Market Rasen Golf Course has shown it is on par with the best by becoming the first in the county to be awarded the GolfMark.
The presentation was made by Nick Pink, England Golf’s Chief Executive Officer, when he visited the course last week.
A great example to other clubs, both in Lincolnshire and nationally Nick Pink, CEO England Golf
It was the first time Mr Pink, who only took on the role five months ago, has visited the Rasen course and he was clearly impressed with what he saw.
“There are some fantastic facilities here and there is a great deal of passion and enthusiasm from everyone I have met, all backed with good business sense” he said.
“They are a great example to other clubs, both in Lincolnshire and nationally.
“A huge congratulations to you all.”
GolfMark is an official seal of approval for clubs which successfully work to develop the game.
The four key areas are attracting new members and encouraging existing members to play more, using practical business planning to develop the club, offering coaching and playing opportunities for all golfers and ensuring safeguarding policies are in place.
“We are extremely proud to be the first in the county to receive the GolfMark,” said club chairman Colin Law.
“And we are delighted Nick has taken time out to come along and present it to us.
“GolfMark will help us move forward and to make a safe environment for people to come and enjoy playing golf.
“There has been months of hard work to achieve this national accreditation but we have done it.
“Particular thanks go to our acting business manager Kim Robinson who has had the biggest input of all, making sure everything was done in the correct way.
“Grateful thanks also go to England Golf and especially development officers Jim Lammin and Richard Brown – we couldn’t have done it without their help and guidance.“
Over the past two years, the club has undergone a number of changes in the way it is run.
One of the biggest was a change from being run by a committee to being run by a volunteer board of directors.
“Since February 2014, we have run the club as a business rather than a private members club,” added Mr Law.
“We are in the top five courses in Lincolnshire, but we are not particularly well known and this is something we want to change.
“We have a lot of visitors and they all think it is fantastic, so we want to be proactive in making people aware we are here.”
As part of the GolfMark initiative, the club has been opened up to the who le community and is accessible to all, those wanting to play golf and non-players alike.
A change in the licence means the clubhouse is also open to all.
Speaking earlier this year about the changes at the club, house manager Pete Bray said: “Lots of people think we are exclusive and so they have never been here - some town residents don’t even know we exist.
“We invite everyone to take a walk down Legsby Road, come in for a coffee or something to eat, and see just what we have to offer.”

Rasen golf course first in county to be recognised with national acreditation


Market Rasen Golf Course has shown it is on par with the best by becoming the first in the county to be awarded the GolfMark.


Horncastle & Wragby Police are appealing for witnesses following reports of ‘suspicious activity’ at Wragby Town Hall over the weekend.
PCSO Nigel Wass said: “We would like to make people aware of suspicious activity around Wragby Town Hall on Sunday August 28 at around 8:30pm.
“Unknown people have forced the rear doors of the Town Hall, but nothing is believed to have been taken.”
If you have witnessed anything suspicious, or if you have any information, call 101 quoting incident number 109 of August 29 or call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.


Horncastle & Wragby Police are appealing for witnesses following reports of ‘suspicious activity’ at Wragby Town Hall over the weekend.


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Manor House at Hagworthingham will open this Sunday, August 28, for the NGS, from 2pm to 5pm.


The Country Land & Business Association (CLA) East is urging Police and Crime Commissioners across the region to ensure tackling hare coursing is treated as a high priority ahead of the conclusion of this year’s harvest.
Incidents of the illegal activity traditionally begin to increase in the final third of the year after the majority of crops are cleared from the region’s arable fields. Coursers then take advantage of the wide open spaces, trespassing on private land in order to set their dogs on to hares – often betting thousands of pounds on the outcome of the resulting chase.
CLA East Regional Director Ben Underwood said: “Reducing crime, and the fear of it, is central to improving the quality of life of people living in our rural communities. Unfortunately, many find their lives blighted by it every day.
“While theft is without doubt the major concern for farmers and rural businesses, wildlife crimes, such as hare coursing, have a huge impact on rural communities and conservation efforts.
“Hare coursers are hardened criminals, who are engaged in illegal betting involving large sums of money, and they are prepared to use violence if disturbed – and many of our members have been victims. Evidence shows that coursers are frequently also involved in other criminal activity too.
“As well as the distress hare coursing causes rural communities, it can lead to crops being destroyed and property damaged, and has a detrimental effect on wildlife and the environment.”
Mr Underwood said that getting PCCs to boost police presence in the countryside would be vital in tackling hare coursing, as well as other rural crimes- adding that it would increase public confidence and help encourage them to report incidents.
He continued: “Research says that almost a third of people did not report the last crime they fell victim to in a rural area. This cannot continue. A strong police presence is required to encourage people to report what they see – as are swift response times and increased engagement with rural communities.
“If the Police can work effectively with farmers, landowners, and those living in the countryside, they can send out a strong message to criminals, such as hare coursers, that they are not welcome in the region.”
• The CLA launched its ‘Standing Against Rural Crime’ campaign before the PCC elections in May, calling for the winning candidates to adopt its five priorities for fighting crime in the countryside: tackling theft; stamping out wildlife crime, such as hare coursing and poaching, and heritage crime; combating fly-tipping; boosting police presence; and endorsing fair funding for policing in rural areas.

Rural landowners urge Police & Crime Commissioners to ensure hare coursing is ‘high priority’


The Country Land & Business Association (CLA) East is urging Police and Crime Commissioners across the region to ensure tackling hare coursing is treated as a high priority ahead of the conclusion of this year’s harvest.


For anyone who has found the whole process of internet shopping too much like hard work Amazon has come up with a solution.
The online retailer today revealed that it is introducing its Amazon Dash Buttons to the UK.
The dinky little gadgets are a one-touch way to order a host of popular products without all that complicated rigmarole of actually logging onto your Amazon account and searching for them.
The Dash Buttons are literally that, small plastic boxes housing a button, which when pressed will connect via wi-fi to your Amazon account and using one-click buying order your selected products.
Each button is linked to a particular item and there are 40 brands available from launch so you can get everything from cat food to condoms and nappies to NERF ammunition delivered to your door.
Daniel Rausch, director of Amazon Dash, explained the thinking behind the devices: “We’ve all experienced the frustration of running out of something we need - Dash Button and Dash Replenishment Service are designed to make that moment a thing of the past.
“Dash Buttons offer the convenience of one-click shopping from anywhere in the home - they can be placed near those frequently used items you don’t want to run out of, and when you see supplies running low, the Dash Button makes it easier than ever to order more. Just press the button and your item is on its way.”
The £4.99 devices are only available to Amazon Prime customers, which means you’ll have to sign up to the £79-a-year service to enjoy the Dash Button’s convenience. The good news is that you’ll get £4.99 back off your first order of each product.
Alongside the buttons, Amazon also announced the UK rollout of its Dash Replenishment Service.
Like the button this links to your Amazon account but rather than having to do the ordering yourself it allows connected smart devices to order supplies themselves.
This means the likes of washing machines, dishwashers and printers from big-name brands including Bosch, Samsung, Whirlpool and Siemens can monitor your consumables usage and order more before you run out.
If they could just design a button that remotely loads the dishwasher too, they could be onto a winner.

Amazon Dash lets you order your loo roll at the touch of a button


For anyone who has found the whole process of internet shopping too much like hard work Amazon has come up with a solution.


Ever-improving ex-Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively impresses as the lead in this refreshing shark attack horror-thriller, writes Gavin Miller.
The blossoming Savages and The Age of Adaline star provides a noteworthy performance as marooned surfer Nancy Adams, who gets stranded on a shallow rock face just a mere 200 yards from shore after being attacked by a great white shark.
Unfortunately the secret beach is completely secluded bar a couple of surfers also being privy to its location, who vacate the waters before ex-medical student Adams gets her leg severely lacerated, leaving her with a battle of wills against the predator before high tide engulfs her precariously safe haven.
Throw in a mother/father/sister back story which adds empathetic scope to her character’s predicament, then Lively becomes as important to the movie as the terrifyingly ‘Jaws’ sized shark that would generally be the main crowd-pleasing aspect.
A few coincidences do prove to be a bit too convenient as the movie flitters between potentially indie-esque and mainstream, but still ends up being more ‘Hollywood’ with Non-Stop director Jaume Collet-Serra at the helm – which isn’t a problem as it proves to be a satisfying slice of strong-willed woman versus deadly carcharodon carcharias entertainment.
It doesn’t overstay its welcome, offers up impressive shark effects and some imaginative sequences and with Lively as the amiable human headliner, swims far more than it sinks.
RATING: 3.5/5 stars


Ever-improving ex-Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively impresses as the lead in this refreshing shark attack horror-thriller, writes Gavin Miller.


An organisation bworking to help people in Lincolnshire get the best out of their local health and social care services is appealing for volunteers to come forward.
Healthwatch Lincolnshire is looking for people to take on a range of voluntary roles, including:
* ‘Community champions’, who help promote the work of Healthwatch Lincolnshire.
* ‘Enter-and-view authorised representatives’, who enter and view health and social care services to gain an understanding of people’s experiences while they are receiving them.
* ‘Mystery shoppers’, who test the patient experience of the health and social care services.
Chief executive officer Sarah Fletcher said: “Volunteering for Healthwatch Lincolnshire is richly rewarding for all involved. When you give up your time and resources, you are making a difference.”
You can find all the roles at www.healthwatchlincolnshire.co.uk/volunteers, but the organisation also says it may be able to create a role to match an individual’s skills or knowledge.
To find out more call 01205 820892 or email info@healthwatchlincolnshire.co.uk.

Lincolnshire health group’s volunteer appeal


An organisation bworking to help people in Lincolnshire get the best out of their local health and social care services is appealing for volunteers to come forward.


A charity that provides support to families and other witnesses attending inquests is appealing for volunteers to assist its work in Lincolnshire.
The Coroners’ Court Support Service has made the call, saying volunteers play an important role in its service, offering practical and emotional support to help everyone involved understand the processes and procedures at an inquest.
Volunteers are given thorough training, induction, and ongoing support through Samantha Shaw, a volunteer co-ordinator for the service.
She said: “People who find themselves attending an inquest often have no idea about what to expect and may feel thrown into an alien environment. Volunteers are crucial in helping us to support families and witnesses with what can be a daunting experience at a difficult time in their lives.
“Volunteers don’t need any prior knowledge of the legal or coronial system, or a counselling qualification. We want to hear from people with a caring, supportive nature, with excellent listening skills and who are able to empathise.”
The service is currently recruiting volunteers who are able to cover Lincolnshire. The majority of inquests are held at Lincoln, however there are also courts at Spilsby, Boston, Stamford and Spalding. A willingness to travel is essential, out of pocket travel expenses will be paid.
Barry Wantling, a volunteer, said: “Having been with the organisation for several months I enjoy meeting and providing support to families and witnesses. I believe that we can make a difference and help families when hearing the events surrounding the bereavement.”
Volunteers must be able to give at least two full days a month and to be available for quarterly team meetings and ongoing supervision.
Anyone interested needs to be able to speak and write in clear English, be punctual, and to be confident in working alongside other professionals.
For more information and an application form, email info@ccsupport.org.uk
You can also learn more about the service at www.coronerscourtsupport service.org.uk

Charity appeal for help with inquests in Lincolnshire


A charity that provides support to families and other witnesses attending inquests is appealing for volunteers to assist its work in Lincolnshire.


A couple working to make mathematics magical for children in Lincolnshire have won national recognition.
Grahame and Tracy Cooke, from Great Hale, have been named most promising franchisees for 2016 by the educational company, Professor Poopenshtinken’s Magical Maths.
They collected the honour at the end of last month at the franchise’s annual convention, held in Birmingham’s Hilton Hotel.
Professor Poopenshtinken’s Magical Maths – or just Magical Maths – is an after-school maths club for primary schoolchildren that aims to make the learning of maths fun and exciting.
The club, for example, sees dressed-up characters visit the school, with maths genius Professor Poopenshtinken among them.
Grahame, 63, and Tracy, 46, became franchisees for the company for Lincolnshire in February and began visiting schools in April.
After giving free assemblies to five pilot schools, they had more than 100 children sign up from nine clubs.
This early success looks set to continue into the next academic year, with bookings already in place at numerous schools in the area for September and October.
Speaking of his hopes for the next year, Grahame said: “In the next 12 months we have initial expectations of working with a select 50 schools and helping over 1,000 children to enjoy their maths more.
“It’s going to be a whirlwind year and hugely exciting for the lucky students who’ll get to experience the Magical Maths extravaganza for the first time.”
Of the programme, Grahame said: “Magical Maths is all about teaching primary curriculum mathematics in a way that absolutely engages and enthuses children.
“Magical Maths is incredibly passionate about helping children to develop their skills and build a brighter future, and we believe making learning fun is the absolute best way to achieve that.”
Grahame and Tracy both left their jobs on the same day in May of this year to pursue their new venture.
Grahame had been working at RAF Cranwell, while Tracy had been a teacher at Helpringham Primary School.
Making the move was a huge decision, said Grahame, but was “something we believed in and just wanted to do”.
“The satisfaction of seeing such happy children and parents has been well worth it and I love being Professor Poopenshtinken,” he said.
If any parents or teachers would like Magical Maths to visit their school, they can call Grahame or Tracy on 01529 297150 or visit www.magicalmathsclub.co.uk

Couple making maths magical for children in Lincolnshire win national recognition


A couple working to make mathematics magical for children in Lincolnshire have won national recognition.


Here at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust our vision is to provide consistently excellent and safe patient-centred care, through highly skilled, committed and compassionate staff working together, writes Dr Suneil Kapadia.
Through this column I want to share good news, updates about the Trust and tips to help you to stay well and out of hospitals.
With the warmer weather here and aboard I’d like to share with you some tips for coping in hot weather for you and the family and for those most at risk of serious harm from the effects of heat including older people, especially those over 75 and babies and young children:
Keep windows open and pull down the blinds or close curtains to block out direct sunlight to avoid your home acting like a greenhouse
Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.
Keep rooms cool by using blinds or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
Splash yourself with cool water.
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water and diluted fruit juice and avoid excess alcohol.
Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool.
To avoid going out in the heat, plan ahead and make sure you have enough supplies and medication..
Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.
Use sunscreen with SPF greater than 10 if you go out in the sun.
Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
Dr Suneil Kapadia is the medical director of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

COLUMN: How to keep your cool in the hot weather


Here at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust our vision is to provide consistently excellent and safe patient-centred care, through highly skilled, committed and compassionate staff working together, writes Dr Suneil Kapadia.


Early indications of GCSE results across Lincolnshire show continued improvements this year.
With 10 schools still to return data, provisional figures released today (Thursday) by Lincolnshire schools, including academies, indicate that the percentage of students attaining good grades in core subjects continues to rise.
The percentage of students attaining 5+ A*-C including English and maths is no longer a headline measure of school performance.
The new headline is the percentage of students attaining an A*-C grade in English and maths, which has increased by five per cent, from 58.3 per cent in 2015 to 63.2 per cent this year. An impressive 23 schools so far have achieved more than 60 per cent.
The percentage of students attaining A*-C in English is currently 73.5 per cent for 2016 and compares to 67.6 per cent last year, an increase of 5.9 per cent. Four of the 45 schools achieved 100 per cent in this measure.
The percentage of A*-C in maths is currently showing as 69.8 per cent for 2016, 1.8 per cent up on last year. Six of the 45 schools achieved 100 per cent in this measure
The government has been keen to emphasise the importance of the English Baccalaureate as this measure supports as many students as possible to achieve A*-C grades in a broad range of academic subjects. The percentage achieving the English Baccalaureate is 29.4 per cent for 2016 compared to 27.2 per cent in 2015 - an increase of 2.2 per cent on last year.
So far 24 schools have shown improvement on last year in this measure, with 12 of those schools improving by over five per cent points on last year.
Coun Patricia Bradwell, executive councillor for children’s services, said: “It’s looking like another impressive set of results this year. In particular, the percentage of students achieving the English Baccalaureate at 29.4 per cent is a significant improvement.
“Students deserve every credit for their commitment to reach their potential. Remember, if you haven’t got the results you need, don’t panic, there is plenty of advice and help out there – go to www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/teeninfolincs.”
Debbie Barnes, director of children’s services, added: “We have yet to see how the final figures will pan out, but the picture is showing that our students have done incredibly well to maintain improvements and standards. Schools continue to excel in providing the platform for students to perform to their best.
“Teachers, parents and carers deserve praise for their support and encouragement. My congratulations to all students and best wishes for your future plans.”

Continued improvements in GCSE results across Lincolnshire


Early indications of GCSE results across Lincolnshire show continued improvements this year.


A test has been developed that could help to diagnose bacterial infections, including meningitis in minutes.
The new test, developed by a team at Imperial College London, is a major breakthrough in the rapid diagnosis of meningitis and sepsis in children. If made available through the NHS, it could allow treatment to begin much earlier, saving hundreds of lives and reducing the risk of life-changing after-effects.
The signs and symptoms of meningitis are notoriously difficult to diagnose, and can be dismissed as a cold or flu. Many young children presenting the early symptoms of the disease are initially sent home, before being rushed back to hospital a few hours later as their condition rapidly deteriorates.
Currently, doctors grow bacteria in a sample of blood, in a process which can take up to 48 hours.
Responding to the news, Liz Brown, CEO at charity Meningitis Now said: “A delay in life-saving treatment for bacterial meningitis can be a matter of life or death. We welcome this significant progress in the development of a rapid test for meningitis and sepsis.
“We would however, continue to advise people to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and to seek immediate medical attention if they have any concerns”.
The study led by Professor Michael Levin has shown that a bacterial infection can be distinguished from other causes of fever, such as a viral infection, using a pattern of genes that are switched on or off in response to an infection.
A larger project will now begin to develop these findings into a pin-prick diagnostic test, which Professor Levin believes could be available through the NHS within five years.
14 facts about meningitis and septicaemia
Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord
Septicaemia is blood poisoning
Some bacteria that cause meningitis also cause septicaemia
Meningitis and septicaemia often happen together – it is vital to know all the signs and symptoms
The early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can be similar to ‘flu and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.
The more specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.
In babies, symptoms can also include being floppy and unresponsive, dislike of being handled, rapid breathing, an unusual, moaning cry and a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the top of the head).
There are an estimated 3,200 cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia each year in the UK.
Following bacterial meningitis or septicaemia, one in ten people will die and at least a third of survivors will be left with lifelong after-effects such as hearing loss, epilepsy, limb loss or learning difficulties
Meningitis and septicaemia can affect anyone, of any age, at any time. However, babies and young children are most at risk, and young people between 15 – 24 years are also a higher risk group.
In the past 20 years, effective vaccines have been developed to give protection against SOME types of meningitis. These are offered to all babies and young children as part of the UK childhood immunisation programme. BUT there are not vaccines to protect against ALL types.
A vaccine to protect against meningococcal group B (Men B) disease, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia, was introduced into the UK childhood immunisation programme in September 2015.
If you suspect someone may be ill with meningitis or septicaemia, trust your instincts and get immediate medical help.
Meningitis Now aims to reduce the impact of meningitis by raising awareness and funding research into vaccine and treatment. For support and advice on meningitis call the Meningitis Now Helpline on 0808 80 10 388.
For more information or to donate visit the website at www.MeningitisNow.org

Pin-prick meningitis test could be available within five years


A test has been developed that could help to diagnose bacterial infections, including meningitis in minutes.


Lincolnshire Trading Standards is reminding holidaymakers to remain vigilant when booking a last minute deal this summer.
Angela Kane, senior trading standards officer, commented: “Whether paying upfront for a family holiday or simply booking a flight, it is heartbreaking if you discover that your airline ticket or holiday does not exist and was sold to you by a bogus travel company.”
Lincolnshire Trading Standards has put together advice when booking online:
l If you’re unfamiliar with the travel company you want to book a holiday with, do research online to ensure that they are reputable. Check whether the company is a member of a recognised trade body such as ABTA.
l Don’t respond to unsolicited emails, texts or calls offering holidays at very low prices. Remember, don’t click on any links within these emails and texts, or open any attachments.
l Whenever possible, pay for your holiday by credit card as it offers increased protection over other payment methods. Always look for the ‘https’ and locked padlock icon in the address bar.
If you’ve been a victim of bogus holiday fraud, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.


Lincolnshire Trading Standards is reminding holidaymakers to remain vigilant when booking a last minute deal this summer.


Tomorrow (Thursday August 25), sports fans have an opportunity to secure the last few remaining places on a local charity golf day - hosted by some of Britain’s best motorcycle racing talent.
Laceby Manor Golf Resort, which is owned by former motorcycle grand prix rider and local entrepreneur Roger Burnett, will play host to the Monster golf day.
Moto2 rider, Sam Lowes, his twin brother, Alex, who competes in the Superbike World Championship, and Leon Haslam, British Superbike Championship contender, will play in the event ahead of the region playing host to one of the most popular British Superbike races of the year at Cadwell Park over the Bank Holiday weekend.
All funds raised will be divided equally between two charities: St Andrew’s Hospice and North East Lincolnshire Down Syndrome Trust.
Just 18 teams of four will play on the day, with individual places costing £100. Each player will receive a sleeve of Titleist pro v1 golf balls on arrival, courtesy of local sponsor Henderson Insurance Brokers Ltd, and a Monster-branded cap.
Sandwiches and wedges will also be included in the entry fee and will be served in the Round Bar at Laceby Manor Golf Resort ahead of the 1pm shotgun start.
Additional fundraising activities will also take place on the day to increase the total money raised and the event will be supported by energy drink brand, Monster. Everyone is welcome to join the evening BBQ from 5.30pm at a cost of £5 per head, but places must be pre-booked.
Speaking ahead of the event, Sam Lowes said: “The support of my management team and sponsors is vital in being able to continue racing and achieving my dreams. “To have the opportunity to give something back to them by supporting their nominated charities while doing something I love is amazing.
“Golf is my second passion but even though it’s fun I am, of course, competitive - particularly when playing against my brother and Leon, so it should be an interesting day!”
Laceby Manor owner, Roger Burnett added: “We’re proud to be able to host this event and look forward to raising as much money as possible for three charities that do important work. The support that we’ve received so far has been incredible, but we’re pleased to be able to open up a few limited opportunities to be involved in the day to local sports fans.”
• To find out more, please call 01472 873468 or email proshop@lacebymanorgolfclub.co.uk

Charity golf day in store for famous racers and sports fans ahead of Cadwell Park races


Tomorrow (Thursday August 25), sports fans have an opportunity to secure the last few remaining places on a local charity golf day - hosted by some of Britain’s best motorcycle racing talent.


With GCSE Results Day finally upon us, hundreds of thousands of teenagers across the country will be weighing up their options for the future.
Although A-levels remain the traditional educational route after GCSEs, they are not the only option. More and more students are turning towards apprenticeships and further education as real alternatives.
Many of the teenagers picking up their results have already been in education for the best part of 12 years.
But these days, teenagers - up to the age of 18 - are legally required to stay in education, training, or get a job with accredited training - which the government calls ‘raising the age of participation’.
Being in further education or training doesn’t mean teenagers have to stay in the same school. There are lots of options.
So, for those students who didn’t do so well in their GCSEs, or don’t find the prospect of another two years at school studying A-levels appealing, here are our top three options for life after GCSEs:
• Do an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships have had some mixed press. The quality and rates of pay have been in the news, but there are lots of good apprenticeship opportunities out there and lots of organisations who can help, and offer you the right information;. Check out ‘The Student Room’s’ new Apprenticeship Hub, which is full of accurate and up-to-date information - and it can even help to dispel some of those apprenticeship myths.
• Do a traineeship
If you are not quite ready for an apprenticeship and need to work on your skills, then don’t worry; there are lots of opportunities for you to complete a traineeship.
• Go to your local college
There are two types of college – Sixth Form college and Further Education college. Sixth Form Colleges are mostly geared up for students between 16-18 years old, and tend to concentrate on academic education.
Further Education colleges are generally much bigger than Sixth Form colleges and offer a wider range of subjects, including vocational education (BTECs and NVQs). Plus, they are not just for teenagers; Further Education colleges offer adult education and higher education too.
• The Gov.uk website can help you find more information about courses offered by schools and colleges in your area if you are between the ages of 14-19.

GCSE Results come out tomorrow... but what happens next?


With GCSE Results Day finally upon us, hundreds of thousands of teenagers across the country will be weighing up their options for the future.


A Lincolnshire family have been reunited with their relative’s First World War medal after it was found by a local metal detectorist near Wragby.
The Victory Medal, which was awarded to those serving in the armed forces during the First World War, was discovered near Wragby by local metal-detectorist Charlie Atkinson. The medal was given to Charles William Baggaley, who was with the Lincolnshire Regiment between 1914 and 1919.
Metal-detectorist Charlie Atkinson hand sthe medal over to Basil Bruntlett
Charlie was keen to reunite the medal with Baggaley’s family and approached Lincolnshire County Council for help.
Adam Daubney, finds liaison officer, said: “I was happy to help return the medal to its family. A bit of research led me to the 1911 Census, which showed Charles Baggaley living at home with his parents in Bardney, aged 15. Baggaley then signed up with the Lincolnshire Regiment when the war broke out a few years later.
“Records indicate he served in France, but was hospitalised for a time after contracting trench fever in 1918.
“After the war, Baggaley returned to Lincolnshire and married a lady by the name of Alice Grantham. They did not have any children, but relatives of his still live near Wragby today.”
As a result of this discovery, Charlie was able to return the medal to Basil Bruntlett, who is Charles Baggaley’s great nephew.
Basil Bruntlett said: “It is a great honour and privilege for my family to accept this medal for Charles’s service to his country. We will look after it with great pride and pass it on through the generations to come, so Charles will always be remembered.”
Charlie Atkinson said: “When I found the medal, I didn’t realise exactly what it was. It was only after I cleaned it that I found out it was indeed a WW1 Victory medal.
“I noted the name, rank, number and regiment and I contacted Adam Daubney and sent him the photos of it that I managed to take. Adam was extremely helpful in tracing the family tree and it was really pleasing to find a living member of the family to present it back to in such a short time.
“I’m really happy that we all did a good job to get the medal back to where it belonged.”
If you think you have found an archaeological object, Adam Daubney, Lincolnshire County Council’s finds liaison officer, would be pleased to help identify and record it.

Lincolnshire family reunited with relative’s World War Victory Medal after chance find


A Lincolnshire family have been reunited with their relative’s First World War medal after it was found by a local metal detectorist near Wragby.


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Irish country duo at Rasen Methodist Church


An evening of country music comes to Market Rasen next week with Irish country duo Ally Harron and Marian Curry at the Methodist Church on Friday, August 26 (7.30pm).


UK motorists have been hit by a near-20 per cent rise in insurance costs in the last year, new figures show.
The average driver now pays £715 a year for fully comprehensive cover, up 19 per cent on the same time last year.
The figures were revealed by the Confused.com car insurance price index, which tracks quarterly and annual trends.
After dropping for several years from a high of £843 in 2011, insurance costs have been rising since the start of 2015. The latest figures, for the period from April to June 2016 show that costs have risen by 6 per cent since the start of the year and drivers are paying an average of £115 more for their insurance than they were in the same period last year.
Northern Irish drivers have been worst hit by the latest rises, seeing their premiums climb 25 per cent year-on-year. They now face an average premium of £863.
Also feeling the impact badly are motorists in parts of Scotland - the Highlands and Islands saw rises of 24 per cent and drivers in the Hebrides were hit with a staggering 42 per cent annual increase.
Conversely, Orkney’s capital - Kirkwall - was one of only two places to see a drop in costs, with a quarterly fall of four per cent. Hereford, in the West Midlands, was the only other place to see a fall in quarterly premiums - down two per cent on the first three months of the year.
While younger drivers might face the highest premiums overall, they have actually escaped the worst of the rises. Drivers aged 17 saw an annual rise of just eight per cent - the lowest of any age bracket - but still face average premiums of £2,013. A the opposite end, 61-year-old drivers saw a 24 per cent rise - the highest of any age group - but still only pay £418 a year.
And the gender gap persists, with male drivers facing annual rises of 21 per cent in comparison with the 18 per cent faced by women. This continued difference means the gap between the sexes is growing as men pay an average of £92 a year more - up from £27 in 2013.
Confused’s motoring editor, Amanda Stretton, said: “We’ve not seen price rises of this magnitude for five years - a 19 per cent annual increase is substantial to say the least. And these price rises are being felt across the board, for drivers of all ages and genders, across all UK regions.
“If prices continues to rise at the rate we’ve been seeing, we could be facing the possibility of average comprehensive premiums reaching a high not seen since 2011. This, combined with rising fuel prices and increased motoring costs across the board, could result in a sizeable dent in drivers’ pockets.”

Car insurance costs soar nearly 20 per cent in 12 months


UK motorists have been hit by a near-20 per cent rise in insurance costs in the last year, new figures show.


A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.
Financial recruiter Goodman Masson took first place in the list by jobs site Glassdoor, based on reviews submitted to its website by current and former staff.
The company, which is based in London and also has offices in Dusseldorf, was praised by staff for its “huge investment” in staff benefits and “great” parties twice a year.
“The attention paid to the wellbeing of staff is at a level rarely matched elsewhere,” said an anonymous employee working in the London office.
In second place was technology firm Cisco Systems, and in third place was insurer HomeServe.
West Midlands-based HomeServe, which employs 1,200 people at its headquarters in Walsall and has 2.1 million customers in the UK, was commended for its attitude towards the treatment of its staff.
“The salary is very competitive and you are rewarded very generously for your hard work and just for carrying out your role. The company has a great framework for career progression and is always looking to promote people internally for job roles,” said a water supply engineer working at the firm.
Greg Reed, chief marketing officer at HomeServe, said: “We believe if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers. This means creating a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work every day because they feel what they do really makes a difference in our customers’ lives.”
Temping firm LOLA and Screwfix completed the top five. Other companies in the top 20 included Apple, American Express Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever and John Lewis.
Google is known for its plush offices, but doesn’t make the top 20 companies for work-life balance. Its new London office has sleep pods so workers can take a nap, although perhaps this is an indication of long hours.
For a company to have been considered, at least 50 work-life balance ratings must have been submitted by UK-based employees in the past year.
The top 20 companies for work-life balance:
1. Goodman Masson
2. Cisco Systems
3. HomeServe UK
4. LOLA Staffing
5. Screwfix
6. American Express
7. BP
8. Peninsula Business Services
9. ARM Holdings
10. Unilever
11.Thomson Reuters
12. Kantar Worldpanel
13. Atkins
14. Téléfonica
15. Credit Suisse
16. Rolls-Royce
17. John Lewis
18. Waitrose
19. Lloyds Banking Group
20. Apple

Revealed: The top UK companies for work-life balance


A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.


A Lincolnshire police officer has been sacked by the force after he admitted stealing a kayak and a set of paddles before selling them on eBay.
Constable Andrew Hamilton was dismissed by Lincolnshire Police for gross misconduct just months after he was awarded a Chief Constable’s commendation for saving a motorist’s life.
It comes after the officer was convicted of two counts of theft when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on August 8.
The thefts related to Hamilton removing a kayak and a set of paddles from Nottingham Kayak Club which belonged to two other club members. The items were then sold on internet auction site eBay.
Hamilton, who was a detective based in Grantham CID, kept the proceeds from the sale, despite knowing or believing he was not lawfully entitled to do so.
It happened between May 1 and July 9, this year.
A misconduct hearing was today (Wednesday) told Pc Hamilton, who did not attend the hearing, admitted the allegations and expected to be dismissed.
The public hearing was held at Lincolnshire Police headquarters in Nettleham and chaired by Chief Constable Neil Rhodes who himself awarded Pc Hamilton a special commendation for bravery last year.
In giving his ruling, the Chief Constable said: “I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities the officer’s conduct amounts to gross misconduct.”
He added: “There is no place in the police service for an officer who demonstrated such unequivocal dishonesty.”
In November, Pc Hamilton received a commendation from the Chief Constable for his role in saving a motorist who passed out at the wheel at 60mph.
Police constables Hamilton and Danielle Crompton were driving their marked patrol car along the A46 dual carriageway in June 2015 when they noticed that the driver of an Audi car which drove past them in the same direction was slumped at the wheel.
The car then hit the central reservation but continued driving.
Danielle, who was driving the patrol car, immediately accelerated and used the patrol car to bring the out-of-control Audi to a halt as it headed towards stationary traffic waiting at a roundabout.
The two officers immediately began first aid on the collapsed Audi driver until paramedics arrived.
It transpired that the man had suffered a seizure at the wheel and has since made a full recovery.
Chief Constable Rhodes awarded the officers commendations for their keen observational skills, outstanding professionalism and swift decisive actions which prevented serious injury to the Audi driver and other road users.

Police officer sacked after stealing kayak and paddles


A Lincolnshire police officer has been sacked by the force after he admitted stealing a kayak and a set of paddles before selling them on eBay.


Children and staff at Mon Ami Children’s Nursery in Wragby have been going for gold by taking part in a national initiative to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
They donned their fastest footwear and took part in their own mini-Olympics as part of Artie’s Olympics.
Young fundraisers at Mon Ami EMN-160824-173039001
Organised by the British Heart Foundation, the fun activity is designed to encourage children to get active and enjoy physical exercise, while also raising funds for the charity.
Aside from running races, everyone also got involved in playing games involving beanbags, hula hoops and balloons and took part in an obstacle course to test and develop their balancing skills and team-building abilities.
Staff also generated lots of discussion about the importance of warming up and cooling down before and after any physical activity.
Babies and toddlers also had the chance to join in, playing games with the parachute and dancing to Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, as well as enjoying musical bumps.
Young fundraisers at Mon Ami EMN-160824-173107001
All children were provided with sponsorship forms and, along with Mon Ami’s three other settings, raised £419.
Samantha Britton, owner of Mon Ami Children’s Nurseries, said: “This is the first time we’d heard of the Artie’s Olympics initiative and what better time to take part than during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games?
“I’ve had some great feedback from all four of our settings and it’s fantastic to see all of the children getting so enthusiastic about each of the different activities. We’re already looking forward to getting involved again next year.”
Alex Talcer, Programme Manager for Artie’s Olympics at the British Heart Foundation, added: “We’d like to thank Mon Ami Children’s Nurseries for arranging an Artie’s Olympics event and raising a fantastic £419 for our life-saving research. Every pound raised will bring us a step closer to beating heart disease.
Young fundraisers at Mon Ami EMN-160824-173053001
“Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is so important to help reduce our risk of heart disease, and it’s vital we start at a young age. That’s why we’re calling on other nursery schools to follow in Mon Ami nursery’s footsteps and get involved by holding their own Artie’s Olympics. It’s a great way to get pupils involved in energetic, heart healthy exercise, while having fun and raising money.”
Twenty per cent of the total raised will be donated to Mon Ami Nurseries to fund their activities on the day and to contribute towards keeping the children fit and healthy throughout the year.

Wragby youngsters go for gold in mini-Olympics


Children and staff at Mon Ami Children’s Nursery in Wragby have been going for gold by taking part in a national initiative to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.


The highlights and lowlights of Fields Festival


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I WAS frustrated during the vote of no confidence in Parliament
on July 22 as ourelected MPs showed their stand
by supporting either the Government or the Opposition.
However, the people of Kagua/Erave have not seen their
MP’s name on either the Government or Opposition list.
It has been 10 years since James Lagea entered Parliament
as Kagua/Erave MP and by now he should be a senior
minister in the Government or a senior shadow minister in
the Opposition. It is better that you vacate the seat and let
the people elect a new leader in 2017.
– Mark Talipa, Lae


New Story
Beyonce dominated the MTV Video Music awards on Sunday, prowling the stage with a 15 minute medley from her powerful “Lemonade” album and taking home eight statuettes, including the top prize – video of the year.
On a night when women ruled, Britney Spears returned to the VMA stage for the first time in a decade, and Rihanna performed four times to mark her lifetime achievement award.
Beyonce brought the house down at New York’s Madison Square Garden, stringing together five of her “Lemonade” album tracks about betrayal, revenge and female empowerment in a song and dance routine that brought a long standing ovation.
VMA organizers had announced only three hours before Sunday’s show began that Beyonce would perform. The singer arrived on the red carpet accompanied by the mothers of three African-American men who have died at the hands of U.S. police in the past two years.
Her politically charged “Formation” beat Adele’s 2015 comeback single “Hello,” Drake’s “Hotline Bling,” Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” and Kanye West’s sleeping nude celebrity look-alikes in “Famous” for video of the year.
She also won best female video and prizes for choreography, editing, and long form video in the awards that are voted on by fans.
Where Beyonce was angry and bold, Spears, 34, dressed in a sparkly gold leotard and matching over the knee boots was slinky retro pop. It was the “Toxic” singer’s first time on the VMA stage since her humiliating 2007 performance when her personal and professional life was falling apart, and follows the release of a new album last week.
Rihanna, 28, sang 13 of the biggest hits in her 13-year career, including “Rude Girl,” “Diamonds” and “Only Girl in the World.” She was presented with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award by Canadian rapper Drake – with whom she has often been romantically linked.
“She’s someone I’ve been in love with since I was 22 years old. She’s one of my best friends in the world. All my adult life, I’ve looked up to her even though she’s younger than me,” said Drake.
Fifth Harmony, the five-girl group that won TV talent show “The X Factor,” took home 2 “Moonman” awards.
Kanye West, who has often hijacked the live VMA show, presented a new video for his single “Fade.” West preceded the video with a rambling, improvised speech that touched on poverty, his wife Kim Kardashian, his long-running feud with Taylor Swift, and violence in black neighborhoods.
“We are undeniably the influencers, the thought leaders,” he said, before screening what he called a “piece of my art.”
Many of pop music’s biggest names, including Justin Bieber, Britain’s Adele and Taylor Swift were absent on Sunday.

Beyonce storms Video Music Awards, Rihanna gets lifetime award


Beyonce dominated the MTV Video Music awards on Sunday, prowling the stage with a 15 minute medley from her powerful "Lemonade" album and taking home eight


New Story
Boasting a “bat tracker”, a bat sign projector for the nighttime sky, smoke guns and an array of other devices, a Batman costume fitted with 23 gadgets has earned a place in the Guinness World Records book.
The bulky black-caped suit, made by Batman fan and special effects expert Julian Checkley, takes the title for “the most functional gadgets on a cosplay suit”, Guinness World Records said in a statement.
The costume, which will feature in the “Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition 2017”, is based on the suit the superhero wears in videogame “Batman: Arkham Origins”.

Batman suit boasting 23 gadgets earns Guinness World Record


Boasting a "bat tracker", a bat sign projector for the nighttime sky, smoke guns and an array of other devices, a Batman costume fitted with 23 gadgets has


The FBI is expected to release documents soon related to its investigation into Hillary Clinton and her use of a private email server.
A law enforcement official said Tuesday that documents in the case would be made public as the FBI responds to Freedom of Information Act requests.
It wasn't immediately clear when the documents would be released or exactly what they would include. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The FBI this month provided Congress portions of its file from the agency's yearlong investigation into whether then-Secretary of State Clinton and her top aides mishandled classified information that flowed through a private email server.
CNN reported that the records could be made public as early as Wednesday.
Associated Press

FBI to release documents related to Hillary Clinton email probe soon


Caption
Westminster Culinary Cook Off
On Friday, three teams of chefs went toe-to-toe in the second annual Culinary Cook Off at the Westminster headquarters of Culinary Services Group. (Jon Kelvey / BSMG)


Morning Report: What's happening today in Carroll County


US consumer spending growth slowed in July, while incomes accelerated slightly


AMATRICE, Italy (AP) — Strong aftershocks damaged two key access roads into quake-struck Amatrice on Friday, threatening to isolate the tiny hilltop town as hopes dimmed that firefighters would find any more survivors from the earthquake that killed at least 267 people.
Some crumbled buildings in Amatrice cracked even further after the biggest aftershock of Friday morning struck at 6:28 a.m. The U.S. Geological Service said it had a magnitude of 4.7, while the Italian geophysics institute measured it at 4.8.
The shaking ground also damaged one key access bridge to Amatrice, forcing emergency crews to close it. Mayor Sergio Pirozzi said he was working with authorities to find an alternative bypass also to another damaged bridge. “We hope to God it works because otherwise with the damaged stretch of road, we are without any connection” to the main roads.
Even before the roads were shut down, traffic into and out of Amatrice was horribly congested with emergency vehicles bringing hundreds of rescue crews up to Amatrice and dump trucks carrying tons of concrete, rocks and metal down the single-lane roads.
The aftershock was preceded by more than 50 overnight and was followed by another nine in the next hour — part of the nearly 1,000 aftershocks that have rocked Italy’s central Apennine Mountains since the original 6.2 magnitude quake early Wednesday.
Premier Matteo Renzi has declared a state of emergency and authorized 50 million euros for immediate quake relief.
The Italian government also declared Saturday a day of national mourning and scheduled a state funeral to be attended by President Sergio Mattarella.
Rescue efforts continued through the night and into Friday, but more than a day and a half had passed since the last person was extracted alive from the rubble. While Renzi hailed the fact that 215 people had been rescued after the quake, authorities reported a steadily rising death toll that had hit 267 by Friday morning.
Civil protection operations chief Immacolata Postiglione still insisted Friday that the rescue effort hadn’t yet switched to a recovery mission. Rescue workers have noted that a person was pulled out alive 72 hours (three days) after the 2009 earthquake in the Italian town of L’Aquila.
“I confirm, once again as we have from the start, that the units that are doing the searches and rescues, including with dogs looking for other people trapped in the rubble, are absolutely fully active,” she said Friday.
On the ground, authorities were still struggling to account for all the missing, since that number is still uncertain given the large number of visitors for summer holidays and an annual food festival.
“There is still hope to find survivors under the rubble, even in these hours,” Walter Milan, a mountain rescue worker, said Friday. But he conceded: “Certainly, it will be very unlikely.”
The vast majority of the dead were found in leveled Amatrice, the medieval hilltop town famous for its bacon and tomato pasta sauce.
The other dead hailed from nearby Accumoli and Arcquarta del Tronto.
Flags will fly at half-staff Saturday on all public offices and a state funeral will be celebrated by a bishop in a gym in Ascoli Piceno for the victims of nearby Arquata del Tronto — to date, 49 of the dead have come from the tiny town and its hamlet Pescara del Tronto.
The first private funerals were scheduled for Friday, including one in Pomezia south of Rome celebrated by one of Pope Francis’ closest collaborators, Bishop Marcello Semeraro.
Across the area, thousands have been forced to abandon their homes, either because they were destroyed or they were determined to be too unsafe. Overnight some 2,100 slept in tent camps, nearly 1,000 more than the first night after Wednesday’s quake, in a sign that a significant number had found nowhere else to go.
“I have no idea what I’m going to do now, because I had renovated the house two years ago,” survivor Umberto Palaferri said, showing a photo of his collapsed home on his phone. “It was all new and now I don’t know what to do. I’m 76 and don’t know if I can rebuild it.”
___
Winfield reported from Rome.

Quake damaged roads threaten access to Italy town


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WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal aviation officials estimate there will be 600,000 commercial drone aircraft operating in the U.S. within the year as the result of new safety rules that opened the skies to them on Monday.
Michael Huerta, head of the Federal Aviation Administration, said at a news conference that the rules governing the operation of small commercial drones are designed to protect safety without stifling innovation.
Commercial operators initially complained that the new rules would be too rigid. The agency responded by creating a system to grant exemptions to the rules for companies that show they can operate safely.
Huerta said the FAA had already granted 76 exemptions, most of them to companies that want to fly drones at night.

Government forecast: 600K commercial drones within the year


COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A committee of state lawmakers has held its first of five meetings aimed at determining whether Ohio’s jobless benefits system for workers is sustainable and whether any solvency issues need to be addressed.
The Columbus Dispatch reports (http://bit.ly/2bUwzM1 ) the state Department of Job and Family Services warned the panel of six Republicans and two Democrats Thursday that even a small recession would “render us insolvent.”
The agency says the state could increase employer taxes, levy a surcharge on businesses or suspend or lower benefit amounts.
Other possible reforms include lengthening benefit wait periods or shortening the amount of time benefits can be received.
The panel was created last year after a bill stalled that aimed at resolving the challenges facing the state’s unemployment compensation system.
___
Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com

State agency proposes reform to unemployment benefits system


AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Dean Green supports Donald Trump partly because of the GOP presidential nominee’s tough, deport-them-all stance on illegal immigration. But the 57-year-old Republican paused as he complained about U.S. immigration policy and acknowledged that deporting all 11 million people in the U.S. illegally would separate families.
“I don’t want to break up families,” Green said.
It has been 30 years since the country embarked on an immigration overhaul, and the ambivalence of voters like Green is one reason why. Polls often show that majorities favor letting people illegally in the U.S. stay and also back tougher laws to deport them.
“The electorate is conflicted and that’s a fundamental problem,” said Whit Ayres, a Republican pollster. “This is such an emotional issue that reason and facts have very little to do with how people stand.”
Trump is now either caught up in, or trying to exploit, that contradiction as he considers “softening” his controversial immigration stance. He won the GOP primaries on the strength of an aggressive immigration policy, calling for the immediate deportation of the estimated 11 million people in the U.S. illegally and construction of a Mexican border wall. But as he trails in the polls and struggles to overcome record lows with minority voters, he has sounded a softer tone.
“To take a person who’s been here 15 or 20 years and throw them and their family out, it’s so tough,” Trump told a Fox News town hall, quoting what some “really strong” supporters had said to him. He even polled the audience on whether to allow some people in the country illegally to stay, a key part of President Barack Obama and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s agendas.
Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, which advocates for an immigration overhaul that would let people in the country illegally remain here while increasing border security, said that Trump’s words mean little until he commits to a real policy change. But just the fact that the candidate has to utter them is telling, he said.
“Opposition is not just toxic with Latinos and Asians and African-Americans, but with white voters,” Schulte said.
A Pew survey released Thursday found 24 percent of the public favoring toughening border security first and 29 percent letting people stay in the country. Forty-five percent called for both. Trump’s proposed wall is opposed by 61 percent of the country but backed by 78 percent of his supporters.
Views of immigrants have shifted over time, but remain conflicted, said Mark Lopez of Pew. In the early 1990s, two-thirds of Americans surveyed by Pew characterized immigrants as a burden on society, but now nearly two-thirds see them as a benefit. Lopez noted that happened as large numbers of immigrants settled in the U.S. and had children. However, a Pew survey last year found 50 percent of Americans believe immigrants make the economy worse compared to 28 percent who believe they make it better. (The survey did find majorities think immigrants improve food and music.)
Immigration has created complications for both parties. During the Democratic primary, as she courted groups that favor a softer stance on immigration, Clinton had to disavow her prior opposition to providing driver’s licenses for people here illegally and also her support for deporting Central American children who flooded the border in 2014.
But the Democrat’s contradictions are dwarfed by those in the GOP. During the GOP primary Trump slammed rivals like former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Ohio Gov. John Kasich for backing “amnesty” — letting people here illegally remain. But in exit polls in 20 primary states, 53 percent of Republican voters supported letting those immigrants stay, even as Trump won the primaries.
Ayres recalled a focus group in the Deep South during which conservative voters complained about illegal immigrants. One man said he wanted them to pay taxes, work and learn English. Ayres told the man that was precisely the bipartisan proposal that had passed the Senate in 2013 and was being held up in the Republican-controlled House. “But that’s amnesty,” the man responded. “I don’t support that.”
“That’s when I turned around and cracked my head against the wall,” Ayres said.
Roy Beck, president of Numbers USA, which pushes for less immigration, sees Trump’s shift through that prism. “Trump is much more like an average American than he is like a politician,” said Beck, whose group still downgraded Trump in its voter guide this week. “He’s thinking about these things, people are talking to him and he’s reflecting that.”
Mark Krikorian of the Center for Immigration Studies, which also advocates for less immigration, doesn’t think the Republican nominee should be cut any slack. Trump has changed his position on many issues, but immigration is the one that launched his candidacy, he said.
“Without the immigration issue, the words ‘President Trump’ would still be a ‘Simpsons’ joke,’ ” Krikorian said.
___
What political news is the world searching for on Google and talking about on Twitter? Find out via AP’s Election Buzz interactive. http://elections.ap.org/buzz

Trump immigration waffle reflects voter confusion on issue


SOLON, Ohio (AP) — Authorities say a woman was fatally shot after a crash involving the alleged shooter’s vehicle in suburban Cleveland.
Solon police responded to reports of the crash and gunfire before 7:30 Saturday morning. Officers say they found the woman in the road with multiple gunshot wounds. She was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.
Officers at the crash site arrested a 29-year-old North Ridgeville man, who they said was carrying a rifle.
Authorities have not released his name or the woman’s.
Police say their two vehicles collided, causing the suspect’s vehicle to roll over several times.
Solon Police Lt. Bruce Felton tells Cleveland.com that investigators are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting. He said they are investigating road-rage as a possible factor in the crash.

Ohio police: Woman shot after car crash, shooter in custody


KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) — In a central Indiana city where trees were sheared off at their stumps by one of several tornadoes in the region, residents began the hard work Thursday of cleaning up destroyed or damaged homes and businesses.
The EF3 tornado that swept through the south side of Kokomo, Indiana, on Wednesday afternoon packing winds as high as 152 mph toppled a Starbucks coffee shop and tore apart numerous homes. One of them belonged to 45-year-old Mark Martinez, who was out picking up his daughter from school and returned to find everything but the bedrooms on one side of his house destroyed.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence hugged and chatted with residents in a neighborhood where the damage seemed to skip some homes altogether. Pence credited quick thinking and early warnings of the approaching storm for the lack of serious injuries; Howard County Sheriff Steve Rogers said only 10 to 15 residents in the city 40 miles north of Indianapolis had minor injuries.
“It’s a miracle and it’s a testament to good common sense,” Pence said.
Cheryl Swyers said she huddled in a hallway closet with her 2-year-old granddaughter as the tornado struck.
“It sounded like it lasted forever, but I’m sure it wasn’t,” Swyers said. “The house shook. You could hear things flying around outside.”
Her house was spared from major damage. But the tornado demolished most of the home across the street belonging to Martinez, who left to pick up his daughter from school minutes before the tornado tore through.
When they returned, his daughter was distraught because their dog was still inside the rubble of the home. After some digging, Martinez found the dog alive.
Martinez said he hadn’t mentally processed the events.
“It’s crazy,” was all he could muster.
The Kokomo tornado was one of several that swept through central and northern Indiana and northwest Ohio on Wednesday.
In Ohio, damage was reported in four counties, including Van Wert County, where officials said at least two tornadoes touched down about 2 miles apart, tearing roofs off homes and flattening barns. A tornado warning also briefly stopped a KISS concert Wednesday night in Toledo, Ohio, though no twisters touched down in that city.
As of Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service had confirmed that at least seven tornadoes hit Indiana during Wednesday’s outbreak, five of them in central Indiana and two others in northeastern Indiana. But surveys were continuing and the storm tally was expected to rise, said Mike Ryan, a weather service meteorologist in Indianapolis.
Some houses and farm buildings were damaged by storms in rural areas near Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the Montgomery County community of Mace, about 35 miles northwest of Indianapolis.
About 220 people stayed overnight in a temporary shelter in Kokomo, Mayor Greg Goodnight said Thursday. Police were restricting access to storm-damaged neighborhoods, saying residents must show identification to gain access.
Utility companies reported about 25,000 homes and businesses in the Kokomo area lost electricity from the storm, though power was restored to more than half by Thursday afternoon.
Heidi Otiker lives on a block that was hit Wednesday, as well as by a tornado in November 2013.
“It could have been far worse. God has a master plan. I believe this all happens for a reason. It sucks at the moment. Our houses and our material things can be replaced,” she said. “But this time, no fatalities, no injuries, and we are all still here.”
___
Associated Press writers Ken Kusmer, Rick Callahan and Tom Davies in Indianapolis contributed to this report.

Several tornadoes likely hit Indiana, Ohio; no bad injuries


Associated Press Ohio Daybook for Friday, Aug. 26.
The daybook is for planning purposes only and is not intended for publication or broadcast. You should verify any event you plan to cover.
Please keep the AP in mind when news develops. The Columbus bureau is reachable at 614-885-2727. Send daybook items to [email protected]
——————–
Friday, Aug. 26 8:00 AM Big Lots: Q2 2016 Earning conference call / Webcast
Location: TBD http://www.biglotscorporate.com/investor/index.asp https://twitter.com/BigLots
Contacts: Andrew D. Regrut Big Lots Investor Relations [email protected] 1 614 278 6622
——————–
Friday, Aug. 26 9:00 AM Warren County Transportation Improvement District Board meeting
Location: Warren County Engineer’s Office, 210 W Main Street, Lebanon, OH http://www.co.warren.oh.us/County/Default.aspx
Contacts: Savannah Shafer Warren County Public Relations [email protected] 1 513 695 3302
——————–
Friday, Aug. 26 10:30 AM BGSU president delivers State of the University address – Bowling Green State University President Mary Ellen Mazey delivers 2016 State of the University Address, discussing the University’s ‘strategic plan, recent accomplishments, and priorities and goals for the coming year’
Location: Donnell Theatre, 1300 Ridge St, Bowling Green, OH Bowling Green http://www.bgsu.edu/ https://twitter.com/bgsu
Contacts: Amber Stark BGSU [email protected] 1 419 372 8582
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Friday, Aug. 26 11:30 AM Annual United Negro College Fund Mayor’s Luncheon – Annual United Negro College Fund Mayor’s Luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley
Location: Charity Early Auditorium, 444 W 3rd St, Dayton, OH Dayton http://www.uncf.org/ https://twitter.com/UNCF
Contacts: UNCF 1 614 221 5309
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Friday, Aug. 26 2:00 PM Ohio state Rep. Steve Hambley and state Sen. Larry Obhof host joint office hours
Location: Brunswick Public Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick, OH http://www.ohiohouse.gov
Contacts: Brandon Sagraves Ohio House of Representatives [email protected] 1 614 466 8140
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Friday, Aug. 26 2:45 PM GOP Sen. Rob Portman holds event to wrap up his ‘Moving Ohio Forward’ Summer RV Tour – Republican Sen. Rob Portman, who is running for re-election, holds event to wrap up his ‘Moving Ohio Forward’ Summer RV Tour, which made ’50 stops across 30 counties and covered over 3,500 miles in the span of two weeks’
Location: 614 Wooster Pike Terrace Park, OH www.robportman.com
Contacts: Michawn Rich Portman for Senate [email protected] 1 775 240 8539
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Friday, Aug. 26 Big Lots: Q2 2016 Results
Location: TBD http://www.biglotscorporate.com/investor/index.asp https://twitter.com/BigLots
Contacts: Andrew D. Regrut Big Lots Investor Relations [email protected] 1 614 278 6622
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Friday, Aug. 26 – Thursday, Sep. 01 The American Legion National Convention – The American Legion National Convention. Speakers over the week-long event include 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton (31 Aug) and Republican nominee Donald Trump (1 Sep)
Location: Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati www.legion.org https://twitter.com/AmericanLegion
Contacts: The American Legion press [email protected] 1 317 630 1253
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Keywords: Daybook, Ohio


Hello! Here’s a look at how AP’s general news coverage is shaping up in Ohio. Questions about coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to the AP Columbus bureau at 614-885-2727 or [email protected] Ann Sanner is on the desk. Andrew Welsh-Huggins, interim news editor, can be reached at 800-762-4841 or 614-885-2727 or [email protected]
A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories and digests will keep you up to date. All times are Eastern.
Some TV and radio stations will receive shorter APNewsNow versions of the stories below, along with all updates.
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TOP STORIES:
BACK TO SCHOOL-QUICKER LAW DEGREE
BEXLEY — Aja Miyamoto strolls into social functions now at the Capital University Law School like she’s one of the club. As a matter of fact, though Miyamoto is still a 19-year-old sophomore, she is. Through a special program, Miyamoto will earn both her bachelor’s and law degrees in a combined six years, rather than the usual seven. During the fourth year of her undergraduate education, she’ll take first-year law school courses designed to count toward both degrees, allowing her to trim a year — and an estimated roughly $30,000 — off the two-degree sequence. By Julie Carr Smyth. SENT: 600 words, photos.
CONFEDERATE GRAVE-MIXUP
COLUMBUS — A relative of a Civil War soldier who was misidentified when he was buried at a cemetery more than a century ago has asked officials to correct the mistake. SENT: 280 words, photo.
XGR–UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS-OHIO
COLUMBUS — A committee of state lawmakers has held its first of five meetings aimed at determining whether Ohio’s jobless benefits system for workers is sustainable and whether any solvency issues need to be addressed. SENT: 130 words. UPCOMING: 300 words by 3 p.m.
EXCHANGE-GLACIAL GROOVES
KELLEYS ISLAND, Ohio — The Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve in northern Ohio is a popular starting point for visitors of Kelleys Island on Lake Erie. Lake Erie as we know it didn’t exist around Kelleys Island — the lake’s largest American island — when the Glacial Grooves were formed roughly 10,000 years ago. “It was just a grassy, low marshy area,” said Pat Hayes, president of the island’s Audubon Club. By Daniel Carson, The (Fremont) News-Messenger. SENT: 650 words, photos planned.
SPORTS:
FBC–T25-OHIO STATE-MOTIVATIONAL MANTRAS
COLUMBUS — With all the fervor of a Baptist preacher, Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson paces in front of the players and delivers a passionate explanation of “The Edge,” the program’s latest motivational mantra. “To be elite, you’ve got to take a free fall, but you can’t be afraid to go to the edge!” Johnson booms in a speech that made the rounds on social media. By Mitch Stacy. SENT: 650 words, photos.
IN BRIEF:
— HEROIN OVERDOSES-SUDDEN SPIKES: A southwest Ohio coroner is hoping a sample of a powerful sedative will help local officials find out what’s behind a recent spike in heroin overdoses.
— LAWMAKER-RETRIBUTION LAWSUIT: A jury in central Ohio has rejected a Democratic state lawmaker’s defamation lawsuit against the state’s Democratic Party.
— ANGLERS-POACHING: Ohio wildlife officers say 24 people from Wisconsin and one from Ohio have been convicted of exceeding their daily limit of walleye on Lake Erie.
— CAMPAIGN 2016-OHIO-BIDEN: Vice President Joe Biden is headed to northeast Ohio to campaign for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
— CINCINNATI FIREFIGHTERS: Cincinnati officials say they plan to hire 40 new fire recruits next year after winning a $6.5 million federal grant.
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If you have stories of regional or statewide interest, please email them to [email protected] If you have photos of regional or statewide interest, please send them to the AP state photo center in New York, 888-273-6867. For access to AP Exchange and other technical issues, contact AP Customer Support at [email protected] or 877-836-9477.
MARKETPLACE: Calling your attention to the Marketplace in AP Exchange, where you can find member-contributed content from Ohio and other states. The Marketplace is accessible on the left navigational pane of the AP Exchange home page, near the bottom. For both national and state, you can click “All” or search for content by topics such as education, politics and business.


AKRON, Ohio (AP) — A 29-year-old northeast Ohio man has been sentenced to seven years behind bars after he admitted to dragging an officer for two blocks while fleeing a traffic stop.
Demardre Johnson pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges including felonious assault, resisting arrest and obstructing justice. Johnson apologized for his actions in court.
Authorities say Akron police officers pulled Johnson over in February and asked him for his driver’s license. The man told police he didn’t have one and refused an officer’s request to step out of his vehicle.
Police say when they tried to open his door, Johnson shifted into drive and took off with an officer hanging on the vehicle’s door. The SUV eventually crashed and Johnson was taken into custody.
The officer was treated for minor injuries.

Man, 29, gets prison for dragging officer in traffic stop


CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — State and local elected officials have expressed concerns that the U.S. National Whitewater Center has reopened its channels less than two months after a rafter died from a brain-eating amoeba and with no new regulations in place.
The Charlotte Observer reported (http://bit.ly/2bH8325) State Sen. Joel Ford said he was “stunned” the center resumed rafting on Aug. 10. Ford, whose district includes the facility, also said state lawmakers had expected to reconvene in Raleigh this winter and consider requirements. Ford also told the newspaper that lawmakers believed the water channels would remain closed until next year and thus didn’t act immediately.
The center closed after 18-year-old Lauren Seitz of Westerville, Ohio, died on June 19 from an infection caused by an amoeba naturally present in warm fresh water.

Officials concerned over whitewater center reopening


CINCINNATI (AP) — The Latest on a surge in heroin overdoses in several states (all times local):
4:20 p.m.
Officials in several states are scrambling to deal with a series of heroin overdose outbreaks affecting dozens of people and involving at least six deaths.
The spikes in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia over the past few days have seen rescue workers rushing from scene to scene to provide overdose antidote drugs.
It’s unclear if one dealer or batch is responsible for the multistate outbreak. But the spikes reflect the potency of heroin now flooding the Midwest.
Police in Cincinnati on Friday asked for the public’s help in identifying the source of the heroin behind an estimated 78 overdoses in two days.
One person died in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, following a series of 12 heroin overdoses within hours of each other on Wednesday.
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11 a.m.
Police in Cincinnati are asking for the public’s help in finding the source of the suspected heroin behind an estimated 78 overdoses in just two days this week.
Authorities believe the same batch is linked to three recent deaths.
They say there were an estimated 78 overdoses on Tuesday and Wednesday and a total of 174 overdoses in emergency rooms within the past week.
Local officials are calling it a public health emergency.
They suspect a drug used to sedate elephants that is 100 times as potent as the fentanyl (FEHN’-tuh-nihl) could be behind the surge in overdoses.
County leaders on Thursday said they’ll seek funding for treatment that would come with expanded response teams.
The teams would offer treatment to people who’ve overdosed.

Dozens treated as heroin overdose spikes hit several states


COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A committee of state lawmakers has held its first of five meetings aimed at determining whether Ohio’s jobless benefits system for workers is sustainable and whether any solvency issues need to be addressed.
The Columbus Dispatch reports (http://bit.ly/2bUwzM1) the state Department of Job and Family Services warned the panel on Thursday that even a small recession would “render us insolvent.”
The agency says the state could increase employer taxes, levy a surcharge on businesses or suspend or lower benefit amounts.
Other possible changes include lengthening benefit wait periods or shortening the amount of time benefits can be received.
The committee of six appointed Republicans and two appointed Democrats was recently created after a bill aimed at resolving the system’s challenges stalled.
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This story has been corrected to reflect that the committee was recently created this year, not last year.
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Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com


LONDON (AP) — London police have made about 240 arrests at the Notting Hill Carnival as thousands of revelers turned out for one of Europe’s largest street parties.
The Metropolitan Police reported at least four knife attacks during the two-day festival in west London, with a 15-year-old boy among those hospitalized. His condition, initially critical, is not considered to be life-threatening.
Most of the arrests were for drug and weapons offenses. Some people were arrested for more than one offense.
Monday is the final day of the event, a celebration of reggae music, steel drums and dancers that evoked the neighborhood’s Caribbean roots.

London police arrest 240 at Notting Hill Carnival


CLEVELAND (AP) _ The winning numbers in Friday evening’s drawing of the Ohio Lottery’s “Pick 4 Evening” game were:
9-5-3-5
(nine, five, three, five)

Winning numbers drawn in ‘Pick 4 Evening’ game


DURANT, Miss. (AP) — Hundreds of people filled a cathedral in Mississippi’s capital city on Monday to remember two nuns who spent decades helping the needy and were found stabbed to death last week in their home in one of the poorest counties of the state.
Bail was denied during the initial court appearance for the man charged with two counts of capital murder in the slayings of Sisters Margaret Held and Paula Merrill, both 68. Rodney Earl Sanders, 46, of Kosciusko, Mississippi, was also charged with one count of burglary and one count of grand larceny. He was not represented by an attorney during his appearance Monday afternoon in Durant city court. City Judge Jim Arnold said the state will appoint an attorney for Sanders.
Capital murder is punishable by execution or life in prison; the sisters’ religious orders have issued a joint statement against the death penalty.
“We are going to consider the heinous nature of the crime and their wishes,” District Attorney Akillie Malone-Oliver said Monday, referring to the families of the sisters and their religious orders.
Sanders confessed to the killings but gave no reason, said Holmes County Sheriff Willie March, who was briefed by Durant police and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation officials who took part in Sanders’ interrogation. Sanders had been living about 15 miles east of the sisters’ Durant home. He has been held at an undisclosed jail since his arrest late Friday.
Sander’s wife attended the hearing and broke down afterward when addressing the family and friends of the nuns.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say to y’all. I’m so sorry … I’m so sorry. I can’t take this. Oh my God,” Marie Sanders said.
Merrill and Held worked as nurse practitioners at Lexington Medical Clinic, about 10 miles west of Durant, where they often treated poor and uninsured patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions. Their bodies were found in their home after they failed to show up at work Thursday.
The clinic in Lexington and the nuns’ home in Durant are in Holmes County, population 18,000. With 44 percent of its residents living in poverty, Holmes is the seventh-poorest county in America, according to the Census Bureau. The killings shocked people in the small communities where the women committed their lives to helping the poor.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz and more than 20 priests from the Diocese of Jackson celebrated a memorial Mass on Monday at the small but ornate Cathedral of St. Peter in downtown Jackson, about an hour’s drive south of Durant. The front pews were filled by family members and sisters from Held’s and Merrill’s religious orders, the Kentucky-based Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and the School Sisters of St. Francis of Milwaukee.
The Rev. Greg Plata, who ministers at the church in Lexington, Mississippi, where Held and Merrill led Bible study, praised them for their lives of service. Plata also noted the joint statement against the death penalty released Sunday by the sisters’ orders.
“Justice for a heinous crime demands punishment, but it does not demand revenge,” Plata said.
On Sunday, more than 300 people attended a service at the church in Lexington.
Warren Strain, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety which includes the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, said the organization would neither confirm nor deny that Sanders confessed.
Records from the Iowa Department of Corrections show Sanders was in prison from June 2004 to February 2011 on a conviction of second-degree robbery. Records show he also was in prison in Iowa from August 1999 to August 2002 on a conviction of theft, and from April to October 1996 for two counts of third-offense drunken driving.
Sanders was on probation after a prison term for a felony drunken-driving conviction in Mississippi last year, said Grace Simmons Fisher, a spokeswoman for the Mississippi Department of Corrections. He was also convicted of armed robbery in Holmes County, sentenced in 1986 and served six years.
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The Associated Press’ Rogelio V. Solis contributed from Lexington, Mississippi, and Rebecca Santana contributed from New Orleans.
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This story has been corrected to show that Rodney Earl Sanders is facing one count of grand larceny and one count of burglary, not one count of burglary grand larceny.

2 slain nuns remembered for helping the needy


CLEVELAND (AP) _ These Ohio lotteries were drawn Thursday:
Estimated jackpot: $76 million
0-4-0
(zero, four, zero)
4-9-5
(four, nine, five)
3-0-5-2
(three, zero, five, two)
7-8-0-0
(seven, eight, zero, zero)
7-7-6-2-7
(seven, seven, six, two, seven)
7-6-0-9-7
(seven, six, zero, nine, seven)
Estimated jackpot: $142 million
03-06-08-31-38
(three, six, eight, thirty-one, thirty-eight)
Estimated jackpot: $110,000


DURANT, Miss. (AP) — The Latest on the killing of two nuns in Mississippi (all times local):
Authorities say they have charged a 46-year-old man in connection with the killing of two nuns who were killed in Mississippi,
Mississippi Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain said in a statement Friday night that Rodney Earl Sanders of Kosciusko has been charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill, both 68.
Their bodies were discovered Thursday after they failed to show up for work at a clinic in Lexington, Mississippi, about 10 miles from where they lived.
Lt. Colonel Jimmy Jordan says “Sanders was developed as a person of interest early on in the investigation.”
Sanders is being held in an undisclosed detention center awaiting his initial court appearance.
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3:45 p.m.
Services have been scheduled for two nuns who were killed in Mississippi.
The bodies of Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill, both 68, were discovered Thursday after they failed to show up for work at a clinic in Lexington, Mississippi, about 10 miles from where they lived.
The Catholic Diocese of Jackson says a wake will be held Sunday at St. Thomas Church in Lexington. A memorial Mass is scheduled Monday at the Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle in Jackson.
The diocesan chancellor, Mary Woodward, says the memorial service will be “an opportunity for the diocesan community and friends to celebrate the lives of these two remarkable women.”
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3:10 p.m.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has increased the reward by $20,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the deaths of two nuns.
Sister Paula Merrill and Sister Margaret Held were found dead Thursday in their homes in Durant. Authorities have not released a motive or cause of death, but the Rev. Greg Plata said police told him the sisters were stabbed.
The Holmes County Crime Stoppers chapter had initially put up $2,500, so the total reward money is now $22,500.
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2 p.m.
The sister of a nun who was killed in rural Mississippi says her sister was called to “serve the underserved.”
Rosemarie Merrill on Friday described her sister Paula and the second nun who was killed with her, Margaret Held, as generous women who would give you the shirt off their backs.
Both women were found dead Thursday.
Rosemarie Merrill says her sister moved to Mississippi in 1981. For a time when she lived in Holly Springs, Mississippi she would ride around town on a moped. She was instrumental in locating the source of a tuberculosis outbreak in the town while she was there.
The clinic where the women worked served underinsured and uninsured people in the poorest county in the state.
__
1:30 p.m.
A minister in Mississippi says a memorial Mass will be held for two Catholic nuns were found slain inside their home.
Father Greg Plata said Friday that the nuns, Sister Paula Merrill and Sister Margaret Held, had led Bible study for years at St. Thomas Catholic Church. He says Held will be buried in Wisconsin and Merrill will be buried at her congregation’s headquarters in Nazareth, Kentucky.
He says the sisters’ work as nurses dignified the poor.
Authorities have not released a motive or cause of death, but Plata said police told him the sisters were stabbed.
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12 p.m.
People in the Mississippi community where two nuns were killed say they are having a hard time finding forgiveness, even though that’s what the sisters would have wanted.
Joe Morgan Jr. says he was a patient of Sister Paula Merrill and last saw her about four months ago.
Morgan went to Lexington Medical Clinic where the sisters worked as nurses on Friday in hopes of talking to grieving staff members, but a handwritten sign in the front door says the clinic is closed until Monday.
Morgan says the nuns would’ve wanted him to forgive whoever killed them, but right now he doesn’t have any forgiveness. Also slain was Sister Margaret Held. Both nuns were 68.
Authorities have not released a motive or cause of death, but the Rev. Greg Plata said police told him the sisters were stabbed.
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9:45 a.m.
Authorities say autopsies are being done on two nuns who were found slain in their Mississippi home.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain said the autopsies would be done Friday on Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill. The women were nurses who were found in their home Thursday when they didn’t show up for work at a clinic that helps poor people.
Authorities have said they found a car that was missing from their home and towed it to a crime lab for analysis. Authorities have not released a motive or cause of death, but the Rev. Greg Plata said police told him the sisters were stabbed.
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3 a.m.
Friends say two nuns who were found slain in their Mississippi home “would do anything for anybody.”
Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill were found dead Thursday morning when they didn’t report to work at the nearby clinic where they provided flu shots, insulin and other medical care for children and adults who couldn’t afford it.
Dr. Elias Abboud, who worked with the sisters for years and helped build the Lexington Medical Clinic, says he’s not sure what will happen to the facility in light of their deaths.
Authorities didn’t release a cause of death, but the Rev. Greg Plata said police told him the nuns were stabbed. Their bodies were taken to a state crime lab for autopsies.

The Latest: Services set for nuns killed in Mississippi


AVON LAKE, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio city is pushing forward with a medical marijuana moratorium ahead of the state’s forthcoming medical marijuana program.
WEWS-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2bEp6iJ ) Avon Lake’s safety committee voted Wednesday to move forward with a moratorium that allows it to hold off on granting building permits or certificates permitting the cultivation, processing or sale of the drug for six months.
The move wouldn’t ban the use of prescribed medical marijuana.
Committee Chair David Kos says they don’t want to issue any permits they could regret and the move gives them some breathing room. He says the state law was put through without a lot of input from individual municipalities.
Brooklyn and Lakewood have also adopted similar moratoriums. Those cities say they need more time to plan. North Olmsted and Sheffield Village are also considering moratoriums.
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Information from: WEWS-TV, http://www.newsnet5.com

Ohio city moves forward with medical marijuana moratorium


The National Weather Service says four tornadoes touched down in one western Ohio county during a storm that moved across Indiana and Ohio.
Emergency officials in Van Wert County near the Indiana state line say they’re fortunate that the tornadoes rolled across mostly rural farmland during the storms Wednesday night. They say six properties had just minor damage.
The weather service also confirms that it was a tornado that damaged eight homes in Putnam County.
A county official says the homes lost siding, shingles and have a few broken windows.
Crews are still assessing the damage in Paulding and Defiance counties where suspected tornadoes blew the roofs off homes and tore through a mobile home park.
Officials in Ohio say there haven’t been any reports of injuries from the storm.

Weather Service confirms 4 tornadoes in western Ohio county


LAS VEGAS (AP) — Two defendants became the first to plead guilty Thursday to federal charges in an armed confrontation with U.S. officials over grazing rights near cattleman and open-range advocate Cliven Bundy’s ranch in Nevada.
Gerald “Jerry” DeLemus and Blaine Cooper each admitted to conspiring with others who engaged in a tense gunpoint standoff with federal Bureau of Land Management agents in April 2014 near Bundy’s property about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
Both told U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro they weren’t physically present for the standoff.
But they acknowledged interfering with the execution of federal court orders by recruiting and organizing armed gunmen to support Bundy and sons Ammon, Ryan, Mel and Dave Bundy in efforts to prevent the roundup of Bundy cattle from the scenic Gold Butte area.
Their plea deals call for sentences of six years in federal prison, although their defense attorneys can seek leniency at sentencing Dec. 1. Each also could be fined up to $500,000 and be subject to up to three years of government supervision after prison.
Cooper, 37, from Humboldt, Arizona, also pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer.
DeLemus, 61, of Rochester, New Hampshire, arrived in Nevada hours after the confrontation started. His second felony plea was to an interstate extortion charge, admitting he drove cross-country with guns with an intent to display “force and aggression” to stop the roundup.
DeLemus, a former U.S. Marine, spent weeks afterward living in a tent and organizing armed patrols near the Bundy ranch outside Bunkerville.
DeLemus was also politically active at home in New Hampshire, where his wife, Susan DeLemus, is a Republican state assemblywoman. He stopped several times Thursday to confer with his attorney while entering his guilty pleas.
“I don’t know that I threatened anyone,” DeLemus told the judge at one point, “but I made public statements hoping it would end peacefully.”
Prosecutors characterized DeLemus and Cooper as “mid-level organizers” and leaders of the conspiracy to prevent federal agents and contract cowboys from rounding up Bundy cattle that federal officials said were trespassing on public land.
“Federal law enforcement officers must be able to engage in their official duties, including executing federal court orders, without fear of assault or losing their lives,” U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden said in a statement after the pleas.
DeLemus and Cooper became the first among 19 defendants to take plea deals in the case in Las Vegas.
Trial for some of the remaining 17 defendants is scheduled to begin Feb. 2 on charges including threatening a federal officer, carrying a firearm in a crime of violence and obstruction.
Seven defendants in the Nevada case, including Cooper and Bundy’s sons Ammon and Ryan Bundy, are also among 26 people charged in Portland, Oregon, in connection with a 41-day occupation of a wildlife refuge earlier this year.
Eleven people have taken plea deals in the Oregon case, including Cooper. The Oregon trial is scheduled to begin next month.

2 men in Nevada standoff case plead guilty in federal court