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$650K Awarded To NJ Umpire ‘Viciously’ Assaulted By Coach At Kids Baseball Game In Branchburg

“Our focus has to be the kids. We need to ensure that youth sports remain a place for them to learn and grow in a safe environment. I hope this verdict will prevent any future events from occurring,” said Umpire James Neely of Middlesex. On Wednesday, Neely was awarded a $650,000 verdict following a two-day […]

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“Our focus has to be the kids. We need to ensure that youth sports remain a place for them to learn and grow in a safe environment. I hope this verdict will prevent any future events from occurring,” said Umpire James Neely of Middlesex.

On Wednesday, Neely was awarded a $650,000 verdict following a two-day trial in Middlesex County against former Little League assistant coach Jerry Otero.

The verdict comprised of an award of $500,000 in compensatory damages and $150,000 in punitive damages, and is believed to be the largest such verdict in New Jersey history, according to Neely’s attorney, Andrew L. O’Connor, of Nagel Rice in Roseland.

“People’s behavior at youth travel sports has become completely out of control. This verdict sends a strong message that this type of outrageous conduct will not be allowed at youth sporting events,” said O’Connor.

The lawsuit stemmed from an assault on June 4, 2022 when Neely was umpiring a 13U Little League baseball travel tournament in Branchburg.

During the game, Otero believed that a balk call was missed and proceeded to spend several innings harassing, cursing, and using “extensive profanity” in front of the 13-year-old players at umpire Neely, according to the lawsuit.

As a result of Otero’s conduct, Neely ejected Otero from the Little League game. Otero then approached Neely, and “without warning or justification,” hit Neely in the face in front of the players of two Little League baseball teams, and their parents and spectators, according to the suit.

Neely suffered a concussion and multiple fractures to his jaw, which required that his jaw be wired shut.



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Youth baseball coaches fired after streaking at upstate NY tournament

Two youth baseball coaches have been fired after they were filmed stripping naked and streaking at an upstate New York tournament for under-12s. Video circulating online shows the unidentified coaches from Lake Bluff, Illinois, stripping down under the field lights while their team was in Cooperstown for a tournament last weekend. One of the coaches, […]

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Two youth baseball coaches have been fired after they were filmed stripping naked and streaking at an upstate New York tournament for under-12s.

Video circulating online shows the unidentified coaches from Lake Bluff, Illinois, stripping down under the field lights while their team was in Cooperstown for a tournament last weekend.

One of the coaches, baring it all, slides headfirst into home plate as stunned children laugh.


One coach slide into home plate in the nude, video shows.
One coach slides into home plate in the nude, video shows. CBS News

“Oh my God!” one child exclaims, as another gasps: “What the hell?”

“Is he naked?” another kid asks.

It’s not clear what motivated the coaches to get naked for the creepy stunt.

However, their team — the Lake Bluff Youth Baseball Association’s 12 and under Blue team — was disqualified and the local sheriff’s department was called in, according to CBS Chicago.

Both coaches have been fired, the youth league confirmed.

“We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and have contacted relevant authorities.  We will continue to support those authorities in their investigations of this matter,” the association, from north of Chicago, said in a statement.


The two coaches have been fired by the youth league, officials said.
It’s not clear what motivated the coaches to get naked. CBS News

“We have also taken immediate and decisive action by terminating the assistant coaches involved,” the association added.

It’s unclear if the coaches were any of the players’ parents or if any legal action had been taken.

The Post has reached out to the Otsego Sheriff’s Department, which patrols Cooperstown, for additional information.

The Lake Bluff Youth Baseball Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.



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Jury finds former Springfield youth basketball coach guilty of multiple sex crimes involving children

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A jury found a former Springfield youth basketball coach guilty of multiple sex crimes involving children. Antwuan Looney faced two counts of child molestation and multiple counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape, and statutory rape. A judge will sentence him in September. Investigators said Looney had at least five juvenile victims and […]

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A jury found a former Springfield youth basketball coach guilty of multiple sex crimes involving children.

Antwuan Looney faced two counts of child molestation and multiple counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape, and statutory rape. A judge will sentence him in September.

Investigators said Looney had at least five juvenile victims and three other suspected victims. Investigators say the abuse started as early as 1995 and in some cases lasted for years. In a police report filed in 2004, a 13-year-old girl claimed that Looney was her basketball coach and he touched her inappropriately in her bedroom.

Investigators say another victim recounted several incidents where Looney raped or sexually abused her, all when she was around nine-years-old.

When he was questioned by detectives, Looney denied all of the allegations against him.

To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.



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Kendall Young Library has youth events in July | News, Sports, Jobs

Throughout July, the Kendall Young Library will be hosting a number of different events and story times for all ages. Students should attend the programs based on the classes they will attend in the fall of 2025 Children’s Summer Reading Program — Patrons, birth to fifth grade, can join in a variety of “Level Up […]

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Throughout July, the Kendall Young Library will be hosting a number of different events and story times for all ages. Students should attend the programs based on the classes they will attend in the fall of 2025

Children’s Summer Reading Program — Patrons, birth to fifth grade, can join in a variety of “Level Up at your Library” summer programs. There is a reading challenge, activity bingo and great programs each week. The deadline is July 31 for the reading challenge entries for the summer drawings.

Children’s Special Events — Tuesday, July 8, 5-7 p.m., Family Pool Party at the Webster City Outdoor Pool, free event for the whole family

Thursday, July 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Fonziba Drums (ages 8+) at Kendall Young Library

Thursday, July 17, 6:00 p.m. — Family Foam Party at Webster City Market Night — sponsored by Kendall Young Library

Children’s Weekly Programs –Wild Things 1 (PreK-K) will meet on Monday, July 7 and 14 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Wild Things 2 (first to second grade) will meet on Tuesday, July 1, 8 and 15 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Fuzzy Ducklings (Under 3 years) will meet on Wednesday, July 2, 9 and 16 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Tween’s Time (third to fifth grade) will meet on Thursday, July 3, 10 and 17 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Hungry Caterpillars (preschool) will meet on Friday, July 11 and 18 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Teen Summer Reading Program–Patrons who will be in grades six to 12 this fall can join in a variety of “Level Up at your Library” summer programs. There is a 10-day reading challenge along with both scheduled and “on your own time” programs each week. Detailed information is available at the Adult Checkout Desk or in the Teen Area. Please make sure to get all entries in by July 31.

Game of the Week — Each week throughout the summer there will be a new game featured as the “Game of the Week”. Mondays from 10-11a.m. the game will be presented with the rule and an opportunity to play with friends. The game will also be available all week if you want to stop-in, try it out and vote how you liked the game.

Teen Lounge — Patrons in grades 6-12 are invited on Tuesday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Join us weekly for video games, snacks, crafts, board games, and more.

Special crafts in the theme of “Level Up At Your Library” will be provided each week.

Teen Games — “Fun before the Sun…Thursdays” is time for games and adventures. Each Thursday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Teens activities will include games, movies, a scavenger hunt and mini golf which will be held inside the library.

Teen Crafternoons — Kendall Young Teen area will have a Crafternoon Station throughout the summer. Each week, beginning on Wednesdays, a new craft will be presented. This activity is available whenever the library is open.

The Teen Area STEM Cart is available for the adventurous builder. There are a variety of plans and materials will be provided. Stop at the reference desk to get more information any time this summer.Community Lego Build — Students are invited to participate in building the Lego Disney Villain Icons. This project is available during all open hours of the library and it is located in the Young Adult Area.

The Teen area located in the Kendall Young Library offers a variety of board games, community Lego build, Chromebooks, video games, books and activities that are always available.



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Orcutt sails into championship round; Lompoc eliminated | Youth Sports

The Orcutt 14U All-Stars scored 36 runs total in their first three tournament games, and they did not slow down Tuesday. The host team roared into the championship bracket of the Central California Babe Ruth 14-Year-Old Tournament, beating Madera 16-0 on Morrison Field at Morrison Park, Orcutt’s home site. Orcutt will face the Madera-Hanford winner […]

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The Orcutt 14U All-Stars scored 36 runs total in their first three tournament games, and they did not slow down Tuesday.

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Sports calendar: July 4–13, 2025

Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 9 Joe Martin Field The Edmonton Riverhawks return to Bellingham after the Fourth of July weekend for a three-game series against the Bells July 8–10. Bellingham is 4-1 this season against the Riverhawks, and both teams are competing for the top spot in the North Division. […]

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Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells

6:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
Joe Martin Field

The Edmonton Riverhawks return to Bellingham after the Fourth of July weekend for a three-game series against the Bells July 8–10. Bellingham is 4-1 this season against the Riverhawks, and both teams are competing for the top spot in the North Division.

Tiny Tykes Tuesdays

10 a.m. Tuesday, July 8
Lee Memorial Park

Keep the kids busy this summer with a series of classes that provide them a positive introduction to team sports. Coaches will lead activities, drills and mini-games to build basic skills along with sportsmanship and community. The featured sports include baseball, football, track and soccer.

Cascade Connections Cornhole Tournament

5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8
District Brewing

Gather friends or compete by yourself in some backyard, easygoing corn hole at District Brewing in Ferndale. The cost is $10 to enter, and the event will last until approximately 8 p.m.


Friday, July 4

WCL

Port Angeles Lefties at Bellingham Bells, 4:05 p.m.

Pro league

Pittsburgh Pirates at Seattle Mariners, 1:10 p.m.

Recreation

Bioluminescense Kayak Tour at Larrabee State Park, 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 5

WCL

Port Angeles Lefties at Bellingham Bells, 6:05 p.m.

Pro league

Pittsburgh Pirates at Seattle Mariners, 7:10 p.m.

Recreation

Chuckanut Foot Race at 100 Harris Ave., 9 a.m.

Lummi Island Full Day Kayak Tour, 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, July 6

WCL

Port Angeles Lefties at Bellingham Bells, 1:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Storm at New York Liberty, 10 a.m.

Pittsburgh Pirates at Seattle Mariners, 1:10 p.m.

Monday, July 7

Recreation

All-Comers Track and Field at Civic Stadium, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, July 8

WCL

Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells, 6:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Mariners at New York Yankees, 4:05 p.m.

Recreation

Tiny Tykes Tuesdays at Lee Memorial Park, 10 a.m.

Cascade Connections Cornhole Tournament at District Brewing in Ferndale, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 9

WCL

Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells, 6:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Storm at Connecticut Sun, 8 a.m.

Seattle Mariners at New York Yankees, 4:05 p.m.

Recreation

Summer Play Days on the Barkley Village Plaza, 10 a.m.

Thursday, July 10

WCL

Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells, 6:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Mariners at New York Yankees, 4:05 p.m.

Friday, July 11

WCL

Bellingham Bells at Kamloops NorthPaws, 6:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers, 4:10 p.m.

Connecticut Sun at Seattle Storm, 7 p.m.

Recreation

Northwest Tune-Up festival on the Bellingham waterfront, all day

Saturday, July 12

WCL

Bellingham Bells at Kamloops NorthPaws, 6:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers, 10:10 a.m.

Sporting KC at Seattle Sounders, 5:30 p.m.

Recreation

Lake Whatcom Triathlon at Bloedel Donovan Park, 7 a.m.

Northwest Tune-Up festival on the Bellingham waterfront, all day

Sunday, July 13

WCL

Bellingham Bells at Kamloops NorthPaws, 2:05 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers, 10:40 a.m.

Washington Mystics at Seattle Storm, 3 p.m.

Recreation

Northwest Tune-Up festival on the Bellingham waterfront, all day

CDN’s sports calendar is published online Thursdays and in print Fridays. To submit an event for consideration, email nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com. News Producer Eric Trent compiled the featured listings.

Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN’s sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.



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Plenty of youth activities in Northeast Michigan | News, Sports, Jobs

Jackie Krawczak Having been involved in a career in the Alpena area community for nearly 20 years there is one pattern of comments that shows up repeatedly that I just cannot make sense of. What I’m talking about is the perception that there is not enough for young people and […]

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Jackie Krawczak


Having been involved in a career in the Alpena area community for nearly 20 years there is one pattern of comments that shows up repeatedly that I just cannot make sense of.

What I’m talking about is the perception that there is not enough for young people and children to do in the area.

Not only have I been living and working in this area for almost 20 years, I also grew up in this area, living here until the age of 20 before heading off for college.

The experience I had growing up and the perspective I have about the community do not align with the common perspective that there are limited options for young people.

Sure, there might not be access to the same number and diversity of options as you might find in a bigger city, but there is plenty for children to do. So why is there a disconnect?

I am not certain, but I suspect the solution lies with parents or caregivers and not the community itself.

I do not have children, but I was a child who grew up in Northeast Michigan, and I have spent lots of time with children of all ages, and I really do not understand the complaint that there is very little for young people to do. There is so much to do and experience. Perhaps the parents or grandparents who don’t think there is much available need to do some research or explore a bit.

There are plenty of things to do at home or outside in the community. Some are free and others have related expenses.

The following is not an exhaustive list. Beaches. Rock hunting. Hiking. Exploring one of many different natural areas. Playgrounds. Splash pad. Fishing. Biking. Museums. Children’s plays. Children’s movies. Mini golf. Dinosaurs. Sidewalk chalk. Library. Art classes. Art projects (search online for ideas – there are thousands). Grab a book that helps identify leaves, trees, flowers, birds or something else in nature and explore. Build forts. Join a sport.

Children are creative if we foster that and allow them to be. If we plop them in front of a screen instead of finding something fun and creative for them to do, then yes, we may feel there is very little for them in the community. But that just simply is not true.

When my siblings and I were growing up, I remember my sister and I had what we called, “junk jars.” We would collect bits and pieces of things we found around the yard or inside, like buttons, feathers, or cool rocks, and put them in a jar. Then, when we felt like it, we would get our jars out and, “make stuff.” That meant we simply created whatever masterpiece we wanted with the items in our jars, some paper, glue, string, and whatever else we had.

I also recall hours of fun in buckets of water with empty dish soap bottles we used as squirt bottles.

We often explored the woods and created forts and games with each other and friends. We rolled down hills, sometimes in large cardboard barrels that I am not sure where they came from. We climbed plenty of trees. The older kids sometimes created games for the younger kids. We learned to bake and cook. We read. We looked for frogs and turtles and toads. We found chrysalises and kept an eye on the progress until they turned into beautiful butterflies.

There was so much to do. All the time. It was because our parents allowed us to create and explore freely. They had boundaries but they weren’t so strict that we couldn’t learn on our own. They took us on adventures as well. Camping, an event at a fair, a movie occasionally.

We didn’t need someone else to constantly entertain us.

Before you complain that there is nothing, or very little, for young people to do in your community, take a step back and spend some time thinking about all the things that do exist. Think about ways to encourage creativity and free play. Think about ways to let children interact with each other and learn to solve problems on their own. Think about places in the area you’ve never been and head out for the day. Explore.

It might change your perspective not only on what exists for young people but also your view on what a great place this region is for adults as well.

Jackie Krawczak is president of Jackie Krawczak LLC. Her column runs every three weeks on Thursdays. Follow Jackie on X @jkrawczak.



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