Published: Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 3:42 p.m. Last Modified: Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 3:48 p.m.

ATLANTA Fast food worker Caitlin Turowski had this much in common with high-paid CEOs: When she quit her job, she couldn't work for a competitor.

Hired as a delivery driver for sandwich maker Jimmy John's and later made an assistant manager, Turowski said she signed a two-year non-competition agreement banning her from working for sandwich-making rivals within three miles of a Jimmy John's store. Burned out by long hours and low pay, Turowski quit in July, then took a pay cut to work in insurance telemarketing. She could earn more waitressing or bartending, but fears being sued.

We're struggling, said Turowski, now a plaintiff challenging alleged wage violations and the non-compete agreement.

Non-competition agreements are better known in contracts for senior executives who have business secrets of interest to competitors. However, court records show the restrictions have also snared maids in Chicago, a nail stylist in Texas, cable TV installers in Michigan and agricultural workers in Washington. In October, Democrats in Congress asked the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Labor to investigate.

The agreements for low-wage workers might trap them in their current jobs, allowing their employers to pay them lower salaries, experts said. It has a chilling effect on people actually going out and trying to seek jobs because they fear getting sued, said Kathleen Chavez, an attorney for Turowski and others. This is not like a high-wage, skilled worker who says, 'OK, let them sue me. I'll defend myself.'

Employers might seek noncompetition agreements because they fear losing money training a worker who quits or who brings business secrets to a rival.

You certainly wouldn't want anyone to know in the competitive landscape what's around the corner, Home Depot spokesman Stephen Holmes said. The retailer signs non-competes with senior executives.

Researchers say there's evidence non-competes limit pay for executives, and the same trend could hold for the rank-and-file.

If you can't leave, you don't have leverage, said Matthew Marx, a professor at MIT's Sloan School of Management.

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Worker non-compete deals face scrutiny

A sign advertises hiring opportunities at a Jimmy Johns sandwich shop, as an employee walks out to make a delivery, Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in Atlanta. A lawsuit targeting the fast-food sandwich chain has put scrutiny on agreements banning low- and middle-wage workers from competing against their former employers. (AP Photo/David Goldman)(The Associated Press)

A pedestrian passes by a Jimmy Johns sandwich shop, Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in Atlanta. A lawsuit targeting the fast-food sandwich chain has put scrutiny on agreements banning low- and middle-wage workers from competing against their former employers. (AP Photo/David Goldman)(The Associated Press)

Pedestrians pass by a Jimmy Johns sandwich shop, Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in Atlanta. A lawsuit targeting the fast-food sandwich chain has put scrutiny on agreements banning low- and middle-wage workers from competing against their former employers. (AP Photo/David Goldman)(The Associated Press)

In this Dec. 11, 2014 photo, Caitlin Turowski poses at her home in Park City, Ill. Turowski is a plaintiff in a lawsuit targeting fast-food sandwich chain Jimmy John's for making low- and middle-wage workers sign agreements banning them from competing against their former employers for two years. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)(The Associated Press)

In this Dec. 11, 2014 photo, Caitlin Turowski poses at her home in Park City, Ill. Turowski is a plaintiff in a lawsuit targeting fast-food sandwich chain Jimmy John's for making low- and middle-wage workers sign agreements banning them from competing against their former employers for two years. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)(The Associated Press)

ATLANTA Fast food worker Caitlin Turowski had this much in common with high-paid CEOs: When she quit her job, she couldn't work for a competitor.

Hired as a delivery driver for sandwich maker Jimmy John's and later made an assistant manager, Turowski said she signed a two-year non-competition agreement banning her from working for sandwich-making rivals within three miles of a Jimmy John's store. Burned out by long hours and low pay, Turowski quit in July, then took a pay cut to work in insurance telemarketing. She could earn more waitressing or bartending, but fears being sued.

"We're struggling," said Turowski, now a plaintiff challenging alleged wage violations and the non-compete agreement.

Non-competition agreements are better known in contracts for senior executives who have business secrets of interest to competitors. However, court records show the restrictions have also snared maids in Chicago, a nail stylist in Texas, cable TV installers in Michigan and agricultural workers in Washington. In October, Democrats in Congress asked the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Labor to investigate.

The agreements for low-wage workers might trap them in their current jobs, allowing their employers to pay them lower salaries, experts said. "It has a chilling effect on people actually going out and trying to seek jobs because they fear getting sued," said Kathleen Chavez, an attorney for Turowski and others. "This is not like a high-wage, skilled worker who says, 'OK, let them sue me. I'll defend myself.'"

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Scrutiny on agreements banning low or middle-wage workers from competing against old boss

Fast food worker Caitlin Turowski had this much in common with high-paid CEOs: When she quit her job, she couldn't work for a competitor.

Hired as a delivery driver for sandwich maker Jimmy John's and later made an assistant manager, Turowski said she signed a two-year non-competition agreement banning her from working for sandwich-making rivals within three miles of a Jimmy John's store. Burned out by long hours and low pay, Turowski quit in July, then took a pay cut to work in insurance telemarketing. She could earn more waitressing or bartending, but fears being sued.

"We're struggling," said Turowski, now a plaintiff challenging alleged wage violations and the non-compete agreement.

Non-competition agreements are better known in contracts for senior executives who have business secrets of interest to competitors. However, court records show the restrictions have also snared maids in Chicago, a nail stylist in Texas, cable TV installers in Michigan and agricultural workers in Washington. In October, Democrats in Congress asked the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Labor to investigate.

The agreements for low-wage workers might trap them in their current jobs, allowing their employers to pay them lower salaries, experts said. "It has a chilling effect on people actually going out and trying to seek jobs because they fear getting sued," said Kathleen Chavez, an attorney for Turowski and others. "This is not like a high-wage, skilled worker who says, `OK, let them sue me. I'll defend myself.'"

Employers might seek noncompetition agreements because they fear losing money training a worker who quits or who brings business secrets to a rival.

"You certainly wouldn't want anyone to know in the competitive landscape what's around the corner," Home Depot spokesman Stephen Holmes said. The retailer signs non-competes with senior executives.

Researchers say there's evidence non-competes limit pay for executives, and the same trend could hold for the rank-and-file.

"If you can't leave, you don't have leverage," said Matthew Marx, a professor at MIT's Sloan School of Management.

States differ on enforcement. Almost three dozen states allow judges to rewrite defective non-competition agreements, according to Russell Beck, a corporate law attorney who conducts national reviews. In a few states, he said, judges can strike problematic restrictions but keep the rest of the deal. Just under half-a-dozen states require that judges completely toss non-compete agreements if any part of it is legally flawed. Three states ban the agreements.

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Scrutiny for worker non-compete clauses

By RAY HENRY Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) - Fast food worker Caitlin Turowski had this much in common with high-paid CEOs: When she quit her job, she couldn't work for a competitor.

Hired as a delivery driver for sandwich maker Jimmy John's and later made an assistant manager, Turowski said she signed a two-year non-competition agreement banning her from working for sandwich-making rivals within three miles of a Jimmy John's store. Burned out by long hours and low pay, Turowski quit in July, then took a pay cut to work in insurance telemarketing. She could earn more waitressing or bartending, but fears being sued.

"We're struggling," said Turowski, now a plaintiff challenging alleged wage violations and the non-compete agreement.

Non-competition agreements are better known in contracts for senior executives who have business secrets of interest to competitors. However, court records show the restrictions have also snared maids in Chicago, a nail stylist in Texas, cable TV installers in Michigan and agricultural workers in Washington. In October, Democrats in Congress asked the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Labor to investigate.

The agreements for low-wage workers might trap them in their current jobs, allowing their employers to pay them lower salaries, experts said. "It has a chilling effect on people actually going out and trying to seek jobs because they fear getting sued," said Kathleen Chavez, an attorney for Turowski and others. "This is not like a high-wage, skilled worker who says, 'OK, let them sue me. I'll defend myself.'"

Employers might seek noncompetition agreements because they fear losing money training a worker who quits or who brings business secrets to a rival.

"You certainly wouldn't want anyone to know in the competitive landscape what's around the corner," Home Depot spokesman Stephen Holmes said. The retailer signs non-competes with senior executives.

Researchers say there's evidence non-competes limit pay for executives, and the same trend could hold for the rank-and-file.

"If you can't leave, you don't have leverage," said Matthew Marx, a professor at MIT's Sloan School of Management.

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Scrutiny on worker non-compete deals - Quincy Herald-Whig | Illinois & Missouri News, Sports

A man was accidentally wounded by his hunting partner Friday on Pennsylvania Game Lands west of Colebrook near Elizabethtown and Colebrook roads, police said.

Township police, Lawn ambulance and Campbelltown Fire Co. were dispatched to the area at 3:55 p.m. for a man shot in the arm. He was taken to Hershey Medical Center for treatment. Police said did not release the names of the two hunters. Township police and the Pennsylvania Game Commission are continuing an investigation.

INVESTIGATION INSIDE >> Palmyra Citizens Fire Co. was dispatched at 8:32 a.m. Saturday to 83 Lantern Lane.

INVESTIGATION INSIDE >> Palmyra Citizens Fire Co. was dispatched at 9:03 a.m. Saturday to 1933 S. Forge Road.

INVESTIGATION INSIDE >> Campbelltown Fire Co., Life Lion EMS and Lawn ambulances and fire police were dispatched at 7:05 a.m. Saturday for a gas leak at 128 School House Road.

CRASH >> Palmyra Citizens Fire Co. was dispatched at 3:23 a.m. Saturday to clean up a spill at a traffic accident at 810 W. Main St. No injuries were reported.

CRASH >> Louise H. Nolt, 38, Myerstown, was charged with a vehicle turning left violation following a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Locust Street and West Lincoln Avenue (Route 422) at 6:28 p.m. Friday, state police at Lickdale said. Police said the accident happened when Nolt attempted to turn from Locust Street onto West Lincoln Avenue, and her car collided with a vehicle driven by Todd E. Eveler, 49, Myerstown. No injuries were reported.

SPILL CLEANUP >> Newmanstown Fire Co. and fire police were dispatched at 2:03 p.m. Saturday to 242 S. Fort Zellers Road.

CRASH >> Mt. Zion and Fredericksburg fire companies, First Aid and Safety Patrol and fire police were dispatched at 12:26 p.m. Saturday to 296 Freeport Road.

CRASH >> Ono, Fort Indiantown Gap and Jonestown's Perseverance fire companies and First Aid and Safety Patrol were dispatched at 2:15 p.m. Saturday to the Fort Indiantown Gap-Annville off-ramp of northbound I-81.

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Hunter accidentally shot in South Londonderry police log

Editor's Note:A young mother, nurse and solider, Stephanie Murdough Riley died this past week after inspiring so many people in New Hampshire with her will to live.We sat down with her in May 2014 for this story and are re-publishing this story in her honor.

Stephanie Murdough Riley of Concord will be lacing up her sneakers and participating with her young family and about 130 friends at the Rock 'N Race on May 8.

It benefits not only the hospital she works for, but where she is receiving treatment for stage four lung cancer.

Diagnosed in February, Steph is strong and this aggressive form of cancer has met its match.

In fact, "Steph Strong" is the name of her huge team which has raised more than $9,000 for Concord Hospital's Payson Center for Cancer Care.

She will fire the starting pistol on the lawn of the State House at 6 p.m. and will be asked to say a few words to inspire the more than 6,000 participants in the popular annual fundraiser. The course weaves through the downtown comes through the former State School grounds and ends where it begins at the state's Capitol.

Sharon E. Sweet, events manager for the Concord Hospital Trust, said over the years, the race has raised $3.2 million.

"Last year, 6,543 people participated, we hope to match those numbers again this year," Sharon said.

Steph is no stranger to the event.

"I have always walked the Rock 'n Race with the kids' school team," she said. "This year, I am moving to Rock Star status," by becoming one of the largest fund raisers for the event.

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Mother, nurse, soldier who inspired 'Steph Strong' running team dies

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Professional Tree Services Odessa Texas #432-653-1729 - Video

Manuel Cantu had few needs. His morning coffee and the newspaper, a few lottery tickets, and a bit of money for food and beer were all it took to make him happy.

Known to everyone in his hometown of Poteet as Indian Joe, Cantu was always willing to work, mowing lawns, raking leaves and doing any other handyman chores for which he might be paid a few dollars.

He wasnt begging money, his sister Hilda Cantu said. He would say, 'I can do this for you, pay me what you want; if you need anything, just let me know.

Cantu was found dead at his apartment Monday, the victim of an apparent homicide. He was 66.

The fifth of 11 children, Cantu dubbed himself Indian Joe after the Native American characters portrayed in the Western movies he watched as a child.

He was raised by his father after his mother left the family when he was 15, dropping out of school in the ninth grade to work in the fields with his brothers.

He was a migrant worker, traveled to different states, Hilda Cantu said. He picked oranges in Florida, in Indiana picked tomatoes, worked in a corn factory in Minnesota; when he got back to Poteet, he got into the lawn mowing and trimming business.

Cantu also picked strawberries in his hometown, and never missed the annual Poteet Strawberry Festival and parade.

Cantu, who never married or had children, often played volleyball with his family on the weekends, but his passion was wrestling, his sister said. He loved to see the WWE, gathering at his fathers house, and then hosting his family at his own small apartment on Monday nights after his fathers death.

But Cantu could mostly be found riding his bicycle he never owned a car through the streets of Poteet, offering his services to anyone in need.

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Indian Joe Cantu was well-known resident of Poteet

Amy Lynch, Star correspondent 7:02 a.m. EST January 3, 2015

Chris Gerrity, an architect with Schmidt Associates, was named the American Institute of Architects Indianas 2014 Young Architect of the Year.(Photo: Amy Lynch/For The Star)

Chris Gerrity isnt just designing structures, hes building relationships.

The American Institute of Architects Indianas 2014 Young Architect of the Year has found a home at Schmidt Associates, where he designs buildings with an aim toward improving local communities.

Case in point, Gerrity has spent the past several years working with Indianapolis Public Schools, leading the project management team for a $700 million capital improvement plan, pursuing LEED certifications for a number of schools and developing online training modules to educate teachers about their new energy-efficient buildings.

Gerrity discovered a love of building early in his own school days.

When I was in third grade, our class project was for each student to build a house out of plastic straws, he said. It was my first memory of learning how I could use simple materials to create an interesting space. I was amazed at how everyone had a different idea about how a house would look, even though we were all using the same materials.

A Chicago native, Gerrity knew he wanted to focus his job search in Indianapolis after graduating from college.

I had met a lot of people in Indianapolis and liked the city, he said. Schmidt Associates was a good fit for me because of its culture and design philosophy. I like that the work we do here is community-based. I also like that there isnt just one design style. Every project we do looks different, because every client is different.

Additionally, Gerrity finds time to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and to mentor young people who are interested in architecture.

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5 questions with Chris Gerrity

We want our yards to be the farmers market, a nature preserve, a kitchen, the den and an expression of our own personal style.

Thats the snapshot for whats hot in Tucsons gardens for 2015 according to several gardening and landscape professionals.

Interest in growing food continues to explode. Garden writer and educator Jacqueline Soule says her gardening classes are full, while nurseries can barely keep up with the demand for vegetable and fruit seeds, starts and trees and supplies to keep them growing.

Thats the largest increase in sales by far, says Silverbell Nursery manager Matt Smit. The only thing that is trending up in plant sales is food.

He notes that hes seeing a lot of new gardeners who are in their 20s and 30s, usually not the typical age for gardening. And baby boomers are returning to their growing roots established by their parents, he adds.

Reusing, reclaiming and recycling are increasingly important themes with clients, observes landscape designer Paul Connolly.

Its not so much for a cost savings, although thats part of it, says Connolly, owner of Sundrea Design Studio, Sundrea Landscape Center and Sundrea Style. Its the whole ecological aspect of it.

People would rather repurpose items than to throw them away, he says.

For one design project, Connolly tore up a brick patio in the front yard and used the material to create a new patio in a side yard.

Dirt that was excavated to build new walls and cinder blocks that came from an old wall that was torn down were not dumped into a landfill. Instead, they were used to fill an eroded area that then was landscaped.

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What's hot in Tucson's gardens in 2015