Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Search on for vandals who decapitated dragon
Who has slain the dragon of Allen Saxe Park? The city of Arlington, Texas, wants to find the dragon slayer, but not to offer thanks for a job well done.
City officials are looking for the vandals that chopped off the head of Nessie, the beloved smiling dragon at the park's playground on the night of June 12.
In essence, they slashed Nessie's throat and stole her head. The city says the cost to fix the damage is estimated at $5,000.
There are no surveillance cameras, so neighbours are being questioned to see if anybody saw a car or heard a commotion. Anyone with information should contact Arlington Police.
With news video.
City officials are looking for the vandals that chopped off the head of Nessie, the beloved smiling dragon at the park's playground on the night of June 12.
In essence, they slashed Nessie's throat and stole her head. The city says the cost to fix the damage is estimated at $5,000.
There are no surveillance cameras, so neighbours are being questioned to see if anybody saw a car or heard a commotion. Anyone with information should contact Arlington Police.
With news video.
Tree top toilets cause problems for residents
Some describe the small town of Austin, Arkansas, as the perfect place to live, but recently, a few unwanted decorations are making one neighbourhood the last place anyone wants to move to. Homes in the Shadow Creek Subdivision in Austin range in price from $150,000 to $300,000. It's a quiet, new development, but over the last few months a rather bold display is stirring a lot of conversation. "A lot of questions, people wanting to know what's going on. Initial reaction was it was kind of funny. They've been up there since about the middle of March," said one Shadow Creek neighbour, Anthony Fible.
Two toilets and a few spray painted signs promising that a trailer park is coming to the area soon hang high above the fence line at the end of Hudson Branch Drive in Austin. "We are hoping it hasn't affected the property values, but we know for sure it's affected some sales," said Fible. Anthony Fible said the display has drawn a lot of attention, and since there is no trailer park coming soon, neighbours and potential buyers in the new development are puzzled. "We haven't had any trouble from the individual. He hasn't caused any other problems. He hasn't said or made any kind of threatening statements. We don't even know who he is. We just know it's an individual living on the property behind me, and he's posted the signs," explained Fible.
"Who is going to buy a house where you see signs about a trailer park coming soon? It borderlines harassment. However, if you own property you can do with the property as you please," said Lonoke County Sheriff John Stoley. Stoley said it all started with a disagreement between a property owner and the developer building homes adjacent to his land. What exactly upset the property owner is still a mystery, but in March, he placed two toilets on two approximately 20-foot poles and nailed spray-painted signs to his trees facing the developer's property with the words "Trailer Park Coming Soon." Though neighbours claim they can't sell their homes due to the unattractive new displays, toilets in trees are not illegal.
YouTube link.
"This is the city limits here. Where the signs are is in the county, and there is no ordinances prohibiting signs in the county on a property. It's not threatening. It's nothing criminal at this time," Stoley stated. "It's petty. Whatever his argument is with one individual or the property developer, he can take it up with that individual. Affecting the neighbours that haven't done anything to him, we would just appreciate it if he would take the signs down," added Fible. The man who allegedly posted the signs and the toilets, identified as Dennis, did not wish to speak. As for the developer, Moore & Moore, they also did not wish to comment due to ongoing litigation with the property owner. The Lonoke County Sheriff's Office said they have asked the property owner to take down the signs and toilets, but he refused.
Two toilets and a few spray painted signs promising that a trailer park is coming to the area soon hang high above the fence line at the end of Hudson Branch Drive in Austin. "We are hoping it hasn't affected the property values, but we know for sure it's affected some sales," said Fible. Anthony Fible said the display has drawn a lot of attention, and since there is no trailer park coming soon, neighbours and potential buyers in the new development are puzzled. "We haven't had any trouble from the individual. He hasn't caused any other problems. He hasn't said or made any kind of threatening statements. We don't even know who he is. We just know it's an individual living on the property behind me, and he's posted the signs," explained Fible.
"Who is going to buy a house where you see signs about a trailer park coming soon? It borderlines harassment. However, if you own property you can do with the property as you please," said Lonoke County Sheriff John Stoley. Stoley said it all started with a disagreement between a property owner and the developer building homes adjacent to his land. What exactly upset the property owner is still a mystery, but in March, he placed two toilets on two approximately 20-foot poles and nailed spray-painted signs to his trees facing the developer's property with the words "Trailer Park Coming Soon." Though neighbours claim they can't sell their homes due to the unattractive new displays, toilets in trees are not illegal.
YouTube link.
"This is the city limits here. Where the signs are is in the county, and there is no ordinances prohibiting signs in the county on a property. It's not threatening. It's nothing criminal at this time," Stoley stated. "It's petty. Whatever his argument is with one individual or the property developer, he can take it up with that individual. Affecting the neighbours that haven't done anything to him, we would just appreciate it if he would take the signs down," added Fible. The man who allegedly posted the signs and the toilets, identified as Dennis, did not wish to speak. As for the developer, Moore & Moore, they also did not wish to comment due to ongoing litigation with the property owner. The Lonoke County Sheriff's Office said they have asked the property owner to take down the signs and toilets, but he refused.
Man with severed hands accused of stabbing his father
A man who Sheriff’s Deputies in Shasta County, California, found with his hands severed is accused of stabbing his father multiple times.
Shasta County Deputies reported arriving at a Redding home and finding two subjects with visible injuries.
One man, Gregory Alan Dunn, 59, appeared to have been stabbed multiple times. Deputies suspect the other man, Dunn’s son, Jason, stabbed him during a verbal altercation.
But somehow, for some unknown reason or method, detectives say Jason George Dunn had injuries consistent with having his hands severed at the wrists. Both father and son were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Shasta County Deputies reported arriving at a Redding home and finding two subjects with visible injuries.
One man, Gregory Alan Dunn, 59, appeared to have been stabbed multiple times. Deputies suspect the other man, Dunn’s son, Jason, stabbed him during a verbal altercation.
But somehow, for some unknown reason or method, detectives say Jason George Dunn had injuries consistent with having his hands severed at the wrists. Both father and son were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Man asked to be jailed rather than continue with court-ordered alcohol ban
An Australian man asked to be jailed for three months rather than continue his court-ordered ban to not drink alcohol for two years. Milo Manu Felix Wild, 22, asked to be sent to jail because he was depressed that he had to stay at home rather than socialising with friends in pubs and clubs. Magistrate John O'Neill said it was "extraordinary" that Wild thought his life "was not worth living without alcohol."
Wild had been banned from drinking alcohol for assault and behaving in an indecent manner on Anzac Day last year when he pushed over four port-a-loos, exposed himself and threw his own urine at rangers at Litchfield National Park. He was sentenced on November 23 to three months' jail to be suspended for two years during which time he had to be of good behaviour and not drink alcohol.
Wild was already on a 12-month pub ban for disorderly behaviour at Darwin Ski Club. Police Prosecutor Julie O'Neill told Darwin Magistrates Court that Wild was seen by officers drinking alcohol at Duck's Nuts on Mitchell St on Saturday night. Sergeant O'Neill said when police asked Wild what he was doing in the pub he said: "I did nothing f------ wrong."
Wild's lawyer Georgia McMaster said he would choose jail over the alcohol restrictions. "(He said) in Darwin people of his generation go out and have a good time on the weekend and drink," Ms McMaster said. Magistrate John Neill questioned that: "There is nothing to do in Darwin for a strong, healthy young man except to drink?" Ms McMaster said Wild had completed alcohol management courses. She said Wild had lost his job as a car salesman for his Anzac Day antics last year.
Wild had been banned from drinking alcohol for assault and behaving in an indecent manner on Anzac Day last year when he pushed over four port-a-loos, exposed himself and threw his own urine at rangers at Litchfield National Park. He was sentenced on November 23 to three months' jail to be suspended for two years during which time he had to be of good behaviour and not drink alcohol.
Wild was already on a 12-month pub ban for disorderly behaviour at Darwin Ski Club. Police Prosecutor Julie O'Neill told Darwin Magistrates Court that Wild was seen by officers drinking alcohol at Duck's Nuts on Mitchell St on Saturday night. Sergeant O'Neill said when police asked Wild what he was doing in the pub he said: "I did nothing f------ wrong."
Wild's lawyer Georgia McMaster said he would choose jail over the alcohol restrictions. "(He said) in Darwin people of his generation go out and have a good time on the weekend and drink," Ms McMaster said. Magistrate John Neill questioned that: "There is nothing to do in Darwin for a strong, healthy young man except to drink?" Ms McMaster said Wild had completed alcohol management courses. She said Wild had lost his job as a car salesman for his Anzac Day antics last year.
Baby elephant rescued from well in Thailand
Residents of a village in Thailand found an unexpected baby elephant in their well on Sunday.
The one-month-old elephant had been separated from its herd as it moved through the Phayao Province region.
The animal then somehow got trapped in the deep well where the villagers found her scared and desperate to get out.
YouTube link. Original YouTube upload.
The villagers called a local animal rescue organization who came out armed with a backhoe. The group was able to carve out a pathway for the elephant who then ran to freedom.
The one-month-old elephant had been separated from its herd as it moved through the Phayao Province region.
The animal then somehow got trapped in the deep well where the villagers found her scared and desperate to get out.
YouTube link. Original YouTube upload.
The villagers called a local animal rescue organization who came out armed with a backhoe. The group was able to carve out a pathway for the elephant who then ran to freedom.
Council seize busker's guitar after noise nuisance complaints
A busker in Oxford city centre has had his guitar confiscated after a series of complaints about the noise he makes. Environmental health officers seized a guitar and amplifier from James Ludlow, who is also known as Marrion Cobraretti, on June 3.
The action came after the council received 19 complaints since January about Mr Ludlow’s performances in Cornmarket Street. Mr Ludlow received his first verbal warning from council officers on January 21. He was given two further warnings in February before being issued a written warning advising him of the enforcement action.
In response to a complaint on March 28 and after officers witnessed him causing a noise nuisance, he was issued with an abatement notice under the environmental protection act 1990 and advised that a breach of the notice could result in confiscation.
Further breaches were witnessed on April 12 and June 3, when his equipment was confiscated. Under the noise nuisance legislation the Council also has the power to prosecute Mr Ludlow for breach of the abatement notice.
The action came after the council received 19 complaints since January about Mr Ludlow’s performances in Cornmarket Street. Mr Ludlow received his first verbal warning from council officers on January 21. He was given two further warnings in February before being issued a written warning advising him of the enforcement action.
In response to a complaint on March 28 and after officers witnessed him causing a noise nuisance, he was issued with an abatement notice under the environmental protection act 1990 and advised that a breach of the notice could result in confiscation.
Further breaches were witnessed on April 12 and June 3, when his equipment was confiscated. Under the noise nuisance legislation the Council also has the power to prosecute Mr Ludlow for breach of the abatement notice.
Pet shop fish tank thief caught when he returned to buy goldfish
A thief who stole a fish tank from a pet store was caught when he returned to buy a goldfish. When staff at Pets at Home on Westgate Retail Park in Wakefield, Yorkshire, asked hapless Nigel Darren Ball which type of tank he had, Ball pointed to one near the shelf he stole from.
He then filled out his name and address and was arrested later. Ball, 52, of Peacock, Wakefield, told police: “I went to buy some goldfish but had to fill out a form with my details on it. That’s what got me.” Wakefield magistrates heard how Ball went to the store at 5.10pm on May 29 and stole a large hexagonal fish tank while no one was looking.
Prosecutor Rory Byrne said: “As brazen as anything he lifted the fish tank off the shelf, as big as it is, and simply walked out of the store. Some sight it must have been, he walks from the retail park holding an umbrella and a fish tank, and walks as far as the Peacock Estate. No one saw it at the time.”
The court heard how a £50 fish tank was later missing. Staff then checked CCTV and realised there had been a theft. Ball admitted theft. Mike Devlin, mitigating, said Ball had earlier dropped and smashed his children’s fish tank while cleaning it. He went looking for a replacement but saw how much they cost and ended up stealing one. Sentencing was adjourned until next month.
He then filled out his name and address and was arrested later. Ball, 52, of Peacock, Wakefield, told police: “I went to buy some goldfish but had to fill out a form with my details on it. That’s what got me.” Wakefield magistrates heard how Ball went to the store at 5.10pm on May 29 and stole a large hexagonal fish tank while no one was looking.
Prosecutor Rory Byrne said: “As brazen as anything he lifted the fish tank off the shelf, as big as it is, and simply walked out of the store. Some sight it must have been, he walks from the retail park holding an umbrella and a fish tank, and walks as far as the Peacock Estate. No one saw it at the time.”
The court heard how a £50 fish tank was later missing. Staff then checked CCTV and realised there had been a theft. Ball admitted theft. Mike Devlin, mitigating, said Ball had earlier dropped and smashed his children’s fish tank while cleaning it. He went looking for a replacement but saw how much they cost and ended up stealing one. Sentencing was adjourned until next month.
Lamb that had ears hacked off given hat to stop him getting earache - Update
A newborn lamb who had his ears hacked in a vicious attack has been nursed back to full health thanks to a specially made hat which stops him getting earache. Farmer Val Gunn, 71, made the protective headpiece for eight-week old Nelson after he was attacked at Highthorn Farm, East Leake, Nottinghamshire.
But since the attack the little lamb has been fitted with a cotton bonnet, which fastens around his neck to protect him from the elements. Nelson has now fully recovered from his ordeal and been saved from the chop after Val and husband Kenneth, 73, took him in as a pet. He now lives with the couple at their country farmhouse.
Mrs Gunn said they decided to get Nelson the headwear after he suffered sunstroke two weeks ago. She said: “Where his ears were, especially one side, it’s really pink and delicate so we wanted something to protect him from the elements. He could get all sorts of damage from the weather because the ears form a lot of protection. He got sunstroke a couple of weeks ago and that is why we got him the hat.
“I wouldn’t like him to have earache – the poor little soul’s suffered enough, with what has been done to him. He seems quite a happy little chappy, which he certainly deserves. But as he keeps getting bigger we will have to make him more and more hats.” They RSPCA said it was still investigating the May 17 incident and has appealed for any witnesses to contact them.
Previously.
But since the attack the little lamb has been fitted with a cotton bonnet, which fastens around his neck to protect him from the elements. Nelson has now fully recovered from his ordeal and been saved from the chop after Val and husband Kenneth, 73, took him in as a pet. He now lives with the couple at their country farmhouse.
Mrs Gunn said they decided to get Nelson the headwear after he suffered sunstroke two weeks ago. She said: “Where his ears were, especially one side, it’s really pink and delicate so we wanted something to protect him from the elements. He could get all sorts of damage from the weather because the ears form a lot of protection. He got sunstroke a couple of weeks ago and that is why we got him the hat.
“I wouldn’t like him to have earache – the poor little soul’s suffered enough, with what has been done to him. He seems quite a happy little chappy, which he certainly deserves. But as he keeps getting bigger we will have to make him more and more hats.” They RSPCA said it was still investigating the May 17 incident and has appealed for any witnesses to contact them.
Previously.
Sheep-eating killer plant is ready to bloom
A sheep-eating plant is set to bloom over the next few days in a Surrey garden. In its natural habitat of the Andes, the 3m-tall Puya chilensis snares the animals in its razor-sharp spines, leaving them to perish and decay at its base – like a bag of fertiliser.
Very few specimens have been known to flower in the UK, causing much excitement over the enormous neon bright, greeny-yellow flowers that it produces, with giant blooms containing enough nectar for a person to drink.
The plant is also increasingly rare in its native Chile, where shepherds set them alight to protect their flocks.
Cara Smith, from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Wisley Garden, where the plant is growing, said: “We keep it well fed with liquid fertiliser, as feeding it on its natural diet might prove a bit problematic.”
Very few specimens have been known to flower in the UK, causing much excitement over the enormous neon bright, greeny-yellow flowers that it produces, with giant blooms containing enough nectar for a person to drink.
The plant is also increasingly rare in its native Chile, where shepherds set them alight to protect their flocks.
Cara Smith, from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Wisley Garden, where the plant is growing, said: “We keep it well fed with liquid fertiliser, as feeding it on its natural diet might prove a bit problematic.”
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