August 23, 2007
BRADDOCK — Like the Energizer Bunny, this burglar kept going and going— until a Braddock County Sheriff's deputy finally put an end to his daylight crime spree early Wednesday evening.
Deputy Jeremy Campbell was taking a report from a burglary victim Wednesday in the 300 block of Chantelle Street when he received a radio call that an intruder was inside a nearby home. "He was one street over on Sue Ellen Avenue," Campbell said. The deputy made his way to the 300 block of Sue Ellen Avenue, where he found a door ajar to the home in question. Campbell said he drew his gun and announced his presence to the suspected burglar. "He came walking around the corner," Campbell said. Antonio "Da Crunk" Davis, 25, of Braddock, was arrested without incident. Sheriff's deputies found prescription pills, most of them painkillers, inside his pants pocket and were able to place Davis inside four homes, all of them on Sue Ellen Avenue and Chantelle Street and all of them burglarized late Saturday afternoon. Sheriff's deputies also confiscated jewelry believed stolen from one of the homes.
Davis was slapped with eight felony charges, including four counts of breaking and entering, three counts of possessing a controlled substance and one count of grand larceny. He also was hit with three charges of petty theft. Early Thursday morning, all charges were dropped by 9th Federal Circuit Justice William J. Jennings. Jennings ruled that the deputy failed to secure a search warrant before entering the premises where Davis was arrested.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Residents shocked by pastor's arrest
Thursday, August 29, 2007
By RUDY KOSKI
KSUX News
BRADDOCK, TX: A local church pastor has been arrested and charged, accused of embezzeling several hundred dollars from his church. Orange sodas, cheap, flashy clothing, hats and jewelry and menthol cigarettes were bought, according to investigators, with money from Mt. Holy Olive People's Temple. When accountants say they found out money was missing, they called the Sheriff. "Obviously they are very unhappy; there is a sense of betrayal that we are picking up on," said Braddock Sheriff's Department spokesperson Eric Poteet.
Rev. Dr. Curtis Eldorado Lowe, 74, was jailed Wednesday. Investigators say Lowe's shopping list was not limited to soda and cigarettes and clothing. According to the arrest warrant, he is accused of using church money to pay for malt liquor and to rent escorts. It's believed Lowe embezzled around 1,592 dollars, but Poteet says the amount could grow.' Where the ceiling is, regarding missing money, that's yet to be determined," said Poteet.
The arrest of a church pastor is a shock and disappointment for those who live and work in that part of Braddock. "If he is stealing God's money, God will take care of him," said Laphonso Currie. "The important thing is that we forgive, and that he face the consequences of his actions," said Shaneequa Cheek.
Bond for Lowe was set Thursday by Judge William J. Jennings at $15. His attorney, Ricardo Kwame Brown wants the court to lower the bond amount. Jennings said that if convicted the Reverend could be sent to the Braddock County Prison Farm for the weekend.
UPDATE:
The Rev. Dr. Curtis Lowe was found innocent of all charges in his embezzlement trial by Judge Jennings today. Parishoners Eugene Washington, Shitifa Moore and six of her children and Antonio Davis demonstrated that Lowe purchased the items in question with church money to distribute to several underprivileged children (Moore's). Jennings said that rather than punish Lowe, the community owes him a great deal of gratitude and monetary restitution and ordered Braddock County Sheriff's Department to pay Lowe $10,000 for wrongful arrest and violation of his civil rights and accused the Department of "falling under the spell of the rampant racism that descends from the highest offices in Braddock government." Jennings also bestowed the honorary title of Bishop upon Lowe. Sheriff Fenton Washburn called the Judge's ruling and statement "ludicrous" and added that the department will appeal his decision. Members of Lowe's congregation were ecstatic over the decision and most expressed disbelief that Lowe was accused of such a crime. "It just be another damn conspiracy by da man," said Alfredo Knight. Alayna Cheek added "Whitey always bustin' on our asses. Dey don't want black people be sussessful so dey kick us out dey liberrys and stuff-dey don't know we got strong black men like Dr. Lowe who provide our asses wit' compooters at de chuch-we don't need dey shit. Praise Jesus, Lawd!" Lowe could not be reached for comment. When KSUX called his home the telephone was answered by what sounded like a monkey.
By RUDY KOSKI
KSUX News
BRADDOCK, TX: A local church pastor has been arrested and charged, accused of embezzeling several hundred dollars from his church. Orange sodas, cheap, flashy clothing, hats and jewelry and menthol cigarettes were bought, according to investigators, with money from Mt. Holy Olive People's Temple. When accountants say they found out money was missing, they called the Sheriff. "Obviously they are very unhappy; there is a sense of betrayal that we are picking up on," said Braddock Sheriff's Department spokesperson Eric Poteet.
Rev. Dr. Curtis Eldorado Lowe, 74, was jailed Wednesday. Investigators say Lowe's shopping list was not limited to soda and cigarettes and clothing. According to the arrest warrant, he is accused of using church money to pay for malt liquor and to rent escorts. It's believed Lowe embezzled around 1,592 dollars, but Poteet says the amount could grow.' Where the ceiling is, regarding missing money, that's yet to be determined," said Poteet.
The arrest of a church pastor is a shock and disappointment for those who live and work in that part of Braddock. "If he is stealing God's money, God will take care of him," said Laphonso Currie. "The important thing is that we forgive, and that he face the consequences of his actions," said Shaneequa Cheek.
Bond for Lowe was set Thursday by Judge William J. Jennings at $15. His attorney, Ricardo Kwame Brown wants the court to lower the bond amount. Jennings said that if convicted the Reverend could be sent to the Braddock County Prison Farm for the weekend.
UPDATE:
The Rev. Dr. Curtis Lowe was found innocent of all charges in his embezzlement trial by Judge Jennings today. Parishoners Eugene Washington, Shitifa Moore and six of her children and Antonio Davis demonstrated that Lowe purchased the items in question with church money to distribute to several underprivileged children (Moore's). Jennings said that rather than punish Lowe, the community owes him a great deal of gratitude and monetary restitution and ordered Braddock County Sheriff's Department to pay Lowe $10,000 for wrongful arrest and violation of his civil rights and accused the Department of "falling under the spell of the rampant racism that descends from the highest offices in Braddock government." Jennings also bestowed the honorary title of Bishop upon Lowe. Sheriff Fenton Washburn called the Judge's ruling and statement "ludicrous" and added that the department will appeal his decision. Members of Lowe's congregation were ecstatic over the decision and most expressed disbelief that Lowe was accused of such a crime. "It just be another damn conspiracy by da man," said Alfredo Knight. Alayna Cheek added "Whitey always bustin' on our asses. Dey don't want black people be sussessful so dey kick us out dey liberrys and stuff-dey don't know we got strong black men like Dr. Lowe who provide our asses wit' compooters at de chuch-we don't need dey shit. Praise Jesus, Lawd!" Lowe could not be reached for comment. When KSUX called his home the telephone was answered by what sounded like a monkey.
JUDGE TOSSES LAW ON NET FILTERS -
RULING: LIBRARIES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE SOFTWARE TO BLOCK PORN
Braddock Times
August 31, 2007
Judge William J. Jennings struck down the Texas Legislatures' third and latest attempt to shield children from Internet porn, ruling that public libraries are not allowed to install software that blocks sexually explicit Web sites. Jenning's ruling found that the Children's Internet Protection Act relies on filtering programs that also block sites on politics, health, science and other topics that should not be suppressed.
"Given the crudeness of filtering technology, any technologyprotection measure mandated by CIPA will necessarily block access to a substantial amount of speech whose suppression serves no legitimate government interest," Jennings wrote.
Three times since 1996, the Texas Legislature has enacted laws aimed at keeping youngsters from seeing Internet porn. And all three have been struck down by the courts. The latest law, signed by Governor Rick Perry in July 2007, was supposed to go into effect September 1. It would require public libraries receiving Texas technology funds to install the filters on their computers or risk losing that aid. Schools and school libraries are still subject to the law. Greg Abbott, Texas Attorney General, said the Justice Department is disappointed and may appeal to the Supreme Court. Conservatives said the ruling ties the hands of parents trying to protect children. "These groups are more concerned with providing access to smut than they are protecting child patrons and employees," said Ken Connor, president of the Family Research Council.
The ruling was welcomed by the American Library Association, the American Civil Liberties Union, TLA and NAMBLA, which had argued the law would make it tougher for people without home computers to get information on topics such as breast cancer and homosexuality, which are sometimes accidentally blocked by the filters. "It is certainly my hope that now that the legislature has taken three strikes, it will get out of the business," said Esteban Pusser, the ACLU's legal director in North Central Texas.
At Braddock County Public Library, "the computers do not have any filters, whatsoever! And we like that!" said Director Kelly Millis. Children's Librarian Noah Retro concurred saying "everyone has the right to view obscene porn!"
The law would have allowed adults to ask that the filtering technology be turned off. But the court held that some library patrons might be embarrassed by having to ask, and some librarians may not have the technical expertise to complete the task. Justice Department lawyers had argued that Internet smut is so pervasive that protections are necessary to keep it away from youngsters, and that the law simply calls for libraries to use the same care in selecting online content that they use for books and magazines. They also pointed out that libraries could turn down Texas funding if they want to provide unfiltered Web access. The ruling was the latest in a string of setbacks for the TexasLegislature in its attempts to shield children from Internet porn.
Braddock Times
August 31, 2007
Judge William J. Jennings struck down the Texas Legislatures' third and latest attempt to shield children from Internet porn, ruling that public libraries are not allowed to install software that blocks sexually explicit Web sites. Jenning's ruling found that the Children's Internet Protection Act relies on filtering programs that also block sites on politics, health, science and other topics that should not be suppressed.
"Given the crudeness of filtering technology, any technologyprotection measure mandated by CIPA will necessarily block access to a substantial amount of speech whose suppression serves no legitimate government interest," Jennings wrote.
Three times since 1996, the Texas Legislature has enacted laws aimed at keeping youngsters from seeing Internet porn. And all three have been struck down by the courts. The latest law, signed by Governor Rick Perry in July 2007, was supposed to go into effect September 1. It would require public libraries receiving Texas technology funds to install the filters on their computers or risk losing that aid. Schools and school libraries are still subject to the law. Greg Abbott, Texas Attorney General, said the Justice Department is disappointed and may appeal to the Supreme Court. Conservatives said the ruling ties the hands of parents trying to protect children. "These groups are more concerned with providing access to smut than they are protecting child patrons and employees," said Ken Connor, president of the Family Research Council.
The ruling was welcomed by the American Library Association, the American Civil Liberties Union, TLA and NAMBLA, which had argued the law would make it tougher for people without home computers to get information on topics such as breast cancer and homosexuality, which are sometimes accidentally blocked by the filters. "It is certainly my hope that now that the legislature has taken three strikes, it will get out of the business," said Esteban Pusser, the ACLU's legal director in North Central Texas.
At Braddock County Public Library, "the computers do not have any filters, whatsoever! And we like that!" said Director Kelly Millis. Children's Librarian Noah Retro concurred saying "everyone has the right to view obscene porn!"
The law would have allowed adults to ask that the filtering technology be turned off. But the court held that some library patrons might be embarrassed by having to ask, and some librarians may not have the technical expertise to complete the task. Justice Department lawyers had argued that Internet smut is so pervasive that protections are necessary to keep it away from youngsters, and that the law simply calls for libraries to use the same care in selecting online content that they use for books and magazines. They also pointed out that libraries could turn down Texas funding if they want to provide unfiltered Web access. The ruling was the latest in a string of setbacks for the TexasLegislature in its attempts to shield children from Internet porn.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Boy left at Wal-Mart
Braddock Deputies Try to ID Boy Abandoned at Wal-Mart by Fleeing Shoplifter
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Authorities are trying to identify a young African American boy left inside a store by a suspected shoplifter who fled the store when confronted by a store security officer, Sheriff's deputies said Wednesday. The boy, who is about 2 or 3 years old, is apparently unable to identify himself, and no one has reported him missing, Deputy Buford Gunn said. The boy has been in Department of Human Services custody since Friday, when he was left inside the Wal-Mart store on Ewing Blvd. A man in his 70s and consuming a Sam's Choice Orange flavor soda was pushing a shopping cart with the boy in it when security personnel spotted the man shoplifting and confronted him, Gunn said. The man picked up the child and threw him at the store's security guard. He then fled the store, leaving the boy behind.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
The Turd's family estate
Neighbor who bought feces-soiled mansion wants out of deal
Cleveland, OH: A neighbor who bought a mansion in af oreclosure auction later found to be littered with the feces of the family and the more than 100 cats and dogs living there wants out of the deal.
"When I bid on that house I was bidding on a home that I saw people living in. I saw people every day coming in and out of the house. I thought I was bidding on something habitable," Michael Shitfaceno, 47, told The Braddock Times. Oliver Jonathan Blair, Jr. (father of the WNWA's The Turd), 66, and his wife Colostomia, 65, have been charged with animal cruelty after authorities found the live animals along with the bodies of at least 23 dead animals decomposing inside their 3-car garage.
A delivery man alerted authorities on Aug. 14 after smelling a horrible odor coming from the 20-room home and seeing animals scurrying around inside; the delivery man was worried someone had died. Shitfaceno, who lives next door, paid $2.6 million for the house but never saw the interior. He was on vacation when police alerted him to the house's condition and went inside for the first time on Thursday. "It was so bad inside that I became violently ill," Shitfaceno said. "Just the scent on my clothing. I had to go home and change."
Shitfaceno said he didn't become suspicious when Blair wouldn't let him in the house before the auction, saying the homeowner was a "private person." Blair said the house was fine, Shitfaceno said. Animal control officials said on Friday that they were still looking for animals inside the home. Piles of feces were found in every room in the home, the two tubs in the master suite were covered in at least two inches of fecal matter, and pet food was littered around the house. A lawyer for the Blairs, James Cornhole, has said the couple, who'd lived there for about eight years, had a long history of taking in sick and abandoned animals. But, he said, they were going through severe financial hardships, were eventually forced to sell their home and "...things just got out of hand."
Cleveland, OH: A neighbor who bought a mansion in af oreclosure auction later found to be littered with the feces of the family and the more than 100 cats and dogs living there wants out of the deal.
"When I bid on that house I was bidding on a home that I saw people living in. I saw people every day coming in and out of the house. I thought I was bidding on something habitable," Michael Shitfaceno, 47, told The Braddock Times. Oliver Jonathan Blair, Jr. (father of the WNWA's The Turd), 66, and his wife Colostomia, 65, have been charged with animal cruelty after authorities found the live animals along with the bodies of at least 23 dead animals decomposing inside their 3-car garage.
A delivery man alerted authorities on Aug. 14 after smelling a horrible odor coming from the 20-room home and seeing animals scurrying around inside; the delivery man was worried someone had died. Shitfaceno, who lives next door, paid $2.6 million for the house but never saw the interior. He was on vacation when police alerted him to the house's condition and went inside for the first time on Thursday. "It was so bad inside that I became violently ill," Shitfaceno said. "Just the scent on my clothing. I had to go home and change."
Shitfaceno said he didn't become suspicious when Blair wouldn't let him in the house before the auction, saying the homeowner was a "private person." Blair said the house was fine, Shitfaceno said. Animal control officials said on Friday that they were still looking for animals inside the home. Piles of feces were found in every room in the home, the two tubs in the master suite were covered in at least two inches of fecal matter, and pet food was littered around the house. A lawyer for the Blairs, James Cornhole, has said the couple, who'd lived there for about eight years, had a long history of taking in sick and abandoned animals. But, he said, they were going through severe financial hardships, were eventually forced to sell their home and "...things just got out of hand."
Fanuci's Follies
Cops find Pennsylvania Man locked in squalid apartment: Discovered during drug raid
BRADDOCK, Tx. The makeshift apartment was small, filthy and foul-smelling, the kind of room you'd expect to find in an old abandoned prison. But the squalid space - furnished only with a foam mattress, some crayons and a bucket filled with urine and feces - is where Oliver J.Blair III (better known as The Turd) and his master Josph Paul Paynter (AKA the Liberal Librarian) kept Tony Fanuci, FBIofficials said.
The Feds made the shocking discovery on Wednesday afternoon when members of the Anti-Slavery Investigation Squad executed a search warrant on Oliver Jonathan Blair's apartment on Brown Street near Braddock County Public Library, said Agent William Blackburn. "When we went into the property, we thought no one was at home," Blackburn said. "We found a door that was locked with a bent metal rod. "The door had a sign that read 'Sex-Slave on Board'.
There was some light emanating from the room, and it sounded like something was moving inside. We found a somewhat scared and apprehensive Tony Fanuci inside."
"It's a sad, sad story," Blackburn said.
Sheriffs had spent the past month investigating Blair. They made several large undercover prostitution purchases from him, and watched a number of morbidly obese women stream in and out of his apartment to procure the services of Fanuci. When investigators searched Blair's apartment on Wednesday, they found $45,000 worth of heroin, $700 worth of cocaine, a .25-caliber handgun and $5,000 in cash, Blackburn said. Blair, 42, was arrested a couple of blocks away from his home and charged with narcotics violations and endangering the welfare of a slave. "The odor was overpowering," Blackburn said. "The bucket was filled to the top with urine and feces. The only other thing he had in there with him was a coloring book and some crayons."
However promptly after their arrest, Blair and the Liberal Librarian were quickly released. 5th Circuit Court Justice, William J. Jennings said the FBI overstepped their authority in confiscating Tony Fanuci, who is a legal slave. Indeed the FBI returned Fanuci to the Liberal Librarian. Fanuci was quoted as saying, "It ain't paradise, but it'shome!"
The Liberal Librarian and Oliver J. Blair told KSUX that they intend"to sue the government for violating our Civil Rights, brother!"
BRADDOCK, Tx. The makeshift apartment was small, filthy and foul-smelling, the kind of room you'd expect to find in an old abandoned prison. But the squalid space - furnished only with a foam mattress, some crayons and a bucket filled with urine and feces - is where Oliver J.Blair III (better known as The Turd) and his master Josph Paul Paynter (AKA the Liberal Librarian) kept Tony Fanuci, FBIofficials said.
The Feds made the shocking discovery on Wednesday afternoon when members of the Anti-Slavery Investigation Squad executed a search warrant on Oliver Jonathan Blair's apartment on Brown Street near Braddock County Public Library, said Agent William Blackburn. "When we went into the property, we thought no one was at home," Blackburn said. "We found a door that was locked with a bent metal rod. "The door had a sign that read 'Sex-Slave on Board'.
There was some light emanating from the room, and it sounded like something was moving inside. We found a somewhat scared and apprehensive Tony Fanuci inside."
"It's a sad, sad story," Blackburn said.
Sheriffs had spent the past month investigating Blair. They made several large undercover prostitution purchases from him, and watched a number of morbidly obese women stream in and out of his apartment to procure the services of Fanuci. When investigators searched Blair's apartment on Wednesday, they found $45,000 worth of heroin, $700 worth of cocaine, a .25-caliber handgun and $5,000 in cash, Blackburn said. Blair, 42, was arrested a couple of blocks away from his home and charged with narcotics violations and endangering the welfare of a slave. "The odor was overpowering," Blackburn said. "The bucket was filled to the top with urine and feces. The only other thing he had in there with him was a coloring book and some crayons."
However promptly after their arrest, Blair and the Liberal Librarian were quickly released. 5th Circuit Court Justice, William J. Jennings said the FBI overstepped their authority in confiscating Tony Fanuci, who is a legal slave. Indeed the FBI returned Fanuci to the Liberal Librarian. Fanuci was quoted as saying, "It ain't paradise, but it'shome!"
The Liberal Librarian and Oliver J. Blair told KSUX that they intend"to sue the government for violating our Civil Rights, brother!"
Friday, August 24, 2007
WNWA House Show 8/24/07
In action Friday night at the Baddock County Coliseum:
Main Event
Sam Bash, Ass Butte and "Richard Nixon" def. Crummox and The Liberal Librarian after The Lib got himself intentionally counted-out.
Kevin Coleman def. Eustus Fraley after Fraley was DQed for attempting to sexually assault LuAnn Simpson.
Dale Taylor def. "Handsome" Del Rey Preddy following the White People's Elbow.
Yeti def. Triple K following the Ultra Liberal Legdrop.
Handicap Match
The Nigerian Nightmare def. Billy & Bobby Bell following the 419.
Da Brothas and The Mennonite Mafia fought to a 15 minute time limit draw.
Women's Tag Team Match
Ms. Shitifa & Sekoyae Biggs def. Gail Donnelly and Joy Bozkivitz.
Loser Leaves Town Match
Metro & Harlan Sanders def. Jabberjaw and GM Mike Beckwith in a Loser Leaves Town match. The duo are banned from all WNWA events for six months.
Amos Moses def. Malik Monroe.
AbLock Challenge
Austin Adams def. Shamookey Sanders.
Chi-Town Chris Collins def. CityD.
The Turd def. Rowdy Brown.
Main Event
Sam Bash, Ass Butte and "Richard Nixon" def. Crummox and The Liberal Librarian after The Lib got himself intentionally counted-out.
Kevin Coleman def. Eustus Fraley after Fraley was DQed for attempting to sexually assault LuAnn Simpson.
Dale Taylor def. "Handsome" Del Rey Preddy following the White People's Elbow.
Yeti def. Triple K following the Ultra Liberal Legdrop.
Handicap Match
The Nigerian Nightmare def. Billy & Bobby Bell following the 419.
Da Brothas and The Mennonite Mafia fought to a 15 minute time limit draw.
Women's Tag Team Match
Ms. Shitifa & Sekoyae Biggs def. Gail Donnelly and Joy Bozkivitz.
Loser Leaves Town Match
Metro & Harlan Sanders def. Jabberjaw and GM Mike Beckwith in a Loser Leaves Town match. The duo are banned from all WNWA events for six months.
Amos Moses def. Malik Monroe.
AbLock Challenge
Austin Adams def. Shamookey Sanders.
Chi-Town Chris Collins def. CityD.
The Turd def. Rowdy Brown.
Campers Tie Alleged Peeping Tom to Tree
BRADDOCK, Tx. (AP) - A group of campers tied a peeping Tom suspect to a tree, keeping him bound until police arrived. Rev. Dr. Curtis Eldorado Lowe, 74, was charged with private indecency, a misdemeanor, by sheriff's deputies who were called to the Clifford Barnes Campground near Mosby's Hot Springs last weekend, according to Braddock County Detective Reginald Jones.
Campers told deputies they recognized Lowe from WNWA programming, his televangelist show and a similar incident at the campground last year and wanted to make sure he didn't get away. The 2006 incident was reported to deputies but did not result in charges. "Last year, we took down his license plate number and turned it in to the sheriff, but there wasn't a lot they could do really," said Jason Martinez, one of the campers. "This year, that wasn't happening."
Martinez and another camper, Jefferson Minstead, said several friends were playing chess, eating and relaxing last Saturday, when they heard rustling in an area the women used as an open latrine. Martinez went to investigate, saw a man running from the area and tackled him. With help from two other campers, Martinez led Lowe to the group's campsite and tied him to a tree. Another camper left to call the sheriff.
Lowe told KSUX Channel 9 in Braddock he was surprised by the response. "I jus di'unt tink it wuz dat big ub a deel," he said. A phone call to Lowe's Church in Braddock was not immediately returned Friday. Lowe is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 18.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Jennings joins 5th Circuit Court of Appeals
Controversial 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Justice William J. Jennings has transferred from the 9th Circuit and is now Chief Justice for the 5th District based out of Dallas.
Braddock News: Restaurant Report Card
From The Braddock Times entertainment page.
The Braddock County Department of Health has inspected the following restaurants this week:
Whataburger, MLK Blvd - Grade D
Roach and mice droppings
Employees should wear hair nets
Blood spatters on drive-thru window menu and driving lane
Braddock Washateria - Grade C
Employees should wear hair nets
Freezer not cold enough - possible food poisoning source
Laundry detergent on floors - need to sweep more often
Parker Bros BBQ - Grade B
Do not serve shirtless, bare-footed customers, even at the walk-up window.
Need to clean grease trap more often
An Inconvenient Cafe and GLBT Lingerie Bar - Grade F
Employees dirty and covered with lice
Employees should wear shoes and appropriate clothing
Employees should wash hands with warm water and soap before preparing food/drinks
Illegal tattoo parlor operating out of the kitchen - bodily fluids near food containers
Facility completely out of soap, yet no sign that employees, serving dishes, kitchen, or furninture has been cleaned EVER.
(Braddock Co. Health Dept. ordered this business shut down for Health Code violations, but decision was overturned by order of the court. Re-inspection is in two days.)
Oil Baron's Steakhouse- Grade A
Black Eyed Pea- Grade A
Braddock Family Restaurant-Grade A
Ruby's Cafeteria- Grade A
The Braddock County Department of Health has inspected the following restaurants this week:
Whataburger, MLK Blvd - Grade D
Roach and mice droppings
Employees should wear hair nets
Blood spatters on drive-thru window menu and driving lane
Braddock Washateria - Grade C
Employees should wear hair nets
Freezer not cold enough - possible food poisoning source
Laundry detergent on floors - need to sweep more often
Parker Bros BBQ - Grade B
Do not serve shirtless, bare-footed customers, even at the walk-up window.
Need to clean grease trap more often
An Inconvenient Cafe and GLBT Lingerie Bar - Grade F
Employees dirty and covered with lice
Employees should wear shoes and appropriate clothing
Employees should wash hands with warm water and soap before preparing food/drinks
Illegal tattoo parlor operating out of the kitchen - bodily fluids near food containers
Facility completely out of soap, yet no sign that employees, serving dishes, kitchen, or furninture has been cleaned EVER.
(Braddock Co. Health Dept. ordered this business shut down for Health Code violations, but decision was overturned by order of the court. Re-inspection is in two days.)
Oil Baron's Steakhouse- Grade A
Black Eyed Pea- Grade A
Braddock Family Restaurant-Grade A
Ruby's Cafeteria- Grade A
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Leon Sky Arrested at BCPL
An ex-convict was arrested today, accused of looking at child pornography at BCPL.
Leon Sky was arraigned today on a charge of pandering sexual material involving a minor.
Investigators say Sky had his hands in his pants while he was looking at nude pictures of babies and teenage girls.
Sky was convicted in 1992 of aggravated burglary. He was just released from prison in February and is under supervision for two years.
Leon Sky was arraigned today on a charge of pandering sexual material involving a minor.
Investigators say Sky had his hands in his pants while he was looking at nude pictures of babies and teenage girls.
Sky was convicted in 1992 of aggravated burglary. He was just released from prison in February and is under supervision for two years.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Two WNWA employees arrested on drug charges
Two WNWA employees, suspected on selling drugs in Barnes Memorial Park, attempted to rip off the wrong person this morning: an undercover officer with the Braddock County Sheriff's Department. The suspects, identified as 3o-year-old Shitifa Moore and 25-year-old Antonio Davis, allegedly came up to a deputy who was standing near the Park Street bus stop around 7:15 AM and whispered, "Give me your money. I'll get your drugs." The deputy handed over folded bills — but Moore allegedly took off into a nearby Whataburger restaurant and did not come back with any narcotics as Davis waited with the undercover deputy. A surveillance team working with the undercover narcotics officers watched Moore go into the fast-food restaurant "without speaking to or interacting with anyone," a BCSD report stated. When Moore came outside, Davis joined her and the two began to walk off with Moore telling the undercover deputy, "Someone will bring them outside." The officer followed the couple and asked for his money back and Moore allegedly replied, "Get the (expletive) away from me." BCSD deputies then surrounded the dumb duo, pulled out their badges, and placed them under arrest. Both were charged with unarmed robbery.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
At The Library
At The Library is a weekly feature printed in The Braddock Times.
EXPLICIT pornography can be viewed in many public libraries — including BCPL — because some decline to install internet filters on the basis that it imposes overly strict censorship.
Graphic movies showing penetrative sex are easily accessible online because the library believes current filtering software can block legitimate research.
The result is that there is little to stop deviants accessing child pornography and other sites offering free sexual images.
The Braddock Times was able to access hardcore pornography at BCPL last week.
A recent survey conducted by the Central University of North Texas School of Information Science found most local libraries were opposed to filtering based on their "experience, professional ethics and sense of purpose of libraries."
BCPL Director Kelly Millis said filtering software often blocked legitimate websites such as those concerning breast cancer. But he added that libraries' commitment to the free flow of information was a reason for the lack of restrictions.
"We are strongly opposed to censorship and to adults not being able to access material which they can legally see," he said. "(But) it's a fine line. It requires proper supervision … libraries also want to look after the interests of children. That's why I have a top notch man running our children's department." Millis was referring to Noah Retro, a registered sex offender and high school drop-out who was controversially hired in a supervisory role by Millis earlier this year. Millis has long been dogged by questions of favoritism. He promoted his secretary to the position of Library Information Services Administrator despite her lack of credentials. An unnamed former employee says "the reason there is no filtering is because the IS broad is too dumb to know how to install the software. That place will run off an employee for browsing the Internet because they have nothing to do, but they'll let a sex offender jack off in view of children and turn a blind eye to it."
Millis claims BCPL would receive as many complaints about clumsy filtering software as they would about offensive images.
Material The Braddock Times could have viewed included films with the names Cleveland Style Sluts, White Chicks Black Dicks 54 and Big Orgasm 14. Inez Mitchell, assistant director, said "anyone caught accessing pornography or other offensive material faced ejaculation, I mean ejection, from the library for the day and a ban from accessing the internet for a week."
She said the library clearly stated its terms and conditions of internet use, but it did not have the right to restrict the free flow of information.
"People have the right to free and equal access to information and that is a principle supported by our board," she said.
"(But) it's a tricky question. It (porn) is a very broad umbrella and people's tolerance of looking at material is different. I fully support spying on our employees, but not on the public."
Ms. Mitchell said the lack of effective software meant the library was not prepared to implement a filtering system, but this could change.
"We think the interference with people's legitimate research … outweighs the not-very-effective protection that you get from the filters that are available.
"But I would say if we had an effective filtering system that excluded pornography we would need to consider what our position was."
Amy Stephenson, founding director of Kids Free to be Kids, said it was extraordinary that pornography could be seen so easily and without detection in public libraries.
She said stricter monitoring of the internet was urgently needed.
"It's extremely abhorrent what you can get in one click," she said. "There's enough research to show that pornography can be very damaging to children. There must surely be computer experts who are competent enough to work out how to filter (only) the pornographic channels.
"If you're not going to put in a filtering system, I absolutely think there should be better supervision."
EXPLICIT pornography can be viewed in many public libraries — including BCPL — because some decline to install internet filters on the basis that it imposes overly strict censorship.
Graphic movies showing penetrative sex are easily accessible online because the library believes current filtering software can block legitimate research.
The result is that there is little to stop deviants accessing child pornography and other sites offering free sexual images.
The Braddock Times was able to access hardcore pornography at BCPL last week.
A recent survey conducted by the Central University of North Texas School of Information Science found most local libraries were opposed to filtering based on their "experience, professional ethics and sense of purpose of libraries."
BCPL Director Kelly Millis said filtering software often blocked legitimate websites such as those concerning breast cancer. But he added that libraries' commitment to the free flow of information was a reason for the lack of restrictions.
"We are strongly opposed to censorship and to adults not being able to access material which they can legally see," he said. "(But) it's a fine line. It requires proper supervision … libraries also want to look after the interests of children. That's why I have a top notch man running our children's department." Millis was referring to Noah Retro, a registered sex offender and high school drop-out who was controversially hired in a supervisory role by Millis earlier this year. Millis has long been dogged by questions of favoritism. He promoted his secretary to the position of Library Information Services Administrator despite her lack of credentials. An unnamed former employee says "the reason there is no filtering is because the IS broad is too dumb to know how to install the software. That place will run off an employee for browsing the Internet because they have nothing to do, but they'll let a sex offender jack off in view of children and turn a blind eye to it."
Millis claims BCPL would receive as many complaints about clumsy filtering software as they would about offensive images.
Material The Braddock Times could have viewed included films with the names Cleveland Style Sluts, White Chicks Black Dicks 54 and Big Orgasm 14. Inez Mitchell, assistant director, said "anyone caught accessing pornography or other offensive material faced ejaculation, I mean ejection, from the library for the day and a ban from accessing the internet for a week."
She said the library clearly stated its terms and conditions of internet use, but it did not have the right to restrict the free flow of information.
"People have the right to free and equal access to information and that is a principle supported by our board," she said.
"(But) it's a tricky question. It (porn) is a very broad umbrella and people's tolerance of looking at material is different. I fully support spying on our employees, but not on the public."
Ms. Mitchell said the lack of effective software meant the library was not prepared to implement a filtering system, but this could change.
"We think the interference with people's legitimate research … outweighs the not-very-effective protection that you get from the filters that are available.
"But I would say if we had an effective filtering system that excluded pornography we would need to consider what our position was."
Amy Stephenson, founding director of Kids Free to be Kids, said it was extraordinary that pornography could be seen so easily and without detection in public libraries.
She said stricter monitoring of the internet was urgently needed.
"It's extremely abhorrent what you can get in one click," she said. "There's enough research to show that pornography can be very damaging to children. There must surely be computer experts who are competent enough to work out how to filter (only) the pornographic channels.
"If you're not going to put in a filtering system, I absolutely think there should be better supervision."
Filing Ends for Braddock Mayoral Race
Braddock, TX -- The 2008 Braddock Mayor's race is just getting started. Filing ended Friday afternoon at 5 PM, and the Braddock Board of Elections has released the official slate of candidates who will be on the ballot for the primary elections next spring.
Henry Wise, the very popular 4-term incumbent mayor will be tough to beat. But several candidates have already lined up to try to do just that. Braddock has no term limits, so Wise, a Republican who has won each of the last four electiosn in a landslide, is eligible to run again. He is expected to easily take both his party's nomination and the mayoral seat once again.
Wilson's lone challenger in the Republican primary is Jacqueline Thehut, a newcomer to politics who decided to run to protest the city's "assault on homeowners," as she puts it. Thehut will oppose imminent domain and the city's right to condemn run-down buildings. She also opposes abortion and wants the city to fund a program to raise awareness about the dangers of stroke. Her campaign will be run by her husband. Both are librarians at BCPL and former WNWA wrestlers.
Things are more complicated on the Democratic side, where the party's primary is expected to be a free-for-all. Perennial candidate for mayor and city council, Truman Marlin - a local barber, gym owner, wrestling coach, and community activist - is running once again for the highest office in Braddock. Marlin plans to run on his usual platform: taking back the streets, cleaning up Braddock's poorer neighborhoods, increasing government services for the poor, arresting illegal aliens, making abortion illegal, strengthening the border with Mexico, and ending racism against African Americans. Marlin is expected to sweep the African American vote, as he has in past elections. He has campaigning experience on his side, but has never actually won an election. Marlin's campaign manager is his good friend and Braddock County Commissioner T. Diana Belle-Little.
A wrestler and new resident of Braddock, John Perry (who wrestles in the WNWA as T.M.I.) is also running in the Democrat Party's primary. Not much is known about Perry who recently moved to Braddock and will just barely meet the residency requirements come election day. He claims to have been a State Senator from his home state of Pennsylvania. Like Truman Marlin, Perry also served as a veteran of the Vietnam War. He plans to run on an anti-Iraq War platform. His campaign manager will be Joseph Paul Paynter, local wrestler, librarian, and entrepreneur. Paynter wrestles in the WNWA as The Liberal Librarian and is a controversial figure in the Braddock Democratic Party. Paynter was originally planning to enter the mayor's race himself until pending drug charges and a personal request from Hillary Clinton caused him to withdraw his candidacy. He has instead thrown his support behind Perry, explaining that the newcomer is a "close friend, regular customer at my cafe, and holds the same values as I do, brother. Also I want to see Truman Marlin's ass get kicked, dude. T.M.I. and I will band together to show Braddock what liberal values are all about, brother. I can't think of a guy I'd rather be behind, dude."
A third Democrat on the ticket is Karma McCarthy, local hippie artist, pro-immigration activist, female wrestler, and librarian. Her campaign may be a long-shot, as she doesn't have much funding. She has employed boyfriend Letravis Gorman as her campaign manager, and is expected to challenge Perry for the Hispanic vote. She plans to run on a platform favoring amnesty for illegal aliens, giving Texas back to Mexico, and ending the Iraq War by making peace with the terrorists - all controverial issues in Braddock.
For the first time ever, Braddock has a mayoral candidate from the American Communist Party. Carl Borden Reubens (who wrestles in the WNWA as Yeti) is the sole Communist candidate, so he automatically wins his party's primary and will be on the November ballot against the winners from the Democrat and Republican parties. Democrats worry that Reubens' third-party candidacy may split their already slim voting bloc in Braddock. Reubens plans to run on several issues, including: organizing all labor in Braddock, ending the Iraq War, finding alternative sources of energy, charging extremely high taxes on all petroleum products to discourage their consumption, ending hunting and fishing, and raising taxes in order to turn all healthcare in Braddock over to the local government. His campaign will be managed by Braddock Communist Party Chairperson, Gail Donnelly.
Look for debates throughout the fall and spring, as the candidates prepare for the primary elections.
Henry Wise, the very popular 4-term incumbent mayor will be tough to beat. But several candidates have already lined up to try to do just that. Braddock has no term limits, so Wise, a Republican who has won each of the last four electiosn in a landslide, is eligible to run again. He is expected to easily take both his party's nomination and the mayoral seat once again.
Wilson's lone challenger in the Republican primary is Jacqueline Thehut, a newcomer to politics who decided to run to protest the city's "assault on homeowners," as she puts it. Thehut will oppose imminent domain and the city's right to condemn run-down buildings. She also opposes abortion and wants the city to fund a program to raise awareness about the dangers of stroke. Her campaign will be run by her husband. Both are librarians at BCPL and former WNWA wrestlers.
Things are more complicated on the Democratic side, where the party's primary is expected to be a free-for-all. Perennial candidate for mayor and city council, Truman Marlin - a local barber, gym owner, wrestling coach, and community activist - is running once again for the highest office in Braddock. Marlin plans to run on his usual platform: taking back the streets, cleaning up Braddock's poorer neighborhoods, increasing government services for the poor, arresting illegal aliens, making abortion illegal, strengthening the border with Mexico, and ending racism against African Americans. Marlin is expected to sweep the African American vote, as he has in past elections. He has campaigning experience on his side, but has never actually won an election. Marlin's campaign manager is his good friend and Braddock County Commissioner T. Diana Belle-Little.
A wrestler and new resident of Braddock, John Perry (who wrestles in the WNWA as T.M.I.) is also running in the Democrat Party's primary. Not much is known about Perry who recently moved to Braddock and will just barely meet the residency requirements come election day. He claims to have been a State Senator from his home state of Pennsylvania. Like Truman Marlin, Perry also served as a veteran of the Vietnam War. He plans to run on an anti-Iraq War platform. His campaign manager will be Joseph Paul Paynter, local wrestler, librarian, and entrepreneur. Paynter wrestles in the WNWA as The Liberal Librarian and is a controversial figure in the Braddock Democratic Party. Paynter was originally planning to enter the mayor's race himself until pending drug charges and a personal request from Hillary Clinton caused him to withdraw his candidacy. He has instead thrown his support behind Perry, explaining that the newcomer is a "close friend, regular customer at my cafe, and holds the same values as I do, brother. Also I want to see Truman Marlin's ass get kicked, dude. T.M.I. and I will band together to show Braddock what liberal values are all about, brother. I can't think of a guy I'd rather be behind, dude."
A third Democrat on the ticket is Karma McCarthy, local hippie artist, pro-immigration activist, female wrestler, and librarian. Her campaign may be a long-shot, as she doesn't have much funding. She has employed boyfriend Letravis Gorman as her campaign manager, and is expected to challenge Perry for the Hispanic vote. She plans to run on a platform favoring amnesty for illegal aliens, giving Texas back to Mexico, and ending the Iraq War by making peace with the terrorists - all controverial issues in Braddock.
For the first time ever, Braddock has a mayoral candidate from the American Communist Party. Carl Borden Reubens (who wrestles in the WNWA as Yeti) is the sole Communist candidate, so he automatically wins his party's primary and will be on the November ballot against the winners from the Democrat and Republican parties. Democrats worry that Reubens' third-party candidacy may split their already slim voting bloc in Braddock. Reubens plans to run on several issues, including: organizing all labor in Braddock, ending the Iraq War, finding alternative sources of energy, charging extremely high taxes on all petroleum products to discourage their consumption, ending hunting and fishing, and raising taxes in order to turn all healthcare in Braddock over to the local government. His campaign will be managed by Braddock Communist Party Chairperson, Gail Donnelly.
Look for debates throughout the fall and spring, as the candidates prepare for the primary elections.
Woman arrested for cocaine after trying to "get her monies back"
A Braddock woman was arrested after she called deputies to help "get her monies back" after she was upset with the crack cocaine that she had purchased. The woman, identified as 30-year-old WNWA employee Shitifa Shaqueen Moore, called deputies late on the night of August 16 after she bought what she thought was a $20 piece of the stuff, deputies reports said. She told deputies that she broke the rock into three pieces and smoked one of them, only to find out that the drugs were "fake." Deputies say that Moore took Deputy Jimm Bobb Bokamper and Deputy John Boy Shields into her Braddock Motel room and showed them the drugs. She was immediately arrested on charges of possession of cocaine.
More problems at BCPL
A convicted sex offender was charged with loitering at BCPL after deputies received a call about a man lingering in the parking lot and viewing inappropriate material on a library computer.
Ted E. Behr, 39, was arrested Thursday on four charges related to his sex-offender status. Behr was convicted six years ago in Collin County of distributing child pornography and is listed on the Texas Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.
Braddock Sheriff's deputies charged him with loitering near a facility with children after being convicted of a sex crime that prohibits contact with children. In addition, Texas Rangers charged him with failing to register his change of address with the state sex-offender registry, and two counts of failing to register a change in his employment.
According to the Rangers, the case arose after authorities received a call Aug. 7 about a suspicious vehicle and man in the library parking lot. The man was apparently sleeping.
Police also received information that the man was seen viewing inappropriate Web sites on one of the library's public computers. Authorities didn't disclose the type of material he was viewing. Though an unamed source who used to work at the library said that it was "scat porn and that director Kelly Millis and Children's Librarian Noah Retro know all about the guy and are actually close, personal friends with him. If you ask me, all three of them should be on the sex offender registry."
A Braddock deputy contacted Ranger J.P. Brown of the Texas Rangers Sex Offender Investigative Unit, and Brown reported that Behr, living in Tarrant County, was not in compliance with the registry.
According to deputies, Behr also was convicted in 2005 of failing to register as a sex offender. Brown said the crime for which Behr was convicted in 2001 requires him to re-register every 30 days.
Ted E. Behr, 39, was arrested Thursday on four charges related to his sex-offender status. Behr was convicted six years ago in Collin County of distributing child pornography and is listed on the Texas Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.
Braddock Sheriff's deputies charged him with loitering near a facility with children after being convicted of a sex crime that prohibits contact with children. In addition, Texas Rangers charged him with failing to register his change of address with the state sex-offender registry, and two counts of failing to register a change in his employment.
According to the Rangers, the case arose after authorities received a call Aug. 7 about a suspicious vehicle and man in the library parking lot. The man was apparently sleeping.
Police also received information that the man was seen viewing inappropriate Web sites on one of the library's public computers. Authorities didn't disclose the type of material he was viewing. Though an unamed source who used to work at the library said that it was "scat porn and that director Kelly Millis and Children's Librarian Noah Retro know all about the guy and are actually close, personal friends with him. If you ask me, all three of them should be on the sex offender registry."
A Braddock deputy contacted Ranger J.P. Brown of the Texas Rangers Sex Offender Investigative Unit, and Brown reported that Behr, living in Tarrant County, was not in compliance with the registry.
According to deputies, Behr also was convicted in 2005 of failing to register as a sex offender. Brown said the crime for which Behr was convicted in 2001 requires him to re-register every 30 days.
WNWA House Show 8/17/07
In action last night at the Braddock County Coliseum:
World Tag Team Championship
Crummox def. "Richard Nixon" and Ass Butte by DQ after Nixon hit Da Crunk with a tire iron.
Kevin Coleman def. Captain Redneck after interference by Del Rey Preddy.
Special attraction Handicap Match
The Liberal Librarian def. The GOP: David Downs and Letravis Gorman following double Late Term Abortions.
Amos Moses and Big Pimpin' Ernest def. The Bell Brothers after Ernest pinned Billy following a big splash.
Texas Champion Prince Charming def. Kevin Knox.
Yeti & The Turd def. Eustus Fraley and Triple K.
Obeso def. Malik Monroe. fATAS attacked Obeso after the match and the ring collapsed causing a twenty minute delay as repairs were made.
Dale Taylor whipped Tony Fanuci in 19 seconds.
Da Brothas def. The Vagrants when Eugene Washington pinned Poor Matt Skills.
"All Abs" Austin Adams def. Shamookey Sanders.
World Tag Team Championship
Crummox def. "Richard Nixon" and Ass Butte by DQ after Nixon hit Da Crunk with a tire iron.
Kevin Coleman def. Captain Redneck after interference by Del Rey Preddy.
Special attraction Handicap Match
The Liberal Librarian def. The GOP: David Downs and Letravis Gorman following double Late Term Abortions.
Amos Moses and Big Pimpin' Ernest def. The Bell Brothers after Ernest pinned Billy following a big splash.
Texas Champion Prince Charming def. Kevin Knox.
Yeti & The Turd def. Eustus Fraley and Triple K.
Obeso def. Malik Monroe. fATAS attacked Obeso after the match and the ring collapsed causing a twenty minute delay as repairs were made.
Dale Taylor whipped Tony Fanuci in 19 seconds.
Da Brothas def. The Vagrants when Eugene Washington pinned Poor Matt Skills.
"All Abs" Austin Adams def. Shamookey Sanders.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Accused Shooter Mentally Retarded, Attorney Says
From The Braddock Times
BRADDOCK,TX -- A judge on Thursday delayed a capital murder trial after learning a psychiatrist thinks the young man accused of pulling the trigger is mentally retarded. Judge William J. Jennings planned to begin jury selection in late October for a murder trial against Letravis Gorman. Prosecutor John Bonkey is seeking the death penalty.
Police arrested Gorman in May 2006 in connection with the death of Jaime Juarez "Pico" Delgado, 32, of Solie. Police believe Gorman was hitch hiking in Duke's car during a road rage incident, and that he shot Delgado in the back of the head. Defense attorney Paul Qualms of the Texas Public Defender Commission raised the issue of mental retardation in a Friday hearing. The judge granted Austin's request to vacate the trial date, and he set the next hearing for Oct. 29. This allows time for Dr. Ricardo Weinstein to submit his report. Weinstein began evaluating Gorman on Tuesday in the Braddock County Public Library. Austin said Tuesday's evaluation indicated one of several requirements for showing mental retardation, which include an intelligence quotient of 65 or below.
Gorman's attorney, Paul Qualms of Dallas, said he couldn't comment on his client's involvement. The shooting of Delgado, an illegal alien from Mexico and alleged drug smuggler, took place May 6, 2006. Delgado died after being shot in the back of the head while riding as a passenger in a car headed north on Mosby Ave in Braddock. Police said Delgado was driving his own vehicle and they believe Gorman shot Delgado after a road rage confrontation. Gorman was taken into custody the same evening at a gas station in Braddock and has since been released to the care of the Braddock County Public Library and Tony Fanuci.
BRADDOCK,TX -- A judge on Thursday delayed a capital murder trial after learning a psychiatrist thinks the young man accused of pulling the trigger is mentally retarded. Judge William J. Jennings planned to begin jury selection in late October for a murder trial against Letravis Gorman. Prosecutor John Bonkey is seeking the death penalty.
Police arrested Gorman in May 2006 in connection with the death of Jaime Juarez "Pico" Delgado, 32, of Solie. Police believe Gorman was hitch hiking in Duke's car during a road rage incident, and that he shot Delgado in the back of the head. Defense attorney Paul Qualms of the Texas Public Defender Commission raised the issue of mental retardation in a Friday hearing. The judge granted Austin's request to vacate the trial date, and he set the next hearing for Oct. 29. This allows time for Dr. Ricardo Weinstein to submit his report. Weinstein began evaluating Gorman on Tuesday in the Braddock County Public Library. Austin said Tuesday's evaluation indicated one of several requirements for showing mental retardation, which include an intelligence quotient of 65 or below.
Gorman's attorney, Paul Qualms of Dallas, said he couldn't comment on his client's involvement. The shooting of Delgado, an illegal alien from Mexico and alleged drug smuggler, took place May 6, 2006. Delgado died after being shot in the back of the head while riding as a passenger in a car headed north on Mosby Ave in Braddock. Police said Delgado was driving his own vehicle and they believe Gorman shot Delgado after a road rage confrontation. Gorman was taken into custody the same evening at a gas station in Braddock and has since been released to the care of the Braddock County Public Library and Tony Fanuci.
Braddock News Flash!
Braddock, TX - A melee broke out this morning on live TV. Liberal Morning, a live talk show on OIL TV was the site of a major political protest, as members of the Braddock NAACP, the Texas NAACP, and the Texas Black Democratic Caucus showed up to protest against host Gail Donnelly, who they claimed is a racist. Donnelly recently threatened to sue community leader Truman Marlin, who is an active member of each of the three groups protesting today.
In a surprise move, Braddock Democratic Party leaders, in concert with the Braddock Board of Elections, stripped Ms. Donnelly's membership in the Democratic Party, due to her alleged racism.
Donnelly was clearly upset by this, and her co-host and life partner, Joseph Paul Paynter (who wrestles in the WNWA as The Liberal Librarian) came out to avenge her. Paynter assaulted an audience member, and was himself assaulted, before Marlin put an end to the ruckus by bringing out two of his wrestlers and challenging Paynter to a match.
Details of the match were settled due to intervention by Hillary Clinton, who appeared via satellite hookup. Hillary admonished Paynter and Donnelly for "upsetting the black voters during an election cycle," and Paynter agreed to move Donnelly out of his apartment, and not protest her expulsion from the Democratic Party. Paynter further agreed that he and any one male wreslter of his choosing would meet Truman Marlin's wrestlers Ernest and Amos Moses in a match that would determine whether Paynter would be allowed to remain a Democrat orbe kicked out of the party as well.
Paynter was extremely emotional at seeing Mrs. Clinton, and he commented, "I will be proud to serve my Queen, brother! Hil said I am important to her, and special, dude! You better believe I am going to win that match for Hillary, brother! Whatchu gonna do, when I run wild over you?!?"
Donnelly announced that she was moving in with her good friend Joy Bozkivitz immediately, and that she was founding the Braddock Communist Party, which "will be a haven for all true liberals and not like that sham Democratic Party where they let in southerners and Christians." It is believed that Paynter, should he lose his match and forfeit his Democratic membership, would join the Communist Party as well.
In a surprise move, Braddock Democratic Party leaders, in concert with the Braddock Board of Elections, stripped Ms. Donnelly's membership in the Democratic Party, due to her alleged racism.
Donnelly was clearly upset by this, and her co-host and life partner, Joseph Paul Paynter (who wrestles in the WNWA as The Liberal Librarian) came out to avenge her. Paynter assaulted an audience member, and was himself assaulted, before Marlin put an end to the ruckus by bringing out two of his wrestlers and challenging Paynter to a match.
Details of the match were settled due to intervention by Hillary Clinton, who appeared via satellite hookup. Hillary admonished Paynter and Donnelly for "upsetting the black voters during an election cycle," and Paynter agreed to move Donnelly out of his apartment, and not protest her expulsion from the Democratic Party. Paynter further agreed that he and any one male wreslter of his choosing would meet Truman Marlin's wrestlers Ernest and Amos Moses in a match that would determine whether Paynter would be allowed to remain a Democrat orbe kicked out of the party as well.
Paynter was extremely emotional at seeing Mrs. Clinton, and he commented, "I will be proud to serve my Queen, brother! Hil said I am important to her, and special, dude! You better believe I am going to win that match for Hillary, brother! Whatchu gonna do, when I run wild over you?!?"
Donnelly announced that she was moving in with her good friend Joy Bozkivitz immediately, and that she was founding the Braddock Communist Party, which "will be a haven for all true liberals and not like that sham Democratic Party where they let in southerners and Christians." It is believed that Paynter, should he lose his match and forfeit his Democratic membership, would join the Communist Party as well.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Braddock's Favorite Hangout
From The Braddock Times lifestyle section
They begin to line up on the sidewalk as much as an hour before the doors open. At 10 a.m. they make a mad dash through all three entrances. Security guards estimate they are 200 to 300 strong, race-walking in their eagerness to get inside.
Is it the box office for a hot concert? A store selling the latest, coolest video game player? A sports event?
No, it's Braddock County Public Library.
To the surprise of nearly everyone, libraries are hot. The library has such a rush of visitors every morning when they open that one staffer jokingly refers to it as, "the running of the bulls."
"I worked here the first day," says reference librarian Karma McCarthy, "and we just did nonstop, all day, library-card creation. It was a giant party."
For the library?
What happened to wooden chairs, stacks of musty books, and the "shhhhhhhhh" of the librarian? That's old time. This is the new library. The one for Internet-surfing, coffee-sipping and movie-renting.
"The perception is no longer of a warehouse for books," says BCPL Director Kelly Millis. "We're seen as a place to hang out. I've been in the business for 30 years. And when I look back at it, this is the most exciting time ever for librarians."
Uh-oh, watch out. You get a bunch of librarians excited and anything could happen.
But it is true. Libraries have unexpectedly become cutting edge. It's not just true here; it is a national trend. A survey released this year by the American Library Association found that "the number of visits to public libraries in the United States increased 61 percent between 1994 and 2004."
And it isn't just old fogies researching knitting. A 2007 poll found that 68 percent of those between 18 and 24 years old had visited a library in the past year, and 74 percent of those 35 to 44 had done the same.
Those results were so affirming that the librarians actually started to talk a little smack: "Predicted demise due to Internet fails to materialize," the press release for the survey was headlined.
And in one sense, that's true. Most of us probably had the same impression - that once people could sit at their computer and pull up information, text, and video for free, there would be no need to go to the library.
Instead, a wide range of users have turned to the library experience. At BCPL, you'd be as likely to run into a homeless person, checking porn, as a suit-clad attorney coming over from downtown Braddock.
"This," says Millis, "is the most democratic place in the city."
It must be said that the Internet thing turned out to be more than a fad. And today's libraries aren't so much the alternative as the provider. According to another Library Association study, 99 percent of all libraries across the country offer free Internet access, up from just 25 percent 10 years ago.
For those who can't afford a computer, or don't have access, the library is a godsend. (And yes, because you are probably wondering, that means there are people who come in off the street and look at Internet porn.)
"We have a pretty liberal policy of open access," Millis says. "We don't pass judgment. One of the biggest challenges in libraries is, is there a foolproof filter for the Internet? And there isn't."
But it isn't just a destination for logging on. Libraries have also become interactive portals for members at home.
Live homework help is available for teenagers on the library Web site. Computer-savvy library card-holders are also much more likely to order the latest books online, then pick them up when they arrive.
"One thing that has been amazing to me," Millis says, "is the hold on books, where you can reserve a book online. We're going to hit a million 'holds' this year."
But we shouldn't sell librarians short. After years of being considered conservative and square, you have to admit that they've gotten with it.
"I think we are competing very well with the Amazon.coms and the independent bookstores," says Millis.
In the children's section, for example, there is a flashy exhibit of the favorite books of the kids of two WNWA Wrestlers: Erich Edwards and Amos Beiler. "We've learned something from bookstores," says children's librarian Noah Retro. "This isn't musty and it isn't just (book) spines on shelves."
Then there's another factor. Libraries have worked very hard to become neighborhood hangouts. Most new facilities have a coffee shop and plenty of magazines available. It's worked well, but it is only the set-up for what they think is coming - the surge of the Baby Boomers.
Millis says librarians are acutely aware of the fact that the Boomers, with their strong interest in personal growth and continuing education, are about to begin retiring. He was just reading an article in Library Journal headlined, "What Boomers Want: They're changing old age and library service with it."
More workshops, seminars and study groups are planned. Interactive facilities are being beefed up. And hints for post-retirement activities are in the works. It will be, the Journal says, "a potential boom market."
Who would have thought that libraries are perfectly positioned to be the hot spot of the next generation? As Millis said, it's a great time to be in the business. Not that everyone understands what he does.
"Sometimes people say to me, 'It must be great to be able to read on the job.' "
Read? Who's got time to read?
They begin to line up on the sidewalk as much as an hour before the doors open. At 10 a.m. they make a mad dash through all three entrances. Security guards estimate they are 200 to 300 strong, race-walking in their eagerness to get inside.
Is it the box office for a hot concert? A store selling the latest, coolest video game player? A sports event?
No, it's Braddock County Public Library.
To the surprise of nearly everyone, libraries are hot. The library has such a rush of visitors every morning when they open that one staffer jokingly refers to it as, "the running of the bulls."
"I worked here the first day," says reference librarian Karma McCarthy, "and we just did nonstop, all day, library-card creation. It was a giant party."
For the library?
What happened to wooden chairs, stacks of musty books, and the "shhhhhhhhh" of the librarian? That's old time. This is the new library. The one for Internet-surfing, coffee-sipping and movie-renting.
"The perception is no longer of a warehouse for books," says BCPL Director Kelly Millis. "We're seen as a place to hang out. I've been in the business for 30 years. And when I look back at it, this is the most exciting time ever for librarians."
Uh-oh, watch out. You get a bunch of librarians excited and anything could happen.
But it is true. Libraries have unexpectedly become cutting edge. It's not just true here; it is a national trend. A survey released this year by the American Library Association found that "the number of visits to public libraries in the United States increased 61 percent between 1994 and 2004."
And it isn't just old fogies researching knitting. A 2007 poll found that 68 percent of those between 18 and 24 years old had visited a library in the past year, and 74 percent of those 35 to 44 had done the same.
Those results were so affirming that the librarians actually started to talk a little smack: "Predicted demise due to Internet fails to materialize," the press release for the survey was headlined.
And in one sense, that's true. Most of us probably had the same impression - that once people could sit at their computer and pull up information, text, and video for free, there would be no need to go to the library.
Instead, a wide range of users have turned to the library experience. At BCPL, you'd be as likely to run into a homeless person, checking porn, as a suit-clad attorney coming over from downtown Braddock.
"This," says Millis, "is the most democratic place in the city."
It must be said that the Internet thing turned out to be more than a fad. And today's libraries aren't so much the alternative as the provider. According to another Library Association study, 99 percent of all libraries across the country offer free Internet access, up from just 25 percent 10 years ago.
For those who can't afford a computer, or don't have access, the library is a godsend. (And yes, because you are probably wondering, that means there are people who come in off the street and look at Internet porn.)
"We have a pretty liberal policy of open access," Millis says. "We don't pass judgment. One of the biggest challenges in libraries is, is there a foolproof filter for the Internet? And there isn't."
But it isn't just a destination for logging on. Libraries have also become interactive portals for members at home.
Live homework help is available for teenagers on the library Web site. Computer-savvy library card-holders are also much more likely to order the latest books online, then pick them up when they arrive.
"One thing that has been amazing to me," Millis says, "is the hold on books, where you can reserve a book online. We're going to hit a million 'holds' this year."
But we shouldn't sell librarians short. After years of being considered conservative and square, you have to admit that they've gotten with it.
"I think we are competing very well with the Amazon.coms and the independent bookstores," says Millis.
In the children's section, for example, there is a flashy exhibit of the favorite books of the kids of two WNWA Wrestlers: Erich Edwards and Amos Beiler. "We've learned something from bookstores," says children's librarian Noah Retro. "This isn't musty and it isn't just (book) spines on shelves."
Then there's another factor. Libraries have worked very hard to become neighborhood hangouts. Most new facilities have a coffee shop and plenty of magazines available. It's worked well, but it is only the set-up for what they think is coming - the surge of the Baby Boomers.
Millis says librarians are acutely aware of the fact that the Boomers, with their strong interest in personal growth and continuing education, are about to begin retiring. He was just reading an article in Library Journal headlined, "What Boomers Want: They're changing old age and library service with it."
More workshops, seminars and study groups are planned. Interactive facilities are being beefed up. And hints for post-retirement activities are in the works. It will be, the Journal says, "a potential boom market."
Who would have thought that libraries are perfectly positioned to be the hot spot of the next generation? As Millis said, it's a great time to be in the business. Not that everyone understands what he does.
"Sometimes people say to me, 'It must be great to be able to read on the job.' "
Read? Who's got time to read?
Tyrone Jefferson sues Michael Vick, accuses NFL star of terrorist ties
From The Braddock Times
Braddock County Inmate Hits Michael Vick With '$63,000,000,000 Billion Dollar' Lawsuit Alleging Al Qaeda Ties
Tuesday , August 14, 2007
Embattled NFL quarterback Michael Vick, facing federal charges related to his alleged participation in dog fighting, has been hit with a "$63,000,000,000 billion dollar" lawsuit filed by a Braddock County Prison Farm inmate who alleges the Atlanta Falcons star stole his pit bulls and sold them on eBay to buy "missiles an' shit from Iran," The Braddock Times has learned.
Tyrone Jefferson filed the handwritten complaint over "theft and abuse of my dawgs" on July 23 in the U.S. District Court in Dallas, TX. Jefferson alleges that Vick stole two white mixed pit bull dogs from his apartment at the Happy Hill Gardens Federal Housing Project in Braddock, TX, and used them for dog fighting operations in Richmond, Va. The complaint goes on to allege that Vick sold the dogs on eBay and "used da green to buy missiles an' shit from da Iran gubmint." The complaint also alleges that Vick would need those missiles because he pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda in February of this year. "Michael Vick has to quit physically hurting my feelings and dashing my hopes," Jefferson writes in the complaint.
Jefferson wants $63 billion dollars "backed by gold and silver "delivered to the front gates to the Braddock County Prison Farm." Jefferson is an inmate at the facility serving out a shoplifting conviction.
Braddock County Inmate Hits Michael Vick With '$63,000,000,000 Billion Dollar' Lawsuit Alleging Al Qaeda Ties
Tuesday , August 14, 2007
Embattled NFL quarterback Michael Vick, facing federal charges related to his alleged participation in dog fighting, has been hit with a "$63,000,000,000 billion dollar" lawsuit filed by a Braddock County Prison Farm inmate who alleges the Atlanta Falcons star stole his pit bulls and sold them on eBay to buy "missiles an' shit from Iran," The Braddock Times has learned.
Tyrone Jefferson filed the handwritten complaint over "theft and abuse of my dawgs" on July 23 in the U.S. District Court in Dallas, TX. Jefferson alleges that Vick stole two white mixed pit bull dogs from his apartment at the Happy Hill Gardens Federal Housing Project in Braddock, TX, and used them for dog fighting operations in Richmond, Va. The complaint goes on to allege that Vick sold the dogs on eBay and "used da green to buy missiles an' shit from da Iran gubmint." The complaint also alleges that Vick would need those missiles because he pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda in February of this year. "Michael Vick has to quit physically hurting my feelings and dashing my hopes," Jefferson writes in the complaint.
Jefferson wants $63 billion dollars "backed by gold and silver "delivered to the front gates to the Braddock County Prison Farm." Jefferson is an inmate at the facility serving out a shoplifting conviction.
Braddock news briefs
From The Braddock Times:
Braddock NAACP activists, along with members of the Texas Black Democratic Caucus, have reserved all studio audience tickets for the Thursday morning edition of the OIL TV show "Liberal Morning." It is believed that the groups intend to stage a demonstration against host Gail Donnelly, who is working without her co-host, Joseph Paul Paynter (aka The Liberal Librarian) this week as Paynter prepares to defend himself in court on several drug-related charges. Paynter is out on a $50 bond set by Judge William J. Jennings and is expected to wrestle at the WNWA Wrestling tapings this weekend. Donnelly was recently in a heated argument with "Coach" Truman Marlin, a well-known Braddock barber, wrestling coach, and community activist. It is believed that the protest may be related to that event.
*******
Rev. Dr. Curtis Lowe was arrested this morning by Braddock Sheriff's Deputies for disturbing the peace, being drunk and disorderly, public drunkenness, and attempting to evade arrest. Lowe was shot in the shoulder as he attempted to elude deputies, and is recovering in the infirmary at the Braddock Prison Farm.
*******
Gail Donnelly, who is serving as acting manager of An Inconvenient Cafe this week while proprietor Joseph Paynter prepares for court, announces the following events, which are open to the public:
*George Michael Lookalike Contest - Friday night 10pm
*Boy George Lookalike Contest - Saturday night 10pm
*The Rosie O'Donnell Lookalike Contest that was originally scheduled for Thursday night has been postponed until next week, due to problems contestants are having with getting their hair done properly. Tony Fanuci's Toga Party will be held Thursday night at 10pm instead.
*Paris Hilton/Nicole Richie/Lindsay Lohan Lookalike Jail Party - Sunday afternoon at 2pm.
*******
Braddock County Public Library announces the following staff vacancies, due to recent employee turnover:
*Genealogist for the Texas Collection. No library degree required. Familiarity with city directories and Texas Cash website a plus.
*Needed: 1 cute girl to serve as all-around Girl Friday for Research Department.
*Janitor/Maintainence person. Must be able to lift 80 lbs and sort recyclables.
Braddock NAACP activists, along with members of the Texas Black Democratic Caucus, have reserved all studio audience tickets for the Thursday morning edition of the OIL TV show "Liberal Morning." It is believed that the groups intend to stage a demonstration against host Gail Donnelly, who is working without her co-host, Joseph Paul Paynter (aka The Liberal Librarian) this week as Paynter prepares to defend himself in court on several drug-related charges. Paynter is out on a $50 bond set by Judge William J. Jennings and is expected to wrestle at the WNWA Wrestling tapings this weekend. Donnelly was recently in a heated argument with "Coach" Truman Marlin, a well-known Braddock barber, wrestling coach, and community activist. It is believed that the protest may be related to that event.
*******
Rev. Dr. Curtis Lowe was arrested this morning by Braddock Sheriff's Deputies for disturbing the peace, being drunk and disorderly, public drunkenness, and attempting to evade arrest. Lowe was shot in the shoulder as he attempted to elude deputies, and is recovering in the infirmary at the Braddock Prison Farm.
*******
Gail Donnelly, who is serving as acting manager of An Inconvenient Cafe this week while proprietor Joseph Paynter prepares for court, announces the following events, which are open to the public:
*George Michael Lookalike Contest - Friday night 10pm
*Boy George Lookalike Contest - Saturday night 10pm
*The Rosie O'Donnell Lookalike Contest that was originally scheduled for Thursday night has been postponed until next week, due to problems contestants are having with getting their hair done properly. Tony Fanuci's Toga Party will be held Thursday night at 10pm instead.
*Paris Hilton/Nicole Richie/Lindsay Lohan Lookalike Jail Party - Sunday afternoon at 2pm.
*******
Braddock County Public Library announces the following staff vacancies, due to recent employee turnover:
*Genealogist for the Texas Collection. No library degree required. Familiarity with city directories and Texas Cash website a plus.
*Needed: 1 cute girl to serve as all-around Girl Friday for Research Department.
*Janitor/Maintainence person. Must be able to lift 80 lbs and sort recyclables.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Activists Protest Disrespectful Song Lyrics in Braddock, TX
Braddock, TX -- Tuesday was a national day of outrage against the music industry as some top civil rights activists urged hip-hop artists to clean up their lyrics. The call to action united women, men and children across Texas.
In Dallas, dozens of people gathered outside the "Thugs" music store toprotest derogatory words used in the entertainment industry. "When it comes to using the 'N' word, the 'H' word and the 'B' word against our people and our women, those words are not filtered out," Bishop Thomas White, president of the NAACP in Braddock County, said. "What we are saying to our artists, to the hip-hop generation, this is not against them," White said. "We love them. We appreciate their contribution to the world of music, but you don't have to offend a whole group of people and you don't have to offend our women."
For years, rap's critics have complained about some of the lyrics only to watch the music become more profane and more popular. However, months after outrage over Don Imus' alleged sexist and racial comments, intense scrutiny of rap's negative imagery caused protests across the state of Texas, from Galveston to the "pan-handle." Rap artist, wrestler and Braddock County's own Antonio "Da Crunk" Davis is known to liberally use curse words and epithets in his lyrics. "Those is words I be familiar with growing up in the streets," Davis said. "I wants to bring the streets into my rap." Davis said he means no disrespect. He said at the end of his album, he left a prayer message. "I salute all the hos, and I especially salute all the white hos," Davis said. "Me and the Reverend [Dr.] Curtis [Eldorado Lowe] pray for white hos everyday, too."
Davis said he's open to cleaner lyrics. But, he said, if activists want to address the language, they have to go to the "Man." "You got to start with the Man and then work your way down," Davis said. The activists said this protest is just the beginning of a national movement to end the use of derogatory words in all recordings. There was no word on when the next protest will take place.
In Dallas, dozens of people gathered outside the "Thugs" music store toprotest derogatory words used in the entertainment industry. "When it comes to using the 'N' word, the 'H' word and the 'B' word against our people and our women, those words are not filtered out," Bishop Thomas White, president of the NAACP in Braddock County, said. "What we are saying to our artists, to the hip-hop generation, this is not against them," White said. "We love them. We appreciate their contribution to the world of music, but you don't have to offend a whole group of people and you don't have to offend our women."
For years, rap's critics have complained about some of the lyrics only to watch the music become more profane and more popular. However, months after outrage over Don Imus' alleged sexist and racial comments, intense scrutiny of rap's negative imagery caused protests across the state of Texas, from Galveston to the "pan-handle." Rap artist, wrestler and Braddock County's own Antonio "Da Crunk" Davis is known to liberally use curse words and epithets in his lyrics. "Those is words I be familiar with growing up in the streets," Davis said. "I wants to bring the streets into my rap." Davis said he means no disrespect. He said at the end of his album, he left a prayer message. "I salute all the hos, and I especially salute all the white hos," Davis said. "Me and the Reverend [Dr.] Curtis [Eldorado Lowe] pray for white hos everyday, too."
Davis said he's open to cleaner lyrics. But, he said, if activists want to address the language, they have to go to the "Man." "You got to start with the Man and then work your way down," Davis said. The activists said this protest is just the beginning of a national movement to end the use of derogatory words in all recordings. There was no word on when the next protest will take place.
Braddock's Most Wanted: Tony Fanuci
From The Braddock Times entertainment page.
He was an obese Houdini, a corpulent escape artist wearing nothing more than a bed sheet who was on the lam for a week. But now he is back in custody under the supervision of Oliver J. Blair III (who wrestles for the WNWA as The Turd) at Brown View Apartments in Braddock, Texas.
Officials still marvel at how a nearly 600-pound Tony Fanuci fitthrough a 20-inch hole to escape from the apartment last week.
"You've got to hand it to him -- he was a very determined and desperate guy," said Sheriff Fenton Washburn of the Braddock County Sheriff's Department.
Fanuci, a 35 year old native Pennsylvanian, is a wrestler with Braddock based WNWA. He was enslaved to the Liberal Librarian following his humiliating defeat in a handicapped match at WNWA's Memorial Day Massacre last May. His slavery status was subsequently declared legal by 9th Circuit Court Chief Justice William J. Jennings. Therefore, when Fanuci escaped he violated the law based on property ownership. In other words, he essentially stole himself from the Liberal Librarian.
A close associate of Fanuci and nearby neighbor, Shitifa Moore lamented that his escape has deprived her of his essential bi-weekly "handy-man serbices".
KSUX channel 9's show Braddock's Most Wanted featured Fanuci on its program following his escape and plans to make his capture its lead story this Saturday. Peter Gillespie, a Braddock County native who is producing Saturday's Fanuci segment, found it amazing that such a huge, nearly naked man could be so elusive to Sheriff's deputies and could even fit his head through the 20-inch hole at Brown View Apartments. Instead of a Public Enemy No. 1 who committed hard crimes, Gillespie said, "He's more like Public Nuisance No. 1."
Authorities believe that Fanuci opened a hatch at the apartment, rubbed butter and Crisco over his nude body, and then worked his way through a vent. Despite the super morbidly obese man's nimbleness, Gillespie said, an interesting thing happens at the end of the Braddock's Most Wanted segment. "In the end, during the grab shot, he trips and falls and you're like, 'Wow, this guy's supposed to be so agile?!?'"
He was an obese Houdini, a corpulent escape artist wearing nothing more than a bed sheet who was on the lam for a week. But now he is back in custody under the supervision of Oliver J. Blair III (who wrestles for the WNWA as The Turd) at Brown View Apartments in Braddock, Texas.
Officials still marvel at how a nearly 600-pound Tony Fanuci fitthrough a 20-inch hole to escape from the apartment last week.
"You've got to hand it to him -- he was a very determined and desperate guy," said Sheriff Fenton Washburn of the Braddock County Sheriff's Department.
Fanuci, a 35 year old native Pennsylvanian, is a wrestler with Braddock based WNWA. He was enslaved to the Liberal Librarian following his humiliating defeat in a handicapped match at WNWA's Memorial Day Massacre last May. His slavery status was subsequently declared legal by 9th Circuit Court Chief Justice William J. Jennings. Therefore, when Fanuci escaped he violated the law based on property ownership. In other words, he essentially stole himself from the Liberal Librarian.
A close associate of Fanuci and nearby neighbor, Shitifa Moore lamented that his escape has deprived her of his essential bi-weekly "handy-man serbices".
KSUX channel 9's show Braddock's Most Wanted featured Fanuci on its program following his escape and plans to make his capture its lead story this Saturday. Peter Gillespie, a Braddock County native who is producing Saturday's Fanuci segment, found it amazing that such a huge, nearly naked man could be so elusive to Sheriff's deputies and could even fit his head through the 20-inch hole at Brown View Apartments. Instead of a Public Enemy No. 1 who committed hard crimes, Gillespie said, "He's more like Public Nuisance No. 1."
Authorities believe that Fanuci opened a hatch at the apartment, rubbed butter and Crisco over his nude body, and then worked his way through a vent. Despite the super morbidly obese man's nimbleness, Gillespie said, an interesting thing happens at the end of the Braddock's Most Wanted segment. "In the end, during the grab shot, he trips and falls and you're like, 'Wow, this guy's supposed to be so agile?!?'"
Arkansas man moving to Braddock
From the Braddock Times society page
Frank Childers is moving to Braddock County to live with his cousin Clovis Childers. Childers, who lives in Millsburg, AR is a semi-invalid and has no one to take care of him other than a mentally disabled son. Clovis has offered to take care of Frank in his home in Solie in northeast Braddock County.
Frank Childers is moving to Braddock County to live with his cousin Clovis Childers. Childers, who lives in Millsburg, AR is a semi-invalid and has no one to take care of him other than a mentally disabled son. Clovis has offered to take care of Frank in his home in Solie in northeast Braddock County.
Sagging pants on Board's agenda
Youngsters and others who participate in what could be called a fading fad and a fashion faux pas might want to get their belts ready. Braddock County Board of Commissioners is expected to discuss an ordinance amendment concerning sagging pants when it meets today.
The amendment being proposed by Councilwoman T. Diana Belle-Little would make it unlawful for any person to appear in public wearing pants below the waist that expose skin or undergarments.
The proposed amendment is something Little said has been on her mind for a while, though it wasn't sparked by any earth-shattering incident. "I think it's important for us to speak on behavior," Little said, noting the proposed rule isn't a restraint of free speech. Sagging pants is one of the things that concerned Little during her time as a public defender. "It's not something we'd like to see happen."
The ordinance amendment, which can't be adopted prior to Aug. 28, was introduced during Monday's Board work session, but there was no discussion on the issue during the meeting. If it gets board members' approval, anyone convicted of violations could face a fine of up to $25 and up to one eight-hour day picking up trash or refuse, or performing court-appointed community service activities. Repeated convictions could result in a fine of up to $100 and up to four eight-hour days picking up trash or other court-appointed community service activities. "Like most folks, I'm offended by the young folks in the city when they choose to wear their pants in that fashion," said Braddock Mayor Henry Wise. "I'm going to listen to the debate offered." But the proposed change already is drawing backers. "I'm definitely in support of that legislation," Councilman Benjamin White said.
Mansfield, LA aldermen voted Monday to enact a law that imposes a fine of up to $150 plus court costs, or up to 15 days in jail, for anyone caught wearing sagging pants with exposed underwear. The law becomes effective Sept. 15.
In other business during Monday's session, board members continued efforts to clean up the county when they considered property standards appeals. Of the six appeals before the County Council, one person wanted to donate the property to the city and the rest requested more time to either renovate or demolish the properties. Of the requests, council members opted to uphold the decision of the property standards board in denying the requests with the exception of one property. "These houses are in horrible condition," said Councilwoman Little, referring to the Happy Hill neighborhood.
The amendment being proposed by Councilwoman T. Diana Belle-Little would make it unlawful for any person to appear in public wearing pants below the waist that expose skin or undergarments.
The proposed amendment is something Little said has been on her mind for a while, though it wasn't sparked by any earth-shattering incident. "I think it's important for us to speak on behavior," Little said, noting the proposed rule isn't a restraint of free speech. Sagging pants is one of the things that concerned Little during her time as a public defender. "It's not something we'd like to see happen."
The ordinance amendment, which can't be adopted prior to Aug. 28, was introduced during Monday's Board work session, but there was no discussion on the issue during the meeting. If it gets board members' approval, anyone convicted of violations could face a fine of up to $25 and up to one eight-hour day picking up trash or refuse, or performing court-appointed community service activities. Repeated convictions could result in a fine of up to $100 and up to four eight-hour days picking up trash or other court-appointed community service activities. "Like most folks, I'm offended by the young folks in the city when they choose to wear their pants in that fashion," said Braddock Mayor Henry Wise. "I'm going to listen to the debate offered." But the proposed change already is drawing backers. "I'm definitely in support of that legislation," Councilman Benjamin White said.
Mansfield, LA aldermen voted Monday to enact a law that imposes a fine of up to $150 plus court costs, or up to 15 days in jail, for anyone caught wearing sagging pants with exposed underwear. The law becomes effective Sept. 15.
In other business during Monday's session, board members continued efforts to clean up the county when they considered property standards appeals. Of the six appeals before the County Council, one person wanted to donate the property to the city and the rest requested more time to either renovate or demolish the properties. Of the requests, council members opted to uphold the decision of the property standards board in denying the requests with the exception of one property. "These houses are in horrible condition," said Councilwoman Little, referring to the Happy Hill neighborhood.
Wrestlers Arrested!
Braddock, TX - Early this morning Braddock County Sheriff Fenton Washburn announced the arrest of two fugitives from justice. Carl Borden Reubens (who wrestles in the WNWA as Yeti) and his cousin, Joseph Paul Paynter (who wrestles in the WNWA as The Liberal Librarian) were both wanted on numerous drugs charges, with Reubens also wanted for Saturday's robbery of the Elm St. Rite Aid.
Acting on a tip from fellow WNWA wrestler Dale Taylor, deputies approached a trailer belonging to Bertha Mae Bigguns, known locally as "Big Bertha" at the Yellow Rose of Texas Mobile Home Park. Reubens had been serving a WNWA sentence of servitude to Taylor for the past month for losing to him at a match at Uncivil War, but had fled on Sunday evening as soon as his month was over. Reubens set out on foot, intending to hitchhike out of the trailer park, and made it half a mile down the road before passing Yellow Rose of Texas Mobile Home Park, where Bigguns was sitting out in front of her home. She told Reubens his face was all over the news for robbing the Rite Aid and offered to hide him at her trailer in exchange for sexual favors. Reubens was terrified of returning to the Braddock Prison Farm Chain Gang and agreed. Late last night, Bigguns apparently ran into Dale Taylor at the Sack 'Em Up Convenience Store, where she bragged to him about her new man. Taylor immediately called the Braddock Sheriff's Department, and has since collected an $800 reward for information leading to Reubens' arrest.
Paynter was likewise arrested after a tip. Jackie Thehut, a neighbor of Billy "CityD" Huffman reported seeing Paynter living in Huffman's car with him, and called the Braddock Sheriff's Department with the information that Paynter was hiding out there and "having an affair" with Huffman. She collected a $500 reward for turning in Paynter, which she quickly spent on a home improvement project. When police arrived at Huffman's automotive residence, they found Huffman and Paynter embroiled in a heated argument over control of the radio. Paynter appeared to be out of control, and was circling Huffman's 1979 Buick Regal and repeatedly smashing the hood and kicking the doors. Deputies immediately tazered Paynter and placed him in handcuffs and leg irons and took him away.
Huffman told reporters that, "We used to git along real good. Had a lot of fun together. But he ain't no fun since he's been popping them pills. He don't want to have no fun at all. He just wants to yell about politics all the time and scream about impeaching Bush. I couldn't take no more a that. We had a fight Sunday 'cause he turned off my Benny Hinn TV show. I was witnessin' to him and tryin' to save his sinful soul, but he didn't wanna hear it. Didn't wanna have no fun neither. Then the last straw was when he started messin' with my radio. Turned off the "Michael Savage Show" and put it on some Air America mess. No sir, I couldn't take none a that. It's a good thing the po-lice got here when they did. I was gittin' ready to kick his ass."
Both Bigguns and Huffman are facing charges for harboring known felons, and have been released on bail awaiting trial.
Paynter and Reubens are scheduled to be arraigned by Judge Jennings on Wednesday afternoon, but Braddock DA Dick Nyfung has already said he will ask for a change of venue, claiming the judge has a personal relationship with both Paynter and Reubens.
Acting on a tip from fellow WNWA wrestler Dale Taylor, deputies approached a trailer belonging to Bertha Mae Bigguns, known locally as "Big Bertha" at the Yellow Rose of Texas Mobile Home Park. Reubens had been serving a WNWA sentence of servitude to Taylor for the past month for losing to him at a match at Uncivil War, but had fled on Sunday evening as soon as his month was over. Reubens set out on foot, intending to hitchhike out of the trailer park, and made it half a mile down the road before passing Yellow Rose of Texas Mobile Home Park, where Bigguns was sitting out in front of her home. She told Reubens his face was all over the news for robbing the Rite Aid and offered to hide him at her trailer in exchange for sexual favors. Reubens was terrified of returning to the Braddock Prison Farm Chain Gang and agreed. Late last night, Bigguns apparently ran into Dale Taylor at the Sack 'Em Up Convenience Store, where she bragged to him about her new man. Taylor immediately called the Braddock Sheriff's Department, and has since collected an $800 reward for information leading to Reubens' arrest.
Paynter was likewise arrested after a tip. Jackie Thehut, a neighbor of Billy "CityD" Huffman reported seeing Paynter living in Huffman's car with him, and called the Braddock Sheriff's Department with the information that Paynter was hiding out there and "having an affair" with Huffman. She collected a $500 reward for turning in Paynter, which she quickly spent on a home improvement project. When police arrived at Huffman's automotive residence, they found Huffman and Paynter embroiled in a heated argument over control of the radio. Paynter appeared to be out of control, and was circling Huffman's 1979 Buick Regal and repeatedly smashing the hood and kicking the doors. Deputies immediately tazered Paynter and placed him in handcuffs and leg irons and took him away.
Huffman told reporters that, "We used to git along real good. Had a lot of fun together. But he ain't no fun since he's been popping them pills. He don't want to have no fun at all. He just wants to yell about politics all the time and scream about impeaching Bush. I couldn't take no more a that. We had a fight Sunday 'cause he turned off my Benny Hinn TV show. I was witnessin' to him and tryin' to save his sinful soul, but he didn't wanna hear it. Didn't wanna have no fun neither. Then the last straw was when he started messin' with my radio. Turned off the "Michael Savage Show" and put it on some Air America mess. No sir, I couldn't take none a that. It's a good thing the po-lice got here when they did. I was gittin' ready to kick his ass."
Both Bigguns and Huffman are facing charges for harboring known felons, and have been released on bail awaiting trial.
Paynter and Reubens are scheduled to be arraigned by Judge Jennings on Wednesday afternoon, but Braddock DA Dick Nyfung has already said he will ask for a change of venue, claiming the judge has a personal relationship with both Paynter and Reubens.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Braddock Sheriff's Department issues All Points Bulletin
The Braddock County Sheriff's Department has issued an All Points Bulletin for Carl Reubens (who wrestles in the WNWA as Yeti) and his cousin, Joseph Paul Paynter (who wrestles in the WNWA as The Liberal Librarian). Reubens and Paynter are wanted on drugs charges, specifically obtaining ingredients to manufacture methamphetamine, manufacturing methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of controlled substances with intent to sell, and obtaining controlled substances under false pretenses. In addition, Reubens is wanted for robbery of the Rite Aid on Elm St in Braddock.
Both men are on the loose, but believed to be still in Braddock. They may be armed. They are believed to be addicts, and they may be crazed and dangerous if suffering from withdrawal effects from meth or its sister substance, a supposedly all natural herbal supplement that has been analyzed as a human growth hormone called, Libotines.
A search of Paynter's home at the Happy Hill federal housing project high rise on Happy Hill Ave in downtown Braddock turned up an enormous stash of controlled substances, including the highly addictive steroid, Libotines, which have recently been banned by the FDA for having previously unknown side effects. The Libotines have been confiscated, and are being held as evidence. The search also turned up anti-American propaganda, Communist manifestos, a copy of the Quran, a shrine to Hillary Rodham Clinton and a large stash of bisexual and so-called "scat" pornography.
A search of Reubens' trailer turned up a large amount of meth-making equipment. Deputies believe the two men are working in concert to run a major North Texas meth ring, using Reubens' trailer as the main meth lab.
An Inconvenient Cafe was searched very early this morning, after a tip that Paynter may be holed up there. Paynter was not on the premises, but deputies did arrest an employee, Tony Fanuci, and a patron, John Perry (who wrestles as T.M.I .), who were engaged in lewd acts at the time of deputies' arrival. Another man escaped out the back door and fled into the Braddock County Public Library, but deputies were unable to make a positive identification after searching the library. Both Fanuci and T.M.I. are being held in solitary confinement cells at the Braddock County Prison Farm, where their homosexual influence can be safely kept away from the Braddock Prison Farm Chain Gang.
Both Reubens and Paynter wear beards and long hair. Both appear dirty and smelly. In addition, Reubens is covered in numerous tattoos. Both men are librarians at BCPL, but have called in sick for the last several days. If anyone sees either Reubens or Paynter, call Braddock Crimestoppers immediately.
Both men are on the loose, but believed to be still in Braddock. They may be armed. They are believed to be addicts, and they may be crazed and dangerous if suffering from withdrawal effects from meth or its sister substance, a supposedly all natural herbal supplement that has been analyzed as a human growth hormone called, Libotines.
A search of Paynter's home at the Happy Hill federal housing project high rise on Happy Hill Ave in downtown Braddock turned up an enormous stash of controlled substances, including the highly addictive steroid, Libotines, which have recently been banned by the FDA for having previously unknown side effects. The Libotines have been confiscated, and are being held as evidence. The search also turned up anti-American propaganda, Communist manifestos, a copy of the Quran, a shrine to Hillary Rodham Clinton and a large stash of bisexual and so-called "scat" pornography.
A search of Reubens' trailer turned up a large amount of meth-making equipment. Deputies believe the two men are working in concert to run a major North Texas meth ring, using Reubens' trailer as the main meth lab.
An Inconvenient Cafe was searched very early this morning, after a tip that Paynter may be holed up there. Paynter was not on the premises, but deputies did arrest an employee, Tony Fanuci, and a patron, John Perry (who wrestles as T.M.I .), who were engaged in lewd acts at the time of deputies' arrival. Another man escaped out the back door and fled into the Braddock County Public Library, but deputies were unable to make a positive identification after searching the library. Both Fanuci and T.M.I. are being held in solitary confinement cells at the Braddock County Prison Farm, where their homosexual influence can be safely kept away from the Braddock Prison Farm Chain Gang.
Both Reubens and Paynter wear beards and long hair. Both appear dirty and smelly. In addition, Reubens is covered in numerous tattoos. Both men are librarians at BCPL, but have called in sick for the last several days. If anyone sees either Reubens or Paynter, call Braddock Crimestoppers immediately.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Rite Aid Ruckus
Braddock News - Rite Aid Ruckus
Braddock, TX -- Customers at the Elm Street Rite Aid in Braddock got quite a show on Saturday afternoon. Sheriff's deputies called to the store found two crimes in progress.
Krystal Gayle Johnson, a clerk at the store, said it all started when a tattooed, bearded man approached the counter attempting to purchase decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in methamphetamine. Clerks are required by law to record the name, address, and driver's license number of all customers purchasing pseudoephedrine. Purchase quantities are limited. The customer gave his name as Joseph Paul Paynter. When Johnson looked him up in the computer, the name was flagged as having recently made purchases of the substance in drugstores all over Braddock and neighboring counties. "Paynter" had made purchases as far away as Ft. Worth and had vastly exceeded his limit. Johnson told reporters, "the computer tells us if they are in the watch zone, and automatically sends a report to the police that they guy is here trying to buy Sudafed. In this guy's case, the computer came up with some message I've never seen before. It said, "Authorities are on their way. Stall customer - do NOT let him leave. I guess he was way over his limit."
Johnson told "Paynter" that the store was having computer troubles and it was taking longer to go through. She says "he was acting nervous and shaking all over like he had the DTs. He looked like he was flipping out, so I tried to calm him down by admiring his tattoos. That made it worse."
Johnson reports that the man started screaming at her to hand him the drugs, and "when I didn't, he jumped over the counter and started shoving everything in sight into a bag. He stole Sudafeds and condoms and Viagara and cigarettes and pregnancy tests and Crest Whitestrips - just everything that we have to keep behind the counter. The only thing he didn't take was the cash register money. Then he ran out to a big ol' truck that was idling by the door."
The man escaped into an oversized pickup that witnesses claimed was driven by WNWA superstar Dale Taylor. Store cameras caught the whole thing on tape, and the thief has been identified as Carl Reubens (who wrestles as Yeti), a cousin of Joseph Paul Paynter (who wrestles as The Liberal Librarian). The Sheriff's Department reports that Reubens had long since exceeded his limit of pseudoephedrine purchases, and had been posing as his cousin in order to buy more. Sheriff Fenton Washburn said Reubens had also exceeded the limit Paynter could buy.
Both men apparently look very similar, except that Yeti is covered with tattoos. Johnson reports, "I am into tats. He had a really cool one on his neck that was a picture of Dick Cheney holding a rifle with the words "MY HERO" in big letters. When I told him I thought Dick Cheney was sexy, he just lost it and jumped over the counter and started stealing things and screaming about Republicans."
By the time police arrived, Reubens and his accomplice had escaped. Captain Redneck was using the pay phone out in the parking lot, and he shouted to deputies that there was a black man in the store trying to steal things. Deputies searched the lone African American customer, and found him to be in possession of stolen goods.
Rev. Dr. Curtis Lowe was exiting the store at the time, and deputies approached him and demanded that he give up the pseudoephedrine. Deputies report that Lowe acted like he had no idea what they were talking about, and appeared to be drunk. When forced to empty his pockets, deputies found Lowe in possession of several stolen items: two cases of orange soda, a box of Moon Pies, a Snickers bar, several packages of gum, and a "Captain Redneck and Friends" comic book.
Lowe was arrested for theft and taken to the Braddock County Prison Farm. Both Reubens and Paynter remain wanted by Braddock County Sheriff's Deputies for possible drug charges. A spokesman for the department stated that they believe Reubens and Paynter may be working together to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine in Braddock.
Other customers in the store at the time report that the whole shopping experience was a nightmare. Karma McCarthy said, "I just came in for some toenail fungus cream. I didn't see what went on, just heard a bunch of shouting. That black guy asked me for a date, and while I was turning him down, somebody started shouting and then the police were here. It was crazy."
Braddock, TX -- Customers at the Elm Street Rite Aid in Braddock got quite a show on Saturday afternoon. Sheriff's deputies called to the store found two crimes in progress.
Krystal Gayle Johnson, a clerk at the store, said it all started when a tattooed, bearded man approached the counter attempting to purchase decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in methamphetamine. Clerks are required by law to record the name, address, and driver's license number of all customers purchasing pseudoephedrine. Purchase quantities are limited. The customer gave his name as Joseph Paul Paynter. When Johnson looked him up in the computer, the name was flagged as having recently made purchases of the substance in drugstores all over Braddock and neighboring counties. "Paynter" had made purchases as far away as Ft. Worth and had vastly exceeded his limit. Johnson told reporters, "the computer tells us if they are in the watch zone, and automatically sends a report to the police that they guy is here trying to buy Sudafed. In this guy's case, the computer came up with some message I've never seen before. It said, "Authorities are on their way. Stall customer - do NOT let him leave. I guess he was way over his limit."
Johnson told "Paynter" that the store was having computer troubles and it was taking longer to go through. She says "he was acting nervous and shaking all over like he had the DTs. He looked like he was flipping out, so I tried to calm him down by admiring his tattoos. That made it worse."
Johnson reports that the man started screaming at her to hand him the drugs, and "when I didn't, he jumped over the counter and started shoving everything in sight into a bag. He stole Sudafeds and condoms and Viagara and cigarettes and pregnancy tests and Crest Whitestrips - just everything that we have to keep behind the counter. The only thing he didn't take was the cash register money. Then he ran out to a big ol' truck that was idling by the door."
The man escaped into an oversized pickup that witnesses claimed was driven by WNWA superstar Dale Taylor. Store cameras caught the whole thing on tape, and the thief has been identified as Carl Reubens (who wrestles as Yeti), a cousin of Joseph Paul Paynter (who wrestles as The Liberal Librarian). The Sheriff's Department reports that Reubens had long since exceeded his limit of pseudoephedrine purchases, and had been posing as his cousin in order to buy more. Sheriff Fenton Washburn said Reubens had also exceeded the limit Paynter could buy.
Both men apparently look very similar, except that Yeti is covered with tattoos. Johnson reports, "I am into tats. He had a really cool one on his neck that was a picture of Dick Cheney holding a rifle with the words "MY HERO" in big letters. When I told him I thought Dick Cheney was sexy, he just lost it and jumped over the counter and started stealing things and screaming about Republicans."
By the time police arrived, Reubens and his accomplice had escaped. Captain Redneck was using the pay phone out in the parking lot, and he shouted to deputies that there was a black man in the store trying to steal things. Deputies searched the lone African American customer, and found him to be in possession of stolen goods.
Rev. Dr. Curtis Lowe was exiting the store at the time, and deputies approached him and demanded that he give up the pseudoephedrine. Deputies report that Lowe acted like he had no idea what they were talking about, and appeared to be drunk. When forced to empty his pockets, deputies found Lowe in possession of several stolen items: two cases of orange soda, a box of Moon Pies, a Snickers bar, several packages of gum, and a "Captain Redneck and Friends" comic book.
Lowe was arrested for theft and taken to the Braddock County Prison Farm. Both Reubens and Paynter remain wanted by Braddock County Sheriff's Deputies for possible drug charges. A spokesman for the department stated that they believe Reubens and Paynter may be working together to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine in Braddock.
Other customers in the store at the time report that the whole shopping experience was a nightmare. Karma McCarthy said, "I just came in for some toenail fungus cream. I didn't see what went on, just heard a bunch of shouting. That black guy asked me for a date, and while I was turning him down, somebody started shouting and then the police were here. It was crazy."
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Bob Osborne shot and killed by Sheriff's Deputy at Braddock Whataburger
Sheriff: Deputy kills man with gun at Whataburger
Washburn: Victim's weapon held pellets but looked like semiautomatic
10:00 AM CDT on Saturday, August 11, 2007
By Jim Hodges / Braddock Times
A Braddock Sheriff's deputy fatally shot a man early Saturday who was wearing a bandanna over his face and threatening patrons of a fast-food restaurant with a pellet gun that looked like a semiautomatic pistol.
The man, identified as WNWA employee Bob Osborne, was taken to Ewing Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Sheriff's Department declined to name the officer involved in the shooting.
Sheriff Fenton Washburn said the department received multiple 911 calls from the Whataburger in the 700 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. about 2:20 a.m.
"Callers said a man was in the drive-through area of the parking lot wearing a black bandanna and threatening people with a handgun," Washburn said.
"Several deputies responded to the scene."
The man was standing in the parking lot behind the restaurant with a gun in his waistband when deputies arrived.
Washburn said they commanded him to drop the weapon, but he refused.
"They continued giving commands. He pulled up his shirt and reached into his waistband and pulled out the pistol," Washburn said.
"He assumed an aggressive stance and began bringing the gun up. One of the deputies shot him."
The sheriff said the deputy fired more than one shot but that it won't be known until after an autopsy how many shots hit the man or where.
Washburn said another man, the Rev. Dr. Curtis Lowe, was with Osborne when he was shot. "Even the pleas of his friend failed to get the man to respond."
Witnesses said Osborne was threatening people with the gun before deputies arrived.
Washburn wouldn't identify the weapon used by the deputy. But Deputy Peter Driscoll, a sheriff's department spokesman, said the gun of the man who was shot was a Crosman Repeater that strongly resembles a semiautomatic pistol. It fires pellets, he said.
The deputy was placed on administrative leave with pay, which is Department policy, deputy Driscoll said. The department has turned the investigation over to the Texas Rangers, also policy in an officer-involved shooting.
Washburn: Victim's weapon held pellets but looked like semiautomatic
10:00 AM CDT on Saturday, August 11, 2007
By Jim Hodges / Braddock Times
A Braddock Sheriff's deputy fatally shot a man early Saturday who was wearing a bandanna over his face and threatening patrons of a fast-food restaurant with a pellet gun that looked like a semiautomatic pistol.
The man, identified as WNWA employee Bob Osborne, was taken to Ewing Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Sheriff's Department declined to name the officer involved in the shooting.
Sheriff Fenton Washburn said the department received multiple 911 calls from the Whataburger in the 700 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. about 2:20 a.m.
"Callers said a man was in the drive-through area of the parking lot wearing a black bandanna and threatening people with a handgun," Washburn said.
"Several deputies responded to the scene."
The man was standing in the parking lot behind the restaurant with a gun in his waistband when deputies arrived.
Washburn said they commanded him to drop the weapon, but he refused.
"They continued giving commands. He pulled up his shirt and reached into his waistband and pulled out the pistol," Washburn said.
"He assumed an aggressive stance and began bringing the gun up. One of the deputies shot him."
The sheriff said the deputy fired more than one shot but that it won't be known until after an autopsy how many shots hit the man or where.
Washburn said another man, the Rev. Dr. Curtis Lowe, was with Osborne when he was shot. "Even the pleas of his friend failed to get the man to respond."
Witnesses said Osborne was threatening people with the gun before deputies arrived.
Washburn wouldn't identify the weapon used by the deputy. But Deputy Peter Driscoll, a sheriff's department spokesman, said the gun of the man who was shot was a Crosman Repeater that strongly resembles a semiautomatic pistol. It fires pellets, he said.
The deputy was placed on administrative leave with pay, which is Department policy, deputy Driscoll said. The department has turned the investigation over to the Texas Rangers, also policy in an officer-involved shooting.
Four WNWA Wrestlers Charged in Sex Trafficking Ring
Four wrestlers who work for the Braddock-based WNWA were indicted for their roles in an alleged sex trafficking ring that lured young women to the United States with promises of good jobs and then forced them into prostitution, according to federal court records.
The defendants pleaded not guilty in January to sex trafficking charges in the case. A superseding indictment, unsealed Thursday, includes more serious allegations that five of the 12 victims were minors.
According to the new 50-count indictment, the defendants at times sold Nigerian women and girls to one another like slaves and allegedly brought the victims to witch doctors who threatened to put curses on them and their families if they ran away.
"These young women were enticed into coming to this country by promises of the American dream only to arrive and discover that what awaited was a nightmare," said Robert Schlock, a special agent in charge for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A federal grand jury in Dallas returned the indictment against Joseph Paul Paynter (who wrestles as The Liberal Librarian), 35; Daniel O. Agbor, 47, Obumawe Blubmake Issa, and Rev. Dr. Curtis Eldorado Lowe, 74. The four face charges of sex trafficking of minors; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; violating federal laws prohibiting interstate or foreign transport of minors for prostitution; and importing and harboring undocumented immigrants and harboring them for prostitution.
The defendants were arrested in December during raids in Dallas. A lawyer representing Daniel Agbor, denies his client did anything wrong. "We are going to court on this," attorney Didier Kabore said.
Joseph Paynter said he was a victim, not a trafficker. Messages left with two other attorneys representing defendants were not immediately returned.
The investigation began last year when two victims escaped with the help of a male customer and contacted authorities, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Two other victims were rescued by investigators in November. Ten women at the locations raided also were believed to have been working as prostitutes.
The Chief Judge presiding, William J. Jennings (9th Circuit) told the press off the record that the prosecution "did not have a chance...I mean do not have a case!"
The defendants pleaded not guilty in January to sex trafficking charges in the case. A superseding indictment, unsealed Thursday, includes more serious allegations that five of the 12 victims were minors.
According to the new 50-count indictment, the defendants at times sold Nigerian women and girls to one another like slaves and allegedly brought the victims to witch doctors who threatened to put curses on them and their families if they ran away.
"These young women were enticed into coming to this country by promises of the American dream only to arrive and discover that what awaited was a nightmare," said Robert Schlock, a special agent in charge for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A federal grand jury in Dallas returned the indictment against Joseph Paul Paynter (who wrestles as The Liberal Librarian), 35; Daniel O. Agbor, 47, Obumawe Blubmake Issa, and Rev. Dr. Curtis Eldorado Lowe, 74. The four face charges of sex trafficking of minors; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; violating federal laws prohibiting interstate or foreign transport of minors for prostitution; and importing and harboring undocumented immigrants and harboring them for prostitution.
The defendants were arrested in December during raids in Dallas. A lawyer representing Daniel Agbor, denies his client did anything wrong. "We are going to court on this," attorney Didier Kabore said.
Joseph Paynter said he was a victim, not a trafficker. Messages left with two other attorneys representing defendants were not immediately returned.
The investigation began last year when two victims escaped with the help of a male customer and contacted authorities, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Two other victims were rescued by investigators in November. Ten women at the locations raided also were believed to have been working as prostitutes.
The Chief Judge presiding, William J. Jennings (9th Circuit) told the press off the record that the prosecution "did not have a chance...I mean do not have a case!"
Friday, August 10, 2007
WNWA House Show 8/10/07
In action at the Braddock County Coliseum tonight:
Main Event for the World Heavyweight Championship
Ass Butte (C) def. Captain Redneck at 23:32 after Kevin Coleman nailed Redneck with a tire iron while the ref was distracted by "Richard Nixon."
Texas Tag Team Championship
Crummox (C) def. Team Agbor when The Lummox pinned Sam Bash following a Lummox Slam and Cut a Y combo at 21:20.
UN/ACLU Champion The Liberal Librarian and Women's Champion Gail Donnelly def. Jabberjaw and The Guardian in a mixed tag team match when The Lib pinned Jaw following a Cut and Run at 6:43.
Pike def. The Earl of Hurtford following the Shuicide at 18:17.
Seamus Street and Kevin Knox def. The Mennonite Mafia after Samuel Yoder interfered. Yoder and the Mafia nailed Street with a vicious spike piledriver through a wooden table!!
Chi-Town Chris Collins def. Shamookey Sanders by DQ after Erich Edwards attacked Collins with a ladder. Edwards laid a vicious beating on a bloody Collins.
Retro def. Tony Fanuci following the disgusting PedoPile at 4:32. Retro then introduced his new partner, Harlan Newsom who laid the boots to the fallen Fanuci.
Eustus Fraley def. Del Rey Preddy following the Cobra Clutch at 14:24, however Fraley was viciously attacked following the match by Kevin Coleman and the Hill Hoppas. Fraley got on the mic after the beating and said "he'd get his, G*D D*mmit!!"
Triple K def. The Turd by DQ after The Turd attempted to use a WJJ Productions adult toy as a weapon. The weapon appeared to be anal beads, but reports are sketchy.
Obeso def. Skip MacGruder with the Twist of Fat in 2:12. Obeso was then viciously attacked by fATAS.
Main Event for the World Heavyweight Championship
Ass Butte (C) def. Captain Redneck at 23:32 after Kevin Coleman nailed Redneck with a tire iron while the ref was distracted by "Richard Nixon."
Texas Tag Team Championship
Crummox (C) def. Team Agbor when The Lummox pinned Sam Bash following a Lummox Slam and Cut a Y combo at 21:20.
UN/ACLU Champion The Liberal Librarian and Women's Champion Gail Donnelly def. Jabberjaw and The Guardian in a mixed tag team match when The Lib pinned Jaw following a Cut and Run at 6:43.
Pike def. The Earl of Hurtford following the Shuicide at 18:17.
Seamus Street and Kevin Knox def. The Mennonite Mafia after Samuel Yoder interfered. Yoder and the Mafia nailed Street with a vicious spike piledriver through a wooden table!!
Chi-Town Chris Collins def. Shamookey Sanders by DQ after Erich Edwards attacked Collins with a ladder. Edwards laid a vicious beating on a bloody Collins.
Retro def. Tony Fanuci following the disgusting PedoPile at 4:32. Retro then introduced his new partner, Harlan Newsom who laid the boots to the fallen Fanuci.
Eustus Fraley def. Del Rey Preddy following the Cobra Clutch at 14:24, however Fraley was viciously attacked following the match by Kevin Coleman and the Hill Hoppas. Fraley got on the mic after the beating and said "he'd get his, G*D D*mmit!!"
Triple K def. The Turd by DQ after The Turd attempted to use a WJJ Productions adult toy as a weapon. The weapon appeared to be anal beads, but reports are sketchy.
Obeso def. Skip MacGruder with the Twist of Fat in 2:12. Obeso was then viciously attacked by fATAS.
Beating in the First Degree
AUGUST 10--A Braddock man's karaoke performance of an Alabama song apparently triggered a female bar patron to attack him early yesterday at a Braddock bar. According to a Braddock Sheriff's Department report LuAnn Simpson, 42, assaulted Samuel Orville Bash while he was performing with Mr. Gary D. Rollins and Keith Taylor at Buford's Bar, where patrons sing karaoke Wednesday and Thursday night from 9 PM until 2 AM. When Bash launched into Alabama's "Love in the First Degree," Simpson allegedly told the man that his "singing sucked" and that the song "fucking sucked." She then grabbed at Bash's microphone and "pushed him and punched him in order to get him to stop singing," deputies reported. When employees escorted Simpson from the bar, she "became very violent" and struck several other people (and was hostile towards deputies and fire department medics who responded to the scene). Simpson was booked into the Braddock County Prison Farm, where she is currently being held on an investigation of assault. It is unclear why Alabama's music apparently made Simpson snap.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Braddock Man Lives in Car
Billy "CityD" Huffman might not be in the doghouse over a dispute with his sister, but as far as his neighbors are concerned, he's not far from it. For the past seven years, Huffman, 70, has been living in his car parked in the backyard of a house his sister owns.
Huffman said the two have "been having troubles" since 1999 and that he's been out of the house since about 2000. His sister still lives in the home.
"She's not going to support me not having a job and bumming around," Huffman said. "I'm trying my best to get a job and get up out of this rut."
But his neighbors, who say Huffman plays loud music, often spouts obscenity-laced tirades and uses his yard as a toilet, aren't amused. They have asked the county to prohibit such living arrangements.
"You can't enjoy your backyard," said Jackie Thehut, whose backyard is across the alley from Huffman's property.
Thehut and her family are among more than a dozen neighbors who presented the Braddock County Commission with a petition in July asking it to prohibit people from living in their cars on private property within Braddock city limits.
Truman and DaShonda Marlin live in property adjoining Huffman's, near a park and across the street from Happy Hill Elementary School.
"Every day he's out there. He never goes into the house," Truman Marlin said. "He sleeps out there, he eats out there, he watches TV, he plays guitar. ... Everything that you do in your house, he does out there."
Huffman acknowledged that he watches TV, listens to music and sometimes sleeps in his blue, 1979 Buick Regal. The car is parked on a concrete slab, mostly covered by a large, blue tarp that is secured with bricks and cinder blocks.
An extension cord from the house to the car provides power for a 13-inch TV, an oscillating fan and a radio.
"I get better reception there than I do in there," he said, pointing at the house. "I listen to Rush (Limbaugh) and Sean Hannity every day, just about."
The Marlins said they tried at first to get along with Huffman, but by the second year, they were calling deputies on a regular basis. At first, they were the only neighbors upset by Huffman's living arrangement, but now they say more neighbors with children are moving into the area.
The neighbors say one of their biggest complaints is that Huffman may be using his yard for a toilet.
Thehut said when her neighbor's son-in-law was back from Iraq in mid-June, Huffman began to burn trash and other debris across the alley.
"I walked out there, and (the smell) was terrible," she said. "Then Ronnie came out the back door and said, 'It smells just like back in Baghdad.' He said he'd been on detail where they have to burn excrement and said that was exactly what it smells like."
Huffman denied that he used the yard for a toilet.
"No, I go to BCPL for that," he said. "I don't expose myself to people here."
Huffman said the two have "been having troubles" since 1999 and that he's been out of the house since about 2000. His sister still lives in the home.
"She's not going to support me not having a job and bumming around," Huffman said. "I'm trying my best to get a job and get up out of this rut."
But his neighbors, who say Huffman plays loud music, often spouts obscenity-laced tirades and uses his yard as a toilet, aren't amused. They have asked the county to prohibit such living arrangements.
"You can't enjoy your backyard," said Jackie Thehut, whose backyard is across the alley from Huffman's property.
Thehut and her family are among more than a dozen neighbors who presented the Braddock County Commission with a petition in July asking it to prohibit people from living in their cars on private property within Braddock city limits.
Truman and DaShonda Marlin live in property adjoining Huffman's, near a park and across the street from Happy Hill Elementary School.
"Every day he's out there. He never goes into the house," Truman Marlin said. "He sleeps out there, he eats out there, he watches TV, he plays guitar. ... Everything that you do in your house, he does out there."
Huffman acknowledged that he watches TV, listens to music and sometimes sleeps in his blue, 1979 Buick Regal. The car is parked on a concrete slab, mostly covered by a large, blue tarp that is secured with bricks and cinder blocks.
An extension cord from the house to the car provides power for a 13-inch TV, an oscillating fan and a radio.
"I get better reception there than I do in there," he said, pointing at the house. "I listen to Rush (Limbaugh) and Sean Hannity every day, just about."
The Marlins said they tried at first to get along with Huffman, but by the second year, they were calling deputies on a regular basis. At first, they were the only neighbors upset by Huffman's living arrangement, but now they say more neighbors with children are moving into the area.
The neighbors say one of their biggest complaints is that Huffman may be using his yard for a toilet.
Thehut said when her neighbor's son-in-law was back from Iraq in mid-June, Huffman began to burn trash and other debris across the alley.
"I walked out there, and (the smell) was terrible," she said. "Then Ronnie came out the back door and said, 'It smells just like back in Baghdad.' He said he'd been on detail where they have to burn excrement and said that was exactly what it smells like."
Huffman denied that he used the yard for a toilet.
"No, I go to BCPL for that," he said. "I don't expose myself to people here."
Deputies capture "Mud Monkey"
BRADDOCK, TX - Authorities captured a diaper-wearing monkey who led them on a downtown search after biting a woman.
The woman, identified as Jaqueline Thehut, was walking by An Inconvenient Cafe, a popular Braddock nightclub, where Rev. Dr. Curtis Eldorado Lowe had the monkey on a leash inside its beer garden. People walking by were petting the monkey, who was wearing a white diaper (though the diaper had a large yellow spot in the front and an even larger brown spot in the back). The monkey is named "Mud Monkey" and is sometimes featured with Lowe on Braddock based WNWA programming. The woman reported being bitten on the thumb as she tried to pet the animal Wednesday.
Mud Monkey bit the woman around 1 a.m., then ran off, deputies said. At noon today, Sheriff Fenton Washburn said the monkey was still on the lam. "Rev. Dr. Lowe was in the beer garden at An Inconvenient Cafe letting women pet his monkey," Washburn said, adding that when the victim attempted to do so, it bit her.
She suffered four puncture marks to her thumb, two on the top and two on the bottom.
Police today were able to contact the Lowe, who lives in a second-story apartment in the Happy Hill Gardens federal housing project.
The bite sent the woman to Ewing Memorial Hospital, where a physician said the monkey should be found so that it could be quarantined to determine if it has a disease. The monkey was captured and taken into custody downtown to be quarantined for 10 days, police said.
Deputies initally issued a warning to the public of the large monkey with a long prehensile tail: "It is now on the lam, presumably still in the Marchetta Avenue area."
The woman, identified as Jaqueline Thehut, was walking by An Inconvenient Cafe, a popular Braddock nightclub, where Rev. Dr. Curtis Eldorado Lowe had the monkey on a leash inside its beer garden. People walking by were petting the monkey, who was wearing a white diaper (though the diaper had a large yellow spot in the front and an even larger brown spot in the back). The monkey is named "Mud Monkey" and is sometimes featured with Lowe on Braddock based WNWA programming. The woman reported being bitten on the thumb as she tried to pet the animal Wednesday.
Mud Monkey bit the woman around 1 a.m., then ran off, deputies said. At noon today, Sheriff Fenton Washburn said the monkey was still on the lam. "Rev. Dr. Lowe was in the beer garden at An Inconvenient Cafe letting women pet his monkey," Washburn said, adding that when the victim attempted to do so, it bit her.
She suffered four puncture marks to her thumb, two on the top and two on the bottom.
Police today were able to contact the Lowe, who lives in a second-story apartment in the Happy Hill Gardens federal housing project.
The bite sent the woman to Ewing Memorial Hospital, where a physician said the monkey should be found so that it could be quarantined to determine if it has a disease. The monkey was captured and taken into custody downtown to be quarantined for 10 days, police said.
Deputies initally issued a warning to the public of the large monkey with a long prehensile tail: "It is now on the lam, presumably still in the Marchetta Avenue area."
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Librarian charged for jogging naked
Librarian charged for jogging naked
BRADDOCK, TX.—A Braddock librarian faces an indecent exposure charge after deputies said he went jogging in the nude about an hour before sunrise.
Noah E. Retro told deputies he had been running naked at a high school track and didn't think anyone would be around at that time of day, a sheriff's report said.
He told deputies he sweats profusely if he wears clothing while jogging. "I know what I did was wrong," he said in the report.
Retro did not return phone messages. His attorney, Jim Martin, told the Braddock Times that Retro had no comment.
Retro, 28, was arrested August 6 in this city about 20 miles north of Dallas. A deputy said he saw a naked man walking down the street at 4:35 a.m. The U.S. Naval Observatory Web site said sunrise that day in Braddock was 5:31 a.m.
The deputy said when he shined his flashlight at the man, he covered himself with a piece of clothing he was carrying.
Inez Mitchell, assistant director of Braddock County Public Library, said the library takes the incident seriously but is awaiting the outcome of the case. Director Kelly Millis was unavailable for comment. Retro remains an active librarian and is the head of the Children's Library at BCPL.
If convicted of indecent exposure, a misdemeanor, he would have to register as a sex offender, prosecutors said. A former BCPL employee who wishes to remain anonymous, tipped us off that Retro is regsitered sex offender in North Carolina and is living under an assumed name.
BRADDOCK, TX.—A Braddock librarian faces an indecent exposure charge after deputies said he went jogging in the nude about an hour before sunrise.
Noah E. Retro told deputies he had been running naked at a high school track and didn't think anyone would be around at that time of day, a sheriff's report said.
He told deputies he sweats profusely if he wears clothing while jogging. "I know what I did was wrong," he said in the report.
Retro did not return phone messages. His attorney, Jim Martin, told the Braddock Times that Retro had no comment.
Retro, 28, was arrested August 6 in this city about 20 miles north of Dallas. A deputy said he saw a naked man walking down the street at 4:35 a.m. The U.S. Naval Observatory Web site said sunrise that day in Braddock was 5:31 a.m.
The deputy said when he shined his flashlight at the man, he covered himself with a piece of clothing he was carrying.
Inez Mitchell, assistant director of Braddock County Public Library, said the library takes the incident seriously but is awaiting the outcome of the case. Director Kelly Millis was unavailable for comment. Retro remains an active librarian and is the head of the Children's Library at BCPL.
If convicted of indecent exposure, a misdemeanor, he would have to register as a sex offender, prosecutors said. A former BCPL employee who wishes to remain anonymous, tipped us off that Retro is regsitered sex offender in North Carolina and is living under an assumed name.
Health Notes-Libotine linked to erectile dysfunction
Health Notes - Libotine Linked to Erectile Dysfunction
Braddock TX - a recent study by the Texas College of Physicians has found that regular use of performance-enhancing steroids, like the popular new Libotine, can cause severe erectile dysfunction. The study found that 93% of men taking Libotine were unable to perform sexually, even with the help of an ED drug like Levitra or Viagara.
It is unsure how long these drugs remain in the body after one stops taking them, or whether the ED is permanent. It is unclear how many WNWA wrestlers may be using such substances, but anyone who is should consult with a doctor. Upon hearing this news, "Coach" Truman Marlin commented, "it's just another conspiracy by whitey and the drug companies to sterilize strong black men. I knew that stuff was no good. That's why I don't let any of my wrestlers use that stuff."
Braddock TX - a recent study by the Texas College of Physicians has found that regular use of performance-enhancing steroids, like the popular new Libotine, can cause severe erectile dysfunction. The study found that 93% of men taking Libotine were unable to perform sexually, even with the help of an ED drug like Levitra or Viagara.
It is unsure how long these drugs remain in the body after one stops taking them, or whether the ED is permanent. It is unclear how many WNWA wrestlers may be using such substances, but anyone who is should consult with a doctor. Upon hearing this news, "Coach" Truman Marlin commented, "it's just another conspiracy by whitey and the drug companies to sterilize strong black men. I knew that stuff was no good. That's why I don't let any of my wrestlers use that stuff."
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
WNWA news and rumors- 8/7/07
David Downs was observed at the Braddock Washeteria (a combination laundromat and cafeteria that accepts food stamps) eating lunch and swallowing several Libotines. No one knows where he got the performance-enhancing drugs or what his plans are. When asked about the pills, Downs' reply was slurred, and this reporter could only make out one word - "brother."
*******
Tony Fanuci announces that the library's summer reading program comes to an end next week. All parents should bring their children for a special wrestling extravaganza (whatever that is) to celebrate the end of the program. Fanuci will also be leaving his library employment after this event, and will return to work full-time at An Inconvenient Cafe. Retro (he has changed his name from Metro) is reported to be devastated at the impending loss of his "right hand man."
*******
Rev. Dr. Curtis Lowe announces that his Mt. Holy Olive People's Temple is expanding. They are moving from their current address at the former Short 'n' Curlies Adult Bookstore and into a bigger facility on MLK Ave in the former Sir Cedric's Fish 'n' Chips. Lowe is excited about the move, saying that the Temple will now be holding weekly Friday night Fish Fry Suppers as a regular fund-raiser.
Lowe will keep his lease on the Short 'n' Curlies location, which he plans to turn into a halfway house for ex-prostitutes. Stay tuned for further details of this endeavor.
*******
Yeti was observed momentarily floating above Digger Barnes Memorial Park in a yard chair strapped to several dozen oversized helium "Get Well Soon" balloons. It seems that Dale Taylor had heard of a man being able to fly across the country in a lawn chair, and wanted to see if this was really possible. He set Yeti up on the roof of the library, and gave him a push off the roof. Yeti flew about 15 feet out, losing altitude, until becoming tangled in tree limbs on the edge of the park. At this point, Taylor had no choice but to free Yeti by shooting out the balloons until the bearded adventurer crashed to the ground. Paramedics on the scene rushed Yeti to Ewing Memorial Hospital for treatment for three broken ribs.
*******
Tony Fanuci announces that the library's summer reading program comes to an end next week. All parents should bring their children for a special wrestling extravaganza (whatever that is) to celebrate the end of the program. Fanuci will also be leaving his library employment after this event, and will return to work full-time at An Inconvenient Cafe. Retro (he has changed his name from Metro) is reported to be devastated at the impending loss of his "right hand man."
*******
Rev. Dr. Curtis Lowe announces that his Mt. Holy Olive People's Temple is expanding. They are moving from their current address at the former Short 'n' Curlies Adult Bookstore and into a bigger facility on MLK Ave in the former Sir Cedric's Fish 'n' Chips. Lowe is excited about the move, saying that the Temple will now be holding weekly Friday night Fish Fry Suppers as a regular fund-raiser.
Lowe will keep his lease on the Short 'n' Curlies location, which he plans to turn into a halfway house for ex-prostitutes. Stay tuned for further details of this endeavor.
*******
Yeti was observed momentarily floating above Digger Barnes Memorial Park in a yard chair strapped to several dozen oversized helium "Get Well Soon" balloons. It seems that Dale Taylor had heard of a man being able to fly across the country in a lawn chair, and wanted to see if this was really possible. He set Yeti up on the roof of the library, and gave him a push off the roof. Yeti flew about 15 feet out, losing altitude, until becoming tangled in tree limbs on the edge of the park. At this point, Taylor had no choice but to free Yeti by shooting out the balloons until the bearded adventurer crashed to the ground. Paramedics on the scene rushed Yeti to Ewing Memorial Hospital for treatment for three broken ribs.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Woman runs car into library after attempted robbery
Deputies say a woman told them someone tried to rob her, and when she drove off she ended up running into the side of BCPL.
Braddock, TX-- Braddock County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a shooting and attempted armed robbery in downtown Braddock. Around 3:30 am deputies say someone shot a man on Marchetta Ave. near Coliseum Drive. Officers also answered an attempted robbery call in that same area.
A woman told deputies someone tried to rob her. She claims she drove off and ended up running into the side of Braddock County Public Library at 420 Kemellia Ave. Deputies found two men in a badly damaged and heavily vandalized Toyota Prius at the library.
The pair, identified as brothers Billy and Bobby Bell of 321 Cox St. in South Braddock, told deputies they were just tapping into the library computers to play video games. The men said they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Deputies don't know if there is a connection between the shooting, the attempted robbery and the men in the car.
Braddock, TX-- Braddock County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a shooting and attempted armed robbery in downtown Braddock. Around 3:30 am deputies say someone shot a man on Marchetta Ave. near Coliseum Drive. Officers also answered an attempted robbery call in that same area.
A woman told deputies someone tried to rob her. She claims she drove off and ended up running into the side of Braddock County Public Library at 420 Kemellia Ave. Deputies found two men in a badly damaged and heavily vandalized Toyota Prius at the library.
The pair, identified as brothers Billy and Bobby Bell of 321 Cox St. in South Braddock, told deputies they were just tapping into the library computers to play video games. The men said they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Deputies don't know if there is a connection between the shooting, the attempted robbery and the men in the car.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
New OIL TV shows
OIL TV is pleased to announced several new additions to its fall lineup:
Design on the Cheap - a home-improvement show hosted by LuAnn Simpson. Every week LuAnn will get $78 to spend to completely redecorate a room in someone's home. She will show you how to find great bargains at the dollar store, Family Dollar, flea markets, and out of the garbage to completely revamp your home. Pilot episode features LuAnn redecorating Bob-Oh Wheir's bedroom by making wallpaper out of Pabst Blue Ribbon cartons and hot glue.
Celebrity Fat Camp - Watch Obeso, fATAS, and Tony Fanuci as they spend a month at a camp where the whole purpose is to GAIN weight. Eating contests abound. Spoiler: one of them will require medical attention before camp is over.
Texas Bachelors - starring T.M.I. and Shamookey Sanders. Watch both men attend various social events and attempt to attract women. Who will find love?
Texas View - A new talk show focusing on women's issues. A roundtable debate format is used. Hosts include Ms. Shitifa, Katie Peachy, Francesca Fanuci, and Joy Bozkivitz.
Design on the Cheap - a home-improvement show hosted by LuAnn Simpson. Every week LuAnn will get $78 to spend to completely redecorate a room in someone's home. She will show you how to find great bargains at the dollar store, Family Dollar, flea markets, and out of the garbage to completely revamp your home. Pilot episode features LuAnn redecorating Bob-Oh Wheir's bedroom by making wallpaper out of Pabst Blue Ribbon cartons and hot glue.
Celebrity Fat Camp - Watch Obeso, fATAS, and Tony Fanuci as they spend a month at a camp where the whole purpose is to GAIN weight. Eating contests abound. Spoiler: one of them will require medical attention before camp is over.
Texas Bachelors - starring T.M.I. and Shamookey Sanders. Watch both men attend various social events and attempt to attract women. Who will find love?
Texas View - A new talk show focusing on women's issues. A roundtable debate format is used. Hosts include Ms. Shitifa, Katie Peachy, Francesca Fanuci, and Joy Bozkivitz.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Sam Bash abducted by aliens?
Sheriff's Briefings
On August 2, 2007, Sam Bash called, saying that he had just awakened and was very, very thirsty even after drinking several bottles of beer and wanted to tell me about what happened to him. He said that at 1 AM, he watched about ten minutes of the news broadcast and had an overwhelming urge to go out into the back yard. He saw an orange light above the retention pond in back of his yard.
He said, that the object that he saw was the same one that he saw over his trailer park in North Carolina, but it was straight across, not tilted and about 200 to 300 feet in the air. It was like a straight bar and pointed at the end, but it may have been a disk. The surface was orange, pulsating, beautiful, flowing like water. There were three squares, then a space and then three more squares. It looked so large that he estimated that it could be covered by “a blanket unfolded”. He saw it for about 45 seconds and then it completely vanished. The night was silent with even the crickets not making noise. He found it hard to get back inside the trailer. He made some noise coming back, but did not awaken the others in his house. He called me at 3:52 A.M., but “thought it was earlier”, about 1:20 AM. There was missing time of two hours and forty-two minutes, during which he claimed "apparently an abduction and ass probe took place."
Bash became very thirsty after this, drinking four or five 16 oz. bottles of wine coolers at once. He later suffered from vomiting, diarrhea and inability to urinate. None of his neighbors had seen the object, though Eustus Fraley claimed he "saw a nigger running through" Bash's backyard.
On August 3, he noticed a slight burning sensation on his chest and discovered a small red triangle just below the skin. The WNWA doctor, Dick Newman, didn’t know what it was, but didn’t think it was anything to worry about. The doctor did find that Bash's triglycerides were dangerously high, 410, (normal 40 to 200) and said that he could be at risk for a stroke or heart attack. The doctor also found that his electrolytes were extremely low, and advised him to drink PediaLite and to eat only fruit and vegetables.
In June, Bash had gone to Houston's Johnson Space Center for an autograph signing and to tour the sight. At a lunch with the astronauts, a girl asked about drinking Tang. The astronaut said that they no longer drank it, but used a different formula because they had found that weightlessness caused a decrease of electrolytes in the human body. This may be significant to Bash because his electrolytes were very low after an apparent abduction. Bash was fearful of a little girl with dark eyes in the doctor’s waiting room, because her eyes made him afraid as did people who wore sun glasses.
On August 2, 2007, Sam Bash called, saying that he had just awakened and was very, very thirsty even after drinking several bottles of beer and wanted to tell me about what happened to him. He said that at 1 AM, he watched about ten minutes of the news broadcast and had an overwhelming urge to go out into the back yard. He saw an orange light above the retention pond in back of his yard.
He said, that the object that he saw was the same one that he saw over his trailer park in North Carolina, but it was straight across, not tilted and about 200 to 300 feet in the air. It was like a straight bar and pointed at the end, but it may have been a disk. The surface was orange, pulsating, beautiful, flowing like water. There were three squares, then a space and then three more squares. It looked so large that he estimated that it could be covered by “a blanket unfolded”. He saw it for about 45 seconds and then it completely vanished. The night was silent with even the crickets not making noise. He found it hard to get back inside the trailer. He made some noise coming back, but did not awaken the others in his house. He called me at 3:52 A.M., but “thought it was earlier”, about 1:20 AM. There was missing time of two hours and forty-two minutes, during which he claimed "apparently an abduction and ass probe took place."
Bash became very thirsty after this, drinking four or five 16 oz. bottles of wine coolers at once. He later suffered from vomiting, diarrhea and inability to urinate. None of his neighbors had seen the object, though Eustus Fraley claimed he "saw a nigger running through" Bash's backyard.
On August 3, he noticed a slight burning sensation on his chest and discovered a small red triangle just below the skin. The WNWA doctor, Dick Newman, didn’t know what it was, but didn’t think it was anything to worry about. The doctor did find that Bash's triglycerides were dangerously high, 410, (normal 40 to 200) and said that he could be at risk for a stroke or heart attack. The doctor also found that his electrolytes were extremely low, and advised him to drink PediaLite and to eat only fruit and vegetables.
In June, Bash had gone to Houston's Johnson Space Center for an autograph signing and to tour the sight. At a lunch with the astronauts, a girl asked about drinking Tang. The astronaut said that they no longer drank it, but used a different formula because they had found that weightlessness caused a decrease of electrolytes in the human body. This may be significant to Bash because his electrolytes were very low after an apparent abduction. Bash was fearful of a little girl with dark eyes in the doctor’s waiting room, because her eyes made him afraid as did people who wore sun glasses.
Boy devastated after birthday cash is stolen
Boy devastated after birthday cash is stolen
Lee Jones had his wallet stolen from a shop's changing rooms
A TEENAGER is distraught after his wallet was taken on his 14th birthday.
Lee Jones was shopping in JR Sports in Braddock, TX when he lost the$200 cash given to him by family members to celebrate the big day. The youngster, from Ewing Apts in Braddock, intended to spend half the birthday money on designer T-shirts by his favorites Fred Perry and Mackenzie and the other half on X-Box games. He left the wallet in the dressing room after trying on some tracksuit trousers. Lee, who attends West Braddock High School, said: "I only left it in there for a few minutes. When I realized it, I went back, but it was gone. I can't understand it. I just want the person who took it to hand it in."
There were only four customers in the store at the time. Two people used the changing rooms after Lee and it is hoped they may have seen something. One was a girl with blonde and brown two-tone hair wearing a red jacket. The other was a very tall man, around 7 foot and weighing over 500 lbs., with brown hair, a goatee beard and wearing a "Registered PERV" shirt (a popular t-shirt sold by Braddock based JRE Enterprises, the owners of the professional wrestling association, the WNWA.
Lee's 40-year-old mother Mandy said: "Lee was so upset - absolutely inconsolable." I ended up taking him to the Sheriff's station on his birthday when he should have been enjoying himself. "What really annoyed me was that JR Sports' staff were rude. "I wanted to speak to the manager and the girl there was like 'well, I'm the assistant manager, you're dealing with me'. I couldn't believe it. I must have spent thousands of dollars in there in the past and this is the way we're treated." JD Sports' press office was unavailable for comment.
A Braddock County Sheriff's Department spokesman said: "We are treating this incident as theft. "The case in question is currently unsolved pending further examination of CCTV imagery in the area. That is all we can say at this time."
The theft happened at 5:15pm on Thursday, August 1. If you have any information, call Braddock Sheriff's Deputies at 1-800-555-4OIL.
Jennings: FBI violated Constitution in raid
WASHINGTON (AP) - The FBI violated the Constitution when agents raided U.S. Rep. William Jefferson's office last year and viewed legislative documents, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.
The 9th Circuit Court, headed by Judge William J. Jennings, ordered the Justice Department to return any privileged documents it seized from the Louisiana Democrat's office on Capitol Hill. The court did not order the return of all the documents seized in the raid.
Jefferson argued that the first-of-its-kind raid trampled congressional independence. The Justice Department said that declaring the search unconstitutional would essentially prohibit the FBI from ever looking at a lawmaker's documents.
The Court rejected that claim. The three-judge panel unanimously ruled that the search itself was constitutional but that FBI agents crossed the line when they viewed every record in the office without giving Jefferson the chance to argue that some documents involved legislative business.
"The review of the Congressman's paper files when the search was executed exposed legislative material to the Executive" and violated the Constitution, Jennings wrote. "The Congressman is entitled to the return of documents that the court determines to be privileged."
The raid was part of a 16-month international bribery investigation of Jefferson, who allegedly accepted $100,000 from a telecommunications businessman, $90,000 of which was later recovered in a freezer in the congressman's Washington home.
Jefferson pleaded not guilty in June to charges of soliciting more than $500,000 in bribes while using his office to broker business deals in Africa with a Nigerian attorney and professional wrestling manager named Daniel O. Agbor. The Justice Department said it built that case without using the disputed documents from the raid.
The court did not rule whether, because portions of the search were illegal, prosecutors should be barred from using any of the records in their case against Jefferson. That will be decided by the federal judge in Virginia who is presiding over the criminal case.
"We're pleased with the court's decision that makes it clear that the search violated the Speech or Debate Clause of the Constitution," Jefferson's attorney, Robert Trout, said after a brief review of the ruling. He said he has not yet discussed the decision with Jefferson.
The Justice Department did not immediately return messages seeking comment on the decision. Officials have said they took extraordinary steps, including using an FBI "filter team" not involved in the case to review the congressional documents. Government attorneys said the Constitution was not intended to shield lawmakers from prosecution for political corruption.
The court was not convinced. It said the Constitution insists that lawmakers must be free from any intrusion into their congressional duties. Such intrusion, even by a filter team, "may therefore chill the exchange of views with respect to legislative activity," the court held.
The case has cut across political party lines. Former House Speakers Newt Gingrich, a Republican, and Thomas Foley, a Democrat, filed legal documents opposing the raid, along with former House Minority Leader Bob Michel, a Republican.
Conservative groups Judicial Watch and the Washington Legal Foundation were joined by the liberal Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington in supporting the legality of the raid.
Following his indictment, Jefferson's supporters, most notably The Liberal Librarian, accused the Bush administration of targeting black Democrats to shift attention from the legal troubles of Republican congressmen.
Despite the looming investigation, Jefferson was re-elected to a ninth term in 2006. His win complicated things for Democratic leaders who promised to run the most ethical Congress in history.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., stripped Jefferson of his seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee and placed him instead on the Small Business Committee. He resigned that committee assignment after being indicted.
The case was considered by Chief Judge William J. Jennings, Judge Karen Lecraft Henderson and Judge Judith W. Rogers. Jennings and Rogers were appointed by Democrat presidents, Henderson by a Republican.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
WNWA House Show 8/2/07
WNWA House Show- 8/2/2007, Braddock County Coliseum
Main Event
World Heavyweight Champion Ass Butte def. Seamus Street with a handful of tights at 43:24.
UN/ACLU Champion The Liberal Librarian def. David Downs in a bloody beatdown at 4:34.
Captain Redneck def. Bob-Oh Wheir following the B2B at :14.
National Heavyweight Champion Lord Shaftsbury def. Erich Edwards following a Singapore Cane shot from Prince Charming and a Repressplex at 16:54. Edwards was then attacked by Chi-Town Chris Collins with a ladder following the match.
Sam Bash def. Tony Fanuci with the Fart n' Fall at 5:54.
Texas Tag Team Champions Crummox (Da Crunk and The Lummox) def. The Mennonite Mafia when The Lummox pinned Jake Schmucker following a Lummoxslam at 14:32.
The Confederate Cripplers def. Eustus Fraley & Triple K when Preddy pinned Triple K following a Preddy Beat Up at 17:02.
Rabbi Rage def. Tyrone Jefferson by DQ when Curtis Lowe interfered, hitting Rage with a "poke BeeBeeQ sammich." The two then laid a severe beating on the Rabbi.
Dale Taylor def. Hampton following the White People's Elbow at 7:32.
Malik Monroe & "All Abs" Austin Adams def. "The Specialists" Claudie Clay & Dusty Jones at 8:32.
The Turd def. Delbert Johnson and Cletus Vaughan in a two-on-one handicap match at 9:07.
Main Event
World Heavyweight Champion Ass Butte def. Seamus Street with a handful of tights at 43:24.
UN/ACLU Champion The Liberal Librarian def. David Downs in a bloody beatdown at 4:34.
Captain Redneck def. Bob-Oh Wheir following the B2B at :14.
National Heavyweight Champion Lord Shaftsbury def. Erich Edwards following a Singapore Cane shot from Prince Charming and a Repressplex at 16:54. Edwards was then attacked by Chi-Town Chris Collins with a ladder following the match.
Sam Bash def. Tony Fanuci with the Fart n' Fall at 5:54.
Texas Tag Team Champions Crummox (Da Crunk and The Lummox) def. The Mennonite Mafia when The Lummox pinned Jake Schmucker following a Lummoxslam at 14:32.
The Confederate Cripplers def. Eustus Fraley & Triple K when Preddy pinned Triple K following a Preddy Beat Up at 17:02.
Rabbi Rage def. Tyrone Jefferson by DQ when Curtis Lowe interfered, hitting Rage with a "poke BeeBeeQ sammich." The two then laid a severe beating on the Rabbi.
Dale Taylor def. Hampton following the White People's Elbow at 7:32.
Malik Monroe & "All Abs" Austin Adams def. "The Specialists" Claudie Clay & Dusty Jones at 8:32.
The Turd def. Delbert Johnson and Cletus Vaughan in a two-on-one handicap match at 9:07.
More from the library
11-Year-Old Propositioned At Local Library
Police say the man approached the 11-year-old, gave her his telephone number and told her to call him.
Braddock, TX -- In this day and age, are your kids safe anywhere? You may be shocked where a local family says a man approached an 11-year-old girl. Police say the man approached the 11-year-old, gave her his telephone number and told her to call him. All this happened in a very public place, surrounded by watchful adults.
"It's kind of like throwing a raw steak into a pool of sharks," says father John Hill. You've probably never thought of a library that way, and that's exactly why Hill is warning other parents.
"You don't know who else is in there." That's what Hill found out on Wednesday, when he took his daughter and her friend to the Braddock library.
"I noticed this guy wasn't pulling any books off the shelves. He wasn't interested in what he was looking at. He was looking left to right more often and hanging out where younger kids were at."
So Hill sat down where he could keep an eye on the girls at their computers. "It wasn't five minutes later she was over there handing me a little piece of paper saying some guy put this in front of me and said call me and then he just left." His daughter's friend showed him the piece of paper. "It was a number and a name."
Hill told the librarian. "She said something like that happened just a few days ago." The librarian called police.
"They said she did the right thing. She went right to an adult."Still, it was a scary experience, and one Hill doesn't want any other child or parent to go through. "Don't just drop your kids off at the library and think they're going to be okay. The librarians aren't babysitters. Even though I was vigilant and paying attention, it still happened." Deputies say they know who this man is, but there's nothing they can do because he committed no crime. They say he has no criminal record. Hill took this opportunity to talk to his daughter again about staying safe in public. He reminded her to tell a trusted adult immediately if someone makes her feel uncomfortable. He hopes other parents will have the same talk with their kids.
Braddock, TX -- Braddock County deputies are investigating the report of a man inappropriately touching and exposing himself to a 10-year-old girl in Braddock, authorities said.
At about 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, shortly before the Braddock County Public Library in the 100 block of Kemellia Ave. closed, the girl was looking at books when a man allegedly grabbed and squeezed her buttocks, police said. The girl walked away to another aisle and then saw the same man with his shorts pulled down and his shirt lifted, exposing himself.
The victim told her mother, who called the sheriff's department.
The girl was not harmed.
The man was described as white, in his late 20s, standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds. He had short, kinky light brown hair and was wearing large glasses, red athletic shorts with white stripes, a multi-colored button down shirt and brown Thom McAnn shoes.
The Braddock County Public Library System distributes a brochure about the dangers of public places.
"We encourage people to pay attention to the fact that we are public, and as a system, we design our libraries to allow for maximum security, both for our staff and for our customer base," said library assistant director Inez Mitchell. Director Kelly Millis could not be reached for comment.
Within 24 hours of Tuesday's reported exposure case, the library will receive a detailed incident report.
If warranted, the library will enhance their security measures. Right now, the library has one unarmed security guard on site.
Police say the man approached the 11-year-old, gave her his telephone number and told her to call him.
Braddock, TX -- In this day and age, are your kids safe anywhere? You may be shocked where a local family says a man approached an 11-year-old girl. Police say the man approached the 11-year-old, gave her his telephone number and told her to call him. All this happened in a very public place, surrounded by watchful adults.
"It's kind of like throwing a raw steak into a pool of sharks," says father John Hill. You've probably never thought of a library that way, and that's exactly why Hill is warning other parents.
"You don't know who else is in there." That's what Hill found out on Wednesday, when he took his daughter and her friend to the Braddock library.
"I noticed this guy wasn't pulling any books off the shelves. He wasn't interested in what he was looking at. He was looking left to right more often and hanging out where younger kids were at."
So Hill sat down where he could keep an eye on the girls at their computers. "It wasn't five minutes later she was over there handing me a little piece of paper saying some guy put this in front of me and said call me and then he just left." His daughter's friend showed him the piece of paper. "It was a number and a name."
Hill told the librarian. "She said something like that happened just a few days ago." The librarian called police.
"They said she did the right thing. She went right to an adult."Still, it was a scary experience, and one Hill doesn't want any other child or parent to go through. "Don't just drop your kids off at the library and think they're going to be okay. The librarians aren't babysitters. Even though I was vigilant and paying attention, it still happened." Deputies say they know who this man is, but there's nothing they can do because he committed no crime. They say he has no criminal record. Hill took this opportunity to talk to his daughter again about staying safe in public. He reminded her to tell a trusted adult immediately if someone makes her feel uncomfortable. He hopes other parents will have the same talk with their kids.
Braddock, TX -- Braddock County deputies are investigating the report of a man inappropriately touching and exposing himself to a 10-year-old girl in Braddock, authorities said.
At about 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, shortly before the Braddock County Public Library in the 100 block of Kemellia Ave. closed, the girl was looking at books when a man allegedly grabbed and squeezed her buttocks, police said. The girl walked away to another aisle and then saw the same man with his shorts pulled down and his shirt lifted, exposing himself.
The victim told her mother, who called the sheriff's department.
The girl was not harmed.
The man was described as white, in his late 20s, standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds. He had short, kinky light brown hair and was wearing large glasses, red athletic shorts with white stripes, a multi-colored button down shirt and brown Thom McAnn shoes.
The Braddock County Public Library System distributes a brochure about the dangers of public places.
"We encourage people to pay attention to the fact that we are public, and as a system, we design our libraries to allow for maximum security, both for our staff and for our customer base," said library assistant director Inez Mitchell. Director Kelly Millis could not be reached for comment.
Within 24 hours of Tuesday's reported exposure case, the library will receive a detailed incident report.
If warranted, the library will enhance their security measures. Right now, the library has one unarmed security guard on site.
Library news
Gay/Lesbian Library in Braddock County Finds New Home, Despite Protests
By Ed Donaldson
Despite protests by Braddock mayor Henry Wise that its collection includes "hard-core pornography," the private An Inconvenient Library, one of the largest gay and lesbian libraries in the South, will have a new home in the same city building that also houses the Braddock County Public Library. On July 11, the Braddock County Board of Commissioners, voted 3-2 to approve the library's move. An Inconvenient Library needed new space after its current home, owned by the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Braddock, was sold to developers. An Inconvenient Library will not be a part of the public library, which occupies nearly a quarter of the 40,000-square foot building. Instead, it will become one of several tenants of ArtsPerv, a county-run arts agency, headed by The Liberal Librarian and Judge William J. Jennings. The library's new 4500-square-foot space doubles its current size. "It's a great location in the ArtPerv," chief librarian Joseph Paynter told Library Journal. "Hopefully we'll get an increase in visitors." After building out the space, the library plans to move in at the end of the year. Critical coverage in some conservative news outlets alleged that pornographic materials are part of the library, but Paynter said they're not found in the 18,000-volume lending library, which is visited by most of the library's 9000 annual patrons, all of whom mustbe 18 or older. "Almost everything that is in our lending library is available at Barnes & Noble or Borders," he said. It is the 40,000-item archive that holds the materials, such as Arab Slave Boys, that Wise has targeted. "It's not an open archive," Paynter noted. Researchers must make appointments, and an archivist must be present during the research. The library also requires researchers to sign an archives patron agreement that says they are aware the collections are"not censored" and may contain content that is "sexually explicit, racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise personally offensive." The library will also feature individual rooms for, as Paynter puts it, "private study." An Inconvenient Library has a long-established relationship with the Braddock County Library. Among other projects, the two collaborated on the 2005 exhibition "Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945," which was hosted by the downtown library in Braddock. Paynter said the move comes at a time when the library is being energized by the larger space, increasing grants, and its first full-time hire, executive director Oliver Jonathan Blair III. (Like the rest of the staff, Paynter, a librarian on research assignment at BCPL, is a volunteer.) "We'd like to be part of not only the gay community but the library community as well," said Paynter. The library is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Library Association (ALA), and belongs to the ALA's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table.
By Ed Donaldson
Despite protests by Braddock mayor Henry Wise that its collection includes "hard-core pornography," the private An Inconvenient Library, one of the largest gay and lesbian libraries in the South, will have a new home in the same city building that also houses the Braddock County Public Library. On July 11, the Braddock County Board of Commissioners, voted 3-2 to approve the library's move. An Inconvenient Library needed new space after its current home, owned by the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Braddock, was sold to developers. An Inconvenient Library will not be a part of the public library, which occupies nearly a quarter of the 40,000-square foot building. Instead, it will become one of several tenants of ArtsPerv, a county-run arts agency, headed by The Liberal Librarian and Judge William J. Jennings. The library's new 4500-square-foot space doubles its current size. "It's a great location in the ArtPerv," chief librarian Joseph Paynter told Library Journal. "Hopefully we'll get an increase in visitors." After building out the space, the library plans to move in at the end of the year. Critical coverage in some conservative news outlets alleged that pornographic materials are part of the library, but Paynter said they're not found in the 18,000-volume lending library, which is visited by most of the library's 9000 annual patrons, all of whom mustbe 18 or older. "Almost everything that is in our lending library is available at Barnes & Noble or Borders," he said. It is the 40,000-item archive that holds the materials, such as Arab Slave Boys, that Wise has targeted. "It's not an open archive," Paynter noted. Researchers must make appointments, and an archivist must be present during the research. The library also requires researchers to sign an archives patron agreement that says they are aware the collections are"not censored" and may contain content that is "sexually explicit, racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise personally offensive." The library will also feature individual rooms for, as Paynter puts it, "private study." An Inconvenient Library has a long-established relationship with the Braddock County Library. Among other projects, the two collaborated on the 2005 exhibition "Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945," which was hosted by the downtown library in Braddock. Paynter said the move comes at a time when the library is being energized by the larger space, increasing grants, and its first full-time hire, executive director Oliver Jonathan Blair III. (Like the rest of the staff, Paynter, a librarian on research assignment at BCPL, is a volunteer.) "We'd like to be part of not only the gay community but the library community as well," said Paynter. The library is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Library Association (ALA), and belongs to the ALA's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table.
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