North Shore CityPrice By Negotiation21176m²Urgent Sale Rare Ground-Floor Retreat with GardenThe owner is highly motivated to sell - all offers will be considered Don't miss this unique opportunity to secure a beautifully crafted 2-bedroom 2-bathroom ground-floor apartment in the sought-after Risland Albany development Step into your private front garden - perfect for planting flowers a spacious folding-entry balcony opens directly to a wide outdoor space ideal for entertaining or soaking up the sun 2 Bathrooms - functional and spacious layout Large foldable-entry balcony with direct outdoor access - a rare apartment feature Stylish bathrooms and contemporary finishes throughout Easy ground-floor access - perfect for all ages 2 years old - quality build and low maintenance this rare ground-floor apartment with exceptional outdoor living is priced to sell Call Crystal on 022 323 0900 today to arrange your private viewing based on a borrower’s individual credit assessment.Canstar's Most Awarded Personal LoanGet a renovation loan up to $70K and bring your vision to life we can approve your home improvement loan quickly and get your renovation started Safe & Found Coordinator Therese Wilson and Senior Sergeant Dee Coates hit the road on 8 April 2025 to work with Alzheimer’s WA and local care providers Hosted by Alzheimer’s WA the information session highlighting the vital role Safe & Found plays in supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s The presentation focused on how Safe & Found can provide frontline officers with rapid access to accurate up-to-date information when a person goes missing One particularly well received segment addressed the sensitive issue of driving and dementia “It’s a conversation many families find challenging,” said Therese “We aimed to provide practical support and reassurance which is at the heart of what Safe & Found is all about — giving families peace of mind while helping police respond more effectively.” The visit also included a guided tour of Hawthorn House and Don’s Cottage — innovative community-based facility that offer respite and connection for people living with dementia Morning tea with clients offered a warm and personal highlight with both officers touched by the welcoming atmosphere “The dedication of the staff and volunteers was evident in every interaction,” said S/Sgt Coates “It was truly inspiring to see how Alzheimer’s WA is responding to the needs of the local community.” The Albany visit reflects Safe & Found’s broader commitment to engaging with regional communities and fostering strong partnerships with local service providers The goal is to ensure people living with cognitive impairments remain safe Visit the Safe & Found website Don't include any personal information.If you need a response, send an enquiry instead The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present housing specifically for older adults is coming to New Albany A 150-home subdivision called The Courtyards at Haines Creek by Epcon Communities is coming to a nearly 64-acre site in New Albany the site is located just inside the Franklin County line at the northwest corner of Central College Road and Jug Street Road NW Crews have started engineering work on the site, New Albany spokesperson Josh Poland wrote in an email to The Dispatch. The subdivision is set to open in the fall, the Epcon Communities' website shows The neighborhood is specifically for adults aged 55 and older and offers ranch homes with first-floor owner suites The development's website also states residents will have a "low-maintenance lifestyle," as they'll handle all the lawn maintenance The subdivision will also feature numerous amenities for residents pickleball and bocce courts and community garden Prices for the Haines Creek homes are not listed on the development's website Eastern suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X An official website of the United States government – It was an extremely busy April at the Albany International Airport security checkpoint Five of the top 10 busiest days at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint took place last month.  “Our officers are focused on the security mission while providing minimal operational issues to provide a good passenger experience as travelers make their way along the path to their flights,” said Bart R TSA Federal Security Director for Albany International Airport and the other airports across Upstate New York especially during this busy spring travel period.” Top 10 Highest Checkpoint Volume Days at Albany International Airport As a reminder to individuals who will be traveling this spring and into the summer months Tip #1: Get to the airport early with your REAL ID compliant license Travelers should arrive a minimum of two hours before their scheduled domestic flights and three hours before scheduled international flights. Travelers will need a REAL ID compliant license or another acceptable form of identification. TSA has a list of more than a dozen alternative acceptable IDs online If you find yourself waiting in a security checkpoint lane That’s the ideal time to remove items from your pockets and place them into a carry-on bag It’s also the time to get out your ID and boarding pass so you’re not fumbling in your wallet for your ID when you step up to the TSA travel document checking podium Travelers need to know what can and cannot go in their carry-on bag Passengers will spend more time in the security checkpoint if their carry-on items trigger an alarm because it results in TSA’s need to resolve the alarm by opening the carry-on bag to determine what triggered the alarm.  gels and aerosols that are larger can be transported in checked baggage which are popular at this time of the year TSA officers also are seeing travelers arrive at the checkpoint with bottles of water TSA officers will give travelers the choice to exit the security checkpoint to drink their beverages in the terminal or allow the officer to dispose of it Travelers may bring empty containers such as a water bottle or insulated container through checkpoints and fill them after passing through the checkpoint Tip #3: Use TSA’s tools for your resources Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither? Download the free myTSA app, which has a handy “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA Travelers may send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).  There is still plenty of time to enroll in TSA PreCheck before the start of the busy summer travel season This program offers expedited screening for members They can leave their shoes on; leave electronics in their carry-on bag; leave a lightweight jacket on; and leave their belts on when going through a checkpoint The program is currently available at more than 200 airports with more than 90 participating airports nationwide Tip #5 When traveling with a medical condition or disability TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. Call 72 hours prior to traveling at 855-787-2227 with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Or email TSA Cares Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application he was the son of the late Jack and Barbara (Foote) Draffen This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors A 16-year-old who slashed the face of a 24-year-old schizophrenic stranger and fatally plunged a knife into his neck during a confrontation at a busy Albany bus station was not justified in using lethal force But after roughly 16 hours of deliberations that stretched over three days – including several notes stating that they were deadlocked – the group settled on a conviction for manslaughter instead of murder this afternoon The defendant, now 17 and with ongoing name suppression admitted to the stabbing while in the witness box last week but claimed self-defence – not even realising that he had the knife in his hand as he lashed out without time to think about the consequences “It just happened,” he testified over and over again The teen, standing between two youth workers in a High Court at Auckland dock betrayed no visible emotion as the jury foreman read aloud the unanimous decision to a courtroom that remained packed despite there having been no substantive developments in the case since Justice Graham Lang’s summing up late Monday afternoon Supporters of both the defendant and the victim The teen ran from the station immediately after the fatal blow was inflicted and borrowed another stranger’s phone to call his mother he threw the knife out of the car window into Lake Pupuke As the defence wrapped up its case on Monday jurors learned that a man matching Poutapu’s description had been acting intimidatingly to two other teen boys at the bus stop eight days earlier – leaving them alone only after an older woman intervened and told him off Jurors had already been told of Poutapu’s mental health problems and that he might have been off his schizophrenia medication experiencing auditory hallucinations and muttering to himself They were not, however, told that he was a 501 deportee from Australia was unfair and had left him off-balance and without family support defence lawyer Barbara Hunt described her client as a “happy 16-year-old on his way to pick up cigarettes and food with his friends” on the day of the incident when he was confronted by an “irrational The youth had no interest in fighting a man eight years his senior but didn’t feel he had a choice after Poutapu advanced on him “He’s responding only to what came at him,” she said describing the defendant as having thrown a blind overhead punch with a knife in his hand after Poutapu tried to kick him in the head “He was confronted by a threat he never anticipated.” He had no intention of stabbing the man in the neck adding that Poutapu’s own momentum due to the kick likely added to the lethality of the wound CCTV footage of the fight – shown to jurors repeatedly at different speeds and from different angles over just more than a week of evidence – showed that the two had exchanged words for about 33 seconds followed by six seconds of fighting didn’t have time to think of a way out of it so he just responded on instinct “without any idea of what he was doing” “Look at the anger in Mr Poutapu’s face,” Hunt said of the footage “Just put yourself in [the teen’s] shoes over that six-second timeframe.. There’s just simply no doubt [the teen] was protecting himself from an attack by a very unwell man These are the actions of a frightened boy.” But prosecutor Alysha McClintock invited jurors to apply a much different interpretation of the confrontation describing the defendant as someone who was 11kg heavier than Poutapu and was looking to “bait” an unwell man into a fight that he knew would be unfair because he secretly had a knife “It was an episode of utterly senseless violence,” she said “The essence of self-defence is that you have no choice .. but this case in reality had nothing to do with that McClintock noted that Poutapu had a short time earlier exchanged words with the defendant’s 18-year-old friend which is where the incident should have ended the defendant took it upon himself to confront Poutapu again and escalate the situation he wanted to show him who’s boss at his bus stop.” In the defendant’s own recounting of what happened he described himself as aspiring to be a peacemaker of sorts “I walked over to ask him if we were all good .. and what his problem was,” the teen testified describing his exact words to Poutapu as: “Are we all day?” Poutapu allegedly responded with nonsensical “jibber jabber” which made the teen think he might be “a crackhead” bro?” then took off his jacket and put down his belongings Calm down,” the defendant told jurors he responded showed Poutapu squaring off into a fighting stance and the teen also hunched over and starting to bounce side-to-side While Poutapu had his fists in front of him the teen’s hand was in or near his hoodie pocket He had grabbed the knife earlier that day for protection after his friend had been jumped by Black Power members the day earlier but at that moment he wasn’t thinking about the weapon at all But the defendant’s insistence he wasn’t aware of the knife and didn’t even realise it was in his hand as he threw the first punch beggars belief which left Poutapu bleeding from two cuts to his face McClintock noted that CCTV footage showed the defendant with his hand behind his back – concealing the knife until there was an opening to strike again “There’s nothing unintentional about that,” the prosecutor said noting that unbiased bystanders recalled both men taunting each other was described by the prosecutor as on the sidelines “egging this on” and ready to jump in if needed because the defendant “had this completely under control” McClintock argued that the murder was intentional it was a reckless murder – a killing that occurs when a person uses deadly force knowing that they are gambling with someone’s life even if death isn’t explicitly intended Jurors didn’t have to be unanimous on which kind of murder it was as long as each individual felt the defendant’s actions met either of those two definitions but be careful with the suggestion that means he didn’t know what he was doing,” McClintock said young people can be prone to impulsiveness “This was lethal violence and it was murder The jury’s manslaughter decision was a non sequitur of sorts – a rejection of self-defence which would have required a complete acquittal but a finding that the teen had no murderous intent carries a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment but generally results in shorter terms of imprisonment and sometimes home detention Justice Graham set a sentencing date for the week before Christmas The teen’s name suppression is expected at that point to either lift or become permanent Craig Kapitan is an Auckland-based journalist covering courts and justice He joined the Herald in 2021 and has reported on courts since 2002 in three newsrooms in the US and New Zealand Sign up to The Daily H a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday No one knew he'd fallen after a guard rail gave way while he was loading containers From Chinese and AI coding in Mandarin to Easter crafts and challenge your mind at the Koru STEM workshop Don't miss out on these fun activities these holidays Sat 12 April 2:00 - 3:00 pm - Chinese and AI coding in Mandarin  Mon 14 April 10:00 am -12:00 pm  - Easter Wall Hanging craft with Recreators Tue 15 April 10:00-11:00 am - Auckland Zoo Conservation Sessions  Wed 16 April 3:00-4:30 pm - Kids Movie and Popcorn  Thu 17 April 10:00 am -12:00 pm - Make Shauna the Sheep craft with Recreators Wed 23 April 3:00-4:30 pm - Kids Movie and Popcorn  Thu 24 April 11:00 am -12:00 pm - Paul the Clown from Enchanted Party Sat 26 April 2:00-3:30 pm - Koru STEM workshop Mothers Day workshop - create a flower as beautiful and unique as your mum © Auckland Council 2025 All rights reserved For more information on what data is contained in the cookies please click the 'Find out more on the Auckland Council website' button Sign up for our e-newsletter and be the first to know about exciting events and news Part of State Route 605 in New Albany will close for the summer as the city builds a roundabout at Market Street and Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road the road will close between Village Hall Road and Maplewood Cemetery until about Aug The closure will happen over the summer months to minimize the effect on New Albany-Plain Local Schools The primary detour for through traffic will be Morse Road to U.S Local traffic will have access at Fenway Road The roundabout is part of the Market Street Extension Project which extends Market Street northeast of the city's Village Center to connect with East Dublin Granville Road and U.S The project is designed to ease congestion and prepare the eastern suburb for future growth Construction started in fall 2024 and is expected to wrap up in November Eastern suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X. Auckland CityPrice by Negotiation422415m²Luxurious family sanctuaryFramed by a classic white picket fence and perfectly poised on one of the Avenues' most desirable stretches this remarkable villa blends heritage beauty with exquisite contemporary refinement it's a residence where timeless character meets architectural sophistication Follow the grand hallway across blonde oak floors to the soaring L-shaped living pavilion at the rear a sublime space designed for both serenity and celebration Bathed in natural light beneath clerestory windows this open plan domain expands effortlessly outdoors through fully retractable sliders on two sides the atrium-style deck offers a rare combination of intimacy and scale for unforgettable al fresco moments The kitchen is a masterclass in designer detailing with a granite waterfall island anchoring the space in quiet luxury Seamless white cabinetry complements the fully equipped scullery-style kitchenette allowing for effortless entertaining at every level Four bedrooms could be arranged in a very versatile way around the home The property is now cleverly set up to have two living spaces on the upper level including one that connects directly to the deck The primary suite commands attention with its bay window The generous family bathroom features dual basins and a stunning feature bath the second lounge provides the perfect media or kids' retreat complemented by a separate laundry and internal access double garage Secure off-street parking adds further function to the already exceptional footprint Positioned moments from both Jervois and Ponsonby Roads the lifestyle on offer is unmatched - morning coffee boutique browsing and some of Auckland's finest dining are all within strolling distance Zoned for sought-after Bayfield School and Ponsonby Intermediate this is a family-friendly haven wrapped in prestige There has been a large fire overnight in a building at the former site of the infamous Centrepoint commune in Auckland with a single crew of firefighters still at the scene on Mills Lane in Albany to dampen down hotspots a northern Fire and Emergency communications’ spokeswoman said But at its peak around midnight the glow of flames could be seen from the Northern Motorway “If you’re coming off the northern motorway at Ōteha Valley Rd there is a huge fire up by the old Centrepoint.” Crews from 12 fire appliances were sent to the “large structure fire” at the old Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre which was also previously the home of the Centrepoint commune The number of crews on the scene had halved when he spoke to the Herald at about 2.30am and we are dampening down hot spots and ensuring the fire is fully out.” Most of the buildings on the site were derelict and they believed squatters had been staying there It wasn’t immediately clear which building had caught fire For years the 7.62ha property was the site of Centrepoint whose leader Bert Potter was arrested in 1990 for sexual abuse and drugs crimes following raids by the police Survivors spoke of their harrowing experiences in the documentary Heaven and Hell – The Centrepoint Story in 2021 Many had been exploited as children by the campus' adult residents The commune was shut down in 2000 and Potter died in 2012 aged 86 In 2021 the property was home to around 100 people as a holistic education centre It had previously been bought by the Prema Charitable Trust in 2008 for just over $4 million but by 2023 had a council valuation of almost $9m and was being called “one of the last significant underdeveloped landholdings on the fringe of Albany” The OneRoof listing at the time stated the property featured accommodation for 120 people with significant improvements comprising more than 4819sqm (more or less) of gross floor area across 60 buildings The site was later withdrawn from sale without finding a buyer “We have strong reasons to believe that squatters are staying at this site so there shouldn’t be anyone here,” Webster said so we believe that the most likely cause is someone who had a small fire here No one was at the scene when firefighters arrived and there have been reports of people here previously.” Cherie Howie is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2011 She has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in general news and features The only high-reach ladder truck in Auckland broke down last night with his devoted and loving family by his side he was the son of the late Leon and Catherine (McMullen) Bardwell Tom graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1970 He worked for 39 years for GE where he retired as Quality Control Inspector Thomas was a committed volunteer and served the Rexford community for 18 years as Volunteer Fireman and also volunteered as a Paramedic for the Clifton Park Halfmoon Emergency Corp He was a devoted father to Audra and Jason Priddle of Ballston Spa Tom was an adoring grandfather to Madison Priddle and Allyson Priddle of Ballston Spa He was a cherished brother to Debra Brennan of Ballston Spa He will also be remembered by his beloved in-laws Sue and the kids extend heartfelt gratitude to all that supported them through this trying time especially Cindy and Jason for their unwavering dedication and compassionate care for Tom A Memorial visitation will take place on Friday from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 5:00 pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or a charity of your choice.  Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text was also sentenced today to three years' imprisonment with Justice Graham Lang noting that he should already be eligible to begin applying for parole given his time in custody awaiting trial “I am satisfied that you are in a particularly vulnerable position by virtue of the issues that you have faced to date,” the judge said of the permanent name suppression decision adding also that the teen’s transfer to an adult prison would “likely pose very real risks for you” While the judge said he had “no power to direct how the prison authorities deal with you” he expressed hope the teen would continue to be held in a youth justice facility until prison officials read Justice Lang’s remarks and reports submitted to the court “This will enable them to make an informed and considered decision as to how you should be housed if the decision is made to transfer you to an adult prison,” he explained Jurors in the High Court at Auckland had been asked in November to find the teen guilty of murder Both charges are punishable by a sentence of up to life imprisonment but such a sentence is automatic in the vast majority of murder cases and rarely if ever imposed for manslaughter The defendant admitted to the stabbing but insisted he didn’t realise he had the knife in his hand during the fight with stranger Epapara Poutapu The teen said he lashed out without time to think about the consequences adding over and over again while in the witness box: “It just happened.” The teen ran from the station immediately after the fatal blow was inflicted and borrowed a stranger’s phone to call his mother, who took him to her home in Hamilton. Along the way, he threw the knife out of the car window into Lake Pupuke near North Shore Hospital Jurors were told a man matching Poutapu’s description had been acting intimidatingly towards two other teen boys at the bus stop eight days earlier – leaving them alone only after an older woman intervened and told him off Jurors were also told of Poutapu’s mental health problems Defence lawyer Barbara Hunt argued during the trial that her client didn’t want to fight Poutapu and never intended to stab him due to a high kick he tried to inflict on the teen likely added to the lethality of the neck wound But prosecutor Alysha McClintock described the defendant as someone who was 11kg heavier than Poutapu and was looking to “bait” an unwell man into a fight that he knew would be unfair because he secretly had a knife at the time you first produced the knife and then subsequently struck the fatal blow you were acting in self-defence,” he said today Mr Poutapu was confronting you in an intimidating and aggressive manner At the time that you inflicted the fatal wound he was delivering a forceful kick aimed at your upper body or head “I consider the jury’s verdict is explicable on the basis that although they accepted you were acting in self-defence you used considerably more force than was reasonable given the circumstances as you believed them to be The fact that the jury acquitted you on the charge of murder also means they accepted that you did not intend to kill Mr Poutapu.” But he agreed with the Crown that the teen created a situation that need not have ended in tragedy by carrying a knife on him “You say that you often carried a knife because of an earlier incident in which you were stabbed when you went to the assistance of another person who had been injured during a fight that had broken out at a party you were attending,” Justice Lang noted “You also say that you did not carry the knife with the intention of using it but rather to scare others from harming you if the situation required “This is an explanation the court hears all too often particularly in the case of young offenders Young people carry weapons with them for the purpose you describe but then use them as soon as they are confronted with a situation in which they perceive they are in physical danger all too often this ends in tragedy for all involved.” The courtroom rang out with an emotional waiata after Poutapu’s mother described to the defendant her son’s playfulness and the part he played in their family as a middle child “We feel like we have an emptiness in us all,” she said “You will never know the impact that it has had on us “Justice and accountability is all I can ask and pray for My son did not deserve what happened to him that day.” In arguing against permanent name suppression the prosecution noted that Poutapu’s family had to see him named and painted in a poor light at trial while the defendant enjoyed anonymity is “almost required in a way to bring balance to things” She suggested the PTSD he suffered as a result of his earlier childhood and things that happened to him while in custody did not rise to the level of extreme hardship – the level needed for a judge to override the principles of open justice presented a psychological report suggesting that naming the teen could set back the rehabilitative strides he had made while in custody while not an automatic guarantee of suppression She noted that her client had written a letter to the victim’s family expressing his remorse and hoping it would bring them peace to know he strives to be a better person now that he is an adult It was just two months after Poutapu’s death that the teen became a victim himself while at the embattled Korowai Manaaki facility in Wiri Another youth was alleged to have thrown a microwaved cup of water and sugar into the defendant’s face an attack common enough that it has its own nickname: prison napalm The mixture sticks to the skin and can cause severe burns making it more painful and dangerous than hot water alone The November 2023 attack resulted in the defendant’s lengthy hospitalisation with injuries to his face and eyes He had still not recovered full use of one eye The teen’s lawyer pointed out that the injuries are something he will likely have to deal with for the rest of his life “This is something that has happened while in the custody of the state,” Hunt said “I think that is something that needs to be taken into account.” The judge acknowledged that the defendant continues to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the attack “I accept that you are likely to find it more difficult than others to serve a prison sentence because of the ongoing effects of your eye injury and other factors related to this,” Justice Lang said He said a starting point of seven years' imprisonment would ordinarily be appropriate to reflect the gravity of his offending but he reduced it to six years “given the fact that you were acting in self-defence and Mr Poutapu was acting in an intimidating and aggressive manner“ He then allowed a 20% reduction to reflect the fact the teen had expressed an interest in pleading guilty to manslaughter before the trial choosing to push forward with the murder charge He applied 30% in additional reductions to reflect factors such as the teen’s youth his efforts at rehabilitation and his difficult upbringing The judge described a “chaotic family environment” marred by violence in which government agencies were prompted to intervene when he was under 5 years old He went to six different primary schools but was often suspended because of behavioural issues linked to his traumatic background But he has shown real progress while in custody including earning his Level 2 NCEA qualifications “Staff members from the facility have provided glowing reports about your progress in this area,” he said “You obviously have the ability to thrive academically and this is likely to be instrumental to you gaining employment and leading a productive and pro-social life in the future you have also expressed remorse and insight into the effects of your offending from the outset.” Craig Kapitan is an Auckland-based journalist covering courts and justice Sign up to The Daily H Crews from Avondale and Takapuna and Group Manager Shaun Thornton participated in the drill and our National Infrastructure Advisor Jon Harris was invited to be an observer to learn more about the stormwater project as well as the safety and rescue procedures in place A representative from New Zealand Mines Rescue was on-site to help coordinate this exercise was identified as an emergency works project by Auckland Council Healthy Waters after the major Auckland floods in January 2023 ‘A micro-Tunnel Boring Machine (m-TBM) was used to bore 220 metres under Greville Road to install a 2100mm stormwater pipe It then tunnelled another 50 metres to a containment pond 2.5m long concrete pipe sections were lowered down a 20-metre-deep shaft and pushed by a ram into the bored tunnel behind the m-TBM drills are held to prepare workers on what to do in an emergency they are required to have measures in place to rapidly remove their workers from the environment in an emergency Workers currently have several means of escape while in the shaft itself: scaffolding stairs Fire and Emergency assisted with moving the patient from the tunnel to the shaft The davit arm was then used to simulate the removal of an injured worker at the bottom of the shaft.’ Jon said the drill went smoothly and was conducted professionally ‘Fire and Emergency greatly appreciates McConnell Dowell’s commitment to safety and looks forward to working with them more in the future This project is expected to be completed in mid-2025.’ For more information, visit https://www.mcconnelldowell.com/projects/greville-road-stormwater-culvert(external link) Every second New Zealand home has a pet and research shows we collectively own more than four million pets many owners have to deal with pet death and deciding how to farewell them can be tough There is the option of cremation of course but what if you want to bury your furry friend and the backyard isn't an option First Up met up with owner of a pet cemetery - perhaps the only one in the whole country It's a beautiful landscape of manicured gardens quirky art and 2000 little graves of pets buried over the past 30 years who used to live in a shop on Karangahape Rd in Auckland central "Dennis didn't win the fight with the bus one day so they had to come out here and bury him," Stephens said because he was an interactive little dog." the owner and her children came to visit the grave "It had been a day that was overcast and bleak and grey and horrible but the clouds moved up late in the evening and the sunlight just burst up the valley Mrs Choi was just overwhelmed it was her Dennis coming to visit." Stephens told First Up another cat owner liked to pay a special tribute every time she visits her pet's grave "She turns up with a little lecturn where she puts her sheet music and plays 'Amazing Grace' on her violin "A lot of people celebrate the the death in a positive way." "I had other people turn up with three vanloads of people Stephens first considered a pet cemetery in the 1970 when he was a busy executive in the capital "I was aware of pet cemeteries as a concept in various parts of the world "I lived in Wellington for a while and somebody started running Silverstream [pet cremations] That struck me as a good idea then and I parked it in the head." Stephens quit his job and bought a 10-acre Albany property which he began turning into what he calls his "200-year park project" "The property was starting to establish an ambiance and was looking pretty good but what wasn't happening was enough people coming to enjoy that "Friends and family and parties and bonfire nights and all that sort of stuff but I needed to get more people to just appreciate it for for what it was." That's when he came back to the idea of a pet cemetery Fozzie was the first cat buried at the property after its owner came across Stephens' flyer "She was the first one that responded to my marketing efforts of the day pre-computer - flyers and newsletters to all of the vets in Auckland." he told First Up he probably worked harder than he did in the corporate sector "All Blacks would cry if they came and saw me working," he said there are times when it gets a little bit daunting I've got the beauty of having a concept of the 200-year park project so I don't have to worry about the finesse or getting things done." Stephens said the cost of burying your much-loved pet at the cemetery but Stephens said it was similar to pet-cremation services "You're not paying for me to dig the grave you're paying for the privilege of leaving your pet in a nice environment "I don't want to undercut cremating businesses and I don't want to be more than cremating business." $540 for a small dog and about $750 for a big dog walk around with my bag of tools and I look for a spot that just looks good on the day "When people come and I've never met them before we stand on the deck that overlooks the property and have a little bit of a chat "I will generally back away and then whenever everybody's ready you can place the pet in the grave or we'll do that together Stephens gives the owners a few minutes to collect themselves and then they can fill the grave in He is well aware he needs to have a plan for the property "We don't have family and we have nobody to leave it to "We've spent a lot of time and money looking to give the property away to a suitable organisation or charity who could use the grounds and the property he is happy providing a forever home for people's furry companions that have passed on New Zealand RSS Follow RNZ News It's time to cast your vote for our next Dispatch Student of the Week Vote in the poll below before noon on Thursday to recognize an outstanding local high school student teachers and guidance counselors nominated students they say have shown outstanding academic and school achievement and community service Student of the Week: New Albany High School student tops Dispatch poll To cast a vote, visit the poll at the bottom of the list of nominees. If you can't see the ballot when you scroll to the bottom of this story, try refreshing the link or clearing the cache in your browser. Voters can cast one vote per hour per device. You do not have to be a subscriber to vote. Please be aware: The Dispatch's voting system recognizes only one vote per WiFi IP address, so consider taking your phone off WiFi to vote each hour if you're sharing it with multiple people. North Shore CityAsking price $1,499,000422600m²Dream Family Living - Motivated Vendor!Beautifully presented this single-level home has been thoughtfully designed for effortless living Sitting pretty on a 600m² freehold section just a stroll away from top private schools with Albany Mall and motorway access close by Our very motivated vendor is prepared to meet the market Generous living zones include a formal lounge which offers an elegant space for more intimate gatherings featuring fabulous high pitched ceilings ensures a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for daily life The modern kitchen is practical and efficient with a handy butler’s pantry adding extra storage space and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes With seamless flow to a stunning outdoor oasis Four well-proportioned bedrooms and two bathrooms offer plenty of space for family or guests with the master suite boasting an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe Practicality meets convenience with a double garage featuring clever loft storage and drop-down stairs — perfect for tucking away all those extra bits and bobs Residents of this popular community are also lucky enough to enjoy part ownership of a tennis court and basketball court and a location that ticks all the boxes — it’s all here See this listing on Barfoot & Thompson Jurors in the trial of a teen accused of stabbing 24-year-old Epapara Poutapu to death at an Albany bus station in broad daylight have been shown chilling footage of the confrontation between the pair Poutapu died after being stabbed three times on September 18 last year The murder trial for the now 17-year-old accused, who has interim name suppression, began in the High Court at Auckland today Footage from the station showed the pair appearing to square up and the victim removing his jacket and putting down his belongings before stepping toward the defendant His fists are raised as he walks toward the defendant and he is speaking but it’s unclear what is being said The footage then shows the defendant and the victim engaging in a brief altercation Other videos showed blood streaking across the pavement and people assisting the gravely injured man captured from CCTV cameras on busses and at the station and some video was zoomed in and/or slowed down Kasey Nihill presented the Crown’s opening statement telling the jury the defendant “brought a knife to a fist fight” She said Poutapu died after being struck with a knife twice in the face and once in the head by the teen after a verbal exchange between the victim and one of the teen’s associates Nihill told the court the fight was over in 10 seconds and the defendant was later seen running from the station Nihill told the jury that although the defendant may argue his actions were in self-defence she claimed CCTV footage revealed his actions weren’t in defence of anyone and the force he used was not reasonable said her client was acting in defence of himself and his friends during a “terrifying” attack She said CCTV footage shows her client and his friends “happy was “under attack” from an “aggressive older man” with schizophrenia “He just reacted in self-defence to save himself and his friends.” She told the jury her client didn’t intend to hurt or kill anyone that day and she urged members to wait until they had heard all the evidence before reaching a conclusion Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday. Katie Harris is an Auckland-based journalist who covers social issues including sexual assault, workplace misconduct, media, crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2020. The only high-reach ladder truck in Auckland broke down last night. North Shore CityDeadline Sale on 9 May at 12pm5310208m²2.98haMotivated Owner Needs it SOLD!All offers are welcomed Enjoy the serene tranquility in this recently renovated family home on 2.9782 ha of freehold land you will come across this beautifully presented hidden gem including a master bedroom with an ensuite an extra room ideal for teenagers or visitors or an office space and two living/lounges plus a rumpus room offering the family ample space to relax and unwind Every moment spent here is one of pure relaxation this lifestyle home offers the perfect blend of privacy and accessibility Just 5km away from Westfield Albany and the surrounding shops you'll enjoy the best of both worlds - the peace and seclusion of rural living with the convenience of urban comforts within easy reach Don't miss this opportunity to secure this breathtaking lifestyle home in the school zone for Albany School Please copy and paste to download the files: https://www.harcourtsfiles.co.nz/listings/GCUJ Note: A resource consent is being processed for the following proposed activity: Retrospective consent for earthworks that have been carried out which includes uncertified fill and consent required for remedial works for earthworks greater than 5m2 within an SEA The owner will sell this property on the basis of As Is Where Is and the purchaser will be responsible to complete the consented work Please contact the listing agents for more details An early morning fire forced three people from an Albany home There is extensive damage to the outside of the two-story apartment The cause of this fire is under investigation The station representative that can assist any person with disabilities with issues related to the content of the public file is Brittany Moroukian. She can be contacted at bmoroukian@wnyt.com or 518-207-4710. North Shore CityBy negotiation324618m²Single Level Charmer For Every LifestyleWith freshly painted interiors and a layout designed for effortless living single level brick and tile home is perfect for all ages and lifestyles Tucked away in a peaceful Northwood cul-de-sac you’re within walking distance to local shops and top schools like Kristin and Pinehurst Accommodation comprises three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms ensures meal preparation and entertaining is stress-free An added bonus is the double internal access garage With seamless connection to a fully fenced garden and covered patio this home is perfect for leisurely summer afternoons Superbly located just minutes away from Albany Junior and Senior High See this listing on Barfoot & Thompson CDTA Continues to Support Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Tradition 2025) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) will once again provide complimentary shuttle service as part of the 77th annual Albany Tulip Festival May 11 at Albany’s Historic Washington Park CDTA will provide complimentary shuttle service to Washington Park from 11:00 a.m Albany’s school zone speeding cameras have already led to $3.24 million in tickets The speed limits are enforced between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on school days. The tickets began going out last October, after a brief grace period. Drivers who go at least 10 miles above the 20 mph speed limit are ticketed and the company behind the cameras getting 60% 70% of the tickets went to people from out of town The station representative that can assist any person with disabilities with issues related to the content of the public file is Brittany Moroukian. She can be contacted at bmoroukian@wnyt.com or 518-207-4710 MetService National Weather Update: May 7 - May 9 Police said emergency services were called to a Mahia Rd property just before 10am after a report of a person seriously injured Mairehau house fire: Firefighters battle two-storey house blaze 10 patients were assessed and treated by our crews in total Auckland commuters face a chaotic morning after two highways leading into the central city have been majorly disrupted by crashes NZ film industry faces uncertainty over US tariff ongoing decline in livestock numbers and questions over longer sentences reducing reoffending Reporter Sierra is at Magnificent Moa Day where experts are revealing their incredible 3.6 million year-old find Emergency services are attending the fire at a McDonald's on Pakuranga Rd A video of a dog abuse incident is circulating on social media showing a dog swinging in the air and slamming into the ground on a walk in Manurewa A memorial tree has been planted at the entrance of St John’s bush in honour of slain American entomology student Kyle Whorrall Victim of abuse is wanting a judicial review Goodman Group is upgrading Highbrook Crossing to add retail dining and public space to New Zealand’s largest business park in East Tāmaki where hip hop crews from all over the world are battling to see who’s the best and Parliament tackles alcohol and mental health The Coleman family has been melting down precious metals for more than 40 years This is the first time they've shared inside their multi-million dollar gold and silver operation The Prime Minister joins Mike Hosking in the Newstalk ZB studio to talk all the big politicial issues Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was joined by Deputy PM Winston Peters and Minister of defence Judith Collins to make a pre-budget defence announcement and 3D-printed limbs help child amputees in Gaza Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to be joined by Defence Minister Judith Collins and deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters make a pre-Budget defence announcement Neighbours heard explosions as a fire ripped through a Mt Roskill house Mum pays tribute after Auckland bus stop killing Australians vote early and insurance companies brace for claims Megyn Cordner and Lucas Prince started their business from the back of a van in 2022 Andrew Che lost his life savings after sending it to the wrong account Barclays Bank has refunded his money after a prolonged battle for compensation Aerial footage reveals the scale of flooding across areas of Canterbury after a destructive weather system hit the region and prompted a state of emergency North Shore real estate agency chief responds to a Real Estate Disciplinary Tribunal decision Mark Mitchell provides an update on the state of emergency in Christchurch and Selwyn A possible mini tornado was spotted about Auckland Harbour as the latest band of wild weather hits the city Fire and Emergency NZ said it responded to more than 30 callouts overnight more Kiwis turning to methamphetamine and Drs are back at the negotiating table NZSA chief executive Oliver Mander speaks about CEO pay in 2024 Waiwhetu woman Julie Paterson heard 'a loud cracking' and saw a tree branch falling towards her during Wednesday's storm Heather Keats updates the powerful system battering New Zealand breaks down why Wellington is under a rare red warning with extreme winds and Local MP Hon Nicola Grigg speak to the media on the local state of emergency in Selwyn Gisborne locals and health workers marched to Heipipi Park where speakers highlighted what they say is a regional health crisis NZ Herald Live: Simeon Brown talks to media Thanks for visiting ! 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North Shore CityBy Negotiation223104m²The Ultimate OpportunityElevated on the sought-after heights of Albany No.13/61 will attract investors chasing steady returns nesters wanting a flexible family guest room or professionals seeking to lower expenses with a flatmate while maintaining privacy Clean lines and natural light give the interiors a bright levity creating a flow and flair for socialising or relaxing with the primary bedroom and bathroom on a private wing with green-swathed views upstairs and the second bedroom set downstairs with an ensuite and study Creature comforts and convenient additions top this off impeccably an internal access garage with an off-street park and that sunlit terraced garden providing five-plus-a-day with raised veggie beds This Albany location is a dream for active lifestyles You're only moments from Westfield's retail extravaganzas bus stops and all-directional highways and motorways are at your fingertips - it's a commuter's perfect world low-risk property ownership with versatile advantages Be quick to phone Hannah and David and make your interest known Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInWALB is working to produce a video for this story more than 42,000 people - the population of a small city are killed on American streets and thousands more are injured According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) pedestrians and bicyclists account for 20% of traffic deaths in Albany City of Albany and Dougherty County officials are working on a comprehensive safety plan to get traffic fatalities and severe injuries down to zero by 2050 who is helping the City and County with a study and plan of action says cities that have taken the challenge are slowly seeing changes in their accident profiles 2 is getting a handle on the kinds of approaches to reduce those accidents it’s one of those things where you’ll see marketed improvement over time It’s not something that communities are seeing today It’s a process to where again it takes a while to change a behavior,” said Steaven Foresite Group is working to put together potential projects to apply for federal funding Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More A Siena College freshman is charged with arson for starting three fires at a school dorm the Albany County district attorney said Monday.  was arraigned on an indictment charging him with two counts of second-degree arson and second-degree attempted arson Thomas pleaded not guilty and was taken to the Albany County Correctional Facility The teen is accused of using a lighter to start a fire with rubbing alcohol he poured outside a dorm room in Hines Hall where two female were sleeping then setting two more fires on the fourth floor in a common area and a bathroom stall just after 3 a.m Colonie police arrested Thomas shortly after the alleged incidents.  An Auckland 14-year-old who went missing for several days has been found A family member of the girl confirmed to the Herald she had been located overnight The girl had not been seen since Thursday morning a police spokesperson said her family had concerns for her safety Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday. Point RidgeSave listingFloorplan+25+25Pictures25Floorplan1Map85 Naples Way North Shore CityBy negotiation323Secure And Stylish Living In Point RidgePoint Ridge is an award-winning gated community located just minutes from Albany’s bustling centre this solidly built rendered brick villa hits the spot it offers three bedrooms (including a top-floor master retreat) The middle level is where everyday living comes to life A sleek modern kitchen anchors the open-plan dining and lounge with large sliders drawing you out to a generous balcony framed by native bush and it’s the kind of space you’ll love to unwind or host in two bedrooms and a semi-ensuite family bathroom open to a private deck — a lovely spot for your morning coffee the master suite boasts a walk-in wardrobe and balcony with elevated views stretching across Albany and out to Rangitoto The single garage comes with extra parking and an onsite manager provides peace of mind in this secure residents enjoy access to a resort-style pool and top schools including Kristin and Pinehurst — everything you need is right at your fingertips Call me for viewing times or to arrange a private inspection See this listing on Barfoot & Thompson Albany United have appointed Tim Ragg as their men’s first team head coach for next season’s Lotto NRFL Northern Conference Ragg (53) joins the Auckland club after coaching spells with Onehunga Mangere United Albany United said: “Tim brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence that aligns with the vision and values of our club We are excited about the journey ahead and look forward to the positive impact Tim will bring both on and off the field.” Ragg has flagged his aim is to lead the club to promotion to the Lotto NRFL Men’s Championship “They have been a club that deserves to be in the NRFL Championship and that is our no.1 goal next season,” he said they are all fantastic and really committed to achieve our goal in 2025.” Ragg replaces Andrew Mobberley as first team coach after Mobberley stood down at the end of last season’s campaign Thanking him on their social media channel the club said: “Andy plans to devote time to his growing family but has assured that he will remain a pillar of support from the sidelines.” Albany United finished fourth in the eight-club Northern Conference last season This story was first published on December 19 Auckland FC’s Guillermo May is the special guest on episode 17 of New Zealand’s weekly.. Auckland United have started the defence of their OFC Women’s Champions League title with a.. Dub Zone is back for another week of analysis Papua New Guinea have claimed the final place at August’s OFC U-16 Men’s Championship after.. A widely-admired former club and regional football administrator Here’s NZ Football’s 12-minute highlights reel from last.. The New Zealand men’s U-20 team will play a two-match series against Chile in June.. Football Ferns midfielder Katie Kitching has been named Player of the Year for her English.. May 3-9: OFC U-16 Men’s Championship – qualifying, Tonga (click here for details) May 5-18 (NZT): Auckland United at OFC Women’s Champions League, Tahiti (click here for details) May 16-18: Grand final, women’s A-League (click here for details) Monday May 19 (2.30am NZT): New Zealand U-16 men v Switzerland, FIFA Youth Series, Zurich (click here for details) Tuesday May 20 (2.30am NZT): New Zealand U-16 men v Guatemala, FIFA Youth Series, Zurich (click here for details) May 26-June 3: FIFA international window (women) May 30-June 1: Grand final, men’s A-League (click here for details) May 31-June 1: Second rounds of Chatham Cup June 2-10: FIFA international window (men) Thursday June 5 (7.30am NZT): Chile U-20 v New Zealand U-20, men’s international, Complejo Deportivo Quilín, Santiago (click here for details) Sunday June 8 (7.30am NZT): Chile U-20 v New Zealand U-20, men’s international, Complejo Deportivo Quilín, Santiago (click here for details) Sunday June 8 (11am NZT): All Whites v Côte d’Ivoire, BMO Field, Toronto, Canada (click here for details) Wednesday June 11 (9am NZT): All Whites v Ukraine, BMO Field, Toronto, Canada (click here for details) June 15-July 13: FIFA Club World Cup, United States (click here for details) Monday June 16 (6am NZT): Auckland City v Bayern Munich, FIFA Club World Cup, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio (click here for details) Saturday June 20 (6am NZT): Auckland City v Benfica, FIFA Club World Cup, Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida (click here for details) Wednesday June 24 (7am NZT): Auckland City v Boca Juniors, FIFA Club World Cup, Geodis Park, Nashville, Tennessee (click here for details) June 23-July 1: FIFA international window (women) July 5-6: Quarter-finals of Kate Sheppard Cup August 1-14: OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, Samoa (click here for details) August 15-30: OFC U-16 Men’s Championship, Solomon Islands (click here for details) August 16-17: Semi-finals of Kate Sheppard Cup September 2-9: FIFA international window (men) September 17-24: University of Auckland at FISU Men’s Football World Cup September 20-24: OFC Futsal Men’s Cup September 21-October 4: OFC U-19 Women’s Championship September 27-October 19: FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup September 27-28: Season starts for men’s and women’s National Leagues October 7-15: FIFA international window (men) Wednesday October 15 (k/o TBC): Norway v All Whites, international friendly, Ullevaal Stadium, Oslo, Norway (click here for details) October 17-November 8: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Morocco (click here for details) October 20-28: FIFA international window (women) November 4-28 (NZT): FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup, Qatar (click here for details) November 10-18: FIFA international window (men) November 17-22: OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League November 21-December 7: FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, Philippines (click here for details) 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania qualifiers December 13-14: Grand finals of men’s and women’s National Leagues June 12-July 20 (NZT): FIFA Men’s World Cup © 2025 Friends of Football Site designed by Hurricane Press Ltd using - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP NY — A 19-year-old Siena freshman from Saratoga has been arraigned on charges of arson following a series of fires at Siena College Kindlon announced that Joshua Thomas was arraigned on charges including two counts of arson in the second degree and one count of attempted arson in the second degree Thomas reportedly started the fires on April 25 He is accused of pouring rubbing alcohol on the ground and using a lighter to ignite a fire outside a dorm room in Hines Hall Thomas then reportedly proceeded to the fourth floor one inside a bathroom stall and another in a common area Colonie police conducted the investigation and arrested Thomas shortly after the incidents Thomas has pleaded not guilty and is currently held at the Albany County Correctional Facility Having been put through their paces for the past few weeks it's down to the final six and they’re all hungry for victory Only one of these performers can be crowned ‘the new face of circus’ but who will it be… made its initial debut at the Chamäleon Theatre in Berlin in 2024 The current production at The Albany marks the official premiere of the show before it goes on tour to various venues across the UK The design of the show is simple yet effective with each assigned to a different colour of the rainbow which is really clever because it creates the illusion of a game show in which the competitors are regular people The ringmaster’s suit is subtly glittery and flamboyant without being too over the top allowing us to focus more on the performer The title of the show is lit up by the neon lights at the back of the (mostly) empty stage space The space is colourful and bright yet understated cleverly manipulating our focus to be on the performers skills rather than the pomp or flashy spectacle that we’ve come to expect from circuses Rhys Hollis makes the perfect ringmaster; he’s charismatic and highly engaging helping the show maintain a consistent pace and he keeps the audience involved with the show both through quick-witted jokes and audience interaction though it may seem intimidating for those of us who don’t quite gel with this aspect of theatre doesn’t involve audience members being invited onto the stage area which is ideal for the through line of the show The through line of the show being a competitive game show works so well because it allows the acts to blend seamlessly together whilst also giving the audience a story to hook onto: namely that of the transition from competition to collective We get the chance to root for our favourites whilst also cheering when the performers stand up for what they believe in and come together to create something dynamic and beautiful the quality of the cast couldn’t be more stellar Rebecca Solomon and Gracie Hill are absolute goddesses of aerial stunts from the trapeze to the corde lisse and the suspended pole Shane Hampden and Kussyl Amara render us speechless with their awe-inspiring teeter board act We also love the fact that we are able to hear them give instructions to one another which grounds the show in a level of realism by reminding us that it takes a hell of a lot of work and skill to complete these feats that they’re all performers who genuinely care about each other’s well being and are putting safety first It must be said that the diamond among gemstones has to be Jaide Annalise which adds tonal variation to the show by allowing for a moment of quiet Arguably the most memorable part of the show it's elegant and gripping on such a profound level that we find ourselves incredibly moved by the grace of this act they’re all fundamentally a close knit team and we love watching them work together to create a level of wonder and joy that only truly great circuses are able to create Uplifting and full of the best parts of childhood imagination this awe-inspiring show will leave you feeling significantly brighter than when you walked in Showdown continues touring until July, with further info here. 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Twenty-seven Mississippi State University students from a variety of majors received Spirit of State Awards this past week for their exceptional personal contributions to student life at MSU Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content Get a weekly rundown of the top stories from the New Albany Gazette dropped into your inbox each Thursday afternoon Sign up to view our weekly e-editions each Wednesday with just a click lynn.west@journalinc.com Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens Sign up to get the Daily Journal e-edition delivered to your inbox each morning Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Get a free dose of heath care news and wellness tips delivered to your inbox each Tuesday morning Powered by North Mississippi Health Services Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays Get a weekly rundown of the top stories from the Monroe Journal dropped into your inbox each Thursday afternoon Get a rundown each Monday morning of all that's going on in the All-America City From local government updates to live music schedules and more Don't miss any of our Mississippi State coverage Sign up to receive a weekly report plus need-to-know updates From Friday nights under the lights to Saturdays on the diamond Prep Rally is your year-round source for Northeast Mississippi high school sports coverage and stories sure to get your weekend off to the perfect start Sign up to view our weekly e-editions each Wednesday with just a click.  Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account (WALB) - Albany Technical College celebrated the grand opening of the Dr Parker Transportation Academy with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Named after the late visionary leader in technical education 22,344-square-foot facility marks a major step forward in workforce development for Southwest Georgia The state-of-the-art academy features cutting-edge labs and industry-grade equipment tailored for training in automotive collision repair and diesel technology “This new facility gives the students an opportunity to see new things as well as be exposed to new equipment and the newest technology available That way they will be prepared to go into the industry and be prepared to work,” said Elliott Bonds an Auto Collision Repair Instructor at ATC the need for diesel specialists and mechanics is higher than ever and we foresee this facility helping to be a big part in filling that void,” said ATC President President Griswold hopes the students that come to Albany Tech for automotive collision repair and diesel technology will stay in Southwest Georgia to practice their craft and help those in need throughout the region “We hope all of our graduates remain here in Southwest Georgia We have a number of industries and private businesses that are hiring our students With our Marine Corps Logistics Base here and several auto-collision repair shops yes we want our students to stay here in Southwest Georgia,” continued the President revealed that she and her family will be giving 27 scholarships worth $1,000 each to students studying auto collision repair and diesel equipment technology “He always was trying to find ways to keep them from dropping out of school he always would ask what kind of things do the students need to complete their education and get a job,” said Sandra Parker Parker Transportation Academy will open for its first round of students on June 2