Picture suppliedPolice are investigating a suspicious grass fire in Mitchell Park All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueFirefighters including four CFA trucks and Fire Rescue Victoria crews were called to the Ring Road near Waldie Park at 9.13pm on Friday They had the blaze under control at 9.35pm A CFA spokesperson said police were then called in to investigate due to suspicious circumstances "Police are investigating a grass fire in Mitchell Park," a Victoria Police spokesperson said "Emergency services were called to a fire in a reserve on the Ring Road Anyone with information on the fire or any suspicious activity in the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 A confidential report can also be made online at crimestoppersvic.com.au Today's top stories curated by our news team Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert Your digital replica of Today's Paper Test your skills with interactive crosswords Autumn colours come out in full force in the little-known Cattai National Park along the Hawkesbury River making it the perfect place for leaf chasers without the crowds Timing exactly when to catch the leaves at their peak can be tricky But what if we told you there was a national park north of Sydney that might be one of the best places to soak up fiery autumn foliage despite being one of the best places to experience fiery autumn leaves Please note: Cattai National Park will be closed from April 28 to June 30 2025 while important work is carried out to stabilise the riverbank The Mitchell Park picnic area and walking tracks will stay open so you can still enjoy the autumn colours during this time Found on the southern edge of the Hawkesbury River this quaint national park presents the perfect autumn landscape with rows of maple and plane trees bursting into fiery reds and soft golds across the riverside and the floor blanketed in colourful leaves follow the main road through the park all the way down to the river and campground the campground is fringed with European deciduous trees that turn brilliant shades of gold as the weather cools down There’s also a small wharf along the river’s edge ideal for a postcard-perfect riverside picnic Although the park is just a short drive from Sydney there is an on-site campground if you’re keen to linger a little longer the park boasts dense forests and woodlands and scenic riverbanks Those itching to get their fill of fresh air will find plenty to do here aside from enjoying its autumnal charms and bird watching are just some of the many things to do here The park is also full of well-maintained walking paths inviting you to stroll among trees filled with leaves in spectacular orange and yellow hues Cattai National Park is also full of kangaroos and if you’re around in the late afternoon you’re almost guaranteed to spot a few kangaroos grazing in the open fields near the main entrance Hawkesbury region of Sydney Parking: Available at the park entrance Entry fee: $8 per vehicle per day Best time to see autumn leaves: Typically from mid-April through early May Find more information about Cattai National Park on NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. File picture by Adam Trafford.A Mitchell Park man has been arrested after he was allegedly driving erratically in Winter Valley before allegedly fleeing from police on Saturday evening Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinuePolice were called after reports of a car being driven erratically in Winter Valley and Delacombe about 7.30pm on Saturday Officers spotted the man and car in question at a car wash at the intersection of Dyson Drive and Ballarat-Carngham Road Residents on social media reported a large police presence patrolling nearby housing estates in a bid to locate the man The 19-year-old was arrested on Spoonbill Avenue Police are calling for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 Today's top stories curated by our news team. Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Love footy? We've got all the action covered. The latest news, results & expert analysis. Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! • Tomorrow's matchup is $2 Tuesday at the ballpark, as is every Tuesday game at L. Dale Mitchell Park with $2 beer, soda and hot dogs. Tickets are available via SoonerSports.com/tickets This is the 6th season of the Holi Festival after a grand successful event in 2018 2023 & 2024 at the same venue attended by thousands It’s a whole-day event with unlimited fun and entertainment A day to celebrate culturally the victory of good over evil This year also we have a massive lineup of popular artists to rock us all at the outdoor event It’s a free event for all communities to come and enjoy rich Nepalese culture Indian Link empowers and elevates the South Asian community in Australia by telling their stories and unpacking their experiences in a nuanced and unbiased manner A $134 million plan to renovate Milwaukee’s Mitchell Park Domes just got a boost from county officials.  The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a budget amendment Thursday to allocate $30 million to a plan that would renovate the domes and add amenities to the historic landmark.  “It was very exciting,” Christa Beall Diefenbach executive director of the Friends of the Domes “This is obviously many years in the making.”  The Domes, also known as the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, have been in disrepair for years. In 2022, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to consider repairing demolishing or creating a new project on the grounds of the conservatory In September, the Friends of the Domes presented a plan to fix the domes add a nature learning center and an outdoor garden expand the gift shop and renovate the nearby Mitchell Park “There are no vanity projects included in this plan,” Beall Diefenbach wrote in a statement about the “Domes Reimagined” plan “Every aspect achieves two goals: improved visitor experience and greater revenue.” The Friends group plans to fund the project through a combination of federal and state tax credits private donations and federal and state grants. But securing support from the county was key to moving forward “We have heard from various entities that they would be unwilling to be part of that solution (plan) if there wasn’t a commitment from the county,” Beall Diefenbach said.  Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez said the amendment means the county will commit $30 million to the plan over six years “I am just super encouraged that everybody is willing to back it up and say…that is something that is needed,’” Martinez said the budget amendment is in the hands of Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley but Martinez said he worked with the county executive’s office to ensure it would have Crowley’s support.  a spokesperson for Crowley said the plan “represents a good faith effort” for the future of the site.  “The County Executive is reviewing the proposal to ensure it is financially feasible,” the statement said “As we continue navigating Milwaukee County’s fiscal challenges and considering all other future capital needs the County Executive remains focused on addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance needs across the community while working towards a stable financial future for Milwaukee County.”  marketing and public events for the site since 1989 The amendment says the county director of parks will work with the Friends group to implement an agreement for the “Domes Reimagined” plan That agreement will need to be approved by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors have been closed to visitors on and off over the past decade to address repairs and maintenance issues the facility shut down temporarily after a chunk of concrete fell from the ceiling The plan would replace the glass on the Domes to repair water leaks Construction would start in 2027 and be completed sometime in 2030 or 2031.  There have been discussions on and off for years about the future of the site but Beall Diefenbach said she believes the “Domes Reimagined” plan is the right move “What we did is we took all of those plans before us and we pulled out the parts that were really going to work and that were going to achieve that sustainable business model and would allow us to generate enough revenue in order to cover the capital requirements,” Beall Diefenbach said.  Martinez said he’s also happy “Domes Reimagined” includes plans to update Mitchell Park “It’s just not about the Domes It’s about the park and it’s about the community,” he said The Domes were included on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list in 2016 and designated as a National Treasure in 2017 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board MILWAUKEE — Thursday was the Milwaukee County Board's budget adoption day and the budget's approval provided a hopeful path forward for the Mitchell Park Domes The county made a $30 million commitment to a plan created by the group Friends of the Domes looks to revitalize the attraction with building renovations and a goal for the Domes to more money and become self-sufficient Watch: People are excited about a new path forward for the Mitchell Park Domes The plan would also shift operational responsibility from the county to the Friends of the Domes while the county retains ownership of Mitchell Park “I think it’s great they’re sticking money into it," Elizabeth Loomans told TMJ4 Loomans has been going to the Domes since she was a child I’ve brought my little one quite a few times before she was in school and now that she’s in school we try to make it on days off or on the weekends," Loomans said The $30 Million will be paid over six years She hopes it stays open to show her future family and bring our kids here and to see the beauty of it here," Pearson said If you'd like to support the Domes, get more information here. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more. Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip Report a typo Sooners Face DBU in Midweek at Mitchell Park April 07 CT first pitch on SECN+ with Chad McKee and OU alum Rich Hills on the call The game can be heard on the radio in Oklahoma on 99.3 FM/1400 AM The REF or nationwide on The Varsity app with Toby Rowland calling the action • Tomorrow's matchup is $2 Tuesday at the ballpark You can also try using the site navigation or search tool to find your content and we are picnicking at the lakefront park are resting on a blanket spread over the grass — he stretched out on his side after a long week’s work at the tannery A bench underneath the trees nearby holds the jackets of my siblings and the paper sack with our food Our clothing is more formal than we would wear to visit the park today it was: a Sunday of rest with the children whose future they sought to guarantee by moving 2,000 miles from Zacatecas I am the toddler tucked between them in the photo of this event that serves to remind me not only of their love but also the many joys we have experienced in Milwaukee’s public parks More: From bag charges to treehouses, here are the winning ideas to save Milwaukee County Parks they had already endured much pain and displacement and so the respite they are enjoying is much deserved This time with family in a beautiful park overlooking Lake Michigan — one of many family outings to Milwaukee’s parks on the weekends — owes much to the public belief and investment in parks for which Milwaukee is both famous and a model Too much concrete and too little green space in any city is a recipe for disaster more cities recognize the need for abundant green space to mitigate the effects of human-induced climate change but Milwaukee’s system of easily reachable parks in every neighborhood of the city took shape decades ago as an investment in beautiful recreational space for the city’s working people Milwaukee parks are again getting some attention and much more is needed to shift resources back to growing healthy communities in local parks Milwaukee public parks have been a fixture in my life from childhood and Whitnall Parks on the south side of the city with family and family friends As a child growing up on the near south side with its small pool and playground and where the Milwaukee Public Library Bookmobile stopped — was our neighborhood summer fun place We were introduced to the larger Mitchell Park we ventured into its fields in summer and skated the frozen lagoon and sled down its “suicide hill” in wintertime a major outing because of its size — 60 acres — and its location overlooking the Menomonee Valley on its northern side Road divides historic Washington Park. We can finally heal harm of racism, crime. to the Whitnall Park Botanical Gardens as well learning much about respect for and appreciation of plant life alongside my mother My mother maintained abundant flower gardens around our home and she passed these pursuits on to her children became gardeners when they acquired their own homes finding much joy in growing both flowers and vegetables Although my mother’s interest in plants and flowers derived from her own life experiences of small rural towns in Mexico where knowledge of plants and growing your own food were common and the Whitnall Park Gardens that same ethos of respect for the natural world and wonder in its beauty  As we confront the challenges of climate change Milwaukee’s cultivation of green spaces across the city as an important source of leisure and recreation for all of its inhabitants turns out to have been incredibly prescient in providing not only local easy to access recreation that doesn’t require driving but also valuable green space and outdoor socializing space Countless games have been played on park fields and courts and thousands of children have enjoyed park pools in the summer as I and many of my siblings did growing up in the city When I moved away from Milwaukee as a young adult experiencing life in several other cities and small towns for the next few decades I began to realize just how special is Milwaukee’s extensive park system During return trips to Milwaukee in both winter and summer I continued to take full advantage of Milwaukee’s parks I joined my brothers Bob and Tony and sister Rosemary and a bunch of nieces and nephews sledding and tubing on the slopes of Mitchell and Wilson parks in wintertime and I enjoyed cross country skiing on the Kinnickinnic River Parkway we took the kids on hikes through the Grant Park woods to the shoreline My mother and father remained fans of the lakefront breezes and views in summer while they were still with us and today my cousins and I enjoy lakefront exercise walks a daily walk in the park made an enormous difference for my brother Sac as it did for so many others Every stage of our lives has been bound up with the many opportunities for recreation outdoor life and community offered by Milwaukee’s public parks Not only are the parks easily reachable – a walk but they also offer easily accessible water and facilities to users and they are among the few locations where friends and family can gather for low-cost gatherings As climate change continues to make itself felt in our lives more cities are realizing the need for the kind of green space within the city that Milwaukee’s public parks already provide despite all the benefits they provide to everyone in the city and county We must protect them. Frederick Law Olmsted created four emerald gems in Milwaukee. My childhood enjoyment of Clark Square Park was possible because of the services of the man we called “the parkie,” a park employee who maintained the pool and playground and building and kept a look out for mischievous kids For a period after the demise of the “parkies,” public parks began to look rather forlorn and neglected Mitchell Park closed the outdoor sunken gardens/lily ponds in the 1980s and a visit to Jackson Park for more practice at tennis in the 1990s revealed courts with multiple cracks and buckling If my own family’s story is any indication of how many Milwaukeeans use the parks and how frequently they use them They are spaces that allow for the cultivation of relations of friendship and family among the city’s varied generations Theresa Delgadillo is a professor of English and director of the Chican@ and Latin@ Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is the co-editor of Latinx Talk. How to helpLearn more about how you can join other "friends" in supporting Milwaukee County Parks: https://issuu.com/mkecoparks/docs/friends_group_handbook Oklahoma becomes the first SEC baseball program to feature an on-field logo Homeland — Oklahoma’s largest locally owned grocery chain — and Learfield’s Sooner Sports Properties have announced an expansion of their partnership bringing the Homeland brand in front of OU baseball fans this season Homeland will debut its logo on the field at L The logo will be prominently displayed in two locations along the first- and third-base lines for all remaining Oklahoma baseball home games this season making OU the first Southeastern Conference baseball program to feature an on-field logo sponsorship “Homeland’s commitment to supporting our athletes off the field through our extensive nutrition program play an important role in our ongoing success,” said OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione Homeland will also work with our student-athletes through NIL opportunities to further bring this to life As the first SEC baseball program to showcase an on-field logo sponsorship Oklahoma continues to lead the way in creating new opportunities for its athletics programs.” A key component of this partnership is Homeland’s involvement in fueling student-athletes through the OU Athletics Department’s nutrition program As a supporter of the Red Card digital platform Homeland helps ensure OU student-athletes have access to funds that allow them to purchase groceries and meals from local Homeland stores and partner restaurants in addition to team-provided meals we are excited to support and deepen our roots with the Norman community while supporting OU baseball,” said Tom Dahlen “Our commitment to fueling student-athletes through the Red Card program is a testament to the importance we place on supporting initiatives that make a meaningful impact Homeland has always been dedicated to quality and we’re thrilled to bring these values to the heart of University of Oklahoma Athletics.” Homeland will also gain extensive visibility through its logo’s placement on the field across digital platforms and in-venue LED signage at L “Homeland has been a tremendous partner to Oklahoma Athletics for over 20 years and this expanded partnership is a great opportunity to do even more together,” said Sooner Sports Properties Vice President and General Manager Kelly Collyar we’ve identified emerging sponsorship opportunities like the on-field logos that drive incremental revenue strengthen the competitive edge for the Sooners and increase brand visibility for our partners.” the Norman-based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college sports – is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Oklahoma Athletics and oversees all sponsorships in-venue signage and advertising on behalf of the Sooners Join Our Mailing List © Learfield.  All Rights Reserved.  | 5400 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Suite 100, Dallas, TX  75240 | Phone: 469-241-9191 Privacy Policy | Advertising Policy | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information In keeping with a tradition of speaking out in support of democracy and equal rights a group of local women have organized a Women’s Rally at the North Fork’s “public square,” Greenport’s Mitchell Park The Greenport Village Board approved the event permit for Saturday Speakers will give short talks on the many issues of concern that need government action: education immigration and its benefit to the economy “So while the rally addresses issues that affect all people we’re highlighting the threatening rollback of women’s equality hard won rights that were fought for generations such as freedom safety and autonomy are all under attack across the United States,“ said Carolyn Peabody chair of the North Fork Unity Action Committee “It’s really a collection of very different people and we are encouraging anybody who has an interest in issues of democracy and bodily autonomy and justice and the environment to come out,” added Randy Wade “We are hoping that people will not be discouraged.” The reason for the gathering goes beyond immediate changes to a larger shift in society The group hopes to help area residents find an active way to promote unity and feel supported “We must bring people together to remind everyone that we’re part of a larger movement that has roots in history,” Ms “And that even when people are feeling a little overwhelmed by the threats that every person’s voice and action are really vital to make sure that we continue to push for a nation that values all human beings.” Wade also emphasized that the committee is planning to continue meeting to discuss the community’s concerns They are going to start having a monthly meeting the fourth Friday of every month at 4 o’clock at the Unitarian Universalist to provide a platform to address these issues They will research topics and make suggestions for action such as writing letters and making phone calls regarding legislative issues at the federal “We’re standing on the shoulders of other people who have come before us They kept fighting for what they believed in and doing what they could,” Ms One of the features of Saturday’s gathering is collective singing Peabody hopes will help cement the feeling of unity “There’s going to be at least nine or 10 songs which we’re going to be singing together I think that part of that is to convey that we’re part of something larger and so music is going to be an important aspect.” The Women’s Rally in Greenport will be followed by the People’s March on Jan Port Jefferson and Foley Square in New York City  For more information email [email protected] With the birth of river otter pups at the Long Island Aquarium and possible sightings of otters at Marion.. Storm clouds over CAST When a summer storm rolls in North Forkers know what to do: secure the shutters,.. Laurel Think twice about expansion Thank you for your overview of federal cuts to local libraries (“Our View,” April.. Southold police arrested Maycon Rosales Gonzalez of Southold Marion West of Peconic Landing in Greenport Everything that could go wrong pretty much did for the Mattituck/Greenport/Southold boys lacrosse team on Monday afternoon The winds that brought frigid temperatures to the area for several days last week abated a bit this weekend but standing outside for close to two hours as traces of snow gave way to steady flakes still chilled the crowd of more than 100 in Mitchell Park But several participants at Greenport’s “Women’s Rally” said they were standing firm to turn fear and anger into action and hope. The gathering was a pre-cursor to the “People’s March” scheduled for Saturday which is expected to attract thousands to Washington as well as to concurrent events across the country a member of the Greenport rally organizing committee functioned as an emcee for the program and quoted Jamaican songwriter Bob Marley: “Get up stand up and don’t give up the fight.” Early in the program she led the gathering in a spirited chant: “My body my choice,” to which the group responded with enthusiasm as they did to songs interspersed between speeches including John Lennon’s “Power to the People” and “Imagine;” Holly Near’s “Singing for our Lives;” and Hal David and Burt Bacharach’s “What the World Needs Now.” The crowd heard from speakers focusing on concerns mostly of women who have seen their rights diminished in recent years But other demonstrators raised issues transcending gender Shelter Islander Sarah Shepherd took the ferry to Greenport to be part of the rally which she described as “a beautiful example of a community coming together on a cold It was important for me to be part of enthusiastic change January is a month for advocacy and action and I want to be part of the change.” Greenport Village Mayor Kevin Stuessi, who along with the rest of the village board had supported the use of Mitchell Park for the rally told the crowd he was raised by a single mother and is now a single parent to two daughters “The strength of the women in my life impacted me in many ways,” Mr He urged rally goers to bring their voices to the table in Greenport and the surrounding area to demand action on key issues such as affordable housing Rev. Natalie Wimberly of Greenport’s Clinton Memorial A.M.E Zion Church looked out at the array of demonstrators holding signs She called them her “heroines and heroes” — Hillary Clinton “Being here is doing something with your anger,” Patte McManus of Southold United Universalist Church said noting she had heard some in the community express fear about coming to the rally “You be the light for your friends and family,” she urged “These times scare me,” said Tijuana Fulford founder and executive director of The Butterfly Effect Project a nonprofit aiming to empower young girls with confidence develop healthy relationships and strengthen their critical thinking “Who the hell do they think they’re talking to?” she said about those who want to make decisions for women an aide to Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski when he served in the Suffolk County Legislature spoke about the need for universal healthcare the challenges confronting the entire country “Our democracy is damaged,” she said chair of the North Fork Action Committee and one of the event organizers made it clear that Saturday’s rally was just a beginning She invited attendees to meet on the fourth Friday of every month at 4 p.m at the new Community Action Center at 51900 Main St information on other progressive activities or opt to work with established groups on efforts to promote important issues This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page REDEVELOPMENT plans at Mitchell Park Sports Field have been approved by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee At a special committee meeting on Wednesday members approved the planning application by council and a new coaching room at the complex on Strabane Road in the town Plans also include a new community trim trail with items of outdoor exercise equipment and parking provision to allow for 44 vehicles Consultations were carried out with a number of government agencies including the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads NI Water and the Historic Environment Division – with no objections council received 14 letters of objection from the Lower Strabane Road Residents Association Objections were with regard to increased traffic and congestion the loss of an existing play park and wildlife and environmental impact As the site lies to the south of the River Derg and is separated from the river by existing flood defences particularly amongst residents living near to the site council submitted a report advising that infilling would cause flood levels to increase by 49 millimetres if the flood defences were to fail but there would be “no significant impact on neighbouring properties” “So DfI Rivers considered that report and also carried out their own modelling for both the present day flood risk and climate change scenarios,” the officer said “And their results showed it was to be a small increase in the flood extents “DfI point out that the flood defences already mitigate the main risk of flooding from the River Derg and the defences are structurally adequate the Rivers Agency do not feel that they could sustain an objection to the proposal under policy FLD 1 of PPS (Planning Policy Statement) 15.” The officer also noted that the site is also vulnerable to surface water flood risk which can occur when water levels in the river are higher than ground levels within the pitch preventing discharge of water to the river development plans include raising the ground levels of the pitch and the drainage pipe from the pitch to the river to create a “subsurface drainage solution” which will retain water during storms so water can be “more effectively be released into the Derg” expressed frustration that the application had been deferred at several Planning Committee meetings and was again deferred at December’s meeting Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson agreed that the protracted application process had been “frustrating” but conceded that delays were understandable given the “complexities of the site (and) the issues that have been raised." “For me it gives me the assurance that they have been considered in great detail,” he said “And I completely agree with the recommendation that’s been made out in front of us “The application will significantly improve and support sports and recreation within the Derg area.” agreed that the development is “going to be a huge plus for the Derg area” He concluded: “As far as I’m concerned all objections have been listened to and actioned upon Share your opinions on Alpha Newspaper Group The stage is set for what will be the largest ever sporting event held in Northern Ireland Stay connected to us to get the latest news and updates The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Thursday to approve a budget amendment that provides key funding for a plan to save renovate and expand the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory Domes Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories in that station's most popular podcast.  New Seating Options for 2025 Baseball Season January 22 Dale Mitchell Park in 2025 is a shaded patio seating option beyond the right field wall Located in front of the berm to the east of the ballpark "Section 405" will allow fans a new seating option for 2025 that features 126 chairback seats sold on a single-game basis starting at $15 OU's clear-bag policy and list of prohibited items will apply to the area and fans will not be permitted to bring their own food or beverage will be available in the area for purchase Fans with tickets in Section 405 may enter the ballpark through the main gates and walk along the southeast side of the stadium through the parking lot on the first-base side to access the right field area Four loge boxes will be installed on the upper concourse of the first- and third-base lines to provide an additional premium seating option for fans looking for an enhanced game day experience Options to purchase a box with seating arrangements between two and eight seats are currently available on a season and conference-only ticket basis Single-game ticket options for these loge boxes could become available in February two remodeled suites are available for purchase for the upcoming season located within the newly renovated press box on the first-base side These suites seat 9-12 guests and include a personal television and the option to purchase food and beverage within the suite Additional 2025 interior upgrades to Mitchell Park include a set of drink rails on the upper concourse area and increased concessions options for fans Non-premium and Section 405 single-game tickets for the 2025 Oklahoma baseball campaign are on sale now through the OU Athletics Ticket Office Season tickets and group packages are also available for purchase Season tickets start at $100 per seat for OU's 31-game home slate and inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference which features home series against Vanderbilt (2019 national champion) Mississippi State (2021 national champion) Single-game ticket prices start at $10 for general admission Additional seating options in 2025 include lower and upper-reserved seating Dale Mitchell Park now includes padded chairbacks for spectators in Sections 101 and 102 Fans purchasing the new upper-reserved section tickets will be contacted by an OU Athletics Ticket Office sales representative for seat selection OU students receive free admission to all regular season games at L Dale Mitchell Park with an additional student section located beyond the left field wall (more info below) Group pricing starts at $5 with experience options 'anthem buddies' and access to pregame batting practice on the field To purchase tickets, click here or contact the OU Athletics Ticket Office by phone at (405) 325-2424. Fans interested in suite or loge box seating may complete an interest form or contact The Sooner Club at (405) 325-8000 or via email at soonerclub@ou.edu Fans who have questions about 2025 OU baseball tickets should contact the OU Athletics Ticket Office during normal business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT) at 800-456-4668 or by email at outickets@ou.edu The 2025 OU baseball home promotional schedule is set to be announced in the coming weeks Stay tuned to SoonerSports.com and Oklahoma Baseball's social media accounts for more information With the addition of Section 405 beyond the right field wall the left field berm will transform into an exclusive area for OU student seating Students will receive free admission to the gated area with a valid OU student ID and are permitted to bring their own seating food and beverages to the left field berm area supporters hope the Domes can hang on long enough to be renovated Milwaukee County didn’t borrow a penny to build the Mitchell Park Domes but it might max out on borrowed time to keep the iconic structures intact.  County officials don’t believe the conservatory was designed to last even 50 years A 2018 consultant report warned that postponing major repairs would lead to demolition within five years – and that was more than six years ago Yet short-term fixes have held the complex together through eight years of debate over its future. Now the county and a nonprofit support group are nearing agreement on a $133 million plan to renovate and upgrade the conservatory. However, that work wouldn’t be completed for at least another six years – if the Friends of the Domes can raise the money to make it happen. Can the Domes wait that long? Officials at the county and the Friends believe they can, but they also admit that the complex doesn’t have much longer. “We’re on a tightrope,” says Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman, chair of the County Board’s Parks and Culture Committee. “The building is decaying. It’s not going to be forever.” THE DOMES ARE A PRIME example of the county’s deferred-maintenance dilemma, in which needed repairs have been delayed year after year for lack of funding. County officials estimate the cost of all backlogged work now exceeds $1 billion. The vast parks system represents about half those needs, with the Domes as the costliest parks facility. Some maintenance was deferred so long that the county razed structures that could no longer be saved, from the original conservatory in 1955 to the historic Trimborn Farm’s silos in 2017. Last year, county officials consigned a dozen parks facilities to the same fate. Deputy Parks Director Jim Tarantino says the Domes always have posed an extra maintenance challenge, because they were designed more for dazzle than for practicality. “I honestly think it was more like a World’s Fair-type structure” – meant to demonstrate future possibilities, not to last, Tarantino says. “They demolished a historic conservatory to build it. Preservation was not in the mindset.” In fact, inventor R. Buckminster Fuller displayed one of his geodesic domes – a somewhat different design – at the 1967 World’s Fair in Montreal. By then, the last of Milwaukee’s three domes was almost complete, after phased construction took eight years because the cost-conscious County Board refused to issue bonds for the project. Architect Donald Grieb designed the conservatory as the world’s first conoidal glass domes, intended to maximize sunlight and recycle rainwater for the plants within. But the stormwater-capture system “clogged almost immediately,” Tarantino says, and the collecting rainwater has eroded concrete and the seals between glass panes. The design also complicates inspections and repairs in the Domes’ upper reaches. “It certainly wasn’t built for maintenance,” Tarantino says. “The maintenance of it is somewhat ridiculous.” While the Friends of the Domes see a rosy future for the glassy conservatory, other institutions face thorny obstacles in their path to greater independence from county government. The nonprofit Friends hope to renovate and operate the county-owned Domes under a long-term lease. Here’s how two similar arrangements are working out: Milwaukee Public Museum: A nonprofit took over the museum in 1992. Now the museum is constructing a new building to replace its deteriorating county-owned home. Marcus Performing Arts Center: The county-owned center has been run by a nonprofit since it opened in 1969. A 2016 agreement provided for the county to phase out its operating funding over 10 years. The center had hoped to replace taxpayer dollars with revenue generated by redeveloping its parking garage on city-owned land. Now the center is asking the county to continue subsidies in 2026 and beyond as it ramps up fundraising, saying nobody foresaw the COVID shutdown, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s move to its own home or the city’s plan to raze the garage and sell the land to a developer. By 2004, a county assessment rated the Domes in poor condition. Since then, the county has spent millions of dollars on short-term repairs while putting off big-ticket items like replacing the boilers, Tarantino says. The largest repair job cost $2.6 million, to replace 750 glass panels damaged by a 2006 explosion at the nearby Falk Corp. plant. But unrelated cracks started to appear a few years later. The Domes’ maintenance woes became a crisis in early 2016, when a chunk of concrete fell from the Desert Dome’s ceiling. County officials closed all three domes, installed mesh netting to protect visitors, and began talking about the future of the conservatory. After those ideas were shot down, the Domes task force endorsed a more modest $66 million renovation plan from a team led by ArtsMarket, a Montana-based consulting firm. But in 2022, yet another consultant team found the plan was based on unworkable financial assumptions. That enraged Wasserman, who says the county was “ripped off.” Meanwhile, interim fixes continue. In a 2023 report, Tarantino told supervisors that parks staffers “spend more time performing repairs and routine maintenance at the Domes than at any other Milwaukee County Park facility.” Maintenance costs average $350,000 a year, he says. As part of those repairs, workers have built temporary internal gutters, a move that Tarantino calls “kind of sad” but necessary to catch most – yet still not all – of the rainwater that leaks inside and drips onto visitors. DESPITE SUCH FLAWS, engineering reviews in 2019 and 2022 found the steel frame of the Domes remains structurally sound and the wire mesh is still effective in protecting visitors from falling concrete. Those findings caught the attention of the Friends, who previously advocated replacement with a new conservatory. Now the organization hopes to leverage historic preservation tax credits – combined with county, state and philanthropic contributions – to finance a visitor-friendly restoration, Executive Director Christa Beall Diefenbach says. Wasserman and Tarantino back the plan, as do Supervisors Juan Miguel Martinez, who represents the neighborhood, and Steve Taylor, the parks panel’s vice chair. The full board has voted to contribute $30 million on an unspecified timeline, with details to be worked out by May. Tarantino calls this plan “the best proposal we’ve had,” both in its funding structure and its emphasis on preserving the Domes’ original purpose. Wasserman agrees, but warns, “This is really the last chance to save the Domes. The board is exhausted with all the different proposals … We’re going to give [the Friends] a chance, but if they cannot” raise enough money, “it’s over.” only a few animals remain: a handful of forlorn rabbits and tortoises that seem to have endured the neglect “What seemed like an entire school of small children was milling around inexplicably screaming as if they had seen something terrifying,” he described With the entrance fee of just R16 seemingly not being used for maintenance The once-prized Mitchell Park now stands as a painful symbol of neglect and missed opportunities Commenting on her blog about the park’s decay shared her distress: “I lived in Lambert Road as a child and was always taken to ‘The Park’ with my twin brother I am deeply saddened and shocked by what it has become And please—can’t somebody rescue the poor birds and animals still there It is disgusting and shocking that living creatures are being tortured and imprisoned.” was that the zoo still lacks a permanent manager a position that has been overdue for years critical resources from the PRC are needed to maintain enclosures and facilities but sometimes residents don’t seek clarity from officials when they visit the zoo and display other behaviours that can be misinterpreted one of the alpacas was reported as dead when it was simply lying down,” he noted He concluded: “There is definitely room for vast improvement in both the parks and the zoo they can once again become top-tier facilities the municipality must recognise its duty to allocate adequate resources—both for the community’s benefit and for the welfare of the animals in its care.” EThekwini Municipality was contacted for comment regarding the maintenance of its parks and the welfare of the animals in the zoo no response was received by the time of publication Tabloid Newspapers distributes more than 490 000 newspapers weekly giving a total readership of more than 2 million Contact us: info@tabloidmedia.co.za Norovirus, influenza cases on the rise throughout New York Women’s Rally set for Jan. 11 in Mitchell Park 2024 Sports Person of the Year Horseshoe crab protection bill vetoed by governor 2024 Sports Person of the Year A life working on the water: Fisherman, businessman serves Shelter Island and North Fork Check out these Greenport exhibitions by Northforker photographers South Fork Dream Home: Hamptons real estate year in review (plus pro predictions!) The daily update is a briefing on what’s happening across the North Fork and Shelter Island AMID public outcry at the alleged state of neglect at Mitchell Park Zoo following a viral social media post by Ben Trovato eThekwini Municipality workers were out in full force on Monday morning doing ground maintenance and cleaning the animal enclosures at the park expecting a certain amount of deterioration given that the ANC has been grinding Durban into the ground ever since 1994 in as much as anybody who lives in this country can ever be shocked about anything anymore.” “The entrance fee of R16 is certainly not being spent on maintenance The children’s playground is cordoned off like a crime scene What looked like an entire school of small children was milling around inexplicably screaming as if they’d seen something terrible Also Read: Municipality works to maintain Mitchell Park Zoo His fears and sentiments were shared by social media users said “The harsh reality is that traditional zoos and clean family-friendly parks are relics of the past often dismissed as ‘colonial era’ concepts Today’s South African generation shows little interest in these spaces favouring parks where cars can drive in and car bar and littering is common — seen by some as a form of job creation It’s a stark contrast in perspectives on what constitutes fun.” When the Berea Mail visited the park in the morning park staff and municipal workers were on site with leaf blowers and shovels removing sand and other debris from the pathways of the park The animal enclosures were being cleaned and some drained of murky water while peacocks were moving about freely on park grounds some of the shelters were empty and looking derelict due to the reduced number of animals now living at the park Attempts to contact the Mitchell Park Trustees were not fruitful For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok Click to subscribe to our newsletter here The latest Arizona headlines, national news events of the day + sports, weather, and traffic updates. ‘Women’s Rally’ draws big crowd to Mitchell Park Southold police to take on Greenport basketball stars in benefit game Blue Waves eyeing return to basketball playoffs after another League 1 win A closer look at eight weeks of unexplained drone sightings Shelter Island junior high volleyball team goes 8-3 on season: Finishes strong, winning last four matchesNORTHFORKER Party Animal North Fork opens at Feather Hill in Southold “Pints for Pups” means brews for a cause at Birdies The daily update is a briefing on what’s happening across the North Fork and Shelter Island.  Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More MILWAUKEE — The Friends of the Domes along with the Milwaukee County Parks System have revealed a new $134 million project to restore the Mitchell Park Domes It comes amid the need for significant upgrades and repairs to the facility The county had considered demolition of the property last year if it could not get the funding for restoration called “Domes Reimagined,” aims to combat that reality “The Domes Reimagined project is visionary but it is also fiscally responsible,” said Friends of the Domes’ Executive Director Beall Diefenbach in a release “It removes The Domes as a liability from the County’s ledger and places Friends of the Domes in charge of operations The result is a sustainable business model with limited ongoing support necessary from the County It is truly a win-win-win for our community.” Funding sources for the project would include private philanthropy federal and state funds and an investment from Milwaukee County Leaders say this project will address some challenges The Domes are facing including physical limitations of the facility an unstable revenue model and safety concerns surrounding Mitchell Park Officials said the layout of The Domes doesn’t meet current operational needs and that This limits admission fees and also “discourages repeat visits.” Officials also said the park surrounding The Domes is largely inactive due to “a lack of inviting pathways,” which leads to safety issues and concerns Included in the project are plans to restore The Domes and some additions There’s a planned children’s garden and cafe a new nature learning center and an outdoor garden “There are no vanity projects included in this plan,” adds Diefenbach The organization said Mitchell Park would remain part of the Milwaukee County Parks system a Madison-based real estate development and management firm The company has previously worked on the Milwaukee Soldiers Home The Domes have become a staple in the Milwaukee community and are currently the only beehive-shaped horticultural conservatory in the world Two adult men were allegedly shot at Mitchell Park a few blocks west of the Tempe campus Wednesday evening.  "A group of unsheltered persons were in the park when a suspect approached and opened fire," according to an email statement from the Tempe Police Department Law enforcement believes the alleged suspect knew the victims and Tempe PD confirmed that "efforts are being made to locate that person."  One victim is in critical condition with life threatening injuries and the other is in critical but stable condition Both were transported to the hospital.  The Tempe Police Department’s Criminal Apprehension and Surveillance Team located the suspect and identified Aaron Sussex according to the Tempe Police Department immediate release statement Sussex was found in Phoenix and was taken into custody without incident Editor's note: This story was updated at 8:30 p.m 13 to include additional information from the Tempe Police Department This story is developing and may be updated Reach the reporter at sjames51@asu.edu and follow @sennajames_ on X Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on X Senna is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication with a minor in Spanish This is her fourth semester with The State Press This website uses cookies to make your experience better and easier. 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For more information, please see our Cookie Policy the Mitchell Park Domes’ is getting ready for its holiday celebrations with festivities set to kick off on Saturday "The Domes Holiday Parade,” which will run until Sunday, Jan. 5, celebrates Advent, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, according to its website The parade will feature “stationary floats” depicting the holiday traditions — and lots of poinsettias the Mitchell Park Domes is also hosting a wide array of events during the last few weeks of November and throughout December Here’s what to know about the Mitchell Park Domes 2024 holiday events: Location: Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory Domes Children 2 years and under have free admission For more information on admission, click here What events are scheduled for the 2024 holiday season?Late Nights at The Domes: The Mitchell Park Domes will stay open late — until 8 p.m Storyteller Santa: Santa is visiting the Domes to share some holiday classics from 1 p.m the Tropical Dome will be the site of a family fun festival from 9 a.m It costs $5-$10 to be admitted into the festival Other events will include performances by the Gutekunst Flute Choir the Ko-Thi Drummers and the School of Rock For more information on the Mitchell Park Domes holiday events, click here More: Free, family-friendly things to do in Milwaukee during the holidays More: Things to do in Milwaukee this weekend, including the Holiday Folk Fair