Latest news with #Vargo
Indianapolis Star
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Emma Vargo won't allow dislocated shoulder to keep her from postseason. 'I love this team'
FISHERS — Emma Vargo was the last player to be introduced ahead of Zionsville's Class 4A Sectional 8 quarterfinal vs. Westfield. The senior patiently waited her turn, high-fiving and cheering on each of her teammates, before doing one last spin around and taking the field herself, sharing a laugh with teammates Leah Helton, Charli Westerfield and Hadley Bray as she passed through the pitching circle. Vargo fielded a fly ball to center in the second and had a front-row seat as the Eagles staged a dramatic sixth-inning rally, tying the score at 1-1 with an RBI triple by Hadley Bray, then taking the lead on a Westerfield double a few pitches later. Vargo nearly iced the victory with a diving catch in center in the seventh, but the ball dropped in ahead of her and the 2-1 win was instead completed with a groundout to second. "It keeps the energy up (even having Vargo in the field)," Westerfield said. "We know we can always count on her out there." Vargo was nearly denied these moments, at least in the capacity she experienced them Monday night. The senior outfielder popped her left shoulder out, reaggravating a years-old shoulder injury, while punching through the eventual game-winning two-RBI single against West Lafayette Harrison at the end of April. Vargo was bent over in pain at first base, but after taking a moment to collect herself, she finished out the final three innings. Vargo felt that same pain against Westfield eight days later. Only this time it was worse. Much worse. Her shoulder popped out "pretty good" while taking a swing against Shamrocks ace and longtime friend Chloe Tanner. The pain was excruciating, Vargo said. Garrett had seen it before and "could see something was wrong when she swung and missed." "I tell kids, kiddingly, if they make contact, it won't hurt. But if they swing and miss, it hurts," he continued. "Everybody's happy if you hit the dang ball. You're happy because you're not hurting (as badly) and the team's happy because you put the ball in play. We try to keep things simple in Zionsville." Shoulder pain is nothing new for Vargo. She first dislocated her shoulder as an 11-year old and has been living with the occasional "sharp pain" in the joint ever since. Surgery was an option, she said, but there were no guarantees it would work and "I had softball to play." "So we put it in a sling and called it a day." Vargo has effectively managed the pain the past few years, but it began to worsen this spring. Her shoulder was "mad," she said, flaring up when she swung the bat and deteriorating as the season progressed — a well-hidden subplot to what's been a tremendous senior campaign. Vargo started the season 12-for-26 (.462) with 12 RBIs and six runs scored. She homered in the opener at Carmel and drove in the game-winning run vs. then-No. 1 Hamilton Southeastern in mid-April. Vargo has constantly improved since joining varsity as a freshman, Garrett said, and her emergence in the seven-spot this season further balanced their power-packed lineup. "It's pretty hard to pitch (anyone), because we've had kids like Emma step in and just hit," he added. But when Garrett saw Vargo's swing-and-miss vs. Westfield, he knew it was time to pull back, pinch-hitting during the at-bat with sophomore Kate Skura. "I told Emma to just relax," he said. "We want her for every game, but these are regular-season games. We're zeroing in on the second season, the postseason. And I knew with Kate coming along … Emma could take some time off." As Vargo gingerly retreated to the dugout, her mind immediately went to the darkest outcomes. This is it. Her senior year and softball career were both going to be cut short by injury. "I'm never going to get to play this amazing sport with my awesome teammates ever again." Though understandable, that sort of negativity is uncommon of Vargo. She's been a voice of positivity in the room throughout her career; a player who's earned her teammates' respect and is not afraid to hold them accountable. "She has a good nature about her and is a great influence on everyone," Garrett said. "We hope she can carry these things to whatever career she goes into, (because) she's going to be in high-demand," he continued. "People want to be around people like Emma Vargo." It took time for Vargo to fully regain her positive mentality — she was still a positive presence in the dugout, and credits her teammates and parents for helping her fully regain mental form — but the morning after the Westfield game she was already asking what she needed to do in order to return for sectionals. Physical therapy, rest and determination. There is a possibility the injury could get worse, Vargo said, but this is "the picture perfect situation." Her senior year with an incredibly close and talented team that's capable of winning a Class 4A state championship. More: Noblesville and its 'incredibly impressive' offense dethrone defending 4A state champion IHSAA softball sectionals: Central Indiana scores, schedule, updated pairings With no plans to play in college, Vargo accepted the risk, working with her physical therapist, trainer, parents and coaches to return to the lineup in time for the thrice-delayed regular-season finale vs. Noblesville. There was uncertainty over what her role might look like — and how it may evolve if Zionsville advances in the tournament — but given the Eagles' outfield depth (Skura has been very good), they're able to adjust based on Vargo's availability (hitting only, fielding only, pinch-hitting, etc.). Whatever she can do to help her team on the field, Vargo's ready to do it. "At the end of the day, I love softball, I love this team and I'm willing to (risk further injury)," Vargo said. "I'm just sticking it out."
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Florida ex-deputy declared eligible in South Dakota
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — A former deputy from Florida, who was immediately fired after punching a handcuffed inmate several times, will be allowed to seek certification in South Dakota as a law enforcement officer. A Florida jury found Kevin Fanti not-guilty of using excessive force in the 2019 incident at the Broward County jail. However, in 2023, his Florida certification was revoked. Since then, Fanti has been working for private security. He recently applied for certification in South Dakota. Demolition of Hills, MN school uncovers century-old surprise On Tuesday, the South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission listened to evidence, spent 30 minutes discussing the matter in executive session, and ultimately declared Fanti eligible to be a law enforcement officer here. The panel's decision was split. Lincoln County State's Attorney Thomas Wollmann and South Dakota Attorney General voted no. The commission, which was meeting in Deadwood, had viewed part of a jailhouse video that showed Fanti punching the inmate twice in the head and then punching the inmate two more times on the ground. The commission also heard a review from special investigating agent Guy DiBenedetto. Fanti, who represented himself, told the commission that he was in fear of being choked by the inmate, whose hands were cuffed in front of him. 'I'm much more mature now,' said Fanti, who vowed that he wouldn't do it again. Panel denies law officer eligibility for prospect Mark Vargo, who serves as the commission's attorney, asked Fanti what he would do differently. Fanti said he would back up and let the jail staff take care of the inmate. Fanti told the commission that he arrived in the United States at age 21 from Brazil, taught himself English, and in 2018 went to the law enforcement academy in Florida. He became a patrol deputy. He said no other complaints have been filed against him. Dan Satterlee, director of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, serves as the commission's chair. Satterlee asked Fanti why he approached the inmate with a document. 'I didn't want him to come towards us again,' Fanti said. 'I just decided to pick it up and give it back to him, so he didn't have to come towards us.' Fanti added that he has reflected a lot about what happened. 'There's not a single day that passes that this doesn't come to mind,' Fanti said. At Fanti's request, the commission watched the remainder of the video showing what happened prior to Fanti striking the inmate. Commission attorney Vargo in closing said that Fanti 'physically initiated contact' and the inmate reacted to Fanti's action. 'The marshals stepped in and told Mister Fanti to get back,' Vargo said. Fanti responded, 'I can't change what happened in the past. I can change what will happen in the future.' He added, 'This means a lot to me, to be a law enforcement officer again. I can make a difference in the world.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
28-03-2025
- General
- CBS News
$21 million worth of renovations almost complete at historic Braddock Carnegie Library
The renovations of the historic Braddock Carnegie Library are almost complete. The library has been closed for the past two and a half years. The Braddock Carnegie Library Association is celebrating its 136th anniversary on March 30. Crews were hard at work on Friday making sure the $21 million renovation is ready for opening day. "We are very excited to get this project finished and wrapped up and be open to the public again," said Vicki Vargo, the executive director of the Braddock Carnegie Library Association. There's literally a light at the end of the tunnel for Vargo and the people at the BCLA. Vargo says the contrast is striking. "There are uniform lights in here," she said. "We don't have to worry about, 'OK, that takes a fluorescent tube, we gotta get other kinds of light for this.' It is really a welcome sight to see the windows." Another welcome sight is that of new elevators inside. "If you've ever tried to carry tables and chairs or books up and down the steps, it's not very easy," Vargo said. "We just called it the Carnegie workout." It's just one part of making the library Americans with Disabilities Act compliant. You'll see new ramps as well. "It took a lot to make this building more accessible," Vargo said. "It's a monumental task," said Thomas Eger, the superintendent at Jendoco Construction Corporation. Transforming the music hall is also a monumental task. "You never know what you're gonna run into in this building," Eger said. "We've had inquiries for people who want to rent it, and we're not open yet," Vargo said. When all the scaffolding goes away, the music hall will be able to host up to 500 people. It will also have new sound and lighting equipment. "There will be less seats but they will be more comfortable seats," Vargo said. There's also a new room called the "Book Dive." "That was previously a space that everybody wanted us to convert back into a swimming pool," Vargo said. Vargo says making it a pool again wasn't feasible. It'll be a reception space now, with open space and windows looking outside. It's also being made ADA accessible. "If we had a wedding, this can be part of — come here for the cocktails before the bride and groom arrives," Vargo said. There's a big focus on helping use some of these spaces to support the BCLA's operations. "We're looking forward to developing some type of rental plan that will help to sustain us," Vargo said. There's also an emphasis on malleability. "Other than the ceramics studio, we don't have any room that cannot be used for something else," Vargo said. "Realizing that things will change in the next 10 years, 20 years, the building will be ready for that." It's a library steeped in history. Vargo says it signifies a Braddock comeback. "I think this building is an example of the people of this community. Yes, we've been thrown a curveball a lot of times, but we still bounce back," she said. The library is supposed to reopen to the public in May. May 22 is the targeted ribbon cutting.
Associated Press
06-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ShakerShutters.com Selects New President and CEO
Seasoned industry leader named new CEO of ROSWELL, GA, UNITED STATES, March 6, 2025 / / -- (' SHAKER '), the leading manufacturer of ultra-premium exterior shutters in the US, announced that Keith Vargo has been named the new President and CEO of the company, effective March 1, 2025. Mr. Vargo is a seasoned executive, having held CEO roles at several companies over the last 17 years while leading those companies through periods of rapid growth and expansion. Mr. Vargo also brings international business expansion experience to the SHAKER team having successfully led new product launches throughout the Caribbean, Africa, Middle East and Asia with previous companies. 'I'm excited to lead this dynamic and rapidly growing organization to expand our nationwide footprint. I've been an operating partner with SHAKER for the past 3 years and have worked alongside the executive team through several acquisitions and facility expansions. The SHAKER team is one that gets you excited to come to work in the morning knowing that they've created a world-class culture of innovation and delivery,' says Mr. Vargo. Joe Paterson, SVP of Operations at SHAKER added, 'I've enjoyed working with Mr. Vargo over the past 3 years and been amazed at his innovative approach towards growing the business. We've experienced record growth from 2021 to 2024 and much of this is due to Mr. Vargo's leadership and guidance. I speak for the entire executive team when I say that we couldn't be more excited about where we can take the company under Mr. Vargo's leadership.' About SHAKER: Since its founding in 2017, SHAKER has grown to become the leading manufacturer of ultra-premium exterior shutters for residential projects. In 2020, the company expanded its direct-to-consumer division to provide high-end exterior shutters to homeowners, at factory direct pricing, shipped directly from its Georgia-based production facility. Requests for information about the company should be directed to [email protected]. Media Relations +1 470-208-1144
