Latest news with #Sorenson
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Americana Insurance Group's Sorenson named Big I Minnesota Agent of the Year
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways May 6—Americana Insurance Group co-owner Tom Sorenson was named the Big I Minnesota Agent of the Year last month at the independent insurance agent association's annual expo in Prior Lake. The MN Independent Insurance Agents (Big I MN) is the state's oldest and largest association representing independent agents, brokers and their staff. The Big I MN represents over 6,000 insurance professionals throughout Minnesota. ""It's a huge, huge honor to be named Minnesota Agent of Minnesota for the Year," Sorenson said on Monday. "I think of how many independent insurance agents are there." Sorenson, who started in the insurance industry in 1994 at the encouragement of Gene DenHerder and who now co-owns Americana Insurance, credited his employees for helping him receive the award. "I wish I could just extend it out and give pieces of my award to all of my employees," he said. "Without my employees, I wouldn't be where I am today." He said he has also appreciated all of the other agents and agencies he has networked with over the years and for his clients, who allow him to work for them. "I am very honored and I'm very appreciative of all the people who have trusted their livelihood, their life, to me and being able to protect them," he said. He said he recognizes the responsibility he has had to put lives back together again in his role and noted how important it is for people to choose the right insurance agent. Sorenson said he and DenHerder worked together at one time at Interstate Meat Service in Albert Lea, and DenHerder talked him into coming on board with Farm Bureau Insurance after a time in radio sales. In 1999, he was approached by John Lindemann to be the agency director for Americana Insurance, and in 2004 he and Jim Senske became owners of the firm. They now have locations in Albert Lea, Wells and Ellendale. Sorenson said receiving the award made him go back and reflect on all the people in his life who helped him get to where he is today — everybody from DenHerder to his employees and his clients. He said he enjoys thinking about what he describes as the "champions" in his life, those who helped him get to where he is and who can accomplish great things together. "I always call them my champions. ..." he said. "That's the way I look at life — try to fill your life with champions, and people who have positive attitudes and people who want to be successful." He said he remembers where he was standing when he first got the call from the CEO of the organization telling him he would be receiving the award. "I think my jaw pretty much dropped to the copy machine top," he said. Sorenson said at first he questioned receiving the award, but as he started thinking about the recognition, he thought of all the hard work he has put in to his job over the years. "Reflecting on this moment reminded me that hard work doesn't go unnoticed, even when it feels like no one is watching," he said. "I can't fully express the amount of blood, sweat and tears that have gone into this journey, and I'm beyond grateful for the support, dedication and commitment from all my employees, clients and industry network that has gotten me here." Sorenson was presented the award during the Thursday luncheon of the Big I convention in front of an audience of about 500 people, including carrier partners, fellow agents and other industry professionals. "On behalf of Big I MN, I extend heartfelt congratulations to our award recipients," said April Goodin, executive vice president and CEO. "Their exceptional accomplishments, tireless commitment and steadfast advocacy for the independent agent community exemplify the highest standards of our profession."
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sweet! Crumbl Cookie officially opens on Peach Street
A well-known national bakery has finally opened its doors in Erie. Crumbl Cookies opened Friday morning at their new spot at 6839 Peach Street. Moe's Southwest Grill giving away free queso, t-shirts for Cinco de Mayo The shop offers a unique weekly rotating menu featuring six flavors of their tasty cookie treats and is the first to come to the region. Excited Erie residents were already forming a line down the sidewalk at 10 a.m., including a local high school senior who was sure to stop for a sweet treat before heading to school. Plantscape Greenhouses reopens with new owner offering all gardening needs 'I think we should have got it when it became huge like two years ago, because that's when I wanted it the most, and I was so excited like an hour away,' said Braya Sorenson, who was trying Crumbl. Sorenson said she only waited half an hour in their line. Crumbl is open until 11 p.m. tonight. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
FBI report: Hawaii victims lost over $55M to internet crime
JAMM AQUINO / JULY 24 Acting U.S. Attorney for Hawaii Kenneth M. Sorenson JAMM AQUINO / JULY 24 Acting U.S. Attorney for Hawaii Kenneth M. Sorenson Online crime cost Hawaii residents $55, 180, 901 last year with kupuna age 60 and over losing more than $18 million, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's 2024 Internet Crime Report. Hawaii generated 2, 603 online fraud complaints last year tied to U.S. dollar losses. Cryptocurrency investors in Hawaii filed 709 complaints and lost crypto valued at $24, 893, 821. Kupuna in Hawaii over the age of 60 filed 647 complaints last year and lost $18, 851, 052. That is an increase from 453 complaints filed by Hawaii residents age 60 and over in 2023. The 453 represented $27, 965, 497 in losses for seniors. Last year's losses by Hawaii fraud victims represent a sharp increase from 2021, when local people to online crimes. Acting U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that the internet allows tremendous convenience in financial dealings, paying bills, buying goods and services and moving funds. 'At the same time it can provide a dangerous and convenient path directly to and from your bank account for a world full of ultra-sophisticated fraudsters and scammers. These scammers can be remarkably ingenious and compellingly convincing. Whether they contact you about virus protection for your computer, through a romance scam, pretend to be law enforcement officers who threaten to arrest you for your alleged failure to show up for jury duty (and now you must pay a $10, 000 bond or be arrested ), they have hundreds of ways to convince you to send them your money, ' said Sorenson. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Online fraudsters need victims' help and consent. Victims who have been scammed nearly always willingly sent or transmitted their money to the scammer. 'A good general rule : don't send money to someone who cold contacts you by phone, text or computer (including social media ) if you have not met in person and known them for at least six months, ' said Sorenson. 'Criminals often inject urgency and /or authority to instill fear and anxiety so remember that's a warning flag if someone contacts you. Following this advice will prevent a large percentage of internet-based fraud crimes, ' said Sorenson. Nationwide, federal officials saw a new record for losses reported to FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, totaling a 'staggering ' $16.6 billion, according to the report. Fraud represented the bulk of reported losses in 2024, and ransomware was again the most pervasive threat to critical infrastructure, with complaints rising 9 % from 2023. Senior citizens over the age of 60 suffered the most losses and submitted the most complaints. Phishing /spoofing attacks were the most prevalent forms of online fraud last year with 193, 407 complaints logged nationwide by the FBI. Those were followed by 86, 415 extortion complaints, 64, 882 personal data breaches, 49, 572 complaints about nonpayment / nondelivery and 47, 919 fake investment scams. Phishing and spoofing happen through the use of unsolicited email, text messages, and telephone calls purportedly from a legitimate company requesting personal, financial, and /or login credentials. Online extortion complaints are the 'unlawful extraction of money or property through intimidation or undue exercise of authority.' The threats may include physical harm, criminal prosecution, or public exposure. Sorenson cautioned never to invest money with entities or persons 'you do not know, period.' Investors should be aware of 'affinity fraud, ' where scammers will use the names or identities of people or entities their victims are familiar with to bolster their credibility. 'If you want to invest, look to licensed and trusted financial advisors that you select, not some random person that contacts you over the internet or by phone, ' said Sorenson. 'The old adage, 'if it sounds too good to be true, it is' rings true here.' David Porter, FBI Hono lulu's Special Agent in Charge, told the Star-Advertiser that investment fraud, specifically cryptocurrency fraud, continues to 'grow as criminals prey on our elderly community and drain them of their life savings.' 'FBI Honolulu continues to educate our community to recognize the red flags of an investment fraud scheme and take steps to avoid being victimized, ' Porter said. 'If you or someone you know is a victim of an investment fraud, report it even if you aren't sure. Every detail, no matter how small, helps us to disrupt these schemes, seize stolen funds, and bring these criminals to justice.' In April 2024, the Hawaii State Judiciary about scammers posing as police officers, sheriffs and judiciary employees calling people claiming arrest warrants have been issued for missing jury duty. Judiciary officials cautioned that if you get that phone call regarding a 'warrant for failure to appear for jury duty, hang up without responding to any questions or pressing any numbers you may be asked to press.' The would-be scammers are also using email, judiciary officials said. B. Chad Yarbrough, operations director for criminal and cyber at the FBI, said in a statement that last year marked 'a new record for losses reported to IC3 ' with fraud representing the bulk of reported losses and ransomware 'was again the most pervasive threat to critical infrastructure, with complaints rising 9 % from 2023.' The rising losses are 'even more concerning ' because last year the FBI took 'significant actions ' to deter online crime. FBI agents 'dealt a serious blow ' to LockBit, one of the world's most active ransomware groups. Since 2022, we have offered up thousands of decryption keys to victims of ransomware, avoiding over $800 million in payments, ' said Yarbrough. Operation Level Up disbanded fraud and laundering syndicates, shut down scam call centers, shuttered illicit marketplaces, dissolved nefarious 'botnets, ' and put 'hundreds of other actors behind bars.' 'While the top threats facing our country have certainly shifted over the decades, protecting American citizens—whether that means your safety, your money, or your data—remains a cornerstone of the FBI's mission, ' said Yarbrough. 'Without the information you report to us through IC3 or your local FBI Field Office, we simply cannot piece together the puzzle of this ever-shifting threat landscape. If ever you suspect you're a victim of cyber-enabled crime, do not hesitate to let us know. We want to be there for you, and what you report will help us help others.'———Online fraud If you believe you are a victim of online fraud, the FBI urges you to :—Immediately contact your bank or financial institution.—Report the incident to law enforcement.—File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at kupuna don't have access to the internet, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833 –FRAUD –11 (833 –372-8311 ), which is available for assistance with filing a report. 0 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
CBC
30-04-2025
- General
- CBC
Rural hamlet in northwestern Alberta will lose its school at the end of June
Social Sharing A small school in the northwestern Alberta will be closing this summer due to dwindling enrolment. Trustees for the Peace River School Division voted 5-1 at a special meeting on Monday to close the Dixonville School at the end of June. The kindergarten-to-Grade 9 school, located in the hamlet 540 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, has been operating since 1931. A notice posted on the school division website this week says students will be transported to nearby Grimshaw Public School, 40 kilometres south of Dixonville. "This decision was not made lightly and followed careful consideration of various factors including declining enrolment and long-term sustainability as well as feedback from the Dixonville community," the statement said. 'Lose-lose decision' Trustees asked for a viability review in January, after projected enrolment for September was estimated at 26 to 31 students — down from 43. Dixonville School qualifies for enrolment-based provincial funding through the Rural Small School Grant. With more than 35 students, the school received nearly $500,000 last year. If enrolment falls below 35, funding would get cut by more than half, the division said. "We understand the deep connection the community has with Dixonville School. In situations like this one, these decisions are never clearly right, or clearly wrong, and often feel like a lose-lose situation," said board chair Crystal Owens. "Ultimately, we had to make a decision that we believe is in the best long-term interests of all students within the Peace River School Division." 'A different path' Three generations of Karl Sorenson's family have attended Dixonville school, including his two children. Sorenson and other parents are in the process of forming an organization to look at setting up a charter school. They plan to have their first meeting this weekend. "You kind of think of the history that you had and some of the memories you had in it, but, we're also looking toward the future," said Sorenson.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Local church holds vigil for late Pope Francis
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — A local vigil for the late Pope Francis brought together dozens at a church in Dayton. After 12 years of service to the Catholic church, locals gathered for an opportunity to pay their respects to the late pope. Miami Valley Catholic community mourns passing of Pope Francis Pope Francis was the first pope from South America, and to some here in the Miami Valley, an inspiration. 'He taught us to live the values of the gospel with fidelity, with courage and with universal love,' said Father Satish Joseph, pastor of NE7 Family of parishes. These are the words of local clergy as they remember a leader that stood out to them. They chose to honor the former pope and bring the community together for one final goodbye at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Dayton. 'Like anyone you truly love, you think they're going to live forever when you know in your heart, they're not,' said Will Sorensen, attended service Those at the vigil reminisced on Pope Francis' feats — his strong advocacy for the less fortunate and his dedication to the church, even in his final days. 'He defied the deathbed. He was a pope that died in action, as weak and frail, as close to death as he was, he was close to the people, and that speaks to the kind of pope he was,' said Father Joseph. Some recalled their own memories of the pope. 'He was a very good man,' said Maria Espino, attended service. 'I would always see him on the TV, and I love how he talks to people, he loves people.' Local churchgoers say Pope Francis leaves behind an incredible legacy. 'He's done some controversial things in the church, but he's also done some good things in the church, too,' said Sorenson. Pope Francis had strong views against abortion and ordaining women, but also advocated for the treatment of LGBTQ people in the church and championed the plight of migrants. Following the pope's death, cardinals from around the world will convene in a conclave in the Vatican City, where the election for a new pope will begin in a few weeks. Those in the Miami Valley hope to see someone similar to Pope Francis fill his shoes next. 'I would think we would want to have someone of a similar type of pope,' said Sorenson. 'I think that would be good.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
