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The Chronicle - Centralia
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Melinda French Gates resigns from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Melinda French Gates announced Monday she is resigning from her role as co-chair of the Seattle-based Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “This is not a decision I came to lightly,” French Gates wrote in a post shared on X. CEO Mark Suzman, the executive leadership team and the board of trustees will continue to lead the foundation’s philanthropic work, French Gates said. Suzman said in a statement that French Gates “ will not be bringing any of the foundation’s work with her when she leaves.” The organization’s name will change to the Gates Foundation, with Bill Gates, her ex-husband and Microsoft founder, becoming the sole chair. Upon resigning, French Gates said she will receive “an additional $12.5 billion to commit to my work on behalf of women and families” thanks to an agreement with Bill Gates. In 2015, French Gates created Pivotal Ventures, which funds projects that seek to empower women. “This is a critical moment for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world — and those fighting to protect and advance equality are in urgent need of support,” she said. French Gates’ last day of work at the organization will be June 7. She said she will soon share more about her future charitable plans. “I am sorry to see Melinda leave, but I am sure she will have a huge impact in her future philanthropic work,” Bill wrote in a statement shared on X. “Looking ahead, I remain fully committed to the Foundation’s work across all our strategies, and to realizing the opportunities we have to continue improving the lives of millions around the world,” he said. The Associated Press in early 2023 reported that the Gates Foundation is the largest private philanthropic donor, as it had planned to donate $8.3 billion for that year. The foundation plans to donate $9 billion annually by 2026. The foundation has given out nearly $78 billion and has a $75.2 billion endowment as of the end of 2023. Upon the couple’s divorce from a 27-year marriage in 2021, the foundation had announced that if the pair could not work together as co-chairs by 2023, French Gates “will resign her position as co-chair and trustee.” The foundation, created in 2000 by the couple, appointed outside board members for the first time in 2022. ©2024 The Seattle Times. Visit seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. |
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Thurston County task force seizes $3,000 in cash, 5 grams of meth, three guns and a vehicle
A local fentanyl dealer was arrested on May 2 in Tumwater after the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force acquired a warrant and found drugs, guns and cash. According to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office, the Narcotics Task Force executed a warrant on the person's vehicle and storage unit and found 10 ounces of fentanyl powder. They also found five grams of methamphetamine, three firearms, one of which was stolen, a vehicle, $3,000 in cash and scales and packaging. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
(c)2024 The Olympian (Olympia, Wash.) Visit The Olympian (Olympia, Wash.) at www.theolympian.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. |
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Former probation officer in Pierce County accused of having a sexual relationship with a client
A former probation officer in Pierce County is accused of having a sexual relationship with a client who was assigned to him. Prosecutors have charged Mario Joseph Tropiano, 39, with three counts of first-degree custodial sexual misconduct, court records show. Charges say that between October 2022 and October 2023, Tropiano used his position as the victim's probation officer to initiate inappropriate relations with her. Tropiano's arraignment is scheduled for May 24 at Pierce County Superior Court. Efforts to reach him or an attorney for him were not immediately successful. An investigation began after the victim's attorney informed the court on Oct. 24, 2023 during a probation hearing that the woman had an intimate relationship with Tropiano. At that time, Tropiano was no longer the victim's probation officer. Her attorney told the judge that she had adverse emotions about meeting her current officer because of the former relationship with Tropiano, documents show. When the investigation began, Tropiano was working a probation-officer assignment in Des Moines. Evidence showed that Tropiano and the victim had sexual contact through text messages, at her home, in hotels and occasionally at his office, court records show. The text messages revealed that Tropiano and the victim allegedly met multiple times to have sex, records show. Tropiano was assigned to the victim's case in July 2022 in regards to a misdemeanor charge. He served as her probation officer until August 2023 when he moved to Montana because his father was ill, documents say. During their first meeting, the victim spoke to Tropiano about the abuse she faced in a past relationship. They met another time for a normal check-in. After that, Tropiano would call frequently, and the victim said it felt unusual, noting her previous experience with probation officers. In another instance, Tropiano asked if he could come over. The victim thought it was odd for him to check her home for a misdemeanor charge. After that, Tropiano and the victim began flirting over text while discussing her probation, documents show. Tropiano and the victim met in Fife at a hotel in October 2022 with the purpose of having sex. They would have multiple sexual interactions after that. One instance was in his office after she wore something revealing, records show. Tropiano allegedly told the victim he wanted her to complete her probation so he could date her without consequences. Tropiano would try to help her get off probation, including by writing to the judge, documents show. Tropiano also allegedly gave the woman money, including $1,500 for rent after she lost a large sum of money gambling. Tropiano was reluctant until she threatened to report him in regards to their relationship. He gave her the money and then they had sexual contact, charges show. In another instance, detectives found a money transaction where Tropiano allegedly sent her $72.50 in October 2022, records show. In an initial statement, the woman said she felt Tropiano was a predator who used information he found out about her during the time he was her probation officer to target and take advantage of her, documents show. The woman told investigators that if she did not comply with Tropiano, she believed he would make the conditions of her probation worse or have her put in jail. When asked if any of the sex acts were forcible, she said that she was choked. She commented that Tropiano was "aggressive and weird." Documents show that detectives attempted to contact Tropiano in January 2024, but he replied by saying that he retained an attorney. The Des Moines city manager told detectives in November 2023 that Tropiano was put on administrative leave after she was informed of the sexual-misconduct allegations, documents show. ___ (c)2024 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) Visit The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) at www.TheNewsTribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. |
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WIAA assembly votes against adding girls flag football
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association released the results of voting from its Representative Assembly on Monday morning, and girls flag football was not made a sanctioned sport in the state. The Rep Assembly is made up of 53 members from across the state and is largely populated with athletic directors. Flag football was one of 13 amendments, so called because they amend the state constitution (or rule book), that failed. Girls badminton was also not added as a sport, nor was eSports. An amendment needs 60% to pass. The vote was 26-27 against it. Several Seahawks threw their support behind it. Tyler Lockett even invited the Emerald Ridge team to join him at the NFL draft last month in Detroit to announce their third-round pick. Girls flag football remains a club sport in Washington, which schools still have the option to add, but it won't fall under WIAA supervision or have a sanctioned state tournament. The Rep Assembly passed 14 amendments, most of them on behind-the-scenes issues. Among the amendments that did pass: The number of practices (normally 10) needed to enter competition was reduced for all sports except for football and gymnastics. Also, all players and coaches who are ejected from a competition will be required to take a course from the National Federal of State High School Associations. Players will have to take a sportsmanship course and coaches a course on teaching and modeling behavior. ___ (c)2024 The Seattle Times Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. |
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Washington State Patrol issues Missing Indigenous Person Alert for woman last seen April 11
The Washington State Patrol on Monday issued a Missing Indigenous Person Alert (MIPA) for Cayla Rosario, 24, of Bellingham. According to the alert, friends last heard from Rosario on April 11. Authorities do not have a description of the clothing she was wearing when last seen. Rosario is described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighing 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The alert was issued on behalf of the Bellingham Police Department. The case number is 24B25321. Please call 911 if you have any relevant information. (c)2024 The Bellingham Herald (Bellingham, Wash.) |
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Man who was severely injured at Washington water park last summer sues park's owners
A man who was severely injured last summer when his legs went through the side of the Hairpin, one of the four main slides at the Birch Bay Waterslides in Blaine, has sued the park's owners. Larry Baker, who was 43 at time of the accident, filed a civil tort lawsuit May 9 in Whatcom County Superior Court against Birch Bay Jun Yu Waterslides LLC, according to court records. Baker's lawsuit states that he visited the water park on Aug. 25, 2023, and that while he was on one of the slides, he "slid over a damaged or defective section, causing severe injury and other damages," the court records state. Baker's lawsuit accuses the park's owners of negligence, stating that they had a duty to "keep the common areas of its property safe and properly maintained for the benefit of the customers." The owners also failed in their duties to provide safe and adequate maintenance of the park's premises and grounds; to provide its customers with warnings regarding unsafe areas and hidden dangers; to have a system in place to inspect the premises for unsafe conditions; to have a policy of supervising employees, independent contractors and vendors to ensure they complied with all safety guidelines for the premises and other state and local safety regulations and statues; to inspect the premises of unsafe conditions once employees became aware or should have become aware of unsafe conditions and of complying with state laws regarding the proper operation and maintenance standards of water parks in Washington state, including routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs to the physical components to ensure all structural facilities are intact and free from corrosion, wear or stress, Baker's lawsuit alleges. Baker's lawsuit states he has suffered "severe physical injuries"; that he's incurred current and future medical expenses and that he's experienced and may continue to experience physical pain and suffering. He also claims he's suffered general damages, including a loss of enjoyment of life and a permanent injury, as well as economic loss involving past and future lost wages, the records show. Baker is asking for prejudgment interest on all medical and out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury he suffered while at the water park. He is also asking for monetary damages stemming from the park owners' alleged negligence and his subsequent injury. He is also asking for monetary damages in the form of past wage losses, medical expenses and attorneys fees, court documents state. The Bellingham Herald has reached out to Baker's attorney for comment. It's unclear at this time if Birch Bay Waterslides has retained an attorney.
Park closed Meanwhile, the Whatcom County Department of Health and Human Services has suspended the park's operating permit and it will be unable to open until significant repairs are made, spokeswoman Marie Duckworth told The Bellingham Herald in April. Iain Buchanan, general manager of the Birch Bay Waterslides, wasn't immediately available for comment.
'Code Red' called An injury report from Aug. 29, 2023, conducted by Whatcom County health officials describes the incident and a dramatic effort to save Baker's life. Baker is described only as "the victim" in the Health Department's report, but he is named in the lawsuit. According to the report, Baker smashed a hole in the side of the Hairpin, severely cutting his left foot and right leg, and continued sliding down at 12:52 p.m. Aug. 25, 2023. "Victim strikes slide riser panel on turn 4 (turn to the rider's left) with both feet/legs, calls out, and continues down slide," according to the report. At 12:53 p.m., lifeguards called a "Code Red," activating the park's emergency plan, and were keeping riders off the slides. A manager called 911 at 12:54 p.m. and went for medical supplies. In an effort to control the bleeding, a bystander with medical training and a lifeguard started to bandage and apply pressure to Baker's wounds. At 12:54 p.m., the bystander applied a tourniquet to each of the man's legs. The bystander and a lifeguard kept pressure on Baker's wounds. Other lifeguards were keeping bystanders away and closing the attraction. Firefighters arrived at 1:01 p.m., and EMS personnel assumed patient care. An ambulance left at 1:08 p.m. An Aug. 30 follow-up to the initial report indicates that firefighters took Baker to St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he had undergone two surgeries with more expected. Additionally, Health Department officials found that documentation of emergency response training was unavailable. Regular inspection reports were unavailable at the time of the incident. Park management was told to develop a record-keeping and documentation system. In a report dated April 12, the Health Department's Environmental Health Supervisor Tom Kunesh noted that while Birch Bay Waterslides officials had supplied inspection and repair reports that were requested at the time of the injury, none of the reports specifically mention inspection or maintenance work on the fasteners (nuts, bolts and washers) that were holding the failed slide section together. According to the April 12 report from Kunesh, for the water park's operations permit to be reinstated, officials must:
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Centralia man accused of wielding realistic-looking BB pistol faces felony charges; bail set at $150,000
A Centralia man accused of pulling a realistic-looking BB pistol on another man during a dispute on Thursday, May 9, was charged Monday with felony harassment and second-degree assault. The victim reported he was walking home on Harrison Avenue on May 9 when he observed two women and a man across the street who “appeared to be arguing,” according to charging documents filed in Lewis County Superior Court. The man, who was later identified as Kyle Houghton, 24, allegedly approached the victim, pulled out what appeared to be a black Glock pistol and said, “run your pockets,” according to court documents. The victim later told law enforcement “he thought the male wanted him to empty his pockets” and said “felt scared and that anything could have happened.” The victim reported he put out his arm and said, “Dude, just chill out man, c’mon,” then walked away. Houghton reportedly continued in the opposite direction. A responding officer with the Centralia Police Department identified Houghton as the suspect based on the victim’s description and the fact that the officer “knew Mr. Houghton to have a BB or pellet gun that looked like a Glock pistol,” according to court documents. Houghton reportedly denied any involvement when questioned by officers on May 9, saying he had been inside the dorms at Centralia College for the last few hours. He did allegedly admit to owning a Glock BB pistol. When asked “if someone was going to identify him as the male who pulled out a gun,” Houghton allegedly “stated there was an argument with a male wearing a multi-colored sweatshirt,” which is what the officer noted the victim was wearing at the time of the incident. Houghton then allegedly admitted to walking up to the victim and said the victim “had something that resembled a Sharpie or a baton in his hand, and that it looked like something he could poke him with,” according to court documents. He allegedly admitted to pulling out his BB pistol, holding it “at the low-ready” and saying, “I’ll run your chin into the ground,” according to court documents. When asked why he pointed the BB pistol at the victim, Houghton allegedly said “it was in self-defense.” The officer reportedly “asked Mr. Houghton how he would feel if someone he did not know was following him, and he said ‘good point,’ “ according to court documents. An officer noted the BB pistol “appeared completely real” and said “the only way to tell it was a BB pistol was to pull the slide back or to remove the magazine.” Houghton was arrested and booked into the Lewis County Jail at noon on May 10, according to jail records. Charges were filed on Monday, May 13. Bail was set at $150,000 over the weekend. |
Columbian Newspaper
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Two of three people who filed to run for governor under name Bob Ferguson withdraw from race
Washington’s candidate filing week ended in chaos — and more than a few jokes on social media — when the field of candidates for governor increased by two more Bob Fergusons. |
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Pro-Palestinian demonstrators who blocked road near Sea-Tac airport plead not guilty
SEATAC — More than three dozen pro-Palestinian protesters accused of blocking a main road into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport last month pleaded not guilty on Monday to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and failing to disperse. |
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Law enforcement on lookout for man who broke into east Vancouver home, threatened resident with gun, stole car
Local law enforcement officers are looking for a man who broke into an east Vancouver home Saturday and threatened the resident with a handgun before stealing his SUV. |
