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Articles by Elise BakerWidney Brown
Chesapeake Sheriff's Football camp life lessons
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WVEC) -- The Chesapeake Sheriff's Office Football Camp is about lessons on and off the field. Kids can come out to the camp, and learn how to become the best person they can be. "This play you might lose, this play you might win, but overall it's how you react from winning and losing that will define the person and that's kind of what we teach them here," said Sheriff Jim O'Sullivan. He said around 150 kids are attending the free camp. "When I was younger I came to this camp...
Suffolk mom battles rare form of cancer
SUFFOLK, Va., (WVEC) -- A Suffolk mom is always there to help others. But a life-threatening diagnosis changed her life and now people are rallying around her. In February, Amanda Wilson — a physical therapist at Sentara Obici — was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. She has a tumor inside of a main vein that carries blood from the legs back to her heart. Wilson left her job at the hospital, and moved with her family to Minnesota near the Mayo Clinic.
Camp Fury breaks down barriers
Girl Scouts across Hampton Roads are participating in Camp Fury. Its goal is to show young ladies what's possible and to expose them to career fields typically dominated by men. On Monday, Girl Scouts learned all about firefighting. "It took women a long time to be able to do these kinds of things. Like back then women could only stay in the house and cook and clean and all that. So it's cool to see how women could firefight," said one Girl Scout.
Samaritan House safe houses get upgraded
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- On Friday, the Samaritan House in Virginia Beach received a helping hand. The Hampton Roads Apartment Council pitched in to renovate safe houses. "We have amazing service team members that know how to fix a toilet and change a vanity in five seconds, and rip up carpet. And Samaritan House had a kind of need to revamp some of their safe houses," said Tarra Secrest, with the apartment council. Secrest brought crews together and materials donated.
Keeping kids cool in the heat
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- School is officially out and summer is in session! Across Hampton Roads, many kids are heading off to summer camp. In extreme heat, staff members want to make sure they're staying cool. "Keeping our kids indoors, we're keeping them hydrated, making sure that our parents know to bring sunscreen, we tell them to bring hats, we tell them to bring water bottles even though we have water breaks all the time," said Carla Casimir, camp leader at the Kroc Center in Norfolk.
Feral cats put to work at Newport News Shipbuilding
Workers care for the hundreds of cats, and treat them like their own. It not only helps the cats, but the shipyard as well. There's a point to why Crane Operator Ken Bell ensures they're fed. "Any area that has buildings and a lot of stuff like that has a rat problem," said Bell. "Now there's cats, not rats." Dawn Morris oversees all the cats from the shipyard to the scrapyard. To prevent overpopulation they've come up with an ethical solution. "We have about 500 or so cats on the property.
Local Army Corps of Engineers leader to move overseas
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Big changes are coming for a local leader. The district commander of the Army Corps of Engineers in Norfolk is getting ready to move overseas. Colonel Jason E. Kelly spent the majority of his military service with a rifle and a pistol, so his time in Norfolk has been a bit different. "I gotta tell you, boy, has it been a fun ride," said Kelly. He joined the Corps of Engineers three years ago. Now he's heading to Afghanistan in the same role he holds in Norfolk: commander.
A behind-the-scenes look at Harborfest first responders
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- First responders from all across Hampton Roads are in Norfolk making sure everyone has a great time for the 42nd annual Norfolk Harborfest. It's a big coordinated effort that takes months of preparation. 13News Now took a boat ride with Norfolk Fire-Rescue. The crews can put out fires by sucking water directly out of the Elizabeth River. Plus, the boat has medical supplies and is almost like a water ambulance. It even has a stretcher.
Summer swimming pool safety
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Summertime, fun time! But fun times can turn serious. On Wednesday Suffolk police said a 7-year-old girl got her arm caught in a pool vacuum connection port. Someone held her head above water and rescue crews broke the concrete around the pipe to free her. She survived after being stuck for about an hour. The incident is a reminder to stay safe around pools. Liz Lowery, the Aquatics Manager at the Kroc Center in Norfolk, said kids must be properly supervised.
Special Olympics torch run makes its way through Virginia Beach
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., (WVEC) -- Across the Commonwealth law enforcement agencies are carrying the flame of hope. It's for the Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games in Richmond. On Wednesday, the torch made its way to Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Antonio Rodriguez has been a Special Olympics athlete since he was eight years old. He loves to run. "It helps me relax, helps me clear my mind," he said. He along with Virginia Beach law enforcement broke a sweat carrying the torch. "We're having a blast.
Volunteers help repair Gold Star mother's home
SUFFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Dozens of people are volunteering their time to help a Suffolk a mother whose son paid the ultimate sacrifice. Carrie Caldwell is a Gold Star mom. Her son, Corporal Jonathan Matthew Williams, died in the Gulf War in 1991. He was 23-years-old. Volunteers are now helping out to renovate her home in a single day. "It just tore me up when I lost him. He was out for six months, and he was called back. And he had just got there, and he was in the barracks that was hit," said Caldwell.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers welcomes new vessel
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- On Thursday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commissioned their newest ship. It's called the Ewell. It's replacing two ships, including one that was built in the 1950s. "The primary mission of this vessel is survey. It's surveying the Federal Channels and encompasses 100 square miles from the Norfolk district," said Captain Stephen Feldhaus Using sonar the ship detects the depth of the channel. "Our shipping channels are basically the roadways of the water," said Dusty Brooke.
Bon Secours shows off new brain surgery technology
NORFOLK, Va., (WVEC) -- Neurosurgeons at Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center are using new technology that will change the way doctors practice medicine. It gives doctors an improved visualization during surgery. It makes it safer for surgeons to safely operate on patients with tumors or other lesions near the brain. Until now hospital officials said surgeons would have to rely on a traditional optical microscope to view the brain during surgery, but BrightMatter changed all that.
Portsmouth holds 134th annual Memorial Day Parade
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVEC) -- One of the oldest parades in the country is right here in Hampton Roads. The 134th Annual Portsmouth Memorial Day Parade kicked off Monday morning. It's been a tradition since 1884. Every year, the parade salutes the men and women who served in the armed forces paid the ultimate sacrifice. "I lost a good friend in Vietnam and it just makes me cry," said Judi Ahola, a Navy veteran. "I think about him a lot.
Discover Yourself: Bone Marrow donations save lives
NORFOLK, Va., (WVEC) -- The past few years has not been easy for one Chesapeake little boy. When Aaron Barton was 5, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. With the help of a bone marrow transplant, he's now a happy, healthy kid. Aaron and his mom Tammy Jo Bullis-Barton, went to Duke University Hospital for the procedure, specifically the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. "Aaron was a six out of six match with three different donors from their bank," said Bullis-Barton.
Memorial Day Weekend grilling safety tips
HAMPTON, Va. (WVEC) -- The countdown is on to the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Lots of people are going to bring out the grill and have a good time. But that also means it's time to talk grilling safety. Hampton Paramedic Firefighter Zach Walden was forced to learn about grilling. "I burned so many things and my wife said, 'Get back on that thing 'til you figure it out!'" he said. Before you start cooking, you want to make sure the grill is clean.
Veteran battles the VA, wins latest fight
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Keith English proudly served as a Marine for 20 years. While he can't say everything that he saw while serving, he called it the best ride in his life. In the late 1980s, English was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Little did he know at the time, he was being poisoned by water on the base. Now, decades later, he's terminally ill with cancer. "There is nothing I regret about my service. Not even this.
Navy participates in 'Battle of the Rig' competition
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Sailors at Naval Station Norfolk broke a sweat in a fun way on Tuesday. Alpha Warrior creates obstacle courses for the military, and it's the first time they are working with the Navy. The course -- similar to American Ninja Warrior -- is designed to force servicemen and women to push their strength. "This is a very cognitive course, you have to be mentally on. There's so many different paths that you can take. You have to be able to adapt if something goes wrong," she said.
Flying high above Hampton Roads: Nightingale
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- It's Nurse Appreciation Week. As we all know nurses do a lot for us when we aren't feeling well. There's a special crew at Sentara: nurses who fly high above Hampton Roads in Nightingale. Among the crew, decades of medical and flight training. Crews work in 12-hour shifts and before the day gets going they attend a briefing. "I've lived in this area for 20 years, and I really worry about picking up people that I know personally," said nurse Maggie McCauley.
Norfolk celebrates 35th annual Senior Olympics
There are Olympic games going on right here in Hampton Roads, well kind of. Senior citizens are giving it their all in several events at Old Dominion University this week. More than 300 athletes are cut throat. There are several events for them to take part in, from table tennis to board games and running. The event is sponsored by the city and the Norfolk Task Force on Aging.
Portsmouth teacher of the year inspires students to rise above
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVEC) -- Monday marks the start of Teacher Appreciation Week. Across Hampton Roads, school districts are naming their teachers of the year. In Portsmouth, the winner shows students they can rise above whatever life throws at them. School has always played an important role in educator James Trewartha's life. "School was like a safe place for me, it provided me structure in kind of a chaotic world at home. My parents fought a lot, there was drugs and alcohol in the home," he said.
Tips on how to stay safe on a motorcycle
NORFOLK, Va,. (WVEC) -- May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As summer heats up more and more bikers are out. Deadly motorcycle accidents are a reminder that it's important to always drive safely. Riding fast may be fun, but there's a time and place for it. "Such as a track environment, not on the road," said "Test Ride Rick," a motorcycle salesman at Bayside Harley-Davidson in Portsmouth. Riding at a responsible speed is just one aspect of biker safety.
Man found guilty of first-degree murder in Virginia Beach double homicide
A Virginia Beach jury found Leonard Allen Morrison guilty of first-degree murder Wednesday in the deaths of two men, PIO Macie Allen said in a news release. Morrison could spend two life terms plus 28 years in prison, Allen said. Prosecutors said Morrison and his accomplice, James Gregory, killed 28-year old John Rathjen and 23-year old Rayvon Miles in a home off Lynnhaven Parkway on June 10, 2017. Prosecutors said it was a drug deal gone wrong.
Getting your car ready for hot weather
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- As the temperature heats up, so does your car. It's important to make sure your car is properly maintained so you don't have any problems. "As the summer months come along, we start to see overheating concerns on cars due to the high temperatures outside," said Richard Quinn, lead technician at Ward's Corner Shell in Norfolk.
Norfolk libraries renting out mobile hotspots
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- The City of Norfolk is getting even more connected. People can already connect to hotspots around downtown Norfolk — but now they can take WiFi home. Library leaders and a nonprofit teamed up to help close the digital divide. "We certainly knew that we had a need among people locally to get WiFi, whether it's for searching for a job, for doing homework at home, whether it's for high school, elementary school or college," said Sean Bilby, Norfolk Public Library.
New Horizons puts a twist on signing day
HAMPTON, Va. (WVEC) -- As the school year winds down high school seniors across the country are making plans for their future. On Tuesday, students from the New Horizons Regional Education Centers on the Peninsula took part in a signing day with their new employers. It's a twist to get more young people into technical trades. Thirty-six seniors accepted jobs from nine companies in that field. That includes automotive, construction, and manufacturing.
There are alternative ways to treat and prevent seasonal allergies
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., (WVEC) -- Spring Allergies are here and not everybody wants to grab over the counter medicine. A naturopathic doctor said there are alternative ways to treat and prevent allergies. Erica Steele is a board certified Naturopathic doctor. Carlos Vega stopped by Steele's business, Holistic Family Practice, to get some relief. “There was a lot of pressure mainly around this whole area of my face,” Vega said. Steele investigates the underlying cause of the allergy.
Virginia Beach Star Spangled Babies Shower held for expecting military mothers
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., (WVEC) -- One group is making sure military moms have all the help they need. On Thursday morning, Operation Homefront and Lincoln Military Housing threw a giant baby shower for dozens of expecting and new military moms. It's called Star Spangled Babies Shower. The shower isn't only about receiving gifts, but connecting with fellow military families.
Time winding down to chime in on Norfolk budget proposal
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- In a little more than a month from now, Norfolk city council will vote on a new budget. In the proposal is a 10-cent property tax hike. Parking fees and city employee salaries could also go up. The school district asked for a $6 million increase over last year. But the city's proposed budget allocation falls short by a million. Norfolk Public Schools would get a cut of the proposed 10-cent property tax increase.
Volunteers needed to help abused kids
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- It's child abuse prevention month. One group works with kids who have been taken from their homes. They're called CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocates and they're looking for volunteers. Season Roberts is the executive director of the Virginia Beach branch of CASA. Volunteers work with kids removed from their homes due to abuse. "The biggest type of abuse is neglect.
Bike Share is one pedal closer to Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Bike Share is one step closer to coming to the Mermaid City. Norfolk is in the process of partnering with Zagster, a bike sharing company. The costs of bringing the bikes to Norfolk is covered by sponsorships, of which the city is still looking for, according to a recent advertisement published. The plan is to bring at least 100 bicycles in the spring. To rent one, you have to download an app, which you also use to unlock the bike.
CHKD patients wear 'brave gowns'
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters was full of kids with supernatural powers Wednesday. Patients got a special surprise that helped them soar. With the help of Dunkin Donuts and the Starlight Children's Foundation, patients picked out a "Brave" gown. "I think each of these kids has a unique trait that makes them a superhero.
Port of Virginia to welcome cranes as part of expansion
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVEC) -- Crews at the Port of Virginia will be welcoming the Happy Buccaneer Friday morning. The heavy load vessel is carrying six new cranes all the way from Poland. The cranes, referred to as the centerpiece(s) of the port's $695 million expansion, will help the port load containers on and off ships. They will also enable them to handle some of the biggest ships.
Former Portsmouth sheriff's phone gone after record request
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVEC) -- According to our partners at the Virginian-Pilot sheriff's deputies in Portsmouth felt like they had to help re-elect former sheriff Bill Watson. So, reporters at the paper did some digging to find out if those claims were true. They tried to track down the former sheriff's work cell phone. Under the state law, that’s a matter of public record.
Former Portsmouth sheriff's phone gone after record request
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVEC) -- According to our partners at the Virginian-Pilot sheriff's deputies in Portsmouth felt like they had to help re-elect former sheriff Bill Watson. So, reporters at the paper did some digging to find out if those claims were true. They tried to track down the former sheriff's work cell phone. Under the state law, that’s a matter of public record.
Man's best friend at risk for dog flu
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- With record high cases and even deaths this year, the flu is widespread and a huge concern. But humans aren't the only ones facing the sickness: your furry friend may be at risk, too. "The virus is highly contagious, so it's a respiratory virus. It's transmitted amongst dogs. It is species-specific so humans, cats, they aren't going to be affected," said veterinarian Betsy Marshall, owner of Ghent Veterinary Hospital in Norfolk.
Older adults get fit, have fun at the Kroc Center
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- It's not too late to start your New Year's fitness journey. Everyone, from young to old, can benefit from working out. One Norfolk gym makes sure people old adults stay active. According to a study by the American College of Sports Medicine, gyms are increasingly adding classes tailored for active adults. As Head of Health and Wellness at the Hampton Roads Kroc Center, Brandon Trusty wants to improve seniors daily lives.
Naval Station Norfolk's new fitness program
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- The Navy is changing things up a bit. On Friday, leaders cut the ribbon on Naval Station Norfolk's new Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System program. "So we're trying to get them out of this fixed motion training into functional training to where they can relate this a lot more to being prepared for deployment," said Jacob Alexander, base fitness coordinator. The Mayo Clinic says functional fitness trains your muscles to do daily tasks safely and efficiently.
Free financial management classes available in Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- If you're having trouble controlling your finances, and are in need of assistance, Bank On Hampton Roads is stepping up to help. The group is offering new classes to teach you money basics. "Folks learn anything from how to manage a crisis, so if there's not enough money at the end of the month to pay all of your bills, we work with folks to help them understand how you navigate through that crisis," explains Susan Perry, who oversees Norfolk's Poverty Reduction Plan.
Making sure your tires are safe in the cold
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Snow and ice are melting across Hampton Roads leaving a slick mess. One important way to stay safe while on the roads is to make sure your car is in good condition, which includes your tires. When it is cold outside, a lot of cars will flash low tire pressure on the dashboard. One mechanic told 13NewsNow, it's important to take that signal seriously.
Pets, owners take full advantage of the snow
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- The streets of Norfolk were slushy, but relatively quiet Thursday morning. Kids weren't walking to school. Adults even headed to work a bit late. There were, however, pet lovers who took full advantage of the wintry weather. "Oh they just love playing in it, jumping around and wrestling with each other, and rolling around in it," he said. Playing fetch Thursday is a little easier than it was two weeks ago.
Snowstorm pummels VDOT budget as crews prep for more winter weather
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- For the second time this month, Virginia Department of Transportation officials are preparing for winter weather. Here in Hampton Roads, we will probably only see light snowfall on Wednesday, but some parts of the state could get several inches. This, as the last storm ate though millions of money budgeted for snow removal. While VDOT still has plenty of supplies and materials, the district's $5.3 million snow removal budget was depleted.
Snowstorm pummels VDOT budget as crews prep for more winter weather
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- For the second time this month, Virginia Department of Transportation officials are preparing for winter weather. Here in Hampton Roads, we will probably only see light snowfall on Wednesday, but some parts of the state could get several inches. This, as the last storm ate though millions of money budgeted for snow removal. While VDOT still has plenty of supplies and materials, the district's $5.3 million dollar snow removal budget was depleted.
Virginia Beach schools closed for a sixth straight day
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- Thursday marks six days that Virginia Beach Public Schools have been forced to close. Some roads are still covered in snow, ice, and slush. The district made the call early in the morning to let parents know school would not be in session. "We were slipping and sliding on the way home from some appointments yesterday, so I think it's a good idea to have the schools closed. It's just mom needs a break," said Meri Quinn, who works from home and has three young kids.
Virginia Beach schools closed for a sixth straight day
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- Thursday marks six days that Virginia Beach Public Schools have been forced to close. Some roads are still covered in snow, ice, and slush. The district made the call early in the morning to let parents know school would not be in session. "We were slipping and sliding on the way home from some appointments yesterday, so I think it's a good idea to have the schools closed. It's just mom needs a break," said Meri Quinn, who works from home and has three young kids.
Norfolk evaluates snowstorm response
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- As cities across Hampton Roads are still cleaning up after the storm, Norfolk leaders are evaluating their response. On Tuesday, in some spots there's still snow and ice and in others, slush. Jim Redick, Norfolk Emergency Preparedness and Response director, is constantly evaluating how the city handles extreme situations. This time, he is taking a look at the snowstorm.
How to safely get your car out of snow, ice
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- A day after a winter storm dumped up to a foot of snow in Hampton Roads, drivers are frequently finding themselves stuck in ice and snow. Some drivers successfully get out, while others aren't so lucky. On Friday morning, a truck burst into flames while trying to get out of the snow. He told 13News Now he rocked his car back-and-forth using drive and reverse, but at some point the transmission caught fire.
Snowstorm supply checklist
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Stores across Hampton Roads are very busy with shoppers preparing for Wednesday night's storm. Some places are already out of stock and waiting for various shipments. Early Wednesday morning, shoppers grabbed what they could from Taylor's Do It Center on Colley Avenue. While shovels were in stock, there were just a few ice scrapers and salt was completely sold out. "It's been pretty hectic, nobody has any.
Virginia Beach prepares for winter weather
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- It’s the calm before the storm in Virginia Beach, but city officials believe they're ready for winter weather expected to arrive in Hampton Roads Wednesday and Thursday. Virginia Beach Public Works has been preparing for winter weather since it updated its snow plan back in July. In October the city brought crews out and did a dry run, checking equipment.
National campaign aims to curb drunk driving crashes
NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- During the holiday's local police step up patrols and checkpoints. A national campaign called Drive Sober or Get Pulled over is hitting home the reality of drunk driving. An interactive video shows the accident from various perspectives, law enforcement, medics and fire crews. It's a campaign by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to show the dangers of driving under the influence.
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