Latest news with #Stihl
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- General
- Tom's Guide
I tested this electric chainsaw, and it's the gift that will win you Father's Day
When I first moved into my house about 10 years ago, there were two arborvitae that greeted me on either side of my front door. Fast forward a decade, and what were once reasonably sized shrubs were now overgrown menaces, crowding the pathway to my home. As much as I am loathe to cut down any greenery, they had to go, but it's not easy to take down a 15-foot plant, especially one that's so bushy. Since I'm not a lumberjack, I didn't need anything too fancy or massive — just enough to cut through some thick branches and 2-3-inch trunks. I found the perfect tool for the job. For the task, I checked out Stihl's smallest and lightest chainsaw, the MSA 60 C-B. It weighs just 9 pounds, has a 12-inch guide bar, and will run for up to 40 minutes. Here's three things I learned when I took it for a spin around my yard. The smallest and lightest battery-powered chainsaw offered by Stihl, this model has a 12-inch guide bar and weighs just 9 pounds when outfitted with a battery. Weighing just 9 pounds with battery, the chainsaw was very easy to operate and carry around; I could hold it at arms' length for extended periods of time without issue as I chopped down limbs and then cut them into smaller pieces. My town is particularly picky about gas-powered lawn tools — it banned gas-powered leaf blowers a few years back — and while there's no prohibition against chainsaws, I didn't want to disturb my neighbors with a noisy two-stroke engine. Now, an electric chainsaw isn't exactly quiet, but it definitely isn't as loud as a traditional chainsaw. If anything I'd say it's around the same noise level, and maybe even a little quieter than an electric leaf blower. It helps to wear ear protection, but you could probably get by without it. I found Stihl's estimate of 40 minutes to be about accurate for the MSA 60 C-B's battery. It was more than enough time to cut down the arborvitae and then cut its trunks into smaller pieces. When I was done, I was still itchin' to chainsaw more stuff; I even started eying my neighbors' property for wayward limbs. However, the battery gave out soon thereafter, so if you've got a larger project, you may want to invest in a second battery. What says "Happy Father's Day" more than a device that can remove a limb, arboreal or otherwise? Stihl does make larger chainsaws, but this 12-inch model is perfect for the dad who needs something to tackle the occasional downed limb and to tap his inner Paul Bunyan.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
$4k worth of equipment stolen in Clearfield County garage burglary
HUSTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WTAJ) — State police in DuBois are investigating a burglary in Clearfield County where thousands of dollars in tools and construction equipment were stolen from a residential garage. Troopers responded June 7 to a report of a break-in at a property along the 9700 block of Bennetts Valley Highway in Huston Township. According to investigators, the victim, a 45-year-old woman from Penfield, reported the theft likely occurred sometime between May 1 and June 7. Among the stolen items are a 2024 Cub Cadet zero-turn lawn mower with a 60-inch deck, four Stihl power saws, a Stihl weed eater, a Grizzly wood planer, and custom-cut oak floorboards. Other reported items include a yellow and blue roof scaffolding set, a 2024 yellow gas generator (brand unknown), a large dark-colored toolbox filled with miscellaneous tools (brand unknown), a torpedo heater (brand unknown), and a roofing shovel. Police said there was no sign of forced entry into the garage. The estimated total value of the stolen items exceeds $4,000. Anyone with information related to the burglary is asked to contact PSP DuBois at (814) 371-4652. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hans India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
German Companies Rethink U.S. Investments Amid Trump's Tariff Strategy
German companies, historically among the largest foreign investors in the United States, are starting to pull back amid growing concerns over President Donald Trump's escalating tariff policies. The shift comes despite Germany investing over $657 billion in the U.S. economy in 2023—more than three times the U.S. investment in Germany. Recent surveys show a noticeable decline in German corporate confidence in the U.S. market, with only 19% of firms now planning new investments in North America—down from 25%—according to data from Deloitte and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Tariffs Spark Strategic Reassessment Since President Trump imposed a new wave of tariffs on April 2, sentiment among German manufacturers with U.S. operations has dropped significantly. Volker Treier, head of foreign trade at the German Chamber, called tariffs 'poison,' warning they could undercut decades of transatlantic economic cooperation. Germany's automotive sector has been particularly affected, with companies like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen engaging in talks with Washington to ease import duties. While some firms consider relocating production to the U.S. to bypass tariffs—a move praised by the White House—many others are holding back or redirecting investments back home. Investing at Home as a Safer Bet The recent election of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has promised to slash bureaucracy and lower energy costs, has made domestic investment more attractive. A planned €500 billion infrastructure investment by the German government over the next 12 years is further encouraging companies to focus on opportunities at home. Still, the investment outlook could shift again before the 90-day tariff suspension ends in July, especially if Germany and the U.S. reach a broader trade agreement. Fairness and the Trade Gap The trade imbalance between the two nations remains a central issue. Germany exports significantly more to the U.S. than it imports, fueling tensions that Trump has vowed to address. But German business leaders argue that their long-standing contributions—like job creation and local manufacturing—should be factored into negotiations. 'We've invested more, and created more jobs in the U.S. than American companies have in Germany,' said Treier. 'That's the true benchmark for fairness.' Locally Focused Strategies Offer Protection Some firms, like Stihl and Haribo, have long embraced a local production model. Stihl, which opened a Virginia factory in 1974, has been shielded from the worst of the new tariffs. Yet the company warns that supply chain costs will still rise, especially for imported components. 'Tariffs are taxes,' said Stihl chairman Michael Traub. 'In the end, it's consumers who pay the price.' Haribo, meanwhile, opened its first U.S. plant in Wisconsin in 2023. 'We are pursuing a long-term local strategy, regardless of customs policy,' said Christian Bahlmann, a senior VP at the company. What's Next? Trade negotiations between Washington and Berlin could shape the future of German investment in the U.S., with both sides signaling a willingness to resolve disputes. However, without a deal, the looming tariff deadline could further strain economic ties between two of the world's largest industrial powers.
Telegraph
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
The 12 best lawn mowers, including petrol, cordless and electric models
Shopping for the best lawn mower should be taken seriously. A well-tended lawn is a British institution, first written about in 1260, and to keep it looking fine you'll need a high-quality lawn mower (as well as a garden hose). But they come in many forms, from traditional petrol-powered mowers to battery-powered cordless models and robot mowers – the fastest-growing category in the industry. Which will be right for you? We asked the experts where to look for the perfect mower, with names like Mountfield and Stihl coming up prominently, and borrowed this year's latest models to test at home. You can read our reviews below, followed by answers to some frequently asked questions, but if you're in a hurry here's a quick look at our top five: Which are the best lawn mowers? At a glance What are the different types of lawn mower? ' Cylinder lawn mowers are the pinnacle of mowing machines,' says James Broadhouse (aka Jimmy the Mower), a groundsman for 15 years. 'They have six or more blades mounted on a horizontal axle at the front of the machine. They cut with a scissor-like action, so you get a really fine cut, but they're harder to maintain and work best on fine quality turf.' For uneven terrain, you are better off with a rotary mower: a single, high-speed rotating blade that cuts grass with a scything motion. They're better able to cope with dips, slopes and long grass. 'Most people should opt for a rotary mower,' says Robert Garner of lawn care company Lawnsmith. 'You won't always be able to tell the difference between the finishes from rotary and cylinder mowers and rotary mowers are easier to maintain and are height-adjustable.' The third type is a hover lawn mower, which creates a cushion of air between the mower and the grass which the mower 'hovers' on. This floating effect replaces a need for wheels and can make the mower easier to manoeuvre over bumpy ground. Hover mowers also tend to be the lightest. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product at the best price. No manufacturer ever sees copy before publication and we do not accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. How we tested the best lawn mowers Kulwinder (seen above putting Flymo, Stihl and Gtech through their paces) spent the spring months testing the latest mowers on his two-acre lawn, rating them for performance at different height settings, their resistance to blockages and how effectively they collected and disposed of clippings, as well as for battery life on cordless electric models. All the mowers are delivered in the box, so assembly is the first test, followed by handle and blade adjustment and any other set-up requirements, such as battery charging. We're looking for simple operation, consistent results and a minimum of back pain. We have also included a couple of lawn mowers below which Kulwinder has not tested. These have been recommended by experts James Broadhouse and Ben Porter, who between them have decades of experience mowing lawns. If you're looking to upgrade your garden, take a look at our articles on the best rattan garden furniture, the best patio heaters and the best fire pits. Best lawn mowers From £339.95 without battery and charger, Tooled Up Best overall, 9/10 We like: well priced, easy to manoeuvre and gives good stripes 16.5kg weight 44cm cutting width 25-80mm cutting height 50l grass collector Cordless electric 3-year warranty Tested at home Having spent a lifetime squeezing and holding drive and motion bars while mowing, I found Bosch's cordless Rotak to be a revelation: it's operated via push-button controls built into the 'Ergoflex' height-adjustable handle. The set-up is reminiscent of an airplane yoke, making it much less tiring to manoeuvre than other mowers. Its seven cutting heights are much more easily changed than many other mowers, from a button on top of the housing. But what wins it our top spot is that it stripes your lawn as it goes, courtesy of a plastic roller mounted just behind the cutting deck. It's effective – although be warned, the straightness of your stripes will depend on your powers of concentration. The Advanced Rotak sports a brushless motor, meaning you'll never have to replace worn-out carbon brushes (they all wear out eventually). Brushless motors are also more efficient, so the battery charge lasts longer. If you already have a 36-Volt Bosch appliance such as a grass trimmer or leaf blower, you'll be able to use the battery and charger from that. Otherwise, the sets range from about £125 to £220 to buy, depending on the battery duration. The only notable quirk I encountered with the Bosch was the collapsible grass box's inability to hold the full 50 litres it claims to. When the 'grass full' indicator showed red, there was always a lot of empty space inside when I removed the box. Consequently, I had to empty it more frequently than with many of the other mowers. But its other strengths easily outweighed that small disadvantage. It's remarkably quiet thanks to the new 'ProSilence' acoustic design and the grass combs ahead of the rotary cutter allow you to cut very close to the lawn's edge, with a consistent cut quality. The 44cm cutting deck is a terrific compromise between large-scale lawn-munching ability and nimbleness. My narrow, grassed banks, too tricky for the bulkier Stihl below to navigate, proved easy meat for the Bosch. A cheaper version of this mower without a rear roller might have wider appeal but, if striping is a must-have, this model's combination of performance, lightness and clean cuts makes it one of the best choices out there. Also in this range: Bosch's Rotak rotary mowers come in corded and cordless models, with the cordless models available with 18V or 36V batteries. This range-topping Advanced Rotak 36V-44-750 model is designed for 750m 2 gardens, whereas the entry level EasyMower 18V-32-150 (£257.06, Amazon) has an 18V battery and a 32cm blade and is designed for 150m 2 gardens. We tried that last year and gave it eight out of 10. Only the most recent Bosch models are called Advanced, which refers to the brushless motor and the 'ProSilence' engineering which reduces noise by a third. Bosch mowers can use batteries from any of their other power tools as long as they're the same voltage (18V or 36V). It's a neat trick which has seen Bosch pop up in our guides to the best cordless drills and best pressure washers. 8.2kg weight 32cm cutting width 30 litre grass collector Corded electric (10m) Tested at home As one of the cheapest electric mowers on sale in the UK, it's perhaps wise to temper one's expectations of this beer-budget corded model. Build quality is probably best described as 'adequate', being comprised mostly of lightweight plastic. That low price tag is also why, rather than being secured by bolts to the main body, the lower handles make do with less durable self-tapping screws. The modest 32cm cutting deck and 10m power cord suggest this is mainly aimed at small gardens and it doesn't take long before the loosely attached 30l grass box fills up. But there are plenty of upsides, too. While you have to turn over the mower and manually move the axles to alter the cutting height, you do, at least, get three options (25, 45 or 65 millimetres). And with an all-up weight of just 8.2kg, this is an absolute breeze to manoeuvre around obstacles, even with a semi-full grass box. The handles fold, making storage easier. This isn't a machine that copes particularly well when faced with long or wet grass, but once you've got it down to a manageable height, the Hawksmoor's decent 1,200W motor does a perfectly serviceable job of keeping it that way. If you have a simple, compact garden and don't fancy spending too much, this will do the job. Also in this range: Toolstation's own-brand Hawksmoor range includes a slightly more expensive 37cm-blade corded mower, three cordless models ranging from £111.98 to £269.98 and two self-propelled petrol models priced at £239.98. 30kg weight 46cm cutting width 20-100mm cutting height 52l collector Cordless electric 5 year warranty Tested at home Dressed in the company's signature orange and white livery, this self-propelled Stihl rotary mower looks and feels more like a semi-pro than a consumer machine. (Indeed, Stihl's mowers are highly rated by professionals Broadhouse and Porter.) Build quality comfortably exceeds that of any of the other cordless mowers I tested. Downsides? At 30kg with grass catcher and battery fitted, this could never be described as a lightweight machine. A well-balanced weight distribution gives it decent manouverability, but steep inclines, narrow banks and intricately sculpted areas are not its forte. Stick to what it's best at, though, and it'll do you proud. Its huge 46cm gutting deck gives the Stihl the feel of a grand tourer, while the variable forward speed function, which remains independent of the cutting speed, allows you to tailor your progress for different parts of your garden (slower on intricate bits, pedal to the metal on larger swathes). At 78bB, it's relatively quiet, too. The ability to discharge regular-cut grass via side and rear chutes is a versatile touch, plus there's an effective, toggle-activated mulching function. Emptying the grass box is easy, thanks to a unique single-arm handlebar. But what of the precision and consistency of the Stihl's cut? Excellent, in short, even in long and wet grass: there's absolutely nothing to complain about here. The finish is neat and the grass catcher takes near its maximum capacity, too, while hardly shedding anything back onto the lawn. And the Stihl never utters a grumble of complaint, even when asked to cleanly cut down to virtually thatch-level. While it's certainly not the cheapest option and would be overkill for a smaller garden, I'll wager this machine will serve the right owner for years to come. Stihl takes the top spot in our expert guide to the best hedge trimmers, by the way. Also in this range: German power tool manufacturer Stihl makes 25 models of lawn mower ranging from the light, plastic, cordless RMA 235 to the petrol-powered, 54cm-bladed RM 756 (£1,990). The RMA 448 tested here is one of the most popular and can share its batteries with any of Stihl's AK System tools. 83.8kg weight 43cm/17in cutting width 6-30mm cutting height 65l collector Cordless 2 year warranty Tested at home While rotary mowers rule the roost when it comes to lawn mowing these days, there are still many situations where traditional cylinder mowers, like this Fortis, hold sway. If you're after a very low height of cut, for instance, or want to create stripes in your lawn, they're still largely in a class of their own. It's also one of the reasons why they're so beloved by cricket, tennis and bowls groundsmen, alike. What sets the 17E apart from most other mowers – cylinder or rotary – is that it isn't just a one-trick pony. Yes, as standard, it comes with a 43in/17in six-bladed cylinder cartridge, but that's just the start. At the time of writing you can also choose from any – or all – of six optional, drop-in cartridges (ranging in price from £120 to £335), each designed to handle a different aspect of lawncare. These include a scarifier, dethatcher, lawn brush, aerator, and a Verticut cartridge, as well as a 10-bladed cylinder, for truly bowling-green grade cuts. While you could certainly buy individual standalone tools that could carry out all these tasks, they'd take up vast amounts of room when not being used; Cobra's solution is indisputably more space-efficient (there's even a neat stand you can buy to store the cartridges). With an all-up weight of more than 80kg, though, it's monumentally heavy. Self-propulsion and a well-designed centre of gravity help to mitigate its tonnage when being moved around. Our 17E review sample arrived with Verticut and scarifier cartridges which we used over a few summer months. Swapping the cartridges around does take a few minutes (a basic toolkit is supplied) but it's not a massive challenge once you've done it a couple of times. Incidentally, minus points to Cobra for the poor A5 instruction booklet supplied with the mower. Go online and you can find a better quality colour version of it. Power for our 17E came via a pair of high capacity 56v/5.0Ah EGO lithium-ion batteries, conservatively rated for around an hour of mowing. You can run it off a single-battery, but you'll get a lower running time. The battery charger is fan-cooled, so it's a little noisier than you might expect in operation. This isn't a mower for long grass, or anything other than a fundamentally flat lawn, but if you crave that bowling green style finish, few other machines come close to matching this behemoth. Even with 'just' the six-blade cylinder, the cuttings are so fine you end up involuntarily cooing over them when emptying the grass box. Thanks to its huge weight, you can also see the cast rear-roller gently flattening/striping slightly uneven loose ground as it repeatedly trundles over your lawn, though, happily, its 'split' roller design minimises grass damage when you turn the mower. Swapping over to the scarifier and verticut cartridges is both painless and very worthwhile. The amount of thatch I extricated from my lawn was eye-opening, leaving me very confident that its health would benefit in the coming months. As for the electric versus petrol debate, let's put that one to bed right now: it's no contest. Zero fumes, vastly reduced maintenance and a more than adequate running time (I managed to mow 700m 2 of lawn on a single charge) mean that for domestic lawn-mowing, at least, battery power is a no-brainer. So long as you're starting off with a reasonably flat lawn, and can physically cope with its enormous weight, I think this is an amazing 'do-it-all' lawncare solution. Expensive, yes, but the designed-in versatility is a massive bonus. Plus the build quality is such that you'll probably be able to pass it down as a family heirloom. 39kg weight 46cm cutting width 25-75mm cutting height 70l collector Petrol 3.5hp 3-year warranty Tested at home Assembling this hefty machine isn't particularly onerous but one has to remember to put oil in it (Hyundai gives you a free bottle of four-stroke) before filling the tank with unleaded. And therein lies this machine's key advantage compared to cordless mowers: with enough petrol in the shed, you can keep mowing for as long as you want. The biggest downside is that starting it up requires some sharp tugs on the recoil cord. This definitely isn't a mower for anybody who suffers from weakness or joint pain in their hands. Once fired up, being self-propelled, it's not taxing to punt around the garden. It's by no means quiet – you'll definitely need to wear ear defenders – but as far as the quality of the cut is concerned, it's top drawer. There's more torque than you'll ever need, whatever cutting height you set, and that capacious 70l grass box gets filled up in an efficient manner, meaning fewer trips to empty it. I found the Hyundai's side-discharge chute really handy when scything through tall grass, while the results with the mulching plug in place were impressive, the blade chopping up grass really finely before ejecting it. Praise is due, too, for the garden hose connector fitted on the cutting deck: like most people, I'm pretty lazy when it comes to cleaning mowers after using them. This encouraged me to get the underside spick and span. If you can't mow your garden in 20 minutes (which seems to be the minimum target running time for most cordless mowers) or have a larger area to tackle, I think this Hyundai is a cracking option. It's obviously much more cumbersome to use and store, and will need more ongoing maintenance, but not having to consider battery-charge levels is a definite boon. If you'd prefer something a little kinder on your fingers, consider the £424.99 Hyundai HYM460SPE. It's identical in every respect but, crucially, is equipped with an electric start. Also in this range: The Korean car-maker's electric mowers range from £74.99 to £349.99, with the cheapest ones hard to find in this country. The impressive petrol range starts at £219.99 and tops out at £649.99 for a 53cm-bladed, self-propelled, electric-starting model with a rear roller. 6. Mountfield Princess 38Li Cordless Lawn Mower £469.99 including batteries, Amazon Best lawn mower for small gardens, 9/10 We like: it's light and easy to manoeuvre We don't like: it's not quite heavy-duty enough for larger gardens 14kg weight 38cm cutting width 40l collector Cordless electric Expert recommended Groundsman James Broadhouse uses a Mountfield cordless lawn mower at home, and says: 'It's easy to manoeuvre and clean, offers value for money and has a rear roller for stripes.' Mountfield is also recommended by Ben Porter, operations director at the specialist retailer MowDirect. The Mountfield Princess is a great choice for small-to-medium-sized gardens or those with reduced mobility; as well as being light enough to pick up with one hand, it can be hung flat against a wall for easy storage. With a 38 cm (15') cutting width and a 40-litre collector, it's recommended for small-to-medium lawns up to 350 square metres. It's reasonably quiet and has six preset cutting heights that are spring-loaded for easy adjustment. They range from 25-75mm, so can tackle even long grass. The mower comes with two compact 48V lithium-ion batteries with LED indicators, which you can also use in other Mountfield cordless gardening tools such as a strimmer and leaf-blower. They're powerful, but don't last all that long – hence the need to have one charging while you use the other. Also in this range: The Princess 38Li model recommended here is at the top of Mountfield's electric range, which starts with a corded mower called the Electress 34. They also make a petrol range, starting with the push-along £208 HP164 and ascending to the £1,085 self-propelled SP555R V which has a 167cc Honda engine, a 53cm twinclip blade and a built-in roller. 7. Allett Kensington 14B Petrol Cylinder Mower £1,999, Allet Best petrol cylinder lawn mower, 9/10 We like: the superior finish and impeccable stripes We don't like: it's very heavy indeed 47.5kg weight 36cm cutting width 52l collector Petrol powered Expert recommended Broadhouse describes this as the 'pinnacle of home cylinder lawn mowers' – but for a high-quality finish, there's a high price to match. It's a superb quality mower with a six bladed cutting cylinder and front and rear steel rollers that will give you stripes worthy of an Oxford quad. It requires minimal assembly, but at 47.5kg it's very heavy – although the weight could help level out minor bumps on your lawn and is crucial for those lovely stripes. You can change the cylinders for different accessories, including an aerator to promote healthy, luscious grass growth. There's no getting around the fact that it's expensive. But for a beautifully manicured lawn, it's probably the best you'll get without bringing in the professionals. Also in this range: Allett are famous for their Sports Pro range of professional mowers, which don't come cheaper than £6,000. The Kensington is one of their cheaper domestic lawn mowers, with only the cordless electric Liberty model coming in cheaper. 12.1kg weight 22cm cutting width 55mm cutting height (max) Doesn't collect cuttings Cordless 3-year warranty Tested at home Having launched its first robot mower in the mid 90s, Husqvarna is a relatively old hand at this game and arguably the leading player in the market. Its new 410XE model is targeted at owners of residential gardens measuring up to 1,000m 2 and is a significant advance on previous models which relied on boundary wires being fixed at the edges of your lawn. That remains an option with the 401XE NERA, but I tested it partnered with Husqvarna's new EPOS (Exact Positioning Operating System) kit, which allows you – using the complementary Automower Connect iOS/Android app – to set virtual boundaries for the mower using GPS satellite navigation, rather than wires. If somebody suggested that you should cut your lawn with a craft knife, you'd question their sanity, but that's pretty much what the 410XE does. Underneath, there are six spinning blades mounted on a pair of carousels (three blades at the centre, three at the front, for edges) that patiently snip away at your grass. There's no collection here, as the tiny, fine cuttings are just dropped as they're cut. Which is a great thing for lawn health, as it's effectively next-level mulching. Our system was installed by Autocut, one of Husqvarna's authorised UK dealers, in the space of just a couple of hours. Technically, it's possible to buy and install all the components and fit them yourself but I wouldn't recommend it. There's a fair bit to get your head around. In any case this will need annual servicing (circa £139-£199) so I'd say it's best to just let a dealer do it. Step one is to position the mains-powered EPOS antenna where it could get a clear view of the sky and the garden: I had it mounted on my garden fence. The mower needs to trundle in and out of a charging station (with access to WiFi), so we placed that on the patio. Once you have defined the boundaries of your garden on the app, you can set mow/avoid zones as well as a mowing schedule. The grass in my place grows absurdly fast, so I asked for the 410XE to mow it all daily. You then need to set the cutting height (the range is 20-55mm) and decide whether you want it to turn away when it comes across objects, which leaves more grass unmowed. Sloping lawns of up to 45 degrees are fine, but if the mower ever gets stuck, the app will message you. You can even choose to control the mower using voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant. I didn't. Life's too short. Fully set up and charged, all that remained was to sit back, reassure the dog that the 410XE wasn't an intruder (switching its headlights off helped) and let it get on with the job. I installed the Husqvarna having just finished testing all the mowers above so the lawn was in generally good condition. Since the 410XE started mowing, however, all I've had to do is a bit of quick tidying up with my brush cutter close to my fences. When you consider that, at this time of year, my lawn would have needed two complete cuts by now, that's quite remarkable. The lawn has genuinely never looked as evenly cut or as luxuriant as it does right now, after just four weeks of attention from the 410XE. Wet grass doesn't halt it. My lawn is quite undulating, so mowing it in a conventional manner often results in some minor scalping. Because of the way the 410XE closely follows the terrain, evidence of scalping has virtually now disappeared. It's an amazing transformation. At current electricity prices, the 410XE costs around £4 a month to run. You do have to replace the blades every three/four months, equivalent to about £76 a year, but even taking into account annual servicing costs that still doesn't add up to a lot to keep it going. Whether it's worth the initial £3k+ outlay, of course, is another matter: that amount would also buy a very decent lawn tractor (see below). The more important question you have to ask yourself is what value do you place on your own time? Because that's what this robot really gives back to you. Having lived with it for a month now, I can assure you, as long as it's suitable for your particular lawn and you can raise the readies, it's absolutely worth it. I'd have one in a heartbeat. Also in this range: In addition to the 410X Nera we tested, Sweden's Husqvarna offer a 310E Nera which is cheaper at £1,899, but doesn't have the built-in radar for detecting and avoiding small obstacles. For a cheaper robot mower, by the way, our professional groundsmen recommend the £620.99 Gardena Sileno – the brand is owned by the same parent company as Husqvarna, but aimed at smaller gardens. 25kg weight 47cm cutting width 20-80mm cutting height 55l collector Cordless 5 year warranty Tested at home The EGO LM1903E-SP comes with a 56 Volt/5.0Ah battery and a fan-cooled rapid charger that can take it from flat to full in just 40 minutes. With a full charge, EGO says you can mow up to 800m 2 of lawn – although I'd say about half that. At 47cm, the cutting deck is a centimetre larger than that of the Stihl RMA 448 V above, likely to be one of its main competitors. Assembly is straightforward, since the mower comes pre-assembled; you just need to snap the capacious fabric-bottomed grass collector together. Build quality is confidence-inspiring, the majority of the mower being fabricated from lightweight but tough polymer plastics. A very easy-to-operate adjustment lever or raises the handle to one of three preset heights, with another two presets for handle extension. Most people should be able to find a comfortable position. The same lever folds the mower flat so that it can be stored vertically against a wall. As control arrangements go, the EGO's is mightily straightforward, with a focus on safety. It's impossible to start up the mower unless you've fully locked the handle assembly, extended the side rails and securely clamped the handle locks. You'll also need to have inserted the safety key into its slot in the battery compartment before you can activate the motor. Smart thinking. Raising and lowering the cutting deck proves an easy task using a perfectly weighted, spring-loaded 7-position lever located above the rear left wheel. The top-mounted handle controls allow you to propel the mower around without activating the cutting blades, an inspired touch. The EGO isn't the most agile of mowers – there are always trade-offs with such a wide cutting deck – but it's nimble enough. What matters more is the excellent sense of balance. Its handle is thicker and better sculpted than that of the Stihl, so is more comfortable to grasp without gloves. The EGO manages to pack in a high volume of cuttings before it needs emptying, and isn't quite as much of faff to get up slopes as the Stihl. As for the quality of the cut, it's genuinely impressive, capable of leaving a consistent, evenly manicured finish on either wet or dry grass. Fancy mowing at dusk? You even get built-in headlights. If you have a larger garden to cover, the Stihl's dual-battery provision can keep you mowing longer. And if you want to mulch your cuttings you'll have to pay EGO an extra £51.99 for their rear discharge version, narrowing the price differential between the two. But the EGO suits a wider range of body shapes/sizes, and is vastly easier to store. Honestly, I'd be perfectly happy with this machine for a medium-sized lawn. It's a fantastic performer in this price range. 219kg weight 92cm cutting width 29-80mm cutting height 280l collector Petrol powered, 12.6hp 5-year warranty Tested at home If you're fortunate enough to own a garden of more than an acre, it'll take an age to mow with a traditional walk-behind mower. To save time and your sanity, your best option is to invest in a ride-on lawn mower, or garden tractor, like the Honda HF 2317 I've tested here. Equipped with a silky-smooth four-stroke V-twin engine, this resplendent machine offers a 92cm cutting width married to a generous, 280-litre rear-mounted, hand-operated grass box. With electric key start ignition and hydrostatic drive (which ensures the blades turn at a constant speed regardless of the speed you're doing), the HF 2317 is well-equipped to get large areas mowed, and quickly. Having owned a Husqvarna lawn tractor with a 107cm, side-discharge cutting deck for years, I was keen to see how the Honda compared. The first thing that struck me was that despite the deck being smaller than the Husqvarna's, its turning circle was actually a little wider. That meant quite a bit more arm twirling when turning around on the lawn. I also thought the feel of the ignition was a bit cheap, while the seat's 'presence' safety sensor seemed absurdly sensitive: I seemingly only had to think about leaning forward and the engine would cut out. But that's it for brickbats: this Honda otherwise more than lives up to its premium billing. The ride is firm but comfortable, with a high seating position that will allow most riders to adjust themselves to reach the pedals and controls. The LCD instrument display is a nice touch and, having totalled the sump protector on my Husqvarna multiple times, the easily-replaceable front bumper strikes me as a minor stroke of genius. The Honda demonstrates a pleasing turn of speed while going about its business, the all-important cutting height lever falling easily to hand. It leaves a beautifully crisp cut at every height it's set at, though truly long grass invariably needs a couple of passes (an optional mulching pack is available). Even reverse-gear mowing is also possible, though it does have to be manually selected. That rear-discharge chute proves impressively resistant to clogging, even when tackling distinctly wet grass. The kudos for that, as well as the efficient packing of the grass collector before the 'full' indicator lights up, goes to Honda's clever, free-breathing Optiflow suction/airflow system. Once the grass collector is full, discharging your cuttings is simply a matter of pulling up a lever to one's right and pushing it forward. The collector swivels up and the grass just drops out. Simplicity itself. As ride-on mowers go, this Honda has a precision-engineered feel that genuinely sets it apart. I wouldn't be entirely comfortable mowing rutted paddocks and the like with it – it's a bit too civilised for that – but give it a substantial lawn and it'll be in its happy place. Also in this range: Honda make six ride-on mowers ranging from the HF 2317 HME tested here to the £6,475 HF 2625 HTE, which has a 122cm cutting width and a huge grass bag which tips electrically at the touch of a button. They also make cordless mowers ranging in price from £510 to £1,195 and an excellent range of petrol mowers, starting with the £395 Izy HRG 416 and topping out with the side-discharging UM 616 (£3,500) which can clear entire fields of waist-high grass in one go. There are also robot lawn mowers, starting at £910. 10kg weight 33cm cutting width 25-90mm cutting height 30l collector Cordless 3-year warranty Tested at home Unsurprisingly, given the modest 33cm cutting deck and 10kg weight, this Ryobi is billed as being most suitable for small gardens, specifically between 150-249m 2 in area, depending on which capacity battery you opt for. The mower is sold without one, but I received a £109.99 4.0Ah battery/charger package for testing purposes. I managed just 18 minutes running time with that, but Ryobi's ONE+ 18V range includes beefier versions including a 9.0Ah battery for £159.99. The brand's other cordless tools, such as the R18IDBL impact driver, use the same system, so there's clear money-saving potential. I'll be blunt: while it's true that this mower is endowed with a very efficient brushless motor, the reality is that, regardless of the capacity of the battery you buy, the relatively small cutting deck means it will still take an age to mow a larger area. You'll also need to empty its tiny 30l grass box every few minutes. Which leads me onto my biggest niggle: the box's design. While cuttings were efficiently packed inside it, it was far too easily accidentally knocked off while mowing and cuttings had an annoying habit of dropping out when the box was being removed. On a positive note, though, while the juice holds out, this Ryobi actually puts in a plucky performance. Its motor spins at a constant 4,200rpm and, while a touch noisy at 94dB, it allows the mower to tackle tall, rough grass as high as 25cm. OK, it needs a good few passes, with the top-mounted, cutting height adjuster set at its highest level, but credit where it's due, that's impressive. Tasked with a more typical small lawn, the Ryobi properly gets into its groove. It bobs around a bit, but the lightweight construction, combined with a narrow body and close-set wheels, means that it's a cinch to cut really close to the edge of fences, intricate flowerbeds and so on, which is often a challenge for larger machines. It's also largely unfazed by damp grass and, once you're done mowing, the collapsible handle is simple to fold, making this compact machine one of the easiest to store that I've come across. There's an argument to be made that for those on a tight budget, with a really tiny garden, a good, corded mower like the Hawksmoor might actually represent a better buy. If you place a higher value on the freedom of movement that a cordless mower brings, though, then the Ryobi makes a compelling case for itself. Also in this range: In addition to the 33cm model we tested, Ryobi's 18V One+ cordless brushless range includes 37cm, 40cm and 46cm models, all under £400 (not including batteries). There are high-powered HP versions of the top two and a 36-volt Max Power version of the 40cm mower. Ryobi also make a light, wand-style mower for very small gardens, called the 3-in-1. 13.5kg weight 42cm cutting width 30-80mm cutting height 50l collector Cordless electric 2-year warranty Tested at home Better known for its cordless vacuum cleaners, Worcester-based manufacturer Gtech also sells a small range of cordless lawn mowers. Like its indoors cousins, the CLM50's biggest selling point is its absurd lightness, an important consideration for mobility-impaired users, or indeed, anybody who simply doesn't fancy pushing anything heavier around. The downside is that the CLM50's low weight is achieved by extensive use of plastics, the result being that this doesn't feel a very robustly built machine. The handle's locking mechanism, while allowing quick folding for easy storage, feels particularly toy-like. The business end of things comprises a hefty 42cm cutting deck, but it's unusual in that it uses a single steel cutting blade that's just half that size. It rotates at a fixed 2,800rpm speed but the mower is designed to automatically sense when more power is required, temporarily upping the speed to 3,500rpm when it feels the going has got tough. There are two height positions for the handle, which comes with a comfortable foam sleeve. Gtech claims the battery it supplies offers up to 40 minutes running time and, unusually, can be charged from empty to full in just an hour. While the latter claim is absolutely true, the former proved over-optimistic: 20 minutes is the best I managed to achieve. That's pretty standard and is just about enough for a medium lawn. In action, despite the rpm-boosting technology, the motor generally feels pretty gutless, probably a key reason why the lowest possible cutting height is a relatively high 30mm: any lower and the mower would probably stall more often. In its favour, though, while the quality of the cut is unremarkable, with fine clippings frequently dropped, the CLM50 does go about its task with admirable enthusiasm. It tackles wet, grassy inclines and scoots around obstacles with the nimbleness of a mountain goat. And while he way the grass box clips on and off is a little crude, it remains easy to check and empty. Gtech's CLM50 can't compete in performance or build terms with more powerful machines I tested, but its super power is its lightness. If you can't physically handle anything heavier, this mower is definitely worth shortlisting. Also in this range: Gtech's lawn mower range is nothing if not inventive. Apart from this CLM50 there's the SLM50 (£179.99), which resembles a cordless vacuum cleaner with a wand handle and book-sized cutting deck. It's light enough to use one-handed and best suits tiny, well-kept lawns. £599.99 Buy now Price at Gtech Also tested Flymo EasiGlide Plus 360V £138.99, Amazon We like: the low price We don't like: outperformed by cheaper mowers 4.01kg weight 36cm cutting width 10-30mm cutting height 26l collector Corded electric 2-year warranty Tested at home The idea behind this Flymo is that, while riding on a cushion of air, it sucks up clippings through a hole in the base of the grass box, with a percentage of clippings recycled and left on the lawn. The reality is that the mower spreads around many more clippings than it collects. It's also slightly awkward to operate. You're recommended only to push it forwards, rather than back and forth, or side to side, which is counterintuitive when you're seeing a spray of clippings constantly flying around. We don't recommend everything we test and this one did not make our list. However, if you have a very small garden and a limited budget, Flymo is still worth a look. Their non-hovering Speedi-mo Corded Rotary Lawn Mower (£135 at B&Q) offers decent performance for the price. We actually gave it 9 out of 10 when we reviewed it a couple of years ago. Even so, I'd advise considering the Hawksmoor above. You'll save a fair bit of money, get a neater finish and enjoy a better experience while mowing. £138.99 Buy now Price at Amazon Lawn mower FAQ Is an electric or petrol lawn mower better? Once you've decided on the type of lawn mower, you need to choose a power source: petrol, corded electric, cordless and battery powered, or manual. 'Until recently, I would have said corded [lawn mowers] were a better choice, but now the battery technology has caught up,' says groundsman Broadhouse. 'Now you'd be better off with a battery-powered mower, as there's a safety issue with having a cord – I'd recommend going cordless if you can.' Although he maintains there's a place for petrol-powered mowers for large lawns, 'petrol shouldn't be the first thing you go for for a smaller garden,' says Garner from Lawnsmith. 'An electric lawn mower doesn't smell, it doesn't need servicing and it's easier to start. For anything up to a medium (tennis court-sized) lawn, I would go for an electric model.' However, if you have a large garden, petrol can still have a place. They are the most powerful and are able to handle large areas of grass and varied terrain. How often should you sharpen the lawn mower blades? Sharpen your lawn mower blades every 20 to 25 hours of use, recommends Stihl. Sharp blades are necessary for an even cut. If you're going to sharpen the blades yourself, says Stihl, you'll need to remove the blade, clamp it, then file it. Next, place it in a balancer to ensure the blade is level and can be replaced. Alternatively, your dealer or lawn mower servicer are very likely offer this service. What's the average lifespan of a lawn mower? Conventional petrol-powered lawn mowers can easily last a decade, so long as you carry out regular, basic maintenance. This mostly involves lubricating moving parts, ensuring fuel filters and air filters are changed, and replacing dirty or damaged spark plugs. Battery-powered mowers have less in the way of mechanical parts that require maintenance. Batteries, however, still need to be regularly charged, and kept in dry storage over winter months, to avoid adverse conditions that could possibly affect charge capacity and cause corroded terminals; expect batteries to last three to five years, if properly looked after. Which is better, a self-propelled or push mower? If you have a medium to large or sloping garden, or are in your later years, a self-propelled mower is generally your best bet. It will take all the strain out of mowing and cover large areas in a short space of time. Conversely, if you have a small garden, or perhaps one with lots of intricately shaped grassed areas, a push mower can offer greater control because you govern the speed at which you mow. Manual or battery-powered push mowers are invariably lighter, too, so are usually easier to manoeuvre. Freshening up your garden? You might want to read our guides to the best gardening gloves and the best secateurs next. View the latest Amazon and B&Q deals
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Yahoo
Doug Harless killed in London police search warrant shooting: A look at the timeline, investigation
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Just days before Christmas 2024, 63-year-old Douglas 'Doug' Harless was shot and killed by a London officer during what state police said was a search warrant following an investigation. Kentucky State Police (KSP) said the officer-involved shooting took place at 511 Vanzant Road despite obtained dispatch audio noting 489 Vanzant Road as the warrant's target. Since that night, questions linger in the Laurel County community as the investigation unfolds. Here's a timeline of what we know so far. Around 10 p.m. on Dec. 22, court documents noted that over $1,000 worth of items were reported stolen from a home in London. Security cameras reportedly captured an older model white Chevrolet Blazer in the driveway of the Taylor Drive residence before it drove through the yard and into the parking lot of a nearby business. According to the Property Valuation Administration, the Taylor Drive home belongs to Laurel County judge-executive David Westerfield. An arrest citation noted that the homeowners said 49-year-old Hobert Buttery, a former employee, recently asked for a job back after being arrested but was turned down. Buttery allegedly 'wasn't happy with that decision.' The homeowners told police that 'only someone that knew the items were there would have taken them because the house was vacant,' court records shared. Officers found Buttery the following day in Manchester working on the Blazer, per arrest documents. Police said Buttery admitted to taking a heater and a Stihl weedeater from the backyard. He reportedly told officers that the heater was at DJ Pawn Shop in Manchester, and the weedeater was taken to a home in Lily. Doug Harless killed in London police search warrant shooting: A look at the timeline, investigation Proposed Kentucky legislation aims to simplify expungement process, offering second chances Check your ticket! $50,000 Powerball ticket sold in Nicholasville Buttery was arrested around 7:30 p.m. and charged with theft by unlawful taking. Shortly before midnight, London police officers responded to Vanzant Road in Lily to serve a search warrant in a follow-up to an investigation, according to a Dec. 24 news release from KSP. LPD said the investigation started in London city limits. Dispatch audio named 489 Vanzant Road as the target for the warrant. However, KSP said the officer-involved shooting happened at 511 Vanzant Road. Man killed in officer-involved shooting during search warrant in Laurel County London officer placed on leave following shooting death of 63-year-old London police dispatch audio indicates officers allegedly served warrant at wrong address: KSP investigating London community members question what led to death of 63-year-old man as KSP investigates officer-involved shooting Surveillance video of deadly London search warrant shooting sparks questions The London Police Department (LPD) reported in a Dec. 26 news release that a person at the home, later identified as 63-year-old Douglas Harless, 'produced a firearm and pointed it at officers.' KSP said an officer shot Harless, and after life-saving attempts, he was pronounced dead by the coroner's office. KSP said it's investigating the shooting, and LPD noted that the officer was placed on administrative leave, which is standard protocol. A Hart Funeral Home obituary for Harless was posted around 7 p.m. on Dec. 27. 'A hardworking man, Doug was an employee of Winterwood, Inc. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Other interests included NASCAR racing and listening to music,' it read. 'Doug was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be deeply missed.' The full memorial can be found below: Douglas Marshall Harless, 63, of Lily, Kentucky, passed away Monday, December 23, 2024. Born April 10, 1961, he was the son of the late James Harless and Mavis Gunn. In addition to his father and mother, Doug was preceded in death by a special friend, Shannon Smith, and his sister, Gail Fritz. He leaves behind his daughter, Nicki Lawson and husband Tim; grandson, Kobe Lawson; bonus daughter, Mona Alsip, and bonus grandson, Tyler; brother, Mark Harless and wife Sherry; nephew, Travis Harless; sister, Peggy Turner; sister, Margaret Barnes; brother, Cody Wilburn; sister, Angie Martin and husband Jason; and special work friend, Justin Medlin. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, and friends to mourn his passing. A hardworking man, Doug was an employee of Winterwood, Inc. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Other interests included NASCAR racing and listening to music. Doug was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be deeply missed. The family will receive friends from 5–8 p.m. Monday, December 30, 2024, at Hart Funeral Home, located at 1011 Master Street, Corbin, Kentucky 40701. Hart Funeral Home, Inc. Dispatch audio indicated a discrepancy in the address where officers were serving a warrant when an officer opened fire and killed Harless. Harless lived at 511 Vanzant Road in Lily, but according to the audio, officers were intending to serve the warrant at 489 Vanzant Road. The address was mentioned at least five times in the dispatch call. 'This is London PD 489 Vanzant Road. 489 Vanzant Road—units on scene to serve a search warrant call on the radio for assistance shots fired, 489 Vanzant Road,' LPD officers said in the audio. London police dispatch audio indicates officers allegedly served warrant at wrong address: KSP investigating Questions surround the officer-involved shooting, with many wondering if the police were at the wrong house when the incident occurred. FOX 56 obtained footage of the shooting from neighbor Tina Asher's security camera, which shows London police arriving at 11:50 p.m. on Dec. 23 to Harless' home. In the video, officers can be heard calling for someone to come outside. Minutes later, five shots were fired. Police then reported the shooting to dispatch. 'Standby in the area, shots fired,' a dispatch recording stated. 'Responded to 489 Vanzant Road. Staging the area. Law enforcement on scene. Shots fired. Search warrant.' Surveillance video of deadly London search warrant shooting sparks questions FOX 56 News is working to obtain a copy of the search warrant to determine if officers went to the wrong house, but we have not heard back. Buttery appeared in Laurel County District Court on Jan. 2 for a preliminary hearing in connection with the items stolen from a London residence owned by Westerfield. Several other items were reportedly stolen, but court documents noted that Buttery only admitted to stealing the heater and weed eater. FOX 56 spoke with Westerfield, who said the items didn't belong to him but that he allowed someone else to store them there. 'We've had a person to lose their life, you know, over this,' Westerfield said. 'I'd just like to offer my condolences to the family for the loss of Mr. Harless. My heart goes out to them.' Mayor Randall Weddle stated that the department hasn't utilized body cameras since 2023 due to the cost of maintaining them. Meaning the only footage captured the night of Harless' death was from a neighbor's home. Tensions rise in London City Council meeting as public presses for answers in deadly shooting 'My office is fully committed to the transparency regarding the recent events,' Weddle said at the start of the meeting. 'As soon as this matter arose, the London City Police Department referred the investigation to the Kentucky State Police. In parallel, my office has initiated an administrative investigation. However, we cannot reach a conclusion until the Kentucky State Police have completed their inquiry. My heart goes out to all those that are involved in this case. My prayers have been with everyone during this time. Should any wrongdoing be identified? My office will take the appropriate actions in accordance with the findings.' But the public wasn't satisfied, and they proceeded to press for answers for the next hour. Many asked questions surrounding the search warrant executed the night of Harless' death, its timing, and who approved it. Tensions were also high among the council, some claiming they were ill-informed about the situation at hand. 'All I can say is we found out by either Facebook or the news, and we should have found out differently than that,' Justin Young, city council member, said. Applebee's brings back Date Night Passes Gatorade colors, on-field proposals and other bizarre bets before Super Bowl LIX Doug Harless killed in London police search warrant shooting: A look at the timeline, investigation Proposed Kentucky legislation aims to simplify expungement process, offering second chances Check your ticket! $50,000 Powerball ticket sold in Nicholasville Mayor Weddle said that he acted within the 'legal ramifications' to avoid creating a quorum. 'I keep it to a three-person limit,' Weddle said. 'Well, that doesn't sound good, coming from the mayor,' Young responded. Stacy Benge, a city council member, said that he even filed an open records request on the case. 'I did an open records request, and I didn't get anything, and I didn't expect to get anything, you know, because it's been sent to the KSP, and I understood that. But I had to ask, you know, officially, and they responded as they should,' Benge said. 'But I will ask that; I think it's our right to do so. That we would get a written statement from the chief of police and assistant chief of police with something regarding this.' Benge said that he's placed calls to the London police chief, but his calls have gone unanswered. 'It's an open investigation, and they can't say anything,' Weddle defended. 'They can say, 'I can't tell you nothing.' That's better than nothing,' Benge said. Councilmembers said they've received threatening emails and name-calling from people, even out of state, as the case grasped public attention. Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news FOX 56 has contacted LPD and Mayor Weddle for comment following the meeting. Only the mayor sent a statement: I'm aware that the recording of Monday's council meeting has garnered significant attention, and I recognize that discussions became heated at times. As an American, I value and uphold our First Amendment rights, which allow us to express ourselves to our elected officials. However, after reviewing the video, it should be clear that much of this conversation was directed at me personally rather than the issue at hand. Some individuals are using this situation for political gain, which is unfortunate and detracts from the real matter at stake. At this time, we are awaiting the conclusion of the investigation by the Kentucky State Police. Our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone involved in this situation, and I urge everyone to remain focused on facts and fairness as we move forward. Mayor Randall Weddle Click here to listen to the entirety of the meeting. The Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) is an elected official responsible for accessing property within the county. The property database is also accessible to the public. How the 911 dispatch system led officers to scene of deadly Ky. search warrant shooting However, the home marked 511, where Harless lived, is listed as 489 Vanzant Rd. in the PVA database. FOX 56 spoke with Mayor Randall Weddle, shedding light on how the dispatch system works and how officers showed up at Harless' home in December. According to Mayor Weddle, the 911 dispatch system correlates with the addresses listed in the PVA database. So when the officers were routed to serve the search warrant, dispatch would have led them to the parcel addressed at 489 Vanzant Rd. It's unclear why the numbers on Harless' home don't match the address in the PVA database. Laurel County Property Value Administrator Don McFadden told FOX 56 that he updates the database daily, and the 911 dispatch system provides the addresses listed. McFadden told FOX 56 that he believes Google Maps has since updated and listed what was once 489 Vanzant Rd. as 511 Vanzant Rd. over the weekend. 'My best guess is the 489 Vanzant Road address was issued decades ago by the Cumberland Vally ADD and that address is .489 miles from the beginning of Vanzant Road, which makes the address correct,' McFadden said, referencing the home marked as 511. But why the home is marked as 511 is still a mystery. 'It would not surprise me if we find out that this mobile home was actually in a different location with 511 attached to the structure. The owner of the property may have simply moved the mobile home up front and never felt the need to change the address,' he added. 'We have no county zoning in Laurel, so yeah, weird stuff happens.' FOX 56 obtained a March 2023 directive signed by then Chief Chuck Johnson, discontinuing the use of body cameras for the department. 'Effective immediately, the London Police Department is temporarily suspending the use of body-worn cameras,' it reads. 'Never against it': London Police Department bringing back body cameras The department has not utilized body-worn cameras since then. The directive cited that the cameras were four to six years old, broken, and no longer serviceable. FOX 56 spoke with Mayor Randall Weddle three weeks after the shooting. He said that the city has initiated plans to bring back body cameras for the department. 'The body cams; we had a little over 27 officers that had it out of 30, not every officer had it,' said Mayor Weddle. 'The storage that they use to store this and do redactions was outdated, and then the company wound up closing down.' He said the aging equipment, storage, and cost were why the department stopped using them. But Wedell said since he's taken office, it's been an ongoing process to get them back. 'I have been working with the council now for over a year on getting this project done. Back in prior council meetings, you'll see there was a subcommittee created for this. So inside of that package, we were going to get the new body cameras,' said Weddle. He said due to the shooting death of Harless, the project has been expedited. 'We were never against it, and it's not that we didn't want our police not having it, and the police department doesn't care to have it. These guys, I think, feel more protected by having it themselves. But it was just that the overall funding was an issue, especially when we have to update everything within that department,' Weddle said. 'But with recent events, we must give transparency to the public, and that department is held accountable. I felt like this was one way.' The body camera system is a 5-year, $500,000 contract. They're using the department's forfeiture funds, which are pools of money from assets sized due to criminal involvement. Wedell said he understands everyone's frustrations but is asking for patience as the Kentucky State Police investigation remains ongoing. 'We're frustrated sometimes that we can't say anything because we want to. This is an open investigation. I ask for the community to have patience as soon as this investigation is done; if anything wrong is found, there will be accountability,' added Wedell. He said he's confident in KSP's abilities, and depending on the findings of the investigation, changes will be made. 'When this is over, something I told the PD, for full transparency, I want to step-by-step play laid out to the community of what transpired from the beginning to the end,' said Wedell. 'Every detail, every phone call that was made because we are doing an administrative investigation as well, and if there are things that we need to do better, let's improve that. Let's ensure that if there is something we need to fix, it gets fixed. But to identify those things, I need to wait on KSP, but we will hold people accountable.' On Jan. 17, Buttery appeared in a Laurel County courtroom to enter his plea. According to court records, he pleaded not guilty to theft by unlawful taking and first-degree persistent felony offender. His next court date is set for 9 a.m. on Feb. 19 for a pretrial conference. Changes are to come to the London City Council following a jam-packed day of meetings. Two special called meetings and one ethics board meeting were held at the London Community Center, seeing a councilman resign, a private attorney hired for the city council, and three complaints were discussed behind closed doors. In the day's first meeting, former Councilman Kip Jervis resigned. 'My family and I have made the difficult decision to try and lay some things aside that are causing me stress,' he said. Jervis has served on the council since 2020, noting that after consulting with doctors, he decided to do what was best for his health. London City Council member announces 'immediate' resignation Changes coming to London after 3 city meetings Wednesday 'It comes to the point in time when one must be particular about what occupies one's headspace. So now I'm going to go help some folks make some music; that's what I like to do. I figure that might add a few years instead of subtraction,' said Jervis. Shortly after, the council met again, deciding to hire a private attorney, separate from the city attorney—a move that the mayor questioned. Conrad Cessna, the founding partner of the Cessna & George Law Firm, is a criminal defense attorney who advises the school board. He affirmed that an ethics liaison advised him that taking the position would not be a conflict of interest. 'The city would like to put in the record, with Conrad having a large criminal law practice here in the city, would there be any conflicts between him and the city police, considering that he would be representing counsel? And maybe defendants on the city police?' said London Mayor Randall Weddle. Ultimately, Cessna was hired to represent the council. Lastly, the Ethics Board met in closed session for the first time in nine months to discuss three complaints of an undisclosed nature. Jane Winkler Dyche, Board Chair, only told FOX 56 that all three complaints came within the last month. Ben Crump—who is known for representing the families of Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor—has taken on the Douglas Harless case, according to Harless' family. High-profile civil rights attorney to represent family of man killed by London police Since his death, community members have gathered to honor Harless' life while calling for justice and answers from officials through the 'Justice for Doug' movement. 'I filed an open records request. Basically, what I wanted to learn in that open records request is who leaked the 911 audio on the eighth to YouTube,' Elijah Jarvis told FOX 56. The leaked audio is a 911 call between Laurel County Judge Executive David Westerfield and London Police Officer Jared Hale, discussing the weed eater that was stolen from Westerfield's property. The initial YouTube listing has since been taken down. When FOX 56 filed an open records request for the audio, the request was denied. 'Me making the open records request is really just to shine a light on the corruption in London. You know, this city is scared. This town is scared,' Jarvis said. Tampering with transparency: London 911 employees accused of opening, altering public records request But the records he received weren't what left Jarvis in shock. It's what he saw when he went to sign for the package at a FedEx shipping center in London. '[I] met with the receptionist, handed her the note, and said, 'I'm here to get my package.' She says, 'OK, I'm going to go to the back to get it.' Walks in the back; about five minutes later, she comes back. She says, 'Sir, I'm sorry this has never happened before, but actually them two guys in the corner over there have your package.' So I look to my left and take a picture.' Jarvis told FOX 56 that the men pictured are Director Larry Walls and Assistant Director Tyler Pearce from the London-Laurel County 911 Communications Center. He said they opened the package, spread it across the table, and began marking up the documents. 'He said we redacted and removed information that wasn't pertinent to the open records request, and I asked him why, and he said the City of London sent them to do it,' Jarvis said. Mayor Weddle denied the claim, telling FOX 56 the city had nothing to do with it. A written statement signed by Walls and Pearce said FedEx returned the package at their request after realizing the documents contained phone numbers and addresses of private citizens. 'This is some of the information that I believe that they redacted with a Sharpie. They didn't do too good a job at doing it either,' Jarvis said, holding up one of the redacted documents revealing the information that could still be seen. Jarvis shared the images he took on Facebook, and many questioned whether what occurred was legal. 'I don't want to comment on the specific allegations in this matter, but generally speaking, if a member of the public steals, conceals, damages, or destroys any mail matter of another that is not addressed to them, that is a Class D felony under KRS 514.140. In Kentucky, Class D felonies are punishable by 1-5 years in prison and a fine ranging from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00,' Michael Durborow, attorney at Suhre & Associates, LLC., said. FOX 56 spoke with an attorney who helped draft the Kentucky Open Records Act and has 40 years of experience in media law and First Amendment cases. He affirmed that any redactions to the documents should've been made before they were sealed and sent. 'This is unusual. Once it's out of their control, they really don't have a right,' Jon Fleischaker said. 'I don't think they have a right to go back to FedEx and say, 'Give us the package back.'' Fleischaker affirmed that once the documents leave the possession of the entity from which they were requested, what they contain becomes public record. 'There's supposed to be a process where they redact, and then they give you an explanation as to each item that was redacted, and from what you're telling me, they didn't do that, at least originally,' he said. 'I think it raises questions as to whether this second redaction is legitimate.' So even with the redacted information, did it answer Jarvis's question of who leaked the 911 audio? 'It told me that on the eighth there were four people that were possibly leaking that video of the audio of the 911 call, and those four people were the police chief, the assistant police chief, City Attorney Larry Bryson, and Mayor Randall Weddle,' Jarvis said. Jarvis had planned to present the incident to the council at its next meeting but was asked not to do so by his attorney. 'It could be everything from just an administrative screwup to something much more meaningful. But I think it is worth the question, and then it raises the question about the integrity of the whole operation,' Fleischaker said. 'Give me two more minutes, give me two more minutes,' shouted James Jones at the podium. He's a Laurel County resident who attended the Feb. 3 City Council meeting. Following his address to the council, he played a recorded phone call between him and Councilmember Anthony Ortega. This call led up to the meeting, and Ortega allegedly told him what Jones should say when he took the stand. 'Before I do this, I want everyone here to know my actions speak for myself; I stand here for me. Not my mom, my dad, my children,' said Jones. Part of the phone call detailed how he should make his approach. City Council meeting gets chaotic in London ''I do appreciate the opportunity to speak to you tonight. I feel honored, you know, just open up with something like that, which sets the stage for you being respectful. Then you are going to say, 'Mayor, since you came to town, when you were campaigning for mayor, you were promising all these things, transparency, open door policy, all these jobs,'' Ortega could allegedly be heard saying. This triggered an uproar from both the audience and the council, with some council members getting up from their seats, packing their things, sitting in the audience, and calling for the meeting to be adjourned. It was clear Jones supported the mayor. 'I'm done; I'm done here tonight,' yelled Council Member Kelly Greene. This frustration has been brewing in the city for more than a month after Harless' death. Mayor Randall Weddle denied the motion to end the meeting, sharing some words with the council. 'Council in the first meeting in January. I sat silently and let you guys attack me and your crew. Now, you brought a guy in here tonight to try to attack me personally,' said Weddle. Jones was escorted from the meeting along with others in the audience, including Elijah Jarvis, who told us last week his mail regarding an open records request was intercepted at the FedEx office by two men from the 911 center. 'I do feel like I was targeted. I said nothing that should have warranted being removed. That guy threatened me in front of everyone,' said Jarvis. The council denied our request for a statement following the meeting. Allie Root, Camille Hantla, Daegiona Wilson, Dustin Massengill, Jace O'Barto, and Matthew Duckworth contributed to this story. This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for future updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
