What happened on Thursday, 26 December 2024
Douglas County, Nevada
Residents criticize Douglas County's vacation home rental policy, calling for better enforcement and support.
Johnson County, Iowa
At its Dec. 26 meeting the Johnson County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the auditor’s claim register, meeting minutes, payroll authorization, received the county recorder’s November fee report, and approved two Iowa DOT pre-construction agreements (2025-CD-010 and 2025-CD-009).
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Attorney Fritz McClure proposed an accessory‑use STR article that ties short‑term eligibility to owner/family/friend occupancy (with an investment‑property 6‑month carveout); the board reopened public comment, asked for clarifications and continued the item to Jan. 30 to allow staff and proponents to craft motion language and address enforcement concerns.
Houston, Harris County, Texas
Tragic Labor Day crash claims husband’s life, leaving family to navigate profound loss and recovery.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Community members oppose drastic zoning changes, fearing increased density will harm neighborhood character.
Douglas County, Nevada
Douglas County plans to amend housing policies to address affordable housing and density challenges.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Town leaders emphasize urgency in addressing affordable housing needs for community stability and representation.
Johnson County, Iowa
At a Johnson County Board of Supervisors work session, staff reported two vacancies on the zoning board of adjustment — a five‑year term and a shorter vacancy term — and said the appointments will be placed on next week’s formal meeting.
Houston, Harris County, Texas
Brenda Sanchez urges prevention of drunk driving, sharing her survivor story to raise awareness.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Caroline Balzer urged the board to adopt a local zoning term and codify ZBA findings about vacation rentals to end repeated litigation and community harassment; the board voted to send the article to Town Meeting with a positive recommendation.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Covenant lot prices hinder homebuilding, slowing down the development program in Sachem's Path.
Douglas County, Nevada
County plans cautious budget adjustments, considering facility closures amid uncertain room tax revenue.
Wythe County, Virginia
Deputy County Administrator Hankins asked whether the board prefers the Emergency Operations Plan be reviewed by committee or distributed to the full board; County Administrator Baird reported a procurement ordinance draft under auditor review and upcoming infrastructure bid dates.
Houston, Harris County, Texas
Authorities urge holiday revelers to plan safe rides to prevent alcohol-related tragedies.
Wythe County, Virginia
The board approved payment of invoices, accepted minutes, appointed Christina Latham to the Mount Rogers Community Services Board, approved the FY25 third‑quarter appropriations, and ratified two engineering agreements recommended by the water and wastewater committee.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
The board voted to send a staff‑and‑counsel‑revised amendment (MGL §4181L related) to Town Meeting that would prevent automatic vesting of preexisting‑structure rights for newly created lots and require deed‑restriction drafts for ZBA review.
Douglas County, Nevada
Sales tax revenue could drop over 50% due to lack of economic activity and tourism.
Houston, Harris County, Texas
Think twice before driving intoxicated; your choices endanger lives and impact communities.
Custer County, Colorado
County plans new Justice Center design prioritizing courthouse with potential future jail expansion.
Wythe County, Virginia
Chief Whitlow told the Board of Supervisors that his department handled dozens of storm-related calls, multiple rescues and prolonged staffing during Hurricane Helene and said donations are being redirected to rebuild equipment and training capacity.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Developer Clifford Williams proposed rezoning a two‑acre site on Skyline Drive to create deed‑restricted housing; widespread neighbor opposition over traffic, density and character led the Planning Board to move 'no action' on the article (3–1).
Buffalo County, South Dakota
Commissioners argue for detailed vouchers to enhance taxpayer understanding and accountability
Douglas County, Nevada
Board faces public criticism over master plan approval and unrealistic population growth projections.
Douglas County, Nevada
Douglas County considers referendum for event center funding amid concerns over taxpayer risks and benefits.
Buffalo County, South Dakota
A commissioner proposed changing how the county prints payment vouchers — to list the payee, purpose and dollar amount — saying fuller detail would inform taxpayers and reduce in-person voucher review; the board agreed to place the idea on a future agenda.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Proponent asked the board to rezone 32 Appleton Road from R20 to R10 to increase allowable ground cover (not create a subdividable lot) so owners can house employees; board and public urged clearer restrictions and continuation to Jan. 30.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Peter McKay and family asked the Planning Board to rezone a 40,000‑sq‑ft LUG1 parcel to R20 so the two existing houses can be sold separately under strict deed restrictions; board expressed spot‑zoning concerns and continued the article to Jan. 30 for staff‑drafted deed‑restriction language and technical fixes.
Douglas County, Nevada
County faces uncertain revenue outlook amid California's lockdown and unprecedented economic challenges.
Douglas County, Nevada
Commissioners face backlash for rushing flawed master plan update with limited public input.
Buffalo County, South Dakota
The commission considered a cooperative contract with Hughes County for juvenile services and moved to accept the agreement; the transcript records the motion but does not include a clear roll-call vote or an unambiguous per-day rate, which is garbled in the recording.
Wythe County, Virginia
Peguard Fire Department reports significant storm service, rescue operations, and community assistance hours.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
At hearings on stabilizing eroding coastal banks at several Paco Mo properties, commissioners debated whether a reinforced fiber-roll array is a coastal engineering structure under local rules. A majority of sitting commissioners said it meets the local definition and the commission asked applicants for more technical detail and tagging/monofilament assurances; the applications were continued to Jan. 23.
Johnson County, Iowa
Council discusses two zoning board vacancies and upcoming legislative issues for Johnson County.
Douglas County, Nevada
Community urged to understand COVID risks as testing surges before holiday gatherings.
Buffalo County, South Dakota
The Buffalo County Commission approved a supplemental 2024 budget resolution to reassign $20,500 in grant funds into highway repairs and infrastructure line items; staff will finalize signatures and paperwork after the meeting.
Village of Hoffman Estates offers free WITS Workout classes to boost memory and social connections.
Town of Lakeville, Plymouth County, Massachusetts
Conservationists urge for cohesive open space to protect Native American sites effectively.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Residents and commissioners objected to an 8-foot high deer fence with large posts and extensive brush-cutting near Tom Nevers Pond; applicants requested waivers to retain fence elements inside buffer zones. Commissioners said they lack jurisdiction over some off-property impacts, requested schematics and HDC/other permits, scheduled a site visit and continued the hearings to Jan. 23, 2025.
Johnson County, Iowa
Royceann reflects on her six-year journey as Johnson County's first African American woman in office.
Custer County, Colorado
During public comment at the Dec. 26 meeting, commissioners said Justice Center planning will resume after the new year, initially focusing on courthouse functions with a modular design that would allow adding a jail later; the board invited public participation and said the project will return for public briefings and possible ballot action.
Johnson County, Iowa
Teamsters Local 238's new business agent expresses gratitude for past relationships and community impact.
Douglas County, Nevada
Water rights concerns arise as development plans face scrutiny amid ongoing drought conditions.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
At a Jan. 9 hearing for a proposed pool and cabana at 31 Dukes Road, abutter Karen McClellan alleged a prior order of conditions was not met and said she and neighbors 'saw effluent in the wetland.' The commission said a prior certificate of compliance limits its ability to reopen the matter, advised enforcement channels, and voted to close the hearing with Commissioner Williams recused.
Town of Lakeville, Plymouth County, Massachusetts
Local residents express concerns over proposed development's impact on ecosystem and community well-being.
Johnson County, Iowa
Public attendees express gratitude to Supervisor Royceann during Johnson County's final meeting of 2024.
Custer County, Colorado
At their Dec. 26 meeting commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Westcliff for sheriff services, a lease to hold 2025 meetings at All Aboard Westcliff, human-services attorney contracts with Julie Katz, authorized placement of Flock Safety cameras on county property, and allocated $6,000 in remaining ARPA funds to training; a donations reconciliation resolution was tabled for rework.
Manor, Travis County, Texas
Councilwoman Hill motions to approve election results from December 14 runoff election.
Douglas County, Nevada
Commissioners debate zoning changes amid concerns over water supply and infrastructure in Johnson Lane.
Weslaco, Hidalgo County, Texas
At a special Weslaco City Commission meeting on Dec. 26, 2024, commissioners approved Resolution 2024‑84 certifying the Dec. 14 runoff and administered the oath of office to Commissioner‑elect Pete Garcia Jr., who pledged to "faithfully execute" his duties.
Town of Lakeville, Plymouth County, Massachusetts
Town considers Rocky Woods development plan to preserve land and address community concerns.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Chair Seth Engelbart told the Conservation Commission that new Nantucket wetlands regulations became effective Jan. 1, 2025 but apply only to applications submitted after that date; applications filed by the Dec. 26 cutoff will be processed under the old regulations. The commission pledged outreach and clarified permit-sequencing requirements.
Manor, Travis County, Texas
Christopher Harvey wins mayoral runoff election in Manor, Texas with 75.96% of votes.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
The school committee approved two $500 mini grants (Cape Cod 5 to NES for Taylor Fashion and to NES for Jocelyn Ramirez), approved the Nov. 12 minutes and approved transfers and invoices by voice vote; a late overnight field-trip permission was shared for review but not voted on.
Douglas County, Nevada
Lake Tahoe launches campaign to combat drunk driving following tragic crash involving local crew member.
Denison, Grayson County, Texas
Zoning Board grants variances for Mount Olive Baptist Church to sell single family structure
Town of Lakeville, Plymouth County, Massachusetts
Residents express concerns over open space preservation amid pressures from developers in Lakeville.
Mount Vernon, Westchester County, New York
Mayor Shawn Patterson Howard announced the Board of Estimate and Contract will not meet today and that a rescheduled session will be held Dec. 27 at 4:30 p.m. to pass final ARPA legislation, authorize contracts and address two bid openings; staff flagged inconsistencies in budget-year labeling.
Douglas County, Nevada
COVID cases surge in Nevada, straining healthcare resources and prompting state officials to issue warnings.
Town of Lakeville, Plymouth County, Massachusetts
Developer considers conservation buyout amid concerns over land disturbance and community impact.
Little Rock City, Pulaski County, Arkansas
City declares impasse in firefighter negotiations, prompting calls for budget ordinance adjustments.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
The Commission approved move-off orders for multiple noncontributing structures (including two cottages on a Paco property and a demo/move-off at Tripp Drive) and urged applicants to prioritize relocation and salvage rather than demolition.
Mount Vernon, Westchester County, New York
After line-by-line adjustments presented by the assistant comptroller, Mount Vernon�s City Council adopted the 2025 annual estimate Dec. 26, 2024, setting a new tax rate of 3.6 and approving reallocations and cuts intended to reduce pressure on homeowners.
Evansville City, Vanderburgh County, Indiana
Board of Public Works endorses an agreement with Best Friends Animal Society for shelter aid.
Douglas County, Nevada
Health officials express concern over rising hospital capacity pressures amid potential new lockdown measures.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
A parent told the committee Nantucket Elementary School has had no teachers certified in Orton-Gillingham or Wilson structured reading programs for dyslexic students since a district split more than seven years ago; resident David Dixon reported strong 2024 AP Biology and Chemistry outcomes compared with 2011-12.
Evansville City, Vanderburgh County, Indiana
On Dec. 26, 2024, the Evansville Board of Public Works approved an agreement with Best Friends Animal Society to place a grant-funded support worker at the city animal shelter for six months; Best Friends will pay and relocate the staffer to help the shelter reach a minimum 90% live-animal save rate.
Mount Vernon, Westchester County, New York
The Mount Vernon City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance revising the city�s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) budget for fiscal year 2024 during a special meeting Dec. 26, 2024; the action was approved with all four present council members voting aye.
Little Rock City, Pulaski County, Arkansas
Fire department leaders express urgent concerns over budget and safety amid ongoing negotiations.
Douglas County, Nevada
Commissioner urges focus on water supply for Northern Nevada businesses amid master plan concerns.
Little Rock City, Pulaski County, Arkansas
Community advocates stress importance of support roles in schools amid financial struggles and trauma.
Denison, Grayson County, Texas
Mount Olive Baptist Church seeks variances and a replat at 930 West Texas Street to create two legal lots and allow sale of a single-family structure; planning staff recommended approval and a board member moved to approve, but no vote is recorded in the transcript.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
The Commission signed off on a bungalow-style addition at 35 Pleasant with conditions to lower dormers and preserve front facade features, and approved a new barn‑form residence on Lovers Lane after commissioners accepted the applicant's screening and barn-like massing.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
A semester-long meditation course at Nantucket High School runs four days a week and uses twice-daily 20-minute practice and journaling; teacher Andrew Caselli and student Caroline Collette described measurable mindfulness gains and peer-led sessions.
Douglas County, Nevada
Local leaders push for improved testing capabilities amid concerns over current COVID-19 response.
Senate, Legislative, Massachusetts
The Senate adopted an emergency preamble for a sick‑leave bank for a Worcester County Sheriff's Office employee (House No. 5116), ordered multiple house and senate bills to third reading or engrossment after committee amendments, concurred in at least one governor's amendment, and held memorial remarks for Cheryl A. Frazier before adjourning to meet next Monday at 11:00 a.m.
Manor, Travis County, Texas
The City of Manor council approved an ordinance canvassing the Dec. 14, 2024 mayoral runoff, certified Dr. Christopher Harvey as the winner and administered his oath of office; city officials reported a turnout of 470 ballots (about 4.8%).
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Zoning debate continues as officials propose changes to Woodland Drive property classifications.
Douglas County, Nevada
County officials contest OSHA fines after hosting Trump rally, citing political motivations and constitutional concerns.
House, Legislative, Massachusetts
In a largely procedural session, the House adopted an emergency preamble for House 5116 (establishing a sick leave bank), passed numerous bills to be engrossed or enacted across local charters, public-safety waivers, and policy areas, and adjourned to Monday at 11:00 AM.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
At its Jan. 7 meeting, the Nantucket Historic District Commission adopted a more compact consent approach, approved a large batch of routine applications and sent a handful of projects back for design revisions, including a major new dwelling on East Lincoln that will return with simplified massing.
Johnson County, Iowa
Several residents and fellow supervisors used the Dec. 26 Johnson County Board meeting to thank departing Supervisor Royceann for her service; Royceann announced she will be the business agent for Teamsters Local 238 and reflected on her six years in office.
Douglas County, Nevada
Residents protest tourism's impact on quality of life, demanding updates to master plans and regulations.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Town Manager Libby Gibson and finance staff presented FY2026 projections showing roughly $161.7 million in projected revenue and $161.4 million in recommended expenses, leaving limited unused levy capacity; presenters flagged large coastal-resiliency costs, PFAS remediation, and uncertainty in short-term-rental revenue.
Johnson County, Iowa
Board members discussed checking with their lobbyist about proposed University of Iowa changes, reviewed an atypical three‑meeting schedule with swearing‑in ceremonies Monday, and a supervisor thanked staff for a plaque presentation to Dave Wilson.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Town officials push for streamlined regulations on short-term rentals amid community concerns.
Little Rock City, Pulaski County, Arkansas
The Little Rock City Board approved the 2025 budget on third reading Dec. 26 after the mayor said firefighters had tentatively accepted a negotiated offer; an amendment to eliminate five mayor’s-office positions failed amid robust public comment defending those roles.
Douglas County, Nevada
Residents demand stricter regulations on vacation rentals amid safety concerns and neighborhood disruptions.
Socorro City, El Paso County, Texas
The City of Socorro council adopted Resolution 808 to canvass the Dec. 14, 2024 District 4 runoff, recording Irene Rojas with 61 votes (54.96%) and Enrique Cisneros with 50 votes (45.04%). Judge Ruben Lujan administered the oath and Rojas took office during the same meeting.
Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa
The director reported a successful closed service staff training day, noted plans to host a regional reception and highlighted digital-help services; development staff said roughly $36,000 had been raised and new donors are returning. The board discussed regional collaboration and potential legislative issues affecting libraries.
Town of Lakeville, Plymouth County, Massachusetts
At a Dec. 26 joint meeting, Lakeville planning and partner committees discussed drafting an Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) bylaw focused on the Rocky Woods parcel as an alternative to a developer's pending Chapter 40B comprehensive permit; boards requested topographic, wetland and cultural overlays and agreed to continue the discussion at the Jan. 9 planning board meeting.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Town struggles to embrace zoning changes needed for affordable housing development, hindering progress.
Governor's Office, Executive , West Virginia
The governor said the state announced a $75 million investment in support of a Nucor expansion and that Nucor plans an additional $800 million investment in a Mason County sheet mill; he credited the state's EDA with a unanimous backing.
Douglas County, Nevada
Lake residents protest tourist influx as hotels operate at 70% capacity amid COVID-19 restrictions.
Socorro City, El Paso County, Texas
The City of Socorro council approved the consent agenda, voted to delete agenda items 8–10, and adjourned the meeting at 2:13 p.m.; votes were taken by voice and there were no public commenters.
Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa
The Iowa City library board approved an amendment to Policy 103, voted to allow an early closure (6 p.m.) for a regional staff training day, and approved the consent agenda (Nov. 21 minutes and November disbursements). All votes were voice votes; individual roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript.
Governor's Office, Executive , West Virginia
The governor announced he will stay in office until Jan. 13 to preserve continuity, said he has consulted federal and state leaders who support the decision, and described his Senate committee assignments 'particularly energy 'as a strong fit.
Douglas County, Nevada
Lake Tahoe faces influx of disruptive day-trippers, prompting calls for better visitor management.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Community debates affordable housing density and traffic impacts amid proposed zoning changes on Woodland Drive.
Utah Attorney General, Utah Judicial Branch, Utah
Ryan Goodrich, who ran Synergy Title in Syracuse, was prosecuted by the Utah Attorney General's office after investigators say he diverted more than $9 million in buyer and seller funds; he was sentenced to prison, ordered to pay about $6.5 million in restitution, and had his license revoked.