Get the details at INCIDENT REPORT
The massive fire last week that destroyed the warehouse at Gallery Furniture’s main location on the North Freeway was intentionally set, an official said today.
Rob Elder, assistant special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms office in Houston, said the agency determined the fire was arson because all possible accidental causes had been ruled out, including a faulty generator that was initially suspected.
"Someone out there knows what happened that night, and we’re going to find them," Elder said in a news conference today. No one has been ruled out as a suspect, said Elder, who declined to reveal details as to how investigators think the blaze began.
Elder did say the fire started in an area normally not visited by the general public.
The four-alarm fire erupted about 9 p.m. on May 21 and raced through Gallery Furniture's warehouse at 6006 Interstate 45 North. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to the showroom and no injuries were reported.
Owner Jim McIngvale said at least $5 million in inventory was lost as well as equipment, and Elder said the total loss was between $15 million and $20 million. The store is currently operating solely out of its other location, near the Galleria.
In a prepared statement today, McIngvale asked for help from the public.
"Now that an official investigation has been opened, we have no comment on the matter, except to ask any individual with information that might assist investigators to call Crime Stoppers of Houston immediately at 713-222-TIPS," he said in the statement, which was circulated at the ATF news conference.
The ATF tips line is 1-888-ATF-FIRE.
Original Story
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Oxbow Road speed concerns
Get the details at INCIDENT REPORT
---Oxbow Road speed concerns---
It was fixed, and so they came. Unfortunately, they seem to keep coming and are bringing their friends at some shocking speeds.
Terry Wynacht, a resident on Oxbow Road, made a presentation to council at their regular council meeting on May 19 to request a seed reduction on the road that many Strathmore residents use a shortcut to get home.
“We’ve seen just a terrible deterioration in the traffic,” said Wynacht. “Somebody is going to get hurt out there.”
She explained that since moving onto the road she has noticed a serious increase in traffic as well as a decrease in the care with which some people drive. Based on conversations she has had with local RCMP, she said drivers have been caught going well over the speed limit, which causes concerns for her and the children who play in their yards along the road.
“I’m pretty sure that lowering the speed limit won’t help,” said Manager of Transportation and Infrasctrure, Dave Churchill. “I think we have to monitor and enforce the existing limit. I think this is an enforcement issue.”
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Churchill explained that the road was built for that speed limit, and if people are exceeding that then something on the enforcement side of things must be done.
Gerald Skibiasky, who is in charge of the county peace officers, has already had one of his officers go to the road on a few different dates, and will have the same officer be on site during the peak hours of traffic over the next little while.
“I think we’ll just keep monitoring it and we’ll see if there are any recommendations,” said Reeve Ben Armstrong.
The motion was made to have the peace officers continue to monitor the road and start seriously enforcing the speed limit there. There was also a request to look into purchasing a speed sign that provides motorists with the speed they are traveling compared to the posted limit.
“That’s the only thing people will respect: money,” said Councillor Don Vander Velde. “You hit them until they’ve had enough they’ll stop speeding.”
Another concern along the Oxbow Road was brought to council on May 19, in the form of a letter.
A Strathmore RCMP member wrote the county regarding the intersection of Range Road 255 and Oxbow Road. His concern is that there isn’t sufficient control at the intersection and the removal of the yield signs and the implementation of stop signs was suggested.
Churchill explained that they have looked at that intersection numerous times before and they will take the recommendation into consideration.
They will, however, conduct their own investigation into the matter and determine what solution looks to make the intersection the most safe.
Article ID# 1586281
---Oxbow Road speed concerns---
It was fixed, and so they came. Unfortunately, they seem to keep coming and are bringing their friends at some shocking speeds.
Terry Wynacht, a resident on Oxbow Road, made a presentation to council at their regular council meeting on May 19 to request a seed reduction on the road that many Strathmore residents use a shortcut to get home.
“We’ve seen just a terrible deterioration in the traffic,” said Wynacht. “Somebody is going to get hurt out there.”
She explained that since moving onto the road she has noticed a serious increase in traffic as well as a decrease in the care with which some people drive. Based on conversations she has had with local RCMP, she said drivers have been caught going well over the speed limit, which causes concerns for her and the children who play in their yards along the road.
“I’m pretty sure that lowering the speed limit won’t help,” said Manager of Transportation and Infrasctrure, Dave Churchill. “I think we have to monitor and enforce the existing limit. I think this is an enforcement issue.”
Continued After Advertisement Below
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Churchill explained that the road was built for that speed limit, and if people are exceeding that then something on the enforcement side of things must be done.
Gerald Skibiasky, who is in charge of the county peace officers, has already had one of his officers go to the road on a few different dates, and will have the same officer be on site during the peak hours of traffic over the next little while.
“I think we’ll just keep monitoring it and we’ll see if there are any recommendations,” said Reeve Ben Armstrong.
The motion was made to have the peace officers continue to monitor the road and start seriously enforcing the speed limit there. There was also a request to look into purchasing a speed sign that provides motorists with the speed they are traveling compared to the posted limit.
“That’s the only thing people will respect: money,” said Councillor Don Vander Velde. “You hit them until they’ve had enough they’ll stop speeding.”
Another concern along the Oxbow Road was brought to council on May 19, in the form of a letter.
A Strathmore RCMP member wrote the county regarding the intersection of Range Road 255 and Oxbow Road. His concern is that there isn’t sufficient control at the intersection and the removal of the yield signs and the implementation of stop signs was suggested.
Churchill explained that they have looked at that intersection numerous times before and they will take the recommendation into consideration.
They will, however, conduct their own investigation into the matter and determine what solution looks to make the intersection the most safe.
Article ID# 1586281
Get the details at INCIDENT REPORT
Bill Duke
Editor
It was a startling scene for a community that prides itself on its quiet, unassuming nature.
Early Tuesday afternoon local RCMP, along with the Calgary RCMP Emergency Response Team, executed a drug search warrant on a Centre Street house in Strathmore.
One youth and three adults were arrested while cocaine, marijuana and magic mushrooms were seized.
Passersby stood in shock as police barricaded an entire block and discharged two devices known as “flashbangs” meant to disorient the house’s inhabitants before the authorities entered. Several members of the Emergency Response Team, the RCMP’s version of a SWAT outfit, stood outside the residence, weapons in hand, while the rest of the team swept the house.
The raid comes as part of an ongoing investigation into Strathmore’s burgeoning drug trade. According to RCMP, the residence has been suspected as a drug house for some time.
“There’s an ongoing investigation that I can’t compromise by commenting further on that,” said Strathmore RCMP Cst. Clint Chisan.
According to Chisan, the timing of such a raid is dictated by several factors, including the RCMP’s desire to execute a warrant at a time when there was likely to be drugs in the house. Doing so during midday hours also offers an additional benefit.
“In the middle of the day, generally children are in school,” he explained. “That’s one consideration as to why it was done when it was.”
The raid included a number of police vehicles and at least 15 officers, some in plain clothes.
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The revelation that such an alleged operation exists in Strathmore came as a shock to a handful of neighbours who gathered on the sidewalk to observe the spectacle. They claimed the arrested individuals presented little disruption to the neighbourhood.
“There was a lot of noise late at night sometimes,” said one neighbour.
“Sometimes we’d hear the dog barking,” said another.
At the time of the raid there was a pile of junk in the front of the residence, including an old couch and some boxes. According to area residents, such a mess was a common site, although the contents of the pile often changed.
Following the arrests, an RCMP Sergeant explained the situation to the group who had congregated near the residence.
Many lamented the fact that an alleged drug operation had been functioning on their street, right under their noses.
It’s a sad reality that residents of Strathmore must start getting used to.
“It’s an issue we’re taking seriously,” said Chisan. “I think that a lot of the people in the community are aware of it. From time to time we get calls from people in Strathmore regarding other drug related residences and people.
“Is it prevalent or not? Certainly I think it is.”
Chisan describes the raid as having gone “perfectly” with no injuries sustained by either side.
The RCMP could not comment on whether this particular operation functioned in isolation or as part of a larger drug network.
Chisan was unwilling to admit that Strathmore’s proximity to Calgary is a major contributor to the problem.
“It has something to do with it, but I know of other communities of a similar size that have drug problems significantly worse than this. So I don’t know if that is the reason.”
However, it is clear that the four arrests will not signal the end of the drug trade in Strathmore.
“I think this is the beginning,” said Chisan. “We’re climbing a mountain here and we’re close to the bottom of it right now.
Article ID# 1586699
Bill Duke
Editor
It was a startling scene for a community that prides itself on its quiet, unassuming nature.
Early Tuesday afternoon local RCMP, along with the Calgary RCMP Emergency Response Team, executed a drug search warrant on a Centre Street house in Strathmore.
One youth and three adults were arrested while cocaine, marijuana and magic mushrooms were seized.
Passersby stood in shock as police barricaded an entire block and discharged two devices known as “flashbangs” meant to disorient the house’s inhabitants before the authorities entered. Several members of the Emergency Response Team, the RCMP’s version of a SWAT outfit, stood outside the residence, weapons in hand, while the rest of the team swept the house.
The raid comes as part of an ongoing investigation into Strathmore’s burgeoning drug trade. According to RCMP, the residence has been suspected as a drug house for some time.
“There’s an ongoing investigation that I can’t compromise by commenting further on that,” said Strathmore RCMP Cst. Clint Chisan.
According to Chisan, the timing of such a raid is dictated by several factors, including the RCMP’s desire to execute a warrant at a time when there was likely to be drugs in the house. Doing so during midday hours also offers an additional benefit.
“In the middle of the day, generally children are in school,” he explained. “That’s one consideration as to why it was done when it was.”
The raid included a number of police vehicles and at least 15 officers, some in plain clothes.
Continued After Advertisement Below
Advertisement
The revelation that such an alleged operation exists in Strathmore came as a shock to a handful of neighbours who gathered on the sidewalk to observe the spectacle. They claimed the arrested individuals presented little disruption to the neighbourhood.
“There was a lot of noise late at night sometimes,” said one neighbour.
“Sometimes we’d hear the dog barking,” said another.
At the time of the raid there was a pile of junk in the front of the residence, including an old couch and some boxes. According to area residents, such a mess was a common site, although the contents of the pile often changed.
Following the arrests, an RCMP Sergeant explained the situation to the group who had congregated near the residence.
Many lamented the fact that an alleged drug operation had been functioning on their street, right under their noses.
It’s a sad reality that residents of Strathmore must start getting used to.
“It’s an issue we’re taking seriously,” said Chisan. “I think that a lot of the people in the community are aware of it. From time to time we get calls from people in Strathmore regarding other drug related residences and people.
“Is it prevalent or not? Certainly I think it is.”
Chisan describes the raid as having gone “perfectly” with no injuries sustained by either side.
The RCMP could not comment on whether this particular operation functioned in isolation or as part of a larger drug network.
Chisan was unwilling to admit that Strathmore’s proximity to Calgary is a major contributor to the problem.
“It has something to do with it, but I know of other communities of a similar size that have drug problems significantly worse than this. So I don’t know if that is the reason.”
However, it is clear that the four arrests will not signal the end of the drug trade in Strathmore.
“I think this is the beginning,” said Chisan. “We’re climbing a mountain here and we’re close to the bottom of it right now.
Article ID# 1586699
Terminally ill dog who saved owners life euthanized.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A terminally ill bulldog whose barking awakened her owner in time for both to escape from a burning house in Michigan has been euthanized.
The Grand Rapids Press reports that 9-year-old American bulldog Brittney was euthanized Tuesday at an animal hospital.
Owner Scott Seymore said Brittney woke him up early Saturday when a fire started in his home in Grand Rapids.
The Grand Rapids Press reports that 9-year-old American bulldog Brittney was euthanized Tuesday at an animal hospital.
Owner Scott Seymore said Brittney woke him up early Saturday when a fire started in his home in Grand Rapids.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Dog dying of cancer alerts owner to house fire
This is why they are mans best friend.
Brittney, a nine-year-old bulldog dying from cancer, saved the lives of her owner by barking until he woke up, allowing them to both flee their burning home Saturday.
Scott Seymour of Grand Rapids, Mich., told the Grand Rapids Press that Brittney woke him by barking at his bedside around 5:45 a.m. Seymour woke find the roof of his home being consumed by flames, but he and Brittney escaped unharmed. Smoke detectors did not sound during the fire, according to reports.
Seymour learned May 7 that an ultrasound indicated there were several tumors on Brittney’s stomach. Among the options he was given to consider was putting Brittney to sleep. But Seymour said no. He wanted his dog of nine years to live out the rest of her life.
She ended up saving his.
"She was demanding that I get up. And it saved my life," Seymour told the Grand Rapids Press.
A veterinarian did not think Brittney would survive surgery, and Seymour did not want his dog to endure chemotherapy. Instead, he decided make her final days more comfortable with the help of medication.
Brittney is believed to have only weeks to live.
Seymour is staying at his parent’s house – with Brittney – until he finds a new home. The cause of the fire is believed to be faulty electrical wiring. Seymour’s home may be a total loss, according to reports.
The original story
Brittney, a nine-year-old bulldog dying from cancer, saved the lives of her owner by barking until he woke up, allowing them to both flee their burning home Saturday.
Scott Seymour of Grand Rapids, Mich., told the Grand Rapids Press that Brittney woke him by barking at his bedside around 5:45 a.m. Seymour woke find the roof of his home being consumed by flames, but he and Brittney escaped unharmed. Smoke detectors did not sound during the fire, according to reports.
Seymour learned May 7 that an ultrasound indicated there were several tumors on Brittney’s stomach. Among the options he was given to consider was putting Brittney to sleep. But Seymour said no. He wanted his dog of nine years to live out the rest of her life.
She ended up saving his.
"She was demanding that I get up. And it saved my life," Seymour told the Grand Rapids Press.
A veterinarian did not think Brittney would survive surgery, and Seymour did not want his dog to endure chemotherapy. Instead, he decided make her final days more comfortable with the help of medication.
Brittney is believed to have only weeks to live.
Seymour is staying at his parent’s house – with Brittney – until he finds a new home. The cause of the fire is believed to be faulty electrical wiring. Seymour’s home may be a total loss, according to reports.
The original story
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