By Shay Lelonek / Asst. News Director

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — A weeklong program will give Teens in the St. Cloud area an opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship this summer.

The Business and Entrepreneur Exploring Post is an immersive program from June 9 to June 13, 2025.

The program is open to anyone between 14-20 years old.

Participants will spend five days visiting a variety of businesses throughout the St. Cloud area, learning about marketing, management, finance, human resources, and more.

Each day, attendees will receive direct interaction with local professionals, hands-on learning activities, and real-world skill-building experiences..

Space is limited and registration is required.

To register, visit bsacmc.org/exploring.

COOPER CITY, FLA. (WSVN) – The president of the Optimist Club of Cooper City was arrested and charged after, investigators said, he embezzled more than $13,000 by misusing donor funds, field rental fees and concession stand sales.

Herminio Molina, 57, is accused of orchestrating an organized scheme to defraud between January and December 2024 while serving as the volunteer president of the youth sports nonprofit. He faces charges of grand theft and obtaining property by fraud, both involving amounts under $20,000.

Molina told 7News he was stunned by the allegations as he left jail Tuesday.

“I’m shocked, and hopefully it comes out the right way,” he said.

According to an arrest report, Molina unlawfully rented out a city-owned soccer field for $200 without proper authorization, accepting payment via Zelle to his personal account.

City officials said he had no authority to rent the fields or collect money on behalf of the city. When questioned, Molina allegedly asked a city parks official to falsely claim he was authorized to accept the payment.

The investigation also revealed Molina solicited a $7,700 donation to fund the construction of metal equipment boxes for the Optimist program.

He reportedly paid the vendor using those donated funds, then allegedly submitted a reimbursement request to the Optimist treasurer for the same amount. Investigators said Molina was reimbursed in full by the nonprofit and never repaid the donor, effectively double-dipping.

Additional scrutiny of Molina’s financial activity uncovered more than $3,300 in concession stand sales funneled through his personal Zelle account.

The sales occurred from September 2024 to January 2025 at fields operated by the City of Cooper City. Molina reportedly turned over only $281.50 to the Optimist account — just days after learning he was under investigation.

Officials said Molina also delayed turning in $1,000 donations from two local businesses until months after they were made, and only after learning of the inquiry.

Molina denied any wrongdoing.

“I’ve been in there 18 years, and I volunteer — president, commissioner, 18 years serving the community — and not once, not once,” said Molina.

The Optimist treasurer and other witnesses have provided sworn statements to police.

Molina was taken into custody and booked on April 15.

Community members said the investigations into the Optimist Club now casts a shadow over the youth programs it sponsored in the city.

“I think it’s horrible, because Cooper City Optimist Club is such a big part of our community, and it’s like a main thing in Cooper City,” said area resident Amanda Azzarito.

The City of Cooper City released the following statement regarding Molina’s arrest:

The City of Cooper City is troubled to learn of the arrest and multiple allegations against Herminio Molina, a former president of the Cooper City Optimist Club, involving suspected theft and fraud. The allegations against Mr. Molina are serious, and City staff has cooperated, and will continue to cooperate, with authorities throughout the ongoing investigation. As part of a continued commitment to transparency and accountability, the City is actively reviewing all applicable policies and procedures related to the use and rental of City fields and facilities. While the Optimist Club operates as an independent organization, the City of Cooper City values the Club’s long-standing mission, its positive role in our community, and its impact on the lives of local youth. The Club’s impact is made possible through the spirit and dedication of countless volunteers. Cooper City remains firmly committed to supporting youth programs and fostering strong community partnerships that prioritize the well-being of residents and the integrity of the organizations that serve them.

Molina believes he’s been made the target of a future potential political opponent.

“Coming up on elections, he knows I’m gonna be running, and one thing leads to another,” said Molina.

Molina’s attorney said he paid the initial $200 back to the city and he’s confident the charges will be dropped.

“It’s $200, right? You can’t even buy a hamburger in South Florida for $200, that he returned,” his attorney said.

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St. Maries Middle School Principal Victoria Carson worried students would lose opportunities to explore potential careers and channel their creativity when her shop program and several popular electives were cut due to budgetary constraints.

Fortunately, University of Idaho Extension has helped fill the programming void — launching a one-credit elective course in early 2025 offered during three class periods each school day.

Parents and School Board members in the small, northern Idaho logging community couldn’t be happier with the new, Extension-run Engineering, Agriculture, Range-forestry, Technology and Horticulture program (EARTH). Structuring EARTH as an elective course is a pioneering approach as most youth-tailored Extension programs are taught after school or during the summer, independent of school districts.

“We’re putting materials in front of kids that they would never be exposed to otherwise,” Carson said. “Our parents are really excited that their kids have this unique experience.”

Though the school doesn’t currently offer an official gifted and talented program, 28 high-performing youth were chosen to help pilot EARTH. Both the school and UI Extension hope to make EARTH available to the broader student body in the future.

“Our gifted and talented kids have been given an opportunity to extend their learning,” Carson said. “They’re performing above their peers and needed an opportunity to be challenged.”

EARTH was created by two first-year UI Extension employees serving Benewah County — Madison Sotin, the county’s UI Extension 4-H Youth Development program coordinator, and Lauren King, an Extension educator who specializes in agriculture, natural resources and 4-H. Sotin, King and Mary Jo O’Riley, who works for Extension with funding from the AmeriCorps program, take turns teaching EARTH classes, working together during some of the most intensive lessons.

Sotin had prior teaching experience from three summers spent working as an AmeriCorps STEM youth instructor. King had coached youth sports, served as a summer camp counselor and taught youth tour groups while working at the U of I Pitkin Forest Nursery in Moscow. Furthermore, King’s status as an associate professor reassured School Board members that qualified teachers would oversee EARTH.

“The principal and the School Board asked us, ‘Who else is doing this?’ and we were like, ‘Nobody,’” King said. “The other super unique thing is Madison and I are both new. I think we’ve made an impact on the community, we’ve shown what we’re capable of, and they’re excited to see more from us.”

The class emphasizes hands-on learning. A group of students appeared before their School Board to present the model bridges they designed and constructed during the EARTH engineering section. For another lesson, classes made miniature habitats from cardboard and art supplies depicting scenes of post-wildfire landscape recoveries. An especially popular project involved positioning matchsticks on a platform to mimic a forest, with some matchsticks spaced close together and others far apart. The students got to ignite their mock forests outdoors, demonstrating the fire risk posed by forest overgrowth.

To supplement their lessons, the Extension instructors sometimes recruit other Extension team members and professionals from the community to serve as guest lecturers. For example, Jessie Van Buren, an Extension educator based in Latah County, brought a realistic, foam beef carcass to the classroom, demonstrating how to break it down into individual cuts of meat. Tami Goetz, a 4-H area Extension educator, spoke to the class about leave-no-trace principles when recreating in the outdoors.

“I think this class is way different than all of the other ones because you actually get to do things and build things,” said a student in the EARTH program who plans to become a marine biologist. “I look forward to this class every day. It’s helped me to learn about environments and ecosystems.”

The impetus for EARTH came when the UI Extension office no longer had access to a small building it had used as a 4-H STEM center at the conclusion of a donated lease. Sotin approached Carson, who is a family friend, about the possibility of housing equipment and supplies from the STEM center in the middle school’s former shop room, suggesting it could be used for an after-school learning program offered every other day. Carson had a grander vision, encouraging them to use the equipment for teaching multiple sessions of a STEM-based class during school hours.

“We said, ‘OK then, let’s go be middle-school teachers,’” Sotin said. “It’s honestly gone much better than I thought. We have a really solid group of kids who have gotten super interested in it. They tell us time and time again that we’re their favorite class, which has given us an appreciation that we’re doing the right thing.”

Sotin and King will investigate options for hiring a full-time EARTH teacher prior to next fall, which would allow them to remain active in the program while freeing time for them to invest in their other Extension duties.

EARTH is offered on a pass-fail basis. Sotin and King will distribute surveys near the end of the school year to guide program improvements. They’ll also have students retake a test they assigned at the start of the class covering the subject matter to demonstrate their progress. They’ll submit additional data to school administrators assessing students’ level of participation in the class, respectfulness and completeness of their projects.

Published in Catching Up with CALS

Bobby Ferguson grew up in the heart of South Linden, near the intersection of Cleveland and E. 22nd Ave. It was there that he was introduced to tennis at age 14, through the Wolfe Park Tennis program. 

“No one from my neighborhood had access to the sport of tennis and I understood the disparity around me,” said Ferguson. “The idea of the 22nd Foundation came from there – providing a gateway for youth today. I’m a big believer that sports are a pathway in life and teach us skills we will use forever.” Established in 2014, the 22nd Foundation seeks to bridge the gap that exists between the minority community and sports like tennis and golf. The nonprofit’s mission is to expose youth to diverse activities, providing resources, education, support and, ultimately, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to be leaders.

The foundation is one of the many facets of Ferguson, an entrepreneur who has been producing events for over 20 years. Widely recognized as a creative marketing expert, he has an extensive track record as a catalyst for numerous innovative campaigns. One of these is SUMMER614, a premier two-day music festival at the Columbus Commons featuring R&B, Hip-Hop and Soul artists. It’s a powerhouse event of music, community and culture happening on May 30th and 31st. With a stellar lineup of live performances, food trucks and on-site vendors, the atmosphere is electric, but SUMMER614 is about more than just entertainment. Now in its eighth year, Ferguson chooses to utilize the event as a platform for change and giving back. “I realized that we weren’t just putting on concerts, we are also providing a therapeutic outlet for many people,” he shared. “That was the inspiration to start the Music is Therapy initiative, in which healing is facilitated through music.” Music is Therapy launched last year, when SUMMER614 included a wellness lounge and a silent disco, providing spaces dedicated to encouraging mental and emotional health sponsored by Franklin County Commissioners.  

In 2025, SUMMER614 is expanding its reach and partnering with Revolution Mortgage. The Thomas Martin team will be hosting a Rev Suite at the festival, an interactive station focused on financial literacy and home ownership. There will be a wide range of resources available to provide information in accessible, straightforward terms. “We’ve assembled a team of real estate professionals, CPA’s and lenders who will be on site to help you navigate your path to home ownership,” said Sam Martin, Branch Production Manager.  “Understanding financial literacy is a key component of buying a house and we are excited to share that information with folks at SUMMER614.” 

In addition to the experts who will be available for guidance, on the second day of the festival SUMMER614 will be giving away $5,000 for a down payment on a new home for one lucky attendee. 

“Columbus is one of the fastest growing real estate markets in the country. That being said, home ownership is still a challenge for many in the minority community,” continued Martin. “When we share the importance of financial literacy, when consumers understand the process and have the tools they need, that is how they can change their lives.”

Ferguson also understands the significance of communicating this information with as many people as possible. “I want the events I produce to not only be enjoyable, but also to have an impact. With this partnership with Revolution, we are making a huge difference in the community. When we are able to set ourselves up for success and help others do the same, we will get further than we ever imagined.”

Visit 22foundation.com to learn more about The 22nd Foundation.

Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!

Partnership Combines Professional-Level Insight with US Sports Camps’ Commitment to Impactful Youth Development

SAN RAFAEL, CA, UNITED STATES, May 13, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — US Sports Camps, the nation’s largest sports camp network, is thrilled to announce a dynamic new partnership with Players Way, the official youth development initiative of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). This collaboration will introduce The Players Way Summer Series, powered by US Sports Camps, launching at select locations nationwide in summer 2025.

“At US Sports Camps, we believe that sport is a catalyst for lifelong growth,” said Brian Sackinsky, Vice President at US Sports Camps. “By joining forces with Players Way, we’re delivering something truly special — an elite baseball development environment shaped by the experience and mentorship of former Major League Players. It’s about more than just skill-building — it’s about character, confidence, and creating memories that last a lifetime.”

Players Way is committed to elevating the standard of amateur baseball. Through development programming, approved events, and trusted partnerships, this initiative connects athletes, families, and organizations with resources and opportunities grounded in the values of the MLBPA. With a focus on player development and industry transparency, Players Way is reshaping the amateur sports landscape — one player at a time.

Set to debut this June, The Players Way Summer Series is a four-day, high-impact baseball camp designed to challenge, inspire, and empower youth players across all skill levels. Camps will run daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a special registration and welcome event kicking off at 8:00 AM on the first day.

“Our vision with Players Way is to redefine what youth sports development looks like,” said DJ Wabick, CEO at Players Way. “This partnership with US Sports Camps helps us reach more kids, more communities, and ensures that today’s young athletes learn how to play and grow through the game from the very best.”

Program highlights include:

Elite, position-specific instruction created by former professional players and seasoned coaches

Offensive and defensive skills sessions to strengthen in-game performance

Team and individual competitions designed to build confidence and camaraderie

Final Day Baseball5 Tournament — a fast-paced, high-energy celebration of skills, teamwork, and fun

As USSC celebrates its 50th anniversary, this new collaboration underscores its strong dedication to advancing youth sports development. By partnering with respected organizations like the Players Way, USSC deepens its commitment to helping young athletes gain expert guidance, build essential skills and confidence, and establish a strong foundation for success in their athletic endeavors and future pursuits.

Camps will be held in multiple locations, including Arizona, Florida, Wisconsin, California, and Texas, with more sites to be announced.

For more information regarding the Players Way Summer Series, powered by US Sports Camps, visit theplayersway.com/event-listing-baseball/ or to explore additional US Sports Camps, visit www.ussportscamps.com.

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About US Sports Camps

US Sports Camps (USSC), headquartered in San Rafael, Calif., is America’s largest sports camp network and the licensed provider of Nike Sports Camps for the past 30 years. The company has offered sports camps since 1975 with the same mission that defines it today: to shape a lifelong enjoyment of athletics through high-quality sports education and skills enhancement. USSC is part of the Youth Enrichment Brands (YEB) network, which aims to enrich, empower, and inspire kids by delivering best-in-class sports, academic, and creative experiences. Other brands in the YEB network include i9 Sports, the nation’s largest multi-sport provider of youth sports leagues, Streamline Brands, the world’s largest operator and franchisor of swim schools, and School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education.

About Players Way

Players Way is the official youth development initiative of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), committed to elevating the standard of amateur baseball. Through development programming, approved events, and trusted partnerships, Players Way connects athletes, families, and organizations with resources and opportunities grounded in the values of the MLBPA. With a focus on player development and industry transparency, Players Way is reshaping the amateur sports landscape — one player at a time.

Brynna Powell
Proof PR
yeb@proof-pr.com

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