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Families of Alzheimer's patients call for better care

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:12 GMT

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas lawmakers are considering legislation to require more training for assisted-living facility employees who care for Alzheimer's and dementia patients.State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake) presented House Bill 1673 to the Texas House Committee on Human Services Monday. The bill would require every staff member who interacts with residents in an assisted living facility to receive four hours of training about Alzheimer's and related disorders like dementia. Staff would be required to pass an exam proving they understand the delicate care the disease requires and are capable of caring for these residents.Those who have watched dementia impact their family say the additional requirements are crucial."My mom had younger-onset Alzheimer's," Mike McGuff said. He testified on the bill Monday, recalling his experience watching his mom be diagnosed when she was just 53 years old. "I had her in an assisted living facility, and I saw then we had issues with care....

Jennifer Garner honored by Texas Senate for work with Save the Children

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:12 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Beloved Houston-born actress Jennifer Garner was honored at the Texas Capitol Wednesday for charity work she's done throughout the duration of her nearly 20-year career. A resolution, written by Senator Carol Alvarado, was presented on the senate floor honoring Garner for her work with Save the Children, a global organization founded in 1919 with the goal of improving children's lives worldwide, according to its website. The resolution states that Garner has worked with the organization for 15 years, first joining as an artist ambassador, then in 2014 she became a member of the board and serves on its Program Impact and Marketing Committees. Garner traveled to Kentucky in 2022 after devastating floods to "fundraise, draw attention to suffering, and assist teachers in making classrooms ready again," according to the resolution. Further, the resolution said Garner has "promoted the organization's literacy efforts and heightened awareness of the challenges faced by youn...

Volkswagen recalls 143,000 Atlas model SUVs over faulty passenger-side front airbag

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:12 GMT

David Matthews | (TNS) New York Daily NewsVolkswagen issued a recall Tuesday of more than 143,000 Atlas SUVs because of faulty passenger-side front airbags and warned owners not to let anyone ride shotgun until the issue is fixed.The recall affects 143,053 model year 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles that may have faulty wiring in a weight sensor that causes the front passenger air bag to deactivate even when someone is in the seat.The passenger occupant detection system issue in the seven-seat SUV could prevent the airbag from deploying, leading to increased risk of serious injury in the event of a crash, according to the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.About 3% of Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models in the U.S. are affected.“Until the free recall repair is developed and completed, owners should not allow anyone to sit in the front passenger seat. Volkswagen is currently developing a remedy and will notify affected owners as soon as the repair is...

Pablo López stellar in return but Twins fall to Marlins

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:12 GMT

MIAMI — Against his former teammates, in his former home, with one of his childhood heroes, Johan Santana, looking on, Pablo López put on a show that was well worth the price of admission.For seven innings Wednesday, López stymied his old friends, capping his second outing of the season with a trio of swinging strikeouts. For his efforts, he took a no-decision as the Twins fell 5-2 in the series finale to the Miami Marlins on Wednesday afternoon at loanDepot Park thanks in large part to two home runs from Marlins designated hitter Jorge Soler.López was matched by his good friend Jesús Luzardo, who held Twins hitters quiet, striking out 10 in his seven innings for the Marlins. But the game was decided by the bullpens, and after Twins reliever Griffin Jax gave up a pair of hits in the eighth, Caleb Thielbar came on and allowed a single to Bryan De La Cruz to give the Marlins the lead and a three-run homer to Soler to provide the knockout blow.Prior to that, López and Luzardo had kept ...

Coaldale Panthers athlete signed to Kodiaks women’s volleyball team

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:12 GMT

By Erika MathieuSunny South NewsLocal volleyball player Kourtney Serfas, of Turin, Alta., will be taking her skills to the Lethbridge College Kodiaks women’s volleyball team this fall.The 5’10” outside hitter currently plays for the U18 team for the Panthers Volleyball Club near Coaldale. After graduating from Vauxhall High School this spring, Serfas is headed to Lethbridge College to study in the college’s Bachelor of Nursing program, and join the Kodiaks. Serfas is the co-captain of the Panther Volleyball Club’s U18 team this year and recently won the “best teammate of the season award” after being nominated by her teammatesSerfas added that this sense of team camaraderie made Serfas’s decision, “extremely easy.”“I chose the Kodiaks because of the competitive atmosphere and their willingness to be their best. Every practice I’ve participated in has inspired me to be better and I think it’s so cool that lots of the older girls have made me feel so included and a part of their team ...

Kate Andrews ready to kick off high school baseball season

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:12 GMT

By Garrett SimmonsSunny South NewsIt may not look like it outside, but baseball season is right around the corner.For the Kate Andrews Pride, the 2023 season was scheduled to open in Lethbridge with a Wednesday game against Magrath, until Mother Nature got in the way.The Pride now await an April 19 date against McCoy, set for 6 p.m. at Spitz Stadium.When games do get underway for coach Dan Griffith and his Kate Andrews team, the Coaldale outfit will look to rely on a number of players to ensure a successful season.“We have a great mix of players from grade 9 through 12,” said the coach. “A couple players I expect to lead on and off the field are Conner Wittebolle on the mound, Ethan Honess at shortstop and Brett Hudey at centrefield.”Griffith added he expects a number of other players to play key roles throughout the season as well.“That being said, everyone knows they have the opportunity to work themselves into a starting spot, so the players are bringing a lot of great energy to ...

Coalhurst author and teacher normalizes rejection

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:12 GMT

By Erika MathieuSunny South NewsBeing rejected once hurts, but being rejected dozens, hundreds of times is practically a guarantee for working writers.In the book Keywords in Creative Writing, authors W. Bishop and D. Starkey note a writer’s path to publication is inextricably linked to being told, “no,” by publishing bodies.“Rejection is the dark door at the centre of creative writing through which all who hope to survive must pass – even the most successful writers have been rejected many times, developing a healthy attitude towards rejection is essential to every writer.”Coalhurst-based author and teacher, Mike Saad has successfully published 20 or so works. From novellas, to historical articles, and poetry and fiction, Saad’s CV and various publications reflect the triumphs and successes of his work. However, the seasoned writer said he is no stranger to being told, “no”, by publishers over the years, and wants aspiring authors and writers to know this is a normal and expe...

Coaldale Family Fun Run to return this month

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:12 GMT

By Erika MathieuSunny South NewsThe team of organizers behind the Coaldale Family Fun Run are gearing up for the 12th annual 5km race on April 22.Since its inception, the event has brought together community members, as well as student and corporate teams to participate. The event’s objectives include encouraging healthy outdoor activity and support family time, and to bring community together in Coaldale.Event coordinator for the 2023 race Jacob Wiebe, said the number of participants each year has varied since the event came online.“Before COVID, we peaked at around 700,” he said, adding that in recent years, attendance has been down in comparison.“Over the past few years, there have been 400-500 (participants) and I think we are on pace to surpass 500 again this year,” and added he is hopeful the event will see a return to pre-COVID participants.With a family and community focus, proceeds raised from the event will support local charity and the Coaldale Food Bank, by donating $2 f...

Military historian recognized with Belgian national honour

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:12 GMT

By Troy BannermanLocal Journalism Initiative ReporterSouthern Alberta NewspapersRetired Warrant Officer and military historian Glenn Miller recently was made a Knight Order of the Crown by the Kingdom of Belgium for his work in unveiling local historical military connections with the Belgian city of Mons.In describing this honour Miller said this week, “it’s a national honour from the Kingdom of Belgium, equivalent to the Order of Canada. And as in the Order of Canada it has various levels, so does this Order of the Crown. I’m at the level of Knight; Order of the Crown. And it was awarded for my bilateral relationship in promoting the Remembrance and Centennial of World War One and the connection that Lethbridge had in firing the last gun in World War One in the last hundred days, in the Battle of Mons.”This story started 25 years ago, Miller explained.“There’s a certificate that started me on this journey 25 years ago that was in a frame in a classroom. That’s all. I didn’t even kn...

AFC funding to benefit research in region

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:12 GMT

By Erika MathieuSunny South NewsThe Agriculture Funding Consortium (AFC) is putting $11.49 million in funding to support 39 research projects across the Province.Comprised of 18 agricultural organizations, the AFC is a collective body which leverages and coordinates funding to support diversification, sustainability, and long-term growth for agriculture and the food industry in Western Canada. The investment will support inquiry into AFC’s research priorities which directly impact Alberta Agriculture commodities such as livestock, crops, and soil health.Of the nearly $11.5 million, several research projects in southern Alberta and Lethbridge have been granted support through the funding stream.Among other organizations, the University of Lethbridge, Ag & Agri-food Canada (Lethbridge), Lethbridge College, and the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commission will see partial funding of various research projects focusing on wheat, alfalfa, beef livestock, and mixed crops.Lethbridge College ...