Thursday, July 23, 2015
One man in jail, another in hospital after dispute over hot dogs
An argument over hot dogs ended with a man from Lewis County, New York, in jail and another man in the hospital.
Lowville Village Police charged 54-year-old George Geer with second-degree assault.
According to police, Geer and his wife's cousin got into a fight on Monday over someone eating all of the household's hot dogs. Geer allegedly beat the unidentified man with a wooden cane.
Police said the victim was taken to the emergency room at Lewis County General Hospital. His condition is not known. Geer was arraigned and ordered held in the county jail without bail.
Lowville Village Police charged 54-year-old George Geer with second-degree assault.
According to police, Geer and his wife's cousin got into a fight on Monday over someone eating all of the household's hot dogs. Geer allegedly beat the unidentified man with a wooden cane.
Police said the victim was taken to the emergency room at Lewis County General Hospital. His condition is not known. Geer was arraigned and ordered held in the county jail without bail.
Man who broke into home stayed under bed in spare room for three days before he was found
A man who broke into a New Jersey home stayed under a bed in a spare bedroom for three days before he was found, police said.
Jason Hubbard broke into the home in Spotswood by walking through an open door as the homeowner was taking out the garbage, according to police. Authorities say he walked into a spare bedroom and stayed under the bed for three days.
While he was there, he charged his four cellphones using an electrical outlet under the bed. Three days later, the homeowner heard a noise in the bedroom and found Hubbard. It wasn't clear if or when he planned to rob the home.
Hubbard has been charged with criminal trespass, burglary and theft of services for the use of the homes’ electrical outlet. He was taken to Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center and is being held for a $50,000.00 bail.
Jason Hubbard broke into the home in Spotswood by walking through an open door as the homeowner was taking out the garbage, according to police. Authorities say he walked into a spare bedroom and stayed under the bed for three days.
While he was there, he charged his four cellphones using an electrical outlet under the bed. Three days later, the homeowner heard a noise in the bedroom and found Hubbard. It wasn't clear if or when he planned to rob the home.
Hubbard has been charged with criminal trespass, burglary and theft of services for the use of the homes’ electrical outlet. He was taken to Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center and is being held for a $50,000.00 bail.
Unhappy passenger knocked himself out after headbutting bus
A bus passenger in Florida got upset at an extra $2 fare on Saturday, so he headbutted the bus, knocked himself briefly, then ran away.
At about 11:35am, the man left a bus at the terminal in Winter Haven. But, he wanted to travel to a new destination. The driver told him he would have to pay another $2 and the passenger got mad. The driver left the bus and went inside the terminal.
The passenger sat on a bench, then walked away. But about four minutes later, he returned and headbutted the glass doors on the bus, shattering the glass. He appeared to be knocked out for a few seconds, but then came round and ran off.
YouTube link. LiveLeak link.
The suspect is described as about 5-foot-9 with a slim build and wearing glasses. He was wearing slip-on shoes with socks, and dark green or grey shorts. His T-shirt has the graphic "Ounces 40" on the front.
At about 11:35am, the man left a bus at the terminal in Winter Haven. But, he wanted to travel to a new destination. The driver told him he would have to pay another $2 and the passenger got mad. The driver left the bus and went inside the terminal.
The passenger sat on a bench, then walked away. But about four minutes later, he returned and headbutted the glass doors on the bus, shattering the glass. He appeared to be knocked out for a few seconds, but then came round and ran off.
YouTube link. LiveLeak link.
The suspect is described as about 5-foot-9 with a slim build and wearing glasses. He was wearing slip-on shoes with socks, and dark green or grey shorts. His T-shirt has the graphic "Ounces 40" on the front.
Family threatened with fine for having too many cars in their driveway
A family in Kennesaw, Georgia, has been told by Cobb County officials to apply for permission to park their childrens' cars in their own driveway.
The Oviedo family received a notice of violation for having four cars in the driveway.
The family has relatives visiting and two children home from college. "I am angry. I am beyond angry. I don't see how the government can tell me whose cars I can park in my own driveway," said Kim Oviedo.
They had a visit last Friday from code enforcement, acting on an anonymous complaint. The neighbourhood is zoned an Open Space Community. A recent rule changed, and enacted a limit of two cars parked in the drive.
Officials have decided to let the issue slide this summer, but put the family on notice next summer which would require a permit to park four cars in the driveway. "I'm having to pay to park on a property that I already pay tax on," said Oviedo.
With news video.
The family has relatives visiting and two children home from college. "I am angry. I am beyond angry. I don't see how the government can tell me whose cars I can park in my own driveway," said Kim Oviedo.
They had a visit last Friday from code enforcement, acting on an anonymous complaint. The neighbourhood is zoned an Open Space Community. A recent rule changed, and enacted a limit of two cars parked in the drive.
Officials have decided to let the issue slide this summer, but put the family on notice next summer which would require a permit to park four cars in the driveway. "I'm having to pay to park on a property that I already pay tax on," said Oviedo.
With news video.
Armadillos blamed for spreading leprosy in Florida
Florida health and wildlife experts are warning residents to steer clear of armadillos in light of a reported spike in cases of leprosy.
So far this year, nine cases have been reported in Florida, according to the state Department of Health. Between two and 12 cases are reported each year, an agency spokesman said on Tuesday.
"Hansen's disease, formerly known as leprosy, is caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria," which has also been found in nine-banded armadillos, deputy press secretary Brad Dalton said.
Each case reported this year has involved people who had direct contact with armadillos, said Dr. Sunil Joshi, president-elect of the Duval County Medical Society, said. Still, health experts warn that contact with the disease-carrying animals is not the only way Hansen's can be transmitted. "Although the mode of transmission of Hansen's disease is not clearly defined, most investigators believe that (Hansen's) is usually spread person-to-person in respiratory droplets following extended close contact with an infected person, such as living in the same household," said Dalton.
While it's possible, there's a low risk of contracting the disease from armadillos and most people coming into contact with them are unlikely to get Hansen's disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Extended close contact with infected armadillos may also pose exposure risk to (Hansen's). For many cases, the exposure causing the infection is unknown because it can take months or years for illness to develop," he added. Even so, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the CDC and the Health Department advise avoiding contact with armadillos whenever possible.
YouTube link.
"Generally, you don't want to be playing with wild animals anyway," Dalton said. Karen Parker, spokeswoman for FWC, echoed that advice. "Teach your kids to stay away from them. Don't try to pet them and don't try to grab them," she said. The animals tend to be skittish anyway, so there's very little risk of coming into contact with them unless they're nesting near your home. Parker also suggested keeping your pets indoors or close by if you spot holes in your yard or your neighborhood to avoid putting them at risk. About 95% of people are resistant to infection, according to the Health Department. Those who do develop clinical illness can experience a variety of symptoms, including infectious to their skin, nerves and mucus.
Each case reported this year has involved people who had direct contact with armadillos, said Dr. Sunil Joshi, president-elect of the Duval County Medical Society, said. Still, health experts warn that contact with the disease-carrying animals is not the only way Hansen's can be transmitted. "Although the mode of transmission of Hansen's disease is not clearly defined, most investigators believe that (Hansen's) is usually spread person-to-person in respiratory droplets following extended close contact with an infected person, such as living in the same household," said Dalton.
While it's possible, there's a low risk of contracting the disease from armadillos and most people coming into contact with them are unlikely to get Hansen's disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Extended close contact with infected armadillos may also pose exposure risk to (Hansen's). For many cases, the exposure causing the infection is unknown because it can take months or years for illness to develop," he added. Even so, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the CDC and the Health Department advise avoiding contact with armadillos whenever possible.
YouTube link.
"Generally, you don't want to be playing with wild animals anyway," Dalton said. Karen Parker, spokeswoman for FWC, echoed that advice. "Teach your kids to stay away from them. Don't try to pet them and don't try to grab them," she said. The animals tend to be skittish anyway, so there's very little risk of coming into contact with them unless they're nesting near your home. Parker also suggested keeping your pets indoors or close by if you spot holes in your yard or your neighborhood to avoid putting them at risk. About 95% of people are resistant to infection, according to the Health Department. Those who do develop clinical illness can experience a variety of symptoms, including infectious to their skin, nerves and mucus.
French tobacconists sabotage speed cameras over plain cigarette packaging rules
France's tobacconists are protesting at plans to force cigarette companies to use plain, unbranded packaging, by disabling traffic speed cameras.
The radar 'hooding', by covering them with bin liners, is symbolic: a 'cover up' that deprives the government of money in the same way that the anti-smoking legislation will reduce tobacco sales, and tax revenue, the protesters say.
The tobacconists wear white masks to hide their identities on their night-time radar-hooding expeditions. The first hooding took place over a month ago, and, by this week, speed cameras in as many as 20 of 97 districts had been affected, according to the group representing France's tabac bars, the Buralistes Confederation. "It's a sign that anger is mounting," a spokesman said. The spokesman said three activists had been arrested this week, but that all were released without charge.
Many of the tabac outlets, with their distinctive red cigar-shaped signs, are also bars and cafes. Some sell stamps and newspapers too, but they point out that a key function on their monopoly on tobacco sales is collecting tobacco tax: 14 billion euros (£9.8 billion, $15 billion) for the French Treasury every year, according to the confederation. France is one of four EU countries that plan to follow Australia's example and impose plain cigarette packaging in May next year.
A European Union law passed last year mandates that health warnings cover 65 percent of the front and back of cigarette packs, and 50 percent of the sides. The remaining space is available for branding, but the law allows member states to impose plain packaging rules when "justified on grounds of public health, are proportionate and do not lead to hidden barriers to trade between member states". Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco have sued the UK government over its plan to require plain packaging, arguing that it would rob them of their intellectual property and restrict trade.
The tobacconists wear white masks to hide their identities on their night-time radar-hooding expeditions. The first hooding took place over a month ago, and, by this week, speed cameras in as many as 20 of 97 districts had been affected, according to the group representing France's tabac bars, the Buralistes Confederation. "It's a sign that anger is mounting," a spokesman said. The spokesman said three activists had been arrested this week, but that all were released without charge.
Many of the tabac outlets, with their distinctive red cigar-shaped signs, are also bars and cafes. Some sell stamps and newspapers too, but they point out that a key function on their monopoly on tobacco sales is collecting tobacco tax: 14 billion euros (£9.8 billion, $15 billion) for the French Treasury every year, according to the confederation. France is one of four EU countries that plan to follow Australia's example and impose plain cigarette packaging in May next year.
A European Union law passed last year mandates that health warnings cover 65 percent of the front and back of cigarette packs, and 50 percent of the sides. The remaining space is available for branding, but the law allows member states to impose plain packaging rules when "justified on grounds of public health, are proportionate and do not lead to hidden barriers to trade between member states". Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco have sued the UK government over its plan to require plain packaging, arguing that it would rob them of their intellectual property and restrict trade.
Illiterate would-be robber mistook fish and chip shop for bookmakers
A would-be robber who planned to steal from a bookmakers ended up mistaking the intended target for a fish and chip shop next door.
Derek Carr asked friend Greg Tod to write the robbery demand on the back of a Ladbrokes betting slip because he cannot read or write.
Livingston Sheriff Court was told he had planned to rob a branch of rival bookies Corals but the accused went into the local fish and chip shop in Blackburn, West Lothian, Scotland, instead.
When the server realised he did not want chips, he directed the 49-year-old to the bookies shop next door.
Lewis Crosby, prosecuting, said witnesses had earlier noticed Carr, who was carrying a blue plastic bag, was clearly under the influence of something. He said: "Carr entered Coral just before 6pm, walked up to the counter where manager Karen Jamieson was standing and handed her the note. It stated: 'Put the money in the bag or someone will die'. This was read by the complainer who handed the note back to the accused and asked him: 'Are you telling me you're holding me up?' The accused didn't respond at this time however, he opened the carrier bag and said: 'Put the money in the bag'. This was overheard by another member of staff who had been on the shop floor.
"Both members of staff pressed the silent panic alarm. The complainer thereafter informed the accused that she was not giving him any money. The accused smirked and said: 'I was only joking'. He then calmly walked out of the door taking with him his note and the carrier bag." Carr pleaded guilty on indictment to attempting to rob the shop on April 25 this year with the sentence deferred for background reports. Greg Tod, 33, whose address like Carrs was given as Addiewell Prison, had a not guilty plea to the same charge accepted and was formally acquitted. Darryl Lovie, defending, said Carr was so drunk at the time he had no memory whatsoever of the botched robbery bid.
He said: "The chip shop attendant noticed he had a betting slip in his hand and inquired if he could help him. He then realised Mr Carr was in the wrong shop and told him he was in a chip shop not the bookies next door. He didn't write the note. His former co-accused was seen writing the note. Because Mr Carr is illiterate and can't read or write he didn't know what was on the note, but he was aware of his actions. He appreciates the seriousness of his position and has the record of a man who's had a drink and drug problem for a significant period of time. He recognizes that given the seriousness of the charges, its almost inevitable that a custodial sentence will be imposed." Sheriff Peter Hammond called for social work reports to assess Carr's suitability for post release supervision. The case will call again on July 30.
Lewis Crosby, prosecuting, said witnesses had earlier noticed Carr, who was carrying a blue plastic bag, was clearly under the influence of something. He said: "Carr entered Coral just before 6pm, walked up to the counter where manager Karen Jamieson was standing and handed her the note. It stated: 'Put the money in the bag or someone will die'. This was read by the complainer who handed the note back to the accused and asked him: 'Are you telling me you're holding me up?' The accused didn't respond at this time however, he opened the carrier bag and said: 'Put the money in the bag'. This was overheard by another member of staff who had been on the shop floor.
"Both members of staff pressed the silent panic alarm. The complainer thereafter informed the accused that she was not giving him any money. The accused smirked and said: 'I was only joking'. He then calmly walked out of the door taking with him his note and the carrier bag." Carr pleaded guilty on indictment to attempting to rob the shop on April 25 this year with the sentence deferred for background reports. Greg Tod, 33, whose address like Carrs was given as Addiewell Prison, had a not guilty plea to the same charge accepted and was formally acquitted. Darryl Lovie, defending, said Carr was so drunk at the time he had no memory whatsoever of the botched robbery bid.
He said: "The chip shop attendant noticed he had a betting slip in his hand and inquired if he could help him. He then realised Mr Carr was in the wrong shop and told him he was in a chip shop not the bookies next door. He didn't write the note. His former co-accused was seen writing the note. Because Mr Carr is illiterate and can't read or write he didn't know what was on the note, but he was aware of his actions. He appreciates the seriousness of his position and has the record of a man who's had a drink and drug problem for a significant period of time. He recognizes that given the seriousness of the charges, its almost inevitable that a custodial sentence will be imposed." Sheriff Peter Hammond called for social work reports to assess Carr's suitability for post release supervision. The case will call again on July 30.
Teenager survived 100ft fall from cliff only to then be bitten by an adder
A teenager from Tintagel in Cornwall survived a 100ft fall down a cliff, only to be bitten by a venomous snake.
Brock Leach, 14, was on the clifftop at Trebarwith Strand on Sunday with his 16-year-old brother Josh when he slipped on some lichen and toppled off the cliff, rolling down and bouncing off outcroppings and rocks before landing on a ledge.
Josh saw him fall and, despite being frightened and shocked himself, went to his brother's rescue, scrambling down the steep incline to reach Brock's side and, seeing he was still conscious and talking, helping him to a higher spot away from the incoming tide before telling him to stay put while he went to find help.
"I got him out of the way to a higher ledge because the sea was coming in," said Josh. "I said to stay there, but he wanted to go with me." Unknown to the boys, Brock had fractured his pelvis as well as suffering severe bruising, but they managed to make their way a little higher up the cliff before Brock suddenly felt a sharp pain in the hand he'd been using to help pull himself along. In another freak stroke of bad luck, the youngster had been bitten by an adder – the only venomous snake native to the UK. In pain, and feeling the adder venom take effect, Brock couldn't go any further so Josh scrabbled to the top of the cliff and flagged down some passers-by who called the emergency services.
Paramedics, lifeguards, coastguards and a helicopter from RAF Chivenor were on the scene within minutes and Brock was flown to the North Devon Hospital in Barnstaple where – his arm swollen to three times its normal size – he was given anti-venom for the adder bite and kept in overnight before being allowed home to recover. The boys' mother, Tracey, said: "I'm really proud of them both. They were both very, very scared. Josh saw his brother disappear and heard him scream as he went over the ledge. He didn't panic. He scrambled down and he made sure he told the people who came to help that it was an adder bite."
Tracey, 47, heard the rescue helicopter from their home in Trewarmett while she was speaking to her husband Dean, 43, online from Vietnam, where he is working as an ocean exploration scientist. She said it had momentarily crossed their minds to worry that their boys were somehow involved but she had looked out the window and seen two small figures in the distance watching the helicopter and thought they were Josh and Brock. She didn't know what had happened until Josh arrived home accompanied by a coastguard, saying: "Don't worry, mum. It's Brock, but he's okay." Their relieved mother said: "It could have been a lot worse. Brock took a real battering but his head and face are completely unscathed. He had a very lucky escape."
"I got him out of the way to a higher ledge because the sea was coming in," said Josh. "I said to stay there, but he wanted to go with me." Unknown to the boys, Brock had fractured his pelvis as well as suffering severe bruising, but they managed to make their way a little higher up the cliff before Brock suddenly felt a sharp pain in the hand he'd been using to help pull himself along. In another freak stroke of bad luck, the youngster had been bitten by an adder – the only venomous snake native to the UK. In pain, and feeling the adder venom take effect, Brock couldn't go any further so Josh scrabbled to the top of the cliff and flagged down some passers-by who called the emergency services.
Paramedics, lifeguards, coastguards and a helicopter from RAF Chivenor were on the scene within minutes and Brock was flown to the North Devon Hospital in Barnstaple where – his arm swollen to three times its normal size – he was given anti-venom for the adder bite and kept in overnight before being allowed home to recover. The boys' mother, Tracey, said: "I'm really proud of them both. They were both very, very scared. Josh saw his brother disappear and heard him scream as he went over the ledge. He didn't panic. He scrambled down and he made sure he told the people who came to help that it was an adder bite."
Tracey, 47, heard the rescue helicopter from their home in Trewarmett while she was speaking to her husband Dean, 43, online from Vietnam, where he is working as an ocean exploration scientist. She said it had momentarily crossed their minds to worry that their boys were somehow involved but she had looked out the window and seen two small figures in the distance watching the helicopter and thought they were Josh and Brock. She didn't know what had happened until Josh arrived home accompanied by a coastguard, saying: "Don't worry, mum. It's Brock, but he's okay." Their relieved mother said: "It could have been a lot worse. Brock took a real battering but his head and face are completely unscathed. He had a very lucky escape."
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