Luzerne County Children, Youth and Families holds Halfway to Halloween Trunk or Treat
WILKES-BARRE—The staff at Luzerne County Children, Youth and Families observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month in various ways throughout April, but perhaps none match the combined energy and educational value of their Halfway to Halloween Trunk or Treat, which was held for the second time on Saturday afternoon. Held in late April — about […]
WILKES-BARRE—The staff at Luzerne County Children, Youth and Families observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month in various ways throughout April, but perhaps none match the combined energy and educational value of their Halfway to Halloween Trunk or Treat, which was held for the second time on Saturday afternoon.
Held in late April — about six months from Oct. 31 — the event brought out a number of organizations from the area, all of whom distributed treats to the flocking children and service information to their parents.
“It’s about a little bit more than just the candy at this event,” said Luzerne County Council Chair John Lombardo. “Every one of these trunks, or most of them, have information related to the organization that set the trunk up.”
It’s critical information to be distributed, considering the tragic impact and consequences that sprout from child abuse. Lombardo was at the trunk or treat to support the cause and the families in attendance.
“I thought this was a great idea to bring the Children & Youth families out and show them that they’re appreciated, and just something kind of unique and different to do for them,” Lombardo said. “And I always enjoy a halfway to Christmas — halfway to whatever — type of event, so this was definitely something I wanted to do.”
Katrina Gownley, administrator at Luzerne County Children, Youth and Families, helped to distribute macaroni and cheese and hot dogs to the crowd, which she said had been steady throughout the afternoon. She was able to tell this year was a little bit bigger than last year because the first tray of hot dogs went quick.
It’s a positive, upward trend Gownley hopes to see continue as the event moves forward.
“Each year, we hope to improve,” Gownley said. “This year, we added a DJ, which is a lot of fun for the kids and the staff and the providers out there dancing.”
The event also exemplified the giving spirit of those who help Gownley operate Luzerne County Children, Youth and Families each and every day.
“It’s a family affair. A lot of my staff is here, which, it’s their day off, so it just shows their dedication,” Gownley explained. “A lot of us brought our children to help, so it’s a fun day.”
Jillian Thomas, a deputy director at Luzerne County Children, Youth and Families, spearheaded the event, which she said is good for the organization’s image and brings awareness to child abuse.
“It’s just kind of fun to do something in a different time of year and you’re not competing with all the other trunk or treats,” Thomas said.
The trunk or treat is truly for the children of the area, and Thomas had her young son and daughter, Xavier and Abigail, working with her throughout the day.
“I like to deliver the popcorn and make the popcorn,” Xavier said, describing his principal duties.
But just because the duo was working doesn’t mean there wasn’t time to sneak in a few sweet treats.
“I like chocolate,” Abigail said of her candy preferences.
Xavier, on the other hand, couldn’t wait for his media debut to end.
“We’re going to look for Airheads,” he explained, before heading off to check out the goodies being generously distributed nearby.
By: Brett Kennedy (MARYVILLE, MO) – The Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team began a 3 day boys basketball camp on campus in Maryville on Monday. Second year coach Matt Keeley and some of his players like juniors Trey Moala and Jack Ratigan were helping run drills for kids in 1st through 8th grade. The camp […]
(MARYVILLE, MO) – The Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team began a 3 day boys basketball camp on campus in Maryville on Monday.
Second year coach Matt Keeley and some of his players like juniors Trey Moala and Jack Ratigan were helping run drills for kids in 1st through 8th grade.
The camp intends to focus on fundamental skills for beginners and progressing the skills of higher players. The players and coaches enjoyed helping out the younger generation of players and giving back to the community.
“Kind of reminds you of why you do it. You know, college athlete, you get caught up in just reps and like the daily routine and everything,” said Moala. “But when you get out here with the kids, it reminds you to just take it a lot easier. So it’s fun.”
“Getting the kids out here, we’re just trying to get them to have fun. Giving them a place in the summer to just come and play basketball,” said Ratigan. “It’s a cool experience to be around college basketball players when you’re that age, to see just kind of what you want to be and it’s awesome to be that for these kids, to just be there for them.”
“To get the little guys into the gym always gives a new sense of energy and just remind us all when we got started and where everything was,” said Keeley. “It’s always just fun to see the different levels of abilities, energy and excitement. You definitely get a feed off of what they bring in here. Plus we get to hand them out green and white Northwest shirts and get them thinking Bearcats at an early age.”
The camp continues on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Northwest will hold a skills camp for boys next month on July 29th through the 31st.
Grimes County coach honored with ‘Be Remarkable’ award for dedication to youth sports
NAVASOTA, Texas (KBTX) – For more than two decades, Kevin Baker has poured his heart into coaching and mentoring young athletes in Grimes County. This week, that commitment was recognized as Baker received the “Be Remarkable” award, presented by Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers and KBTX. Baker, a former standout athlete who went to state in […]
NAVASOTA, Texas (KBTX) – For more than two decades, Kevin Baker has poured his heart into coaching and mentoring young athletes in Grimes County. This week, that commitment was recognized as Baker received the “Be Remarkable” award, presented by Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers and KBTX.
Baker, a former standout athlete who went to state in both football and basketball, has turned his love for sports into a lifelong mission of service. His coaching journey began with his sons and grandson and has since extended to generations of youth in the community.
“I started with my sons when they were little, and just kept going from group to group,” said Baker, who currently serves as president of the Grimes County Little Dribblers and coaches select AAU basketball teams.
Baker’s influence goes far beyond the sidelines. His sister, Jennifer Baker, who nominated him for the award, said she’s witnessed his tireless dedication firsthand.
“He’s always there for the kid. Early mornings, late nights, all day in the gym,” she said. “He loves sports, but more than that, he loves helping.”
That passion is echoed by Baker’s wife, who said she continues to be amazed by the energy and heart he brings to the court and community.
“It’s great to see his dedication—not just to the kids, but to the parents and everyone around him,” she said. “He keeps me going.”
For his selfless service, Baker was presented with a $500 check as part of the Be Remarkable program, which recognizes individuals making a meaningful difference in their communities.
“Coach, you are worth remarking about,” said Linda McMillan with Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers. “Thank you for the way you care for your family, serve your community, and inspire the next generation.”
If you have someone you want to nominate for our Be Remarkable campaign click here!
Tyrese Haliburton tore right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of NBA Finals
The Pacers said Monday an MRI confirmed the tear and Haliburton was scheduled to undergo surgery in New York. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Indiana Pacers confirmed Monday that star Tyrese Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon in the first quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder went on to win […]
The Pacers said Monday an MRI confirmed the tear and Haliburton was scheduled to undergo surgery in New York.
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Indiana Pacers confirmed Monday that star Tyrese Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon in the first quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder went on to win the game and title 103-91.
The team said an MRI confirmed the tear. Haliburton is scheduled to undergo surgery Monday evening with Dr. Martin O’Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
Haliburton – who was playing with a strained right calf – tumbled to the court in a heap, immediately began punching the floor in frustration and needed to be helped to the locker room in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Thunder June 22.
John Haliburton, Tyrese’s father, told ABC late in the first half it was an Achilles tendon injury, as the replays of the play clearly indicated. An MRI is still likely to confirm that, but there are simple tests – without a need for imaging – that doctors typically use to determine whether there is a serious injury to the tendon.
Haliburton was outside the locker room, with a walking boot on his right leg, standing on crutches, greeting his teammates as they came off the floor at the end of their season. There were hugs. There were tears.
“Doesn’t surprise me at all,” Pacers guard TJ McConnell said when asked if he was surprised Haliburton was there at the end to console teammates. “That’s who he is as a person, a teammate. He put his ego aside constantly. He could have been in the locker room feeling sorry for himself after something like that happened, but he wasn’t. He was up greeting us. … That’s who Tyrese Haliburton is. He’s just the greatest, man.”
Haliburton put no weight on the leg and had his face wrapped in towels as he was taken to the Pacers’ locker room for evaluation. Virtually the entire Indiana playing, coaching and medical staff surrounded him on the court once he got hurt. Even Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander quickly went over, touched Haliburton on the head as the Pacers guard lay face-down on the court and offered a kind word.
“All of our hearts dropped,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “But he will be back.”
13News had a crew at the Indianapolis International Airport when the team arrived back home early Monday morning. Haliburton was seen in a wheelchair and waved at fans who came out to support the team.
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
ACCESS Project’s Youth and Cops basketball comes to a close, more events planned through summer
LYNNWOOD—The ACCESS Project’s weekly Youth vs Cops basketball character building events came to a close on Tuesday, June 17, but its founder Wally Webster II says similar sporting events are planned through the summer – including volleyball, soccer, and flag football. ACCESS Project founder Wally Webster II, sharing how the last several months changed his […]
LYNNWOOD—The ACCESS Project’s weekly Youth vs Cops basketball character building events came to a close on Tuesday, June 17, but its founder Wally Webster II says similar sporting events are planned through the summer – including volleyball, soccer, and flag football.
ACCESS Project founder Wally Webster II, sharing how the last several months changed his life for the better by breaking down trauma barriers he had with law enforcement from his youth. Lynnwood Times | Mario Lotmore.
The ACCESS Project was started in 2022 as a collaborate movement bringing together government officials, educators, faith leaders, community organizations, and wellness professionals to support and uplift youth in Snohomish County.
One of the initiatives the ACCESS Project sponsored was to create a Cops versus Youth Basketball Game, an event purposefully designed to build trust, foster meaningful relationships, between law enforcement officers and youth.
“I love this because I’m a basketball guy,” Lynnwood City Councilman David Parshall, and former basketball coach, told the Lynnwood Times. “One of the reasons I liked coaching, both girls and boys, is that I knew how important it was to help keep some of these kids in school, work hard in their classes, and stay out of trouble.”
Lynnwood City Councilman David Parshall (holding ball) and referee Dio Boucsieguez gearing up to start a basketball match between youth and cops on June 17, 2025. Lynnwood Times | Mario Lotmore.
Refereeing several of the games was Lynnwood City Council candidate Dio Boucsieguez who told the Lynnwood Times on Tuesday that he had a “wonderful” time and thanked Webster for the opportunity.
“Seeing the kids get to know to the cops and vice versa over the course of the games made me happy,” said Boucsieguez. “Developing good relationships with our police is exactly what our Lynnwood boys need to keep them busy with good fun and out of trouble. I’m looking forward to refereeing more games in the future.”
Since April, youths have been squaring up with local law enforcement officers at Lynnwood’s Trinity Lutheran Church every Tuesday. Through that time many of the participants shared that they felt more connected with local law enforcement officers and were able to dispel feelings of fear toward them, now seeing them as just people.
“I feel more connected with the cops in my community. I feel more comfortable with them, and I’m no longer scared,” said Sai, one of the youths participating in the event.
The program particularly aimed to attract individuals who were introverted or lacked mentors who they could confide in with life’s challenges.
Deputy Marquies Moses, with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s office, shared that when the program first started there was some hesitancy among kids, and parents alike, believing that it was a setup to take the kids away. But they made it an effort to ensure the kids, and parents, knew that law enforcement were there to just have fun and be a continued support system for the kids.
“This place gave me somewhere to go every Tuesday to play basketball. It gave me a chance to meet police officers and learn to not be scared of them like I used to be,” said Axel, another youth basketball player.
Marisa, a mother whose child was involved in the program, shared that among people of color there is often a disconnect between community members and law enforcement, that often when they “see something they just keep quiet.”
“This is a really good program. Giving our kids the confidence in our authorities is really, really, important, because they feel safe and they feel like they have someone they can call on just in case,” said Marisa.
Adam attempting a three-point sot the basketball match between youth and cops on June 17, 2025. Lynnwood Times | Mario Lotmore.
A.J. Burke, Lynnwood Police Officer, said that when he was younger, he probably wouldn’t have joined a program like this because he lacked the life lessons and support at home to see “everyone as people.”
“What I hope everyone got from this is being able to see Police Officers as just people. People that you can talk to, just like your uncles, or cousins, or big brothers, your dad. We all go through the same things. When we’re on the court we’re all equal and that’s how it should be,” said Burke. “I’m not here to jam you up or get you in trouble, I’m here to help so come talk to me.”
Officer Luther Russell, with the Mountlake Terrace Police Department, added that at the end of the day cops take off their uniforms and spend time with their families, just like many of the youths who were playing basketball through the ACCESS Project’s program.
“We’re trying to be the stop before something bad happens. I don’t want to see your name on an arrest report. I don’t want to have to be the one who brings you to jail – that would literally break my heart,” said Russell. “Because when I look at you all I don’t just see some juvenile who wandered in off the street, I see my kids and other kids out there.”
Russell added that if there’s one takeaway, he hopes the kids walked away from the program with, it’s integrity matters; It’s doing the right thing when no one is watching. He also encouraged the kids to find a purpose in their lives because they only have one youth, and one life, to live.
Many of the police officers playing ball with the youths gave their personal cell phone numbers to the kids so they could be reached if they ever needed to talk or need a first contact before dialing 911.
“This event touched my heart. It touched my heart because I grew up in the rural south under Jim Crow. The laws were enforced by the Ku Klux Klan and most of the time the police officers were police officers during the day and clansmen during the night,” said Webster. “I was taught to fear in order to survive. To have this meeting, and this union between youth and police officers, helped me to dispel these emotions and those fears in a constructive way.
The purpose of the event, Webster added, was to provide youth with someone who they could call to prevent a criminal activity.
“There is a major difference between a video scenario and life. You cannot do what you see on TikTok, shut the screen off, and go to bed. If you do those same things in life, it will impact your life forever and ever. Think of the relationships you have with your friends, your community, with officers, with other adults who care about you so that you will have a long, productive life,” said Webster.
Back in April, Webster and the ACCESS Project’s Youth vs Cops basketball program was recognized by the Snohomish County Council with a resolution sponsored by Snohomish County Councilman Jared Mead.
On May 14, 2025, the Snohomish County Council unanimously passes a resolution recognizing the Cops versus Youth Basketball Games led by the Access Project and its founder, Wally Webster II. (L-R) Snohomish County Council members Megan Dunn and Strom Peterson, Lynnwood Municipal Court Judge Valerie Bouffiou, ACCESS Project founder and CEO Wally Webster II, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Marquies Moses, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Bureau Chief Mike Martin, and Snohomish County Council members Jared Mead, Sam Low, and Nate Nehring. Lynnwood Times | Mario Lotmore.
Webber Bill Aims to Keep Predators Away from Student Athletes
MORRIS COUNTY – He authored landmark legislation known as “pass the trash,” signed into law in 2018, to keep sexual predators out of the classroom. Assemblyman Jay Webber wants to keep student athletes safe from predatory coaches. On Thursday, the Assemblyman introduced a bill requiring anyone working with student athletes to undergo annual background checks. “This […]
MORRIS COUNTY – He authored landmark legislation known as “pass the trash,” signed into law in 2018, to keep sexual predators out of the classroom. Assemblyman Jay Webber wants to keep student athletes safe from predatory coaches.
On Thursday, the Assemblyman introduced a bill requiring anyone working with student athletes to undergo annual background checks.
“This isn’t the Saturday morning Little League of our childhood. This is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with the push to discover the next Shohei Ohtani or Caitlin Clark. The increasing demand for coaches and trainers and the popularity of travel teams has created more opportunities for our athletes while at the same time increasing their chances of being exposed to harm,” Webber (R-Morris) said. “Sadly, men and women who want to harm children find ways to work with children. And the lack of regulation and oversight within many youth sports makes it an attractive opportunity for predators.”
The bill comes on the heels of an explosive NJ.com investigation published this week that found more than 100 coaches, trainers, and sports complex owners have been accused of sex crimes against minors, 57 of those happening since 2020. Many were able to exploit the lack of background checks or inaccurate, out-of-date offender databases to gain access to victims.
A lack of uniform state law has allowed problematic coaches to avoid scrutiny and continue operating in the coaching realm. Despite thousands of youth sports teams across more than 20 sports, requirements for coaches vary drastically from league to league. Some require stringent background checks while others have none at all. The investigation found that some coaches with formal criminal charges are not on these lists. Some are on the list but still actively coaching.
The state sex offender registry, created under Megan’s Law in 1994, does little to deter offenders or prevent sex crimes, according to a 2009 study cited in the investigation. Seventy-two percent of that law’s offenders don’t appear on the registry. Only 14 of the 118 coaches accused of sex crimes since 2015 are registered sex offenders online.
Webber, a father of eight and a volunteer baseball, softball, and basketball coach, said he’s glad the NJ.com investigation has brought this critical issue to light.
“My children have been in every sport imaginable, and overall, sports have provided our kids with tremendous experiences and incredible opportunities. Parents perform their due diligence to keep their kids safe while they enjoy youth sports, but the tools are broken,” Webber said. “My bill will create uniform mandates for criminal background checks and tough penalties to encourage compliance for all youth sports coaches, trainers, and anyone working with our young athletes to keep predators away.”
Rapid City Rush | RUSH TEAM UP WITH YMCA TO LAUNCH NHL STREET HOCKEY CAMP
(RAPID CITY, S.D.)—The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, are teaming up with the YMCA of Rapid City to host their first-ever NHL STREET learn-to-play-hockey camp on Saturday, August 2nd from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Members of the Rush organization and the local hockey community will be in attendance to […]
(RAPID CITY, S.D.)—The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, are teaming up with the YMCA of Rapid City to host their first-ever NHL STREET learn-to-play-hockey camp on Saturday, August 2nd from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Members of the Rush organization and the local hockey community will be in attendance to run the clinic, which will feature hands-on instruction, skills stations, and scrimmages. Registration is open for all kids aged seven through 12, with no prior hockey experience required. All equipment will be provided, and you do not have to be a YMCA member to participate.
“The YMCA brings our youth together as a community to celebrate fun and wellness.” states Elaina Kempin, Marketing Director for the YMCA of Rapid City. “Our wonderful partnership with the Rapid City Rush helps us achieve our mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”
Launched in 2023, NHL STREET is the official youth hockey league of the National Hockey League. It is designed to provide kids and their families with the best of what youth sports can be: having fun, staying active, making friends and creating great memories. This is the first NHL STREET initiative offered in the state of South Dakota.
“NHL STREET was created to bring the love of hockey to more kids in more communities—and this event is a great example of that mission in action,” said Savannah Green, Director of Community Relations and Social Engagement for the Rush. “When you combine the energy of the Rush with the reach of community organizations like the YMCA, you unlock something really powerful.”
The YMCA of Rapid City is located at 815 Kansas City St., Rapid City, SD 57701. Registration is $35 per child. All participants will take home a custom NHL STREET hockey jersey.
Sign up here: bit.ly/RushYNHLStreet80225
2025-26 Rapid City Rush season tickets and mini plans are on sale now! You can score the best deals on tickets and take advantage of exclusive perks, including season ticket holder-only events and discounts at the team store. Call the Rush office at 605-716-7825 or visit www.rapidcityrush.com to learn more and secure your seats today.
