West Liberty looks to play giant-slaying role in regional finals – The Gazette

You can view it that West Liberty drew the short straw when Class 3A softball pairings were drawn.

Or you can consider the opportunity that the Comets have Monday night.

We knew that if we got to this point, it was going to be a challenge, West Liberty Coach Chad Libby said. But were going to go into it with a lot of confidence. Theres no reason we wont play well Monday.

The seventh-ranked Comets (14-1) take their shot at No. 2 Davenport Assumption (18-5) the three-time defending state champion in a 3A regional final. First pitch is 7 p.m.

Its one of six games involving area teams Monday, with winners advancing to the state tournament next week. Also in 3A, No. 3 Williamsburg (22-4) hosts Benton Community (15-8), and No. 8 Anamosa (13-1) visits No. 5 Mount Vernon (19-4).

In 2A, top-rated, defending-champion North Linn (22-0) hosts Waterloo Columbus (10-5), and Iowa City Regina (9-13) is at No. 4 Northeast (18-2). No. 8 Lisbon (19-3) welcomes No. 13 Central City (11-4) in the lone area 1A game.

Eastern Iowa overflows with strong teams in 3A, and it was impossible to separate all of them for the postseason. Thus, the West Liberty-Assumption and Anamosa-Mount Vernon matchups.

When you face a powerhouse like Assumption, its always a concern that youll be a little intimidated, Libby said. The kids are aware that they play in a 4A/5A conference. But were an older, experienced team, and were not going to panic.

The Benton-Williamsburg matchup is a rematch of a season-opening doubleheader between the squads on opening night. Williamsburg won both games, 8-3 and 14-6.

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Offensively, I think weve come a long ways, Benton Coach Eric Stenberg said. Were hitting the ball fairly well. Weve got the pieces to give them a challenge. They didnt get our best effort the first time. I hope we can give them our best effort (Monday).

After back-to-back 1A third-place state finishes, Lisbon lost its pitchers to graduation. But freshman Ryleigh Allgood, who moved from Lisbon to Missouri in elementary school, moved back last fall. She has posted a 15-2 record and 1.71 ERA.

Shes done a good job, said Lions Coach Bob Bunting, who crossed the 1,200-win plateau earlier this season. She has a variety of pitches, good velocity.

I didnt quite anticipate this at the beginning of the year. Pitching was going to be a question mark, but were also probably hitting the ball better than we did last year.

* * * * *

MONDAYS SOFTBALL REGIONAL FINALS

CLASS 3A

BENTON COMMUNITY (15-8) at No. 3 WILLIAMSBURG (22-4)

* Time & place: 7 p.m., Jim Turner Field, Williamsburg

* Overview: These Wamac Conference West Division rivals opened the season together June 15, with Williamsburg earning a sweep, 8-3 and 14-6. The Raiders, chasing their first state appearance since 2002, are on a nine-game winning streak, including a 6-1 victory over Roland-Story in the regional semifinals. Jill Holub and Elle Ridgeway are the big bats in the middle of the lineup, combining for nine home runs and 57 RBIs. Ridgeway is a freshman, as is pitcher Peyton Driscoll (13-3, 1.15 ERA, 160 strikeouts). Despite six errors, Benton edged Solon, 3-2, Friday and is an upset win away from its fourth state trip in six years (the Bobcats were 3A champions in 2016). Benton has won eight games in a row and has picked up the pace offensively lately. Coach Eric Stenberg gets a lot of mileage out of the top of his order; Emma Townsley is hitting .456 and has scored 22 runs, and Alyse Harvey bats .538 and leads the team in both runs (23) and RBIs (25).

No. 8 ANAMOSA (13-1) at No. 5 MOUNT VERNON (19-4)

* Time & place: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon High School

* Overview: Mount Vernon is pursuing its fifth state appearance under Coach Robin Brand. The Mustangs have been air-tight with their pitching and defense lately, allowing two runs in the last seven games. That includes a pair of regional shutouts over Vinton-Shellsburg and Independence. Anamosa has matched that, blanking Monticello and Sumner-Fredericksburg in postseason action. Anamosas last state trip was in 1996, when the Raiders were 2A runners-up. Brad Holub is in his second year at Anamosa, and the program has climbed dramatically with a 44-6 two-year mark. The Raiders reached the regional finals last year before falling to West Liberty. Ellie Tallman and Emily Watters are hitting better than .500, with Grace Lubben (.477, 5 home runs) the chief power source. Kalli Minger is 12-1 in the circle. The Raiders have won 12 games in a row. For Mount Vernon, Jenna Sprague (13-2, 1.00 ERA) is the likely starter. The Mustangs have a balanced offense, ignited by Nadia Telecky (.469, 30 runs) and Nicole Sullivan (.419, 26 RBIs).

No. 7 WEST LIBERTY (14-1) at No. 2 DAVENPORT ASSUMPTION (18-5)

* Time & place: 7 p.m., St. Vincent Athletic Complex, Davenport

* Overview: Assumption is on a short list of schools that have won three consecutive state championships, and a fourth would put the Knights in a league of their own in Iowa history. They have shown some cracks lately, though, with all five of their losses coming in July. That provides hope for West Liberty, which brought back eight starters from a team that finished third at state in 2019 under Coach Chad Libby. The Comets are on a nine-game win streak, including a come-from-behind win over Camanche in the first round of the tournament. They followed with a 3-0 victory over West Burlington in the regional semifinals. Seniors Austyn Crees (.524) and Haylee Lehman (.500, 24 runs) are the key drivers of the offense, and Janey Gingerich and Sailor Hall are two more-than-capable pitchers. Anna Wohlers has 10 home runs and 30 RBIs for Assumption, which run-ruled its first two regional foes.

CLASS 2A

WATERLOO COLUMBUS (10-5) at No. 1 NORTH LINN (22-0)

* Time & place: 7 p.m., North Linn High School, Troy Mills

* Overview: The defending 2A state champion, North Linn carries a 28-game winning streak. The Lynx have blasted their opponents by a 251-25 margin this season, but had a few anxious moments early in Fridays regional semifinal. It was scoreless through three innings before the Lynx pulled away from Hudson in a 6-0 win, their ninth shutout of the season. Pitcher Abby Flanagan is 14-0 this season and has won more than 100 games in her career. She owns a 0.37 ERA and has struck out 118. Hannah Bridgewater is hitting .519 with 44 runs and 40 stolen bases, and Grace Flanagan (.508) has five home runs and 33 RBIs. Columbus handled West Fork, 10-1, in the regional semis. Freshman Haile Frost is 10-4 in the circle with a 2.41 ERA for the Sailors.

IOWA CITY REGINA (9-13) at No. 4 NORTHEAST (18-2)

* Time & place: 7 p.m., Northeast High School, Goose Lake

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* Overview: Its not often that Regina comes into a regional final as a significant underdog, but thats the case Monday. The Regals face a Northeast squad that has won 10 straight games, and that streak contains an 8-5 victory over Regina on July 2. Junior Annie Gahan is hitting .382 for the Regals and leads the team in runs (20) and RBIs (14). Regina advanced with a 2-1 regional-semifinal win over Cascade. Northeast shared the River Valley Conference North Division title with Anamosa and has a pair of big bats in Bree Mangelsen (.565, 13 doubles, 30 RBIs) and Alexis Ehlers (.534, 12 doubles). Regina has history on its side; the Regals have made six state trips in the last decade, with three titles (2011, 2015, 2017). Northeast has never advanced to state.

CLASS 1A

No. 13 CENTRAL CITY (11-4) at No. 8 LISBON (19-3)

* Time & place: 7 p.m., Bob Bunting Field, Lisbon

* Overview: After back-to-back third-place state finishes, Lisbon figured to take a step backward after suffering significant graduation losses, including the gutting of its pitching staff. But the return of freshman Ryleigh Allgood (15-2, 1.71 ERA), who moved from Lisbon to Missouri in elementary school, has enabled the Lions to stay at a high level. Lisbon is hitting .405 as a team, led by Peyton Robinson (.527, 32 runs, 27 RBIs) and Stacia Hall (.478, 31 RBIs). Coach Bob Bunting crossed the 1,200-win plateau early this season. Central City had made only one state appearance (1961), but the Wildcats have knocked on the door several times in recent years. Sara Reid pitched a four-inning perfect game as the Wildcats made quick work of Easton Valley, 12-0, in the regional semifinals. The Tri-Rivers Conference rivals did not play in the regular season.

Comments: (319) 368-8857; jeff.linder@thegazette.com

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West Liberty looks to play giant-slaying role in regional finals - The Gazette

Liberty looks to return to the playoffs for the 1st time since 2017 – WKBN.com

LIBERTY, Ohio (WKBN) Coach Chet Allen begins his 6th season at Liberty where he had won 15 games over the course of the previous two seasons (2017-18) will now look to turn around a program which won 3 games a year ago.

As unusual as this off-season has been, Allen has kept a positive outlook. We can only hope for healthiness, safety, and may we all stay that way. Weve been in a Google Classroom where we communicate with our team, had some Zoom meetings, and also texts or calls.

2019 Record: 3-7 (2-4), T-4th place in AAC BlueHead Coach: Chet Allen, 6th season (26-25)

2019 StatsScoring Offense: 15.8 (48th in Area)Scoring Defense: 31.8 (50th in Area)Total Offense: 241.3Rushing Offense: 211.7Passing Offense: 29.6Total Defense: 333.6

Returning StartersOffense: 6Defense: 8

What you need to know about Libertys offense-The scoring dropped by nearly 20-points per game in 2019. The Leopards were held to single digits in six games last fall. We need to do a better job of not forcing some things, says coach Allen. We need enough confidence to trust ourselves and our teammates to do the right things.

Carter Coman returns to anchor the offensive line as a senior. Tremendous Watson and LaBrielyn Wilson will be back as well. Senior Jamie Melton is back in the fold after rushing for 740 yards on 116 carries (6.4 avg) and scored 8 times. Junior Donte Venters is also back after surpassing the 600-yard plateau on the ground as a sophomore (679 yards). Daveyon Williamson threw for 235 yards and ran for another 405 as a sophomore as well. (All three) are a little more mature physically and mentally to withstand, hopefully, a long season, Allen says. They were really working hard before the pandemic broke and hoping to make their efforts worthwhile for our season.

Despite their offensive struggles, the rushing attack still went for over 200-yards for the third consecutive year. Were looking to execute, Allen mentions. Take what the defense gives us and exploit it. Properly use our athletic talent and score more points this year.

What you need to know about Libertys defense-Eight of Libertys opponents last year scored 25-points or more. In those contests, the Leopards finished with a 2-6 mark. The opposition were able to move the ball against Liberty with a balanced attack (average wise) of 176 yards rushing and 158 yards passing. Without the likes of All-League players Simi Moananu (63 tackles), Bralen Stredrick (24 tackles), Jalen Stredrick (27 tackles) and Micah Dukes (2 QB sacks) itll be a challenge for the young group to take that step back on the right track.

With talented players such as Isiaha Scott (31 tackles), LaBreilyn Wilson (2 QB sacks), DAndre Venters (46 tackles) and Rushad Chambers (31 tackles). All four of these young men were new to our program last year, Allen points out. Were really going to utilize them for the betterment of our program. We tell our teammates all the time that we earn everything we get, so these guys have earned a spot, not saying that they are entitled to them, but they have earned them. What they do with their opportunities is their choice, but we are going to coach them hard and put them in the right spots to make plays. They have to do things our way, with their athletic ability, and we should be better defensively.

Allen goes on to say, Were looking to keep the offense in front of us. Dont think. Just do. We need to attack, attack, attack. Tackle well enough to play the next down and play for each other.

Libertys Key Player(s)-Jamie Melton is back for his senior year as he ran for 740 yards a year ago while scoring 8 times on the ground. He also completed 7 passes, 1 which was for a TD.

2020 ScheduleAug. 28 at EastSept. 4 LakeviewSept. 11 at ChaneySept. 18 BrookfieldSept. 25 at Campbell MemorialOct. 2 LaBraeOct. 9 at ChampionOct. 16 CrestviewOct. 23 at Newton FallsOct. 30 Beaver Local

The Big game on the scheduleSeptember 4 vs. LakeviewLibertys week 2 win (26-20) last year in overtime at Lakeview was a big win for the program. This year, theyll get the Bulldogs in the home opener.

Since 2012, Leopards ball carriers to average 5.5 yards per tote (w/ 70 attempts)2019 Jamie Melton, 6.4 (116 attempts, 740 yards)2019 Daveyon Williamson, 5.5 (73 attempts, 405 yards)2018 Migel Burgess, 12.3 (105 attempts, 1294 yards)2017 Dra Rushton, 9.4 (151 attempts, 1414 yards)2017 Brian Maddox, 7.8 (88 attempts, 686 yards)2016 Dra Rushton, 5.8 (163 attempts, 950 yards)2014 Lynn Bowden, 9.6 (202 attempts, 1943 yards)2013 Lynn Bowden, 7.4 (193 attempts, 1427 yards)2013 Asim Pleas, 5.8 (150 attempts, 869 yards)2012 Sherron Walls, 5.9 (314 attempts, 1866 yards)

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Liberty looks to return to the playoffs for the 1st time since 2017 - WKBN.com

Golf course owner halts bid to expand into wildlife area at Liberty State Park for now – New Jersey Herald

The Florida billionaire who wants to extend his luxury Jersey City golf course into Liberty State Park says he is halting that effort, just two weeks after New Jerseys three-month budget legislation offered him a chance to revive the controversial plan.

Paul Fireman, the former Reebok executive and owner of Liberty National Golf Course, said in a statement Wednesday morning that he is pulling the plug on the expansion plan so the parks advocates can address what he called the "social justice problems connected to Liberty State Park." Fireman allies have alleged recently that the parks keepers have not done enough to make it accessible to the largely Black neighborhoods that sit just outside of the 1,200-acre urban oasis.

Its not clear Firemans plan was going anywhere. A spokeswoman for Gov. Phil Murphy said the administration doesnot intend to solicit a bid for the park, which is overseen by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Fireman had made an aggressive push in recent weeks to win the support of Jersey Citys Black elected officials and to promote his argument that Liberty State Park is not run with the interests of the Black community in mind. His charitable foundation gave donations to several politically connected nonprofits, sources told NorthJersey.com, including one run by a Jersey City assemblywoman and another headed by a Hudson County freeholder. A Fireman spokesman did not respond to questions about his foundations recent donations.

The golf course expansion would have targeted a 22-acre peninsula on Liberty State Parks southern end, a wildlife refuge and beach that is adjacent to Liberty National. Fireman wanted to move three of the golf courses holes to that spot, known as the park's Caven Point section, saying he would transform the area into "beautiful green space." His critics have noted that moving some of the golf course there would provide dramatic backdrops of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty during televised tournaments.

Fireman first attempted to lease the park land in 2018, but the Murphy administration turned him down in the face of opposition led in part by Sam Pesin, who runs the Friends of Liberty State Park conservancy group. Pesins father, Morris, is credited with the parks creation in 1976.

"All supporters of a free park behind Lady Liberty will be very glad to read about Fireman giving up for now," Pesin said in a statement. Firemans comments, Pesin said, continue "to push his self-serving false narrative about LSP. His only goal has been to privatize and destroy the LSP Caven Point natural area to relocate golf holes right by the bay for millionaires."

Firemans Wednesday statement targets Pesin directly. Pesin for decades has organized opposition to most commercial development inside the park, most recently organizing opposition to Firemans golf course expansion and a separate plan for a marina inside the park. The park, which includes 600 acres of land and 600 acres of water on the Hudson River, should be a largely passive recreational space, Pesin has argued.

"Sam has done nothing to implement the grand vision for Liberty State Park," Fireman said. "Pesin has reinforced a do-nothing policy and shut out minority communities from the decision-making process."

Firemans recent charitable donations include $10,000 for Jersey City Assemblywoman Angela McKnights social services nonprofit, Angela Cares, and an unspecified amount for Team Walker, run by Hudson County Freeholder Jerry Walker. Both are popular figures in Jersey Citys Black community. Walker did not return a request for comment. McKnight said Firemans gift was one of many donations Angela Cares has received since the coronavirus outbreak began. She said she did not solicit it.

Fireman, who Forbes says has a fortune that exceeds $1 billion, has been known to drop donations when he needs favors.

In 2015, he wanted thestate to approve casino expansion outside of Atlantic City so he could build a casinoin Jersey City. Then-Gov. Chris Christie, who had previously expressed opposition to the change, first said in 2014 that he would be open to changing his mind, then said in May 2015 that expanding casino gambling would be good for New Jersey. That month, Fireman donated $5,000 to Leadership Matters for America, which supported Christies presidential campaign. One month later, Firemans Winecup Gamble Ranch dropped $1 million into the coffers of America Leads, another super PAC supporting Christie. Fireman and his wife, Phyllis, gave a total of $5,200 to Christies campaign that September.

The casino never happened, though not because Christie didnt try. Lawmakers asked voters for their approval in November 2016 and the public overwhelmingly voted against casino expansion.

"Gov.Christie and Paul Fireman have a long-standing friendship and his donation to the super PAC supporting Gov.Christie in 2016 had nothing to do with gaming in any way," said Christie spokesperson Megan Fielder.

The Firemans did not donate money to any New Jersey politicians in 2017 or 2018, but started contributing again in late 2019. Paul Fireman gave $10,000 to the New Jersey State Democratic Committee that September and in October and November the couple gave a total of $36,400 to various candidates, with nearly three quarters going toMiddlesex County Democrats.

Middlesex County is the home of Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, a Democrat who decides what bills to put up for a vote in that chamber. In 2019, the state Legislature was mulling the Liberty State Park Protection Act, which would have banned anyone from developing the Caven Point section of the park. In January 2020, the bill passed the senate 21-13. But Coughlin did not post the bill for a vote in the Assembly before the legislative session ended, which means it must go through committee again before another vote.

Asked at the time if there was a relation between the Firemans' donations and the bill stalling in the Legislature, assembly spokesman Kevin McArdle called the question "offensive."

"Legislation is posted when it is ready and after a thorough and thoughtful process," McArdle said. "To imply anything else is reprehensible."

Jersey City Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, a co-sponsor of the bill, said it must become law immediately, despite Firemans decision to halt plans to expand his golf course.

"There will always be another attempt to grab public parkland from this national treasure to privatize or commercialize until the Protection Act becomes law," he said. "And what if they succeed under a governor who isnt as protective of the environment as Phil Murphy?"

When the three-month New Jersey budget was signed into law on June 30, Mukherji issued a statement blasting the hastily added language that would have allowed Fireman to pursue his Liberty State Park lease plan. Jersey City's other two state lawmakers, McKnight and state Sen. Sandra B. Cunningham, did not issue their own statement.

McKnight told NorthJersey.com she remains supportive of the Liberty State Protection Act. Cunningham did not respond to a request for comment.

Staff writer Scott Fallon contributed to this article.

Terrence T. McDonaldis a reporter for NorthJersey.com. F

Email: mcdonaldt@northjersey.com Twitter: @terrencemcd

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Golf course owner halts bid to expand into wildlife area at Liberty State Park for now - New Jersey Herald

Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Employment Law Reform: Virginia Enacts Sweeping Legislation Changing the Employment Law Landscape of the Commonwealth – JD…

Virginia's Democratic legislative body and Governor Ralph Northam have recently enacted a myriad of new legislation, and expanded existing laws providing protections for employees in the Commonwealth. Effective July 1, 2020, these laws will establish greater protections for employees in Virginia than what federal law currently provides. The expanded protections include prohibition of discrimination based on LGBTQ status, pregnancy, and natural hairstyles, prohibition of noncompetition agreements for low-wage employees, whistleblower protections, a state-wide minimum wage increase, and remedies and penalties for worker misclassification. This article provides a summary of the key provisions of these new employment laws, as well as key takeaways and best practices for employers in Virginia. Since as early as 1969, Virginia has been "for lovers." But, after July 1, 2020, Virginia will be for employees, and here is why.

Prohibition of Discrimination Based on LGBTQ Status

Historically, the Virginia Human Rights Act safeguarded employees in the Commonwealth from unlawful discrimination based on protected classifications such as race, religion, national origin, sex, disability and pregnancy. Notably, on April 11, 2020, Virginia became the first southern state to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classifications under its existing Human Rights Law. H.B. 1049/SB 868 prohibits discrimination in public and private employment, public accommodations, access to credit, and housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Amendment expands the definition of the term "employer" to include any public or private employer employing more than five persons in the state of Virginia. This Amendment reflects a significant departure from the existing law, which only covered employers with between five and 15 employees.

Prohibition of Discrimination Based on Natural Hairstyles and Textures

On March 4, 2020, Virginia became the fourth U.S. state to prohibit discrimination in places of public accommodation, educational institutions, real estate transactions, and employment on the basis of hairstyle and hair texture. HB 1514/SB 50 amends the definition of the term "on the basis of race" under Virginia's Human Rights Act to include traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks, and twists. This Amendment also covers employers in Virginia with more than five employees working in the state.

Prohibition of Discrimination and Reasonable Accommodation for Pregnancy and Childbirth

Also effective July 1, 2020, HB 827/SB 712 includes another amendment to the Virginia Human Rights Act, expanding its existing protections from discrimination "on the basis of sex or gender" to include discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including lactation. The Amended Act prohibits discrimination with respect to compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment, and refusing to make reasonable accommodation to the known limitations of a person related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the employer can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the employer. Reasonable accommodations may include:

Under the Amended Act, an "Employer" is defined to include any person, or agent who employs five or more employees for each working day in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year. Covered employers in Virginia are required to post a notice in a conspicuous location informing employees of the prohibition against discrimination and their rights to reasonable accommodation. Employers should also include this information in their employee manuals or handbooks and ensure that it is provided to any employee within ten days of the employee notifying their employer that they are pregnant. Under the Amended Act, these notices must be provided by October 29, 2020.

Employee Remedies Available

The Amendments to Virginia's Human Rights Act permit employees to file suit in state court for violations and seek uncapped damages, including compensatory damages, punitive damages, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, and other non-monetary relief. However, under the Amendments to the Act, the requirement that an employee file an administrative charge of discrimination as a prerequisite to suit remains unchanged.

Best Practices for Virginia Employers Pregnancy and the Right to Reasonable Accommodation

Best Practices for Virginia Employers Anti-Hairstyle and LGBTQ Discrimination

Since these Amendments to the Virginia Human Rights Act create a private right to sue on the basis of discrimination for these added protected classifications, and lift damage caps that existed under the prior version of the Act, Virginia state courts are now an attractive option for employees to sue. Updating your anti-discrimination policies and training materials is an effective tool to limit your business' exposure to liability.

On April 9, 2020, Governor Northam signed HB 330/SB 480 into law, which prohibits all Virginia employers from entering into and enforcing noncompetition agreements with "low-wage" employees. Generally, a covenant not to compete is an agreement included in an employment contract that restrains or prohibits the employee from engaging in competition with their former employer. This change reflects an emerging employment law trend, as several other states like Maryland, New Hampshire and Washington State have enacted similar legislation to restrict enforcement of noncompetition agreements with low-wage employees, and Virginia has followed suit.

What Is a Low-Wage Employee?

This law prohibits entering into or seeking to enforce noncompetition agreements with employees whose weekly wage is less than the average weekly wage of the Commonwealth. To determine whether an employee is a "low-wage employee," employers must add the amount of compensation the employee earned in the 52 weeks immediately preceding the employee's termination date and divide that figure by 52. According to data available from the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission, the average weekly wage in the Commonwealth will be $1,137 (which averages to a yearly salary of $59,124). This law also takes effect July 1, 2020.

Employee Remedies and Penalties

HB 330/SB 480 permits an employee to bring a private cause of action in civil court against any employer who seeks to enforce such an agreement, within two years of the latter of:

Moreover, if an employee prevails in a lawsuit alleging a violation, the court may order the employer to pay liquidated damages, lost compensation, reasonable costs (including fees for expert witnesses) and attorneys' fees. Even in the event that an employee does not allege a violation, the Virginia Department of Labor may assess a hefty civil penalty of $10,000 per violation.

This law also contains a notification requirement, which employers may satisfy by posting either a copy of the statute or a summary of the statute approved by the Virginia Department of Labor in the same location where other required notices are posted.

Best Practices for Virginia Employers

First, the prohibitions against entering into and enforcing noncompetition agreements with low-wage employees are effective July 1, 2020, and do not apply retroactively so it is entirely permissible to enforce agreements entered into prior to the July 1, 2020 effective date. Notably, this law does not mean a complete ban. Nondisclosure agreements that prohibit an employee from taking and/or misappropriating trade secrets and proprietary or confidential information are permitted.

If entering into non-competition agreements with employees is a standard practice of your business, consider the following best practices:

Also effective July 1, 2020 is HB 798, which expands existing whistleblower protections for Virginia employees. Virginia's Whistleblower Protection Law protects workers in the state from retaliation for:

This law also permits employees to file suit directly in state court within one year of the alleged violation without first exhausting administrative remedies. The Court may grant injunctive relief, reinstatement to their former or an equivalent position, attorneys' fees and uncapped compensation for lost wages, benefits and other remuneration. Virginia's Whistleblower Protection law does not protect disclosures of information protected by attorney-client privilege, and also does not permit employees to make disclosures of knowingly false information, or statements made with reckless disregard of the truth.

Best Practices for Virginia Employers

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves and as states continue to gradually reopen and employees begin to return to work, employers should anticipate an uptick in employee reporting and complaints. Here are a few best practices that employers should consider:

The Virginia General Assembly has also approved an amendment by Governor Northam to SB 81, which would gradually increase the minimum wage in the Commonwealth to $12.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2023. This Amendment will mark the first time that Virginia's state minimum wage has surpassed the federal minimum wage amount. Under the new law, the hourly minimum wage in Virginia is projected to increase as follows:

In order for Virginia's minimum wage to go beyond $12.00 per hour, Virginia's legislature would be required to act prior to July 1, 2024, by voting on the increase.

Prohibition Against Retaliation for Reporting Misclassification

Effective July 1, 2020, HB 1199/SB 662 prohibits employers from terminating, disciplining, threatening, discriminating, or taking any other retaliatory action against an employee or independent contractor for:

Individuals who allege that they have been misclassified by their employers now have a private right to sue in Virginia state court by first filing a complaint with the Commissioner of Labor. Then the Commissioner, on behalf of the employee, may seek lost wages, benefits and reinstatement to the former or an equivalent position that the employee held before the alleged retaliatory conduct occurred. Similar to the good faith requirement imposed by the Whistleblower Protection law, employees may only be granted these protections when reporting information in good faith and upon reasonable belief that the information is accurate.

Employer Misclassification Investigations

In a similar vein, effective July 1, 2021, HB 1407 permits the Virginia Department of Taxation to utilize guidelines set forth by the Internal Revenue Service to determine whether an individual is an employee or independent contractor. The civil penalties permitted by this law may be assessed to employers who fail to pay taxes, benefits, or other contributions required to be paid. The penalties authorized under this law are as follows:

These civil penalties are required to be paid into the general fund.

Best Practices for Employers

Worker misclassification can be a complicated and costly issue to litigate. It may be beneficial to conduct an audit of your current workforce in conjunction with counsel to review existing independent contractor agreements to determine whether reclassification or revision of those agreements is necessary to rectify any issues that are identified. Employers should also ensure that individuals with supervisory authority are familiar with the distinguishing characteristics of the independent contractor relationship.

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Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Employment Law Reform: Virginia Enacts Sweeping Legislation Changing the Employment Law Landscape of the Commonwealth - JD...

The idea of liberty in a world that hates ‘kafir’ – The Sunday Guardian

Kafir hate via a hostile mindset is finding institutional inroads and bases to its justification in many countries, not limited to the Islamic nations alone.

A disturbing twitter post has left me and several others perturbed over the past week:

This tweet in Kashmiri addressed to me says May your dead body be found on Houston (USA) highways along with the dead-body of your children. This is just one sample of abuse I get everyday for tweeting about Kashmir. I get scared, traumatized, worried for my family, I block and move on because I know I wont get the support.

This is what Sunanda Vashisht, a full time professional and a known voice of Kashmiri Hindus posted on 1stJuly 2020.

A few days before the American Independence Day, this has more reasons for diaspora to be concerned than one. The famous words of Abraham Lincoln at his Gettysburg Address, acclaimed as the best known sentence in English language states thus stated: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Faith is an important aspect of ones identity and to exercise it freely forms one of the basic principles of liberty and freedom. Critics of Jehad are labelled as intolerant; the dictionary meaning of it beinga holy war waged on behalf of Islam as a religious duty.

Many followers of the Islamic faith will reject Jehad as their movement. Infact, there are champions of the Islamic faith who espouse principles of freedom, liberty, justice and equality. In a recent address to an Islamic Research Centre, Ibrahim Kalin, Turkish Presidential spokesperson said, Sixty percent of conflicts in the world todayarehappening in Muslim countries. This must be a hard lesson for all of us. Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance, constantly taking the side of world peace and global justice.

There are atleast 50 countries that are Muslim-Majority (over 50% Muslim population). Among the prominent Islamic states are: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Mauritania, Oman, and Yemen. There are states where Islam is politically defined state religion: Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Somalia and Brunei.

Turkey, a modern, democratic and secular state has just recently after much debate and world attention, converted the Hagia Sophia, a former Greek Orthodox patriarchal cathedral into a Mosque. Almost 85 years back, in1935, the first Turkish President and founder of the Republic of Turkey,Mustafa Kemal Atatrk, transformed the building into a museum, prohibiting the use of the building as a place of worship. In 2006, the Turkish government first allowed the construction of a small prayer room for both Christian and Muslim devotees, and since 2013, from the minarets of the museum the muezzin sings the call to prayer twice a day.

Malaysia, celebrated as truly Asia the government in 1970s implemented a Bumiputra (son of the soil) policy that is designed to favour indigenous Muslim population of the country by affirmative action in public sector.Oh! and the case of Everest Moorthy hasnt been forgotten by the Hindus in Malaysia. A Tamil practicing Hindu, he was a member of the first group of Malaysians to climb Mount Everest in 1997. He died at the age of 36 on 20 December 2005 and his family were denied the body under Shariah law stating that Moorthy had converted to Islam before his death. His family were Hindu so they were denied the right to cremate him. Moorthys wife filed petitions but the High Court dismissed the application, stating it had no jurisdiction to determine whether Moorthy had converted to Islam, because the Syariah High Court had already ruled on the matter. Though there was no record, no evidence of Moorthy converting to Islam, the family were not able to attend his funeral nor participate in his last rites.

Pakistan government gave permission to the construction of a Krishna temple in Islamabad, its first ever in 2018. Hailed as a significant step to Naya Pakistan vision of more tolerant, chapter for the country especially as the Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered a sanction of nearly a fifth of the total cost of the temple, $1.3 million for its construction. The Muslim clerics stepped in immediately and for the past two years pressured the government into disallowing the construction of a temple in a Muslim majority country. Citizens were mobilised heavily criticising the government for misusing public money and finally the government backtracked a few days ago its pledge to donate the money seeking counsel from the Council of Islamic ideology. The temple site was vandalised heavily with videos and imagery of this in progress shared on social media. None of the vandals have been arrested. Pakistan, though founded as an Islamic state had a secular, democratic constitution drafted by its founder, Mohd Ali Jinnah which has converted to more radically Islamic Nation than what was proposed. Next door in India, there are over 300,000 400,000 mosques in the country, with around 22 in the 10 km radius of Delhi (excluding the NCR region).

The world is dealing with an increasing intolerance; Kafir Hate via a hostile mindset that is finding institutional inroads and bases to its justification in many countries, not limited to the Islamic Nations alone. Jehadi Johns are created in the West and radicalised. Burhan Wanis are celebrated asMujahids, children are being brainwashed to pelt stones and fight for azadi.And Sunandas of the free world are terrorised for talking about her personal tragedy, of having suffered an ethnic genocide in Kashmir, at the behest of slogans shouted from the local mosque: Die, Convert or Leave, just because she is a Hindu.

************************Lakshmi Kaul is a British Indian living in London

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The idea of liberty in a world that hates 'kafir' - The Sunday Guardian

Robert Limoges: Non-maskers a threat to life, liberty – The Bethel Citizen

In the Declaration of Independence, the very first right is life, followed by liberty and the pursuit of happiness. There is a reason for that order. When people dont wear a mask in a public place, they are threatening my life and those of others while holding liberty (freedom) at a higher level.

Actually, it shows people just dont care and they fall back on freedom as an excuse.

Gov. Mills is holding the public accountable to the highest principles of this country by requiring masks. I guess she needs to since the no-maskers wont.

Those who strongly support the Second Amendment and believe in liberty/right/freedom to have guns still have rules imposed by the state that a person cant indiscriminately wave a gun around in a crowd with a finger on the trigger. Thats pretty much what people are doing right now when they dont wear a mask. They are spraying droplets into the air that potentially contain the coronavirus.

There are new rules for a reason: to protect peoples lives so they can have liberty and the right to pursue happiness.

Those who think not wearing a mask is a political statement should pay attention to the Declaration of Independence.

Wearing a mask is just common sense. Those who think the world revolves around them might not believe that.

Anyone who sees someone not wearing a mask, even for a legitimate health reason, in a public place, should keep their distance. Theyve got their finger on the trigger.

Robert Limoges, Poland

Editors note: This letter was corrected on July 15 to reflect the phrase life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is contained in the Declaration of Independence.

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Former Croc execs invest in Saint Liberty Whiskey – The Spirits Business

15th July, 2020 by Owen Bellwood

Spirits advisory company Harris & Simms has acquired a stake in American whiskey brand Saint Liberty for an undisclosed sum.

Saint Liberty Whiskey aims to uncover untold stories of Prohibition-era women bootleggers

Harris & Simms was founded by Dia Simms and Erin Harris, who previously worked as president and SVP of Combs Enterprises, founded by American rapper Sean Diddy Combs. Simms and Harris helped develop premium vodka Croc, which is owned by spirits producer Diageo with the backing of Combs, into a million-case selling brand.

The duo has now taken a meaningful stake in Saint Liberty Whiskey, which uses its releases to uncover untold stories of the pioneering, Prohibition-era women bootleggers.

Saint Liberty Whiskey founder and chief historian, Mark Sorelle, said: We are so thrilled to have H&S as partners in Saint Liberty Whiskey. With their collective 30+ years experience in wine and spirits and disciplined approach to brand building they will be an invaluable asset to our team.

The first whiskey release from Saint Liberty is Berties Bear Gulch Bourbon Whiskey, which honours African-American homesteader Bertie Birdie Brown, who was known for making moonshine.

Harris added: Saint Liberty honours women, but the liquid is made for everyone. It is incredible whiskey full of character that is made for discerning whiskey drinkers. These women represent hustle and spirit. Their stories belong on the forefront of spirits history and the liquid belongs on the backbar of every quality bar. Its the spirit of revolution.

Each release from Saint Liberty Whiskey is proofed and bottled in the state where each inspiring woman originally resided, using the same water source they would have used 100 years ago.

Saint Liberty Whiskey has pledged to spend 5% of gross profits on supporting womens empowerment issues, entrepreneurial and educational efforts.

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Former Croc execs invest in Saint Liberty Whiskey - The Spirits Business

Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Expected to Open Early Next Week – NBC New York

Two of New York's most recognizable landmarks could reopen as early as next week, News 4 has learned.

The National Park Service did not make the announcement official yet, but a spokesperson said their landmarks' reopening remains on track. Their reopening would fall in line with New York City entering Phase IV on Monday, if approved by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Masks and face coverings for visitors and park staff would be encouraged but not made mandatory, sources tell News 4. Masks would be mandatory on boats ferrying visitors to the islands.

Indoor access to the Statue of Liberty is not expected to reopen just yet.

Also reopening next week: the Empire State Building Observatory.

The iconic landmarks have been closed since early March when New York City and the state shut down in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Expected to Open Early Next Week - NBC New York

Opinion: St. Louis Spy Plane Proposal Is a Threat to Liberty – Riverfront Times

This is a threat to liberty.

This summer, Americans have taken to the streets to protest police brutality and demand change. During the protest surrounding the death of Freddie Gray, officials in Baltimore quietly and secretly turned to the very surveillance technology now before the Board of Aldermen to track protestors. It came to light in June that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was flying a large, high-altitude Predator drone above Minneapolis. Putting spy planes over St. Louis is a blatant effort to chill speech through a militaristic display of raw power. Surveillance technology is not new to St. Louis, but we are adding more to a freight train already out of control. Since the launch of the Real Time Crime Center in 2015, St. Louis embrace of surveillance technologies includes 1,100 cameras and a Stingray device used to track cell phones, all without regulation.

You may not agree with the causes driving people out in the streets today, but what happens when this technology is turned on you? You cannot support the right to assemble and simultaneously support the unrestricted use of surveillance technology.

Drones and other aircraft are a platform one that can be used to carry any number of other technologies up into the sky. Among the sensors they can carry are GPS, radar, range-finders, magnetic-field change sensing, sonar, radio frequency sensors and chemical and biochemical sensors.

This is not a Ring doorbell folks; this is the beginning of an Orwellian nightmare for the city of St. Louis.

If St. Louis continues to charge toward new, experimental technologies without community control, we are opening ourselves to a world in which every move we make outside of our home is subject to government scrutiny.

More than fifteen other cities around the country, including cities like Nashville, have stood up and passed legislation to ensure that a transparent and clear process is put in place to approve any use of surveillance technology, measure the effectiveness of that technology, and ensure it is free from racial bias. We owe that to our residents, to the victims of crime, and to our Constitution. We must have community control over police surveillance through measures like Board Bill 95 so that St. Louis can move toward a future of both safety and freedom.

Luz Mara Henrquez is the Executive Director of the ACLU of Missouri. The RFT welcomes interesting essays on topics of local interest. To contribute, contact Editor in Chief Doyle Murphy at doyle.murphy@riverfronttimes.com.

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Opinion: St. Louis Spy Plane Proposal Is a Threat to Liberty - Riverfront Times

PHOTOS: Liberty Square Riverboat Sets Sail Again with New Social Distancing Measures at the Magic Kingdom – wdwnt.com

For our next stop on our journey across the Magic Kingdom as it begins reopening to the public, were making a patriotic turn toward Liberty Square. The Liberty Belle is up and sailing across the Rivers of America once again at the Magic Kingdom, but with extra safety precautions in the wake of COVID-19.

Liberty Belle is operating from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Social distancing markers on the floor of the boat indicate where each party should stand in order to maintain a safe distance.

The green social distancing markers can be found all throughout the Liberty Belle, so you can still stand in your favorite spot and take in the scenic Magic Kingdom views.

Be sure to also check out our coverage of the Magic Kingdom Ferryboat reopening, and stay tuned as we continue to cover the Walt Disney World parks reopening over the next few days!

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PHOTOS: Liberty Square Riverboat Sets Sail Again with New Social Distancing Measures at the Magic Kingdom - wdwnt.com

Counterpoint: Religious Liberty Scores a Win at the Supreme Court, and It’s About Time – InsideSources

Editors Note: For another viewpoint, see Point: Supreme Courts Decision Is the Opposite of Religious Freedom

In a year beset by disappointing decisions from the Supreme Court, a trio of religious liberty cases decided this term provides constitutionalists with some hope.

Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania

The Little Sisters of the Poor need no introduction. This order of female Catholic religious has been serving the elderly in 30 countries for over 175 years. Although the Little Sisters seem like an unlikely target, the order has been in the cross-hairs of one government or another for nearly a decade.

This week, in a 7-2 decision written by Justice Clarence Thomas, the Supreme Court held that the federal government had the authority to exempt the Little Sisters from its birth control mandate.

Sadly, the legal battle may not be at an end for the Little Sisters. The case likely will go forward on other grounds, but the court strongly implied that the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act (RFRA) would operate to protect the conscience rights of the Little Sisters.

That statute, the court explained, provide[s] very broad protection for religious liberty. It forbids the government from substantially burdening a persons exercise of religion unless the government can demonstrate that there is no less restrictive means by which it can further a compelling government interest.

The contraceptive mandate clearly fails RFRAs test. Certainly, there are other ways the government can provide contraceptives without forcing nuns to do so.

Espinoza v. Montana

InEspinoza v. Montana, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the fundamental right of families to send their children to the school of their choice, including religious schools. By a vote of 5 to 4, the court held that a state program to help families cover the cost of private school may not discriminate against schools with religious missions.

At issue in the case was a modest Montana program that granted tax credits for donations to organizations that awarded private-school tuition scholarships. The Montana Supreme Court held that the states Blaine Amendment forbade Montana from providing the tax credits to parents who chose a religious school.

The Supreme Court reversed the decision. The court held that Montanas Blaine Amendment discriminated against religious schools and the families whose children attend them. In an opinion written by Chief Justice Roberts, the court held that the Free Exercise Clause protects religious observers against unequal treatment.

Montana had discriminated on the basis of a schools religious status, plain and simple. The courts decision strongly suggests that the Blaine Amendments remaining in 35 states are constitutionally infirm, and may not be used to discriminate against religious schools.

Our Lady of Guadalupe v. Morrissey-Berru

In Our Lady of Guadalupe,the court held that the First Amendment bars courts from intervening in employment disputes involving teachers at religious schools. Writing for the Court Justice Alito stated that the First Amendment protects church autonomy including the right of religious institutions to decide matters of faith and doctrine without government intrusion.

This protection, Justice Alito noted, was crucial to the Framers of our Constitution the British Crown, for example, had the right to fill religious offices and to otherwise control religion. As applied to schools, the court recognized that teachers who are entrusted with inculcating religious values and beliefs are ministers of the faith, even though they are not formally ordained.

As such, the government may not interfere with a religious schools decision to hire or fire such an employee.

As Alito recognized, parents choose to send their children to religious schools for religious education and formation. Thus, a narrow interpretation of the ministerial exception would have interfered with the ability of parents to raise their children with a distinctly religious education.

In short, teachers at religious schools play a critical role in transmitting the faith to the next generation and are properly categorized as ministers.

Conclusion

Justice Thomas has famously lamented that the Free Exercise Clause seems to rest precariously on the lowest rung of the Courts ladder of rights. With its trifecta of religious liberty decisions this term, the Supreme Court may finally be poised to give equal weight to religious liberty.

Its about time.

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Counterpoint: Religious Liberty Scores a Win at the Supreme Court, and It's About Time - InsideSources

Protesters Want Police To Rethink Moving Back To East Liberty – 90.5 WESA

More than six weeks after George Floyd was killed under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer, protests in Pittsburgh continued to call for sweeping changes to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and an end to systemic racism.

Hundreds gathered in East Liberty Monday afternoon at the former Zone 5 police station in East Liberty, which protesters say the police department plans to reoccupy and marched throughout East Liberty and Friendship to protest the move, and to call on city officials to defund the police.

There is still a lot of high-end development thats going on in this city. We still have this divide in Penn Avenue," organizer Randall Taylor said. "On one side of the street are upscale businesses and on the other side of the street are businesses that cater primarily to an African American consumer.

Taylor believes that returning the police station to the area will make things worse, pushing even more Black people out by making them feel too uncomfortable to live, travel through or shop in the neighborhood.

When you have more police presence, youre going to have more interactions with police, and when you have more interactions, that's going to lead to more arrests and other unpleasant things, he said.

Taylor envisions a new use for the Zone 5 station.

We need to convert that police station into a peace station, p-e-a-c-e, and talk about how to use that space to create a stronger community, he said.

Protesters also wanted to protect themselves and one another from contracting COVID-19. In attempts to do so, organizers did several 6-feet checks and asked protesters to spread out from one another. Everyone wore masks.

A public safety spokesperson could not be reached for comment about the departments plans for moving back to the East Liberty station. A leaky roof and sewer problems at the North Euclid Ave. station prompted the police to move to another building on Washington Blvd in 2007, according to reporting from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The building was shared with firefighters who moved out last summer for repairs, according to a police press release.

But East Liberty has undergone massive changes since the building was last used -- and the dialogue over policing has shifted across the country in the past few months.

Pittsburgh needs to make changes, said Nique Craft, one of the leaders of a Monday protest. This is a civil rights movement for a lot of us and it is important. You dont do this because you have time off of work. You do it because you mean it.

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Protesters Want Police To Rethink Moving Back To East Liberty - 90.5 WESA

Liberty’s Oliver proving a worthy successor to his local legend father – The Bakersfield Californian

Jason Oliver Jr. knows what it means anytime he sees "the look."

Oliver, who carved out a starting cornerback role in his sophomore season at Liberty High School last fall, rarely needs to be told when he's made a mistake, as confirmation tends to come via a single sideline glance from his father Jason Sr., who coaches the team's defensive backs and receivers.

"If I make a mistake, its to a point where we just have a look and we know what I did wrong," Jason Jr. said. "I just look at him and we can fix it.

Jason Sr. said this almost telepathic relationship formed through years of running drills on the practice field and the backyard, where he's attempted to fine-tune every aspect of his son's game.

"It's so many hours put in to the point where we've grounded it in," Jason Sr. said. "I can just look at him and right away, he knows 'Ok, technique right here broke down.'"

While the father-son pair's commitment to grinding out drills likely isn't a surprise to many in Kern County, the elder Oliver says this path wasn't always preordained for his son.

A star at Bakersfield High School in the late 80s, Oliver's stature in the local football community only grew after a run at USC, where he recorded 11 career interceptions as a defensive back from 1990-93.

But when he and wife Nicole had a son in 2004, Jason Sr., whose birth name is Durant Jason Oliver, wanted to carry on his name without putting any pressure on his child to follow in his gridiron footsteps.

By slightly altering the name, the couple hoped people wouldn't instantly associate son Jason Durant Oliver with his father's on-field accomplishments. The plan didn't work.

"I didn't want to make him a junior like that, because what if he doesn't want to play football?" Jason Sr. said. "But everybody specifically switched his name to make him a junior. I kind of doomed him with that."

The younger Oliver needed little convincing to take the field himself, though, with his dad saying he began asking to go through workouts "while he still had Pull-Ups on."

Entering high school with hopes of landing a Division-I scholarship, Jason Jr. put himself in position to achieve that goal during a sophomore season where he played a key role on a Liberty defense that allowed seven or fewer points in six of 12 games.

He recorded two interceptions on the year, the biggest coming in the SWYL opener against Centennial. With the Golden Hawks down 14-7 and 11 yards away from tying the game in the third quarter, Oliver jumped a route in the end zone to return the momentum to the Patriots, who went on to win 17-7en route to a third consecutive unbeaten run in league play.

That early progress has already caught the attention of a Pac-12 program. In May, just weeks before his 16th birthday, Jason Jr. was elated and surprised to receive his first offer from Utah, a program that had three DBs selected in the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft.

"That was so awesome, but I was definitely surprised I got that offer so early," he said. "I had my mom sitting right next to me and I was the happiest kid in the world."

With two years until college begins, Jason Jr. is hoping to further boost his stock in the coming seasons. Listed at just 145 pounds, he's aiming to add considerable bulk to his frame while also improving his footwork and ball skills.

Jason Jr. is among the fearful, expressing concern that he could lose out on a season where both individual and team expectations are sky high.

"Right now, it's not looking too good for us," he said. "If we don't have (a season), I'll just have to wait for my senior year, show out then. ButIm a little worried because I was really looking forward to this season, because we have a good team coming in. I was hoping wed (have) a chance at Valley."

Until team activities can resume, workouts will likely be limited to the backyard at the Oliver house, where Jason Jr. will attempt to make needed improvements to his game, all while avoiding dreaded critical looks from his father.

But with his son seemingly on pace to exceed his lofty accomplishments, Jason Sr. expectsthose disapproving glances will be few and far between.

His skillset, in my opinion, is clearly ahead of mine," he said. "I didnt get offered a Division-I scholarship as a 15 year old. I didnt play varsity as a sophomore. Hes faster than I am, quicker, better ball skills. I dont know if thats dad talk, but hes clearly going to be a better athlete than his dad was.

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Liberty's Oliver proving a worthy successor to his local legend father - The Bakersfield Californian

FLNB President and CEO Kelly Stretcher reelected to TBA board – Liberty Vindicator

Kelly D. Stretcher of First Liberty National Bank has been elected to the board of directors of the Texas Bankers Association. He was elected during the associations first Virtual Annual Convention. His first term was nearly 11 years ago while he was the president and COO of First National Bank of Gilmer.

Stretcher, a 1997 graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, has an Ag Education degree from East Texas State University. With over 30 years in banking, Stretcher and his team has made great strides to improve customer service and technology within First Liberty National Bank, one of which is the installation of the countys first Interactive Video Teller machine.

He is active in the community as a member of the Masonic Lodge, Liberty Rotary Club and TVEs executive board.

Chairman of the Board Charles McGuire said, Kellys leadership skills and banking knowledge has allowed our bank to compete with any bank anywhere. We are very honored to have him on our team and this recognition is a well-deserved honor. I have full confidence that the experiences he will gain as a board member of the Texas Bankers Association will benefit our bank both now and in the future.

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FLNB President and CEO Kelly Stretcher reelected to TBA board - Liberty Vindicator

Liberty Township responds to criticism over DD project in Licking County – The Newark Advocate

Bill Bogantz, Guest Columnist Published 3:41 p.m. ET July 12, 2020

The Board of Trustees of Liberty Township, Licking County, Ohio, wants to take the opportunity to address the rampant misinformation regarding two applications for zoning certificates to permit two group homes proposed to be constructed and located in Liberty

Township. First, the Board of Trustees does not review applications for zoning certificates, does not have the authority to approve or reject them, and, contrary to baseless statements, has not rejected either application.

Second, each time the applications have been submitted to Liberty Township, and they have been submitted twice, they have been incomplete, and have failed to include all of the necessary information required for these types of applications under the Liberty Township Zoning Resolution. If Liberty Township receives completed applications, they will be reviewed by the Zoning Department, which will make the initial determination and identify any next steps that may be required, in accordance with Liberty Townships process for handling such applications.

Previously: Board of DD superintendent: 'We weren't welcome in Liberty Township'

Liberty Township Trustees, Board of DD differ on why project failed

Third, Great Lakes Property Development, a third-party builder, was the stated applicant for these two proposals, not the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Liberty Township has made multiple requests for the additional information that is missing from the applications, on June 16th and June 21st. Finally, on June 25th, the applications were denied by the Zoning Department for lack of complete information. The truth and facts are that Liberty Township has yet to receive a set of complete applications, and hence has not made any determination based on building or use.

It is unfortunate that the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities has found it necessary to resort to the court of public opinion rather than work with the builder to submit completed application materials to Liberty Township. If the Editorial Board has additional information to support its unfounded assertions, please provide thati nformation to Liberty Township and, if no such information exists, the Board of Trustees requests a retraction of its June 28, 2020 editorial.

Bill Bogantz, Trustee, Liberty Township, Licking County, Ohio

The Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities disputes the claims that their applications were incomplete. Also, while the original editorial did wrongly imply that the trustees formally rejected the project in avote, The Advocate's editorial board stands by its belief that the trustees helped foster a situation where the board of developmental disabilities felt unwanted in Liberty Township. This in practice killed the project from moving forward in the area, which the editorial board believes is more important than whether the trustees held a formal vote on the issue.

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Liberty Township responds to criticism over DD project in Licking County - The Newark Advocate

Drive-through water collection to benefit Liberty County firefighters set for Aug. 1 – Bluebonnet News

Fire stations across Liberty County will be collecting bottled water and Gatorade in the H20 for Heroes Water Collection Drive on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. As the temperatures rise so does the physical demand on firefighters, making it an even more critical time to stay hydrated as they battle fires and respond to emergencies.

Residents, churches, non-profits organizations and businesses in Liberty County are being encouraged to participate. In addition to cases of water and Gatorade, organizers of the drive are asking for donations of individually-packaged salty snacks, such as nuts, crackers and trail mix.

Organizers are striving to maintain a no-contact way of collecting the items, such as setting up tables outside the fire stations where people can leave the items. At some stations, a firefighter may also be on site to help unload the items with limited contact with the donor, thereby working to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Nicolus Nelson with Liberty County ESD 3, one of the organizers, said that donations can be made in advance by arranging the deliveries with the fire departments in the donors community.

They can always drop off items at the front door of the fire stations, he said.

Here are the locations of the fire stations in Liberty County:

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Drive-through water collection to benefit Liberty County firefighters set for Aug. 1 - Bluebonnet News

No leads on man who vanished from Belmont Ave. in Liberty without a trace – WKBN.com

It's been a year and a half since anyone has heard from Seth Svabik -- now his family and police are offering a reward for information

by: Nadine Grimley

Editors note: This story has been edited to correct the relationship of Bonnie Svabik to Seth Svabik. She is his stepmother. We regret the error.

LIBERTY TWP., Ohio (WKBN) What happened to Seth Svabik? Its a question both his family and police want an answer to. Now theyre offering a $5,000 reward for information that could lead them to the missing man.

Seth has ties to Cincinnati and Ludlow, Kentucky, but seemingly disappeared from Trumbull County January 9, 2019 without a trace.

There has to be somebody that knows something, said Thomas Svabik, Seths father.

The Svabik family is pleading for answers. Its been a year and a half to the day since Seth left a rehab facility in Warren.

His last known location was Motel 6 on Belmont Avenue in Liberty, where Thomas said Seth was turned away from, most likely because he was high.

Seth is a very sensitive, caring person, said Bonnie Svabik, his stepmother. He really has a good heart and its sad he got into this mess with the drugs.

Seth was on the phone with his mother, who lives out of town, as he walked away. Thomas told us the last thing she heard him say.

Hey bud, how you doin? So we dont know if that was just a casual greeting, or that was someone that he knew that was coming to pick him up or something like that because he did have a lot of friends in the area.

Seths bags were left behind, found across the street. Other than that, it seems he vanished in plain sight from busy Belmont Avenue without a trace.

His phone has been turned off and theres no activity on his bank account.

Only thing that has come of that is direct deposits from Social Security and from the stimulus. Theres been no withdrawals, no activity whatsoever from any persons, said Liberty Police Capt. Ray Buhala.

We havent heard one doggone thing with anybody. Nothing, Thomas said.

Drones and two separate cadaver dog teams did an extensive search of the area where he was last seen but still no clues, no leads and no tips.

Its very difficult at this point, Buhala said.

If theres anybody that knows anything about anything, even the smallest little detail, is to at least give the police a way to go, Thomas said.

If you have any information on where Seth Svabik is or how he disappeared, please call Liberty Township Police at 330-759-1315. Again, there is a $5,000 reward for tips that help police find him.

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No leads on man who vanished from Belmont Ave. in Liberty without a trace - WKBN.com

The Liberty Biberdy Guy from Liberty Mutual Commercials, Tanner Novlan, Is Joining CBS Soap Bold and the Beautiful – Showbiz411

Home Television The Liberty Biberdy Guy from Liberty Mutual Commercials, Tanner Novlan, Is Joining...

How do you follow up one the big watercooler talk commercials? Well, Tanner Novlan has figured out his next move.

Tanner is the star of that Liberty Mutual ad in which a dim witted actor auditions for the commercial. He blows all his lines, cant remember anything and cant take direction. Now hes taking his act to CBSs The Bold and the Beautiful where he will play a doctor! I hope his patients have good insurance. Look Novlan took join the show in the fall as they air new episodes post-COVID.

Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. He wrote the Intelligencer column for NY Magazine in the mid 90s, reporting on the OJ Simpson trial, as well as for the real Parade magazine (when it was owned by Conde Nast), and has written for the New York Observer, Details, Vogue, Spin, the New York Times, NY Post, Washington Post, and NY Daily News among many publications. He is the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

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The Liberty Biberdy Guy from Liberty Mutual Commercials, Tanner Novlan, Is Joining CBS Soap Bold and the Beautiful - Showbiz411

Cornerback Williams verbally commits to Liberty – Lynchburg News and Advance

The Liberty secondary lost two players, including a projected starter, to the transfer portal in late June. The coaching staff quickly hasmade up for those losses on the recruiting trail.

Amarian Williams, a rising senior at Cedar Hill High School in Texas, became the third cornerback to verbally commit in Libertys 2021 recruiting class when he announced his decision early Thursday evening on social media.

The 6-foot, 165-pound Williams joins Wendell McClain and Jaiden Hill as cornerbacks in the recruiting class.

The trio will be part of a group expected to contend for immediate playing time in the 2021 season after KeiTrel Clark and Tayvion Land announced June 22 they were leaving the Flames program because of racial insensitivity and cultural incompetence in the leadership of the university.

Clark and Land were both rising sophomores. Land announced earlier this week he is transferring to Norfolk State.

Williams was part of Cedar Hills cornerback rotation last season and played in the teams Class 6A Division 2 area championship game appearance against Denton Guyer.

Williams received his offer from Liberty on April 10. It was his lone offer from a Football Bowl Subdivision program. He received 10 offers from FCS programs Fordham, Lamar, Central Arkansas, Tennessee State, Abilene Christian, Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern, Northwestern State, Houston Baptist and Illinois State.

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Letter: Mask ordinance is attempt to take away liberty and freedom – Sumter Item

I write to voice my displeasure with Sumter's recently passed "mask ordinance" and my opposition to same. I have experienced bad government in my life, but this one ranks near the bottom. I am going to reference sources in this letter and include them at the bottom, but brevity demands that I be concise.

COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and deaths attributed to it, are on the decline for the week ending June 27, 2020. Nationally, levels of "influenza-like illness (ILI) and COVID-19-like illness (CLI) activity" remain lower than peaks seen in March and April of this year. Source, Centers for Disease Control, July 3, 2020, with the corresponding link below. But, in reality, when you swath with such a broad brush and include "influenza like" and "COVID-19 like" in a catchall manner, that could account for almost anything. For instance, the common cold, which carries the same antibodies as COVID-19, and could be resulting in all the "false positive" tests.

In the May 28, 2020, edition of Forbes, the Centers for Disease Control stated that "less than half" of two positive COVID-19 antibody tests are correct. Read that again. Now, I'm not a physician, but to me that sounds like the CDC is stating over half the tests are false positives.

And, speaking of physicians, I had a doctor's appointment this past week. Out of respect and admiration for my doctor, I will not divulge his name. But we are close, and he confided to me, during our appointment, that a week ago Friday, he admitted a terminally ill cancer patient into the hospital. Sadly, that patient passed away the following Monday. However, my doctor was not the attending physician when his patient died. And, lo and behold, the terminal cancer did not kill him, it was, you got it, COVID-19.

Masks are just so asinine. I look around (I refuse to wear one), and I see fellow citizens scared like sheep. Have any of you ever had or known anyone who has had pink eye or a stye on their eye? If you have, well, those are viral infections. Putting a mask on your face does not cover your eyes. This is simply just an attempt to see how much freedom and liberty can be taken away from you before you will say enough. And you people are letting them do so, lock, stock and barrel. I don't care what your politics are; this is a great summation, and it comes from Sarah Huckabee Sanders. She posted it on Twitter May 13, 2020:

"It is not the government's job to protect my health. It's the government's job to protect my Constitutional Rights. It's my job to protect my health. When you trade liberty for safety, you end up losing both."

So, Sumter government. Repeal this ridiculous ordinance. If my fellow citizens wish to be sheep, I will not stand in their way. By all means, let them do so and wear their masks. Some children, when they were young, liked security blankets or pacifiers too. However, quit forcing yourself, and your misguided beliefs, upon me, when there is nothing to back it up but the leftist media garbage. It is precisely for such reasons that I no longer watch television. I think Sumter government should also cease watching television when it comes to passing laws that infringe upon freedom and liberty.

https://bit.ly/2DlNUi7

MIKE ARDIS

Sumter

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Letter: Mask ordinance is attempt to take away liberty and freedom - Sumter Item