway as quickly as possible is going to be the safest route," he said. The town's primary focus, he said, "has been and remains the health and safety of the community." As part of next steps, Renshaw noted that Arcadis will be conducting a geophysical survey of the area to definitively delineate the outer boundaries of the old landfill. Additional soil borings and monitoring wells are planned to understand how groundwater may be flowing from the former landfill. The results of that survey are expected around March 12, Renshaw said. Town staff is working with Arcadis to explore options for addressing the problem and developing rough cost estimates. Public Works Director Peter McConarty at the Feb. 24 Select Board meeting said a possible remedy is to place 2 to 3 feet of clean cover over a geotextile membrane over the landfill material. Based on discussions with Arcadis and in-house experts who've worked on similar projects, Renshaw said officials are confident 'there is a solution that will make all three fields safe.' The plan, which would incorporate previously planned improvement to avoid any disturbance of the landfill material once it is capped, is expected to take at least two years to complete. With the 2025 ball season looming, and the John L. Neill fields out of commission at least until the 2027 season, the town is working with the Falmouth Youth Baseball Association and the school department to prepare alternative field locations for games at the Morse Pond School and the Lawrence School, as well as the junior varsity field at the high school. McConarty, who noted school Superintendent Lisa Duerr's support for the efforts, said the alternative fields will need some improvements to prepare for the season. Parks Superintendent Jeremiah Pearson is already working with a fence company to get any necessary fencing installed this month so the fields are ready to go in April, he said. A lingering concern, though, is for the fall ball season. Brandon McCann, an association board member, noted field lighting will be needed in the fall in order for games to proceed. None of the alternative fields have lighting. While the association could send participants to other towns, he said, "as a board, in order to do that, we'd have to request permission from our league sponsorship." McConarty said the town could look into temporary lighting, though finding suitable equipment that meets the necessary specifications could be challenging. Heather McCarron writes about climate change, environment, energy, science and the natural world, in addition to news and features in Barnstable and Brewster. Reach her at hmccarron@ Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Ball fields at Falmouth youth complex closed as 2025 season looms
