plus 4, Modesto man dies in likely robbery: South Ninth Street store clerk ... - TMCnet

Modesto man dies in likely robbery: South Ninth Street store clerk ... - TMCnet
Change North Dakotans want - Bismarck Tribune
Poor Credit Auto Loans – Instant Approval Regardless Of Credit - PRLog (free press release)
Akeley to launch community action phase of Horizons leadership program - Park Rapids Enterprise
READER OPINION: Neighbors to the rescue, by Jill Rodd - The Keene Sentinel

Modesto man dies in likely robbery: South Ninth Street store clerk ... - TMCnet

Posted: 05 Dec 2009 01:00 PM PST

Dec 05, 2009 (The Modesto Bee - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A convenience store clerk was shot and killed Friday after an apparent botched robbery at the business on South Ninth Street between Modesto and Ceres, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department.

The 28-year-old Modesto man injured in the shooting was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, said sheriff's Lt. Mike Parker.

Sheriff's officials did not release the victim's name pending notification of his family.

No other injuries were reported.

The shooting occurred shortly before 3:15 p.m. at the Gas N Shop store in the 800 block of South Ninth Street just south of Latimer Avenue.

The store sits on the south end of a commercial strip lined with auto repair shops, industrial supply businesses, liquor stores and motels.

Parker said it appeared there were no customers in the store or at the gas pumps when two Latino men walked in.

At least one of the men was carrying a gun, but detectives were trying to determine if both were armed.

"It appears to have been a robbery gone bad," Parker said.

Investigators were trying to determine if any cash or merchandise was stolen.

Witnesses told investigators the two men were seen running south on Ninth Street.

Sheriff's officials did not have a detailed description of the men.

Authorities responded to the report of an injured man on the floor inside the store. Medics were performing life-saving procedures on the store clerk when deputies arrived.

At 5 p.m., detectives were inside the store collecting evidence as deputies cordoned off the store and its gas pumps.

Sheriff's officials ask anyone with information about this shooting to call Detective Darwin Hatfield or Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters also can e-mail tips through the Crime Stoppers Web site, www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text tips to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus your message. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.

Bee staff writer Rosalio Ahumada can be reached at rahumada@modbee.com or 578-2394.

To see more of The Modesto Bee, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.modbee.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, The Modesto Bee, Calif. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

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Change North Dakotans want - Bismarck Tribune

Posted: 05 Dec 2009 12:10 PM PST

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Poor Credit Auto Loans – Instant Approval Regardless Of Credit - PRLog (free press release)

Posted: 05 Dec 2009 08:57 AM PST

PR Log (Press Release) – Dec 05, 2009 – Where To Find Poor Credit Loans?

There are a few companies that offer poor credit loans for those that need them. Some are even instant for the right people. The best place to look for these loans is online. There are many places that will help you when you don't have the best credit. These places will give you a loan for a set amount of money that you can use to buy your car at the dealership.

Hector Milla Editor of the "Direct Auto Loan Lenders" website -- http://www.DirectAutoLoanLenders.com -- pointed out;

"…Another place to look for this kind of loan is at certain car sales places. Some of these will approve you even if you have bad credit and need to work on the credit that you have. These places can help to negotiate a good rate for your new car as well. They can also make sure that you get the car that you want and that you are happy with it…"

Why Get One Of These Loans?

There are a few different reasons that you may want to consider this kind of loan. The first is to help repair your credit. The best way to make sure that you are working on your credit is to add new loans to it. This will not only help you in the rate department, but also with your loans later on.

"…If you decide that you are going to go with this kind of loan, make sure that you have looked at the terms that the loan has and that you are ready to do what you need to do. This will ensure that you and your family are happy with the outcome…" added H. Milla.

Further information and instant approval auto loans regardless of your credit by visiting: http://www.DirectAutoLoanLenders.com

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Akeley to launch community action phase of Horizons leadership program - Park Rapids Enterprise

Posted: 05 Dec 2009 08:14 AM PST

Previously untapped energy is being harnessed in Akeley, with projects aplenty on the "Horizon."

Members of the lakeside village have teamed up via Horizons, a community leadership program that aims to reduce poverty and increase prosperity in small rural communities.

Now a year into the program, members of the teams unveiled ideas this week to be launched in the final "community action" phase of the 18-month program.

Horizons is a partnership between the University of Minnesota Extension Service and the Northwest Area Foundation, Susanne Hinrichs of the Extension coordinating the initiative.

"Horizons facilitates connections," explained Vern Peterson, who was among the corps of initial participants and now a facilitator.

Tuesday, representatives arrived from the community and state and federal agencies to offer assistance and information.

Four teams have formed in Akeley to address specific community goals, based on perceived needs.

-A quarterly newsletter may hit the stands, come March.

Randall Morrison said the Akeley Helping Hands committee researched projects such as a Safe House and a voucher system but learned liability and other issues precluded the ambitious goal.

The committee, he said, also discovered churches and other groups – such as UCAN (United Churches of Akeley and Nevis) are committed to connecting residents with resources.

So the idea of communication via newsletter emerged, the Akeley Angle likely to debut in mid-March.

The publication, Morrison said, will hold a community calendar, updates on Horizons ventures and news on organizations, such as the Akeley Housing and Redevelopment Authority's partnership with the county HRA to seek grant funding.

Helping Hands squadron members include Morrison and Bruce Patton.

-Team Chameleon is attempting to change the "color" of the city by increasing business activity.

"Akeley Chameleon is dedicated to making Akeley look better in order for people to feel better about the town," the summation states.

A primary goal is to spruce up the Highways 34 and 64 corner lot, with negotiations under way with the landowner. The plan is to include a sign informing visitors of area events and attractions.

Team member George Lueck noted the city has faced some notable declines in business in the past few years, citing the grocery and hardware stores closing.

"A long-term goal would be to find the best use of the former hardware store," he said.

A Horizon-sponsored community garden will likely sprout next summer near the Akeley Regional Community Center, with space tilled and fertilized for all to share. Contact Bea Dybsand at 652-2736 for more info on reserving a plot.

Elaine Kelsey and Johnny Steward also serve on the team.

-The Greater Akeley Youth Council is a product of the Tots 'n Teens team. Since its inception, the youth have hosted dances and other events and are now in the midst of planning a Community Christmas Celebration.

A collaboration between Akeley Horizons and Minnesota Folklore Theater, the festival will be held Sunday, Dec. 20 at the ARCC, with a free ham and turkey dinner served beginning at 4 p.m., music and gifts for all at 5 p.m. and a special show at 7:30 p.m.

The Tots 'n Teens team plans to start a computer lab "with teens teaching old folks," Peterson said, and possibly host an after- school program for children. The team is also discussing working with a college to offer courses.

A skating rink may be established across from the ARCC.

The ARCC, housed in an antiquated building that at times has been considered an albatross, has become a phoenix.

Uses for the building continue to evolve.

The used clothing store is a key component to keeping the building financially afloat and apartments in the building may soon be available. The library continues to grow in usage and selection.

And Minnesota Folklore Theater director Fred Rogers has engaged the community in theatrical productions, as an audience and performers. The theater has received several grants since its inception.

"A Christmas in the Pines," featuring Akeley area musicians Fran Gack and Frank Lamb, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, 18 and 19 at the ARCC. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Tots 'n Teens team members include Janna Kietzman, Peterson and wife Beverly and Shelly Steward.

-Arts and Attractions – "dedicated to keeping and increasing community-wide and individual assets of Akeley" is planning a Taco and Tires-Plus learning night.

Participants will be treated to tacos while gaining an understanding about simple car maintenance Saturday, Feb. 27 at Akeley Auto.

Come spring, a bike maintenance course will be offered.

The group is discussing a volunteer network to assist Akeley residents with simple home repair and snow removal.

Neighborhood block parties may be sprouting in the spring, as a means for neighbors to become acquainted.

Team members are Peg Davies and JoAnn Schroeder.

As the 18-month Horizon time period winds to a conclusion next year, plans are for the initiative to continue.

Peterson intends to establish an office in the ARCC, where people can share ideas and expertise. As Horizons "alumni," the city may tap Extension staff for assistance.

Akeley has become a bedroom community, Peterson acknowledged.

But with its recreational opportunities and other amenities, he wants the community to be viewed as "a good place for young people, a great place to live," he said.

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READER OPINION: Neighbors to the rescue, by Jill Rodd - The Keene Sentinel

Posted: 05 Dec 2009 02:52 AM PST

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The word "neighbors" took on a whole new meaning recently when I drove to Neighbor's Convenience Store on Route 32 in Swanzey. Suddenly my car was billowing smoke and the urgency of the situation made me quite hysterical. Karen, the manager ...