Rural

Rural Domination in Ohio Lawmaking? Unpacking the Geographic and Demographic Disparities in Legal Representation

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — A stark imbalance in the distribution of legal professionals across Ohio has sparked concerns about adequate legal representation in the state’s rural areas. State Rep. Brian Stewart recently pointed out that 75% of Ohio’s attorneys are based in just six of its most populous counties, leaving the remaining lawyers to serve the vast majority of the state’s geographic area. This concentration in urban centers suggests potential neglect for the legal needs of rural residents, raising issues of fairness and access to justice. According to information from an Ohio Bar Association meeting, Supreme … Read more

West Texas Rural Sheriffs Take a Stand: Halting Enforcement of Controversial Immigration Law

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Culberson County, a rural area in West Texas, may see a limited enforcement of its controversial immigration law by local sheriffs. This comes as the debate over immigration in the United States continues to divide communities. The law in question, known as Senate Bill 4 (SB4), allows local law enforcement officers to question the immigration status of people they detain or arrest. It also penalizes local officials who refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. However, several sheriffs in Culberson County have expressed concerns about the law and its potential impact on their communities. Sheriffs … Read more

Rural Winthrop Man Found Guilty on Multiple Felony Drug Charges

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NEW ULM, Minn. – A 41-year-old man from rural Winthrop was found guilty of five felony drug sale/possession charges by a Brown County District Court jury on Dec. 15. James Matthew Pautz was convicted of various drug offenses including first-degree drug sale of methamphetamine, second-degree drug sale of a narcotic drug, third-degree narcotic sale, third-degree possession of a narcotic, and fifth-degree drug possession. Pautz is scheduled for an in-person sentencing hearing on Jan. 29. The conviction stems from a controlled purchase conducted by the Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force (MRVDTF) on May 26, 2021. … Read more

Rural County Prepares for Landmark Trial: Driveway Shooter Jury Pool Expanded

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FORT EDWARD, New York – Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan has called for a larger than normal jury pool for the trial of Kevin Monahan, who is accused of shooting and killing 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis in his driveway. The trial is expected to last three weeks. While the number of residents in the rural county is modest, Jordan wants to ensure a thorough jury selection process. The exact number of jurors in the pool has not been confirmed, but all potential jurors will be prescreened before final selection begins on Monday. Judge Adam Michelini … Read more