Explore Chenango Outdoor Challange returns for second year
Chenango County Department of Public Health and the Chenango County Planning Department are once again hosting the Explore Chenango Outdoor Challange.
The program is a walking, hiking, biking, or paddling challenge that anyone can participate in. It aims to showcase the natural beauty of the community and boost resident's physical activity as well as their mental health.
Kickoff day for the Challange will be held on Earth Day, April 22. Throughout the day, Challenge committee members will be available in front of the Courthouse and in front of the County office building to discuss the program. Trail map brochures will be available in the lobby of the Chenango County office building and at several locations around the county.
To complete the Challenge, participants will walk, hike, bike, or paddle 10 of the 14 locations on the trail map. Then, they can submit their completed individual trail log to Chenango County Public Health by September 3.
Those who complete the Challenge will receive a free bumper sticker. They will also be entered into a raffle for more prizes such as a YETI Water Jug, a Hydration Backpack, a Bike Cleaning and Repair Kit, and a Waterproof Dry bag. The raffle will take place on September 5.
For more information, visit the Chenango County Health Department Facebook page. Everything you need is also on the county website at chenangocountyny.gov. If you require additional information, call the Chenango County Health Department at (607)337-1660.
Explore Chenango Outdoor Challange returns for second year
Deliveries to Food Bank of the Southern Tier cancelled due to federal cuts
Delhi man facing rape charges
Copper cable dropped into Susquehanna River by thieves removed by NYSEG
NYSP: Elmira woman arrested for driving on meth with child in car
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Fast Company
6 days ago
- Fast Company
‘Door kick challenge' goes viral—but cops say the TikTok trend could lead to serious injury
Ding dong ditching has resurfaced as the 'door kick challenge.' But this time it could lead to criminal charges and potentially deadly consequences. In Florida this week, five minors were caught on camera participating in the challenge. Instead of simply knocking and running, footage shows one individual approaching a front door, kicking it repeatedly, then firing an airsoft gun before fleeing the scene, according to Fox News. Earlier this month in DeBary, near Orlando, two teenagers faced felony burglary charges after taking part in the trend. Doorbell footage captured them sneaking up to a house, forcefully kicking the door until the wood splintered, then running away. When questioned by police, one teen reportedly said they were 'just being dumb,' per the Daily Mail. Similar incidents have been reported in Pennsylvania, Texas, Louisiana, Michigan, and Georgia. Police departments across these states are warning both teens and their parents about the risks involved in the challenge. Not only is it illegal, but it also raises the risk of violent confrontations between residents and those taking part. Last month, the Fleetwood Police Department in Pennsylvania issued a warning that 'While 'ding dong ditch' has been a hallmark for decades of kids who were looking to have a little mischievous fun, today's youth have taken things to a more serious level by kicking at doors and ultimately causing damage.' The Fort Worth Police Department in Texas released a similar statement in May. 'It is imperative that individuals partaking in this trend understand that even if no burglary or theft occur, this behavior is illegal and considered vandalism and can lead to criminal charges. More critically, it can be mistaken as an attempted break-in, potentially prompting dangerous or defensive responses from homeowners,' the department wrote. Hot off the heels of the recent #ChromebookChallenge, police are urging parents 'to speak with their children about the risks and consequences of participating in trends like this,' emphasizing that 'what may seem like a prank can result in very real trouble and/or danger.'


Chicago Tribune
31-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Chesterton High School student converts trash into data for better environmental policy
Devin Throw insisted on taking home with him all the trash collected from a recent Earth Day cleanup along Waverly Road in Porter. Then, Throw, 17, who is a rising senior at Chesterton High School, spent days cataloging the 1,778 pieces of trash that altogether weighed 128.7 pounds. There was a lot of potential data generated with that trash. And Throw, one of the student members of Porter's Environmental Sustainability Commission, believed that it was worth his time to analyze it. So, Throw stood before the Porter Town Council on Tuesday to deliver the report and conclusions of the study presented on behalf of the Environmental Sustainability Commission. 'This data is incredibly important for our small town because it gives a rare, detailed snapshot of community behavior, environmental impact and public health indicators, all through the lens of garbage,' Throw said. The April 26 cleanup was conducted by a volunteer crew on a 0.44-mile stretch of Waverly Road between U.S. 20 and 12. It is a road traveled by those heading to Porter Beach and the Dune Park Station for the South Shore Line. A closer examination revealed that 33.8 pounds of the trash — 26% — consisted of items that could have been recycled. That included discarded losing lottery tickets, likely purchased from the gas station at the corner of U.S. 20 and Waverly Road. Then there were the hazardous items. Some in the council chambers recoiled when Throw told about the three bottles of urine. A nitrous oxide dispenser, lighter with fluid and vape cartridge with liquid were also recovered. Empty liquor bottles and beer cans were other items that could be associated with the potential impairment of participants. Throw noted that car parts, found scattered along the ditches and roadside, also could be potentially connected to impairment issues. 'Litter evidence helps to identify hot zones for public intoxication and impaired driving,' Throw said. Fire risks are also raised by paper trash on the roadside that could be easily ignited by a discarded burning cigarette, Throw said. Throw outlined many potential strategies for the town. Public education efforts that would encourage recycling and give incentives for neighborhoods to conduct cleanups would help, Throw said. The town could strengthen its littering and dumping ordinance, particularly specific language concerning hazardous waste, chemicals and building materials that leak toxins into the ground. Throw also suggested that motion-sensor trail cameras be installed to monitor troubled areas. Police could also step up patrols of illegal dumping hot spots. The town could use the data from the report to help apply for environmental, safety and mental health program grants. 'I can't do that (apply for a grant), but I am willing to get my hands in some garbage,' Throw said. The town could also place garbage bins at natural entry/exit points for pedestrian traffic along with signs that discourage littering. A part-time employee or volunteer could monitor the trouble spots, Throw said. As a practical suggestion, the town could promote a 'one bag a month' pledge from those willing to collect that much roadside trash within that time period. Throw said if even 100 people participated, that would be 1,200 bags per year. 'The 0.44-mile stretch of land is more than just a mess — it's a mirror reflecting environmental neglect, substance use and gaps in infrastructure,' Throw said. 'With this data, we can make the town of Porter more sustainable and successful, saving the environment, money and stress that could arise in the future.' Council President Laura Madigan, D-1st, said that the town's department heads should look to see what possible ways some of the report's recommendations could be implemented. Michael Barry, the town's development director/building superintendent, noted that some of Throw's findings were 'shocking' and that his report is 'impressive.' Those who have spent more time around Throw aren't surprised. Tara Duffie, chair of the Environmental Sustainability Commission, has served with Throw and recalls how he stated at the commission's first meeting: 'I want to change the world.' Duffie said that Throw, as his first assignment, took on cataloging every crack in sidewalks around Porter. 'He just adds so much value to the team,' Duffie said. Duffie noted that Throw also is on the school's track team and works at Dog Days Ice Cream Parlor in Chesterton. 'He's a super smart kid, but he also cares a lot,' Duffie said. Daniel Paff enjoyed having Throw in his AP Environmental Science class this year at Chesterton High School. 'He's definitely in a class of his own when it comes to engagement in environmental issues,' Paff said. 'He's definitely civically engaged as well.' Paff recalls how Throw brought to his attention an article about how pineapple waste products can be turned into soaps and detergents. 'I love it as a teacher when a student finds things they are passionate about and shares,' Paff said.

Epoch Times
08-05-2025
- Epoch Times
Man Ordered to Stand Trial for Allegedly Cutting Down 13 Trees in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES—A man accused of using a chainsaw to cut down 13 trees—primarily in downtown Los Angeles—was ordered May 8 to stand trial on nearly a dozen vandalism charges. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge George G. Lomeli reduced two of the 11 felony counts against Samuel Patrick Groft to misdemeanor charges, agreeing with defense attorney Julieta Flores' argument that the prosecution had not proven that there was more than $400 in damage to the four trees involved in those two counts that were added to the case on May 7. Groft said, 'something about you're arresting me on Earth Day' and told police, 'I love trees. I love bark. I'm an arborist,' according to Los Angeles Police Department Detective Jose Hidalgo, who was among a team of officers who arrested the defendant April 22 at an encampment in the area of Custer Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, adjacent to the 101 Freeway and 110 Parkway, in downtown Los Angeles. A chainsaw that was originally red but had been spray-painted black was recovered at the scene, along with other items, including a bicycle, a baseball cap, and the chainsaw box that were seen in surveillance video footage, the detective testified. Authorities estimated last month that there was nearly $350,000 in damages. David Miranda, a street tree superintendent for the city of Los Angeles, testified that he estimated damage at just under $175,000 for trees that had been located on city-owned property, but said he did not do an assessment of replacement costs involving all of the trees—some of which he said were on private property. Related Stories 3/31/2025 3/3/2025 LAPD Detective Roberto Gutierrez testified Wednesday that he was told by a woman that three juniper trees reported to cost about $10,000 each were cut down April 14 in front of her business in the 700 block of West Temple Street. He said the woman provided surveillance video footage showing the suspect holding a chainsaw and cutting down trees while wearing black gloves. The charges involve 13 trees that were cut between April 13 and April 19, including one that had a limb chopped off in broad daylight. Los Angeles Police Detective Ryan Watterson—who said he was investigating a tip regarding a tree being vandalized on the afternoon of April 13 on the east side of Avenue 26 near Figueroa Street—testified that he determined a chainsaw seen on surveillance video footage was sold exclusively by Harbor Freight. He noted that surveillance video footage from the store showed the suspect paying for the chainsaw at the nearby Harbor Freight store and that Groft's name was on a receipt that day from the store. LAPD Officer Manuel Rojas told the judge he responded April 19 to a call about damaged trees at 350 S. Grand Ave. and 'saw three trees cut down and laying on the street.' He said video surveillance footage showed a suspect approaching with something in his hand, the suspect moving away and a tree falling. The officer testified that he subsequently saw another tree cut down further south on Grand Avenue along with an additional one on Hope Street just south of Ninth Street He said all of the trees were cut down in the same manner. Another officer testified that he responded to a report of a tree that was vandalized April 17 in the 500 block of North Broadway, saying the tree had been cut in half. Three other trees were vandalized April 18 in the 1500 block of 8th Street, Hidalgo testified. At his first court appearance last month, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa R. McGonigle denied Groft's request to be released on his own recognizance. She noted that he has an 'extensive criminal record.' He remains behind bars in lieu of $350,000 bail. 'What took years to grow only took minutes to destroy,' District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement after the case was filed last month. 'Trees not only provide shade and comfort but nourish those who live and work in our communities. Selfish and senseless acts that strip away a vital piece of our ecosystem are profoundly disturbing and my office will prosecute anyone who engages in such criminal conduct to the fullest extent of the law.' City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who represents downtown neighborhoods, highlighted the way in which residents came together in the aftermath of what she described as a 'random act of violence.' 'Thanks to the generosity of various community organizations and community members that have reached out ... we're replacing the trees two to one,' Jurado said. LA Conservation Corps and North East Trees will donate new trees, she said.