Latest news with #Huffer
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Albuquerque woman takes on Bataan Memorial Death March
WHITE SANDS, N.M. (KRQE) – Over 4,000 people packed up their gear and walked or ran this weekend in honor of the heroes of the Bataan Death March. Among those thousands, was a retired military colonel from Albuquerque. Eighty-two years ago, 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war were forced to march 65 miles in what was later labeled the Bataan Death March. They suffered brutal treatment and extreme conditions, and thousands died. Fifty years later, White Sands Missile Range started a tradition to honor them and each year, it becomes more significant. 'We sort of did it on a whim with a friend of ours who had done it before who was in the Army active duty at that time,' said Retired Colonel, Linda Huffer. Veterans Memorial reopens following bird 'invasion' Huffer served in the military for over 20 years in the United States Army Medical Corp, specializing in cardiology before retiring in 2020. 'I admittedly prepared probably better two years ago,' said Huffer. This is Huffer's second time participating in the Bataan Memorial Death March and she's not doing it alone. 'I'm going to be marching the first half of the race or to the fourteen-mile loop with one of my good friends,' said Huffer. Right as the sun began to rise on Saturday morning, Huffer was feeling good, and off she went. Thousands of men and women are making their way through dirt, sand, and rocks below the San Andres Mountains. Map: New Mexico Veterans' Monuments and Memorials Some carry packs, flags, and even 4×4 wooden posts. Others honor their own loved ones who have died in service. Two miles in, Huffer reached the first water station and trekked on to complete the entire 26.2-mile course. A grueling yet rewarding experience. 'It gives me an opportunity to sort of think about what others have been through. I found it quite remarkable seeing some of the older folks who were finishing the race who just never stopped,' said Huffer. She finished in just under eight hours. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
Decatur votes against allowing a new type of gambling device
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — On Monday, Decatur's City Council voted to ban electronic sweepstakes machines. WCIA talked to someone who helps treat problem gamblers to see what these machines are… Anita Pindiur from the group Way Back Inn. 'They're video gaming terminals that don't have a payout potential, though they are mainly used as entertainment,' Pindiur said. PREVIOUSLY: Decatur looking to end sweepstake kiosks, regulate massage parlors They're also known as sweepstakes kiosks. But — a Decatur city official said they're not always free. 'They say that they're a free play, so you don't actually have to put any money in. But we've found through investigation that you do end up having to put money in to end up getting any sort of prize,' Decatur Communications Coordinator Ryan Huffer said. Huffer said the ban received community support 'The community has been pretty vocal about not wanting more video gaming in the city,' Huffer added. And Pinduir said they can be a gateway to worse outcomes for people who play. Decatur Public Library introduces Illinois Underground Railroad exhibit 'Often depending on how they are, they're kind of their first beginning. So, we know as persons who are at high risk might engage in them and then kind of feel very motivated to start on gambling for more money,' Pinduir said. City officials said the council had a reason for doing this now. 'Some businesses have been approached here about having them located in the City of Decatur, so we wanted to get ahead of that,' Huffer said. And it's part of a bigger push from the community against gambling as a whole. The city did a survey asking people their thoughts on the amount of gambling in Decatur. 'Surveys are what they are. But we did get a pretty overwhelming response from the community that there [is] too much gambling,' Huffer said. Macon Co. Sheriff's Office warns of call scams So, he said the council will remain strong on this issue. 'We're just trying to get ahead of it at all times. And again, we've heard from the community that they don't want more video gaming. And the council is also behind that, that reducing the number of video gaming machines is a goal of ours,' Huffer said. If you or anyone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction Anita Pindiur said there are many resources out there to help. One of those is 1-800-GAMBLER — a phone line where you can get help 24/7. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
