Latest news with #Gambill
Otago Daily Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Stalwarts of bluegrass to treat town
A band hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains, where bluegrass is firmly rooted, is coming to give Gore an authentic taste of Americana. In his slow, southern drawl, Randy Gambill said three out of the four members of his band Sassafras come from the Blue Ridge Mountain area of North Carolina. The band have been to New Zealand two times before, but not to Gore and he was always in awe of the friendships and connections he made with people through music. He spoke of playing at the Niagara Falls Bluegrass & Roots Festival on one of his visits, saying that he felt he could relate to the "really neat" locals. "These are our people, you know, they're country people, and that's what we are, you know," he said. "So we fell right in there with them." On top of bluegrass, he said the band play a mix of old country classics, like Johnny Cash, a few originals and some Western swing mixed in too, just to keep it interesting. "We go to have fun and make sure we emanate that from the stage and let everybody else have a good experience." He said where he grew up, near the mountains, was a "hotbed" for country music, where the influential Carter Family originated in the 1920s. Earl Scruggs, who originated the three-fingered way of playing a banjo which bluegrass music is based on, also grew up in North Carolina. "I was steeped in it from the start, I didn't have much of a choice, that's what was around," he said. Gambill said in their live show, between songs, the four-piece try to give a bit of background to bluegrass, how it formed and its context. "We like to give a little background on the history of the music, so they feel more connected to it," he said. He found New Zealanders were an "attentive", music loving audience, that was very keen on live music, compared to the watching-TV-at-the-same-time types that they sometimes experienced in the United States. Mr Gambill plays guitar while Ken Dowell is on banjo, Billy Gee on bass, Wes Tuttle switches from mandolin to fiddle and the group all contribute vocals. They try to give bluegrass a little twist and the odd one out, Gee, who comes from Maryland, only got hooked on playing country and bluegrass when he attended Appalachian State University in North Carolina, Gambill said. Originally a rock and roll player, Mr Gee brings a different angle to Sassafras's music, Gambill said. "I guess you could say Americana is really what we do," he said. When the guitar player spoke to The Ensign , the group were in Kaikoura and about to visit a seal colony. Gambill said when he was playing a solo gig in New Zealand around 18 months ago, a local came up and started jamming with him. This jammer became a friend, who coincidentally owned a whale watching business in Kaikoura, which the group were going to enjoy during their stay. "So, again, if it hadn't been for music, you know, I would have never met my buddy," he said. "There's music again, connecting. "Isn't it awesome?" • The band will be playing at the Bayleys Tussock Country music festival this Saturday at The Little Theatre. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $25 on iTicket.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Teachers, Parents, Students Demand ‘Fully Funded Public Schools' at Indiana Statehouse Rally
This article was originally published in Indiana Capital Chronicle. A sea of red descended upon the Indiana Statehouse Monday as hundreds of teachers, parents and students from across the state rallied to demand increased funding for public schools — and to protest pending policy proposals that could shift millions of local dollars to charters. The rally — one of many hosted in recent years by the Indiana State Teachers Association, the state's largest teachers union — came just hours ahead of a possible final vote on a massive property tax plan. The latest provisions baked into the legislation could reduce public schools' tax dollars by as much as $744 million over the next three years. ISTA President Keith Gambill said that blow comes in addition to education funding gaps in the newest draft of the state budget. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter 'The overall funding increase of 2% per year — of $870 million — does not even meet inflation,' Gambill said. 'Our students deserve bold investment, not the bare minimum.' He said teachers will be pressing lawmakers in the coming days and weeks 'to ensure that public dollars are staying with public schools.' The legislative session must end by April 29 but could be finished as early as April 24. All bills — including the state budget — must be finalized by that time. 'Our schools deserve to be fully funded — and fully public — so all kids receive a quality education,' Gambill emphasized. Teacher attendance at the rally forced at least three Hoosier school districts to move to an e-learning day, including Indianapolis Public Schools and nearby Pike Township, as well as Monroe County Community Schools in Bloomington. The shift to e-learning appeared to prompt a legislative amendment published Monday morning by Indianapolis Republican Rep. Andrew Ireland. Proposed language filed to Senate Bill 373, an unrelated education bill, sought to jeopardize funding for public school districts that convert scheduled in-person instructional days to virtual because of 'planned or coordinated absence of teachers or other personnel for the purpose of participating in a protest, demonstration, or political advocacy event.' Districts would risk losing state tuition support for each day of a violation, according to Ireland's amendment. Gambill read the amendment aloud during the rally, drawing shouting and boos from the crowd. 'We have got to talk to our legislators today, tomorrow and every day between now and the end of the session. We must be vigilant,' he said. 'We have to speak from the heart, and remind them that behind every policy is a classroom with a teacher and students.' Ireland introduced the amendment Monday afternoon to make a statement, but withdrew it without discussion or a vote. Chants echoed throughout the Statehouse halls for more than two hours Monday morning. 'Schools need funding!' 'Pay our teachers!' 'Defend public education!' Rallygoers, many dressed in red t-shirts, had homemade signs in tow, too. Banners, poster boards, paper placards — and even painted messages on the backs of LaCroix boxes — were raised by attendees amid chanting, cheering and frustrated yells. Everyone's goal was the same: demand 'fair' and 'adequate' funding for public schools. Gambill said recent changes to both bills were improvements from their original versions. But he maintained that increases to base tuition support in the Senate GOP's state budget draft 'are not enough,' and held that amendments added to the property tax measure would divert 'critical' dollars from traditional publics to charters and could allow districts to 'side step' collective bargaining rights for teachers. Monica Shellhamer, a vice president with the Indianapolis Education Association, said during her rally remarks that teachers continue to be left out of conversations around school funding. 'Indianapolis public schools has been a target of the legislature for many years and this year is no different,' Shellhamer said. 'Bill after bill continued to be submitted to shut down or defund Indianapolis public schools.' Jenny Noble-Kuchera, president of the Monroe County Education Association, further pointed to pending education cuts at the federal level. 'The way it is currently, public education as we know it will begin to disappear, and our children are the victims,' she said Monday. 'We already have severe mismanagement at the federal level of Title I grants for our lower-income students, of critical programs supporting students with disabilities, and elimination of programs for our schools.' 'This is bad enough, and now Indiana politicians can't put their youngest constituents first, and support basics, like learning to read and write, and foundational math,' she continued. 'It's not OK.' Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Teachers, parents, students demand ‘fully-funded public schools' at Indiana Statehouse rally
Teachers and families attend a public education rally on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Indiana Statehouse. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) A sea of red descended upon the Indiana Statehouse Monday as hundreds of teachers, parents and students from across the state rallied to demand increased funding for public schools — and to protest pending policy proposals that could shift millions of local dollars to charters. The rally — one of many hosted in recent years by the Indiana State Teachers Association, the state's largest teachers union — came just hours ahead of a possible final vote on a massive property tax plan. The latest provisions baked into the legislation could reduce public schools' tax dollars by as much as $744 million over the next three years. ISTA President Keith Gambill said that blow comes in addition to education funding gaps in the newest draft of the state budget. 'The overall funding increase of 2% per year — of $870 million — does not even meet inflation,' Gambill said. 'Our students deserve bold investment, not the bare minimum.' He said teachers will be pressing lawmakers in the coming days and weeks 'to ensure that public dollars are staying with public schools.' The legislative session must end by April 29 but could be finished as early as April 24. All bills — including the state budget — must be finalized by that time. 'Our schools deserve to be fully funded — and fully public — so all kids receive a quality education,' Gambill emphasized. Teacher attendance at the rally forced at least three Hoosier school districts to move to an e-learning day, including Indianapolis Public Schools and nearby Pike Township, as well as Monroe County Community Schools in Bloomington. Our schools deserve to be fully funded — and fully public — so all kids receive a quality education. – Indiana State Teachers Association President Keith Gambill The shift to e-learning appeared to prompt a legislative amendment published Monday morning by Indianapolis Republican Rep. Andrew Ireland. Proposed language filed to Senate Bill 373, an unrelated education bill, sought to jeopardize funding for public school districts that convert scheduled in-person instructional days to virtual because of 'planned or coordinated absence of teachers or other personnel for the purpose of participating in a protest, demonstration, or political advocacy event.' Districts would risk losing state tuition support for each day of a violation, according to Ireland's amendment. Gambill read the amendment aloud during the rally, drawing shouting and boos from the crowd. 'We have got to talk to our legislators today, tomorrow and every day between now and the end of the session. We must be vigilant,' he said. 'We have to speak from the heart, and remind them that behind every policy is a classroom with a teacher and students.' Ireland introduced the amendment Monday afternoon to make a statement, but withdrew it without discussion or a vote. Chants echoed throughout the Statehouse halls for more than two hours Monday morning. 'Schools need funding!' 'Pay our teachers!' 'Defend public education!' Rallygoers, many dressed in red t-shirts, had homemade signs in tow, too. Banners, poster boards, paper placards — and even painted messages on the backs of LaCroix boxes — were raised by attendees amid chanting, cheering and frustrated yells. Everyone's goal was the same: demand 'fair' and 'adequate' funding for public schools. Gambill said recent changes to both bills were improvements from their original versions. But he maintained that increases to base tuition support in the Senate GOP's state budget draft 'are not enough,' and held that amendments added to the property tax measure would divert 'critical' dollars from traditional publics to charters and could allow districts to 'side step' collective bargaining rights for teachers. Monica Shellhamer, a vice president with the Indianapolis Education Association, said during her rally remarks that teachers continue to be left out of conversations around school funding. 'Indianapolis public schools has been a target of the legislature for many years and this year is no different,' Shellhamer said. 'Bill after bill continued to be submitted to shut down or defund Indianapolis public schools.' Jenny Noble-Kuchera, president of the Monroe County Education Association, further pointed to pending education cuts at the federal level. 'The way it is currently, public education as we know it will begin to disappear, and our children are the victims,' she said Monday. 'We already have severe mismanagement at the federal level of Title I grants for our lower-income students, of critical programs supporting students with disabilities, and elimination of programs for our schools.' 'This is bad enough, and now Indiana politicians can't put their youngest constituents first, and support basics, like learning to read and write, and foundational math,' she continued. 'It's not OK.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Clay County launches new emergency alert system for safety
CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Clay County will now have a new emergency management system that allows county officials to send emergency notifications to people's cell phones across the county. This new tool is designed to enhance public safety by providing residents with critical information and timely alerts. 'The CodeRed system enables county officials to quickly distribute emergency notifications via phone calls, text messages, and email. These alerts will provide important updates on severe weather, hazardous conditions, road closures, evacuations, and other urgent public safetymatters,' said Clay County Emergency Management Director Robert Gambill. Local emergency declared, now what? This emergency notification system was originally known as Reverse 911 and primarily only worked on landlines. However, the CodeRed system will allow information to be sent to mobile devices as well as landlines. Something county officials say is critical as many residences no longer have a home phone. Gambill said the CodeRed system is an important step in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. 'In an emergency, timely and accurate information can make all the difference, andthis system will allow us to reach residents quickly,' said Gambill You can sign up for the emergency notification system free of charge by clicking here or by texting CLAYCO to 24639 to get a link sent to your mobile device. Clark Co. selects emergency alert system for community 'All residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to sign up for alerts to ensure they receiveimportant notifications.' Robert Gambill When registering, Gambill said it's crucial to use a physical address rather than a post office box to ensure the alerts are location-specific. What exactly is a tornado emergency? Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Yahoo
91-year-old North Carolina man fined $9,500 for killing bald eagle: DOJ
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – A North Carolina man was ordered to pay a $9,500 fine for allegedly killing a bald eagle, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Thursday. A Charlotte-based federal judge ordered 91-year-old Robert Garner Gambill, of Sparta, to pay a $9,500 fine and turn in his firearm in violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Ajax, the 11-year-old bald eagle living at Grandfather Mountain, dies The court further ordered that a portion of the fine be paid to two witnesses in the case who provided information that led to Gambill's conviction, as required by the act. According to information contained in plea documents and presented at the sentencing hearing, on June 5, 2024, Gambill set his firearm on a fencepost, and aimed, shot, and killed a bald eagle that was perched in a tree near the Farmers Fish Camp Road Bridge in Sparta. Gambill used a Ruger M77 Mark 2 22-250 rifle with an attached Nikon Monarch MR31 4×16-42 scope. After reportedly killing the national symbol, documents indicate Gambill left the scene in his vehicle, abandoning the carcass on the bank of the New River. The carcass was recovered with the assistance of two individuals who witnessed the incident and was subsequently taken into the custody of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On Oct. 11, 2024, Gambill pleaded guilty to the unlawful taking of a bald eagle. Charlotte business executives sentenced for failing to pay $150K in trust fund taxes In 1940 Congress enacted the Eagle Protection Act, predecessor to today's Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act, to protect the bald eagle from extinction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Armstrong of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
