GERS Bungled $11 million + New Charges Against Track Coach

Good Morning! We're bringing you the latest news from St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. Read on and don't forget

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny with a shower. High: 86 Low: 80.

Here are the top stories today in US Virgin Islands:

1. GERS is under scrutiny - again - for mismanaging an $11 million loan to the now-shuttered grocery store, VI Finest Foods. According to an audit report published by the V.I. Inspector GEneral, at least $480,850 of the loan was “diverted for unauthorized purposes.” (St. Thomas Source)
2. Federal prosecutors filed a formal complaint against high school track coach Alfredo Bruce Smith. Smith has been accused of sexual assault and previously faced a single charge of child sexual exploitation. The updated allegations now include three counts of aggravated rape, two counts of sexually exploiting children, and eight counts of coercion and enticement of minors. (St. Croix Source)
3. Customers in Salt River, Gentle Winds and Columbus Landing will temporarily lose power on Thursday from 8 am – 4 pm. WAPA is replacing three utility poles in the area. (US Virgin Islands Patch)
4. A Virgin Islands man was arrested on Tuesday for failing to register as a sex offender, say the VIPD. Dustin Bue Messerly, 41, was taken into custody by special agents after he was detained by Customs and Border Protection officers while trying to board a flight at King Airport. (Virgin Islands Daily News)

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Today in US Virgin Islands, check out the AARP VI Yoga Class (9:00 a.m.).

This weekend is chock-full of events for the whole family. Check-in Friday morning for the weekend event calendar.

U.S. Virgin Islands: What's the buzz

• Science Saturday: did you know the DPNR hosts a monthly science workshop for kids? It's online and it is worth tuning in for. This Saturday, check out Science Saturday: All About Bugs! (DPNR Facebook)
• Friends of Virgin Islands National Park: "Are you interested in a working vacation on St.John? Applications are now available for the 2021/2022 season!" (Facebook)
• Virgin Islands Department of Health: "Many factors over the course of a lifetime can influence your breast cancer risk. You can’t change some factors, such as getting older or your family history, but you can help lower your risk of breast cancer by taking care of your healt..." (Facebook)
• Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands: "DEADLINE: THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 LEARN MORE AND APPLY.." (Facebook)

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Now it's not exactly international news, but today is this Patch editor's mother's birthday. Happy birthday Toni Donina!

Want to shout out someone you know on their special day? Whether it's a birthday, graduation, or starting a new job, we'll feature your shout-out in the daily Patch USVI newsletter. Send your submission to ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com.

— Ashleigh Baldwin

About me: Hi there, I'm the Patch Community News Editor for the U.S. Virgin Islands. I'm here to provide news you can use. Do you have a news tip, question or feedback? Please contact me at ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com or 215-534-1014.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming US Virgin Islands Daily? I'm all ears. You can contact me at ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com.