TULSA, Okla. - A library book checked out from a Tulsa high school in 1947 has been returned - with a $250 check to cover overdue fees. Holland Hall School librarian Betty Niver says the book "New Word Analysis: Or School Etymology of English Derivative Words" was mailed to the school by Martha McCabe Jarrett.
Jarrett, of Venice, Fla., was Martha McCabe, a sophomore, when she signed out the book 61 years ago at what was then Holland Hall School for Girls. She recently found it while cleaning out her other home in Rome, Ohio.
"It was just there, with the things I enjoy and my kids don't," she said Friday.
In a note sent with the book, she included the check to pay any fines. But she wasn't sure how she wound up with the book. "I don't know if it was something the library was getting rid of, or my Latin teacher had given me, or if I just kept it," she said.
"I sent it back just because I value the education I got at that school," she said.
School officials said they were not sure what they will do with the $250 because there is no specific overdue book fund. It might be put toward student scholarships.
Friday, October 31, 2008
2 For the Price Of 1
ATLANTA - Being a cheapskate could get you in trouble with the law. Fulton County authorities arrested 40-year-old Dan Linscomb of Texas City, Texas, last week for refusing to pay his tab at the all-you-can-eat Iron Skillet buffet in northwest Atlanta. Officials say Linscomb ate at the buffet and let his girlfriend eat from his plate.
The restaurant charged him for two $7 meals, which he refused to pay. Linscomb was taken to the Fulton County Jail on a charge of theft of service. Fulton County Sheriff's Sgt. Nikita Hightower said Linscomb was released two days later after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct.
Linscomb could not be reached for comment. Restaurant officials declined comment.
The restaurant charged him for two $7 meals, which he refused to pay. Linscomb was taken to the Fulton County Jail on a charge of theft of service. Fulton County Sheriff's Sgt. Nikita Hightower said Linscomb was released two days later after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct.
Linscomb could not be reached for comment. Restaurant officials declined comment.
Imagine Election Day.....
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Shawn Turschak of Chapel Hill was tired of someone stealing McCain-Palin campaign signs from his yard. Turschak, with a degree in electrical engineering, hooked up a third sign to a power source for an electric pet fence Monday and also put up a surveillance camera.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that a 9-year-old boy with an Obama-Biden sign grabbed the McCain-Palin sign and got a jolt on Tuesday.
The boy's father, Andrew Noble, upset that his son had been shocked, showed up at Turschak's door. Soon an Orange County sheriff's deputy also showed up at the Turschak's home.
Noble said his son just wanted to see how the sign was put together. Turschak said the boy intended to swap out the signs.
Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass said he doesn't plan to file charges.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that a 9-year-old boy with an Obama-Biden sign grabbed the McCain-Palin sign and got a jolt on Tuesday.
The boy's father, Andrew Noble, upset that his son had been shocked, showed up at Turschak's door. Soon an Orange County sheriff's deputy also showed up at the Turschak's home.
Noble said his son just wanted to see how the sign was put together. Turschak said the boy intended to swap out the signs.
Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass said he doesn't plan to file charges.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Take That Gas Pump!
NAUGATUCK, Conn. - A man who police said fired gun shots into a gasoline pump on Saturday morning was expected to be charged with three felonies when he's released from a local hospital.
Police said the man went to the Sunoco gas station on New Haven Road and fired a shotgun at a gas pump several times while customers stood nearby.
Luckily, nobody was injured and the pump did not explode.
The man drove off and struck two cars and was injured in a crash following the shooting incident.
Police have an arrest warrant for the man and his hospital room is being guarded 24-hours a day by two police officers.
Police said the man went to the Sunoco gas station on New Haven Road and fired a shotgun at a gas pump several times while customers stood nearby.
Luckily, nobody was injured and the pump did not explode.
The man drove off and struck two cars and was injured in a crash following the shooting incident.
Police have an arrest warrant for the man and his hospital room is being guarded 24-hours a day by two police officers.
Love Thy Neighbor
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - A Malaysian man has been accused of trying to hurt his neighbor with a dangerous weapon - centipedes. Prosecutor Mazri Mohamed said Wednesday that R. Prabakaran has been charged with attempting to cause harm with a dangerous weapon after allegedly unleashing four centipedes and bugs in his neighbor's bed last week following an argument.
Prabakaran, 21, allegedly climbed on to the roof to enter his neighbor's house where he committed the offense, Mazri said.
Prabakaran pleaded not guilty Tuesday in a court in the southern city of Johor Baru and has been released on bail, Mazri said.
It was not clear what species the centipedes were. Some species are poisonous.
If found guilty, Prabakaran faces up to three years prison and a caning.
Prabakaran, 21, allegedly climbed on to the roof to enter his neighbor's house where he committed the offense, Mazri said.
Prabakaran pleaded not guilty Tuesday in a court in the southern city of Johor Baru and has been released on bail, Mazri said.
It was not clear what species the centipedes were. Some species are poisonous.
If found guilty, Prabakaran faces up to three years prison and a caning.
To Give Is To Receivce
HONOLULU (AP) - The best bargain at the Salvation Army thrift store in Kailua-Kona was a Richard Simmons videotape. But Mikela Mercier, 11, decided to pass up the chance to buy the tape for a few coins after she found a surprise inside: $1,000 in $100 bills.
Mikela said that when she discovered the money while browsing through the used tapes, she immediately looked for her mom who was inside the dressing room and told her they needed to turn it in.
Store manager Jimmy Thennes put out a news release on the discovery, praising Mikela for her honesty.
Her mother, Jodi Mercier, said she is very proud of her daughter who she says knew it belonged to the Salvation Army so the agency can help more people in need.
Mikela said that when she discovered the money while browsing through the used tapes, she immediately looked for her mom who was inside the dressing room and told her they needed to turn it in.
Store manager Jimmy Thennes put out a news release on the discovery, praising Mikela for her honesty.
Her mother, Jodi Mercier, said she is very proud of her daughter who she says knew it belonged to the Salvation Army so the agency can help more people in need.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Soiled Sausage
McALLEN, Texas (AP) - Customs inspectors scored the makings of a barbecue when a 21-year-old South Texas woman declared several soiled baby diapers at a U.S.-Mexico border crossing.
Suspicious of the chunky diapers, inspectors with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the international bridge in Hidalgo found several links of spicy pork sausage, or chorizo, inside. The diapers had been folded to look soiled, according to a customs agency statement.
The Mission resident, who was not identified after the Friday night incident, was fined $300 and her chorizo was seized.
Suspicious of the chunky diapers, inspectors with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the international bridge in Hidalgo found several links of spicy pork sausage, or chorizo, inside. The diapers had been folded to look soiled, according to a customs agency statement.
The Mission resident, who was not identified after the Friday night incident, was fined $300 and her chorizo was seized.
'Almost Ranged The Phone Off The Wall....'
DETROIT (AP) - Michigan Democrats trying to arouse interest in absentee voting have accidentally directed people to a phone-sex line.
State party spokeswoman Liz Kerr says a flier that included two absentee ballot applications had a misprint in the number for a campaign hotline.
The flier came from the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee and featured photos of presidential candidate Barack Obama and U.S. Sen. Carl Levin.
The error was first reported by WJBK-TV in Detroit. Kerr says the party apologizes for the misprint.
State party spokeswoman Liz Kerr says a flier that included two absentee ballot applications had a misprint in the number for a campaign hotline.
The flier came from the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee and featured photos of presidential candidate Barack Obama and U.S. Sen. Carl Levin.
The error was first reported by WJBK-TV in Detroit. Kerr says the party apologizes for the misprint.
Monday, October 27, 2008
New Menu Item
HAMBURG, N.Y. (AP) - Health officials shut down a suburban Buffalo restaurant after an inspector found employees butchering a dead deer inside the business. Erie County Health Department officials said they got a tip Friday about a dead deer in the China King restaurant in the town of Hamburg, just south of Buffalo.
An inspector soon arrived and saw the deer being butchered in the kitchen.
State health laws prohibit butchering an animal inside a restaurant.
Officials don't know whether the deer had been killed by a hunter or a vehicle. They said there was no indication the deer meat was served to any customers.
The message on the restaurant's answering machine Monday says it was closed because of "family emergencies."
An inspector soon arrived and saw the deer being butchered in the kitchen.
State health laws prohibit butchering an animal inside a restaurant.
Officials don't know whether the deer had been killed by a hunter or a vehicle. They said there was no indication the deer meat was served to any customers.
The message on the restaurant's answering machine Monday says it was closed because of "family emergencies."
Follow That Pooch
BOSTON (AP) - Choochy the poodle is a "runway runaway." Boston's Logan International Airport officials say Choochy escaped from her kennel as she was being unloaded after a flight from Detroit Saturday night and scampered across runways and taxiways.
Airport spokesman Phil Orlandella says the poodle evaded airport personnel for more than 17 hours and delayed at least eight flights.
About 15 state police, firefighters, operations personnel and even electricians chased Choochy late into the night, delaying flights for up 30 minutes.
Orlandella says the poodle was frightened, tired and hungry when she was finally lured to safety with food early Sunday afternoon.
The dog was treated for minor injuries at an animal hospital and returned to her family.
Airport spokesman Phil Orlandella says the poodle evaded airport personnel for more than 17 hours and delayed at least eight flights.
About 15 state police, firefighters, operations personnel and even electricians chased Choochy late into the night, delaying flights for up 30 minutes.
Orlandella says the poodle was frightened, tired and hungry when she was finally lured to safety with food early Sunday afternoon.
The dog was treated for minor injuries at an animal hospital and returned to her family.
Oh No Repo!
LAUREL, Del. - State police say they are looking for a Laurel man who drove his car off a tow truck around 12:30 a.m. Saturday as a repossession worker tried to tow it away. Police said a 37-year-old man came out of his home as a worker from Complete Auto Recovery was putting his car on a tow truck.
Police spokesman Sgt. Joshua Bushweller said the man interfered when the worker attached a chain to the car and put it on the truck's lift.
Bushweller said the man then got into the car, put it in reverse - despite warnings that he could tear off the bumper - and drove off.
Police said an arrest warrant has been issued charging the man with one misdemeanor count of reckless endangering.
Police spokesman Sgt. Joshua Bushweller said the man interfered when the worker attached a chain to the car and put it on the truck's lift.
Bushweller said the man then got into the car, put it in reverse - despite warnings that he could tear off the bumper - and drove off.
Police said an arrest warrant has been issued charging the man with one misdemeanor count of reckless endangering.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Weed-N-Seed Tacos
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - A Colorado couple found an unusual topping on their order of tacos: a small bag of marijuana.
They discovered the drugs with their order from a Del Taco restaurant and called police, said Lakewood police spokesman Steve Davis.
Twenty-six-year-old Dennis Klermund, who police say waited on the husband when he picked up food Oct. 16, faces charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Klermund initially denied any knowledge but admitted the bag was meant for a friend after a search dog found more marijuana in a locker, police said.
Klermund no longer works at the restaurant, said manager Ulises Montero. A message left for Klermund was not returned.
They discovered the drugs with their order from a Del Taco restaurant and called police, said Lakewood police spokesman Steve Davis.
Twenty-six-year-old Dennis Klermund, who police say waited on the husband when he picked up food Oct. 16, faces charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Klermund initially denied any knowledge but admitted the bag was meant for a friend after a search dog found more marijuana in a locker, police said.
Klermund no longer works at the restaurant, said manager Ulises Montero. A message left for Klermund was not returned.
World Record Dreds
MIAMI - Asha Mandela has hair that could rival Rapunzel's. The South Florida woman who started growing her hair 20 years ago now has locks longer than she is tall.
Mandela has submitted her hair, which measure 8 feet 9 inches long, to the Guinness Book of World Records for the Longest Dreadlocks, the first entry in a new category.
It takes one bottle of shampoo and one bottle of conditioner every time she washes her hair and can sometimes take days to fully dry after she washes it.
The 46-year-old Mandela says she "used to wash it three times a week. Now I do it once a week. It's very tiring. Sometimes I don't have the energy."
Mandela has submitted her hair, which measure 8 feet 9 inches long, to the Guinness Book of World Records for the Longest Dreadlocks, the first entry in a new category.
It takes one bottle of shampoo and one bottle of conditioner every time she washes her hair and can sometimes take days to fully dry after she washes it.
The 46-year-old Mandela says she "used to wash it three times a week. Now I do it once a week. It's very tiring. Sometimes I don't have the energy."
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thumbs Down
WASHINGTON - Police said a man suspected in an armed robbery at an alleged brothel in Washington's Columbia Heights neighborhood left some evidence at the scene - his thumb.
Police say a 22-year-old man and an accomplice made off with hundreds of dollars in cash in the Oct. 11 raid. According to charging documents, one of the victims took control of the suspect's silver machete and hacked off his right thumb.
About two hours after the robbery, a nine-fingered man went to an emergency room. Police caught up with him and brought the severed thumb to the hospital.
According to an arrest affidavit, a doctor told police the thumb "fits like a puzzle piece." The man was transferred to a Baltimore hospital to have it reattached.
On Tuesday, a judge ordered the Hyattsville, Md., man held without bond.
Police say a 22-year-old man and an accomplice made off with hundreds of dollars in cash in the Oct. 11 raid. According to charging documents, one of the victims took control of the suspect's silver machete and hacked off his right thumb.
About two hours after the robbery, a nine-fingered man went to an emergency room. Police caught up with him and brought the severed thumb to the hospital.
According to an arrest affidavit, a doctor told police the thumb "fits like a puzzle piece." The man was transferred to a Baltimore hospital to have it reattached.
On Tuesday, a judge ordered the Hyattsville, Md., man held without bond.
Lock Down 4 Deodorant??
DANIA BEACH, Fla. - Authorities said a man used a BB gun to make his getaway after stealing deodorant from a Dania Beach supermarket on Monday afternoon.
Publix employees told Broward deputies that they saw two men shoplifting deodorant spray Monday afternoon. A manager caught up with a 23-year-old man at a store next door. When the manager asked the man to return the deodorant, authorities say he pulled what looked like a black handgun.
Assuming it was a real gun, deputies closed off a nearby apartment complex and put a school on lock down. They also called in a helicopter and dogs to help with the search. They eventually found the man, who still had the deodorant and BB gun.
The man was charged with robbery with weapon and was being held on $50,000 bail.
Publix employees told Broward deputies that they saw two men shoplifting deodorant spray Monday afternoon. A manager caught up with a 23-year-old man at a store next door. When the manager asked the man to return the deodorant, authorities say he pulled what looked like a black handgun.
Assuming it was a real gun, deputies closed off a nearby apartment complex and put a school on lock down. They also called in a helicopter and dogs to help with the search. They eventually found the man, who still had the deodorant and BB gun.
The man was charged with robbery with weapon and was being held on $50,000 bail.
And The Winner Is....
ATLANTA - A contest that would pay $10,000 to an engaged couple, as long as they abstain from premarital sex, hasn't gotten any takers. The deadline for the Marriage for a Lifetime contest is Oct. 31. The prize includes free flowers, invitations and other wedding treats.
So far, organizer Phillippia Faust hasn't gotten any entries.
She said, "In our society it's going to be hard to find" a couple that hasn't had premarital sex.
Faust has orchestrated mock weddings and other pro-marriage activities through her Marriage Appreciation Training Uplifting Relationship Education program, a nonprofit that isn't church-affiliated. The program is implemented through Rockdale Medical Center.
So far, organizer Phillippia Faust hasn't gotten any entries.
She said, "In our society it's going to be hard to find" a couple that hasn't had premarital sex.
Faust has orchestrated mock weddings and other pro-marriage activities through her Marriage Appreciation Training Uplifting Relationship Education program, a nonprofit that isn't church-affiliated. The program is implemented through Rockdale Medical Center.
Thievery At its Best
BARRE, Vt. - Imagine being arrested for theft and then stealing a photo from a police bulletin board after you get to the station. The Washington County Sheriff's Department said a 25-year-old Montpelier resident tried it, and later told police he snagged the picture because he thought it was "cool."
The man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of grand larceny in the theft of $1,300 worth of property in a car break-in in Calais, marijuana possession and three violations of his conditions of release on earlier charges.
Washington County Deputy State's Attorney Bob Menzel told the judge, "This is a defendant that's just not getting it."
The man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of grand larceny in the theft of $1,300 worth of property in a car break-in in Calais, marijuana possession and three violations of his conditions of release on earlier charges.
Washington County Deputy State's Attorney Bob Menzel told the judge, "This is a defendant that's just not getting it."
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Beyonce's #1 Fan
MILFORD, Conn. - A Detroit-area man faces a variety of charges after nearly hitting a patrol car and telling police that singer Beyonce was waiting to meet him in New York, authorities said. The man, 33, of Macomb Township, Mich., was detained early Sunday after driving in a "reckless manner" in a parking lot and nearly striking a parked patrol car, said police spokesman Vaughan Dumas.
The spokesman said police found a teddy bear and flowers that the man said were meant for the singer inside his car.
The man reportedly refused to leave his car when ordered and asked police for directions to Detroit before taking off again. He was arrested a few minutes later and charged with reckless driving, speeding, interfering with an officer, failure to obey an officer's signal and failure to obey a stop sign.
The man was released on $5,000 bail and taken to a local hospital for observation, Dumas said.
The man told police he was going to meet Beyonce at the George Washington Bridge in New York, Dumas said.
"He didn't threaten her or anything," Dumas said. "It was just his claim that he was going to meet her."
The spokesman said police found a teddy bear and flowers that the man said were meant for the singer inside his car.
The man reportedly refused to leave his car when ordered and asked police for directions to Detroit before taking off again. He was arrested a few minutes later and charged with reckless driving, speeding, interfering with an officer, failure to obey an officer's signal and failure to obey a stop sign.
The man was released on $5,000 bail and taken to a local hospital for observation, Dumas said.
The man told police he was going to meet Beyonce at the George Washington Bridge in New York, Dumas said.
"He didn't threaten her or anything," Dumas said. "It was just his claim that he was going to meet her."
Monday, October 20, 2008
Fun at wHOSE Expense?
THOMAS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - Police say a Michigan man has been arrested after "receiving sexual favors from a vacuum" at a car wash.
The Saginaw News reports the 29-year-old Swan Creek Township man was arrested Thursday in Saginaw County's Thomas Township, about 90 miles northwest of Detroit.
Police Sgt. Gary Breidinger says a resident called to report suspicious activity at the car wash about 6:45 a.m. An officer approached on foot and caught the man in the act.
The suspect, whose name wasn't immediately released, is being held in the Saginaw County Jail.
The Saginaw News reports the 29-year-old Swan Creek Township man was arrested Thursday in Saginaw County's Thomas Township, about 90 miles northwest of Detroit.
Police Sgt. Gary Breidinger says a resident called to report suspicious activity at the car wash about 6:45 a.m. An officer approached on foot and caught the man in the act.
The suspect, whose name wasn't immediately released, is being held in the Saginaw County Jail.
Mirror, Mirror....
FOLEY, Ala. (AP) - Authorities said a 42-year-old man, dressed up like the elderly owner of a Baldwin County beauty parlor and tried to break into her shop so he could look at himself in a mirror. The man was wearing a blond wig when he allegedly attempted to burglarize a shop owned by Rose Stevens, 76. Deputies said the man told them he wanted to sit in the owner's chair and look at himself.
"It gave me a chill when the deputy asked, 'Do you wear flowered smocks?'" said Stevens, owner of A Curl & Style. "I said, 'Yes,' and he said they thought he'd made himself up to look like me."
The man was charged with third-degree burglary, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The man's brother said he has mental problems and is obsessed with dressing like women.
Stevens said she was in bed at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday when she saw car lights flash in front of her beauty shop, which is beside her home. She said she thought the would-be burglar was a woman, but her 17-year-old grandson, who lives with her, said it looked like a man dressed as a woman.
Soon the intruder gave up trying to break in, got back in his car and began to drive away.
A deputy stopped the car as it was leaving and arrested the man, said Maj. Anthony Lowery, a spokesman for the sheriff's office spokesman.
"It gave me a chill when the deputy asked, 'Do you wear flowered smocks?'" said Stevens, owner of A Curl & Style. "I said, 'Yes,' and he said they thought he'd made himself up to look like me."
The man was charged with third-degree burglary, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The man's brother said he has mental problems and is obsessed with dressing like women.
Stevens said she was in bed at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday when she saw car lights flash in front of her beauty shop, which is beside her home. She said she thought the would-be burglar was a woman, but her 17-year-old grandson, who lives with her, said it looked like a man dressed as a woman.
Soon the intruder gave up trying to break in, got back in his car and began to drive away.
A deputy stopped the car as it was leaving and arrested the man, said Maj. Anthony Lowery, a spokesman for the sheriff's office spokesman.
No Paper Or Plastic
BRADENTON, Fla. - Authorities said a man tried to steal several bags of frozen shrimp from a supermarket by hiding them down his pants. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported that an off-duty detective was shopping at a Sweetbay supermarket Sunday when he noticed what appeared to be a man with groceries stuffed in his pants.
The detective approached the 32-year-old man and ordered him to stop. Authorities said the man then removed several bags of shrimp from his pants and promised to put them back.
When the man fled for the store's exit, the detective tackled and restrained him until patrol deputies arrived.
The detective approached the 32-year-old man and ordered him to stop. Authorities said the man then removed several bags of shrimp from his pants and promised to put them back.
When the man fled for the store's exit, the detective tackled and restrained him until patrol deputies arrived.
Jail Or $7.00?
FORT PIERCE, Fla. - A woman decided to go to jail rather than pay her bill at a Fort Pierce Waffle House restaurant. The total she went to jail over: $7.45. According to a police report, Maryanne O'Neill, 66, ordered coffee and a sandwich at a Waffle House restaurant on Saturday but refused to pay the bill.
The report said an officer asked her to pay or go to jail and she refused.
A jail official said she was released Monday from the St. Lucie County Jail. She was charged with obtaining food or lodging with intent to defraud, a second degree misdemeanor.
If convicted of a second degree misdemeanor she could face up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500.
The report said an officer asked her to pay or go to jail and she refused.
A jail official said she was released Monday from the St. Lucie County Jail. She was charged with obtaining food or lodging with intent to defraud, a second degree misdemeanor.
If convicted of a second degree misdemeanor she could face up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500.
Love Iowa Style
IOWA CITY, Iowa - A judge has ordered a woman to stay away from her fiance, two weeks before their wedding. Johnson County Judge Stephen Gerard ordered a 23-year-old woman on Monday not to have contact with the man after she was charged with domestic abuse causing injury.
According to police reports, the woman ran over the man's foot, then bit his hand when he took away her keys to prevent her from driving early Monday.
The man wasn't named in court.
The woman told the judge she and the alleged victim planned to be married in two weeks. She also asked if her fiance could drop the charges.
The judge told her to take up that question with her attorney.
According to police reports, the woman ran over the man's foot, then bit his hand when he took away her keys to prevent her from driving early Monday.
The man wasn't named in court.
The woman told the judge she and the alleged victim planned to be married in two weeks. She also asked if her fiance could drop the charges.
The judge told her to take up that question with her attorney.
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