Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Sage Smith
The risks desperate Vancouver renters are taking to secure housing
Breadcrumb Trail Links Home News Local News Robert Patterson outside with the new drop-in TRAC (Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre), where tenants can receive free in-person support with their tenancy issues. Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG When Hansley Ambia rented a room in Vancouver, he had no idea that, like many other desperate renters, he would have to agree to no rental protections, poor living conditions, and even to sharing a room with a stranger — or risk losing his housing.
Share By SAGE SMITH and JUAN DIAZ LOPEZ The 2025 Homeless Count happened last night in Vancouver. The previous count showed a 16 per cent increase in homelessness between 2020 and 2023. Although this survey is widely known to be an undercount, many are wondering what the statistics will tell us this time.
Langara Faculty Association protests ahead of expected layoffs
Share By SAGE SMITH As the college prepares for a wave of expected layoffs, the Langara Faculty Association gathered to express concern about job insecurity and what they call the lack of leadership on the part of college administration. LFA president Pauline Greaves emailed faculty and staff on Feb. 3 to invite them to gather throughout last week at noon each day in the foyer of the A Building. “Our goal is to show the real face of Langara.
Chasing Paychecks and Personal Growth: A College Student’s Double Life – The Spectrum Newspaper
Every year, the month of May brings a refreshing wave of change for college students across the world. The long-awaited return of beach weather and finals finished and forgotten, combined with the move back to their hometowns, young adults also find themselves scrambling for cash, usually in two forms: internship and minimum wage job.
Elkader business to open Earthmoving Legacy Center, host show
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
Elkader business to open Earthmoving Legacy Center, host show
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
On eve of MLB game, crowd turns out to watch movie that started it all
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
Dedication ceremony, game celebrate arrival of all-inclusive Miracle League field
A dedication ceremony and baseball game celebrated the all-inclusive Miracle League of Dubuque complex on Tuesday morning. Located at Veterans Memorial Park in Dubuque, the complex features a playground with wheelchair- and walker-accessible equipment and a ballfield with a cushioned, rubberized surface. The field was specifically designed to be playable for children and adults of all abilities.
Back to School Bash in Dubuque provides families with supplies, resources
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
Dubuque County Fair attendance tops 50,000
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
Galena farm-to-table dinner highlights local food
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
Volunteers aid smooth operation of Dubuque County Fair
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
Emotions high as 4-H'ers, animals part ways at Dubuque County Fair auctions
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
Smiles, leaps abound at Dubuque County Fair frog jump contest
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
4-H members enjoy working with animals at Dubuque County Fair livestock shows
Hard work pays off for 4-H members at the Dubuque County Fair. Once a child completes fourth grade, they are eligible to participate in the youth organization, which is “empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime,” according to the 4-H website. Multiple Dubuque County Fair 4-H competitors said responsibility is one of the skills they learn by raising and showing their livestock.
Dubuque school district considers expanding solar to elementary schools
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
'It's time to celebrate': Dubuque County Fair returning to normal
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
Best-selling author, soccer icon talk empowerment at NICC event
Country United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth...
Car show, live music kick off Platteville hometown festival
PLATTEVILLE, WIS. — Ice cream, classic cars and live music highlighted the first day of Platteville's Hometown Festival Week. The 24th annual festival started Saturday and will feature various entertainment through July 25. The city blocked off Main Street for the 'Cruise In On Main' car show hosted by the Southwest Auto Club and O'Reilly Auto Parts. “It’s great to interact with and see people,” said Josh Taber of Platteville.
Dubuque couple remembers loved one with barbecue business
Through the love of barbecue, a couple has honored a loved one with their new business. Michael and Abby Lawrence, of Dubuque, first introduced Lawrence Brothers’ Barbeque to the Dubuque Farmers Market on June 5. “We wanted to start small and start with the farmers market,” Michael said. “Being part of the market has definitely been the most enjoyable part.” The business name was chosen as a tribute to Michael’s brother, John, who unexpectedly died in 2015 from a brain aneurysm at 30 years old.
From sold-out concerts to children's activities, Delaware County Fair draws crowds
MANCHESTER, Iowa — While two sold-out concerts are among the headlines for this year’s Delaware County Fair, families at the Manchester fairgrounds on Thursday had no shortage of entertainment options. As fair attendees waited for the carnival rides to begin, families gathered around The Amazing Bubble Factory. Children ran after the large bubbles, jumping in the air to pop them. “Fairs are a fun way to get kids to do some activities together,” said Amanda Brown, of Dyersville.
New signage in Dubuque marks Historic U.S. Route 20 Auto Trail
New signage now stands in Dubuque designating the Historic U.S. Route 20 Auto Trail. Iowa was the first state to sign off among the 12 in which the designation is being sought. The auto trail covers 333 miles in Iowa and goes through 35 cities, including Dubuque, Epworth, Farley, Dyersville and Manchester. Nationwide, the old highway follows the original 1926 U.S. Route 20 and covers 3,365 miles from Boston to Newport, Ore.
Fishing helps local anglers connect with nature, each other
1 of 9 Tim Parkins, of Des Moines, pulls in his catch while fishing from the Eagle Point Fishing Barge near O’Leary’s Lake Recreation Area last week in rural Hazel Green, Wis. Kenny Mehring, of Dubuque, nets his catch while fishing from the Eagle Point Fishing Barge in rural Hazel Green, Wis.
Local Iowa counties prepare for fair festivities
It’s time for carnival rides, tractor pulls and more: Fair season is here. The Delaware County Fair kicked off Monday in Manchester, Iowa, with a slew of local fairs set to follow in the coming weeks. Here are some of the highlights of what’s to come at local county fairs in Iowa. Delaware County Fair When: Monday, July 12, through Sunday, July 18, in Manchester Entertainment and more: Monday will feature a fair kick-off parade, along with free inflatable slides and obstacle courses for kids.
Highlights of Grant, Lafayette, Crawford, Iowa, Jo Daviess county fairs
Local Illinois and Wisconsin counties are prepared to provide entertainment and classic carnival food to attendees at their annual fairs. The Telegraph Herald highlighted the local Iowa fairs at TelegraphHerald.com on Monday. That story is reprinted on Page 7B today. Lafayette County FairWhen: Wednesday to Sunday, July 14 to 18, in Darlington, Wis. Entertainment and more: A variety of judged contests will occur at the Lafayette County Fair.
Local Iowa counties prepare for fair festivities
It’s time for carnival rides, tractor pulls and more: Fair season is here. The Delaware County Fair kicks off today in Manchester, Iowa, with a slew of local fairs set to follow in the coming weeks. Here are some of the highlights of what’s to come at local county fairs in Iowa. Information about local fairs in Illinois and Wisconsin will run in the Tuesday, July 13, edition of the Telegraph Herald. Delaware County Fair When: Today, July 12, through Sunday, July 18, in Manchester.
City of Dubuque names director of new shared prosperity office
A City of Dubuque supervisor with an extensive history of community service will be in charge of a new city office focused on poverty prevention and reduction. City officials recently announced the appointment of Anderson Sainci as director of the city's new Office of Shared Prosperity and Neighborhood Support starting Aug. 22. In his new position, Sainci will focus on working with different communities and nonprofits in Dubuque.
Manchester brewery kicks off true crime series with focus on Gacy
MANCHESTER, IA. — Delving into the story of a serial killer with ties to Iowa kicked off a Manchester brewery’s monthly True Crime Thursdays. Franklin Street Brewing Co. hosted Manchester resident Kelli Berens-Brink to do a live recording of her podcast, “True Crime iRL,” this time focusing on John Wayne Gacy. On the second Thursday of each month, she will discuss a new true crime topic at the brewery. “We chose the (Gacy) case because we wanted to keep it local,” Berens-Brink said.
2 firefighters injured as crews battle blaze at East Dubuque salvage yard
EAST DUBUQUE, Ill. — Two firefighters were injured Wednesday while battling an intense blaze at an East Dubuque salvage yard. Multiple fire departments responded to the fire at T&T Iron & Metals Inc., 5158 Barge Terminal Road, just off of U.S. 20., at about 3:30 p.m. The blaze filled the sky with black smoke, visible from miles away, as the fire intensified in the afternoon and continued to burn into the evening hours. Officials confirmed that no employees from T&T Iron & Metals were injured.
Fincel's sweet corn back for summer, draws eager crowd
The namesake vegetable of Fincel’s Sweet Corn is back in Dubuque for the summer. The first of the harvest was available Tuesday morning at stands in the parking lot of Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 2675 Northwest Arterial, and in the former Shopko parking lot, 255 John F. Kennedy Road. Sarah Fincel is the stand manager for the JFK location. She arrived just before 7:30 a.m. to set up for its scheduled 8 a.m. opening. “There were people here sitting in lawn chairs already waiting when I got here,” she said.
Fincel's sweet corn back for summer, draws eager crowd
Fincel’s sweet corn is back in Dubuque for the summer. The first of the harvest was available Tuesday morning at stand locations outside Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 2675 Northwest Arterial, and in the former Shopko parking lot, 255 John F. Kennedy Road. Sarah Fincel is the stand manager for the John F. Kennedy location, and arrived just before 7:30 a.m. Tuesday to set up. “There were people here sitting in lawn chairs already waiting when I got here,” she said.
Iowa, Wisconsin crack top 10 in child well-being rankings
Iowa and Wisconsin each rank in the top 10 states in a study looking at the well-being of children. The 2021 Kids Count Data Book published by Annie E. Casey Foundation used data from 2019, which were the most-recent numbers available. The collected data evaluated each state’s well-being trends of children in four categories: economic, education, health, and family and community. Moving up one spot from last year, Iowa ranked ninth overall. Also moving up one spot was Wisconsin to No. 10.
Iowa, Wisconsin crack top 10 in child well-being rankings
Iowa and Wisconsin each rank in the top 10 states in a study looking at the well-being of children. The 2021 Kids Count Data Book published by Annie E. Casey Foundation used data from 2019, the most-recent numbers available. The collected data evaluated each state’s well-being trends of children in four categories: economic, education, health, and family and community. Moving up one spot from last year, Iowa ranked ninth overall. Also moving up one spot was Wisconsin to No. 10.
Thousands celebrate at annual Dubuque fireworks, air show
1 of 25 Elliot (1), Trisha, and Emma Yakes (7) of Dubuque watch the Annual Fireworks and Air Show Spectacular at A.Y. McDonald Park in Dubuque on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Michael Wiscus performs in the Lucas Oil biplane during the Annual Fireworks and Air Show Spectacular at A.Y. McDonald Park in Dubuque on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Michael Wiscus performs in the Lucas Oil biplane during the Annual Fireworks and Air Show Spectacular at A.Y. McDonald Park in Dubuque on Saturday, July 3, 2021.
Air time: Golden Knights aim to remain a 'top notch' team
While communicating with hand signals and gestures, the Golden Knights prepared to soar through the sky once again. At nearly 13,000 feet in the air, eight members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team’s Black Demonstration Team were moments from jumping out of the C-147 aircraft Thursday night high above Elizabeth, Ill. “My biggest mind-blowing moment was the clouds,” said Spc. Raine Fuller, the newest member of the team, earlier in the day.
Volunteers pitch in to revamp Cascade park
CASCADE, Iowa — More than 50 people volunteered Friday morning to install new playground equipment and perform other work at a Cascade park. The “build day” in Legion Park was a requirement of the KABOOM! grant that was secured by the city to fund the project. The additions include an inclusive whirl that is designed to be wheelchair accessible and rubber mulch surfacing, which volunteers said is softer and safer for children.
Person who makes a difference: Dubuque man helps peers navigate mental health struggles
Daryl Bruflodt now leads the same programs that helped him through his journey with mental health struggles. For more than five years, the Dubuque resident has helped lead a Connection Support Group and Peer-to-Peer recovery education course through the Dubuque chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “I feel like it’s a chance for me to help people get to a place where I’m at, where I feel like I have a good understanding of my mental health and how to cope with it,” he said.
Farley Fire Department celebrates 100 years
1 of 14 The New Vienna Fire Department puts out a fake fire on their parade float at the Farley Fire Department 100th Anniversary Parade in Farley, Iowa, on Saturday, June 26, 2021. Parade-goers line up at the Farley Fire Department 100th Anniversary Parade in Farley, Iowa, on Saturday, June 26, 2021. A parade float memorializing 9/11 at the Farley Fire Department 100th Anniversary Parade in Farley, Iowa, on Saturday, June 26, 2021.
Local campgrounds report strong numbers as summer sets in
Camping season in the tri-state area has had a busy start. Local campground management officials said their sites are filling up, and they expect reservations to stay full throughout the summer. Dubuque County Conservation Board officials have seen an increase across the board in camping and general use of trails this year, according to Executive Director Brian Preston. “We’ve had a real strong spring and early summer,” he said.
Tri-state area organizations, community members spread 'message of inclusion' with pronouns
For the past few years, employees at Riverview Center have included both their names and their preferred pronouns in their email signatures. Employees of the nonprofit — which provides services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in the tri-state area — also are strongly encouraged to introduce themselves with their pronouns and ask those to whom they provide services for their pronouns, as well, Iowa Program Director Gwen Bramlet-Hecker said.
UD student's research examines local bird diversity
A University of Dubuque student is examining the abundance and diversity of local birds to help determine how well area habitats are supporting their populations. Kayla Breunig, a senior at UD, is spending her summer identifying birds and collecting data on habitats as part of UD’s Joseph and Linda Chlapaty Summer Research Fellowship. “(Birds) are a very vital part of our ecosystem,” Breunig said.
At Platteville 'M,' 90-acre nature preserve awaits
PLATTEVILLE, WIS. — Platteville’s big “M” is well known in the tri-state area and beyond, but many are unaware of the 90-acre nature preserve found at the top. Platte Mound has trails to hike and rock formations to admire. It is owned and maintained by University of Wisconsin-Platteville and open to the public.
UD student's research examines local bird diversity
A University of Dubuque student is examining the abundance and diversity of local birds to help determine how well area habitats are supporting their populations. Kayla Breunig, a senior at UD, is spending her summer identifying birds and collecting data on habitats as part of UD’s Joseph and Linda Chlapaty Summer Research Fellowship. “(Birds) are a very vital part of our ecosystem,” Breunig said.
Mountain biking popularity on a roll in Dubuque, tri-state area
As the number of local mountain bike trails has grown in recent years, so has interest in the sport in the tri-state area. Over the past several years, multiple mountain bike trail networks have been installed in Dubuque County, and their popularity has been growing.
Hundreds celebrate Juneteenth in Dubuque
Nearly 200 people were at Comiskey Park in Dubuque today to celebrate Juneteenth with musical performances and Black-owned businesses. Dubuque's Multicultural Family Center hosted the annual Juneteenth celebration, which featured speeches focused on freedom, a talent show and local vendors.
A life remembered: 'Clarke's grammarian' played many key roles
“Determined,” “feisty” and “woman of wisdom” are all words Sister Therese Mackin’s loved ones used to describe her. Mackin, 93, died Wednesday after living a life dedicated to her religion, the field of education and making people laugh. She was a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary for 70 years, worked at Clarke University in various roles for 48 years and was an elementary teacher at St. Anthony School.
Local wildlife camp forges connection between kids, nature
Twenty area students are spending their week exploring Mines of Spain State Recreation Area as part of the Wildlife Camp at State Parks program. The program is orchestrated by University of Iowa and got its start in 2017. Kids preparing to enter third through seventh grade are eligible to attend, and instructors guide them through a wide range of activities.
‘A community that still thrives,’ Elkader to celebrate 175th year
The Clayton County Courthouse and historic keystone arch bridge in Elkader, Iowa. Elkader will be celebrating its 175th Anniversary and Founders Day Celebration on Saturday, June 19. PHOTO CREDIT: Stephen Gassman ELKADER, Iowa — Elkader marks its 175th year as a city this month and will have a full day of events to celebrate. While the city has evolved to have more of a tourism atmosphere, Elkader resident David Beck said the element of community remains strong.
'A community that still thrives,' Elkader to celebrate 175th year
ELKADER, Iowa — Elkader marks its 175th year as a city this month and will have a full day of events to celebrate. While the city has evolved to have more of a tourism atmosphere, Elkader resident David Beck said the element of community remains strong. “When you come to Elkader, you’ll get about a mile away and notice people start waving,” he said. Beck grew up in Elkader. He moved away for years but found his way back to his hometown. “There’s nothing like my backyard,” he said.
Galena's first pride picnic brings hundreds together
GALENA, ILL. — All the colors of the rainbow were represented today with various pride flags, a tie-dye station and more at Galena’s first LGBTQ+ Pride Picnic. The picnic - which had at least 300 attendees - was planned and organized by Alex Arroyo and his husband, Geoff Karnish. Coronavirus became an obstacle in 2020, so the event was rescheduled to be a part of the 2021 Pride Month celebration. "I feel surrounded in love," Arroyo said.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Sage
Contact Sage, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack