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Texas State Parks System celebrates 100 years with holiday ornament

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:59 GMT

TEXAS (KXAN) -- To commemorate its 100th anniversary, the Texas State Parks System debuted its centennial-themed holiday ornament.The ornament went on sale Monday and retails for $19.95 plus tax. It depicts the state of Texas, with dots representing each of the state system's 89 parks, per a release. The two-decade Texas State Parks ornament tradition began back in 2002, with each year's ornament "featuring natural, cultural and historical resources the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department protects," the release added. Ornaments typically depict wildlife scenery, plants and some of the recreational activities visitors to the parks can enjoy, per the release. Those interested in revisiting previous years' ornaments -- and purchasing them, if supplies are available -- can find the collection online.For those looking to get in the holiday spirit, visitors at the Texas State Capitol can see the ornament on display along with the Capital Christmas Trees, which were delivered by Eisenhower...

How Austin-based company uses AI to detect wildfires

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:59 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After a busy wildfire season in Central Texas, the developer behind an automatic wildfire detection system relocated its headquarters to Austin and is expanding its resources to help in wildfire prevention efforts. SmokeD System Inc., founded in Poland, launched four years ago before relocating its operations to the Texas capital in September.The company uses artificial intelligence in its devices that are then installed as antenna systems on large towers or buildings. That technology, paired with optical sensors and cameras, can pinpoint exact locations and alert users with the SmokeD Alerts app of wildfires within a 10-mile radius, according to a company news release.Within the past two months, SmokeD has partnered with 45 different locations to install the technology, company officials said."We can spot something from really long-range distance and inform people and fire teams about the danger," said Artur Matuszczak, founder and CEO of SmokeD System Inc.SmokeD S...

Washington County jumps on the name-a-snowplow contest bandwagon

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:59 GMT

Washington County is holding a snowplow-naming contest this year.Residents are invited to help name one of the county’s snowplows; name suggestions can be submitted until Dec. 15.County staff will review the submissions and bring forward the top ideas for voting from the public in January 2024, when a winner will be selected.Any submissions that include profanity or other inappropriate language will not be considered, Washington County officials said.Names can be submitted at www.surveymonkey.com/r/WCNameAPlow.The Minnesota Department of Transportation has been holding a similar naming contest the past few years. Last year’s MnDOT winners included Blizzo in the Twin Cities district, Clearopathra in northeastern Minnesota and Sleetwood Mac in west central Minnesota.Related ArticlesLocal News | MPCA investigating origin of infectious waste found at trash facility Local News | Woodbury: Public invited to Dec. 13 open house on Radio Drive expansion proje...

How did rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. handle increased role for Vikings?

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:59 GMT

There’s no question how important veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks is to what the Vikings do on defense. He wears the helmet with the headset that allows direct communication to defensive coordinator Brian Flores before the snap. Think of him as an extension of the coaching staff on the field.That responsibility now belongs to rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. After getting reps intermittently to this point, Pace played 100 percent of the defensive snaps for the Vikings against the Broncos last week in Denver, and took on the role of communicator with Hicks on injured reserve for at least the next month.How did he perform?“I thought Ivan did a nice job with the green dot,” Flores said in reference to the helmet with the headset. “The communication was solid throughout the night.”It certainly helped that Pace could lean on veteran players like safety Harrison Smith and safety Josh Metellus if he needed help relaying the call from the sideline.“They re...

Operation Adopt a Soldier shipping holiday care packages 

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:59 GMT

GHENT, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Operation Adopt a Soldier collected donations for care packages on Tuesday and shipped those packages around the world. The organization said it sees an increase in donations this time of year and that allows them to send thousands of care packages to soldiers from various branches of the military.“Oh, it’s a fantastic feeling,” said Ghent donation drive organizer Jean Westover. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! She is an auxiliary member for Chatham American Legion Post and said this year the Ghent community doubled its donations to Operation Adopt a Soldier. She helped organize the donation drive because she said it’s important to boost morale.“It's a real good feeling especially this time of the year because all the soldiers are away from home, away from their families and especially at Christmas, you know, New Year’s, through the holidays, I mean it’s really, really important to get a package over there...

Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago to perform at SPAC

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:59 GMT

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Music icons Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chicago are coming to Saratoga Springs on July 24 for an unforgettable night culminating in an encore performance with both bands on stage together. The Live Nation-produced tour kicks off in St. Louis and stops in 30 cities across North America. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! According to Billboard, Chicago is hailed as one of "the most successful American rock bands of all time". Rolling Stone describes Earth, Wind & Fire as "a funk-fusion powerhouse that changed the sound and history of popular music." The two bands have already been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Chicago was inducted in 2016, and Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted in 2000.The Heart & Soul 2024 Tour will include a show at Broadview Stage at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. General admission tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. on Live Nation's website.

Local infrastructure projects receive state funding

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:59 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On Tuesday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that five Community Development Block Grants have been awarded in the Capital Region. The grants will be used for projects aimed at boosting community planning and improving infrastructure and public facilities. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! 33 grants totaling nearly $23 million were awarded throughout New York. The Office of Community Renewal is hosting virtual office hours on December 6 at 1 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the grant program. Program administrators and interested applicants can join via WebEx on the first Wednesday of every month.“The funds awarded by these State grants will go a long way to ensuring more of our villages, towns, and cities meet their immediate needs and achieve their future goals,” said Governor Hochul. “Building, preserving, and stabilizing our communities has never been more important and even the smalles...

Hochul announces statewide crackdown on Thanksgiving unsafe driving

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:59 GMT

ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) -- Law enforcement will be increasing patrols to crack down on unsafe driving over Thanksgiving weekend. Police will target impaired and distracted driving and enforce the Move Over Law. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! “The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and our goal is to ensure that everyone gets where they need to go safely,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “State Troopers and local law enforcement will be out in force working to prevent needless accidents. I urge drivers to follow the rules of the road and make safety your top priority while traveling this holiday season.”The enforcement campaign will run from Wednesday, November 22, to Sunday, November 26. Hochul also announced that temporary lane closures will be suspended from 6 a.m. on Wednesday to 6 a.m. on Monday.During the Thanksgiving crackdown in 2022, troopers arrested 213 drivers for Driving ...

Amsterdam man pleads guilty to multiple drug charges

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:59 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A 34-year-old Amsterdam man is facing time in prison after pleading guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy. Bernardo Tovar admitted he planned to distribute counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! As part of the plea deal, Tovar also said he possessed over 160 grams of fentanyl, other narcotics, and a loaded handgun to protect his drugs and proceeds. Tovar has a prior felony conviction for attempted robbery.Sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2024. Tovar faces at least 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $8 million, and a term of post-release supervision of at least eight years and up to life.

Hillsdale worker charged with running over FOX 2 photographer fails to appear in court; arrest warrant issued

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:59 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A no-show in a St. Louis County courtroom Tuesday left questions about what's next for a Hillsdale worker charged with accidentally running over a FOX 2 photojournalist.St. Louis County Associate Circuit Judge Natalie Warner waited and waited for Earl Longmeyer, but he never showed up. Records show he's the director of public works.Longmeyer, 57, was caught on camera getting into the driver's seat of a Village of Hillsdale Public Works truck and driving away. A trailer that the truck was towing accidentally ran over FOX 2 photojournalist Wade Smith.Smith suffered serious leg injuries and is on his way to recovery.Court records reveal the judge issued an arrest warrant Tuesday afternoon for Longmeyer after failing to appear in court.While Longmeyer did not appear in court Tuesday, the FOX Files found the same public works truck parked outside village hall on the wrong side of the street. It appears the village added a warning label to stay back 20 feet on the ...