China’s Most Beautiful Criminal Surrenders to Police

A 19-year-old robbery suspect has turned herself into police after earning the title “China’s Most Beautiful Criminal” while she was on the run.

According to the South China Morning Post, 19-year-old , Qingchen Jingjing was allegedly part of a gang who targeted usually drunk guys at bars and tea houses; she and her accomplices would reportedly scam the men out of money.

On November 20, cops circulated her picture to seek the public’s help in nabbing her — however, the photo soon went viral for another reason: Jingjing’s looks.

“She could earn much more being a livestreamer than a bar scammer. Being a scammer is very hard work,” snarked one user on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter.

Incidentally, it was that same social media platform that investigators used to announce her arrest.

Jingjing’s situation sparked immediate comparisons to ex-con Jeremy Leeks, who became known as America’s “Hot Felon” when his mugshot was circulated by the authorities. He’s since gone on to model for various outlets.

Soccer Team Fakes Death of a Player

Representatives for an Irish soccer team have apologized after faking the death of one of its former players.

Public broadcaster RTE reported that a representative of the team, Ballybrack FC falsely told the Leinster Senior Football League that Fernando LaFuente — who was until recently on the squad — had perished in a “traffic accident” last week.

The league subsequently postponed Ballybrack’s game on Saturday — and even held a moment of silence for LaFuente, who, it should be said, is very much alive.

LaFuente, who now works for a software company, told RTE, “I was home yesterday after my work finished. I was playing some video games. … [My colleagues] started sending me all these news articles and mass media. And that’s how I found out I was dead.”

Ballybrack apologized on Facebook, calling the announcement, “a gross error of judgement…made by a person who has been experiencing severe personal difficulties unbeknownst to any other members of the club.”

The team added, “the person in question has been relieved of all footballing duties.”

Top Things to Do This Weekend on the Lakeshore

Celebrate Christmas in historic Sheboygan Falls with the Christmas Open House and activities for the whole family on December 1st. Enjoy wagon rides, listen to the carolers and visit with Santa, and even take photos with him. There are free children’s activities, pony rides, complimentary refreshments and lots of in-store specials and raffles. Take a chance in the Christmas cash holiday raffle. Be sure to stop out at 4:30pm for the holiday parade as it makes its way through the downtown, with the lighting of the community Christmas tree afterwards.

Bundle up the family and head to Camp Sinawa near Valders for Christmas at Sinawa on December 1st from 4 to 9pm, and December 2nd from 4 to 8pm. Walk through the woods on pathways lit by thousands of candles to view each decorated cabins. Enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride thru the enchanted forest filled with Christmas lights, music, props and characters. Take pictures with Santa while listening to Christmas carolers. Enjoy hot homemade food & beverages, and cookie & bar sale. Park at Piggly Wiggly store in Valders and take the free shuttle to the camp. Donations accepted at the entrance of $5 per adult and $4 per child under age 6.

Mishicot Christmas in the Village will be held Saturday, December 1st from 9am to 2pm. Many activities throughout the village include, breakfast with Santa, food make and take crafts, letters to Santa, horse drawn wagon rides, vendor craft show and alpacas. Each business will be giving a mitten for an entry for the Tree Hop basket give-away.

Bring the family out and join your friends and neighbors in Chilton for the annual parade of lights, Saturday, December 1st at 5pm in downtown Chilton. The parade begins near the central house & proceeds west on Grand Street to State Street and finishes on Washington Street at Chilton City Hall. Enjoy the decorated floats, sing along to the Christmas music and wave to Santa!

The Reedsville AMVET Post 1032 is hosting Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 2nd from 8:30 am to 1 pm at the Reedsville Elementary School. There will be pancakes – regular & potato – plus porkies and scrambled eggs. Adults cost $7 and kids 6 to 12 are $5…with those 5 and under free. There’s also a craft raffle.

St. Anne Parish in Francis Creek will host their Chili Lunch on Sunday, December 2nd from 10am to 2pm. Dining Hall is wheel chair accessible, Adults $6, Children 3 to 10 $2.50, Under 3 donation, Carry-outs, $6.00, Includes rye bread, cheese, dessert and beverage, hot dogs also available. Cookie and candy sale as well during the chili Lunch.

“Meet the Rangers” event to be held Dec. 4 at Titletown Park in Green Bay

People can learn about the important role rangers play in enhancing visitor experiences at Wisconsin State Parks System properties during a Meet the Rangers, evening event at the new Titletown Park in Green Bay. This outdoor event will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. outside the perimeter of the ice skating rink, directly across from Lambeau Field.

Visitors are invited to meet Wisconsin State Parks System Rangers and learn about other outdoor recreation careers. Other parks staff will provide tips on winter recreation, including: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking and camping. Participants may also enjoy a naturalist-led activity, learn about volunteer opportunities and purchase their 2019 state parks admission stickers.

Free OutWiGo stickers will also be available this evening. OutWiGo is wellness initiative of Wisconsin State Parks, focused on encouraging Wisconsin residents and visitors to enjoy the overall health benefits of outdoor recreation.

This event is free and open to the public. Ice skating and tubing fees are not included. Directions and other information on Titletown Park are available, at http://www.titletown.com. For information on Wisconsin State Parks, visit wiparks.net. For questions, contact Kathryn Gehrke at Kathryn.gehrke@wisconsin.gov or call 608-515-3072.

6’4″ Cow Will Live Happily Ever After

Knickers the cow, one of the world’s biggest steers, avoids the abattoir thanks to his size https://t.co/Z7auv0ZbwG pic.twitter.com/zsxl3dN4Yy

— ABC News (@abcnews) November 27, 2018

 

Knickers, a seven-year-old Holstein-Friesians cow is getting a new lease on life, after growing to be more than twice the size of the rest of his herd.

Holstein-Friesians are usually a little more than four feet tall, but he stands six-foot-four — the largest of his kind in the world.

The Sun reports the massive mooer could produce around 1,400 pounds of beef — enough for 450 cuts of steak and 815 pounds of ground beef. However, the 3,083 pound cow is too big to become beef, according to owner Geoff Pearson. “It was too heavy. I wouldn’t be able to put it through a processing facility. So I think it will just live happily ever after,” he joked.

Adult Smoking Hits a New Low in Wisconsin

New data show that statewide efforts to reduce smoking rates are paying off, with the state’s smoking rate falling to 16% in 2017 after several years at 17%, according to the Department of Health Services’ Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey (BRFSS). One of the biggest reductions is among those aged 35-44, down to 19% in 2017 from 24% in 2016. There are also signs that smoking rates may be starting to fall for some groups that have higher rates, including African Americans and people who are on Medicaid.

“The hard work by community organizations, health educators, families and young people to provide information about the dangers of smoking, and programs available to help people quit, is making a difference, said State Health Officer Karen McKeown. “We are grateful to all Wisconsin citizens who are helping to reduce tobacco use statewide.”

There is still work to be done however, McKeown said. E-cigarette use is increasing, and many e-cigarette users and those who use smokeless tobacco also smoke cigarettes. According to the 2017 BRFSS, 46% of Wisconsin adults who use e-cigarettes also smoke cigarettes, and 39% of Wisconsin adults who use smokeless tobacco also smoke cigarettes.

Smokeless tobacco can lead to mouth and other cancers, increased heart disease and stroke risk, and cause mouth lesions. E-cigarettes can include harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and diacetyl, and their aerosol can contain heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals.

Additionally, some groups remain at increased risk for tobacco use and its related health problems. The groups include individuals earning less than $24,999 and those with less than a high school degree, with smoking rates of 29% and 28% respectively. People diagnosed with depression are another high use group at 28%.

Certain groups also smoke at higher rates, including (averaged across 2013-2017):

American Indian/Alaska Native – 37%
Multiracial – 30%
Black/African American – 28%
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or who did not identify as heterosexual – 26%
“The Department is committed to helping everyone live their best lives, and being tobacco-free is an important part of that goal,” McKeown said.

Free quit tobacco help is available by calling the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669).

Suspected Car Burglar Gets Run Over by his Own Car

A suspected car burglar ended up pinning himself when he jumped out of a rolling car during a police chase in Oregon last week, authorities said.

Suspect Isaiah John Gellatly, 31, suffered a broken leg in the high-speed chase in Happy Valley, Oregon, police said. After being treated at a hospital, he was booked at the Clackamas County Jail, police said.

The episode unfolded just after 11 p.m. Monday when a Happy Valley patrol officer responded to a call about a theft in progress and spotted Gellatly inside a parked 1998 Honda Accord lying in the fully-reclined driver’s seat, according to a police statement.

When the officer shined a light into the Honda, the driver sat up in his seat, put the car in drive and peeled away, police said. With his emergency lights flashing and siren wailing, the patrol officer chased after the vehicle and radioed for assistance, officials said.

Officers responding to help placed spike strips in the road, which punctured one of the Honda’s tires.

The suspect then turned into a business complex, as the hobbled Honda hit curbs, a retaining wall, and the bumper of a pursuing police car, authorities said.

Dashcam video from a police car showed Gellatly allegedly opening the driver’s side door, jumping out and running alongside the still-rolling Honda — which ironically helped bring him to justice.

Gellatly’s lower leg was pinned under the wheel of the Honda, allowing cops to finally catch him.

In the car, cops say were numerous items believed to be stolen, including a tennis racket, a ping-pong paddle, designer sunglasses and a Schwinn scooter.

Gellatly of Vancouver, Washington, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to elude police, reckless driving, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle and theft.

Evergleams on Eighth

Over 30 Downtown Manitowoc storefront windows will be ‘Aluminized’ this holiday season when ‘Evergleams On Eighth’ kicks off on November 16^th.  More than 40 different sizes, styles and colors of vintage Aluminum Christmas Trees proudly return home to the city where they were originally manufactured over 50 years ago.

Downtown Manitowoc, the business association, is working with 2 natives, no longer living in the area, who have become avid collectors of all things Evergleam, the brand name used by Aluminum Specialty Company. Their collections include nearly 300 Aluminum Trees, including some very seldom seen and rare varieties and also numerous Color Wheels and Rotating Tree Stands, also commonly used with the trees during the early 1960’s when the trees were most popular.

“The rich history of manufacturing in Manitowoc, especially in aluminum goods, is well chronicled” said Cathy Karl, one of the event coordinators and owner at Heart & Homestead, “The historic downtown is excited to present just one of the more infamous items that were produced here! We hope everyone enjoys this as much as we have!” chimes in Barb Bundy-Jost, also an event coordinator and collector of Evergleams.

Aluminum Specialty produced more than 1 million of the ‘Space-Aged’ trees, first introduced for the 1959 Christmas season when they were an immediate success. Their popularity increased rapidly for several years with more than 40 other competitors, including Mirro also located in Manitowoc, joining the manufacturing ranks. Sales began to decline in the late 60’s when families joined the sentiments of Charlie Brown who in the 1965 television special, longed for a less commercial holiday.  Final production was in 1971, when the company re-focused its efforts on the children’s cookware sets they had always been known for.

75-80% of all Evergleams were produced in silver, but with such a seasonal product, innovations in branch styles and colors were soon introduced to the expanding market. The trees sold for moderate prices with most retailing for less than $25. A quick look on eBay reveals prices today that can be from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on condition and rarity.

The displays can be viewed thru January 6, 2018. Maps showing the locations of many of the trees will be available at the participants or at http://www.downtownmanitowoc.org.

Comfortable & heated trolley rides to view the trees and provide additional information on the Evergleam story will also be available for a small fee on Saturday, Dec. 1 or Dec. 15. The ‘Trolley to the Trees’ will depart at 5:00, 6:00 or 7:00 and will load on the corner of S. 8th and Quay St., next to the 30’ Silver Tree in Burger Park.  Please check the website for complete information and to purchase tickets to reserve your seat. Tickets are also available at the Chamber of Manitowoc County Office or by calling (920)684-5575.

Top Things to Do on the Lakeshore This Weekend

Hansel and Gretel popularized gingerbread houses by discovering a house in the forest made entirely of bread and sugar. Beginning Friday, November 23rd Waelderhaus, the historic “house in the woods” in Kohler will treat families to holiday music and dozens of sugary creations on display at the 22nd Annual Gingerbread Festival. More than 8,000 attendees will enjoy extended hours and weekly musical performances, and vote on their favorite hand-crafted gingerbread houses, sculptures and original handiworks created by local schools and community groups. Classroom and community organizations whose sweet designs garner the most votes from attendees, will receive cash prizes in different age groups. Complimentary gingerbread cookies will be served to protect the candy-studded homes and fabrications from hungry visitors. The 22nd Annual Gingerbread Festival Waelderhaus is at 1100 West Riverside Drive, Kohler, Wis. November 23 through December 30, 2018 Sunday through Friday – 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   This weekend, the musical performances are:  2:00 p.m. Nov. 24 Golden Chordaliers Nov. 25 The Pop’s Elves.  All events and activities at the Waelderhaus are free to the public. Tours are offered daily at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. throughout the month of December.

Lights in Lincoln Park will be on display from November 23rd through December 28th from 5-8pm. Every Friday night is Santa night for little ones to come and have their wishes heard!

Celebrate the season at the annual Two Rivers Hometown Parade on Saturday, November 24th with decorated floats, listen to the magnificent marching bands ringing in the Christmas season at the Two Rivers Hometown Holiday Parade at 5:30pm. This event also includes a “Living Window” display is a fun way to kick off the season.

The Holiday Extravaganza Craft Show at Kiel High School is Saturday 24th from 9-2. Admission cost is $1 or a canned good for admission….All donations will be given to Rays of Hope Food Pantry in Kiel

Celebrate the holiday season at the 26th annual Sheboygan Holiday Parade on Sunday, November 25th, starting at 5 pm in downtown Sheboygan. Enjoy the decorated floats and the festive atmosphere from the music from local marching bands. The US Postal Service will also be walking in the parade to collect and deliver your letters to Santa–be sure to include your name and address on the latter so Santa can respond to you! And immediately following the parade, head to the Mead Public Library for the ceremonial tree lighting ceremony. Kick off this festive season this Sunday at the Sheboygan Holiday Parade!

Just announced: Mutts Gone Nuts brings furry family fun comedy dog show to the Capitol!

Disorderly duo, Scott and Joan Houghton and their hilarious pack of pooches have created a comedy dog thrill show like no other. And, this hilarious show, “Mutts Gone Nuts,” is coming to the Baileigh Industrial Marquee Season on Sunday, March 10. This special 3:30 p.m. matinee show delivers furry fun for the entire family!

Expect the unexpected in this top-notch presentation that includes incredible high-flying frisbee dogs, tightwire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs, and of course, the one and only… Sammie the Talking Dog!

Audiences and media are raving about this show, that has sold out throughout the country!

“I laughed until I wept.” – Former First Lady, Barbara Bush

“Wow, that was strong!” – Former late night host and comedian, David Letterman

“A must see!” – The Washington Post

Since 1985, comedy duo Scott and Joan Houghton have brought their unique blend of physical comedy and circus arts to audiences from Las Vegas to Tokyo. They spent three years with country star Lee Greenwood at his theater in Tennessee and seven years as the featured comedy act at Dolly Parton’s Theaters in Branson, Orlando and Myrtle Beach.

In 2005, the duo turned their attention to a creating a comedy dog act. Their nine amazing canine partners are all adopted from animal shelters and rescues. Mutts Gone Nuts is sure to unleash havoc and hilarity as the Houghtons attempt to match wits with their mischievous mutts in a family-friendly performance that is leaving audiences howling for more!

Mutts Gone Nuts mission and assurances: The show’s dogs were adopted from animal shelters

or from rescue groups. The Houghtons use all positive, reward-based training methods, which means they reward and reinforce the behaviors that they want (with treats, toys, and praise) and they ignore the behaviors we don’t want.  They look for what their dogs like to do naturally, and cultivate those talents. In addition, living conditions for their four-legged stars are a priority, with their dogs traveling in large, padded, and climate controlled kennels for their safety when on tour. And, their dogs live indoors and are never kept outside in kennels. All are USDA APHIS (Animal Welfare) registered. And, all are incredibly talented and entertaining!

IF YOU GO: $25 adult tickets and $15 student tickets (plus tax and fees) are on sale to Capitol members beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 26 by phone at 920-683-2184 or at the Box Office. Public on sale begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 3, at cccshows.org or at the Box Office. Doors at 2:30 p.m., performance at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2019.