Wrap Technologies Relocates to Southwest Virginia

Technology

New Operations Will Create 126 New JobsGovernor Glenn Youngkin has announced the relocation of Wrap Technologies (Nasdaq: WRAP) to Southwest Virginia, marking a significant expansion of the company’s commitment to defense and public safety technology. The new manufacturing and distribution facility at Project Intersection in Norton will result in 126 new jobs, contributing to the acceleration of the region’s growing tech corridors.“As Wrap Technologies brings its operations to Virginia and creates more than 120 jobs, we are reaffirming the Commonwealth’s leadership in technology and innovation,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This expansion further accelerates our efforts to develop key technology hubs in the region.”The new 20,000-square-foot facility in Norton’s Project Intersection will serve as the central hub for Wrap’s manufacturing and distribution operations. This expansion will support the development of next-generation tech products, including Wrap’s innovative AI and VR training platforms, integrated body camera systems, and planned advanced drone technologies designed for safer and more efficient law enforcement practices.“Virginia continues to be a prime location for leading technology companies,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “Wrap Technologies’ investment will not only advance our public safety infrastructure but also contribute to economic development and high-tech job creation in Southwest Virginia.”“Our move to Virginia allows us to work closely with our already established base, focus on our Made in America tech strategy, and begin implementing our plans to deliver an integrated solution to our customers across the state,” said Wrap Technologies Founder and CEO Scot Cohen.“This is a tremendous victory in the region’s quest to expand our manufacturing base and create good-paying jobs,” said Senator Todd Pillion. “We are excited to welcome Wrap Technologies to Norton and appreciate their shared commitment to making Southwest Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”“Wrap Technologies opening its doors in Southwest Virginia is just the latest example of how our region is accelerating,” said Delegate Terry G. Kilgore. “Wrap’s investment in Southwest Virginia shows that our region is capable of leading in the modern technological workforce. Funding from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission helped make this project a reality. The Commission is always looking to bring businesses like Wrap Technologies to our region that will provide jobs and new capital, while also helping revitalize and diversify the local economy. This further proves that our region is just as competitive as anywhere in the United States to open your doors for business.”“We are thrilled to have Wrap Technologies moving to Southwest Virginia,” said Lonesome Pine RIFA Chairman Joseph Fawbush. “This is not just an investment in business but an investment in the people, community, and future of this region. This is another example of how the Lonesome Pine Regional Industrial Facilities Authority’s model of working together as a region helps make a rural area competitive in the recruitment of world-class companies like Wrap Technologies.”“On behalf of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, I would like to congratulate Wrap Technologies on selecting Norton, Virginia, for its next manufacturing location,” said VCEDA Executive Director Jonathan Belcher. “This project is a testament to the hard work of the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission, the Lonesome Pine Regional Industrial Facilities Authority, the region’s legislators, the Commonwealth, and the company. VCEDA was glad to assist by approving a $3,160,000 loan to the Norton Industrial Development Authority to assist with the construction of the new facility for this project at the Intersection development in Norton. This project is an excellent example of regional cooperation at its best, and of what is possible in the business-friendly environment of Southwest Virginia.”The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Lonesome Pine Regional Industrial Facilities Authority, the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission, InvestSWVA, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission to secure the $4.1 million project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $425,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist with the project. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission awarded an $800,000 grant through its Southwest Economic Development program to assist with this project.

Scientists discover the cutest but grumpiest little gecko you’ve ever seen

Science and Health

Miriam Fauzia | (TNS) The Dallas Morning NewsDALLAS — A new species of miniature gecko, not much longer than a match stick, has been discovered by biologists at the University of Texas at Arlington.The tiny lizards are among several species of geckos found in Venezuela. They were first discovered in 2002 scurrying along the lush forest floor of the Paria Peninsula in the northeast of the country. At the time, scientists believed the brown geckos with their pale markings and curious cone-shaped heads were an already known species. But that turned out not to be the case when more of these geckos were collected years later.“It’s a pretty cool discovery,” said Walter Schargel, a professor of biology at the University of Texas at Arlington, who led the new study about the lizards that was published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. He added that his team named the species the fuscofortunatus, or the lucky brown, because of “how lucky it was for us to find this tiny brown lizard in the middle of the leaf litter in this area.”There are more than 1,500 species of geckos worldwide. The smallest, at less than an inch long, is the dwarf gecko; the largest, at 14 to 17 inches long, is the New Caledonian giant gecko. In Texas, the two main species of gecko — the Mediterranean house gecko and common house gecko — can reach lengths of up to five inches and six inches, respectively.Pseudogonatodes fuscofortunatus, the full name of the species discovered by Schargel and his colleagues, is on the smaller side, measuring 1.5 inches from its snout to the base of its tail as an adult. With the tail included, it’s nearly 2.6 inches long. (Schargel said geckos often lose and regenerate their tails, so including its measurement in the total length is not always ideal for biologists.)It was in June 2002 that the gecko first caught Schargel’s attention. He and Gilson Rivas, a co-author on the study, were trekking through the Paria Peninsula when they spotted it. But given its size and propensity to hide in the dense forest floor, it was hard to catch. Rivas, who is based at the University of Zulia in Venezuela, managed to snag one when he returned a month later.“At the time, Rivas gave it a tentative identification,” Schargel said. “He said, ‘OK, well it might be another specimen of another species in the same genus that’s found in the central coastal range of Venezuela called Pseudogonatodes manessi.’”But because of how plentiful geckos were in the peninsula, the thought the lizard could be a new species remained in the back of Schargel’s mind.In 2014, Rivas and Mayke De Freitas, then at the University of Cambridge and another co-author of the study, revisited the same patch of forest in the Paria Peninsula and collected three more geckos.Those geckos, along with the one collected in 2002, had their scaly bodies measured in various ways and underwent a CT scan to compare their bone shape to other gecko species endemic to Venezuela. The researchers also did genetic analysis to parse out the relationship between these geckos and others in the peninsula.A team of biologists led by The University of Texas at Arlington has discovered a new tiny lizard species in the Paria Peninsula of northeastern Venezuela. (Katherine Bennett/UT Arlington/TNS)While some features of the Pseudogonatodes fuscofortunatus, such as its scale count and color pattern, bore a resemblance to those of other geckos in Venezuela’s coastal mountain range, that’s where the similarities ended.For one, its DNA sequence demonstrated significant genetic divergence, meaning its genome was unique compared to other known geckos.Another clue pointing to a new gecko species was the lizard’s skeletal structure. The nasal bones leading from the snout to the back of the gecko’s head were completely separate — something that’s been observed only in one other unrelated gecko species, Schargel said.“In the paper, we describe this condition as a ‘telescope skull,’ basically spy glasses,” he said, because of how the bones appear like they could retract and overlap.The parietal bones, which form the sides of the head, were completely fused, which Schargel said is very uncommon, not just for geckos but for reptiles in general.Why Pseudogonatodes fuscofortunatus developed this rare skull shape is a mystery for evolutionary biologists to unravel with future research, Schargel said. An answer may provide insights not only into the gecko’s evolution but our own as well, said Peter Uetz, an associate professor of biology at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center for Biological Data Science who was not involved in the study.“We could learn something about the human brain or skull development,” Uetz said. “These kinds of things are often determined by very few genes … When our ancestors were evolving and their skulls grew bigger and bigger, it’s one of those things you have to accommodate. How do you explain that?”For Jonathan Losos, a professor of biology at Washington University in St. Louis who was not involved in the study, the discovery exemplifies the importance of conservation and the need for scientists to search for undiscovered creatures before they go extinct. According to a 2022 World Wildlife Fund report, there’s been a 94% decline in biodiversity in Latin America and the Caribbean due to the impact of human activities on the environment.“It is remarkable how much we don’t know about common species and there’s so many species we know almost nothing about,” Losos said. “Probably the majority of the world’s species have yet to be discovered. We need to know what’s out there before it’s lost.”©2024 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Originally Published: November 22, 2024 at 11:07 AM PST

AI Summaries Simplify Science, Boosting Public Understanding and Trust

Science and Health

Summary: AI-generated summaries make scientific studies more accessible and improve public trust in scientists. Using GPT-4, researchers created simplified summaries that were easier to read and understand than human-written ones.Participants rated scientists whose work was described in simpler terms as more credible and trustworthy. While promising, using AI in science communication raises ethical concerns about accuracy, transparency, and potential oversimplification.Key Facts:AI-generated summaries improve public comprehension of complex studies.Simpler language boosts trust in scientists and their credibility.Ethical concerns include the loss of nuance and need for transparency in AI use.Source: Michigan State UniversityHave you ever read about a scientific discovery and felt like it was written in a foreign language? If you’re like most Americans, new scientific information can prove challenging to understand — especially if you try to tackle a science article in a research journal.In an era when scientific literacy is crucial for informed decision-making, the abilities to communicate and comprehend complex content are more important than ever. Trust in science has been declining for years, and one contributing factor may be the challenge of understanding scientific jargon.New research from David Markowitz, associate professor of communication at Michigan State University, points to a potential solution: using artificial intelligence, or AI, to simplify science communication.His work demonstrates that AI-generated summaries may help restore trust in scientists and, in turn, encourage greater public engagement with scientific issues — just by making scientific content more approachable.The question of trust is particularly important, as people often rely on science to inform decisions in their daily lives, from choosing what foods to eat to making critical heath care choices.Responses are excerpts from an article originally published in The Conversation.How did simpler, AI-generated summaries affect the general public’s comprehension of scientific studies?Artificial intelligence can generate summaries of scientific papers that make complex information more understandable for the public compared with human-written summaries, according to Markowitz’s recent study, which was published in PNAS Nexus. AI-generated summaries not only improved public comprehension of science but also enhanced how people perceived scientists.Markowitz used a popular large language model, GPT-4 by OpenAI, to create simple summaries of scientific papers; this kind of text is often called a significance statement.The AI-generated summaries used simpler language — they were easier to read according to a readability index and used more common words, like “job” instead of “occupation” — than summaries written by the researchers who had done the work.In one experiment, he found that readers of the AI-generated statements had a better understanding of the science, and they provided more detailed, accurate summaries of the content than readers of the human-written statements.How did simpler, AI-generated summaries affect the general public’s perception of scientists?In another experiment, participants rated the scientists whose work was described in simple terms as more credible and trustworthy than the scientists whose work was described in more complex terms.In both experiments, participants did not know who wrote each summary. The simpler texts were always AI-generated, and the complex texts were always human-generated. When I asked participants who they believed wrote each summary, they ironically thought the more complex ones were written by AI and simpler ones were written by humans.What do we still need to learn about AI and science communication?As AI continues to evolve, its role in science communication may expand, especially if using generative AI becomes more commonplace or sanctioned by journals. Indeed, the academic publishing field is still establishing norms regarding the use of AI. By simplifying scientific writing, AI could contribute to more engagement with complex issues.While the benefits of AI-generated science communication are perhaps clear, ethical considerations must also be considered. There is some risk that relying on AI to simplify scientific content may remove nuance, potentially leading to misunderstandings or oversimplification.There’s always the chance of errors, too, if no one pays close attention. Additionally, transparency is critical. Readers should be informed when AI is used to generate summaries to avoid potential biases.Simple science descriptions are preferable to and more beneficial than complex ones, and AI tools can help. But scientists could also achieve the same goals by working harder to minimize jargon and communicate clearly — no AI necessary.About this AI and science communication research newsAuthor: Alex TekipSource: Michigan State UniversityContact: Alex Tekip – Michigan State UniversityImage: The image is credited to Neuroscience NewsOriginal Research: Open access.“From complexity to clarity: How AI enhances perceptions of scientists and the public’s understanding of science” by David Markowitz et al. PNAS NexusAbstractFrom complexity to clarity: How AI enhances perceptions of scientists and the public’s understanding of scienceThis article evaluated the effectiveness of using generative AI to simplify science communication and enhance the public’s understanding of science.By comparing lay summaries of journal articles from PNAS, yoked to those generated by AI, this work first assessed linguistic simplicity differences across such summaries and public perceptions in follow-up experiments.Specifically, study 1a analyzed simplicity features of PNAS abstracts (scientific summaries) and significance statements (lay summaries), observing that lay summaries were indeed linguistically simpler, but effect size differences were small.Study 1b used a large language model, GPT-4, to create significance statements based on paper abstracts and this more than doubled the average effect size without fine-tuning.Study 2 experimentally demonstrated that simply-written generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) summaries facilitated more favorable perceptions of scientists (they were perceived as more credible and trustworthy, but less intelligent) than more complexly written human PNAS summaries.Crucially, study 3 experimentally demonstrated that participants comprehended scientific writing better after reading simple GPT summaries compared to complex PNAS summaries.In their own words, participants also summarized scientific papers in a more detailed and concrete manner after reading GPT summaries compared to PNAS summaries of the same article.AI has the potential to engage scientific communities and the public via a simple language heuristic, advocating for its integration into scientific dissemination for a more informed society.

The Dark Side of the ‘Support Small Business’ Movement

Business News

The “Support Small Business” movement has gained tremendous momentum in recent years, driven by a growing appreciation for local entrepreneurs and the unique value they bring to communities. From heartfelt social media campaigns to government-backed initiatives, supporting small businesses has become a moral imperative.
But beneath the surface of this feel-good movement lies a darker reality. Not all efforts to uplift small businesses lead to sustainable growth or fair practices. In fact, some aspects of this movement can harm the very businesses it seeks to support.
This article delves into the unintended consequences of the “Support Small Business” movement, shedding light on its flaws and exploring how consumers, policymakers, and businesses themselves can address these challenges.

Table of Contents

The Good Intentions Behind the Movement
Before examining its darker aspects, it’s essential to acknowledge the positive intentions of the “Support Small Business” movement. By encouraging consumers to shop locally, the movement fosters stronger communities, promotes economic diversity, and supports the dreams of entrepreneurs. Local businesses often bring creativity, innovation, and cultural significance to neighborhoods, making the call to support them a noble endeavor.
However, as with any movement, good intentions can lead to unintended consequences when not carefully managed.
The Dark Side: Unpacking the Challenges
1. Tokenism Over Real Support
One of the most glaring issues is the rise of token gestures that do little to provide meaningful support. Many consumers may purchase a single item from a small business, then return to their usual shopping habits at big-box stores or online giants. This sporadic support creates a false sense of progress for small businesses while leaving them financially vulnerable.
2. Unrealistic Expectations on Small Businesses
The “Support Small Business” movement often idealizes these companies, creating an unrealistic expectation that they should offer the same convenience, pricing, and services as larger corporations. Small businesses, with limited resources, struggle to compete in areas like 24/7 availability, free shipping, or extensive product ranges. These unrealistic demands can stretch their resources thin, leading to burnout or closure.
3. Exploitation of the Narrative
Some businesses and influencers exploit the “Support Small Business” narrative as a marketing tactic rather than a genuine commitment to ethical practices. This leads to a flood of brands falsely labeling themselves as small businesses to cash in on consumer goodwill, detracting from truly independent businesses struggling to stay afloat.
4. Pressure to Stay Local
While the movement emphasizes local shopping, it can unintentionally limit the growth potential of small businesses. Entrepreneurs looking to expand beyond their communities may face backlash for appearing “too big” or “too corporate,” trapping them in a paradox where success feels like betrayal to their supporters.
5. Impact on Margins
Consumers often expect small businesses to match the prices of big-box retailers or e-commerce giants while maintaining high-quality, unique products. This expectation erodes profit margins, leaving small businesses in a perpetual struggle to balance affordability and sustainability.

The Role of Consumers in Perpetuating the Problem
Consumers play a significant role in both supporting and undermining the movement.

Surface-Level Support: Many shoppers purchase from small businesses only during high-profile events like Small Business Saturday, creating an unreliable revenue stream.
Demanding Perfection: Unrealistic demands, such as expecting free shipping or round-the-clock availability, make it harder for small businesses to thrive.
The Price Comparison Trap: When consumers prioritize price over value, they undermine the unique offerings of small businesses, pushing them toward unsustainable practices.

How Small Businesses Contribute to the Problem
While the challenges often lie with external forces, some small businesses also make choices that exacerbate their struggles:

Lack of Differentiation: Failing to highlight what makes their products or services unique leaves small businesses competing solely on price.
Over-Reliance on Sentiment: Banking too heavily on the “support local” narrative without building solid customer loyalty or brand identity can lead to fragile businesses.
Inconsistent Quality or Service: Struggling to meet heightened expectations while cutting corners can alienate the very customers they aim to attract.

Rethinking the Movement: A Call for Sustainable Support
To create a truly impactful “Support Small Business” movement, both consumers and businesses need to rethink their roles:
1. For Consumers

Choose Value Over Price: Understand that small businesses often provide unique, high-quality offerings worth paying a premium for.
Be Consistent: Regularly support local businesses rather than treating it as a seasonal or occasional act.
Advocate for Policies: Push for policies that genuinely uplift small businesses, such as tax breaks, affordable rent, or better access to funding.

2. For Small Businesses

Focus on Differentiation: Emphasize what sets your business apart, whether it’s quality, customer service, or unique offerings.
Build Resilience: Avoid relying solely on emotional appeals and create a robust business model that can withstand market fluctuations.
Collaborate with Peers: Partnering with other small businesses can create mutually beneficial ecosystems and reduce competition.

3. For Policymakers and Influencers

Provide Structural Support: Advocate for policies that address systemic challenges like high rents, healthcare for small business owners, and fair access to loans.
Educate Consumers: Launch campaigns that highlight the true costs and value of supporting small businesses.

The Future of ‘Support Small Business’
The “Support Small Business” movement has the potential to drive meaningful change, but it needs to evolve. The future lies in creating a more balanced and realistic approach, where small businesses are not just supported but also empowered to grow sustainably. This requires honest conversations, a shift in consumer expectations, and systemic reforms that prioritize long-term viability over short-term sentimentality.
A critical aspect of this evolution will involve shifting the focus from emotional appeals to practical solutions. Emotional narratives—while powerful—cannot be the sole foundation of support. Instead, consumers must be educated about the tangible benefits small businesses bring to their communities, such as job creation, local investment, and cultural enrichment.
By fostering a deeper understanding of these impacts, the movement can transition from a feel-good trend to a meaningful economic driver.
Additionally, the future of small business support hinges on technological adaptation. Many small businesses lag behind in leveraging tools like e-commerce platforms, social media marketing, and customer relationship management software.
Supporting small businesses should include initiatives that provide affordable access to technology, training programs, and digital infrastructure. A technologically equipped small business is more resilient and capable of competing in today’s fast-paced economy.
Another critical area is the role of policymakers in driving structural reforms. Small businesses face systemic challenges like high operating costs, limited access to affordable credit, and complex regulatory requirements.
Addressing these barriers through targeted policies—such as tax incentives, grant programs, and simplified licensing processes—can create an environment where small businesses can thrive without relying solely on consumer goodwill.
Furthermore, community-level collaboration will play a pivotal role. Small businesses must work together, rather than competing against one another, to create local ecosystems that foster mutual growth. Collaborative marketing campaigns, shared resources, and cooperative buying groups can help small businesses amplify their reach and reduce costs, making them more competitive in the larger market.
Finally, the future of small business support depends on creating lasting relationships between businesses and their customers. Loyalty programs, storytelling, and personalised customer experiences can help small businesses retain customers while building trust and connection. For consumers, this means seeing themselves as long-term partners in a business’s success, rather than occasional patrons.
By focusing on these aspects, the “Support Small Business” movement can evolve into a sustainable, impactful force that not only helps businesses survive but also sets them up for long-term success. This reimagined approach will ensure that the movement continues to grow and adapt, benefiting both businesses and the communities they serve.

Conclusion: Support That Truly Makes a Difference
The “Support Small Business” movement is built on the foundation of good intentions, but good intentions alone are not enough. For it to achieve lasting impact, we must confront its darker aspects and work collectively to address them.
By moving beyond token gestures and focusing on sustainable support, we can ensure that small businesses thrive—not just survive—in a competitive marketplace.

Estimates put Buncombe’s tourism business losses from Helene at about $584M

Business News

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — For decades, the hum of life in Asheville has been intertwined with the vibrant tapestry of its small businesses. From cozy coffee shops and bustling breweries to artisan markets spilling with handcrafted goods, the city’s soul has long thrived on its entrepreneurs. But when Hurricane Helene brought record-breaking floods to the region, that rhythm faltered.
When the floodwaters of Helene receded, Asheville’s cherished small businesses were left grappling with a stark reality. The French Broad and Swannanoa rivers swelled, turning streets into streams and beloved storefronts into scenes of devastation. Local shops were overwhelmed. Walls buckled, inventory was ruined and livelihoods teetered on the brink.
Be part of the comeback
No one could have anticipated Hurricane Helene and the water system failure in Asheville and Western North Carolina, and it couldn’t have struck at a worse time for mountain communities, Explore Asheville CEO Vic Isley said in a news release.
“Based on preliminary estimates, Explore Asheville projects Buncombe County visitor economy may experience a 70 percent decline in Q4 2024 alone, translating to more than $584 million in lost revenue for restaurants and breweries, lodging, recreation and entertainment companies, retail shops and art galleries, and transportation partners,” Isley said in the release. “This matters to our entire community as it translates to lower revenues for local businesses, wages for workers, and tax revenues for municipal partners in a time when peak season generally carries us through to spring.”
But even in the face of these unprecedented challenges, there are beacons of hope.
Seven weeks after Helene, the city of Asheville restored potable water — a significant milestone for residents and businesses. Biltmore Estate and the Omni Grove Park Inn have reopened to guests, as have many of the city’s restaurants and breweries. And hotels and inns are again welcoming overnight guests. More than 970 partners have reported reopening their businesses, representing a 37 percent increase from last week, Isley said.
“Explore Asheville and Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s role is to support the health of our economy by shining a spotlight on our community’s creative and resilient spirit,” Isley said in the news release. “We are working more closely than ever with partners and collaborating with agencies near and far to help our community come back stronger than ever. Explore Asheville has directed more than $2 million toward recovery aid in our community, including our diamond sponsorship of the sold-out Soulshine concert in Madison Square Garden this Sunday night.”
Takeaways from Explore Asheville’s October board meeting include:

Finance Committee recommended revisiting a budget amendment at the next board meeting in January 2025
October lodging occupancy and demand hit record lows for what is traditionally peak season
Damage assessment of community capital project investments and grant fund cycles recalibrated for longer-range planning
Marketing strategy encourages visitors to plan their trip with heart this season, building on collaborative promotional and research efforts with Biltmore and Visit NC

October hotel occupancy was down 19 points from 2023 and 20 points from 2019, according to the news release. Vacation rental occupancy was down 15 points from 2023 and 12 points from 2019. October hotel demand was down 36 percent from 2023 and has not been this low since the 2008 recession. Vacation rental demand was down 28 percent from 2023.
“The spirit of holiday travel takes on a deeper meaning this year. While there is still a long road ahead for Western North Carolina, our county is still stunning and standing,” Isley said. “We invite you to join us in amplifying the Be Part of the Comeback marketing effort, which celebrates Asheville’s resilience and encourages visitors to plan their return with heart this holiday season. With progress being made every day, now is the time to inspire support for our deeply rooted, creative community.”
Answering the call
As Asheville emerges from Hurricane Helene’s impact, Explore Asheville’s recovery messaging centers on the Always, Asheville storytelling foundation, spotlighting the resiliency, ingenuity, culture of creativity, deep roots and independent spirit that have always defined the community.
Be Part of the Comeback invites visitors to join in the recovery journey by experiencing the vibrant businesses and activities that are already open and by participating in local seasonal traditions.
“Our holiday campaign speaks to the heart as it strategically welcomes visitors from drive and non-stop flight markets who align with Asheville’s core values,” Isley said in the news release.
Efforts include targeted weekly emails with curated itineraries and social posts amplifying reopenings across different areas of Buncombe County and business categories.
Explore Asheville’s new travel information landing page empowers visitors to easily navigate the region’s recovery and plan their return trip with heart and confidence. This page provides detailed travel routes to the Asheville area and Buncombe County, helps visitors find open places to stay, and allows users to search what businesses are open by category or neighborhood using this new interactive map.
 

Jensen family gifts book “Just Like Caitlin” to second graders locally and across the state

Arts & Culture, Books

As the giving season approaches, the Dickson and Luann Jensen Family is excited to give the book, ‘Just Like Caitlin,’ to EVERY second grader in the state of Iowa. This book tells Caitlin’s story and includes many important life lessons such as dreaming big, working hard, valuing relationships over winning and more. Dickson and Luann Jensen are proud Iowans, business owners, coaches, parents, and grandparents.Dickson is an Audubon High School Class of 1982 Wheeler! The Jensen family is proud of Caitlin and believe she is a great role model for all kids. Because of their love for children and desire to impact the next generation, they hope this book inspires kids to believe their future can be greater than they imagine. “We hope the kids enjoy the book…the concept of the book is to dream big, work hard and keep life in perspective. Any second grader can become whatever they want to be or do whatever they want (in life). Caitlin is an inspiration to the young people across Iowa and beyond and students can have unbelievable careers.” Dickson explained.The Jensens had 50,000 books printed with 40,000 going to second graders in Iowa and 10,000 to students in Indianapolis, Ind., where Caitlin is a basketball guard for the Indiana Fever.

(PHOTOS) Troublesome Casper residences near NCHS cleared by growing small business

Business News

Credit: Dan Cepeda / CASPER, Wyo. – It took only a few hours for a single-family house that stood more than a century to be turned into an unrecognizable pile of rubble on Thursday.The demolition pile was topped with a worn, stained mattress while the backhoe finished organizing the debris. Next door, Casper Fire-EMS firefighters sawed and chopped on a row of small apartments that were serving as a training ground before they too become piles of rubble.David Starcevich, who owns Copper Cup Coffee Company with his wife, Ariel, watched the progress unfold next door to their business, where they also live with their young children. When the properties came up for sale recently, he immediately pounced.“For a long time they’ve been an unmaintained and dilapidated couple of buildings,” he said. David and Ariel purchased a former veterinarian’s building some years back, spending months converting it into a coffee shop and roastery that opened in early 2023. Since settling there, the business has thrived, but he said the neighboring buildings were longtime magnets for drug use and sex workers. Even more concerning is the fact that they’re a short walking distance from Park Elementary and NCHS.“The property was held under a trust for a long, long time,” he said. “I believe the head of the trust had passed away recently, so the trustees wanted to sell it. [Realtor] Jim Edgeworth came to us before he put it on the market and made us an offer, so we bought it.”David said the house at 639 South Ash, and the neighboring apartment strip at 226 to 244 West Seventh Street, were likely built from 1917 to 1920, when Casper’s first oil boom ushered in rapid growth and an insatiable demand for quick housing.The apartment strip were pretty typical in the area. They featured a small, narrow living room, galley kitchen next to a tiny bathroom, and a bedroom in the back. Numerous similar setups around Natrona County High School have been razed over the years.loading…One of the units at an apartment strip on Seventh Street is filled with belongings from a previous tenant. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)David called the apartments “semi-occupied.” Most of the apartment units were eerily quiet on Thursday afternoon, and filled with belongings abandoned by the tenants. Rotting food in fridges, beds, cooking stoves, TVs, appliances and children’s toys littered the rooms and lot. An old Pepsi vending machine sat in front one of the apartments.During their training, firefighting crews sawed out window sills for rescue operations known as “window-to-door conversions,” and wielded axes on the roof to make holes that would ventilate smoke during a real fire.The building gave firefighters the kind of on-site training that has become more rare over the years, according to Fire Captain Dane Andersen.“Sometimes demo crews will give us a call and give us the opportunity to get in here before their scheduled work, so that’s a huge advantage to us and we’re massively grateful,” he said.“Every building is different here in Casper,” he said. “Being exposed and around different types of building construction is helpful. The training facility doesn’t change, but to put ourselves in a real situation like we very well might find any day of the week is nothing but advantageous, and it makes our firefighters better at what we do.”Demolition on the apartment will start next, and the land will eventually be used for Copper Cup’s growing business. It gives him a chance to widen the drive-up lane, and build a bit of parking. The electric lines underneath gives them an opportunity to make hookups for possible food trucks, and there’s also the options of future expansions.“It’s a beautiful neighborhood,” said David. “You’ve got two schools, the State Building, you’re right on the edge of downtown with David Street Station over there, it really is the center of a lot of cool activities.”loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)loading…(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)Oil City News LLC is a nonpartisan media organization and Central Wyoming’s largest locally owned, independent news platform. The mission of Oil City’s award-winning team of Casper-based journalists is to build a more informed and connected community by producing local stories first, fast and forever free. If you would like to read the original article, click here.