Latest news with #Heck
San Francisco Chronicle
4 days ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Bloodhounds hunting 'Devil in the Ozarks' fugitive are seen as key part of manhunt
A bloodhound picked up the scent shortly after the ' Devil in the Ozarks ' escaped from a lockup in northern Arkansas. The hound didn't have to go far to begin the hunt — it lives at the prison as part of a specialized unit that uses man's best friend to help track fugitives. Although the scent of convicted killer Grant Hardin was lost because of heavy rain, experts say that even days after Sunday's escape, the animal's highly developed sense of smell can still pick up a fresh trail. That's partly due to the 300 million cells in their nose that supercharges their sense of smell, said Terri Heck, a Bloodhound handler and trainer who works with the Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, District Attorney's Office. They've got wide nostrils to scoop up smells, and their long ears often work to stir up scents as they drag along the ground. Even their drool plays a role, as that wetness wakes up scents, Heck said. Bloodhounds are known for being tenacious trackers, said Brian Tierney, president of the National Police Bloodhound Association. They're playing a key role in the search for Hardin, now in its sixth day. 'They have a big heart and big lungs and can go the distance,' Heck said of their endurance. They also save lives, as one young bloodhound did just two weeks ago in Maine. Millie, a 10-month-old hound tracked a 5-year-old girl with autism who went missing from her home on May 16, Maine State Police said. The dog found the girl waist-deep in water in a cedar swamp, the agency said. Authorities credited Millie's dedication and 'incredible nose' for saving the girl. Bloodhounds are also independent, a key trait for searches. 'When it gets to be a difficult search they don't look to you for help, that they go forth themselves,' Heck said. Bad weather confounded the hunt for Hardin, who was serving a 30-year sentence for murder when he escaped from the prison in Calico Rock, Arkansas. The hound found - then lost - Hardin's scent when heavy rains blew through the area, said state prison spokesman Rand Champion. Hardin was tracked for less than a quarter of a mile when the bloodhound lost the trail. The fugitive could have gone in any direction after that. 'That was one of the most frustrating things, that they were able to track him but then they lost him because of the rain,' Champion said. A tip that Hardin was sighted in southern Missouri has been ruled out, Champion said Friday. Until authorities find evidence that he's left the area around the prison, they assume that he's still in that vicinity, he said. Hardin took almost nothing with him and left behind plenty of clothes, bedsheets and other items that are used to familiarize the bloodhounds with his scent, Champion said. Those items are shared with the dogs to give them the initial scent of the person they are seeking, Tierney said. It's a process that's standard operating procedure for Arkansas' prison dogs. Who is Grant Hardin? A former police chief in the small town of Gateway near the Arkansas-Missouri border, Hardin had been held at the Calico Rock prison since 2017 after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in a fatal shooting for which he was serving a 30-year sentence. Hardin's DNA was matched to the 1997 rape of a teacher at an elementary school in Rogers, north of Fayetteville. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison for that crime. Eventually, his notoriety led to a TV documentary, 'Devil in the Ozarks.' Champion said that someone should have checked Hardin's identity before he was allowed to leave, describing the lack of verification as a 'lapse' that is being investigated. Bloodhounds live at Calico Rock prison The Calico Rock prison is known for its bloodhounds that live in a kennel on prison property. The nearly one dozen dogs at the prison have helped many other agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to track a variety of people over the years, according to a 2021 state audit report on the prison. Southern prisons have a long history of keeping bloodhounds around in case of escapes, like the one featured in country artist Blake Shelton's song 'Ol' Red," about a hound that hunts escaped inmates with "a nose that could smell a two-day trail." Dogs in Arkansas' prison system have also been used to help other agencies find people who are not dangerous, such as missing children, people with special needs or elderly people, Champion said. The bloodhounds tend to raise a ruckus when they find their mark. But the prison system uses other types of dogs in searching for children and vulnerable people who go missing, and those dogs tend to lick people and make friends with them when they are found, Champion said. Fugitives use spices, other means to foil bloodhounds Fugitives being hunted by bloodhounds have been known to take extreme steps to throw the dogs off their trail, Tierney said. Two convicted killers who broke out of a maximum-security prison in upstate New York in 2015 collected dozens of containers of black and cayenne pepper before their escape. They had intended to use the pepper 'to interfere with tracking dogs they assumed would be part of a manhunt for them after the escape,' a state investigation found. One of the men was shot and killed during the manhunt; another was also shot but survived and was captured. Hardin has troubled past in law enforcement In his first job as a police officer 35 years ago in the college town of Fayetteville, home of the University of Arkansas, Hardin struggled almost immediately, his supervisors said. He was dismissed by Fayetteville police, but kept getting hired for other law enforcement jobs in northwest Arkansas over the years. By the time he was the police chief in the small town of Gateway in 2016, 'he was out chasing cars for no reason,' Cheryl Tillman, the town's current mayor, recalled in the documentary 'Devil in the Ozarks.'
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
UK's best supermarket sausages ranked by British shoppers and it's not Richmond
A survey conducted by Which? has named the number one place to get the best sausages for the best price, and it's not from a well-known brand, but your local supermarket. The best UK supermarket sausages have been named by shoppers, and you'd be shocked to find out that's not Richmond or Heck despite their well-known brand names. Sausages are a staple when it comes to British cuisine, and they're seen in a lot of classic dishes, such as the English Breakfast or the iconic 'Pigs in blankets'. But, which ones are the best in the market? In a survey conducted by Which?, 65 people blind tasted several sausages from brands like Heck, The Black Farmer and The Jolly Hog, as well as supermarket own-branded products, including Lidl, Sainsbury's and Morrisons. The verdict was based on the appearance, aroma, texture and most importantly, the flavour. After comparing each brand in a random order, the panel gave their final results - and they were quite surprising. Which is the best supermarket sausage in the UK? Lidl's Deluxe Pork Sausages took the lead with a total of 77% in satisfaction. Not only were they named the 'Best Buy' option, but they were also one of cheapest products from the test, costing £2.49 for 400g. Which? said: 'Almost everyone loved their juiciness, and the majority thought the meaty flavour was perfect. The herb and spice season also hit the spot with many of our tasters, with most of our panel also approving of the texture and salt levels.' However, it was also revealed that Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's were also chosen on several occasions, putting them as the second and third-best contestants. The downside about these brands is that they're much pricier than the ones in Lidl. Although it's a 51p difference, Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Pork Sausage lost points on its presentation despite its high points on flavour, seasoning and texture. On the other hand, M&S 's Collection British Outdoor Bred Pork Sausages, one of the most expensive products, had mixed reactions in terms of seasoning. In the last place was the popular brand Heck, which scored a total of 54% in overall satisfaction, proving that quality and price don't always match. The site wrote: 'These pale sausages may be low in saturated fat, but they're also low on our rankings. Some of our tasters thought they lacked pork flavour and would benefit from more seasoning.' In conclusion, Lidl has outdone it once again and proved to have the best quality at the best price. It's important to note that Lidl's sausages are high in saturated fat. As advised by the NHS, men shouldn't have more than 30g of saturated fat, and women shouldn't consume more than 20g per day.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wawa eyeing site of former Executive Inn in Springfield
A Wawa could soon be coming to Springfield. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Springfield City Commissioners approved the sale of the former Executive Inn at 325 West Columbia Street to CGP Acquisition & Development LLC. City Manager Bryan Heck said during the city commission meeting on May 20 that the property is to be developed into a Wawa gas station. The Executive Inn property was originally purchased by the city to be used as short term housing for the homeless. TRENDING STORIES: 71-year-old man dead after motorcycle hits house in Clark County At least 1 injured after 2-vehicle crash on busy Moraine street Rescue boats respond to reports of person in water at yacht club 'Once that was no longer needed for that purpose ... this was a longer-term economic development play for the community as we continue to revitalize and redevelop downtown,' Heck said. Heck said the location would include eight two-sided fuel stations and EV charging stations. The purchase would start the 'due diligence period.' During this time, CGP can inspect the property and determine if it is fit for a gas station before closing the sale. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Three genius ways to save on ice lollies as prices and temperatures rise
Scroll for a deal on cuddly toys where you can save £48 SUN SAVERS Three genius ways to save on ice lollies as prices and temperatures rise Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ICE lollies are perfect for cooling off when temperatures rise, but they can be pricey. Here are some ways to keep down the cost of your frozen treats . . . Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up BREAK THE MOULD: Making your own lollies is far cheaper than buying from the shops. You just need to invest in some moulds, which can be used over and over again. Dunelm has a set of four silicone push-up moulds for £5. Simply fill them with juice or squash and pop in the freezer for a quick, low-effort treat. USE IT UP: If you want to get creative, homemade ice cream and lollies are a great way to use up any fruit that is on the turn. It is also a clever way to smuggle fruit into a fussy child's diet. Raid your fridge for items that need to be used and get kids involved for a fun activity that they'll love. For example, when you have some bananas that need using up, simply chop into chunks and freeze for at least an hour. Then blitz them with a little milk to a creamy texture before freezing in moulds. You could add a teaspoon of honey for a sweeter taste. 'survey reveals what your ice cream eating habits could say about your personality' Avocado works well to give a nice creamy texture. Just blend with natural yoghurt, a squeeze of lime and a little honey before freezing in moulds. Or try soft strawberries blitzed with apple juice for an easy delicious combo. CARRY CASE: Kids often want ice lollies when you're at the park or as a treat on a day out. But the price of single lollies from shops or ice cream vans can be really expensive. Instead, you can take homemade or shop-bought lollies with you by popping them inside a travel mug which keeps drinks and food cold. The best cooling travel mugs can be expensive but they are worth the investment if they stop you buying refreshments when out and about. Try the Sainsbury's home travel cup, £12. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 7 Here are some ways to keep down the cost of your frozen treats Credit: Getty DEAL OF THE DAY 7 These deckchairs are down from £69 to £54 at Asda Credit: Supplied SIT and relax on these deckchairs, perfect for lazy summer days, down from £69 to £54 at George from Asda. SAVE: £15 CHEAP TREAT 7 Lift your mood with a spritz of Daise Happy body mist Credit: Supplied LIFT your mood with a spritz of Daise Happy body mist, £5.99, from Superdrug. What's new? TRY bangers with a twist – new in at Tesco, a six-pack of Heck chorizo-style sausages are £3.35, or £2.50 with a Clubcard. TOP SWAP 7 This Jelly Cat is £48 Credit: Supplied 7 Flying Tiger have a £10 version Credit: Supplied CUDDLE up to this cute Odyssey Octopus, £48 from Or try the equally adorable octopus plush toy, £10 from Flying Tiger. SAVE: £38 Little helper WARD off pesky bugs with the help of one of these citronella incense sticks, a pack of 30 is £1.50, from Poundland. Shop & save 7 Save a tenner on this paddling pool at The Range Credit: Supplied KIDS will love spending time in this 240cm diameter paddling pool, down from £24.99 to £14.99 at The Range. SAVE: £10 Hot right now BRITISH strawberry season is here. Ocado has cut the price of a 600g pack from £3.70 to £2.75 until Monday. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Expert offer tips on how to limit districted driving this holiday weekend
As millions of Americans hit the road for Memorial Day trips, auto safety experts are urging drivers to find ways to limit distractions and predicting that more automakers and auto insurers will turn to artificial intelligence to help. "Humans are actually pretty good drivers," Stefan Heck, the CEO of Sunnyvale, California-based Nauto, which sells AI safety devices, said this week in an interview with the Free Press. "But if you can help them address the one or two items they don't do well yet, you can make them awesome drivers." By one count, distracted driving causes about 3,000 fatalities a year, and 80% of auto collisions involve some sort of distraction ‒ many from phones. But Heck, a former Stanford University professor, suggested that distracting driving collisions may be grossly underreported and likely account for more crashes than what the government counts, based on data he has reviewed. Limiting distractions, he said, would prevent injuries, save lives and reduce insurance claims. Of course, Heck also has a financial reason to promote efforts to reduce distracted driving. Nauto, the privately held company Heck heads, aims to fill the gap between those who have limited collision-alert devices in their vehicles already and a future in which entirely autonomous vehicles can drive themselves. The venture provides collision-alert devices that attach to the windshield of business vehicles in automobile fleets throughout North America. It hopes to offer the same service as early as next year to consumers, mostly through insurance carriers. In the meantime, for the estimated 45 million drivers getting behind the wheel this weekend, he offered a few common-sense, but often ignored, tips on how to limit distractions. The biggest one: Put your phone, which tends to create unnecessary distractions, in a phone mount so you are driving hands-free. Putting your phone in a holder puts the device somewhat out of reach and urges you to use voice commands. Smartphones — which an estimated 91% of Americans own — amount to a TV, computer, gaming, and global positioning system in the palm of your hand, which, for drivers, can be dangerous. More: Cell phone 'Do Not Disturb' feature could help cut distracted driving, study finds Mobile devices also are a challenge because while they offer drivers features that they want and need, such as digital music and GPS navigation, they also don't connect to cars all that safely and tend to create distractions. It's a conundrum that phone and car manufacturers are working on, but have not solved. More: Michigan gas prices up 12 cents a gallon from last week as Memorial Day travel nears Besides, using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited in Michigan, unless it's through a hands-free program or device, like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or on a phone mount, but, in many cases, that hasn't been enough to get people to do it. Some of his other suggestions: Set up your music playlists before you start your drive. Use the voice command, rather than touchscreen, features. And be aware of, and develop, safe driving habits. That last one may sound like common sense, and, actually, they all are. But Heck pointed out that awareness helps cut down on crash risks and the greater number of risky behaviors drivers engage in at the same time, the more likely they will end up getting hurt. And if you are going to do something risky — like speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, talking on your phone, listening to loud music — don't do more than one thing at a time. Each additional thing, Heck said, exponentially increases the likelihood of a crash. And, interestingly enough, you can use your phone to help you do that. A study from AAA found that 'smartphones themselves — a common form of distraction — may hold the key to curbing" risky use and "contribute to better focus on the road and enhance overall traffic safety." The 79-page report, by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, found that when it comes to drivers, it boils down to this: the smartphone's "Do Not Disturb" feature works, but despite its promise, it isn't widely used. Many just aren't familiar with it, and others fear the "Do Not Disturb" feature would limit their phone and car's navigation and music functions, and some were worried that if they did turn it on, they'd miss an important call or message. "But increasingly," Heck said, "you'll see this kind of AI — we're working with a number of manufacturers already to build it in future vehicles, so it does come with your car — and you'll see more and more of this capability." Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Expert offer tips on how to limit districted driving this holiday weekend
