Category: CNN Regional

By Catherine Ross

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    AVON LAKE, Ohio (WEWS) — You may be the type to run a 5K turkey trot on Thanksgiving morning. Or maybe you prefer to have an early helping of pumpkin pie. This holiday, the weather conditions provided a unique opportunity to indulge in a different sort of Thanksgiving morning hobby – treasure hunting.

“I knew that the lake levels and the lakebed might have some exposures, so that was kind of an extra bonus for wanting to come out here,” said Shea Alltmont.

The Lorain County resident braved the wind and freezing temperatures on Thursday morning. She was combing the beach near Avon Lake’s Veterans Memorial Park, looking for beach glass washed in by the high winds and exposed by the receding water.

“You’ve got to think of Lake Erie as a bathtub, if you will. It’s a big bucket of water,” Trent said. “And if you’re going to push all the water to one side by the wind, it’s going to lower on one side and raise on the other. So if it goes six feet down in Toledo, it’s going to go six feet up in Buffalo. We’re just in the middle of it.”

Even in the middle ground of Northeast Ohio, high winds from Wednesday into Thursday exposed areas of Lake Erie not normally visible.

“The beach is different absolutely every day,” Alltmont said. “It’s enjoyable, it’s relaxing, [there’s] a thrill of the hunt sometimes.”

She used her hands to sift through pebbles and shells to find pieces of glass smoothed and frosted by years of lake water.

“There are lots of places along Lake Erie where it used to be a community’s trash dump,” she explained, pointing out shards of brick and the neck of an old Coca-Cola bottle.

Alltmont teaches classes about the origins of beach glass, how to spot it and how to repurpose it into crafts and jewelry. She also shares her knowledge on social media.

Even on a cold, windy holiday, she said it’s a passion.

“More than anything, I love the history and making those connections of what I’m finding and what it used to be in its previous life,” she said.

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By Stef Manchen

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    CLAREMORE, Okla. (KJRH) — Six generations of the Milam family gathered in Claremore for their 140th consecutive annual Thanksgiving family reunion.

More than 150 Milam’s from 40 days old to 86 years young across 14 states made sure they didn’t miss the milestone celebration.

The family tradition dates back to 1886. The 140th gathering brought together every Milam family member who could make the journey to Oklahoma.

“One thing you always know on Thanksgiving… If you’re not here, you should be,” said Melanie Milam Roth.

Katee Dougherty, who has attended 69 of the 70 reunions in her lifetime, said she only missed the one year due to COVID-19.

“It’s just what we do,” Katee said.

The annual gathering serves as more than just a family meal. It’s a day dedicated to honoring their roots and learning about the legacy their family-focused ancestors left behind.

“I feel like I know who I am by knowing my family,” said John Milam. “As a kid, I always felt like I was a part of something bigger. A lot of people look for, they feel alone and such, I never felt the least bit alone.”

For most Milam family members now spread across the country, this is the one day each year they can all come together.

“Because I’ve seen them once a year for my whole life, when I see them again and its only been a year, its like picking up the conversation right where you left off,” said John.

After 140 years of sharing memories and laughter over meals together, Melanie believes their tradition holds a powerful message for other families.

“It’s never too late to start a tradition,” Melanie said. “I feel in this time in the world, families need to stick together and really support each other. So who knows, you could start one now, and you too could be 140 years down the line.”

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By Nick Hawthorne

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    CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. (KXLY) — The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam in which fraudsters are impersonating deputies to steal money.

Scammers are using the names of Deputies Key, McCue, Mathena and Moody to conduct fraudulent calls, texts and emails, the sheriff’s office said. The criminals tell victims they missed a court date, have a warrant and must pay money to clear it, according to the department.

Sheriff’s officials emphasize that legitimate deputies will never call residents about missed court dates or warrants, nor will they ever request money or payments, the sheriff’s office said.

The department urges residents not to respond to these communications and never provide money or personal information.

Residents who receive suspicious calls should hang up immediately and contact the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office directly to verify any legitimate legal matters, officials said.

Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim should contact local law enforcement immediately to file a report, according to the sheriff’s office.

These scams typically create urgency, with callers claiming immediate action is required to avoid arrest, the department said.

Community members are encouraged to share this warning with family members, particularly elderly relatives who may be more susceptible to these scams, officials said.

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By Sam Schmitz

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    WAUWATOSA, Wis. (WISN) — A North Carolina man was arrested on Thanksgiving after driving through yards and striking a fire hydrant while intoxicated, according to the Wauwatosa Police Department.

Police said they were responding to the area of 117th Street and Watertown Plank Road just before 3 p.m. after receiving a report of the 44-year-old driving through the yards of residents in that area. They also received a report of the 44-year-old striking a fire hydrant with his vehicle.

Water could be seen spewing into the air from the area where the hydrant was for a couple of hours.

The 44-year-old man from Garner, North Carolina, was arrested for driving while intoxicated. It’s his third offense. He was also in possession of methamphetamine, police said. He was booked by the Wauwatosa Police Department and transferred to the Milwaukee County Jail.

Police said the water department has repaired the pipe.

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By Meghan Mosley

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    OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — As the holiday season approaches, a community-led choir in Oklahoma City is spreading Christmas joy and collecting clothing donations through their “Caroling for Clothes” fundraiser.

“It’s a really good opportunity to, you know, give back to the community, spread some Christmas joy, have a good time,” said Stavros Chrysant, a member of the “Caroling for Clothes” group.

In their second annual holiday season tradition, the choir aims to combine spreading cheer with making meaningful contributions.

“I think the contributions we’re making are super important for the organizations, for the families, especially going into the holidays and the weather changing and all that sort of stuff. I think it’s a great way to combine those two aspects, you know,” Chrysant said.

Christopher Bankhead, another member of the group, explained their process: “We rent a bus out and go drive around the neighborhood and go to houses, knock on the doors, tell them beforehand we’re coming, sing carols for them, and then get clothing donations.”

“Caroling just seems like kind of a fun, silly thing to do for the holidays, but it’s something you can use to utilize to give back to the community and do good work,” Chrysant said.

This year, every donation collected will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma City and the Homeless Alliance to help neighbors in need.

Bankhead spoke of the significance of involving younger children in the project.

“It’s especially important for, like, the younger children, to see, like, be a part of this service project so young and to have this as an example of taking something they’re passionate about and doing something good in the community with it, trying to help people,” Bankhead said.

For the carolers, it’s a chance to do something small that adds up in a big way, proving that holiday spirit isn’t just about the perfect pitch but about the community showing up for each other.

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By Rob McCartney

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    OMAHA, Neb. (KETV) — An Omaha man becomes a crime victim three times, before he even gets out of bed.

On the morning of November 12th, someone broke into a man’s garage near 93rd and Burt Street and stole a wallet out of his car.

Within the next half hour, his credit card was used multiple times.

KETV Crime Stoppers has video of two suspects who police believe are responsible for the thefts.

They were seen at the Mega Saver at 90th and Fort Street just after 7:30 a.m. that Wednesday.

One suspect walked up to the counter and bought a large pop and a carton of Marlboro Red cigarettes.

The surveillance system picked up audio of him talking with the clerk, possibly asking about getting a cellphone.

The second suspect was at the same store, but he went through the drive-through.

He was driving a Buick, and investigators say he repeatedly tried to give the clerk a monetary tip.

That man also bought a carton of Marlboro Red cigarettes.

There isn’t a good description of that driver, but the first suspect had on a black hoodie, blue jeans and red tennis shoes.

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By Brian Hamrick

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    EDGEWOOD, Ky. (WLWT) — Dr. Laura Barczewski, a physician at St. Elizabeth Hospital, donated a kidney to a child she has never met, demonstrating the true spirit of giving.

Her journey began when she saw a sign in Fort Thomas advertising that a child needed a kidney. Although she was not a match for that particular child, she decided to donate her kidney to another child in need.

“I love it,” Barczewski said, expressing her passion for her work.

“It’s different every day,” she added, highlighting the variety in her daily routine.

Barczewski explained her decision, saying, “I was running just in Fort Thomas down the street, and there was a little sign, that was advertised that a kid needed a kidney.”

Despite not being a match for the child on the sign, Barczewski was determined to help. “But I didn’t know that kid. And so I’m like, well, I’ll just I’ll give it to another kid,” she said.

Reflecting on her donation, Barczewski said, “It’s cool. I mean, I’m connected with somebody forever, even if I don’t know them. You know, that’s very neat.”

St. Elizabeth Hospital recognized her selfless act with the “You Inspire Me” award. “You chose to donate one of your kidneys to a child in need,” the award citation noted, acknowledging her generosity.

When asked if her daily work as a doctor was enough, Barczewski responded, “Well, Yes, but I do believe that if you have a lot of blessings in your life and good things in your life, then you should do something with it.”

While many people mark organ donor on their driver’s license, Barczewski marked it on her calendar, making a life-changing decision. She received the most votes in the history of St. Elizabeth’s “You Inspire Me” award. Although she has not met the child who received her kidney, she has left the door open for a possible meeting in the future.

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By Abigail Kurten

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    DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Like many of the cancer patients in Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Ethan Kouri has good days and bad days.

For the last five years, he’s been fighting Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or AML. His better days are the ones when he has access to blood products.

“Once I get my blood, I feel so much better,” Kouri said. “Like, within hours after my platelets, I’m a whole different person.”

But there are days like Wednesday, when his nose bleeds for hours because he doesn’t have enough platelets, meaning his blood can’t clot normally.

One of his nurses, Tira Hauber, has helped Ethan with his treatment for about a year. She says, unfortunately, this is a reality for several of her patients.

“There’s a shortage, and it’s affecting the way that we’re able to treat patients,” Hauber said. “If someone’s platelets are super low – standard protocol here, we could give someone two units of platelets. Well, now, I can only give you one and hope that you don’t drop super low again.”

With the season of giving right around the corner, Ethan and his family are hoping to make a difference: partnering with Lifeserve to host a blood drive at their church. But Ethan’s father, Steve, says in order to make a meaningful difference, they need the help of everyday Iowans and their families.

“It is literally everything,” Steve said of the need for blood. “All of us have it, we all need it.”

The blood drive will take place on Friday, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Sunshine Open Bible Church. Those interested in donating can book an appointment here, but walk-ins are also welcome.

“Eat your turkey, eat your vittles, come out and give blood afterwards,” Steve said.

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By Leticia Juarez

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    ALTADENA, Calif. (KABC) — In the stillness of the Callisto Tea House in Altadena, empty chairs say everything about a community that’s still trying to rebuild nearly a year after the devastating Eaton Fire.

“This time of year, especially around the holidays, before the fire, we would have had a fair number of people in here, even on a weekday,” said co-founder Nathan Epstein. “These days, the shop is lucky to see a few customers.”

With more than 9,000 structures lost in the fire, many of which were homes, the businesses in Altadena that survived lost more than customers: they lost their community.

“At this time of day, all of our regulars would be here having a cup of tea, whether they are working or journaling or reading or catching up with folks,” said co-founder Wendy Chen. “It is usually very lively in here.”

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce is leading efforts to revive small businesses, urging residents and visitors to support local shops, especially during the holiday season.

“Even though Altadena has had a massive fire with tremendous destruction, we still have businesses that are functioning, and we want people to patronize them,” said Phlunte Riddle with the Altadena Chamber of Commerce.

A business grant helped Bloomfield Creamery, a family-owned business, stay afloat in the months after the fire and remain constant in the lives of its customers.

“People coming in, unfortunately, have these bad stories behind them … kind of nice to see we are kind of able to put a smile on their faces and brighten their day a bit,” said owner Bijan Sadeghi.

For new shops and eateries like The Italian Deli Co. on Washington Boulevard in Pasadena, surviving means building a customer base during one the hardest chapters in the community’s history.

“We have been struggling,” said Chef Lalo Talamantes. “I think with this strong community that we have and knowing what happened to everybody, I think we are going to come back all together.”

This Small Business Saturday, owners are hoping an outpouring of customers will help them rebuild their community.

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