Winnemucca's community caroling may not look quite like the one in New Orleans, but it'll be a lot of fun!
Humboldt County News
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Law enforcement releases report on psilocybin mushroom seizure
It been almost a month, but law enforcement released the report generated following a significant seizure of psilocybin mushrooms; in addition to marijuana, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. The report on the seizure, which was released Tuesday, was withheld from the media until law enforcement completed the investigation.
According to Sgt. Chris Lininger, of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, the investigation began during the early morning hours on Nov. 10. Two suspects were subsequently identified as Todd Eugene German and John Paul Hiibel who were arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, trafficking in a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The incidents leading up to the arrest of the two men began when Deputy Sean Wilkin, of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, made a traffic stop on Grass Valley Road near the Callahan intersection. According to his statement, he became suspicious of activity in the vehicle, and as a result he asked Hiibel, who was sitting on the passenger side, to exit the vehicle. Lininger commented, "As (Hiibel) was exiting the vehicle, Deputy Wilkin observed a clear, plastic baggie with white residue consistent with narcotics packaging." The baggie was allegedly in plain view and lying on the floor. Altogether, investigators seized 16 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 8.3 grams of marijuana, 72 clear, plastic baggies, and methamphetamine.
Hiibel has since pled guilty to a single charge of felony possession of a controlled substance. To date, German's charges remain the same.
SART seeking assistance for fund-raiser
As the organization continues towards getting a Sexual Assault Response Team here in Humboldt County, those involved with the project are holding a fund-raiser to purchase necessary equipment and to further their goals of promoting education about violence against women, children, and occasionally men.
To that end, community members involved with the project are looking for businesses to participate in a recycling project to benefit SART. What organizers need are for businesses and other organizations to provide a collection point for used cell phones and ink jet cartridges. Cell phones that still function will continue to be used for the 911 Cell Phone Program, which provides cell phones to women who could be the victims of a violent crime. The ink jets and dead cell phones can be recycled with the proceeds going towards the SART program.
If your business or organization would like to participate, please call the Office of the Victim/Witness Advocate at 623-1887.
1st Annual Caroling in the Park - December 15
The first annual community Caroling in the Park will take place Friday December 15th in the Paul Vesco City Park at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to come join neighbors, friends and family to celebrate the season by singing Christmas carols. Words to the songs will be provided so no one needs to worry about not knowing the songs. Though it's not supposed to be as cold next week as it has been this week, organizers have plenty of hot chocolate and hot coffee to help keep everyone warm - but be sure to bring jackets, blankets, hats and gloves.
The idea for community caroling in Winnemucca came from local resident, R.J. Savoie. Savoie was in New Orleans working for Cateland Fire after Hurricane Katrina last December. Savoie said, "I was able to attend Caroling in Jackson Square on December 18, 2005, and it touched me because the homes, businesses and town were still destroyed, yet the people of the French Quarter still felt it was important to get together and celebrate with their friends and neighbors as they had done for years." He added, "This event is held in Jackson Square in the garden in front of Jackson Cathedral. Even though it's cold, they lay their blankets out, bring thermoses of hot drinks, and bundle up and several thousand people raise their voices in thanks and celebration."
Winnemucca's community caroling may not look quite like the
one in New Orleans, but it'll be a lot of fun!
Savoie and a group of community members got together to plan to duplicate that fun and wonderful experience here in Winnemucca. Mary Orr said, "It's a great time to have our community come together just to celebrate." Orr added, "This is a fantastic community that always pulls together to help someone when they need help; it's a very giving community." This event will be a time that won't require giving, it'll just be a time to enjoy.
Orr said that on Friday night, December 15th at 7:00 p.m. "We'll get together for about an hour and have music, song, and hot chocolate and coffee."
Any questions can be directed to RJ Savoie at 623-4044 or Mary Orr at 625-4263.
While they last, WPD even offering
the ice scraper you need to do it
The
cold spell that has visited Winnemucca over the past several days brings to mind
a situation that most winter drivers have experienced. You're late for
work or school and your windshield is covered with ice and snow. It's cold and
you don't want to take the time to scrape or thaw out your windows. So you take
the risk that you won't be involved in an accident or stopped by the local
police. At best you might scrape a small “peep hole” to see out of.
Unfortunately, many
In
Winnemucca, motorists stopped for an icy windshield could receive a ticket with
a fine of $80 or more. This holiday season however, motorist will continue
to receive an even bigger surprise than a ticket. Thanks to a cooperative effort
between the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the Winnemucca Police
Department (WPD), motorist stopped by the WPD for iced over windshields will
receive a verbal warning... and a free ice scraper! The free ice scrapers were a
donation from OTS and are used as part of the WPD's ongoing traffic safety
programs.
According
to Chief of Police Bob Davidson the safety of the motoring public, rather than
traffic citations, is the Department’s goal. That’s why he started this
innovative program several years ago which is now utilized by many law
enforcement agencies statewide. By using the donated ice scrapers in this manner
he hopes to increase the motoring public's awareness of the dangers of driving
with obstructed windows.
Chief
Davidson also wanted all to know that free ice scrapers are available for the
asking while supplies last. Simply contact any uniformed police officer or stop
by the office of the Winnemucca Police Department at
Reminders for safe holiday shopping, from Police Chief Bob Davidson
Winnemucca is one of the safest communities in Nevada. Because of this, many local holiday shoppers do not take advantage of basic holiday shopping safety precautions like they would need to do when shopping in larger communities. The Winnemucca Police Department is providing the following list to help keep your holiday safe and enjoyable during this Christmas shopping season.
* Do the majority of your shopping during the day. If you must shop at night, make sure to park in well lit areas.
* Shop with a friend or family member. There's safety in numbers.
* Never leave your car unlocked or with the engine running.
* Never leave children unattended in the car while you shop. The dangers of an accident, hypothermia or asphyxiation are very real. One solution: trade babysitting with a trusted friend or relative; you watch their children while they shop and vice versa.
* Never leave your purse unattended in the shopping cart.
* To avoid purse snatching and pick pockets, keep your purse strap over your shoulder or under your coat. Wallets can be carried in a front pocket or jacket.
* Don't display large amounts of cash. Use credit or debit cards instead.
* Take advantage of home delivery if available. If not, don't leave packages in plain view in your vehicle. Place them in a trunk or cover them with coats or a tarp. Remember, even large items like tool chests, trampolines or ATVs can be quickly removed from the bed of a pick up. Better safe than sorry.
* Park in safe locations near the store. When you return to your vehicle have your car keys ready. If you observe suspicious activities return to the store and summon assistance.