New Shade Structure and Playground To Be Unveiled at Ezra Fredericks Ballpark
Man Arrested After Allegedly Carrying Firearm, Altered Weapon Found in Bushes
Alphonso Edmond Farrell Dies at 84
Lorraine Cartier Dies at 65
Granny Pre-School and Kindergarten 2025-2026 School Year Registration
Scholarships For 2025 St. Croix Graduates
- Graduating Senior of St. Croix Central High School Class of 2025
- Official High School Transcript
- Letter of Acceptance to College or Technical School
- Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Essay (500-750 words)
- Letter(s) of Recommendation
- Scholarship Application
Consider the Source with Adisha Penn
Federal Layoffs Impact Some USVI Conservation, Preservation Efforts
The V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Fish and Wildlife has also lost four key personnel and contractors, creating additional challenges for local conservation efforts. Division Director Nicole Angeli confirmed that among those dismissed was the only U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Services employee stationed in the USVI. That individual played a role in ensuring that federally funded construction projects, such as ongoing work at the Vincent Mason Pool, complied with environmental regulations protecting species like sea turtles and lizards.
In particular, one of the recently laid-off Fish and Wildlife staff members had been directly involved in formulating the conservation plan for the endangered St. Croix ground lizard, a species that disappeared due to habitat loss and the introduction of predators like the small Indian mongoose. Today, it survives only on four offshore cays—Green Cay, Ruth Cay, Buck Island and Protestant Cay, home to Hotel on the Cay, which has been undergoing renovations. Conservationists had been working on a protection plan to ensure that development does not further threaten the lizard’s fragile habitat, according to officials, with landscaping and changes to vegetation making those efforts even more critical. Federal workforce reductions have added another layer of uncertainty. While it is unclear what effect the staffing reductions may have on the permitting process, senators have raised concerns over the project’s stalled progress during recent hearings. These challenges are part of a larger trend, as federal workforce reductions continue to impact agencies responsible for environmental protection, climate research, and historic preservation nationwide. The Environmental Protection Agency has experienced staff reductions affecting pollution regulation and climate monitoring, while NOAA’s workforce cuts have raised concerns about the agency’s ability to provide accurate weather forecasting and environmental data. Meanwhile, layoffs at the National Park Service have sparked uncertainty over park staffing and maintenance efforts.Zahedi and other protesters on St. Croix say they are seeking reinstatement and urging decision-makers to ensure that federal funding allocated for these agencies is released. They emphasized that without experienced professionals in place, the long-term preservation of both natural and cultural resources in the Virgin Islands remains at risk.
Meanwhile, Angeli and other local agency leaders continue to assess next steps, but with staffing shortages and funding limitations, conservation and environmental monitoring efforts in the territory could face ongoing challenges, officials said.Children’s Museum Holds Fundraising Event at New Home
In time for its eighth birthday, the Children’s Museum of St. Croix has found a permanent home and is inviting adults to an evening of play on March 8 from 6 – 10 p.m.
After years of pop-up events at the Agriculture and Food Fair, Mango Melee, and Christmas Spoken Here, the Children’s Museum is settling in to the four-acre Estate Carlton location. The fundraising event encourages participants to wear “casual attire to connect to your inner child.”
“It’s the first event in our new home and we want to show what it looks like and its potential,” Ellie Hirsh, Children’s Museum spokesperson, said. “We want people to experience it as a child would, so it’s a casual event.”
Activities for adults will include big legos to make cars and trucks and then race down a track, and magnetic wall ramps to roll balls while trying to stay on track. There’s also a Rigamajig, a large-scale building kit to put together machines with gears, and an aquarium to explore reef life.
There will also be art projects – bubbles and clay to entertain parents while they watch their phones to see bids on auction items.
Adults can register for the auction when they purchase tickets, even if they don’t attend the event. Items for bidding include Buck Island and sailing trips from Caribbean Sea Adventures, the World Ocean School, and Big Beards Adventure Tours. There is a glass plate made and signed by the late Jan Mitchell and a Jane Akin painting. Jewelry up for bid includes a gold hook ring from Sonia’s and an IB Design bracelet from the new collection. There will be much more as items are being donated every day. The auction ends at 9 p.m.
“They can see what they like and get enthusiastic about the auction like we are,” Hirsh said.
For those who want to financially support the Children’s Museum, there are many ways to make a range of donations from a wish list for larger items. Supporters can pay the Museum’s rent in honor of their birthday or support pop-up events (which will continue Hirsh said).
The museum is run by volunteers and one part-time social media and marketing expert who is paid. They will continue to write grants to hire more staff, extend hours, and save toward the ultimate goal of owning the property.
Tickets are available at https://www.childrensmuseumstx.org/ for $125 each and can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
Suspect In Custody After Striking Officers with Vehicle in an Attempt to Leave Scene
Thirty-three-year-old Levi Registe has been arrested and charged with assault in the third degree, aggravated assault and battery, disturbing the peace, and making threats, following a series of incidents on Tuesday evening, the V.I. Police Department reported.
At approximately 11:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a verbal disturbance and threats at Tap and Still in Red Hook. The complainant expressed concerns regarding Registe’s behavior and requested that he not return to the establishment. Registe, however, had left the scene prior to officers’ arrival, according to the police report.
Officers subsequently located Registe nearby. During their interaction with him, officers discovered multiple baggies containing what appeared to be marijuana in his possession. When the officers informed Registe that his vehicle would be subject to a search, he abruptly reversed his vehicle, striking two officers in the process, before fleeing the scene. One officer sustained visible injuries from the impact, the report stated.
His bail was set at $50,000.
The V.I. Police Department is urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward. Individuals can contact 911, Detective Y. LoBlack of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, or the Police Chief’s office at 340-774-2211. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted via 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). The VIPD appreciates the community’s support and cooperation in maintaining public safety.
