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April 14, 2023 | Vol. 2 Iss. 15
Covering Your Community
MMS FBLA students shine
First year FBLA chapter members place in state competition page 9
MORGAN COUNTY NEWS Since 1929
NEWS BREAK Synthetic drug cocktail an ‘emergent threat’ For the first time, the federal government has declared a synthetic drug cocktail an “emergent threat” to U.S. public health. The veterinary tranquilizer xylazine, often mixed with fentanyl, has been linked to a growing number of overdose deaths across the country. White House drug czar Dr. Rahul Gupta said the administration will notify Congress about the threat and roll out a plan to combat the crisis over the next 90 days.
Prosecutor in Trump case sues GOP chairman for trying to interfere
ATHLETES, CHEERLEADERS, and volleyball players pose for a group photo.
Photos by Angie Spens
Special Olympics athletes star in exhibition volleyball game By Ethan Hoffmann
Emissions regulations important in reducing impacts of climate change The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing its most ambitious regulations yet for cutting emissions from vehicles. The new tailpipe emission standards are so strict that up to 67% of new vehicles sold in 2032 may have to be electric in order for carmakers to comply. A former EPA official calls this the Biden administration’s “single most important regulatory initiative … to really reduce the worst impacts of climate change.”
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ast month the residents of Morgan County gathered in the gym at Morgan High School for a very special night. Each year, Liz Wiscombe and the other volleyball coaches organize a volleyball exhibition game with their team. They invite our Morgan Stars Special Olympic athletes and friends to participate and star in the game. The coaches and team members hold practices prior to the game to work with the athletes on the different volleyball skills they will need to use.
The game was held on March 22 and the night started with a prayer by Allen Shaw. Following the invocation, the national anthem was sung by Jenni Smith and Chiara Johnson. Then they announced each athlete and had them run through a “tunnel” formed by the volleyball team and the cheerleaders. “We are truly blessed to have a wonderful community that includes and celebrates our Special needs friends,” said Angie Spens. “I am grateful that I get to interact with them and get to know each of their special spirits.” The whole community was welcome to come and support the
The New York prosecutor pursuing charges against former President Donald Trump alleges that a GOP-led congressional committee is trying to interfere with the case. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is suing Rep. Jim Jordan, the Republican chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, for what Bragg calls “an unconstitutional attempt to undermine” his investigation, including demanding confidential documents. The two have been sparring since before Trump was indicted.
Gunman kills five in Kentucky bank shooting A bank employee opened fire on his colleagues in Louisville, Ky., on Monday killing five people and injuring nine others – including three police officers – before being fatally shot by police. The shooting has prompted an outpouring of grief in and beyond the city, with President Biden once again calling on Congress to pass stricter gun safety laws. EMILEE ROBISON, David Whittier, and Kyrstin Spens show their passing skills during the game.
athletes by attending the game. In addition to the cheering on of the audience, the Morgan High Cheer team also made an appearance that night, cheering alongside the athletes and motivating them during the event. The volleyball team worked alongside the athletes, guiding them through the drills so that they show their skills in hitting, serving, and passing. After they displayed their individual skills, the athletes took turns playing unified volleyball against
each other. This is one of the favorite events that the Special Olympic athletes get to participate in each year and they look forward to it every year. “Our Morgan community is the best!” commented Coleen Russell, “We are truly thankful for the support and for the donations. There’s no place like Morgan; you truly make our awesome athletes feel like Stars.” l
Ukraine has highest proportion of elderly affected by war Ukrainian couple Liubov and Viktor Lada lost nearly everything – except for some lace curtains, porcelain dolls and a floral lamp – when their apartment of 63 years was destroyed by Russian shelling. They are among the millions of elderly people who stayed behind after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which now has the highest proportion of elderly affected by war.