Insurance investigator decides on cause of Ark. house fire: The dead plants did it

Insurance company: Flowers started Ark. house fire

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A fire that did $20,000 in damages to a northeast Arkansas home wasn’t caused by an electrical problem or burning food or arson, an insurance investigator concluded.
Instead, the dead plants did it, according to a report summary provided to the homeowner, Brian Duncan.
“The fire was …. Original article  : Insurance investigator decides on cause of Ark. house fire: The dead plants did it.

Miracle Baby Ella Rose Riehle Born On 8/9/10 at 11:12

CINCINNATI (GaeaTimes.com) — The baby Ella Rose Riehle has born into fame. But the reason for her fame would seem to be quite coincidental. She was born on Thursday August 9 at 11:12.
So it basically means that her birth would be noted like 8/9/10 at 11:12. Well her mother, Teri Riehler would never have … Read more : Miracle Baby Ella Rose Riehle Born On 8/9/10 at 11:12.

No kidding: Mo. man catches wandering goat whose exploits had been chronicled on Facebook

Mo. man nabs roaming goat with Facebook following

MEXICO, Mo. – A wandering Missouri goat whose exploits have been chronicled on a popular Facebook page has been captured. KXEO reported that a man named Mervin Beechy noticed the goat Tuesday afternoon while he was driving around the eastern Missouri town of Mexico.
Beechy fetched his trailer and … Original source on Gaea Times at : No kidding: Mo. man catches wandering goat whose exploits had been chronicled on Facebook.

Deputies: Victim buys his own phone online, deputies arrest man whose address is on package

Cell phone victim helps deputies recover property

MALIBU, Calif. – A man who bought a cell phone online, only to find it was the same one that was stolen from his car, tipped off California sheriff’s deputies, who arrested a man they believe broke into dozens of vehices.
Deputies arrested 28-year-old Neil Hefner and recovered 163 cell …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Deputies: Victim buys his own phone online, deputies arrest man whose address is on package.

Washington hiker accidentally shoots himself in the butt while moving gun to back pocket

Hiker accidentally shoots himself in the rear

WENATCHEE, Wash. – A hiker on Blewett Pass shot himself in the butt when he put a handgun in his back pocket. The Chelan County sheriff’s office said the 52-year-old Snohomish man had moved his .40-caliber handgun from its holster to his back pocket Saturday to see if that …. Source  : Washington hiker accidentally shoots himself in the butt while moving gun to back pocket.

Men lucky to be alive after driving underneath stalled semi truck towing flatbed

Men lucky to be alive after driving under semi

GETTYSBURG, S.D. – A South Dakota sheriff said two Minnesota men are lucky to be alive after they drove underneath a stalled semi truck towing a flatbed. Potter County Sheriff Alan McClain said he’s amazed the men were not decapitated.
McClain said the crash happened about five miles … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Men lucky to be alive after driving underneath stalled semi truck towing flatbed.

Ohio police say man named Frankenstein exhibits monstrous behavior while in police cruiser

Frankenstein cited over monstrous behavior in Ohio

CINCINNATI – Ohio police say a Toby Keith fan named Forrest Frankenstein threatened them and beat his head against a partition in their cruiser after his arrest.
The 39-year-old Frankenstein appeared Monday before a judge who asked why he “went crazy” at the Aug. 27 concert in Cincinnati. Frankenstein replied … Read more : Ohio police say man named Frankenstein exhibits monstrous behavior while in police cruiser.

Officials to inspect Atlanta zoo after venomous rattlesnake escapes; snake later killed

Atlanta zoo to be inspected after snake escape

ATLANTA – Georgia wildlife officials will inspect an Atlanta zoo after a venomous rattlesnake was able to escape and slither around a city neighborhood.
Zoo staff noticed the female tiger rattlesnake was missing during a routine check late Friday. The snake was found dead Monday after a nearby property …. Source  : Officials to inspect Atlanta zoo after venomous rattlesnake escapes; snake later killed.

Golfer’s off-target swing snags rock, sparks 12-acre blaze in Southern California

Golfer’s swing snags rock, sparks fire in S. Calif

IRVINE, Calif. – Forget “Fore!”
“Fire!” was the cry of the day for a golfer whose off-target swing sparked a 12-acre blaze in Southern California.
The golfer at the Shady Canyon Golf Course in Irvine landed a shot in the rough Saturday.
On his next swing, his club snagged a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Golfer’s off-target swing snags rock, sparks 12-acre blaze in Southern California.

No more Africa time: Nigerian federal government locks out snoozing employees over tardiness

Nigerian government locks out snoozing employees

ABUJA, Nigeria – Snoozing Nigerian federal employees who reported late to work have gotten a rude awakening.
As part of a push to end tardiness, a number of federal offices in the nation’s capital Abuja locked out hundreds of tardy workers Tuesday. The move is part of an ongoing government effort …. Read the original article  : here.

S.C. police say would-be restaurant burglar gets stuck for nearly 7 hours in grease vent

Police: Would-be burglar gets stuck in grease vent

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – A would-be burglar who tried to break into a South Carolina restaurant found himself in a tight and a greasy situation. The Post and Courier of Charleston reported a man tried to break into a North Charleston restaurant by climbing down a grease vent. … Read more : S.C. police say would-be restaurant burglar gets stuck for nearly 7 hours in grease vent.

Arkansas police say 6 arrested after brawl, gunfire at baptism party

Cops: 6 arrested after gunfire at baptism party

FORT SMITH, Ark. – Police said a baptism party where some uninvited guests arrived turned into a brawl that resulted in gunfire. Police were dispatched to the Progressive Men’s Club at 2 a.m. Saturday after a caller reported gunfire. Witness Amy Manjarrez told Fort Smith television station KHBS …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Arkansas police say 6 arrested after brawl, gunfire at baptism party.

Pennsylvania police officer shoots coyote before it can attack colleague during traffic stop

Pa. officer shoots coyote headed for colleague

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. – A western Pennsylvania police officer said he was saved from a coyote attack when a fellow officer shot the animal as it was about to attack. Aliquippa Sgt. Douglas Edgell said he stopped a speeder just before 10 p.m. Friday and was standing outside his cruiser …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Couple wonders if their car took vacation after odometer jumps 724 miles at JFK lot

Mileage jump has couple wondering where car’s been

NEW YORK – A couple who left their car parked in a long-term lot near Kennedy Airport during a trip to California were trying to figure out what their car has been doing without them. Mimi and Ulrich Gunthart said their car odometer reading jumped by 724 miles … Read : Couple wonders if their car took vacation after odometer jumps 724 miles at JFK lot.

Louisiana pastor who shares name with wanted Texas criminal mistakenly arrested

Officer, that’s not me! Mistaken ID jails pastor

SHREVEPORT, La. – A series of unfortunate coincidences led to a case of mistaken identity that put a Louisiana minister behind bars for nearly eight hours. Gregory Jones, pastor at Eden Worship Center, was pulled over for speeding and arrested as a man wanted for violating parole in …. Source  : Louisiana pastor who shares name with wanted Texas criminal mistakenly arrested.

Goat wandering around Missouri town gets Facebook page, attention from animal control officers

Wandering goat in Missouri gets Facebook fan page

MEXICO, Mo. – A goat that has been wandering around the eastern Missouri town of Mexico has gained enough attention to have his own Facebook page. But animal control officers are not amused. KXEO reported that the goat was first seen by a motorist on Saturday near an … Original source on Gaea Times at : Goat wandering around Missouri town gets Facebook page, attention from animal control officers.

La. police arrest suspected ‘Brownie Bandit’ with a bag full of treats in a bakery

Alleged ‘Brownie Bandit’ nabbed with bag of treats

GONZALES, La. – Police arrested the suspected ‘Brownie Bandit,’ a man accused of repeatedly breaking into a bakery, stealing freshly baked brownies and leaving behind crumbs and broken windows. Gonzales police said Jamon J. Simoneaux, 18, had a bag full of brownies when he was arrested Thursday in …. Source  : La. police arrest suspected ‘Brownie Bandit’ with a bag full of treats in a bakery.

Cops arrest 70-year-old yard sale shopper for allegedly hitting another man with cornbread pan

Yard sale patron allegedly hits man with pan

SONORA, Calif. – A 70-year-old yard sale shopper is facing charges after things apparently got a bit out of hand at a yard sale. Tuolumne County authorities said Jon Joslin was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after he allegedly hit another man over the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cops arrest 70-year-old yard sale shopper for allegedly hitting another man with cornbread pan.

Homeless man calls 911 from hot tub, asks for towels, hug, hot chocolate

Homeless man calls 911 from hot tub, seeks cocoa

BEAVERTON, Ore. – A homeless man who called 911 from the hot tub of a suburban Portland home and asked for towels, hot chocolate and a hug got arrested for trespassing instead.
Beaverton police say Mark Eskelsen called 911 from his cell phone, identified himself as “the sheriff … Read : Homeless man calls 911 from hot tub, asks for towels, hug, hot chocolate.

Person familiar with situation: NFL players’ union looking into rookie trades made by 4 teams

AP source: Union looking into NFL rookie trades

WASHINGTON – The NFL players’ union is looking into whether trades made by four teams this week are attempts to avoid paying money into a rookie pool, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the union … Read : Person familiar with situation: NFL players’ union looking into rookie trades made by 4 teams.

Police say man accused of vending machine thefts jumps in dump truck and leads hour-long chase

Police say man leads hour-long chase in dump truck

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Police said a 37-year-old man driving a dump truck led them on an hour-long chase over roads, rails and yards in the Syracuse area that ended with the suspect being shot. The Onondaga County Sheriff said Stanley Lostumbo jumped into a dump truck Tuesday …. Original article  : Police say man accused of vending machine thefts jumps in dump truck and leads hour-long chase.

Oops: Cell phone left in weekend Alabama home burglary leads to arrest of teenager

Cell phone left in Ala. burglary leads to arrest

RUSSELLVILLE, Ala. – Police investigating a home burglary in Russellville found a surprising clue – a cell phone that got left behind. Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said the phone was left near where a computer was taken in the weekend burglary. Investigators began calling some …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Push comes to shove: W.Va. county eliminating swing sets from elementary school playgrounds

Swing sets removed at some W.Va. schools
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Elementary school playgrounds in one West Virginia county are losing their swing sets.

Swings are being removed from Cabell County schools in southern West Virginia in part because of lawsuits over injuries.
Cabell County schools safety manager Tim Stewart said Wednesday that a lot of parents are accusing …. Original source  : Push comes to shove: W.Va. county eliminating swing sets from elementary school playgrounds.

Conn. driver falls out of car on I-95; Dodge travels 0.2 more miles before crashing into pole

Conn. driver falls from car on I-95, Dodge goes on

DARIEN, Conn. – Connecticut State Police say a man fell out of his car onto Interstate 95 and watched his vehicle drive on for about two-tenths of a mile before it crashed into a pole. Troopers said they’re not sure why 51-year-old Robert Craig of Killingworth … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Conn. driver falls out of car on I-95; Dodge travels 0.2 more miles before crashing into pole.

Goats rescued after spending nearly 2 days on thin ledge of railway bridge above Mont. highway

Goats rescued after 2 days on 6-inch ledge in Mont

HELENA, Mont. – Two young goats wandered onto the thin ledge of a railroad bridge and spent nearly two days high above the ground until rescuers in a towering cherry picker plucked them from their perch, hungry but safe.
The rescue occurred Wednesday 60 feet above a …. Source article  : Goats rescued after spending nearly 2 days on thin ledge of railway bridge above Mont. highway.

Goats rescued after 2 days on 6-inch ledge of rail bridge 60 feet above Mont. roadway

Goats rescued after 2 days on Mont. rail bridge

HELENA, Mont. – Two young goats were rescued after spending two days stranded on the six-inch ledge of a railroad bridge 60 feet above a road in southern Montana.
Rimrock Humane Society president Sandy Church says it’s not clear how the animals got onto the bridge between Billings … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Goats rescued after 2 days on 6-inch ledge of rail bridge 60 feet above Mont. roadway.

Wyoming troopers think baggie found during traffic stop has drugs; it’s cremated ashes instead

Wyo. troopers examine human ashes in traffic stop

FARSON, Wyo. – The powdery substance that Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers found in a zip-close bag during a recent traffic stop didn’t turn out to be drugs after all.
Sgt. Stephen Townsend of the patrol says then when troopers pulled over two men in a car Wednesday, they found … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Wyoming troopers think baggie found during traffic stop has drugs; it’s cremated ashes instead.

Thomas Magill: Man who Lives after Tumbling Down 39th Floor

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — An usual suicide attempt turns out to be an unusual miraculous survival story.
Reportedly, Thomas jumped down the west side building only to crash through the windshield of sports wheel but some how he survived. Though he suffered severe injuries and is undergoing critical surgery, probably for his broken legs. Nothing apart [..] Read the original article: here.

Ohio woman getting used to impatient babies after giving birth a 2nd time on drive to hospital

For 2nd time, Ohio woman gives birth in vehicle

BETHEL, Ohio – For a second time, an Ohio woman has given birth to a baby who couldn’t wait and arrived on the drive to the hospital.
Christina Schuler’s 8-pound, 11-ounce son was born Tuesday in the front seat of the family’s pickup truck. Her husband pulled over … Read more : Ohio woman getting used to impatient babies after giving birth a 2nd time on drive to hospital.

Want your ‘Bad Romance’? Towering carillon chimes Lady Gaga hit across Iowa State campus

Iowa State carillon lets Lady Gaga hit chime

AMES, Iowa – An Iowa State University music professor says the Lady Gaga club anthem “Bad Romance” translates better than you might think into the 110-foot-tall, organ-like instrument known as a carillon.
Video of the pop hit chiming across Iowa State’s aim campus has racked up hundreds of thousands …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Want your ‘Bad Romance’? Towering carillon chimes Lady Gaga hit across Iowa State campus.

Collection box at Albuquerque Goodwill turns up pistols, grenade, marijuana

NM Goodwill collection box turns up inert grenade

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Just in case it wasn’t clear: Weapons and drugs don’t make good charitable donations.
Albuquerque police briefly evacuated a Goodwill store Thursday after someone left a pistol, ammunition, a grenade and some marijuana in a collection box.
Police spokeswoman Nadine Hamby says the police bomb squad took …. Source article  : Collection box at Albuquerque Goodwill turns up pistols, grenade, marijuana.

Helena teen looking to buy pot pushes wrong number on phone, accidentally texts sheriff

Helena teen accidentally texts sheriff to buy pot

HELENA, Mont. – General rule of thumb: when looking to buy marijuana, don’t text the sheriff.
Authorities say a Helena teen sent out a text message last week in search of pot, but instead of contacting the drug dealer, he hit a wrong number and inadvertently sent the message …. Read the original article  : here.

Michigan man gathering sweet corn for the family freezer confronted by alligator

Mich. man gathering corn confronted by alligator

BURR OAK, Mich. – A man gathering sweet corn in southern Michigan is the latest to have an unexpected encounter with an alligator. The animals have been showing up far north of their traditional habitats this summer. Jeff Adamski of Burr Oak said he was picking corn near the … Read more »».

Plumbers help Tennessee newlyweds find rings after cat bats them into the toilet

Plumbers help Tenn. newlyweds find flushed rings

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Diane Buckalew said she felt sick when she woke up and realized two rings she’d left on the bathroom counter the night before were gone. She and husband Carl, married in Las Vegas a month ago, realized Thursday their cat Jinxe had batted into the toilet … Original source on Gaea Times at : Plumbers help Tennessee newlyweds find rings after cat bats them into the toilet.

Students, alumni say Drake University’s ‘D+’ campaign logo is an embarrassing failure

Drake University’s ‘D+’ logo earns failing grade

DES MOINES, Iowa – A “D+” campaign logo aimed at encouraging recruitment at Drake University is getting a failing grade from some faculty, students and alumni.
They say the logo is offensive, embarrassing and tarnishes the Des Moines university’s reputation.
Drake spokesman Tom Delahunt says school leaders consider any reaction a … Read : Students, alumni say Drake University’s ‘D+’ campaign logo is an embarrassing failure.

Montana teen looking to buy pot pushes wrong number on phone, accidentally texts sheriff

Montana teen accidentally texts sheriff to buy pot

HELENA, Mont. – General rule of thumb: when looking to buy marijuana, don’t text the sheriff. Authorities said a Helena teen hit a wrong number and inadvertently sent a message to Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton, saying “Hey Dawg, do you have a $20 I can …. Source article  : Montana teen looking to buy pot pushes wrong number on phone, accidentally texts sheriff.

Police say drunk Pa. woman zaps herself, brother with stun gun in spat

Police: Pa. woman zaps self, brother with stun gun

NORTH EAST, Pa. – Police said an Erie-area woman somehow managed to zap both herself and her brother with a stun gun during a drunken dispute. Darlene Newara, 45, will have a hearing Oct. 18 on charges including driving under the influence, disorderly conduct for fighting, and …. Original article  : Police say drunk Pa. woman zaps herself, brother with stun gun in spat.

Nevada gubernatorial candidate suggests filling state coffers by letting drivers pay to speed

Nevada candidate touts speedy fix to budget crisis

CARSON CITY, Nev. – One Nevada gubernatorial hopeful sees a speedy fix to Nevada’s budget crisis.
Nonpartisan candidate Eugene “Gino” DiSimone believes people would pay for the privilege to drive up to 90 mph on designated highways – and fill the state’s depleted coffers.
DiSimone calls his idea the “free … Read : Nevada gubernatorial candidate suggests filling state coffers by letting drivers pay to speed.

Va.’s Black Widow gobbles up 181 chicken wings in 12 minutes to win NY contest, set record

Va. woman devours 181 chicken wings in NY contest

NEW YORK – The Black Widow of eating contests gobbled up nearly 181 chicken wings in 12 minutes, devouring the national championship record in Buffalo on Sunday.
“I’m so happy!” said Sonya Thomas, who ate 4.86 pounds of chicken wings to win the contest, besting world eating marvel … Read more >>.

Person familiar with situation: Cuts have NFL union still looking into 4 teams’ rookie trades

AP source: Cuts have union still examining trades

WASHINGTON – Three of the four rookies involved in curiously timed trades have now been cut, prompting the NFL players’ union to continue looking into whether the deals were made to avoid paying money into a special player pool, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated … Original article on : Person familiar with situation: Cuts have NFL union still looking into 4 teams’ rookie trades.

Police arrest man who scaled skyscraper in San Francisco, unfurled American flag at the top

Police arrest man who scaled San Francisco tower

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco police have arrested a man who scaled the exterior of a 58-story downtown skyscraper and unfurled an American flag at the top.
Police tell KCBS Radio that the man is veteran skyscraper climber Dan Goodwin. The 54-year-old Lake Tahoe resident’s other climbing credits include …. Read the original article  : here.

Authorities plan to arrest man scaling skyscraper in San Francisco once he reaches the top

Man scaling skyscraper in downtown San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco authorities say they plan to arrest a man who is scaling the exterior of a 58-story downtown skyscraper – just as soon as he reaches the top.
The San Francisco Fire Department says the man was too high for firefighters to reach by the time …. Original source  : Authorities plan to arrest man scaling skyscraper in San Francisco once he reaches the top.

Pedaling in the buff: Philly Naked Bike Ride participants bare all to promote cleaner air

Philly cyclists bare all to promote cleaner air

PHILADELPHIA – Hundreds of naked and partially nude cyclists have pedaled their way through Philadelphia to promote bicycling awareness and cleaner air.
Some of the buff bikers wore body paint, some were in bathing suits and some were completely naked.
This was the second year for the Philly Naked Bike …. Original source  : Pedaling in the buff: Philly Naked Bike Ride participants bare all to promote cleaner air.

Kentucky farmer claims some ears of corn popped on the stalk

Ky. farmer claims some corn popped on the stalk

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. – A Hardin County farmer said that some ears among his feed corn rows popped on the stalk in a phenomenon that agricultural experts believe is associated with irregular rainfall and high heat.
Star Mills farmer Patrick Preston sent a photo of the burst kernels that … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kentucky farmer claims some ears of corn popped on the stalk.

La. councilwoman proposes public awareness slogan against baggy pants: ‘Low pants, no chance’

Proposed slogan: ‘Low pants, no chance’
BATON ROUGE, La. – A Baton Rouge Metro Council member wants the parish to support a public awareness campaign against men who wear their pants so low that their boxer shorts show. Councilwoman C. Denise Marcelle has a slogan for the campaign: “Low pants, no chance.”

“I hate to see it …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bobcat climbing power pole starts 5-acre brush fire in California

Bobcat climbing power pole starts 5-acre fire

PIRU, Calif. – A bobcat climbing a power pole got electrocuted and sparked a five-acre brush fire in California’s Ventura County.
County fire Capt. Dan Preston told the Ventura County Star that the bobcat was apparently chasing an owl or another bird when it touched the power lines, caught fire …. Read the original article  : Bobcat climbing power pole starts 5-acre brush fire in California.

NJ shore bumper sticker spawns yet another anti-visitor nickname

NJ shore bumper sticker disses visitors
BRIGANTINE, N.J. – First it was Bennies, then Shoobies. Now there’s another derogatory nickname for summer tourists who visit the Jersey shore: FOOTs.

It’s an acronym for “Out Of Towners” preceded by an obscenity. Bumper stickers appeared on a few cars at Brigantine City Hall with the slogan “I Ain’t No … Read : NJ shore bumper sticker spawns yet another anti-visitor nickname.

Diane von Furstenberg designs hospital gowns at Cleveland Clinic that lose peek-a-boo back

Diane von Furstenberg designs Ohio hospital gowns

CLEVELAND – Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg has helped the Cleveland Clinic create a more stylish hospital gown without the peek-a-boo back.
The gown features elements associated with von Furstenberg designs – a wrap dress with a bold, graphic print. The clinic’s logo is printed on the fabric.
The gown has … Read : Diane von Furstenberg designs hospital gowns at Cleveland Clinic that lose peek-a-boo back.

Brigantine bumper stickers spawn yet another new anti-visitor nickname at Jersey Shore

New NJ bumper stickers spur anti-visitor nickname

BRIGANTINE, N.J. – First it was Bennies, then Shoobies.
Now there’s another derogatory nickname for summer tourists who visit the Jersey shore: FOOTs.
It’s an acronym for “Out Of Towners” preceded by an unsavory adjective. Bumper stickers with the slogan “I Ain’t No FOOT” prompted memos reminding municipal workers about appropriate …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Brigantine bumper stickers spawn yet another new anti-visitor nickname at Jersey Shore.

A class to die for: Course at University of Baltimore is a real thriller, call it Zombies 101

A class to die for: Zombies 101 at U. Baltimore

BALTIMORE – Call it Zombies 101.
The University of Baltimore is offering a new class on the undead.
The course is being taught by Arnold Blumberg, the author of a book on zombie movies, “Zombiemania,” and the curator of Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, which focuses on American pop culture.
Students … Original source on Gaea Times at : A class to die for: Course at University of Baltimore is a real thriller, call it Zombies 101.

Using revolutionary Che Guevara’s image for gag auto race offends some Cuban Americans in Fla.

Using Che Guevara image riles some Cuban Americans

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Some Cuban Americans in south Florida are upset to see a picture of revolutionary Che Guevara promoting an irreverent car race.
The “24 Horas de Cuba del Norte” – or 24 Hours of Cuba of the North – is part of a national circuit …. Source article  : Using revolutionary Che Guevara’s image for gag auto race offends some Cuban Americans in Fla..

2 arrested in Australia after wrestling python outside McDonald’s; snake stolen from pet shop

2 charged in Australia after python wrestling demo

MELBOURNE, Australia – Two men were arrested after bewildered diners at a McDonald’s spotted them wrestling a 5-foot (1.5 meter) python named Boris in the restaurant parking lot, police said Thursday.
Victoria state police say the men stole the 8-year-old black-headed python and a lizard from a pet shop …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 2 arrested in Australia after wrestling python outside McDonald’s; snake stolen from pet shop.

Giant Goldfish Caught In France

PARIS, FRANCE (GaeaTimes.com)- A man has nabbed a goldfish, that weighs the same as an average 3 year old girl, from a lake France. The 30 lb orange koi carp and the fisherman Raphael Biagini have become a rage on the web after the photos of the catch have emerged. The fisherman revealed that …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Giant Goldfish Caught In France.

Fertilizer, extra water help Mich. man ask girlfriend ‘Will U Marry Me’ in home’s lawn

Tended lawn’s wedding proposal works for Mich. man

CHIPPEWA TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Extra water, some fertilizer and a lot of patience was all one Michigan lawn service owner needed to convince his lady to say “I do.”
Tommy Dafoe tells the Morning Sun of Mount Pleasant that he spelled out “Will U Marry Me” with fertilizer a … Read more »»».

Garbage van in Montana becomes animal trap after black bear breaks in, get stuck inside

Black bear breaks into MT van, gets stuck inside

GARDINER, Mont. – Montana wildlife officials say a black bear that broke into a dozen unlocked vehicles over the past two weeks was trapped, at least temporarily, when a van door slid shut with the animal inside.
The van was parked near a home north of Gardiner, which … Read more >>.

Summary Box: No really, that’s where I live _ Xbox sorry for blocking gamer from Fort Gay

Summary Box: Gamer from Fort Gay blocked by Xbox

OOPS: Microsoft Corp. had to apologize to a small West Virginia town and a 26-year-old gamer after suspending him from its Xbox Live service for listing his location as Fort Gay – a name the company considered offensive.
NO KIDDING: The town’s name is real. But when Josh …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Summary Box: No really, that’s where I live _ Xbox sorry for blocking gamer from Fort Gay.

‘Get Money’ haircut, tattoos identify Seattle robbery suspect

‘Get Money’ haircut identifies Seattle suspect

SEATTLE – A woman who was robbed of $310 while sitting at a Seattle traffic light gave police a detailed description of the man who stuck a gun in her open window.
He had “GET MONEY” shaved into the hair on one side of his head. He also had “GET” tattooed … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Get Money’ haircut, tattoos identify Seattle robbery suspect.

No really, that’s where I live _ Microsoft, Xbox sorry for blocking gamer from Fort Gay, W.Va.

Xbox blocks W.Va. gamer over town’s name: Fort Gay

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Microsoft Corp. and the chief rules enforcer for Xbox Live are apologizing to a small West Virginia town and a 26-year-old gamer accused of violating the online gaming service’s code of conduct by publicly declaring he’s from Fort Gay – a name the company …. Read the original article  : here.

Odd auction: Gillette to sell 143 stolen garden gnomes this week

Wyo city to auction off 143 garden gnomes
GILLETTE, Wyo. – These gnomes are looking for good homes.

Office supplies, computers, tools, even vehicles – people can buy all sorts of things at the annual Gillette city auction.
Those things aren’t nearly as peculiar as the dozens of lawn gnomes sitting in the evidence room at the Police … Read more : Odd auction: Gillette to sell 143 stolen garden gnomes this week.

Residents of Ga. street say ‘Lustful Court’ name inspires little pride or envy, prefer change

Lustful Court residents tire of sinful street name

MACON, Ga. – Some residents of Lustful Court in a central Georgia community say they’re tired of being kidded and want the street’s sin-friendly name changed.
Bibb County Commissioner Lonzy Edwards brought up a possible name change Tuesday after receiving complaints.
Lustful Court resident Michelle Washington says the name sparks … Original source on Gaea Times at : Residents of Ga. street say ‘Lustful Court’ name inspires little pride or envy, prefer change.

Tongue-in-cheek South Florida race drops Che Guevara logo, ‘Cuba of the North’ name

Fla. race drops Che Guevara image after outcry

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Organizers of an irreverent Florida auto race that used Che Guevara’s image in its logo have dropped the Cuban revolutionary from promotional materials after public outcry.
They’re also changing the title from the previous “24 Hours of Cuba of the North.”
The December event at …. Source  : Tongue-in-cheek South Florida race drops Che Guevara logo, ‘Cuba of the North’ name.

Xbox rules chief apologizes to W.Va. gamer suspended for listing real home town of Fort Gay

Gamer suspended over name of W.Va. town: Fort Gay

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Microsoft Corp. and the chief rules enforcer for Xbox Live are apologizing to a small West Virginia town and a 26-year-old gamer accused of violating the online gaming service’s code of conduct by publicly declaring he’s from Fort Gay – a name the company …. Read the original article  : Xbox rules chief apologizes to W.Va. gamer suspended for listing real home town of Fort Gay.

Chicago skyscraper plans sky-high ice skating, with rink on 94th floor of 100-story building

Chicago building plans sky-high ice skating

CHICAGO – Ice skating in Chicago in January is nothing new. Doing it on the 94th floor of a downtown skyscraper certainly is.
Officials at the 100-story John Hancock Center said Thursday that they’re installing a rink that will allow visitors to skate at 1,000 feet up in the air.
About 20 … Read more »»».

Pre-game jitters? Tailgate wedding as 2 tie knot before Saints kick off season against Vikings

Pre-game jitters? Tailgate wedding for 2 fans

NEW ORLEANS – Tailgating crowds all but drowned out the pre-game wedding vows. But newlywed Gloria Darlene Paige looked resplendent in white pantsuit, sporting a black-and-gold beaded headpiece in the Saints’ colors.
She and groom Charlie Vanderpool, whose black rose boutonniere featured a tiny Saints helmet, kicked off wedded life …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pre-game jitters? Tailgate wedding as 2 tie knot before Saints kick off season against Vikings.

Couple siphoning gas from Salvation Army van catch fire in Tacoma church parking lot

Couple siphoning gas catch fire in Wash. state

TACOMA, Wash. – A couple siphoning gas from a Salvation Army van caught fire when it suddenly erupted in flames in Washington state.
A witness told police two people were trying to siphon gas Wednesday night in a Tacoma church parking lot. As the witness approached and startled the … Read more »»».

Police say burglary suspect stole Seattle police car in failed attempt to escape

Suspect caught in theft of Seattle patrol car

SEATTLE – A police officer had his patrol car stolen Thursday by a handcuffed burglary suspect who had been put in the back seat.
“It’s very embarrassing for the officer,” police spokeswoman Renee Witt said. “We’re just lucky the shotgun and none of the other equipment was taken.”
The patrol … Read more >>>.

Good Samaritan thwarts bank robbery by jumping on back of armed man near teller at Wis. bank

Good Samaritan thwarts Wis. bank robbery attempt

ST. FRANCIS, Wis. – A good Samaritan has thwarted a bank robbery in Wisconsin by jumping on an armed man.
The Associated Bank’s surveillance video shows the man at a counter when the masked robber carrying a gun rushes to a teller at the bank in St. Francis at about … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Good Samaritan thwarts bank robbery by jumping on back of armed man near teller at Wis. bank.

Dogs cast vote for DC mayor by choosing between colored treats at Humane Society event

Dogs cast DC mayoral vote by munching on treats

WASHINGTON – The Washington Humane Society is conducting a “paw poll” to let dogs cast their votes for D.C. mayor.
The poll was conducted Thursday morning at a dog park in northwest Washington.
Bone-shaped biscuits marked with each of the two leading Democrats’ names were placed in front of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dogs cast vote for DC mayor by choosing between colored treats at Humane Society event.

Banish the tax! Romanian witches ‘frighten’ lawmakers into voting against levy

Abracadabra! Romania witches win tax fight for now

BUCHAREST, Romania – Abracadabra, we’ll turn all of you into toads!
That’s what Romanian senators may have been fearing when they rejected a proposal to tax witches and fortune tellers.
Lawmakers Alin Popoviciu and Cristi Dugulescu of the ruling Democratic Liberal Party drafted a law where witches and fortune tellers …. Original article  : Banish the tax! Romanian witches ‘frighten’ lawmakers into voting against levy.

Team claims record-breaking pumpkin launch in southern Utah, awaits Guinness verification

Team claims record-breaking pumpkin launch in Utah

MOAB, Utah – A team that shoots pumpkins from a giant air cannon says it achieved the holy grail of the sport – chucking a pumpkin a distance of more than one mile.
The “Big 10 Inch Team” from Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey says it launched the 9.5-pound pumpkin …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Team claims record-breaking pumpkin launch in southern Utah, awaits Guinness verification.

La. police say drunk bicyclist ignored lights and siren, ran into squad car

Police: Bicyclist ignores siren, hits squad car

MINDEN, La. – The Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office said a bicyclist inching down the center of the road ignored lights and siren and ran into a police car. The Minden Press-Herald reported that 47-year-old Robert Earl Batton of Minden was booked with second-offense DWI and possessing marijuana. Calls to … Original article on : La. police say drunk bicyclist ignored lights and siren, ran into squad car.

Mistaken alert from Ohio school tells wrong parents their kids are absent; school apologizes

Ohio school tells wrong parents kids are absent

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio – An Ohio middle school says human error caused parents to be mistakenly alerted that their fifth- and sixth-graders were absent.
School officials in the Columbus suburb of Reynoldsburg says parents were “understandably upset” after being alarmed unnecessarily on Thursday.
Parents of students at Waggoner Road Middle School …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mistaken alert from Ohio school tells wrong parents their kids are absent; school apologizes.

Mistaken alert from Ohio school tells all parents their kids are absent; school apologizes

Ohio school call tells all parents kids are absent

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio – An Ohio middle school says human error caused parents to be mistakenly alerted that their fifth- and sixth-graders were absent.
A school district spokeswoman in the Columbus suburb of Reynoldsburg says parents were “understandably upset” after being alarmed unnecessarily on Thursday.
All parents at Waggoner Road …. Original source  : Mistaken alert from Ohio school tells all parents their kids are absent; school apologizes.

Men arrested after bewildering diners by wrestling python outside McDonald’s in Australia

Men accused of wrestling python outside McDonald’s

MELBOURNE, Australia – Two men were arrested after bewildered diners at a McDonald’s spotted them wrestling a 5-foot (1.5 meter) python named Boris in the restaurant parking lot, police said Thursday. Victoria state police said the men stole the 8-year-old black-headed python and a lizard from a pet shop … Read more »».

Fla. authorities blow up ’suspicious’ stuffed pony outside of an elementary school

Suspicious stuffed pony blown up outside school

ORLANDO, Fla. – Authorities blew up a stuffed pony – determined to be a “suspicious device” – after it was found outside a central Florida school. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reported that the toy was found near the Waterbridge Elementary School Tuesday morning.
No one was allowed in or … Read more >>>.

Indiana pastor says burglars stole briefcase with his Bibles inside during church break-in

Church burglars steal Indiana pastor’s Bibles

MUNCIE, Ind. – A Muncie pastor said thieves who broke into the church made off with his three personal Bibles, including one that had the funeral programs for his mother and father inside. Minister Aston Chambers Jr. discovered the break-in at Mount Zion Baptist Church on Friday night after taking …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indiana pastor says burglars stole briefcase with his Bibles inside during church break-in.

Deputies pick up boy in Spiderman pajamas using scooter on busy southern Ill. highway

Boy in Spiderman pajamas scoots along Ill. highway

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. – Clad in Spiderman pajamas, a 5-year-old southern Illinois boy on a scooter had someplace to be. And he apparently wasn’t going to let busy highways stand in his way. Authorities said Jackson County sheriff’s deputies picked up the boy and his Razor-type scooter about 2 … Read more : Deputies pick up boy in Spiderman pajamas using scooter on busy southern Ill. highway.

Nature walk backfires: German’s naked stroll to reduce stress sets off police manhunt instead

German man’s stress-calming naked walk backfires

BERLIN – A German man’s habit of taking naked walks to reduce his stress levels backfired when his latest escapade triggered a police search and closed down a rail line.
Police in the western city of Solingen said Friday that a woman out walking her dog saw the man, who jumped …. Source article  : Nature walk backfires: German’s naked stroll to reduce stress sets off police manhunt instead.

Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut now champion of burrito-eating after New Mexico State Fair competition

Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut becomes burrito-eating champ

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Competitive eater Joey Chestnut is now king of the burrito.
Chestnut, also known as “Jaws,” downed 47 burritos in 10 minutes at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque on Saturday, beating the previous record of 33??.
Known for his hot-dog eating, Chestnut won the annual July Fourth hot …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut now champion of burrito-eating after New Mexico State Fair competition.

Ga. couple sue grocery store chain, claiming husband found used tampon in bowl of cereal

Ga. pair claim they found a used tampon in cereal

THOMASTON, Ga. – An Upson County couple is suing a grocery store chain in federal court, claiming that the husband found a used tampon in his bowl of cereal. According to the complaint, Thomas and Lynn Roddenberry said they bought a box of Chocolate Chip Crunch … Read more »»».

Colorado man arrested twice for DUI: Once in his car, again in stolen police car

Colo. man nabbed in his car and squad car for DUI

GREELEY, Colo. – A northern Colorado man was quickly arrested twice for DUI: Once while driving his own car, the second time for stealing the police car as he waited to be taken in. Adam Segura was being held in Weld County Jail after a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Colorado man arrested twice for DUI: Once in his car, again in stolen police car.

Fed up Norwegian radio reporter quits on air instead of reading bulletin

Norwegian newsreader quits in live radio broadcast

OSLO, Norway – A Norwegian radio journalist quit on the air after complaining about her job and saying she wouldn’t read the day’s news because “nothing important has happened” anyway.
Pia Beathe Pedersen accused her employers at the regional radio station of public broadcaster NRK of putting too much pressure … Read more : Fed up Norwegian radio reporter quits on air instead of reading bulletin.

Free chocolate in Armenia! Candy factory to hand out chunks from world’s largest bar

Armenia produces world’s biggest chocolate bar

YEREVAN, Armenia – Anyone looking for huge amounts of free chocolate should book a flight to Armenia’s capital next month.
That’s when the world’s largest chocolate bar will be up for grabs in Yerevan’s main square. The Guinness Book of World Records certified the 9,702-pound (4,410-kilogram) chocolate bar at a ceremony … Read more >>.

Wisconsin police say street musician upset by criticism bashed man over head with guitar

Wis. police: Street musician hit man with guitar

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin police say a street musician apparently upset by criticism of his music bashed a man over the head with his guitar, slammed another person into a wall and wrestled with an officer before being arrested.
Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain tells The Capital Times that [..] Read the original article: here.

Book that had been checked out some 35 years ago appears in Minnesota library’s drop-box

Minn. library gets book back after some 35 years

WINONA, Minn. – Librarians at Winona Public Library were thrilled this week when someone returned a book that had been checked out some 35 years ago. The book is called “Small Voices: A Grownup’s Treasury of Selections from the Diaries, Journals and Notebooks of Young Children.” It’s …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Book that had been checked out some 35 years ago appears in Minnesota library’s drop-box.

Fla. woman makes a stir riding ’shotbun’ in Oscar Mayer Weinermobile

Fla. woman rides ’shotbun’ in the weinermobile

ROLLING GREENS, Fla. – A central Florida woman caught the eye of neighbors as she tooled around in a most unusual vehicle – the Weinermobile. Barbara Gilbert won a trip to ride “shotbun” in Oscar Mayer’s eccentric car which resembles a giant hot dog. The 67-year-old Rolling Greens resident …. Source article  : Fla. woman makes a stir riding ’shotbun’ in Oscar Mayer Weinermobile.

Fla. deputies handcuff 7-foot alligator that started walking toward children near school

Fla. deputies handcuff 7-foot gator near school

OLDSMAR, Fla. – Deputies in Florida had to handcuff a rather unusual suspect – a 7-foot-long alligator.
A crossing guard at a Tampa-area school spotted the gator lounging near an elementary school Monday morning around the time children would be walking to school.
As she and three deputies waited for a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fla. deputies handcuff 7-foot alligator that started walking toward children near school.

Boy who ‘likes to make noise’ wins moose calling contest at Alaska Zoo

5-year-old boy wins Alaska moose calling contest

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – For 5-year-old Andrew Polasky, being loud has paid off.
Andrew was the winner of this weekend’s moose calling contest at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage.
He lives with his parents, Janessa and Ray, on Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage. He really hasn’t been around moose that much, …. Original source  : Boy who ‘likes to make noise’ wins moose calling contest at Alaska Zoo.

Members of budding Southern California congregation commit with church logo tattoos

California church members show faith with tattoos

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Church logo tattoos are the latest in offbeat testimony at an Orange County church that holds Sunday services in a punk rock nightclub and collects offerings in KFC buckets. City Church of Anaheim is celebrating its first year in operation and the goal of reaching a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Members of budding Southern California congregation commit with church logo tattoos.

Lawmakers don gloves and fight in front of Parliament to promote Thai kickboxing

Senators go 2 rounds to promote Thai boxing

BANGKOK – Two Thai senators fought it out Monday in front of Parliament, but this was no political grudge match – they wanted to promote traditional Thai kickboxing.
“It’s good that I can still stand,” 59-year-old Payap Tongchuen joked after donning gloves and trunks and going two rounds with …. Source article  : Lawmakers don gloves and fight in front of Parliament to promote Thai kickboxing.

Minn. court says hoisting saggy pants of a crime suspect doesn’t count as illegal search

Minn. court says hoisting pants not illegal search

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minnesota court says pulling up the saggy pants of a crime suspect is not an illegal search, even if it turns up a gun.
The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruling Tuesday came in a case that arose after a drug suspect was stopped by … Read more »»».

Police: Naked woman steals cab after driver refuses to take her from Louisiana to Michigan

Police: Naked woman steals Louisiana cab
COVINGTON, La. – Police in Louisiana say a woman stripped in the back seat of a cab, demanded the driver take her to her home state of Michigan and when he refused, stole his cab.

Covington Police Capt. Jack West told The Times-Picayune that the driver picked up 29-year-old Jennifer Gille …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police: Naked woman steals cab after driver refuses to take her from Louisiana to Michigan.

NY police say man impersonating cop arrested after pulling over off-duty detective

Alleged police impersonator pulls over detective

SELDEN, N.Y. – A Long Island man faces impersonation charges after police said a driver he pulled over for a traffic stop turned out to be a legitimate detective. Suffolk County Police said 35-year-old Victor Alfaro-Marquez of Selden was arrested Monday night, hours after the attempted traffic stop.
Detective William Zambito …. Source article  : NY police say man impersonating cop arrested after pulling over off-duty detective.

Police: NY mom left toddler alone in car parked outside home while she smoked marijuana

Police: Mom leaves toddler alone, smokes marijuana

SHIRLEY, N.Y. – Police on Long Island said a mother left her 1-year-old child alone in a car for more than 40 minutes while she was inside her home smoking marijuana. Police said they got a call at around noon Monday of a toddler that had been left alone … Read : Police: NY mom left toddler alone in car parked outside home while she smoked marijuana.

Sleeping Calif. boy bitten by snake that apparently had been living inside wall

Snake bites sleeping teen in California apartment

BELL GARDENS, Calif. – A 15-year-old boy was bit by a snake that poked its head from a wall heater in his Bell Gardens apartment. Arturo Lopez told City News Service that he was sleeping early Tuesday when he felt something on his hand that bit him. Firefighters examined …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Officer draws gun at teen waving plastic machete to advertise for Halloween store in Missouri

Costume, toy machete draws cops to Halloween store

JOPLIN, Mo. – A southwest Missouri teenager dressed as a machete-wielding madman to promote a Halloween store was the one who ended up getting a scare.
The Joplin Globe reports a police officer pointed a gun at the costumed teenager and ordered him to the ground Saturday after getting …. Source  : Officer draws gun at teen waving plastic machete to advertise for Halloween store in Missouri.

Cops: SC bank robber says ‘thank you,’ leaves empty-handed after teller says she has no cash

Cops: SC robber says ‘thank you,’ gets no money

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Authorities said a would-be South Carolina bank robber left with a polite “thank you” after a teller told him she didn’t have any money in her cash drawer. North Charleston police told multiple media outlets that 31-year-old Melvin Jesse Blain walked into a [..] Read the original article: here.

Ga. authorities may charge woman accused of hoarding nearly 130 cats and 14 dogs in her home

Ga. woman accused of hoarding animals in home

CANTON, Ga. – Authorities said charges are pending against a woman accused of hoarding nearly 130 cats and dogs in her rural Cherokee County home. Cherokee County Marshal Ray Waters said Shari Cahill was scheduled for a hearing Thursday after police rescued 113 cats and 14 dogs from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ga. authorities may charge woman accused of hoarding nearly 130 cats and 14 dogs in her home.

Michigan police seek man who donned Darth Vader mask before robbing convenience store

Police seek Darth Vader-masked robbery suspect

FERNDALE, Mich. – Ferndale police are seeking a man who wore a plastic Darth Vader mask before pulling a butcher knife and robbing a convenience store. Authorities said the holdup happened about 1:35 p.m. Monday at the Get & Go store in the Detroit suburb north-northwest of Detroit. Police said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Michigan police seek man who donned Darth Vader mask before robbing convenience store.

Students’ message in a bottle travels nearly 3,000 miles to the Azores

Students’ message in bottle ends up in the Azores

CASTINE, Maine – Three Maine students who launched a message in a bottle in 2008 hoped it would make it all the way to Europe. It didn’t make it to the mainland, but it made it as far as the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic … Read more »»».

Sheriff says source of bomb scare along Ohio tracks probably prop from Denzel Washington film

Ohio sheriff: Suspected bomb likely a movie prop

RAYLAND, Ohio – An Ohio sheriff says a suspicious device that caused a scare for rail workers was most likely a prop from a Denzel Washington movie.
Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla says the device, resembling two sticks of dynamite with wires, was detonated by a bomb squad Tuesday [..] Read the original article: here.

Oregon firefighters dig 1,500-pound camel ‘Moses’ out of sinkhole

Oregon rescuers dig camel ‘Moses’ out of sinkhole

OREGON CITY, Ore. – It was an unusual call for Oregon firefighters: A 1,500-pound camel, named Moses, needed to be rescued. The call came in Tuesday night in Clackamas County after the Oregon City owners of the camel called firefighters to say that Moses had fallen into a …. Source  : Oregon firefighters dig 1,500-pound camel ‘Moses’ out of sinkhole.

Police: Man arrested after crashing 2 cars, trying to tow them while intoxicated

Police: Man crashes, tries to tow cars while drunk

BLAINE, Wash. – A 54-year-old Washington state man has been arrested after police say he crashed two cars while intoxicated, then got in his tow truck and tried to move the vehicles.
The Bellingham Herald reports that Tommy Ryser was arrested and booked in jail on three counts …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police: Man arrested after crashing 2 cars, trying to tow them while intoxicated.

Painting by NH chicken auctioned on eBay to raise money for playground

NH chicken’s painting auctioned on eBay
MERRIMACK, N.H. – It’s not Picasso but a New Hampshire woman hopes a piece of art painted by a chicken will raise money to rebuild a playground.

The 8.5-by-10-inch painting called “Feathered Fireworks” is being auctioned on eBay.
Wendy Thomas of Merrimack says she created the piece by dipping the chicken’s feet …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pa. woman manages to chase away a pair of robbers with just a broom

Pa. woman chases away armed robbers with broom

CHESTER, Pa. – Police said two armed men broke into a home, tied up one man and robbed another, then were chased away by the woman of the house who was armed only with a broom. Police Capt. Stephen Fox said the men broke a window to get … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pa. woman manages to chase away a pair of robbers with just a broom.

Police say western Pa. man listed his dog as a dependent in reduced-price school lunch scam

Cops: Pa. man listed dog as dependent in food scam

PITTSBURGH – The former manager of a school district’s cafeteria service listed his dog as a dependent so he could get discounted school lunches for his children, state police said.
The state police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s organized crime division announced theft charges Thursday against Gabriel Paulick.
Paulick …. Original article  : Police say western Pa. man listed his dog as a dependent in reduced-price school lunch scam.

Police say western Pa. man listed his dog as a dependent in reduced price school lunch scam

Police: Man listed dog as dependent in lunch scam

PITTSBURGH – State police said the former manager of a western Pennsylvania school district’s cafeteria service listed his dog as a dependent so he could get discounted school lunches for his children.
Police said they’ve filed theft charges against 36-year-old Gabriel Paulick by summons on Thursday. Paulick, who … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Police say western Pa. man listed his dog as a dependent in reduced price school lunch scam.

Released La. prisoner re-arrested the next day in convenience store burglary

Police: Released prisoner re-arrested next day

CLINTON, La. – Authorities said a man who got out of the East Feliciana Parish Jail on Tuesday was accused of breaking into a convenience store early Wednesday. Sheriff Talmadge Bunch told The Advocate that deputies arrested 22-year-old Christopher Lee Whitfield after identifying him in surveillance video from a burglarized … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Released La. prisoner re-arrested the next day in convenience store burglary.

Idle time no devil’s workshop as Hell, Mich. car club aims for world record hearse procession

Got dead time in Hell? Grab a hearse, get in line

HELL, Mich. – A Hell-based car club will try to set a world record for the longest procession of hearses. Just Hearse’N Around will try to set a new Guinness World Records mark at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the hamlet about 45 miles west of …. Original article  : Idle time no devil’s workshop as Hell, Mich. car club aims for world record hearse procession.

Pa. firefighters make 950-mile ambulance trip to pick up student stranded at Ohio hospital

Pa. firefighters travel to Ohio to pick up student

LANSDOWNE, Pa. – A suburban Philadelphia college student is back home thanks to three firefighters who picked her up after she was stranded at an Ohio hospital. Three East Lansdowne Volunteer Firefighters made the 950-mile roundtrip last weekend to pick up 21-year-old Samantha Rementer.
The Marietta College senior …. Source  : Pa. firefighters make 950-mile ambulance trip to pick up student stranded at Ohio hospital.

Florida deputy dispatched to crash had to shoot deer 17 times to put it down

Fla. deputy had to shoot injured deer 17 times

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A sheriff’s deputy in Gainesville had to fire 17 shots to put down a deer hit by a car. The Alachua sheriff’s department said the deputy was “horrified” by what happened Wednesday, and would be referred to a victim advocate.
The deputy didn’t know where …. Source article  : Florida deputy dispatched to crash had to shoot deer 17 times to put it down.

Suburban Philadelphia teen opts for true horsepower to get to school

Back in school, back in the saddle for Pa. teen

HAVERFORD, Pa. – Thanks to his horse, he’s always got a ride to school. Sixteen-year-old Roby Burch saddles up every morning and rides his horse, Jet, to the Haverford School in suburban Philadelphia.
Burch told The Philadelphia Inquirer that the plan was hatched during a family vacation … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Suburban Philadelphia teen opts for true horsepower to get to school.

10 wayward garden gnomes found on Mount Helena hiking trail; owners can’t be found

10 wayward garden gnomes found on Montana trail

HELENA, Mont. – Helena police are looking for the homes of 10 wayward gnomes found on a Mount Helena trail.
Police Chief Troy McGee says the gnomes were found Monday evening on a popular hiking trail on the city’s south side.
The gnomes are believed to be stolen, but apparently [..] Read the original article: here.

Police investigate drive-by shooting that killed goat in central Santa Fe

Santa Fe goat ‘Maria’ killed in drive-by shooting

SANTA FE, N.M. – Police in Santa Fe are searching for the suspect or suspects in a drive-by shooting that killed a pet goat.
The shooting happened Sunday evening and killed Maria, a Nigerian dwarf goat who lived with two other goats and other animals at the home in …. Source article  : Police investigate drive-by shooting that killed goat in central Santa Fe.

Mini-moo: 33-inch English cow named world’s smallest

Mini-moo: 33-inch English cow world’s smallest

LONDON – A minuscule cow with a taste for contemporary music has been named the world’s smallest by the Guinness World Records book. Guinness said the sheep-sized bovine from the West Yorkshire region of northern England measures roughly 33 inches (84 centimeters) from hind to foot.
The 11-year-old cow is named …. Source article  : Mini-moo: 33-inch English cow named world’s smallest.

Chicago-area woman arrested, charged after poop-tossing protest against dog droppings

Ill. woman charged in dog poop-infused meltdown

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Dog owners, beware: If you live in suburban Chicago and don’t pick up after your pet, you might get tossed an unpleasant reminder. Police in Naperville said a woman who stepped in dog feces outside her apartment appears to have retaliated by heaving it at the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chicago-area woman arrested, charged after poop-tossing protest against dog droppings.

Golly Gator: Massachusetts woman bags 1,025-pound alligator during hunt on SC’s Lake Moultrie

Mass. woman bags 1,025-pound alligator in SC lake

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Massachusetts woman has a remarkable souvenir from South Carolina.
Maryellen Mara-Christian bagged a 13??-foot ,1,025-pound alligator in Lake Moultrie. Mara-Christian said Friday that she is an experienced hunter, but this was her first gator.
The 48-year-old former bank marketing officer from Fitchburg, Mass., was hunting Wednesday …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Golly Gator: Massachusetts woman bags 1,025-pound alligator during hunt on SC’s Lake Moultrie.

Cops say woman allegedly goes on poop-tossing binge after stepping in neighbor’s dog droppings

Police: Woman goes on binge after poop encounter

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – A suburban Chicago woman was charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly going on a poop-tossing binge after she stepped into droppings left outside her apartment by a neighbor’s dog.
According to Naperville police, Susan M. Miller stepped into the poop on Wednesday. Instead of accepting the …. Source article  : Cops say woman allegedly goes on poop-tossing binge after stepping in neighbor’s dog droppings.

Mich. police arrest ‘Darth Vader’ robbery suspect after he put on his mask in range of camera

Cops nab ‘Darth Vader’ robbery suspect after goof

FERNDALE, Mich. – Police arrested a resident they said wore a plastic Darth Vader mask before pulling a butcher knife and robbing a convenience store. Police in the Detroit suburb said the man fled Monday after demanding all the cash from the register.
Lt. William Wilson told The Daily … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mich. police arrest ‘Darth Vader’ robbery suspect after he put on his mask in range of camera.

Mid-Michigan authorities say mini-pig can’t live with boy with severe allergies

Mich. authorities reject boy’s mini-pig plea

MIDLAND, Mich. – Mid-Michigan authorities have decided that Roger the miniature pig can’t live with a 9-year-old boy with severe pet allergies. The Midland City Council unanimously denied a request to allow the animal to live at a home that Ethan White shares with his parents, Jason and Lisa. Ethan …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mid-Michigan authorities say mini-pig can’t live with boy with severe allergies.

Chicago transit officials say man stole uniform, drove around city for several hours

Bogus bus driver allegedly drove several hours

CHICAGO – Chicago transit officials said a man stole a uniform and posed as a bus driver, driving around the city for several hours and picking up passengers. Chicago Transit Authority President Richard Rodriguez said Thursday that the man drove the bus from 8 p.m. to midnight on Sept. … Read more : Chicago transit officials say man stole uniform, drove around city for several hours.

Man whose vintage Les Paul was stolen finds same guitar on auction site 8 years later

Man’s stolen guitar shows up on eBay 8 years later

MILL VALLEY, Calif. – The owner of a vintage Gibson Les Paul Special stolen eight years ago has found the guitar after it finally resurfaced on eBay.
Doug Duncan never gave up looking for the 1957 guitar after it was stolen in rural Minnesota. The 57-year-old musician … Read more >>.

Ga. man files court petition to allow him to change his name to Saint Jody Almighty Bedrock

Ga. man wants to change his name to a Saint

MACON, Ga. – Shelby Marwan Heggs of Macon admits he’s been a sinner, but hopes his past won’t keep a judge from allowing him to become a Saint. Heggs, who has convictions for drunken driving and marijuana possession, has filed a court petition that would allow …. Original article  : Ga. man files court petition to allow him to change his name to Saint Jody Almighty Bedrock.

Doctors shot two rounds of laser blasts to remove worm from Iowa man’s eye

Doctors use lasers to remove worm from man’s eye

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Doctors rushed a Cedar Rapids man into a treatment room after they found a worm had taken up residence in his eye. John Matthews said he sought medical help after he noticed two spots obscuring his vision in his left eye. Several specialists …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Doctors shot two rounds of laser blasts to remove worm from Iowa man’s eye.

Firefighters say big-screen television left outside apartment complex likely caused blaze

Firefighters: TV left in sun likely caused blaze

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A big-screen television left outside in the sun this week was blamed for a fire that caused minor damage to a Springfield apartment. Assistant Fire Chief Randy Villines called the blaze “bizarre” and said mirrors inside the projection TV likely bounced and concentrated sunlight enough … Original source on Gaea Times at : Firefighters say big-screen television left outside apartment complex likely caused blaze.

South Dakota businessman wants refunds for people ticketed after caught on red light cameras

South Dakota man wants red light camera refunds

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A Sioux Falls businessman wants the city and Redflex Traffic Systems to pay back the money to people ticketed after getting caught on their red light traffic cameras.
The Argus Leader reports that I.L. Wiedermann, who sued the city over the automated system’s constitutionality in …. Source article  : South Dakota businessman wants refunds for people ticketed after caught on red light cameras.

Police say Oregon woman robbed bank, then picked up daughters at elementary school

Police: Oregon woman robbed bank, picked up kids

GRANTS PASS, Ore. – Police in southern Oregon say a woman charged with robbing a bank in Grants Pass stopped to pick up her children at school on the way home.
The Grants Pass Daily Courier reported a woman walked into an Umpqua Bank branch shortly after 2 p.m. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NY men accused of trying to steal cooking grease from NJ restaurant

Men accused of trying to steal cooking oil in NJ

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. – Two New York residents are accused of trying to steal used cooking oil from a New Jersey restaurant. Police said they caught Youngil Kim and Byung Ho Choi sucking 700 gallons of grease from two storage tanks behind a Five Guys Burgers … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NY men accused of trying to steal cooking grease from NJ restaurant.

What a waste: Pa. man sues township claiming free speech rights were violated over sewer sign

Lawsuit: Pa. township’s vulgarity rule is garbage

PALMYRA, Pa. – A central Pennsylvania man accused of violating a township ordinance on vulgarity says the rule is a load of garbage.
David Kliss has filed a federal lawsuit against East Hanover Township claiming officials trampled his First Amendment rights by issuing him a zoning violation over signs he …. Read the original article  : here.

Cambridge, Mass., parking tickets do more than impose fines, they suggest yoga poses

Parking ticket? Try yoga bends, Mass. city says

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Drivers annoyed by parking tickets in Cambridge, Mass., are getting some calming advice from city officials – try yoga.
The city’s parking tickets include instructions on the reverse on how to bend into some simple yoga positions.
The city, which is home to Harvard and MIT, printed …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Boulder to pay $10,000 to man arrested for addressing City Council in his boxer shorts

Boulder to pay $10,000 to man arrested in skivvies

BOULDER, Colo. – The lawyer for a Colorado man who was arrested for addressing the Boulder City Council in his boxer shorts said the city has agreed to pay $10,000 to settle his civil rights claim.
Attorney David Lane said Seth Brigham accepted the deal Tuesday. In exchange …. Original article  : Boulder to pay $10,000 to man arrested for addressing City Council in his boxer shorts.

Phone glitch results in Kansas residents activating tornado sirens by calling wrong number

Kansas residents activate tornado sirens by phone

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Kansas authorities say a phone glitch is to blame for the mistaken sounding of tornado sirens in recent weeks, causing confusion and even panic among some residents in and around Hutchinson. At first, officials suspected there was water on the phone lines or perhaps insects. But …. Source article  : Phone glitch results in Kansas residents activating tornado sirens by calling wrong number.

Shivering horses get indoor exercise place in Wyoming town; no heat but protection from wind

Shivering Wyoming horses get indoor exercise place

BAIROIL, Wyo. – Humans aren’t the only ones who can use an indoor place to exercise during Wyoming’s harsh winters.
The town of Bairoil (BAYR’-oil) has an 80- by 120-foot barn where people can give their horses a workout in bad weather.
The Rawlins Daily Times reports the barn has no …. Original source  : Shivering horses get indoor exercise place in Wyoming town; no heat but protection from wind.

Authorities say man urinates on the side of Mich. police station, then walks in

Cops: Man urinates on police station, walks in

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Authorities said a man urinated on the side of the Royal Oak police station, and then walked inside one afternoon last week. Lt. Gordon Young told the Detroit Free Press that “after urinating, the suspect entered the station in an attempt to file a … Read : Authorities say man urinates on the side of Mich. police station, then walks in.

Canadian goose shooting interrupts ‘preach at the beach’ Mass in Massachusetts

Goose shooting interrupts ‘preach at beach’ Mass

HINGHAM, Mass. – The rector of a Hingham church said parishioners trying to hold a post-Mass picnic at the town’s beach were interrupted by a Canadian goose being shot in front of them. The Rev. Timothy Schenk of the St. John the Evangelist Episcopal church said that the church …. Read the original article  : Canadian goose shooting interrupts ‘preach at the beach’ Mass in Massachusetts.

NC prison officials say inmate tried to smuggle flip-style cell phone in his rectum

Guards find cell phone inside NC inmate’s rectum

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina prison officials said an inmate from Raleigh tried to smuggle a cell phone into prison in his rear end. Court documents obtained by The News & Observer of Raleigh show that 25-year-old Eric Chambers was charged after setting off metal detectors at Central …. Original source  : NC prison officials say inmate tried to smuggle flip-style cell phone in his rectum.

Elderly Kentucky woman survives after her house explodes while trying to light gas stove

Elderly Ky. woman survives after house explodes

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Fire officials say an elderly woman was treated and released from the hospital with minor injuries after her house exploded while she was lighting her gas stove.
Officials said a corroded gas line had caused natural gas to leak into the house. When the woman who lived …. Original source  : Elderly Kentucky woman survives after her house explodes while trying to light gas stove.

ND Supreme Court says bank’s $12K in overdraft fees reasonable; Customer wrote 842 bad checks

ND Supreme Court upholds $12K bank overdraft fee

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota’s Supreme Court said a bank acted reasonably when it charged a customer almost $12,000 in overdraft fees. Lynette Cavett of Enderlin said the fees were “unconscionable.” But a judge ruled the Quality Bank of Fingal disclosed the fees and Cavett paid them for … Read : ND Supreme Court says bank’s $12K in overdraft fees reasonable; Customer wrote 842 bad checks.

Man arrested after picking a fight with his pet parrot on a Michigan street

Man arrested after picking fight with pet parrot

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A 49-year-old Jackson man has been arrested in Ann Arbor following a fight with the pet parrot carried in his backpack. Police told Annarbor.com for a story Wednesday that witnesses reported the colorful bird was shaken so violently that its feathers were scattered.
Three 911 …. Source  : Man arrested after picking a fight with his pet parrot on a Michigan street.

Moroa boa missing since August found by surprised driver who drove over the reptile

Missing Maroa boa found by surprised driver

MAROA, Ill. – An out-of-its-element boa constrictor missing in central Illinois’ corn and soybean country since late last month has been found. Unfortunately for the snake, it was found by a surprised driver who accidentally drove over the reptile.
Maroa police officer Bill Koonce told the Decatur Herald & Review …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pittsburgh-area man pleads guilty to collecting dead dad’s benefits, $341,000, since 1985

Pa. man collected dead dad’s benefits since 1985

PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh-area man collected more than $341,000 in federal railroad pension benefits on behalf of his father, even though his father died in 1985. Sixty-eight-year-old Richard Burns, of West Mifflin, will be sentenced Jan. 21 after pleading guilty Tuesday to theft of government funds.
Burns’ father was … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pittsburgh-area man pleads guilty to collecting dead dad’s benefits, $341,000, since 1985.

A real page-turner: Historian stops UK traffic after book-laden truck overturns on highway

UK book halts traffic after truck turns over

LONDON – Andrew Marr’s latest book is, literally, stopping traffic.
Boxes containing 15 British tons (16.8 U.S. tons) worth of the journalist’s history volume “The Making of Modern Britain” have been strewn across a busy English road after an accident.
Thames Valley Police said Wednesday that a truck carrying books …. Source article  : A real page-turner: Historian stops UK traffic after book-laden truck overturns on highway.

Ore. bank robbery suspect claim posted on Facebook, brother pleads for him to surrender

Ore. bank robbery suspect claim posted on Facebook

PORTLAND, Ore. – An Oregon bank robbery suspect the FBI has nicknamed the “Where’s Waldo Bandit” has popped up on Facebook to claim responsibility for the crime.
The Oregonian reported one of the FBI’s bank surveillance photos of the suspect in the Tuesday robbery in Tualatin appeared on the …. Read the original article  : Ore. bank robbery suspect claim posted on Facebook, brother pleads for him to surrender.

Fla. man who sued McDonald’s after claiming burns from exploding chicken sandwich settles

Fla. man settles McDonald’s suit over hot sandwich

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Florida man has settled his $2 million lawsuit against a McDonald’s restaurant in southwest Virginia that allegedly served him a chicken sandwich that exploded with hot grease. Terms of the settlement entered Friday in Alexandria were not disclosed.
The long-running case began in 2005 when … Read : Fla. man who sued McDonald’s after claiming burns from exploding chicken sandwich settles.

Peru grave robbers hold skull of candidate’s late father hostage, demand he drop out of race

Peru thieves nab mayor’s dad’s skull ahead of vote

LIMA, Peru – Foes of a small-town mayor in Peru said they have dug up the skull of his late father and won’t give it back unless he drops out of next month’s election. Police in San Cristobal said unknown thieves unearthed the remains of Juan Vizcarra … Read : Peru grave robbers hold skull of candidate’s late father hostage, demand he drop out of race.

Man gets frightening look at frontier justice, passing out with head in museum display noose

Man survives passing out with head in museum noose

DODGE CITY, Kan. – An Arkansas man got a frightening look at frontier justice when he passed out with a display noose around his head during a trip to a Wild West-themed Kansas museum, officials said.
Police in Dodge City, Kan., have declined to release the name of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man gets frightening look at frontier justice, passing out with head in museum display noose.

Walla Walla city attorney says toy store purple octopus mural violates sign code

Is Walla Walla purple octopus mural art or a sign?

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The city of Walla Walla doesn’t like the mural of a giant purple octopus that was painted on the front of a downtown toy store. City Attorney Tim Donaldson said it violates the city’s sign code. He’s recommending that the city council … Original source on Gaea Times at : Walla Walla city attorney says toy store purple octopus mural violates sign code.

NH woman rescued from swamp says her history of sleepwalking may explain ordeal

NH woman rescued from swamp says she sleepwalks

MOULTONBOROUGH, N.H. – A 60-year-old New Hampshire woman who was found by police in a heavily wooded swamp on Tuesday said her ordeal began over the weekend and said her history of sleepwalking might explain it.
Ellin Vincenti of Tuftonboro told WMUR-TV on Wednesday that she remembers saying goodnight … Read more >>.

Nebraska’s ‘toilet-paper bandit’ pleads guilty, faces 1-to-20 years in prison

Nebraska’s ‘toilet-paper bandit’ pleads guilty

LINCOLN, Neb. – The so-called “toilet-paper bandit” has pleaded guilty to attempted robbery in Lincoln. Sentencing is set Oct. 28 for 29-year-old Joshua F. Nelson, of Lincoln. Nelson made his plea Wednesday in Lincoln County District Court after an agreement with prosecutors, who had lowered the charge and dismissed a weapons …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nebraska’s ‘toilet-paper bandit’ pleads guilty, faces 1-to-20 years in prison.

Here, kitty kitty: Stubborn feline perched in Michigan tree for week and a half

Out on a limb: Cat stuck in tree for about 10 days

TEXAS TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Talk about a stubborn kitty. A cat has been sitting in a tree outside the home of a Kalamazoo County couple for the past week and a half. Pam Cameron said the feline “meows constantly” from its perch in the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Montana woman fends off backyard bear attack with zucchini from garden

Montana woman fends off bear attack with zucchini

FRENCHTOWN, Mont. – A Montana woman fended off a charging bear on her back porch early Thursday by using the first weapon she could reach – a piece of zucchini.
The woman was stirred after midnight by a tussle in the backyard of her home near Frenchtown, Missoula County … Read more >>>.

Montana woman fends off backyard bear attack with a zucchini from her garden

Mont. woman fends off bear attack with zucchini

FRENCHTOWN, Mont. – Police say a Montana woman used an unlikely weapon to fend off a charging bear – a zucchini.
Missoula County Sheriff’s Lt. Rich Maricelli says a 200-pound black bear attacked the woman’s 12-year-old collie just after midnight Wednesday on the back porch of her home about …. Read the original article  : here.

Maine science teacher seeking home for surplus exotic animals from Smithsonian’s collection

Maine teacher seeks home for Smithsonian creatures

BANGOR, Maine – A Maine teacher who received a bunch of exotic stuffed animals from the Smithsonian Institution is looking for a permanent home for the creatures.
The collection, including a pair of lions and two dozen other creatures, was donated to Nokomis Regional High School science teacher Howard Whitten … Read more : Maine science teacher seeking home for surplus exotic animals from Smithsonian’s collection.

114th Birthday Celebrated by the Oldest Man in the World

MINNESOTA (GaeaTimes.com) — Walter Breuning, born on September 21, 1896 claims to be the oldest man of the world. Today he turns 114 year old and is celebrating the day with great enthusiasm.
The so-called oldest man was born in Melrose (Minnesota). He took service in Great Northern Railway in 1913 and thereafter moved to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 114th Birthday Celebrated by the Oldest Man in the World.

Ohio robber hits church volunteer with pepper spray, steals $2K in bingo money

Ohio robber uses pepper spray, steals bingo cash

BATAVIA, Ohio – Police said a man blasted pepper spray into the face of a 66-year-old church volunteer in southwest Ohio, then stole $2,000 in bingo proceeds. Police said the man was leaving St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church with funds raised through bingo games when he was accosted …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ohio robber hits church volunteer with pepper spray, steals $2K in bingo money.

Aye Carumba! Bart Simpson statue stolen from outside Massachusetts restaurant

Aye Carumba! Mass. Bart Simpson statue stolen

HOLBROOK, Mass. – Aye Carumba! A Bart Simpson statue has been stolen from outside of a Massachusetts restaurant.
The three-foot tall, 75-pound ceramic statue sitting on a park bench outside of Leggos in Holbrook disappeared sometime Sunday, and management is having a cow.
Owner Astrit Gorezi says the statue, which was … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Aye Carumba! Bart Simpson statue stolen from outside Massachusetts restaurant.

Ga. official: Make street names less fun to stop theft; Green Acres, Mary Jane Lane popular

GA leader: Boring names will stop rural sign theft

DARIEN, Ga. – A rural Georgia county is losing about 550 street signs a years to thieves and a commissioner says he has a solution: Make the names boring.
McIntosh County Commissioner Mark Douglas serves a rural county about 60 miles south of Savannah. He says signs marking … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ga. official: Make street names less fun to stop theft; Green Acres, Mary Jane Lane popular.

Paint misbehavin’: Wyoming man tries to avoid Taser by dousing himself with paint

Wyoming man douses himself in paint to avoid Taser

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – A Cheyenne man who doused himself with white latex paint in hopes of avoiding a police Taser was hit with the stun gun anyway.
The Taser chase happened Sept. 16, when Cheyenne police went to Brian Mattert’s house on a domestic violence call. The Wyoming …. Original article  : Paint misbehavin’: Wyoming man tries to avoid Taser by dousing himself with paint.

Handcuffed woman swipes Texas patrol car and leads police officers on 100 mph highway chase

Cuffed woman steals cruiser, leads 100 mph chase

PORT ARTHUR, Texas – A handcuffed woman was accused of swiping a Port Arthur police car and leading officers on a chase at speeds topping 100 mph. Police Chief Mark Blanton told KFDM-TV that nobody was injured in Friday’s chase involving a woman arrested on a trespassing charge …. Read the original article  : here.

Couple moves Cleveland wedding saying plans dampened by event’s manmade waterfall

Couple: Wedding threatened by Ohio event waterfall

CLEVELAND – Some couples honeymoon near waterfalls. One couple complains their wedding was nearly ruined by a manmade waterfall in Cleveland. Larry Graham and Amy Lauer said they got a permit 10 months ago to hold their ceremony Saturday in a park south of downtown. But the bride- and … Original article on : Couple moves Cleveland wedding saying plans dampened by event’s manmade waterfall.

Clerk Pa. adult book store foils robbery, tells suspects with toy ‘get a real gun’

Adult store clerk foils women ‘armed’ with toy gun

DUNCANSVILLE, Pa. – Police said two women who tried to rob a central Pennsylvania adult book store with a toy gun didn’t fool a clerk, who told them to “get a real gun.” Authorities said 28-year-old Shannon Cheripka, of Glasgow, and 26-year-old Angela Crook, of Coalport, attempted …. Source article  : Clerk Pa. adult book store foils robbery, tells suspects with toy ‘get a real gun’.

Oakland commuter trains briefly halted after poodle gets off car, disappears down tunnel

Runaway poodle disrupts Oakland commuter trains

OAKLAND, Calif. – A runaway poodle is to blame for a morning delay on some commuter trains in Oakland.
Bay Area Rapid Transit agency spokesman Linton Johnson said traffic heading in and out of the Lake Merritt station was halted for five to 10 minutes Thursday morning when the pooch got …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Oakland commuter trains briefly halted after poodle gets off car, disappears down tunnel.

Here, kitty kitty: Stubborn feline perched in Michigan tree for week finally comes down

Out on a limb: Cat stuck in tree finally descends

TEXAS TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Talk about a stubborn kitty. A cat perched in a tree outside the home of a Kalamazoo County couple finally came down Thursday after cooling its, um, paws for the past week and a half. The feline was about 50 to 60 …. Read the original article  : Here, kitty kitty: Stubborn feline perched in Michigan tree for week finally comes down.

Connecticut man charged with stealing town park flag, hoisting stuffed hippo toy in its place

Police: Conn. man stole flag, put up hippo toy

WATERBURY, Conn. – Call it the case of the flying hippo.
Connecticut police say a man stole an American flag from Waterbury’s Town Plot Park and hoisted a stuffed hippopotamus toy in its place.
Twenty-three-year-old Jeffrey Kovic, of Waterbury, was arrested and is being held in lieu of $100,000 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Connecticut man charged with stealing town park flag, hoisting stuffed hippo toy in its place.

Tackle Me Elmo? Punches thrown in attack on man dressed as ‘Sesame Street’ character

Elmo wasn’t tickled, he tussled
WINTER PARK, Fla. – Elmo was not tickled – he was in a tussle.

Police in central Florida say a man dressed as the “Sesame Street” character was attacked Saturday at a music store in Winter Park, but he was able to fend off the attacker.
The fight broke out around 3 p.m. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Tackle Me Elmo? Punches thrown in attack on man dressed as ‘Sesame Street’ character.

Taking the cake: Thieves leave trail of wrappers after abandoning stolen Little Debbie truck

Cakewalk: Thieves leave trail of snack wrappers

WICHITA, Kan. – Now that’s taking the cake.
Wichita police say whoever stole a Little Debbie delivery truck left a trail of empty boxes and snack cake wrappers after abandoning the vehicle.
The truck was taken around 4 a.m. Monday from outside a Walmart store. KFDI-AM reports the vehicle was driven … Read more »».

Suburban Chicago man gets 90 days in jail for tossing egg in courtroom, narrowly missing judge

Egg tossed in court gets Ill. man 90 days in jail

WHEATON, Ill. – Tossing an egg in a suburban Chicago courtroom has gotten one man a 90-day jail sentence.
DuPage County Circuit Court Judge Blanche Fawell handed down the sentence Monday against 40-year-old Agim Demiri, who pleaded guilty in August to damaging state property.
The egg narrowly …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Thieves leave trail of snack wrappers after abandoning stolen Little Debbie truck in Kansas

Empty wrappers found outside stolen snack truck

WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita police say whoever stole a Little Debbie delivery truck left a trail of empty boxes and snack cake wrappers after abandoning the vehicle.
The truck was taken around 4 a.m. Monday from outside a Walmart store. KFDI-AM reports the vehicle was driven into a shallow canal … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thieves leave trail of snack wrappers after abandoning stolen Little Debbie truck in Kansas.

Hey, Ho, let go of that sign! Thieves keep taking Joey Ramone marker, forcing NYC to move it

NYC forced to move oft-stolen Joey Ramone sign

NEW YORK – Officials say a metal homage to the late punk legend Joey Ramone may be New York City’s most-stolen street sign.
The Department of Transportation recently had the “Joey Ramone Place” sign reinstalled in lower Manhattan for the fourth time since 2003.
This time, it was raised 8 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Hey, Ho, let go of that sign! Thieves keep taking Joey Ramone marker, forcing NYC to move it.

Central Pa. district judge, constable help capture burglary suspect after 8-block chase

Pa. district judge, constable help nab suspect

LEBANON, Pa. – After nearly two decades as a judge, a former central Pennsylvania police officer hasn’t lost his instincts.
Lebanon District Judge Tom Capello and a constable chased down a juvenile burglary suspect last week after the judge spotted something suspicious at a home across the street from his … Read more >>.

Mich. girl’s big game hunting career takes off with a whoosh, killing 448-pound bear with bow

Mich. teen kills 448-pound black bear with arrow

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – A 17-year-old Michigan girl began her big game hunting career with a bang – or rather a whoosh – by killing a 448-pound black bear with a bow and arrow from 16 yards away.
High school senior Jessica Olmstead of Battle Creek shot the bear …. Source article  : Mich. girl’s big game hunting career takes off with a whoosh, killing 448-pound bear with bow.

‘Lucky guy’: 3 months after winning $1 million in Missouri Lottery, man wins $2 million more

Months after winning $1M in lottery, man wins $2M

ST. LOUIS – The odds against winning $1 million in the Lottery: Astronomical. How about doing it twice?
It happened to a man from Bonne Terre, Mo., Missouri Lottery officials said Tuesday. Ernest Pullen, 57, won $1 million with a “100 Million Dollar Blockbuster” Scratchers ticket in June. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Lucky guy’: 3 months after winning $1 million in Missouri Lottery, man wins $2 million more.

Peace, love and a Microbus: Washington residents rally to protect hippie vehicle

Clash in DC is over peace, love and a VW bus

WASHINGTON – A group of Washington residents plans to rally for peace, love and a Volkswagen Microbus.
They say the Volkswagen, which is decorated with rainbows and peace symbols, is a public art installation, but city officials say the van is an abandoned vehicle and must …. Source article  : Peace, love and a Microbus: Washington residents rally to protect hippie vehicle.

Denver firefighters battle flames, fleeing bedbugs; have to decontaminate some of their gear

Denver firefighters battle flames, fleeing bedbugs

DENVER – Denver firefighters ran into more than the normal hazards at a house fire.
Crews responding to the blaze Wednesday also had to battle bedbugs, the bloodsucking insects quickly becoming the scourge of households and businesses across the country.
Lt. Phil Champagne of the Denver Fire Department tells The Denver Post … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Denver firefighters battle flames, fleeing bedbugs; have to decontaminate some of their gear.

Calif. homeowner hears ‘rustling sounds’ and discovers nude man under bed

Calif. homeowner discovers nude man under bed

WESTMINSTER, Calif. – Authorities in Orange County are searching for a burglary suspect found nude under a bed by a homeowner. Westminster police said the suspect repeatedly apologized and put on his pants after he was discovered early Saturday. The man told the homeowner he was on drugs and … Read : Calif. homeowner hears ‘rustling sounds’ and discovers nude man under bed.

Montana judge orders man to report to jail for Christmas for next 5 years

Man to spend Christmas in jail for next 5 years

LIVINGSTON, Mont. – A judge running for the state Supreme Court has given a man accused of assaulting a woman a sentence with an unusual twist. District Court Judge Nels Swandal gave Daniel Martz a 10-year suspended sentence on Monday for a May 2009 attack in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Montana judge orders man to report to jail for Christmas for next 5 years.

19 arrested after men lead police on foot chase to Calif. marijuana processing operation

Fleeing men lead police straight to pot warehouse

UKIAH, Calif. – Three men may be wishing they’d thought of a better hiding place when they led police on a foot chase straight to their marijuana warehouse. Mendocino County Sheriff’s Capt. Kurt Smallcomb said officers seized 700 pounds of processed pot and arrested 19 people at the …. Read the original article  : 19 arrested after men lead police on foot chase to Calif. marijuana processing operation.

Financially troubled western Pa. city lays off 9 workers, including 3 police officers and dog

Troubled W. Pa. city lays off 9, plus police dog

JEANNETTE, Pa. – The financial situation is so bad in one western Pennsylvania city that even its police dog has been laid off. Jeannette City Council on Tuesday voted to lay off nine workers of the city’s 47 workers effective Oct. 5. They include three of … Original article on : Financially troubled western Pa. city lays off 9 workers, including 3 police officers and dog.

Shhhh! Montana library evacuated when suspect runs into restroom while fleeing police

Suspect runs into library while fleeing police

MISSOULA, Mont. – Shhhh! Arrest under way.
A man fleeing police after a traffic stop in Missoula, Mont., ran into the city library Wednesday and hid in a restroom, prompting an evacuation while police arrested him.
Police say the man refused to get out of his vehicle during a traffic stop. … Read more : Shhhh! Montana library evacuated when suspect runs into restroom while fleeing police.

Calif. pot farmer sues landlord over theft of his $35,000 indoor marijuana crop

Calif. pot farmer sues landlord over stolen crop

MURRIETA, Calif. – A Southern California pot farmer is suing his landlord because his $35,000 indoor marijuana crop was stolen during a break-in. Gary Hite, who rents the 1,892-square-foot unit in a Murrieta business park, filed the Riverside County lawsuit against Hunco Way LLC claiming negligence and breach [..] Read the original article: here.

Police say Pa. district judge hid condoms inside acorns, handed them out to women

Police: Judge hands out condoms hidden in acorns

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Police said a district judge from Intercourse, Pa., hid condoms inside acorns and handed them out to women in the state Capitol complex last week. A summary charge of disorderly conduct was filed Tuesday against Isaac H. Stoltzfus, who presides over low-level cases as a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Police say Pa. district judge hid condoms inside acorns, handed them out to women.

Authorities ponder what prompted someone to leave dead bear outside busy Calif. market

Dead bear dumped outside Northern Calif. market

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. – Black bears sightings are not uncommon in California’s backcountry or even around trash bins in Lake Tahoe. But in a strip mall along a busy San Francisco Bay area freeway?
That’s the strange situation the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after someone dumped a dead … Read more >>>.