Appeal-Democrat | Archive | Writing

Marysville tragedy remembered

Three two-by-four beams hold up what’s left of The Pink Trunk and what’s left of the apartment buildings above and behind it. One year ago, a mother and her 1-year-old daughter lost their lives in the fire that left the husk of a building that remains. Family and friends of Crystal Porter, 19, and Katelynn […]

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Appeal-Democrat | Archive | Writing

Toys safe, child centers report

Even though Marie Childers didn’t have a list of the toys recalled nationally over the past three months, she was fairly certain the children at Kidz Time were safe from lead paint. More than 12 million toys have been recalled by Mattel and Fisher-Price because of safety concerns, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety […]

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Appeal-Democrat | Archive | Writing

Don’t overlook Marcum-Illinois

Just before a blinking red light on Highway 70 is a brand new sign that might be the only glimpse of a small elementary school most people get. The empty parking lot out front and the dark windows make the campus look like it’s perpetually on vacation with nobody there. The quiet exterior of Marcum-Illinois […]

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Appeal-Democrat | Archive | Writing

Jail for multi-DUI offender

A Gridley man pleaded guilty to three counts of driving under the influence after he was arrested eight times in the past three months, a prosecutor said Thursday. Daljit Singh, 34, will serve 120 days in jail and five years of probation after his plea on Tuesday. In addition, he was also ordered to stay […]

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Appeal-Democrat | Archive | Writing

Bingo drama in Marysville

Thursday mornings at the Marysville Senior Center bring an hour of drama as people wait to see which Ping-Pong ball could make them yell, “Bingo.” All it takes is 5 cents a card per game, and seniors can follow the swirling balls and cover the numbers that pop up on their cards. Winners collect the […]

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Appeal-Democrat | Archive | Writing

Parade is a family affair

A day off from school has become a day for schools in Nicolaus to get a little help from the community while getting a little entertainment in exchange on Monday. The Nicolaus Labor Day parade will be celebrating its 16th year of raising funds for four schools in Nicolaus. The original idea was inspired by […]

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Appeal-Democrat | Archive | Writing

Dog serves as Y-S woman’s ears

When the doorbell rings at Claudia Hollis’ house, be patient. Listen for the paws and the whine coming to the door and then running back. Chip needs to let her know you’re there. Hollis is hearing-impaired and has been since birth. Sometimes she hears voices in a conversation, but can’t make out the words. High-pitched […]

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