Minco Public Schools ends softball season, to return to class Wednesday after 7 injured in bus crash

By Jonathan Greco

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    MINCO, Oklahoma (KOCO) — Minco Public Schools has canceled the rest of its junior high and high school softball season after seven people were injured in a bus crash.

Around 8 p.m. Monday, a Minco Public Schools bus crashed while on State Highway 152 near County Street 2760 just west of Minco. Eighteen people were on the bus, and seven people – including softball players and a coach – were injured.

One adult remained in critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon. Officials initially told KOCO 5 that six people were critically injured in the crash.

The school bus was the only vehicle involved in the crash, and no fatalities have been reported as of Tuesday afternoon.

“Last night, our school and community were shaken by an accident that could have been truly tragic,” Superintendent Kevin Sims posted to Minco Public Schools’ Facebook page. “We are very fortunate, as the outcome could have been so much worse for our student-athletes, coaches, and community. I am deeply grateful to God for sparing their lives.”

Sims went on to say that the first responders’ quick actions “undoubtedly saved lives.” He also thanked Minco First Baptist Church for hosting a prayer vigil and support from schools across the state and leaders such as Gov. Kevin Stitt, Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Sen. James Lankford, Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton and state Rep. Dick Lowe.

In the post, Sims said school will resume on Wednesday and that homecoming has been rescheduled for Oct. 3. The homecoming parade will be held on Oct. 2.

He added that the junior high and high school softball season has ended for the fall semester.

“Life is fragile — hold tightly to your loved ones,” Sims wrote. “We feel your prayers and support, and we ask that you continue lifting up our student-athletes, coaches, and their families as they recover.”

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NASA Glenn partners with University Hospitals and Tri-C to test mini-X-ray technology for use in space

By John Kosich

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    BROOK PARK, Ohio (WEWS) — While the weightlessness of space eliminates the risk of a fall for astronauts, working in this environment does present its unique set of risks. When injuries occur, a trip to the urgent care is not a possibility, so NASA is constantly looking for ways to provide its astronauts with the medical attention they need. That’s where the folks at NASA Glenn come in.

“What we’re looking at is a portable X-ray system,” said Dr. Chase Haddix, NASA Glenn’s lead engineer on the project. “We’ve been looking at X-ray for many years, but unfortunately it’s been too bulky to really be practical to go up in space.”

In 2023, they initiated a study of 250 different options, narrowing it down to three. Devices that can check for broken bones and also broken equipment.

“We want to find the most use or get the biggest bang for our buck out of these systems and so we’re looking at the non-clinical,” said Dr. Cy Peverill, NASA’s Task Lead on the project. “As you can see over here we have some rover tires or EVA space suits if there’s cracks or fractures that we can identify.”

To test the devices, though, they need to go outside of the lab at NASA Glenn, but fortunately not very far.

“It works out really well that there are two renowned institutions for radiography right here in Northeast Ohio,” said Haddix.

They would be Cuyahoga Community College and University Hospitals, which have partnered with Glenn. Tri-C is offering its advanced radiography lab and anatomical phantoms to support hands-on testing, while University Hospitals’ radiography experts are capturing X-ray images from real patients and providing feedback on device performance. Together, these Cleveland-based teams are helping determine which X-ray device works best for the tight quarters of a spacecraft and the harsh conditions of deep space.

“They really wanted to see a comparison to a hospital x-ray machine or an x-ray taken in a hospital to kind of get an idea of what their medical teams could expect if the crews had to use this equipment on a space mission,” said David Jordan, University Hospital’s chief medical physicist.

For Tri-C and UH, they were happy to help out with the space effort.

“Anytime your work sort of touches on space and rockets and astronauts it’s always cool to sort of feel like well you know I’m going to go to work today I’m doing my regular job but I’m also kind of a rocket scientist,” said Jordan.

NASA Glenn hopes to select a device by the end of the year and test it out on the International Space Station sometime in 2026 or 2027.

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“Operation Trackside” nets 24 arrests, $450,000 and firearms

By Mauricio Maldonado

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    PALM BEACH, Florida (WFOR) — Florida officials on Tuesday announced the arrests of 24 people in a drug trafficking takedown spanning Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office said the 14-month investigation, called “Operation Trackside,” uncovered trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine and oxycodone.

Investigators seized more than 11 pounds of narcotics, $450,000 in cash, firearms, vehicles and a boat.

Detectives obtained 17 search warrants during the case, and on Sept. 3 officers from multiple agencies executed 15 of them at once.

The searches turned up six handguns, two semi-automatic rifles, 11 vehicles, one boat, 5,027 grams of narcotics and $452,026 in cash.

Defendants face wide range of charges

The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is charging two dozen defendants in connection with the ring.

Seventeen face conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, while others are charged with trafficking fentanyl, trafficking oxycodone, solicitation to deliver controlled substances and related offenses. Five suspects remain at large.

Multiagency effort backed by state program

The investigation was led by the Boynton Beach Police Department in partnership with state, local and federal agencies.

It was supported by the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) program, which funds statewide efforts to combat the spread of fentanyl in Florida communities.

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Purple Heart lost for decades returned to family

By Logan Hall

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — A piece of family history has found its way home after decades of being lost. The Purple Heart awarded to Sgt. Thomas Lynch for his service in World War I was returned Tuesday to his grandson, Thomas Brigham, during a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House.

Purple Heart found in safety deposit box The medal was recovered by the state’s Unclaimed Property Division after being discovered in an old safety deposit box.

“Something about this being long lost and here it is – reappeared,” said Brigham.

Brigham said his family believed the medal had been stolen and never expected to see it again.

“My siblings are thrilled, my sister and three brothers, it just kind of reconnects that history of military service and now it’s coming back,” he said.

State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, who presented the medal, said returning the honor to Lynch’s family was a meaningful moment. “It gave me the chills to know that we have found people who deserve these medals and that we are able to honor the families who are so committed to people throughout our country,” Goldberg said.

The Purple Heart is awarded to service members who are killed or severely wounded in combat. Lynch, who served in the Massachusetts National Guard, was wounded in battle while fighting overseas during World War I.

Brigham said recovering the medal has sparked new interest in his grandfather’s legacy.

“It brought his memory to the forefront. He talked about getting gassed in France and being in the trenches, as if that’s just what they did. It was what was expected of them,” Brigham said.

Brigham plans to frame the medal as a tribute to his grandfather’s service and sacrifice.

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Phase 2 of Baltimore Ravens stadium renovation plan nearly complete

By Kaicey Baylor

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    BALTIMORE, Maryland (WJZ) — As football season kicks off, phase two of the Baltimore Ravens’ three-year renovation at M&T Bank Stadium is nearly complete.

The $450 million project is aimed at enhancing the game day experience for fans.

From expanded food options to high-tech displays, the improvements will be noticeable during every home game.

Upgraded entertainment spaces

Construction outside the stadium is wrapping up on a new retail and hospitality village that will be open year-round.

Inside the stadium, fans will see large new video displays, including one that spans 216 feet.

A walk-through drink market with self-serve food and beverage coolers has been added behind Gate A. The goal is to reduce wait times.

The Ravens have also introduced three new club memberships: The Trust, The Raven and Champions Club. Each offers a different lounge experience.

The Champions Club was inspired by the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII victory, according to Brad Downs, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Baltimore Ravens.

The club areas are multi-purpose and can be used for non-game day events.

The Legends Suites lead straight to the field.

“These suites are supported by seats on the outside. So, you have 16 seats per suite. 12 of those are heated,” said Rich Tamayo, Senior Vice President of Stadium Operations and Guest Experience.

Throughout the new spaces, the Ravens paid tribute to their former players and the infamous poem by Edgar Allen Poe.

Outside, the Flock Shop, filled with Ravens gear, is almost finished. You’ll also find a Tailgate and Concert venue, which, when completed, will include a stage and indoor sports bar.

“Bringing some of that great Ravens traditional tailgate right onto the premises with the plaza. It’s also delivering on what fans told us they wanted,” said Baltimore Ravens President Sashi Brown.

The full renovation project is expected to be completed in 2026.

Menu upgrades

The team partnered with Hospitality Evermore to refresh the stadium’s Flock Friendly Fare menu. The updated menu includes 11 items priced under $5, including a BBQ sandwich, nachos, pretzels and hot dogs.

“It’s been in existence since 2018, I believe,” said Jessica Gomes, vice president of hospitality strategy at Hospitality Evermore. “That’s something that we’re just developing on. Honestly, if you look at the stadiums and the surrounding environments, we want to make sure that our fans can come in and enjoy themselves but also feel like they’re able to get a good price.”

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Masked suspects steal pizza delivery cars after placing bogus orders, police say

By Juli McDonald

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — Quincy police say a pair of criminals orchestrated a scheme to steal cars from pizza shop employees who were delivering food. The most recent incident targeted Mama Bear’s Kitchen in Quincy this weekend.

A team of two keeps Mama Bear’s preparing and delivering orders until 3 a.m. After a busy Sunday this past weekend, driver Paul Bates was delivering an order to Southern Artery around 11 o’clock.

“As I turned around, there were two hooded people, all dressed in black, black COVID surgical masks on and everything. I swore at them and asked what they were doing, and they jumped right in the vehicle and off they went,” Bates recalled.

Those suspects had called in the fake order.

Investigators say the same thing happened to a different pizza place over Labor Day weekend. On August 31, around 8:30 p.m. on Berlin Street, a man wearing dark clothing and a mask acted as a decoy by occupying the driver on the porch of the delivery location. While the driver was distracted, a second person entered the vehicle and drove away. The first man then ran off.

“You’re not here to make millions but to make a buck and live and survive,” Mama Bear’s owner Noemi LeBron said. “It causes anxiety. Now you always have to watch your back.”

Bates had the car’s key fob in his pocket, so after a long joy ride on a full tank of gas, the car was found a day later dumped at the mall.

Quincy police are reminding business owners and all drivers to stay alert, lock cars, and limit how much cash you carry. At Mama Bear’s Kitchen, they’ve borrowed a car to make deliveries until they know their own is safe to drive.

“That’s part of the business. The show must go on. Just keep on going, just pray, and hopefully it doesn’t happen again,” LeBron said.

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‘She changed the game’: Former Auburn professor’s students remember her impact days after her murder

By Ayron Lewallen

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    BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WVTM) — It’s been two days since a retired Auburn University professor was found dead near the campus. Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle was 59 years old. For the first time, WVTM 13 is hearing about the legacy she left behind by the students she taught on the Plains.

One of Schunelle’s former students said she’s seen the Facebook posts and the support her former professor is getting is overwhelming. Ashley Rutter said everyone loved Schunelle and couldn’t believe her life was cut short.

Auburn Police said Schnuelle’s body was found in a wooded area on Saturday afternoon. A suspect named Harold Dabney III was later arrested in connection with her murder. Police said she died on the spot after she was assaulted.

Rutter said Schnuelle was with her every step of the way during the four years she was in vet school and led by example. Rutter said she felt like Schnuelle made sure students knew there was nothing standing in their way of achieving their dreams. Rutter said Schunelle became a legend and inspired anyone who needed to see what a strong woman looked like.

“I heard a story one time of her having a baby, and she went in for [a cow that was having trouble giving birth],” Rutter said. “She had to sit down during the surgery, and they were all making fun of her because she had to sit, and you’re not supposed to sit during surgery. Then, once they found out that she had literally just had a baby, like, that day or the day before, it was very impressive. She was a hard worker.”

Dabney is facing a capital murder charge. According to court documents, he is eligible for a preliminary hearing. There is no word on when the hearing could be scheduled.

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Suspect arrested after retired veterinary professor discovered dead in Auburn park

By Ryan Lovell, Shannon Delcambre

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    AUBURN, Alabama (WVTM) — The Auburn Police Department announced an arrest had been made in the homicide of a retired Auburn University instructor.

Police responded to a call around 2 p.m. Saturday on Chadwick Lane regarding a body found in a wooded area of Kiesel Park, investigators said.

Officers found the body of a 59-year-old woman. Police said she had injuries from an assault and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Lee County Coroner’s Office identified the woman as Julie Gard Schnuelle, a retired Auburn professor.

According to Auburn police, Harold Dabney III, of Montgomery, was charged with two counts of capital murder relating to the death of Dr. Schnuelle.

The police department said a red Ford F-150 belonging to Schnuelle was stolen and later recovered.

Police said Dabney was taken into custody after reports were made Sunday morning of a suspicious person on Beehive Road.

Schnuelle retired as a professor in the university’s Department of Clinical Sciences in 2021, according to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s website.

In a statement, leaders at Auburn praised Schnuelle as a “beloved member of the Auburn family” and said they extend their condolences to her family and loved ones “during this unimaginably difficult time.”

Police ask anyone with information to call 334-501-3100. The tip line can also be reached by calling or texting 334-246-1391.

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Couple to appear in court over child missing for 3 years

By Chantelle Navarro

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    OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — Ashley Rowland and Joshua Denton are scheduled to appear in court Tuesday in connection with the disappearance of London Kerr, a child missing for three years, as law enforcement continues to search for her.

The Oklahoma City Police Department has taken over the case and is seeking public assistance to locate the child, who is now 5 years old. The National Center for Missing Children released an age-progressed image of London last month.

“We get a lot of answers in some cases with tips or new information that we receive with the public’s help,” said MSgt. Dillon Quirk of the Oklahoma City Police Department.

Rowland and Denton are facing separate child neglect charges, and the court will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the criminal cases.

Court documents reveal Rowland initially lied to police, claiming her daughter was with her father in Georgia, before later stating she had given London to a man named “Carlos,” who she believed might be London’s father.

She also said “Carlos” was selling meth. Rowland later recanted, saying “Carlos” did not sell drugs or use meth.

Documents also indicate that Rowland and Denton’s other children reported instances of abuse, including witnessing Denton hit London with a wooden paddle and shoot a BB gun at her. A teenager reported being duct-taped to a chair and hit with a belt.

“We don’t have very credible information from the people that assumed responsibility or had custody of this child,” Quirk said. “So, when we take over an investigation, we have to go back and look at what has already been documented, so time is of the essence.”

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New ordinance could ban public nudity in Burlington, Vermont

By Michael Cusanelli

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    BURLINGTON, Vermont (WPTZ) — An eye-popping policy in Burlington may soon be outlawed after city leaders moved to officially ban public nudity late last week.

While public nudity was previously allowed in the Queen City, anyone caught walking around without clothes in public may now be forced to pay hundreds of dollars in fines thanks to a new ordinance.

That ordinance unanimously passed on Friday during a committee meeting. That ordinance must now be considered by the full city council before it goes into effect.

If passed, anyone who is caught while nude in Burlington could be fined $100, with a second offense costing $200. A third offense carries a $500 fine.

These fines can be dropped if the offender completes a program through the Community Justice Center.

The rule does not apply to children under five years old.

The ordinance also makes clear exceptions, including for certain events and permitted performances.

An old ordinance permitted public nudity, provided a person left their dwelling in that state. The ordinance, however, prohibited disrobing in public.

There have been multiple instances of people walking naked through the streets of Burlington over the years, particularly during the summer months.

Several downtown businesses recently voiced their disdain for those who choose to be nude in Burlington, saying it is bad for businesses during the busy summer tourism season. Residents have also complained. Those complaints prompted city councilors to take action and consider a change to the longstanding ordinance.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to clarify that Burlington City Council must issue final approval before the ordinance goes into effect.

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