Loading

Polaris Week of 9/4

First, a look into the Mississippi water crisis:

On Sept. 3, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency after the Pearl River flooded, causing severe damage to the already fragile OB Curtis Water Treatment Facility. This flooding leaves over 150,000 Jackson, MS residents without water.

  • According to Reeves, until the treatment facility is back up, the city of Jackson, “cannot produce enough water to fight fires, to flush toilets and meet other critical needs.” This crisis highlights the growing issue of Mississippi’s deteriorating water supply infrastructure.
  • Since last July, Jackson residents have been on a boil water notice in an attempt to prevent consumption of unsanitary water. The Mississippi State Department of Health stated that the tap water is unsuitable for brushing teeth, making ice cubes, and even drinking by itself. When possible, the use of bottled water is encouraged.
  • Jackson politicians have been demanding improvements to the city's water facilities since the 1940s. The added damage to the treatment facility is estimated to cost $200 million to fix.
  • While the government works towards a solution, Jackson residents are continuing on with their lives. The struggle to access clean water has become a “way of life” as Jackson resident Halima Olufemi states.

Next, an arrest made for a local juvenile

On Sept. 1, the Naperville Police Department arrested a juvenile for allegedly robbing a food delivery driver in connection with an incident earlier this summer.

  • The initial incident occurred on June 19 at around 12:30 am. Police responded to a call at the 700 block of Royal St. George Dr. from a food delivery driver who stated his wallet and car keys were stolen by two Black men.
  • The two suspects proceeded to steal the victims car, which was soon recovered after the occupants fled during an attempted traffic stop. The victim did not sustain any injuries from the incident.
  • An individual has been arrested in connection to this case with charges of robbery and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. The person’s name is being withheld since they are a juvenile.
  • The investigation is ongoing as police still search for the second suspect.

A look into the Naperville Park District's revenue

The Naperville Park District (NPD) has projected an increase in revenue this year due to an overall increase in membership participation in park district programs throughout 2021. Though the increase in revenue benefits the NPD, they continue to face staffing shortages and equipment supply-chain issues.

  • The Director of Recreation and Facilities Andrea Coates stated there was more than a 20% increase in participation in dance, preschool, soccer and aquatic programs.
  • This past summer, over 2,000 children participated in a NPD program, a 51% increase in participation from last year. Other activities, such as birthday parties, have seen an 83% increase.
  • Facilities such as Centennial Beach have stayed consistent with their yearly revenue. The beach had an annual income of $277,000 while membership exceeded the budget by $6,000. Other facilities such as the Fort Hill Activity Center saw an increase in revenue by 39% so far this year, with an increase of 55% in memberships.
  • The NPD has also planned for $12.7 million in renovations, which include playgrounds and other park facilities. Finance Director Sue Stanish states that an additional $400,000 saved from previous budgets will be used in 2023 for vehicle purchases for park maintenance.

A tribute to Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom died on Thursday at 96 years old at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. This brought an end to her historic 70-year reign on the British throne.

  • Her reign saw 15 different Prime Ministers, the breakup of the British Empire, and the UK’s exit from the European Union. Most recently, she appointed Liz Truss to Prime Minister on Tuesday, following her victory in the Conservative Party leadership election.
  • Members of the Royal Family gathered at her Scottish estate early Thursday amid growing concerns about her health. Currently, the cause of death has not been released to the public.
  • She has been succeeded by her son, Charles, Prince of Wales, now known as King Charles III. His official coronation will take place at a later date.
  • The late Queen was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor on April 21, 1926. She married her late husband Prince Philip on Nov. 20, 1947 and soon after on Feb. 6, 1952, she acceded the throne at age 26.
  • The United Kingdom will now enter a 10-12 day mourning period, which will end with her state funeral at Westminster Abbey and procession to her final resting place at Windsor Castle.

This week's Polaris was written by Kayla, Avery, Ryan, and Ian

Photo credits to The New York Times, Naperville Park District, and Chicago Tribune

To recieve the Polaris newsletter in your inbox, follow this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rUQQBmnLU1-0t-qR9ARxVgikuFUg6GFuzi-s2I3291g/viewform?edit_requested=true

Credits:

Created with an image by NotjungCG - "Night sky with stars sparkling on black background" Chicago Tribune, New York Times, Naperville Park District