Latest news with #TitleV
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BBCC fall enrollment deadline incoming
May 22—MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College's last day for new students to sign up for new student enrollment sessions is June 10. For those still deciding on what they would like to study, Big Bend has recently expanded their programs with the addition of new bachelor's degrees. "Big Bend has a long history of building and sustaining collaborative relationships with local employers and developing educational programs that prepare students for local employment," said Dr. Bryce Humpherys, Vice President of Learning and Student Success. "The BAS degrees the college is offering are a continuation of the college's efforts to provide higher education programming that addresses local employment demands." Anne Ghinazzi, the director of Title V and Other Grants at BBCC was the one to kick start the push for the new bachelor's programs being the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management and the Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Health. These BAS degrees were created in response to the needs of students as well as the needs of companies that needed more educated workers in the area. "The bachelor's degree was a way for us to provide that next level of education and have it be available locally, so students aren't needing to leave their jobs or the community," said Ghinazzi. The BAS program builds on any associate degree and supports students who have completed workforce programs like welding, automotive technology, medical assistant, and early childhood education, she said. This also gives the opportunity for those who have already completed an associate's degree with the college to return if they would like to earn their bachelor's. The BAS-Management program was launched in the Fall of 2021 and has allowed for working students, students with limited financial resources and those coming from workforce education programs to get their bachelor's degree without the need for transfers. This program has had local employers assisting with ensuring that students receive on-the-job training and can apply what they learn in the classroom to the workplace. "We really were intentional about making sure that the program was going to provide students with the workforce skills that they would need to go into local management positions," said Ghinazzi. The bachelor's in behavioral health is set to launch this Fall and is currently enrolling for its first cohort of students. This program will directly address the behavioral health workforce shortage in North Central Washington and improve the availability of local services. "That degree is going to be offered in partnership with Wenatchee Valley College," said Ghinazzi. "We'll be admitting a full cohort of 30 students and those students will be split evenly between the two colleges for our inaugural cohorts this fall." BBCC programs of major industries in the area, such as health, agriculture, and manufacturing, will benefit from the addition of the BAS degrees and have seen increasing support from local organizations. Those currently undecided on classes can earn an associate in these programs to create a bridge toward the bachelor's programs. Students wanting to enroll in BBCC's nursing and other health care programs will have to focus on completing their prerequisites first, said Katherine Christian, director of Allied Health Programs at Big Bend. BBCC provides detailed degree maps on its website for choosing what classes to enroll in based on degree. "We're just getting ready to see our next incoming group," said Christian. "Our current cohort will be finishing up this summer, and those people will be working in doctors' offices and clinics around the Basin." Graduates from the nursing program at BBCC have a high success rate in finding employment in their first year out of college and have consistently received positive feedback from employers, she said. BBCC's agricultural programs have seen steady growth in the past couple years and have become a sustainable program, said Dr. Aaron Mahoney, head of Agriculture and Chemistry programs at Big Bend. He said most students in the program were individuals who had prior agricultural experience when he first started teaching but have recently seen an increase in interest from people who have never had any experience wanting to get into the industry. "That's been really interesting because it's a fun and unique experience to be able to pivot that type of education for our program," said Dr. Mahoney. Mahoney said because of this around 20 labs have been created across the six courses that he teaches in the program. BBCC recently added a greenhouse learning center where they can work on year-round crop production and crop research education as well as a raised bed project that will allow for the use of irrigation, soil fertility and pest and disease management. The Manufacturing and Process Technology program is also relatively new to the school and has been building steady enrollment, said Justin Henley, head of the Manufacturing & Process Technology department. This program was created from combining the curriculum and skills learned from the industrial systems, electrical, mechatronics, automation and maintenance programs. They have also been increasing their relationships with industry partners and companies in the community to get them involved and receive direct input for the students "For those students that are looking to get into electrical apprenticeships like with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, previously they were coming in and doing a two-year degree," he said. "Now we have the majority of that focused in that first year so that students can get certificates of accomplishment in the areas of electrical and electronics and be able to put that on their application to get into those union apprenticeships without having to do a two-year degree."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Three candidates vie for two Bourne Select Board seats. Here's who's running.
Bourne Select Board has three candidates running for two open seats. Incumbent Peter Meier has been on the board since 2011. Sandra Goldstein is running as a challenger for the fourth time. Melissa Ferretti has served one term. They will face off at the annual town election on May 20. Select Board members serve for three years. The board has five members. Bourne has 116,475 registered voters and eight precincts. The Times asked the candidates for biographical information and answers to three questions. The candidates are listed alphabetically by last name. AGE: Will turn 57 on Election Day LENGTH OF RESIDENCE IN BOURNE: 40 years WORK/EMPLOYMENT: Self-employed Realtor, executive operations, back office bookkeeping/consulting. EDUCATION: Some classes at Cape Cod Community College; continuing education, as I am a lifelong learner. CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Tribal Council; several committees (mostly environmental, watersheds) and appointed by the Governor to the Environmental Justice Advisory Council and the Energy Transformation Board. Bourne's strategic location at the gateway to Cape Cod makes it a vital hub. The Bourne and Sagamore Bridges are essential, but their replacement is a critical infrastructure priority. Bourne's coastal environment is both a strength and a challenge. Our Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) is designed to protect our waterways, but implementation requires careful planning and funding. The updated Title V regulations will impact septic systems. Bourne, like much of Cape Cod, faces a housing crisis, with rising costs and limited availability. Cape bridges replacement and traffic management – ensuring the timely replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges while minimizing disruptions. Environmental protection and wastewater management – implementing the CWMP to safeguard water quality and comply with updated Title V regulations. Housing and sustainable growth – addressing the housing crisis by supporting responsible development while preserving Bourne's character and environment. Cape bridges replacement and traffic management: As the host community I will advocate for federal and state accountability, work with transportation officials to ensure clear communication and mitigation strategies and push for local input in the planning process. I am committed to ensuring that the transition is as smooth and minimally disruptive as possible for residents and businesses. Environmental protection and wastewater management: work with state and local leadership to implement CWMP initiatives, including nitrogen reduction strategies and compliance with Title V septic system regulations, while ensuring homeowners have affordable solutions. Housing and sustainable growth: support zoning reforms that encourage housing near transportation hubs, explore affordable housing initiatives and ensure that development aligns with environmental conservation efforts. I bring a deep understanding of Bourne's infrastructure, environmental challenges and housing needs along with a commitment to collaborative leadership and the importance of balancing growth with conservation. My diverse background in public service, operations management, finance and environmental advocacy has equipped me with the ability to problem-solve, engage with the community and drive meaningful change. Additionally, my experience as chair of the Tribal Council has strengthened my ability to navigate complex governance issues, advocate for community needs and lead with both vision and practicality. Tribal leadership requires diplomacy, resilience, and a deep respect for tradition and progress, all of which I bring to this role. My life skills – adaptability, strategic thinking and a deep-rooted commitment to service – shape my approach to leadership ensuring that Bourne remains a thriving, sustainable, and welcoming place for all residents to live and raise their families. AGE: 'not relevant' RESIDENCE: Cataumet since 2003 and Pocasset 1993-2003. WORK/EMPLOYMENT: Teacher, middle school science and elementary schools and teacher training on Massachusetts' South Shore. EDUCATION: Bridgewater State University, bachelor's and master's degrees in education, Advanced Studies, University of Massachusetts, Boston, in critical and creative thinking in science and technology. CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Bourne: Planning Board, Historic Commission, Cataumet Civic Association, president, Canalside Task Force; Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod. Why she is running for Select Board a fourth time: 'I say to people who ask that question that you elected other people, some new and some longtime members. How's that working for you?' Bourne is a beautiful community with waterfront area – bays, ponds and canal. People are friendly and passionate about the town. It's a balancing act to create a peaceful environment. It can be very busy with thousands of vehicles crossing the threshold. Challenge is managing the growth and development and the location. Clean water and sewer. Wastewater and sewage and dealing with the state mandate on those. Grappling with the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan on which way to go – watershed permit or upgrade systems – and looking carefully where the pollution is coming from. Budget and taxes. Town's tax rate is among the highest. How to manage and balance competing agendas: sewage, environmental, housing crisis, the budget and aging infrastructure. On balancing the conflicting agendas, prioritize the issues. One idea is to do a values assessment for all the people in the whole town to find their priorities and values, not just property or religious values. Include everybody. I'm curious. I reflect on my own thinking a lot. I recognize biases easily. I seek feedback. I listen deeply, wait my turn to talk. I ask questions and self-reflect. I'm contemplative and open-minded and I listen to understand, and I have empathy. I read constantly about topics that are related to my daily work. My final statement: 'The most valuable math you can learn is how to calculate the future cost of your current decisions and policy. Think about that.' AGE: 53 TOWN RESIDENCE: Lived in Bourne since birth. WORK/EMPLOYMENT: Public Servant. EDUCATION: Bourne High School graduate,1989, attended Cape Cod Community College and Stonehill College. CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Bourne: Planning Board and Housing Authority from 1996-2011; Select Board since 2011; Historical Society board, numerous building committees. The Cape Cod Canal is its greatest asset. It brings tourism to our area, which helps area businesses. Partnerships with Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School and Bourne Public Schools within the community make our community well-rounded and welcoming too, especially to our business community. Our AA+ bond rating gives us a chance to negotiate a favorable interest rate when going out to finance short- and long-term bonds. This is because of the financial plans we have in place. We need to do a better job of recruiting more commercial businesses to Bourne. Having the right commercial taxbase will bring more revenue and offset the residential tax burden. The Comprehensive Wastewater Management plan, the Sagamore and Bourne bridges replacements and a robust capital facilities program. I'll address the canal area bridge replacement projects by having regular town hall meetings and updates, making sure of clear information on relocation assistance and support services, advocating for traffic management plans to minimize disruption and making sure we have business support initiatives to mitigate economic impact. By prioritizing communication and community engagement, the project can be implemented in a way that balances regional needs with local concerns. Also establishing a more extensive facilities department to maintain new and existing buildings, including the fire station and library, can help extend the lifespan of the structures, prevent costly repairs and deferred maintenance and ensure the town's investments are protected and well-maintained. By prioritizing both the fire station's construction, library replacement and the facilities department's capabilities, the town can provide reliable services and maintain its infrastructure effectively. With nearly 30 years of elected experience, I have developed a deep understanding of the town's needs and governance. My passion for serving the community and willingness to continue contributing to the Select Board's work shows that my dedication, love and commitment for Bourne residents is always my first priority. My experience can provide valuable insights and stability to the board's decision-making process. Susan Vaughn writes about transportation and other local community issues affecting Cape Cod residents and visitors. She can be reached at smharris@ 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: Bourne town election: Here are the candidates running for Select Board
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Murray Hill neighbors speak out against suspected chemical plant odor at town hall
Murray Hill residents fed up with an odor they believe is coming from a local chemical plant gathered Thursday night to weigh in on the plant's pending permit renewal with the Department of Environmental Protection. Neighbors fed up with a lingering odor they believe is coming from International Flavors and Fragrances Inc. made their voices heard in front of officials. 'It is an extremely pungent odor,' said Murray Hill Resident Cindy Mathieson. 'I want you to imagine every household cleaner mixed in a bucket and then multiply it by ten.' Mathieson, who has lived in Murray Hill for 5 years, says the smell has been constant and it's affecting her health. 'I have woken up in the morning with sinuses that were severely clogged and migraine headaches from the odor that was produced overnight,' said Mathieson. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Action News Jax has been reporting about the complaints for years- it led to lawsuits, then a 'stink study' that put IFF in a compliance plan with the city to stop the smell. But as recently as January, we reported that neighbors could still smell it... and said private investigators were trying to convince neighbors to sign documents saying there was no bad smell. In a statement to Action News Jax about Thursday's meeting, IFF wrote in part: 'IFF remains in full compliance with our Title V air permit…We look forward to continuing to work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection throughout the permit renewal process.' Read: Jacksonville leaders optimistic permit renewal will help alleviate chemical plant odor issues 'I don't want people to lose their jobs. I don't want the plant to close. I want IFF to do a better job at what they do,' said Mathieson, In addition to the DEP's town hall, neighbors have until May 22nd to submit their comments and concerns to the agency. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jacksonville leaders optimistic permit renewal will help alleviate chemical plant odor issues
Neighbors plagued for years by bad odors they believe are coming from a local chemical manufacturer are getting an opportunity to weigh in on the plant's permit renewal pending before the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 'It's an obnoxious smell. It smells like – the best I can describe – Pine Sol or turpentine," Murray Hill resident Michael Hammond said while speaking to Action News Jax about his concerns with International Flavor and Fragrances back in January. Last year, the City of Jacksonville received 42 validated odor complaints involving IFF. Since January 1, there have been only 13 validated odor complaints. But according to the city, IFF hasn't been cited for any of those complaints because it's working within the structure of its Voluntary Compliance Plan. 'It goes all the way through Murray Hill, Newtown, Durkeeville, all the way to Ortega, Riverside, Avondale. So, you're hitting a whole bunch of homes,' Jacksonville City Council Member Jimmy Peluso said. Peluso represents the area. RELATED: 'It's an obnoxious smell': Residents asked to sign forms regarding odor in local neighborhoods He told Action News Jax the odor issue was one of the biggest complaints he heard while running for office. 'Hey, why is it that we're in this working-class neighborhood, why is it we keep being the brunt of some of this stuff? It's not fair,' Peluso said. Now, the company is up for a permit renewal with the state, and Peluso is optimistic additional odor regulation compliance requirements contained in the new draft permit will add an extra layer of accountability to help alleviate the issues. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] 'DEP has taken city language and put it into their permit. Which is huge, cause now that means we'll have the state not only executing, but also enforcing some of the permit restrictions that we've placed on it from the city level,' Peluso said. In addition the Thursday town hall hosted by DEP, neighbors have until May 22 to submit their comments and concerns to the agency regarding the permit renewal. 'We want to make sure that both DEP and people, who hopefully will be there that represent IFF, are gonna hear loud and clear from the community. Right? You know, it's just been a long time coming,' Peluso said. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] The city tells us it's working to modify IFF's Voluntary Compliance Plan because more than five complaints have been received since the company installed the final piece of equipment required under that plan. In response to the DEP permit renewal meeting an IFF spokesperson sent us the following statement: 'IFF appreciates the chance to participate in the process related to renewing our Title V air permit. The State of Florida has some of the most stringent air permitting regulations in the country, and Title V permits ensure compliance with both state and federal environmental laws. IFF remains in full compliance with our Title V air permit. Throughout more than 20 years of operation at our Jacksonville facility, we have utilized best-in-class technology and robust monitoring processes to ensure that we are preventing air quality impacts and complying with all applicable laws. We look forward to continuing to work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection throughout the permit renewal process.' Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Texas teen accused of fatal track meet stabbing set to graduate high school
Karmelo Anthony, the Texas high schooler accused of fatally stabbing another student at a track meet in Frisco, Texas will graduate high school and receive his diploma, social justice organization Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. 'We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,' NGAN president Dominique Alexander said in a statement to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. The nonprofit organization working with Anthony's family announced that the 17-year-old met all the academic requirements for graduation, with the necessary amount of credits and maintaining a 3.7 GPA, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. Anthony will not be allowed to participate in any senior graduation activities, NGAN told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. The teen was arrested on April 2 in connection with the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. Metcalf was stabbed in the chest at a track meet and reportedly died in his twin brother's circulating on social media and media outlets about the Centennial High School graduation ceremony was addressed by Frisco Independent School District (ISD) superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip in an email to students, staff and families of the school, WFAA reported. Waldrip stated that no student who commits a Title V felony, or serious criminal offense, would be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony, WFAA said. 'Frisco ISD does not condone violence or crime in our schools or at our events and will not reward or celebrate those who hurt others," Waldrip said, according to WFAA. Frisco ISD did not immediately respond to an NBC News request for comment. Anthony's parents spoke publicly at a press conference hosted by NGAN on April 17, after the organization asked police to remove Metcalf's father, Jeff Metcalf, from the event, calling his presence 'inappropriate.' Kala Hayes, Anthony's mother, said her family has faced death threats and harassment since her son's arrest, leading the family to relocate to a rental home over security concerns. She also addressed backlash over the crowdfunding page — which has now raised more than $500,000 — the family established to help with legal and moving costs. Anthony posted the $250,000 bond for his release on April 14, required to wear an ankle monitor under house arrest and check in with a bailiff every Friday, NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reported. This article was originally published on
