I’m your state capitol reporter Alonna Johnson
(The following is a transcription of the full broadcast story)
shopping small means celebrating a graduating college student
"We generally want to craft one-of-a-kind experiences for people," Copper Moon co-owner Lynn Lucas
The co-owners of Copper Moon event space are among the thousands of small business owners in Michigan
The Small Business Association of Michigan says there are more than 900,000 small businesses in the Great Lakes State
and people are incredibly supportive," Lucas said
Neighbors around Old Town are celebrating the kickoff of Small Business Week — a week dedicated to supporting local businesses
it’s not just residents feeling the strain
"We are concerned about the economy and see slower foot traffic than some times we've seen," Twiggies' owner Beth Herendeen said
HEAR MORE ABOUT TWIGGIES FROM OWNER BETH HERENDEEN
Twiggies' owner Beth Herendeen says shopping small means sharing creativity with others
"It has been joyful to be able to create things for people," Herendeen said
shopping small also means building community with the neighbors who walk these very streets
"You share your customers with your neighbors
"One wanting to support the other," Copper Moon co-owner Matt Schultheiss said
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(KBSI) – Southeast Missouri State University’s Presidential Ambassadors recently hosted a Q&A session and meet-and-greet with Liz Haynes
Haynes said she was inspired by the students’ passion for the university and the community
© 2025 KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau News | Paducah News
Cinco de Mayo is simply a chance to enjoy the sights
"It makes me feel very happy to see the crowds coming in
everybody having a great time enjoying the colorful settings," Gavino Romero with Fiesta de Reyes says
“This is the birthplace of California and this is where it all started," Erin Liddell with Old Town Chamber of Commerce says
making this the first area on the West Coast to be settled by Europeans
Old Town embraces the layered history…bringing a Cinco de Mayo celebration every year…
But there are still some misconceptions around the day
“Cinco de Mayo is not an Independence Day," Romero explains
"It's a battle that the Mexican won against the French
has become a symbol of resilience and pride
where the day has grown into a celebration of Mexican-American culture
it’s also a chance to keep those traditions alive
This year’s event will bring a kids' carnival and a salsa tasting competition
The Fiesta Cinco de Mayo celebration runs this weekend
today and tomorrow in Old Town San Diego …with live entertainment
Old Town will host a Mother’s Day community get-together with live music
Free performances by the Watermelon Mountain Jug Band
and Divino will take place in the Gazebo from 1 to 5 p.m
“There’s no shortage of ways to make a mom feel special
and you can’t go wrong with some fresh air and family time,” said Mayor Tim Keller
The City of Albuquerque's Animal Welfare Dept
and they will waive adoption fees as a Mother's Day treat
Kids can enjoy free face painting and a 25-foot climbing wall
The Gazebo will host Old Town merchants showcasing their specialties
They will be joined by a number of restaurants in Old Town serving their signature dishes
Quick bites ranging from roasted corn to chilaquiles will be available from local food trucks at the event
Streets in and around Old Town Plaza will be closed to traffic on Mother's Day
Parking is available at the Albuquerque Museum lot and the surrounding areas
Mother's Day in Old Town is a rain or shine event
Mother's Day in Old Town is sponsored by iHeart Radio
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The 311 Community Contact Center is a centralized call center for the City of Albuquerque
The 311 service is a single telephone number for all non-emergency City of Albuquerque inquiries and services
The official website for the City of Albuquerque
the firefighters for the town of Old Town had their work cut out for them as they had to fight a fire in storage facility not once but twice
The fire was quickly extinguished but at 9:20 pm the crews were called again because flame was rekindled
They didn’t finish with that blaze till after midnight
Attorneys general in 19 states and Washington
saying the Trump administration's massive restructuring has destroyed life-saving programs and left states to pick up the bill for mounting health crises
A coalition of state attorneys general filed a lawsuit Monday against President Donald Trump's attempt to stop the development of wind energy
Accuweather meteorologist Joe Lundberg says it's coming from a weather pattern which is stuck in the region
Cinco de Mayo festivities are taking place across the U.S
tequila and colorful displays of Mexican culture — even if they're not always the most authentic
LePage filed for the 2026 race late Sunday
and a formal announcement is expected Monday
The Baku municipal government has announced that according to a new general plan for the city
apartments considered too old and dilapidated are now subject to demolition
The government has offered to buy residential and commercial properties expected to be torn down
Eviction notices have since been widely circulated on social media
with one post saying residents would be forced to leave their private properties
Farida Ziyadova, a resident of Baku, wrote on social media that residents of Bayirshahar
were being pressured by the municipal government to leave their homes
The pro-government media outlet Oxu.az reported that ‘water and sewage lines in an emergency condition will be demolished’ in parts of the old city
but added that ‘the calculation and payment of appropriate compensation will be ensured to the residents who will be relocated’
which was presented at a municipal meeting
a special commission had been created as part of plans for new construction
which would buy residential and non-residential properties from their owners
The authorities have urged all residents to apply for compensation
‘If they do not sell their flat or agree to the proposed price
and their homes will be demolished when they are not at home’
Such incidents have happened before in Baku
In February, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ordered the Azerbaijani government to pay around €1.7 million ($1.8 million) in compensation for illegally demolishing a number of properties in central Baku in 2010 in order to create a new park
In March, the construction company Melissa Group demolished a house in Baku’s Yasamal district while a resident was still inside. After the footage of the incident spread on social media
the foreman and driver of the excavator carrying out the demolition work were detained
as well as the head of the construction company
a person is seen shouting and trying to stop the excavator from inside the house
After the excavator damaged the balcony on two sides of the house
After this incident the owner told local media that his electricity
and water were cut by the authorities in a bid to force him to leave his home
A number of residents who have refused to leave their homes as part of the latest wave of evictions have said they were unsatisfied with the government’s appraisal of their property
said that addresses noted in the announcement were close to his own home
They offered the residents a very small amount of money
they can buy a one-room house in the village of Sarai [outside of Baku]
far away in Hokmali [far from the city centre]
These people have spent their entire lives here
It is their natural right not to want to move’
‘They will gradually come over to our side
and then terrible times will begin for me’
where she focuses on investigative journalism
covering topics such as government accountability and domestic violence
The EU looks the other way as Azerbaijan jails journalists and crushes dissent
Officials in Tbilisi are surely taking note
Syrian and Azerbaijani state news agency coverage of the visit emphasised energy talks between Damascus and Baku
Netanyahu’s office has denied reports of Turkey blocking its airspace
instead citing developments on Israel’s borders
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry called the decision by Russia ‘an unfriendly step’
76-unit apartment building planned in Old Town has residents excited
who owns the Loyalty barbershop in Old Town and lives in the neighborhood
was one of dozens of residents who went to UrbanBeat on Tuesday night to hear from developers Craig Willian
what could be the largest housing development in Old Town
The plan calls for a $26 million project with vertical construction starting no earlier than August 2026 and lasting between a year and a half to two years
The development would be built on a 1.2 acre lot
about three blocks north of Cesar Chavez Avenue
which would likely be early career professionals
with sliding rents of around $1,000 for a single bedroom and $100 or $150 more for a two-bedroom
Most of the units would be one- or two-bedrooms
Beth Avery owns a duplex near the edge of Old Town and said she was happy to hear more about the development
"I think it will bring a lot of vibrancy," Avery said
Helzer said there are some required approvals from the city: By the end of June he is expecting to have had two public hearings
one that would allow the city to sell a parcel in the middle of the lot and the other would allow for brownfield tax dollars from the site to go toward the development
Helzer said the financing part is critical but without the city lot
He said he sees the development as an extension of downtown
and it was planned to not compete with the shops along Turner Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue
The first floor will not include street level retail or office space
but instead will have a community room for residents
Willian said the price points were part of the early planning
has highlighted the income disparity we see," he said
"People are sitting on 3% mortgages and that's eroding people's ability to purchase and it puts downward pressure on any homes
He said the development isn't designed to have the cheapest rents in the city but is aimed at people making around $40,000
Contact Mike Ellis at mellis@lsj.com or 517-267-0415
— An inside gas leak shut down a popular Old Town Pizza Parlor restaurant Thursday afternoon
The New Mexico Gas Company says nobody was injured
The gas company says a late ignition for an oven may have caused it
Stay with KOB 4 Eyewitness News and KOB.com for updates
Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public File may contact KOB via our online formor call 505-243-4411
A woman is safe after allegedly being abducted and assaulted by a naked man along the Mount Vernon Trail in Old Town North earlier this month
“The suspect pinned both of her forearms down and she fought to break free,” police said a recently released search warrant affidavit
“(The victim) said she realized the suspect was fully naked when he was on top of her and she saw his penis
(The victim) tried to push him away specifically with her right hand to the suspect’s left arm
(The victim) said she yelled and the suspect covered her mouth with his hand
The victim was relaxing on the grass in a well-lit area and told police she noticed a man walk nearby
and that he was suddenly on top of her and pinned her to the ground
according to a recently released search warrant affidavit
The suspect allegedly fled after a bystander approached
The bystander called 911 and told police that a “completely naked man tried to kiss and assault a female then ran off,” according to the search warrant affidavit
Police found scratches on the victim’s wrists and her upper left arm
as well as large scratches on her right cheek and left jaw
He was found wearing a jacket without a shirt and pants without underwear
police also found a beer can left at the scene and Surida nearby with five beers of the same brand in a 12-pack box
The victim was also missing the baseball cap
camel-colored with New York and the Statue of Liberty in white stitching
The cap was found in Surida’s jacket pocket
He was charged with abduction with the intent to defile
He faces a fine of up to $100,000 and up to 20 years to life for the felony abduction charge
up to a year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine for the assault and battery charge
Old Town Cape’s annual Vacancy to Vibrancy open house showcased 15 downtown Cape Girardeau properties, connecting potential business owners with available spaces.Christopher BorroBrad and Lauren Bauman showed off a trio of adjoining properties Thursday
they aim to turn into commercial spaces during Old Town Cape's Vacancy to Vibrancy open house
The event connected interested business owners with available commercial locations downtown
Christopher Borro ~ cborro@semissourian.comChris Cole
owner and broker at Lorimont Commercial Real Estate
had several properties to showcaseduring the Vacancy to Vibrancy event Thursday
There were a record number of properties for potential business owners to learn more about.Christopher Borro ~ cborro@semissourian.comBudding business owners took stock of what downtown Cape Girardeau had to offer Thursday
during Old Town Cape’s sixth annual Vacancy to Vibrancy downtown commercial property open house
said the event has seen around a 50% rate of properties being sold within a year over the last three years
“We have a record-breaking number of properties this year
and I would say this whole event is just to encourage people to get out to see what’s available downtown,” she said
There were 15 properties available for viewing this year
from Broadway to Main Street and throughout downtown
Lorimont Commercial Real Estate broker and owner Chris Cole was among those who showcased the available buildings
His company had several buildings ready for viewing
He said he had been displaying buildings for as long as the downtown open houses have been put on
and it’s good getting people in the community out
They start touring these properties and think of business ideas
and I think it does spur some businesses to form,” he said
stationed themselves on Main Street to showcase three adjacent properties they planned to turn into commercial properties and luxury apartments on the upper floors
“We actually got a tenant out of [last year’s] event
people walking around has been really great,” Lauren Bauman said
Go to www.semissourian.com/newsletters to find out more
Connect with the Southeast Missourian Newsroom:
Edison's Ice Cream opened its doors April 23
bringing new life — and dairy- and gluten-free ice cream — to its corner of Old Town's Northern Hotel building
The ice cream shop, 172 N. College Ave., took over the former Starbucks space at the corner of Laporte and College avenues in 2024
It's grand-opening celebration will be May 3
All of its ice cream flavors are gluten-free and several are dairy-free
Frary — along with his wife and son — have food sensitivities and largely avoid dairy and gluten
"We just thought there was a need for this in the ice cream world," Frary said
noting that a lot of dairy-free ice cream options "are pretty disappointing."
Fort Collins restaurants: Island-themed eatery takes over former Mainline space
Edison's Ice Cream uses a coconut cream base for its dairy-free ice creams
which come in signature flavors like lemon bar
mint Oreo and salted honey — a fan favorite
The shop also sells ice cream sandwiches and to-go ice cream
as well as scoops from its mobile ice cream cart
Edison's Ice Cream is open from noon to 10 p.m
Want more Fort Collins food and drink news? Dig into The Buzz, our new weekly newsletter about Northern Colorado business, development, real estate and restaurants.
Photo by Rey Lopez courtesy of Josephine Old Town Bar
Public voting is open through May 31 for the RAMMYS: Alexandria restaurant Josephine is a nominee for Best Brunch
Public voting has opened for four fan-favorite categories in the 2025 RAMMYS Awards & Gala
giving diners a chance to champion their favorite bars
sandwiches and gathering places across the region
And one of those restaurants is Alexandria's own Josephine
a modern French brasserie housed in an 1883 firehouse at 109 South St
Hosted annually by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)
The RAMMYS celebrates excellence in the Washington area’s restaurant and food service community
from innovative beverage programs and top-tier service to culinary creativity and leadership
Voting will be open from May 1 through May 31, 2025, via The RAMMYS media partner NBC Washington/Telemundo. Voters can cast their ballots at nbcwashington.com/rammys or therammys.org
“Now is the time to show some love to your favorite local spots or discover a new gem,” said Shawn Townsend
“Whether you're loyal to your neighborhood brunch spot or ready to try the city's hottest new sandwich
we encourage everyone to vote and help celebrate the incredible restaurants that make our region such a vibrant place to dine.”
The 2025 RAMMYS Awards & Gala President’s Circle sponsors are Events DC
and LINK Strategic Partners amongst many other supporters
For more information about the RAMMYS, visit therammys.org. For more information about RAMW, visit ramw.org
Alexandria Living Magazine is your go-to source for exploring the past
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInTOWN OF CRYSTAL LAKE
(WMTV) - A 3-year-old girl was fatally shot in the Town of Crystal Lake Saturday night
According to the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office
the 3-year-old girl was fatally shot by her 7-year-old brother
Marquette County Sherriff Joseph Konrath confirmed the siblings were visiting family with their mom over the weekend
Marquette County dispatch received a 911 call just before 4:30 p.m
May 3 and responded to the home along with Neshkoro Fire Department and Waushara County EMS
Konrath told WMTV the family was not from the area
“The mother of the seven and three-year-old was visiting family members in Marquette County,” said Sherriff Konrath
He adds this is a devastating situation for everyone involved
“The first responders and the people working the investigation it was very hard on them
but it was harder on the family,” said Sherriff Konrath
The Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing any other information at this time due to the sensitive nature of the incident and involvement of minors
This is an ongoing investigation and WMTV will continue to provide updates as we learn them
Click here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert weather app
After sitting vacant at one of Old Town's busiest corners
something new is brewing behind the papered-over windows of 100 N
The restaurant space — formerly home to The Kitchen, Next Door American Eatery, ND streetBAR and, most recently, Avery Eatery — will reopen as Maida Trattoria
The eatery will focus on scratch-made pasta dishes while also serving salads
who is opening the restaurant alongside his wife
sister-in-law Kai Lipps and brother-in-law Andy Lipps
The Callahans also own Mugs in Fort Collins
After making it through the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic
McCabe Callahan said he and Marli started talking about doing something new last year
the Lippses were looking to leave Summit County
where Kai Lipps managed Robbie's Tavern in Breckenridge and Andy Lipps worked as head chef at the town's upscale Blue River Bistro
"The idea of us doing something together sprouted," McCabe Callahan said
Edison's Ice Cream opens in Old Town: Here's the scoop on its gluten-free, dairy-free options
They decided to draw on McCabe Callahan's Italian roots for the new eatery — using his mother's family recipes and her maiden name
a trattoria is a restaurant that's more casual than formal restaurants
"Since Bisetti's and Canino’s left
we felt Old Town didn’t have a family-friendly pasta-focused Italian restaurant," McCabe Callahan added
noting that RARE Italian — located kitty-corner to Maida Trattoria — is a more high-end option
The goal of Maida Trattoria is to be more approachable for families
The restaurant will be located in Fort Collins' historic Avery Block, which became vacant after the January closure of Avery Eatery.
Maida Trattoria will be open daily from 11 a.m
and plans to add an Italian-inspired brunch Friday through Sunday
It will also stay open until midnight Friday
The restaurant will feature a window that once separated the Old Town Mugs from its next-door neighbor
The window was removed during Mugs' 2018 renovation and has been installed at Maida Trattoria so diners can watch its fresh pasta being made
Maida Trattoria will soon begin testing recipes and hiring staff, McCabe Callahan said April 28. It is set to open in late May or early June. For updated information on its opening, visit the restaurant's website.
Fort Collins restaurants: I finally tried Postcard Pizza. It's worth writing home about.
Update (April 12: 1:42 pm): The Alexandria Police Department announced on Saturday (April 12) that the suspect wanted for Friday’s armed robbery of the Stage Door Deli (1324 King Street) in Old Town has been safely apprehended
The Alexandria Police Department says that the suspect wanted for today’s armed robbery of the Stage Door Deli (1324 King Street) in Old Town is armed and dangerous
APD identified Dexter Brown as the suspect in today’s incident
APD released a Wanted Person announcement and said that Brown is armed and dangerous
Images from the incident reveal Brown inside the downstairs area of O’Shaughnessy’s Pub
Brown is a former employee at the restaurant
APD is seeking the community’s assistance in locating Mr
the suspect in an armed robbery that occurred this morning in Alexandria.He is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached
Call 911 if you see him or know his whereabouts
and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
APD officers responded to the 1300 block of King Street for the report of a commercial robbery in progress
identified as Dexter Brown entered the location and fired a gun multiple times
taking an undisclosed amount of money from the register
a USPS driver called 911 after hearing multiple gunshots inside the Stage Door Deli and then witnessing an employee race out of the front door of the business
The caller told an APD dispatcher that he saw a man by the register demanding that it be opened
and the dispatcher alerted officers that the suspect took money from the register and told a clerk to shut their mouth
APD confirmed that multiple shots were fired and that there were no injuries
Anyone with information on this incident can reach out to APD Detective Lemar Gardizi at 703-851-0147
and an arrest hasn’t been made after an armed robbery at a sandwich shop on upper King Street in Old Town
Police have identified the suspect as Dexter Brown
and are cautioning the public that he is armed and dangerous
The suspect walked into the Stage Door Deli (1324 King Street) at around 10:30 a.m.
according to Alexandria Police Department dispatches
A USPS driver called 911 and reported that he heard four gunshots and saw an employee run out the front door of the business
APD confirmed that multiple shots were fired
and that the incident is under investigation
Police are also investigating whether the suspect is an employee at the shop
The suspect fled the scene through an alley heading east with an undisclosed amount of cash
He is described as a Black male in his late 30s
wearing a purple Puma jacket and black shorts and carrying a backpack
Anyone with information on this incident can contact the APD non-emergency number at 703-746-4444
The residence showcases timeless architectural features including original heart pine floors
intricate moldings and two wood-burning fireplaces
One of Old Town Alexandria's oldest homes will be coming up for sale soon
The property will be for sale for $2,299,000
In the heart of Old Town Alexandria and only two blocks from the waterfront
201 Duke St is an irreplaceable chapter of Old Town’s legacy
the residence showcases timeless architectural features including original heart pine floors
intricate moldings and two wood-burning fireplaces that anchor its storied charm
The entire home has been thoughtfully refreshed and restored with curated designer lighting
and an elevated palette of interior paint selections—each detail chosen to complement the home's historic character while introducing a curated modern aesthetic
the charming kitchen with garden views opens both to the covered side porch and to the show-stopping courtyard and patio
cherry blossoms adorn the yard—an enchanting and picture-perfect retreat in the middle of Old Town
three full baths and two half baths on 4 levels
Look for the sweet hidden room that could be a potential future walk-in closet
an upstairs laundry room or just a flex space
The lower level is a great pub style room with a beautifully designed wine cellar
perfect for both quiet evenings and stylish entertaining
Truly one of the most beautiful homes in Old Town
this rare offering captures the essence of old-world charm paired with impeccable
Bathed in natural light on three sides with only one party wall
this exquisitely restored historic townhome offers a rare blend of 18th-century elegance and refined modern living
Co-Listing Agent: Micah A Corder 571-271-9828
tskulski@steamboatpilot.com
The long awaited update to the Old Town Hot Springs pool area is one step closer to completion
though the official opening date remains unclear.
the new pools were plastered and filled with water for the curing process in preparation for an opening this summer
“All of the new pools will be filled with our natural Heart Spring water when they open,” said Sarah Konopka
marketing director for Old Town Hot Springs
Old Town Hot Springs will have a new lap pool
“The idea with this pool is we can do so many things,” Konopka said
adding that there will be plenty of programming for swimmers of all ages and abilities in the community pool.The complex will also feature a renovated deck area
as well as a newly paved parking area on the south side of the complex along U.S
Old Town Hot Springs originally launched the “It’s in the Water” capital campaign to raise funds for this project in 2020
the project was estimated to cost $6 million and be completed by summer 2023.
The campaign has since grown to a $10 million goal and was pushed to summer 2025 due to two significant roadblocks.
The first obstacle involved extensive excavation and demolition work that was originally unplanned but was required to ensure a long-lasting pool structure.
The second challenge came about when the project’s pool builder underwent a corporate merger and organizational restructuring
The previous lap pool had been constructed in the 1960s and had not been renovated since the 1980s.
The lap pool was so old, some of the parts were failing and could not be replaced because they were no longer being manufactured. The project broke ground on the new pump house in fall 2022 and lap pool reconstruction began in September 2023
As Routt County’s only public swimming pool
Old Town Hot Springs determined the construction timeline was worth it to “ensure that there is a public swimming pool for generations to come.”
To reach Tom Skulski, call 970-871-4240, email tskulski@SteamboatPilot.com.
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Several parts of Old Town in Pearland could be upgraded in the coming years as officials prepare and finalize a revitalization plan for the area
Haley joined Community Impact in January 2024 as a local education reporter in Pearland
she studied journalism at Texas State University and served as an editor for the student newspaper
When she’s not in the newsroom or at your local meeting
attempting to cook different variations of pasta and spending time with family and friends
The product recommendations on our site are independently chosen by our editors
striped bass might just be the perfect gamefish
They eat everything from invertebrates nearly invisible to the naked eye up to 15-inch baitfish
This means you can catch them on just about any type of gear you desire
from flies and light tackle to heavy trolling setups
Among my favorite ways to chase them is with spinning rods; the kind you might use for largemouth
there’s no better sport than a 28-inch striper ripping drag as the reel screams.
Another cool thing about stripers is the variety of habitats they utilize
you can find them in waters with depths measured in inches or fathoms
My favorite places to target them are on the inshore grounds; in salt marshes
It’s a great place to get up close and personal — really meet them on their own turf.
One of the best ways to fish these areas is by kayak
The relatively shallow waters can make it difficult to get a boat in and the bottoms can be hazardous to propellers
plus the noise created by internal combustion engines can send stripers scurrying in a hurry
The stealth that a kayak provides in skinny water certainly gives you an edge
And gliding along silently on the surface lets you see more of the world below you.
Last July, Old Town invited me up to Casco Bay for a couple days of striper fishing along Maine’s rocky coastline. The plan was to catch stripers as we explored brackish river systems, estuaries, tidal raceways as well as the open beach using the first-of-its-kind Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132.
The BigWater ePDL+ 132 is unique because it utilizes a hybrid pedal drive system that lets anglers use their feet to propel themselves along
but offers a built-in electric motor that can augment — or replace — that human propulsion when needed.
I had the privilege of fishing with a couple members of the Old Town team: some talented folks from Osbourne Media (who took the excellent photos you see in this article)
and my former colleague from Salt Water Sportsman
In addition to spearheading all of Old Town’s content initiatives
Registered Maine Hunting & Fishing Guide
He knows Casco Bay like the back of his hand
and provided us with valuable intel.
As a resident of the greater Portland area and an accomplished outdoorsman
also knows a thing or two about targeting stripers via kayak in Casco Bay
There’s a rack in my backyard that holds three
and there’s a few more scattered throughout the yard
I don’t have much experience with the pedal-drive kayaks that have become so popular
The advantage is obvious; by using your feet to propel the vessel
I feel comfortable saying it’s the easiest way to fish from a kayak
particularly when battling tide or current
which is why the Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 incorporates an electric motor into the pedal assembly
The result is a pedal-assist system that provides varying degrees of assistance to the pedaler.
The lowest setting provides a little boost
while the top settings almost move your feet for you
You can also let the motor do all the work and stop pedaling all together.
At the heart of the powerplant is a 36V 20Ah Li-Ion battery pack
based on how much the assist is used and at what level
which is why Old Town doesn’t provide exact expectations for battery life
But two days of fishing while using the “cruise control” setting extensively only seemed to drop the battery level a couple of bars
you can still use the Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 as you would any other pedal kayak
That’’s the brilliance of this system: It acts like the motor module found in many electric commuter bicycles
It’s not necessary for the operation of the kayak
so you can just keep trucking along without it
you’re still left with a perfectly functional fishing kayak
Controlling the motor system is simple with the use of a push-button interface conveniently located on the top of the motor housing
Speed and assist mode are adjusted by pushing a few buttons
The motor assembly removes easily for transportation
and doing so cuts down on the weight of the vessel so you can throw the kayak on a roof rack or put it on a trailer.
Though I’ve grown up fishing out of paddlecraft
I never found a way to sit that was particularly comfortable; but the elevated perch on the BigWater ePDL+ 132 remained comfortable for dawn-to-dusk days on the water
and I spent a lot of time standing and casting
we launched from a waterfront park in Freeport and took off to explore the shoreline of the nearby island
we rushed to the launch with thunder cracking off in the distance
We probed coves, points, and offshore bars with soft plastics; Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ rigged on leadheads and 9-inch Lunker City Slug-Gos
and we had to cover some ground to hook up
The pedal drive/motor combo made it easy to move from structure to structure
and definitely played a big role in the success of the day
I found a willing taker hiding among the kelp on the rocky shoreline of the island
It came up and smashed the Slug-Go I had been throwing
nearly flinging it from the water’s surface
probably a result of the tide starting to push baitfish around
The rest of the crew began to hook up as well.
We earned our fish that day, but that’s not to say it was unproductive. At one point, I almost lost my favorite rod, a G. Loomis NRX + Inshore spinner
when a striper grabbed the DieZel Minnow I let dangle below the boat while I was releasing another I had caught.
I also hooked something I never got a chance to see, and to this day I tell myself it was one of the many sturgeon we saw getting airborne. And if it wasn’t, it might be that 50-pounder I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid, because it dumped just about all the line on my Stradic in a hurry.
the stripers sought the refuge of deep water
We took off after them using the electric motors in our kayaks
quickly covering the miles it took to get to the piece of offshore structure where they were now congregating
We worked the 40-foot depths with the soft swimbaits
The day ended with an epic sunset as we loaded the boats back up.
Day two had us launching off an open beach as the first rays of civil twilight filtered in
We would be fishing a tidal river that had its origins in a salt marsh fed by small streams
tidal river that was moving along at 5 to 7 knots
Fishing once again proved somewhat difficult
To stay productive we had to work a variety of structure
they push the baitfish around on the resultant current
and stripers clash is the key to success.
The current was so stiff that we left the Osborne Media group behind; they didn’t have the motor-assisted models we did and couldn’t escape through the rushing waters
the open waters of the bay did not prove fruitful
This resulted in the first bites of the day
but I was able to set the motor to counteract the tide and hold position in the most productive zone
but as the water built it turned off.
Some members of the groups went to work the bar at the mouth of the river
I departed at full steam to the salt marsh in the back as it is one of the most familiar habitats for me
This salt marsh complex was similar to the ones I fish back home
and I was able to identify a few key points that I thought would hold fish
As the tide ebbed and the water started leaving the marsh
I sent out a group text and everyone was able to quickly get in on the action.
and down-to-earth people make it an ideal destination
the license plates say “Vacationland,” a moniker that I think is well-earned
Maine lies at the northern tip of the striped bass’ range
and offers plenty of opportunities to target them in breathtaking settings.
The sweetwater side of things is not to be overlooked either
as the Pine Tree State is home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing on the East Coast
and the brook trout fishing is the stuff of legend.
were all of the sturgeon leaping clear of the river
The folks that reside in Maine seemed used to the occurrence
but it truly was something seeing a 6-foot-long relic of prehistory fly skyward
I probably saw this unusual occurrence some 60 times on our final day of fishing.
The same can be said about the Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132
This big-water kayak would be just as at home on quiet bass ponds
The motor significantly increases the distance you can travel
and the cruise control lets you cover ground while fishing
similar to the way a trolling motor would.
Joe has been fishing for longer than he can remember
summer flounder and other inshore favorites
He later took to freshwater fishing with smallmouth bass becoming a favorite
After receiving a degree in Wildlife Management from the State University of New York
he spent about a decade working in natural resource management for state and federal agencies including the U.S
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S
He then began a career in written communications
writing for some 35 publications and serving as executive editor for Field & Stream and Salt Water Sportsman before joining the Wired2fish team
The best online fishing resource to learn and stay current on the latest fishing gear
A peaceful protest in support of Palestine and international law was held in Tallinn's Old Town on Saturday by "Solidarity with Palestine - Estonia."
The "March for Palestine" rally began at the Viru Gates in Tallinn and proceeded through Freedom Square to the Riigikogu
Participants flew the Palestinian flag and held placards while they walked
The group called on people to demonstrate peacefully in support of international law and to express support for the Palestinian people's right to live in freedom and dignity
Organizer Flora Keresztely said Estonia's foreign policy must be based on the principles of international law and consistently adhere to them
"A rules-based world order is of utmost importance for the small population of Estonia
which lies beside a major power," she said
do not take a clear and principled position that international law applies to everyone
then we should not be surprised if other countries neither speak up for us nor take action to defend us in the future
should war ever come to our territory," Postimees quotes Keresztely as saying
The organizers said they "unequivocally condemn antisemitism
and all other forms of racism." They also asked participants to avoid using the chant "From the river to the sea" which has led to police intervention in the past
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people is one of the longest-running and most violent disputes in the world, the BBC writes
"Every round of fighting has seen people killed on both sides
the vast majority of them Palestinians in Gaza," it said
The most recent war started after October 7
when Hamas fighters launched an assault from Gaza
killing about 1,200 people in Israel and taking more than 250 hostages
This triggered a massive Israeli military offensive in Gaza
according to the Hamas-run health ministry
On Monday, Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas, which reportedly includes capturing Gaza and holding the territory, the BBC reported
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The Old Town jewelry store, which opened on East Mountain Avenue around two years ago, is taking over the former Domistyle furniture store, 200 Linden St.
according to owners Susan and Andrew Madison
The corner building was the longtime home of The Wright Life sporting goods store, which downsized and moved its operations to the back of its Linden Street building in 2019. Its owners Bill and Holly Wright sold The Wright Life shop in the summer of 2024
They retained ownership of its online store
said the move to the prime Old Town corner will afford the shop 1,000 more square feet than its previous home at 119 E
Doozie Jewelry specializes in custom jewelry — especially engagement rings and wedding bands — made by Susan
and serves as a gallery space for Andrew Madison's paintings
As the couple gets ready for the shop's early-May opening
his canvases of colorful cacti dotted its red brick walls
they plan to participate in First Friday Art Walks and possibly bring in pieces from guest artists
Start your summer planning: The Holiday Twin, Northern Colorado's last drive-in movie theater, is opening for season
Susan Madison said the couple liked the Linden Street space's open concept and walls of windows
which bring in natural light from its west and south sides
Andrew Madison said he already has fond memories of the building
a popular teen hangout known for its walls of skateboards and array of disc golf gear
Susan's jewelry display counter will be complete
its furniture will be moved over and arranged
Everything is nearly ready for the building's next chapter
Are we looking at a sunny Easter? Here's your weekend forecast.
Want to see more from reporter Erin Udell? Subscribe to The Buzz, her weekly newsletter about Northern Colorado business, development, real estate and restaurants.
North Dakota
as one of the least populated states in the country
is a place of wide-open spaces and unspoiled natural beauty
Hidden amidst the vast countryside are small
delightful escapes with some of the prettiest main streets
From the best ice cream in Bottineau to the oldest continuously operating movie theater in Lisbon
Life in these small communities moves a little slower
but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do
Be sure to check out these idyllic North Dakota communities when you want a slice of Americana in the Peace Garden State
Not too far from the Montana border in western North Dakota is Medora, tucked in the heart of the Badlands near the Theodore Roosevelt National Park
not much has changed in Medora in all the best ways
The Old West-style buildings with the towering Badlands in the distance feel like walking into the days of the Wild West (minus all the saloon brawls)
it’s best to stop at the Medora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
It’s where you can learn about all the community events happening in the area
like watching The Outlaws Live at the Old Town Hall Theater
You can also stop in delightful shops like Little Missouri Saloon & Dining Room
or experience Medora’s past at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
You know you've made it to Jamestown when you find yourself face to face with the world’s largest buffalo monument
Dakota Thunder is a massive 26-foot-tall concrete buffalo and one of the most iconic roadside attractions in Jamestown
you can also check out the National Buffalo Museum to learn more about these animals' role in the American West
walkable community with cozy shops like Babb's Coffee House or the beautiful Stutsman County Memorial Museum
there’s no better stop than Frontier Village
Many of the original buildings from old Jamestown were relocated to this spot
equipped with antiques and artifacts for visitors to gain insight into the days of the American West
Settled along the banks of the Sheyenne River is Valley City
the town is known for its charming bridges
its most famous bridge is the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge
known as one of the longest and highest single-track railroad bridges in the United States
You can’t walk across it because it’s still used for railcars
but you can see it from Chautauqua Park and learn a little more about it at the Valley City Rosebud Visitor Center
Central Valley City has a bit of an artistic flair
You can grab a cup of coffee at Alley Beans Coffee & Roastery before exploring this tight-knit neighborhood
with notable festivals like Summer Nights on Central and Sheyenne RiverFest
Located in eastern North Dakota just south of Fargo
Wahpeton delivers all of the excitement of a bustling city in a much smaller space
You can visit quaint attractions like the 29-acre Chahinkapa Zoo or spend a lazy afternoon at Chahinkapa Park
you may even catch a glimpse of a dinosaur (not a real one
but a velociraptor sculpture made of scrap metal)
Many of the buildings near Dakota Avenue are on the National Register of Historic Places
like the massive Richland County Courthouse
which is no longer operational but stands as a historical landmark
Wahpeton also has artistic appeal in addition to its ornate
has annual exhibits worth checking out and serves as Wahpeton’s visitors center
If you didn’t know that Lisbon was there, you likely would never stumble upon this hidden gem. Situated in the heart of the Sheyenne National Grassland
it has one of the prettiest downtown areas anywhere in the state
You can expect ornate brick buildings with accented stone pieces and a touch of Art Deco
There’s no better example of the unique architecture in Lisbon than the Ransom County Courthouse
built in the 1930s (the peak of the Art Deco movement in America)
Lisbon leans into its small-town charm with attractions you may not find anywhere else in the country
The Scenic Theater opened its doors in 1911 and is believed to be one of the oldest continuously operating movie theaters in the United States
You can still visit the theater to catch a show
although the films playing today are quite different from those in the early 1900s
You can also grab a bite to eat at The Bronc
then explore the Sandager Park and enjoy the views of the Sheyenne River
Bottineau boasts natural beauty from the highest peaks to Main Street
There are plenty of outdoor adventures to discover just outside the city limits
but the real fun in Bottineau lies on its charming streets
The best time to visit is during the Bottineau County Fair
Bottineau’s biggest claim to fame isn’t the county fair or even the tranquility of the Turtle Mountains
While there are quite a few shops to grab a sundae or a cone
It’s one of North Dakota’s last remaining small-time creameries and was nominated as one of the country's top 50 ice cream parlors by USA Today
you have to add Bottineau to your North Dakota road-trip itinerary
The town's central hub on 3rd Street SW has a bit of everything: Darling little restaurants
It’s the type of town where you don’t feel like you need to rush
You can grab a slice of pizza at the Pizza Shop and then explore the unique Island Park
which is surrounded by water from an oxbow of the Goose River
One of the best places to visit in Mayville is the Rainbow Garden and Sculpture Walk
located right across 3rd Avenue and across from the Island Park
well-manicured green space in with paved walking paths
It also has live music and food trucks in the summer
If you’re looking for a small, quiet community to relax and explore, look no further than Washburn. Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River
Washburn is truly a North Dakota secret gem
with quaint shops that provide retail therapy in an old-timey setting
Exploring the Old West-style buildings feels like traveling back in time
You can order a drink at Riverboat Saloon and dine on classic American comfort food at the cozy Cafe 77
As you travel south down Main Avenue and turn onto 6th Street, the road will eventually lead to Boat Ramp Road, where you can take in the scenic spots of Washburn. You can walk along the Missouri River at Riverside Park or walk through Washburn Dog Park (which is not too far from where Lewis and Clark spent the winter in the 1800s)
If you want to learn more about Washburn's connection to Lewis and Clark
be sure to stop by the McLean County Museum
Though the proclamation is up for debate, a stone monument in the middle of town states that Rigby is the geographical center of North America
Aside from its convenient location smack dab in the center of America
Rugby is a charming town with a rich history
flat stretch of road with unique stops worth checking out
There’s the geographical center monument at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and U.S
The museum offers a glimpse into Rugby’s past with over 20 historic buildings
all furnished with antiques and exhibits that illustrate early life in Rugby
Another interesting stop is the Niewoehner Bell Tower
a collection of bells from various sources
These small communities will not disappoint the next time you want to hit the road; they deliver a vibe that makes you feel like you’re right at home
You can grab a bite to eat and take in the breathtaking view of the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge overlooking the Sheyenne River in Valley City
or stop by Jamestown to visit Dakota Thunder before taking a museum tour
and don’t be surprised if you leave with a few new friends
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