In a recent announcement made by Darcel D. Clark, the Bronx District Attorney, 60-year-old Jacqueline Ratliff has been formally accused of charges related to second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. This follows a deadly stabbing incident in their residential building. The tragic event took place within 1752 Walton Avenue, at around 10:03 am on May 25, resulting in the unfortunate demise of John Welgoss, Jr., aged 32.
Ratliff’s arraignment was carried out before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera. Post the arraignment, Ratliff was directed into custody with a subsequent court date scheduled for September 30. The violent incident, which culminated in Welgoss’s untimely death, had its origins in a disagreement that broke out in the apartment building’s hallway. The confrontation ended with Welgoss being stabbed fatally with a kitchen knife, his throat cut viciously.
The Homicide Bureau’s Assistant District Attorney Nicholas W. DiCostanzo is prosecuting this case. Elsewhere in New York, the Yankees have strategically upheaved their bullpen. They managed to secure the right-handed pitcher Mark Leiter Jr., trading him from the Chicago Cubs.
This interchange transpired just ahead of the nearing MLB trade deadline. The trade involved the Yankees sending their infield prospect Ben Cowles and pitching standout Jack Neely to the Cubs. Neely has been creating quite the buzz in the minor leagues with his stunning strikeout skills, and Cowles is also a promising prospect who’s on the rise.
Mark Leiter Jr., despite having an eclectic professional journey across Major Leagues, has been a critical component of the Cubs bullpen in recent times. His career is punctuated with a compelling narrative of his family history which is deeply entwined with baseball. Leiter Jr’s father, Mark Leiter Sr., and his uncle, Al Leiter, both carved out remarkable careers in MLB.
This acquisition signals the Yankees’ unrelenting drive to reinforce their relief pitching, while leveraging the vast experience and talent of Leiter Jr. In their pursuit of post-season dreams. On the other hand, this deal brings the Cubs some advantages too: they gain two precocious talents nearing readiness for the major leagues, reflecting their persistent efforts to invigorate their team lineup for future competitiveness.
Going south to New Jersey, the historic 1910 Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Carousel marking an era is welcoming visitors again in Seaside Heights after an exhaustive restoration job spanning nine years. This restoration initiative was commemorated on June 28 with a ceremonial ribbon cutting by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, inclusive of Deputy Director Gary Quinn and Commissioner Frank Sadeghi.
The restoration was a combined endeavor of several volunteers, Carousels & Carvings for mechanical reconditioning, and local artist Marie deSaules who meticulously restored numerous horses of the carousel. Another primary contribution to this spectacular restoration project was the revival of the original Wurlitzer organ, which is certain to reintroduce the vintage charm for the public.
By the side of the carousel, preparations are in place to introduce a museum offering insights into the history of Seaside Heights. This museum is going to be housed inside the carousel structure itself and is scheduled for unveiling in the not-so-distant future. It aspires to present an immersive peek into the area’s rich heritage for both locals and tourists.
In related news, Ocean County students celebrated National County Government Month with a poster contest. They were encouraged to depict the finest traits of their hometown county, currently home to over half a million residents. The competition was aimed to foster engagement with local governance by casting a spotlight on the ideas and perceptions of the younger generation.
Students from every corner of the county took part in the contest and their entries ranged across an array of subjects. It was intriguing to see the range of perspectives from these young minds representing their own parts of the county.
Fourth graders claimed top honors in the competition and were celebrated in a ceremony by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, including Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, and receiving special recognition from Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella. This special event put the spotlight on the youth’s talent and their understanding of their home county.
Their contributions highlighted their grasp of what truly makes Ocean County unique and a perfect place of residence. It served as a fitting tribute to the county’s rich history and vibrant community, shown through the eyes of its youngest residents.
Indeed, the future seems bright for Ocean County if these contest entries are any indication of the citizens it’s raising. The young participants, already demonstrating a keen sense of their county’s assets, have proven that promoting county-level governance and civic pride can start at a young age with the right engagements in place.
Wrapping up, from the Bronx courts to the baseball fields of New York, to the restored carousels in Seaside Heights’ history, and the poster-filled classrooms of Ocean County, it’s clear the hustle and spirit of these areas remains strong and vibrant.
These communities continue to demonstrate resilience, resourcefulness, historical reverence, and forward-looking optimism. As they tackle crime, play sports, restore their historical assets, and educate their youngest, they contribute collectively to making this vibrant region uniquely its own. A testament to how community and heritage shape not just local culture, but individual stories as well.
Bronx Woman Charged with Second-Degree Murder appeared first on Real News Now.
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