| Rising diesel costs could put TriMet in a bind
Rising diesel costs could force TriMet to dig deep into its reserve funds and possibly increase fares. TriMet's board of directors approved a plan to deal with increasing fuel costs Wednesday morning that includes using at least $1.5 million of its contingency fund and, as a last resort, raising fares for the fourth time in three years. So far a fare increase is just a possibility, said Peggy LaPoint, TriMet spokeswoman, and no amount has been determined. The board's plan would use contingency funds first, then increase fares if fuel costs continued to go up, she said. This is the second time in two years that TriMet has taken steps to deal with rising fuel costs. In October 2005 the agency adopted its first "corrective action plan" to cover a $4.5 million budget shortfall due to increasing diesel prices.
Face Time Max DeMilner
One wheelie motivated unicyclist, this Peru native is ready to go the distance.
While attending college at the University of Maine at Farmington this year, long-distance unicyclist Max DeMilner of Peru continues to train for three upcoming unicycle races. These include two uphill races - one in New York, the other in Vermont - and Ride the Lobster, a 500-mile relay race across Nova Scotia this summer.
DeMilner's quirky "Six States, One Wheel" unicycle journey in 2006 on a 720-mile loop through New England to raise money for college spawned the Ride the Lobster debut, an international unicycling endurance relay race.
DeMilner and his brother, Kyle DeMilner of Philadelphia, and their dad, Charles DeMilner of Flagstaff, Ariz., will compete in Lobster as Team DeMilner.
Bra Boy Jai Abberton driven by 'drugs and fear'
SYDNEY surfing gang member Jai Abberton says fears for his own life and substance abuse contributed to him driving while disqualified on at least six occasions, a Sydney court has been told. Three years ago, Abberton, now 34, was acquitted of murdering Tony Hines and dumping his body in the eastern Sydney beachside suburb of Maroubra. At the time Abberton, a member of the Bra Boys gang, admitted to shooting Hines in the head but said it was an act of self defence. Abberton faced Downing Centre Local Court today for what Magistrate Julie Huber noted was his sixth charge of driving while disqualified. He also is charged with resisting arrest after police had to commandeer a bicycle from a passer-by in order to catch him when he abandoned his car.
Title race: Can Rangers defence stay solid?
They have eight games in March alone and that is a tough ask for any team. It will stretch Rangers' resources to the limit and there will be an even bigger reliance on Cuellar and Weir. "They have been fantastic this season and even though Andy Webster and Steven Smith are returning from long lay-offs, Rangers' success has been in having a settled central defence. "Barry has not had a rest all season either, but has been giving his all in every game. If the manager can keep them fresh then it gives them a solid foundation." Brown is acutely aware of the criticism of Rangers' style under Smith but told The Herald that similarly derogatory remarks from former players fuelled their desire to complete the record-equalling nine-in-a-row sequence.
Heineman signs smoking ban
To the regular smokers who make their way into The Depot at 6:30 a.m. most days, the new ban may be a sign they are no longer shielded from the public health initiatives popular with city types."They’re just saying how bad it’s going to suck that it finally hit the small towns," Lee said. .
2 Gadsden mothers get 10-day notices
Two single mothers whose children were charged with armed robbery last year were told Tuesday they have 10 days to vacate their apartments in Charleston's Gadsden Green public housing complex. A third single mother could get a reprieve from the city's Housing Authority if her son can demonstrate a good record in school. .
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