Bayonne, NJ firefighters rescued an injured construction worker who was trapped in a manhole some 10 feet below the street with a leg injury

Bayonne firefighters rescued an injured construction worker who was trapped in a manhole some 10 feet below the street Friday afternoon, Bayonne Fire Chief Keith Weaver said.

The fire department was dispatched to 55th Street and Kennedy Boulevard at 4:30 p.m. and found two workers -- one of whom had suffered a leg injury -- inside the manhole about 10.5 feet beneath the street, Weaver said.

Members of the department's Technical Rescue Team descended into the manhole to remove the injured worker and help a second worker who was assisting the victim, Weaver said.

Both were placed into the care of McCabe EMS when they were removed from the hole, Weaver added.

No other injuries were reported.

"The members of the Bayonne Fire Department Technical Rescue Team did an outstanding job, removing the two employees from the manhole in a timely fashion," Weaver said.



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A worker plummeted 10-15 feet into a manhole in Bayonne on Friday afternoon, leading to a dramatic rescue as firefighters tried to pull the man back to street level.

The worker fell into the hole on John F. Kennedy Boulevard sometime after 4:30 p.m. By 5 p.m., firefighters were over the hole with a stretcher and were operating some sort of pulley system to lift him out.

Chopper 4 video over John F. Kennedy Boulevard, between West 54th and West 55th streets, shows the firefighters bringing the man back to ground level.

The worker apparently fell 10 to 15 feet down into the hole and was said to have a leg injury and a broken ankle. He was conscious and alert as he was pulled up, and his injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.

From January 2017 through June 2017, the U.S. experienced nine billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, trailing only 2011 and 2016 which each had 10 events.

Assessing the U.S. Climate in June 2017
The contiguous United States had its 2nd warmest year-to-date and a warmer than average June


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Courtesy of Pixabay.com


The June average temperature for the contiguous U.S. was 70.3°F, 1.9°F above the 20th century average, and tied as the 20th warmest June in 123 years of record keeping. Much-above- average temperatures were observed across the Southwest, while parts of the Southeast, Lower Mississippi Valley, and Ohio Valley were cooler than average. The year-to-date average temperature for the contiguous U.S. was 50.9°F, 3.4°F above average. This was ranked as second warmest on record, slightly warmer than the same period in 2006 and 1.2°F cooler than the record set in 2012.

The June precipitation total was 3.01 inches, 0.08 inch above the 20th century average, and ranked near the middle value in the 123-year period of record. Below-average precipitation in the Southwest, Central Rockies, and Great Plains was offset by above-average precipitation in the Deep South and parts of the Great Lakes. Tropical Storm Cindy made landfall near the Louisiana/Texas border on June 22, contributing to the above-average precipitation in the region. The year-to-date precipitation total for the contiguous U.S. was 17.86 inches, 2.55 inches above average, the sixth wettest on record and wettest since 1998.

Near-record number of billion-dollar disasters for year-to-date: From January through June, the U.S. experienced nine billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, trailing only 2011 and 2016, which each had 10 events. The 2017 events included two floods, a freeze, and six severe storms, collectively causing 57 fatalities.

See all June and year-to-date U.S. temperature and precipitation maps.

This monthly summary is part of the suite of climate information services NOAA provides to government, business, academia, and the public to support informed decision-making.

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June Temperature

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Above-average temperatures were observed for locations from the West Coast to Rocky Mountains, with parts of the Great Plains, Great Lakes, and East Coast also warmer than average. In the Southwest, much-above-average temperatures were driven by a record-breaking heat wave in mid-June. No state was record warm, but Arizona had its second warmest June with a record hot statewide-averaged June maximum temperature of 97.3°F.

Below-average temperatures were observed in parts of the Southeast, Lower Mississippi Valley, and Ohio Valley. The below-average temperatures were mostly due to much-below-average maximum temperatures, particularly along the Gulf Coast where record and near-record precipitation kept afternoon highs below average. No state was record cold.


June Precipitation

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Below-average precipitation was observed across parts of the Great Basin, Northern and Central Plains, and Mid-Atlantic. Nebraska had its second driest June and Maryland had its seventh driest. Some regions in the Southwest received no precipitation in June, which is typical of early summer. No state was record dry.
Above-average precipitation fell across the Gulf Coast and from the Great Lakes to northern Northeast. Tropical Storm Cindy dropped heavy rain and caused significant flooding across parts of the Southeast to Midwest as the storm tracked northward after making landfall near the Louisiana/Texas Coast on June 22. Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Vermont were each much wetter than average. No state was record wet.

According to the June 27 U.S. Drought Monitor report, 8.0 percent of the contiguous U.S. was in drought, up about 2.8 percent compared to the end of May. Drought improved across parts of the Southern Plains and Southeast. In the Southeast, drought conditions were nearly eradicated where torrential rainfall was observed over the past month, particularly along the Gulf Coast. Drought conditions expanded and worsened across the Northern to Central Plains where short-term and long-term precipitation deficits have been observed. Outside of the contiguous U.S., drought worsened for parts of Hawaii and western to central Alaska. Abnormally dry conditions improved in eastern Alaska.
Year-to-Date (January–June) Temperature

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Above-average temperatures spanned the nation for the first half of 2017 with only parts of the Northwest cooler than average. Much-above-average temperatures were observed for most locations from the Rockies to East Coast mostly due to record and near-record warmth early in the year. Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina observed their warmest January–June on record.
Year-to-Date (January–June) Precipitation

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Above-average precipitation was observed for a large part of the contiguous U.S. with much-above-average precipitation observed for 12 states across the West, Central Plains, and Great Lakes to Northeast. Idaho and Michigan each had record high precipitation totals for the first half of 2017.

Below-average precipitation was observed for the Northern Plains. North Dakota had only 5.40 inches of precipitation, 61 percent of average. This was the fourth driest year-to-date for the state and the driest since 1936.
Weather and Climate Extremes

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From January through June, the U.S. experienced nine billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, trailing only 2011 and 2016 which each had 10 events. The 2017 events included two floods, a freeze, and six severe storms, collectively causing 57 fatalities.

The U.S. has sustained 212 weather and climate disasters since 1980 where overall damages/costs reached or exceeded $1 billion (including CPI adjustment to 2017). The total cost of these 212 events exceeds $1.2 trillion.

The U.S. Climate Extremes Index (USCEI) for the year-to-date was the third highest value on record at more than double the average. The USCEI is an index that tracks extremes (falling in the upper or lower 10 percent of the record) in temperature, precipitation, drought, and land-falling tropical cyclones across the contiguous U.S. On the national scale, extremes in warm daytime and nighttime temperatures, one-day precipitation totals, days with precipitation, the spatial extent of wet conditions, and land-falling tropical cyclones contributed to the elevated USCEI.

HAIL, TEXAS! homeowner losses from hail in Texas were the highest annual losses ever recorded, as they exceeded $5 billion

2016 Texas Hail Losses surpass $5 Billion

 

2016 wind and hail loss information released last week by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) show that homeowner losses from hail in Texas were the highest annual losses ever recorded, as they exceeded $5 billion. Combined wind damage and hail losses to residential property also set a record at nearly $6 billion.

“Last year’s hailstorms were relentless,” said Mark Hanna, a spokesperson for the Insurance Council of Texas. “We had 45 days of hailstorms occurring somewhere in Texas during the months of April and May. We also experienced the state’s costliest hailstorm ever in San Antonio. It was a rough year to say the least.”

The costliest hailstorm last year was the April 12, 2016 storm in San Antonio and Bexar County that resulted in $1.4 billion in insured losses. The storm surpassed the Fort Worth hailstorm of May 5, 1995, which had recorded $1.1 billion in losses. Other significant hailstorms in 2016 struck Fort Worth/Arlington, Plano, Wylie and El Paso.

2015 had been the worst year on record for hail losses at $1.9 billion. But 2016 hail losses with more than 500,000 claims, were twice as high as any previous year. In addition, 2016 wind and hail damage to vehicles was by far the costliest year on record with $1.5 billion in losses.

ICT’s member companies were on the scene immediately after many of these devastating storm events to help Texans recover and have their claims assessed promptly. In some cases, mobile claims centers were set up to help resolve thousands of auto hail claims.

“Fortunately, so far this year, we have had our tornadoes and hailstorms, but the damage hasn’t been anything like we have seen the past two years,” said Hanna.

Trial begins for Ohio doctor Yurich charged in fatal Berlin boating crash. Dr. Joseph Yurich is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and assault, as well as operating a watercraft under the influence.

Trial begins for local doctor charged in fatal Berlin boating crash
Yurich is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and assault, as well as operating a watercraft under the influence

By WKBN Staff Published: July 10, 2017, 11:59 am Updated: July 10, 2017, 12:40 pm



YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – It’s been more than two years since a deadly boat crash on the Berlin Reservoir. Monday afternoon, a physician from Poland is set to go on trial for causing it.

Monday morning, Joseph Yurich formally signed papers waiving his right to have a jury hear his case. It will now be heard by Judge Jack Durkin.

Yurich is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and assault, as well as operating a watercraft under the influence.

Back in May 2015, investigators say Yurich crashed his boat into another — near the causeway on Route 224 — killing Neal Cuppett of Akron and injuring his fishing partner, Bruce Lindamood, who’s also from the Akron area. Police say he then left the scene.

Sheriff’s deputies in Portage County caught up with Yurich a couple hours later at his home in Deerfield.

Prosecutors say they expect to spend most of this week calling witnesses. The case could last into next week.

If Yurich is convicted, he’ll face mandatory prison time.

Coming up this afternoon, lawyers from both sides are expected to make their opening statements. Cuppett’s widow and Lindamood are also expected to speak.


I don't know the doctor, however, I believe he should get the same punishment as any other person regardless of his status in the community. He was intoxicated, and operating a motorized vehicle, which is illegal, and it cost someone's life. A family is now without a husband/father/son/brother. If it were your family member on the other boat, how would you feel?
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BERLIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN) – A boating crash that killed one person early Saturday morning in Berlin Township involved a prominent local surgeon, WKBN has learned Tuesday.

Dr. Joe Yurich was at the helm of a boat on Berlin Lake just after midnight Friday night.

That boat crashed into a fishing boat with two men inside: 58-year-old Neal Cuppett died and Bruce Lindamood was injured.

Investigators say when they got to the scene, both men were in the water, with one holding the other.

Rescuers took them to Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna.

ODNR says alcohol was involved in the crash, but hasn’t yet said who was drinking. According to an ODNR report, a Portage County Sheriff’s deputy did a blood alcohol content assessment at the scene.

WKBN is working to get the results of that test. Investigators say a lot of people in the area heard the crash and called 911.



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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -

A surgeon from Poland facing four charges in connection with the death of a boater on Berlin Lake waived his arraignment in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday.

Thirty-six-year-old Dr. Joseph Yurich is free on $25,000 bond after being indicted by the Mahoning County Grand Jury on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault, and two counts of operating a vehicle under the influence.

The case has been assigned to Judge John Durkin's court, which will set the next hearing date.

According to investigators, Yurich was one of the operators involved in the May 9th collision between a sixteen-foot fishing boat, and the seventeen-foot Bayliner power boat on Berlin Lake.

The indictment says Dr. Yurich was responsible for the death of 58-year-old Neal Cuppett and for serious injuries sustained by Bruce Lindamood. Both Akron men were in the other boat involved in the crash.

The Portage County coroner ruled that Cuppet's death was accidental.

Investigators say that Yurich was operating the boat under the influence of alcohol

Prosecutors say Yurich yelled at the victims as he left the scene of the accident.

According to State of Ohio medical records, Yurich graduated from the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine in 2004.

His license to practice medicine expires is scheduled to expire in 2017.

a stolen boat crashed into the home just after midnight on Deer Cove Road along Ossipee Lake in NH; police is still looking for the thief

OSSIPEE, N.H. —

Authorities are searching for a driver who crashed a stolen boat into the side of a home in Ossipee.

The boat crashed into the home just after midnight on Deer Cove Road along Ossipee Lake.

The 22-foot ski boat traveled about 75 feet from the water and right into the home, officials said. The boat crashed on an outdoor porch and through the side of the home.


When crews arrived, the boat was still running and no one was on board.

A crane had to be called in to get the boat out of the home's living room.

The homeowner was home at the time, but was not hurt.

Authorities said the boat was stolen from a mooring at Bluffs Beach in Center Ossipee.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Seth Alie at 603-293-2037 or seth-alie@dos.nh.gov

THE KILLERS AMONGS US: 32-year-old infantryman Justin Walters killed his wife, 27-year-old Nichole Walters, then killed New York State Police Trooper Joel R. Davis, 36, who was responding to reports of shots fired at the couple's rural upstate property

Nichole Walters, 27, killed by her husband.  Goodbye beautiful girl, sorry that you picked a monster for your husband

32-year-old infantryman Justin Walters, killed wife Nichole and State
Trooper Joel Davis, 36

Trooper Joel Davis, 36, dead

Updated 1 hr 43 mins ago
THERESA, New York -- A U.S. Army soldier killed his wife then fatally shot a New York State Police trooper who was responding to reports of shots fired at the couple's rural upstate property, authorities said Monday.

The suspect, identified as 32-year-old infantryman Justin Walters, surrendered without incident after the Sunday night slayings, New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said.

Trooper Joel Davis, 36, was responding to the report about 8 p.m. Sunday and was approaching the home in the town of Theresa, near the Canadian border, when he was shot, Beach said. Walters' wife, 27-year-old Nichole Walters, was found dead at the scene. Police haven't said how she was killed.


State police said Walters is stationed at nearby Fort Drum, home of the 10th Mountain Division. Information on Walters' military service was expected to be released later Monday.

WWNY-TV in Watertown reported Justin Walters was clad only in shorts when he was brought to a town court around 4 a.m. Monday to be charged with first-degree murder in Davis' slaying and second-degree murder in Nichole Walters' death.


He was ordered held in the Jefferson County Jail without bail. Walters didn't have a lawyer at the arraignment.

The station reported that when the judge asked Walters if he knew why he was in court, Walters responded that he didn't know.

Police said a second woman living on the couple's property was also shot, but her injuries were not life threatening.

State police said Davis, of Evans Mills, graduated from the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy on May 29, 2013. He originally was assigned to the Troop D Watertown barracks before receiving his current assignment at the state police barracks in Philadelphia, New York, just outside Fort Drum.

Davis previously worked for the county sheriff's office as a road patrol deputy. WWNY reported that his brother, Josh Davis, is a police officer in Watertown.

Joel Davis is survived by his wife and three children.

In a statement Monday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said "the entire New York family grieves" for Davis.

"Trooper Davis served as a member of the New York State Police for four years and his death is yet another sad reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face each day in order to protect our communities and serve the residents of this great state," the Democratic governor said while urging New Yorkers to keep Davis' family, friends and colleagues in their thoughts and prayers.

Cuomo later ordered that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in the slain trooper's honor.



New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II is saddened to announce the death of Trooper Joel R. Davis.

At approximately 8:09 p.m. on Sunday, July 9, Trooper Davis responded to a call of shots fired during a domestic dispute at 34371 County Route 46 in the town of Theresa, Jefferson County. While approaching the residence, Trooper Davis was shot once and killed.

The suspect, 32-year old Justin D. Walters, surrendered to other State Troopers without incident. Walters is an active duty Army infantryman who is stationed at Fort Drum.


Walters' wife, 27-year old Nichole V. Walters, was also found deceased at the scene.

Trooper Davis, of Evans Mills, NY, was 36 years old. He graduated from the 199th session of the Basic School on May 29, 2013, and was originally assigned to Troop D, SP Watertown, before receiving his current assignment at SP Philadelphia. He is survived by his wife and three children.


New York State has the best state troopers around.  Professional, vigilant, caring, protecting the public.  So sad to see Trooper Davis getting killed by the hands of a guy who also was supposed to protect our country.  Then of course these are trained killers, many of them coming from the bottom of the society, uneducated, violent, bullies, emotionally unstable, etc.  Thousands of people die each year at the hands of our "service" men.


We would not be surprised if this killer, Justin Walters, was jealous of his beautiful wife for going out with friends, cheating on him, etc.  Burdened by the army service and emotionally deficient, he eventually snapped and killed this beautiful woman and the NY State Trooper.



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Justin Walters: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know


By Jessica McBride


Updated Jul 10, 2017 at 11:36am


Facebook

Justin and Nichole Walters.

Justin Walters, an active duty Army infantryman, is accused of shooting his wife and a state trooper to death.

The double murder occurred on July 9, and Walters, 32, surrendered at the scene in Theresa, New York.

The slain trooper was identified as Joel R. Davis, a married father of three and youth baseball coach. Walters is also accused of killing his wife Nichole V. Walters, 27, the state police announced. Her Facebook page is filled with comments about loving her husband. The couple had a small child.


Nichole Walters.

Here’s what you need to know: 

1. Walters Was Stationed at Fort Drum & Served in Afghanistan


FacebookA photo from Justin Walters’ Facebook page.

In a news release, the state police revealed that Walters is an active duty soldier in the U.S. Army.

“Walters is an active duty Army infantryman who is stationed at Fort Drum,” the news release said.

Fort Drum is an Army base located in northern New York near the Canadian border.

Walters’ Facebook page contains only photos of him and other soldiers in Army uniforms overseas. In 2016, he wrote, next to a photo of himself in a military vehicle, “Can’t believe it’s been 7 years.” He also wrote that he had served in Kandahar in 2011.


Here’s one of the pictures on Walters’ page, which he wrote was in Kandahar:


A photo on Justin Walters’ Facebook page.

Nichole posted this photo and wrote that it was of Justin’s graduation.


Justin Walters.

In contrast, his wife’s page is filled with photos of family.
 
  2. The Trooper Died While Responding to a Domestic Call


Nichole and Justin Walters.


According to The Watertown Daily Times, Walters is accused of shooting his wife in the driveway of their home around 8:09 p.m. The couple lived at 34371 County Route 46.

That’s when Trooper Davis was called to the scene.

“We have numerous calls hearing gun shots prior to the trooper arriving,” a police spokesman told the newspaper. Davis was shot once and killed at the scene.


In a statement, the New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach III, said that Davis had “responded to a call of shots fired during a domestic dispute…while approaching the residence, Trooper Davis was shot once and killed.”


According to CBS News, “a second woman was shot, in the upper torso, police said. She was home alone but lives in a shed on the property with a man and child.”

“A woman whose family lived near the Walters’ white double-wide trailer went outside after the first shots, and suffered a gunshot wound in the upper torso,” The Watertown Daily Times reported. 

3. Nichole Wrote About Her Love for Justin On Facebook & the Couple Had a Young Child 



Nichole and Justin Walters.


Nichole Walters’ Facebook page is filled with photos of herself with Justin and their young child. “I love him so much!” Nichole wrote in 2010, with this photo:


Justin Walters with his wife, Nichole.

In 2014, she wrote, “My little monkey turned one month today along with justin and mines six year aniversery (sic) wow where does the time go very special day for my little family i love both of them so much.”

In 2015, Justin wrote under a photo of a small boy, “I miss my little dude!” He wrote alongside one photo of Nichole: “Sexy!!!!!!!!!!!!”


Justin Walters.


Online property records show the home where the murders occurred was purchased by Justin and Nichole Walters in 2015. 


4. The Trooper Left Behind a Wife & Children & New York’s Governor Said His Death Is a ‘Sad Reminder’ of the Risks Law Enforcement Officers Face


Trooper Davis was married and had three children, according to The Watertown Daily Times. He was only 36-years-old.


According to TWC News, Davis was “stationed at the Philadelphia barracks in Jefferson County.”

Davis graduated from the 199thsession of the Basic School on May 29, 2013 and was originally assigned to Troop D, SP Watertown, before receiving his current assignment at SP Philadelphia, said the police statement. According to posts from friends and family members on Facebook, Davis was a youth baseball coach who mentored children both on and off the field and was remembered as a “great father” with a sweet disposition.

“The Evans Mills Youth Baseball would not be where it is now without the push and support of Joel Davis. Both on the field as a coach to many kids and behind the scenes . Rip Joel,” wrote the team on Facebook.

“The state police [are] doing a phenomenal job of holding it together. They are really doing a great job of holding it together. This is really going to be tough for all involved in the coming weeks,” said Jefferson County District Attorney Kristyna Mills to TWC News.

5. Walters Surrendered at the Scene


Justin Walters in Afghanistan.

According to the police statement, authorities took Walters into custody without further incident. Walters appeared in court on July 10, where is was accused of first and second degree murder.


This post will be updated as more information is learned about Walters and Davis.