Latest news with #Franklin
American Press
42 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- American Press
Franklin Donald Miller Sr.
Franklin Donald Miller Sr., age 90, of Dry Creek, La., passed peacefully on June 16, 2025, at 12:18 p.m. on his beloved Miller Farm, surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren. As he quietly went to sleep in the place he cherished most, he awakened in the presence of Jesus. Franklin was born on Nov. 6, 1934, in DeRidder, La., and was a proud son of Frank and Versie Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William 'Bill' Miller. He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Jeanette Miller. They were married on June 18, 1959, and built a legacy rooted in faith, service, and unconditional love. He is also survived by his children, Sandra Zehm, Terri Bauer, Frank Miller (Melissa), all of Coppell, Texas, and Cynthia Miller (Mike Cline) of Dry Creek, La. Franklin was the proud grandfather of six, Chris Zehm of Fayetteville, N.C.; Erik Bauer (Olja Romanova) of Arvada, Colo.; Audrey Short (Drew) of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Levi and Jackson Miller of Coppell, Texas, and Layla Talley of Dry Creek, La. He is also survived by his siblings; sister, Rose Manuel (Dan); brother, John Miller (Kathy), and sister Kathy Honea, all of Dry Creek. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, whom he loved like his own. A man of remarkable character and talents, Franklin served in numerous professional roles throughout his life; each with diligence, excellence, and heart. He began his career as a cartographic draftsman with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and served active duty with the U.S. Army Reserve. He later worked with the Beauregard Electric Cooperative and served as a deputy sheriff in both Calcasieu and Beauregard Parishes. In April 1964, he became the first deputy in Calcasieu Parish to be shot in the line of duty during an armed robbery, the bullet was never removed. He courageously led a major drug raid in Beauregard Parish in 1969 and remained dedicated to public safety and justice throughout his career in law enforcement. Franklin operated Miller Farms in Dry Creek for over a decade, managing a 1,500 acre diversified crop and livestock farm with discipline and care. He also dedicated many years to education, teaching math and science at schools including Reeves High School, DeRidder High School, Newton High School, and Dallas ISD. He retired from teaching in 2004, remembered by many as a phenomenal math teacher who made the most difficult concepts clear and approachable. Franklin held many titles; educator, lawman, farmer, civic leader, but his most cherished role was as a teacher of God's Word. At the First United Pentecostal Church of DeRidder, where he was a faithful member since 1973, and also faithfully served as a board member beginning in 1989, where he led the 'New converts' Bible class. Many of his students said they never understood the Bible more clearly than under his teaching. His faith was sincere, steady, and lived out every day. His legacy of service extended deep into the community, Director of the Beauregard Parish Farm Bureau for 8 years (President for 2, Vice President for 1), Louisiana State Farm Bureau Board Member for 2 years, serving on and chairing several agriculture and education committees, President of East Beauregard High School PTO (2 years), Director of Beauregard Parish Fair Association (1 year), State Board Member of the Louisiana Soybean Association (6 years), Director and Secretary of East Beauregard Youth Football Association (4 years), Director, President, and Vice President of the DeRidder Jaycees. Franklin Donald Miller was a man of many talents, a jack of all trades and master of each. He was known as a fixer of machinery, problems, and even broken hearts. He carried the torch passed from his father and served as the rock of his family, a mentor to many, and a spiritual leader to all who knew him. His legacy of love, faith, wisdom, and humble service will live on through his children, grandchildren, community, and the many lives he touched. Visitation will be held in First Church of DeRidder, La. on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and will resume in First Church Sunday from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Funeral services will be held in First Church of DeRidder, La. on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 2 p.m., the Rev. Zale Lewis, officiant. Burial will follow in Dry Creek Cemetery under the direction of Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa. Words of comfort may be shared at: Facebook: Johnson & Brown Funeral Home
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Empty chairs spark bid to arrest premier's senior staff
Five senior government staffers could face arrest after failing to appear at an inquiry into an explosive-laden caravan found on Sydney's outskirts. In a dramatic escalation of an otherwise routine inquiry, the process to arrest the high-ranking staff in the offices of NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley was set in motion on Friday after the quintet declined to appear. Committee chair and independent MP Rod Roberts conducted a roll call for the premier's chief of staff James Cullen and four other staffers before approaching upper house president Ben Franklin to seek arrest warrants. Mr Roberts said the president was non-committal when asked to go to the Supreme Court for the warrants, but Mr Franklin had a "very important and very crucial decision". "All along, Labor has tried to stonewall, delay and ridicule this important inquiry," fellow committee member John Ruddick said on social media. Agreeing to pursue the warrants could come with a personal awkwardness for Mr Franklin, given he is the godfather of the premier's second child. Arrest warrants can be issued to force a witness to attend an inquiry while witnesses who refuse to answer questions can face jail time. NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the failure of Mr Minns' staff to appear at the probe into controversial protest and hate speech legislation indicated the premier might have breached corruption rules. "If the premier has given a direction to staff to disobey a lawful requirement to appear, that would appear to be a breach of the ministerial code," he said. The protest and speech laws were rushed through the NSW parliament in February after explosives, anti-Semitic messaging and a list of addresses of Jewish people and institutions were found inside the caravan at Dural in Sydney's northwest on January 19. The discovery prompted fears of a terrorist attack or mass-casualty event, as the premier and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese immediately dubbed it. It later emerged it was a hoax, with senior NSW police telling Mr Roberts' inquiry they believed virtually from the outset it was a ruse. In a letter to the committee announcing their intention not to attend, the staffers say appearing before the inquiry "would be at odds with the principles of ministerial accountability". Mr Roberts pressed against that motion on Friday as he addressed empty chairs. "The committee is not seeking to sanction ministerial staff for their actions, only to shed light on the events in the lead up to the passage of the hate speech and protest laws through parliament," Mr Roberts said. Mr Minns attacked the upper house on Thursday for trying to get government staff to appear at inquiries "on a routine basis" - "almost like they're criminals and under investigation, or they should front some kind of Star Chamber inquiry". "And if not, they're under threat of arrest," he said. As members of the lower house, Mr Minns and Ms Catley cannot be compelled to appear at the upper house inquiry to give evidence. But staffers can be forced to appear. Another staffer named in the motion, Mr Minns' deputy chief of staff Edward Ovadia, said in the letter he should be excused from attending the committee because he was on leave at the time and did not attend meetings. The premier and police minister say they have commented extensively on the matter, including at parliamentary hearings and press conferences and during question time. Five senior government staffers could face arrest after failing to appear at an inquiry into an explosive-laden caravan found on Sydney's outskirts. In a dramatic escalation of an otherwise routine inquiry, the process to arrest the high-ranking staff in the offices of NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley was set in motion on Friday after the quintet declined to appear. Committee chair and independent MP Rod Roberts conducted a roll call for the premier's chief of staff James Cullen and four other staffers before approaching upper house president Ben Franklin to seek arrest warrants. Mr Roberts said the president was non-committal when asked to go to the Supreme Court for the warrants, but Mr Franklin had a "very important and very crucial decision". "All along, Labor has tried to stonewall, delay and ridicule this important inquiry," fellow committee member John Ruddick said on social media. Agreeing to pursue the warrants could come with a personal awkwardness for Mr Franklin, given he is the godfather of the premier's second child. Arrest warrants can be issued to force a witness to attend an inquiry while witnesses who refuse to answer questions can face jail time. NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the failure of Mr Minns' staff to appear at the probe into controversial protest and hate speech legislation indicated the premier might have breached corruption rules. "If the premier has given a direction to staff to disobey a lawful requirement to appear, that would appear to be a breach of the ministerial code," he said. The protest and speech laws were rushed through the NSW parliament in February after explosives, anti-Semitic messaging and a list of addresses of Jewish people and institutions were found inside the caravan at Dural in Sydney's northwest on January 19. The discovery prompted fears of a terrorist attack or mass-casualty event, as the premier and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese immediately dubbed it. It later emerged it was a hoax, with senior NSW police telling Mr Roberts' inquiry they believed virtually from the outset it was a ruse. In a letter to the committee announcing their intention not to attend, the staffers say appearing before the inquiry "would be at odds with the principles of ministerial accountability". Mr Roberts pressed against that motion on Friday as he addressed empty chairs. "The committee is not seeking to sanction ministerial staff for their actions, only to shed light on the events in the lead up to the passage of the hate speech and protest laws through parliament," Mr Roberts said. Mr Minns attacked the upper house on Thursday for trying to get government staff to appear at inquiries "on a routine basis" - "almost like they're criminals and under investigation, or they should front some kind of Star Chamber inquiry". "And if not, they're under threat of arrest," he said. As members of the lower house, Mr Minns and Ms Catley cannot be compelled to appear at the upper house inquiry to give evidence. But staffers can be forced to appear. Another staffer named in the motion, Mr Minns' deputy chief of staff Edward Ovadia, said in the letter he should be excused from attending the committee because he was on leave at the time and did not attend meetings. The premier and police minister say they have commented extensively on the matter, including at parliamentary hearings and press conferences and during question time. Five senior government staffers could face arrest after failing to appear at an inquiry into an explosive-laden caravan found on Sydney's outskirts. In a dramatic escalation of an otherwise routine inquiry, the process to arrest the high-ranking staff in the offices of NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley was set in motion on Friday after the quintet declined to appear. Committee chair and independent MP Rod Roberts conducted a roll call for the premier's chief of staff James Cullen and four other staffers before approaching upper house president Ben Franklin to seek arrest warrants. Mr Roberts said the president was non-committal when asked to go to the Supreme Court for the warrants, but Mr Franklin had a "very important and very crucial decision". "All along, Labor has tried to stonewall, delay and ridicule this important inquiry," fellow committee member John Ruddick said on social media. Agreeing to pursue the warrants could come with a personal awkwardness for Mr Franklin, given he is the godfather of the premier's second child. Arrest warrants can be issued to force a witness to attend an inquiry while witnesses who refuse to answer questions can face jail time. NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the failure of Mr Minns' staff to appear at the probe into controversial protest and hate speech legislation indicated the premier might have breached corruption rules. "If the premier has given a direction to staff to disobey a lawful requirement to appear, that would appear to be a breach of the ministerial code," he said. The protest and speech laws were rushed through the NSW parliament in February after explosives, anti-Semitic messaging and a list of addresses of Jewish people and institutions were found inside the caravan at Dural in Sydney's northwest on January 19. The discovery prompted fears of a terrorist attack or mass-casualty event, as the premier and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese immediately dubbed it. It later emerged it was a hoax, with senior NSW police telling Mr Roberts' inquiry they believed virtually from the outset it was a ruse. In a letter to the committee announcing their intention not to attend, the staffers say appearing before the inquiry "would be at odds with the principles of ministerial accountability". Mr Roberts pressed against that motion on Friday as he addressed empty chairs. "The committee is not seeking to sanction ministerial staff for their actions, only to shed light on the events in the lead up to the passage of the hate speech and protest laws through parliament," Mr Roberts said. Mr Minns attacked the upper house on Thursday for trying to get government staff to appear at inquiries "on a routine basis" - "almost like they're criminals and under investigation, or they should front some kind of Star Chamber inquiry". "And if not, they're under threat of arrest," he said. As members of the lower house, Mr Minns and Ms Catley cannot be compelled to appear at the upper house inquiry to give evidence. But staffers can be forced to appear. Another staffer named in the motion, Mr Minns' deputy chief of staff Edward Ovadia, said in the letter he should be excused from attending the committee because he was on leave at the time and did not attend meetings. The premier and police minister say they have commented extensively on the matter, including at parliamentary hearings and press conferences and during question time. Five senior government staffers could face arrest after failing to appear at an inquiry into an explosive-laden caravan found on Sydney's outskirts. In a dramatic escalation of an otherwise routine inquiry, the process to arrest the high-ranking staff in the offices of NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley was set in motion on Friday after the quintet declined to appear. Committee chair and independent MP Rod Roberts conducted a roll call for the premier's chief of staff James Cullen and four other staffers before approaching upper house president Ben Franklin to seek arrest warrants. Mr Roberts said the president was non-committal when asked to go to the Supreme Court for the warrants, but Mr Franklin had a "very important and very crucial decision". "All along, Labor has tried to stonewall, delay and ridicule this important inquiry," fellow committee member John Ruddick said on social media. Agreeing to pursue the warrants could come with a personal awkwardness for Mr Franklin, given he is the godfather of the premier's second child. Arrest warrants can be issued to force a witness to attend an inquiry while witnesses who refuse to answer questions can face jail time. NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the failure of Mr Minns' staff to appear at the probe into controversial protest and hate speech legislation indicated the premier might have breached corruption rules. "If the premier has given a direction to staff to disobey a lawful requirement to appear, that would appear to be a breach of the ministerial code," he said. The protest and speech laws were rushed through the NSW parliament in February after explosives, anti-Semitic messaging and a list of addresses of Jewish people and institutions were found inside the caravan at Dural in Sydney's northwest on January 19. The discovery prompted fears of a terrorist attack or mass-casualty event, as the premier and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese immediately dubbed it. It later emerged it was a hoax, with senior NSW police telling Mr Roberts' inquiry they believed virtually from the outset it was a ruse. In a letter to the committee announcing their intention not to attend, the staffers say appearing before the inquiry "would be at odds with the principles of ministerial accountability". Mr Roberts pressed against that motion on Friday as he addressed empty chairs. "The committee is not seeking to sanction ministerial staff for their actions, only to shed light on the events in the lead up to the passage of the hate speech and protest laws through parliament," Mr Roberts said. Mr Minns attacked the upper house on Thursday for trying to get government staff to appear at inquiries "on a routine basis" - "almost like they're criminals and under investigation, or they should front some kind of Star Chamber inquiry". "And if not, they're under threat of arrest," he said. As members of the lower house, Mr Minns and Ms Catley cannot be compelled to appear at the upper house inquiry to give evidence. But staffers can be forced to appear. Another staffer named in the motion, Mr Minns' deputy chief of staff Edward Ovadia, said in the letter he should be excused from attending the committee because he was on leave at the time and did not attend meetings. The premier and police minister say they have commented extensively on the matter, including at parliamentary hearings and press conferences and during question time.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe thunderstorm watch for 4 Massachusetts counties until Thursday night
On Thursday at 1:23 p.m. a severe thunderstorm watch was issued by the National Weather Service valid between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. in effect until 9 p.m. for Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties. Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away. To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations: Lightning safety plan: When venturing outdoors, it's crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place. Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it's a clear indication of nearby lightning. Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors. Indoors safety measures: Once you're indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors. These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways. Wait for the all-clear: After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. It's important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution. When indoor shelter isn't available: If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety: Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk. Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees. If you're in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people. Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It's crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning. Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don't attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks. In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety. When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards: Beware of rapid water flow: Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away. Maintain safe driving distances: Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain. Slow down and drive with care: If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Returns 2.0: Tech-Enabled Reverse Logistics Powered by Two Boxes and Barrett Distribution Centers
FRANKLIN, Mass., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Barrett Distribution Centers has partnered with Two Boxes, a reverse logistics technology platform, to deliver an intelligent, more flexible returns solution for modern e-commerce brands. "Barrett's deep e-commerce roots and innovation-first mindset make them an ideal partner," said Jack Hutchinson, Head of Growth at Two Boxes. "Their eCommerce Accelerator highlights their commitment to supporting high-growth brands. We're excited to see where this partnership goes—this is just the beginning." As client expectations increase and return processes become more complex, Barrett identified the need for a more streamlined process to manage inspections, re-kitting and faster resale readiness. Two Boxes was selected for its modern user experience, seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, Loop Returns and intuitive design for warehouse operators. "Two Boxes' SOP-driven approach allows us to empower more team members with real-time, step-by-step direction," said Doug Varga, VP of Information Technology at Barrett. "It's accurate, scalable and easy to use. When we find purpose-built solutions like this, they help us deliver faster results for clients and keep our teams focused on growth." Barrett is designing future phases of this integration to support its long-term vision for fully optimized returns operations. Contact Barrett for a complimentary supply chain consultation to learn how tech-enabled logistics can simplify returns and support your growth. About Two Boxes Two Boxes is a reverse logistics technology company that empowers 3PLs and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands to transform returns from a costly burden into a strategic advantage. Launched in 2022 and co-founded by CEO Kyle Bertin and CPO Evan Stalter, Two Boxes builds intelligent inspection workflows, digitized SOPs and real-time analytics to make return processing faster, more accurate and highly visible. About Barrett Distribution Centers Since 1941, Barrett has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Barrett continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement and direct access to senior leadership decision makers. As a member of Inc's fastest growing companies list 15+ times, Barrett is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Barrett Distribution Centers Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
7 GTA 5 lines that still live in our head rent-free
(Image via Rockstar Games) If you've played GTA 5 , you know it's more than just mayhem, missions, and fast cars. The story hits deep. The characters? Wild, flawed, and brutally real. And the dialogue? Some of it has lived rent-free in our heads for years now. Whether it's pure chaos, emotional punches, or dark truths about the criminal world, here are 10 lines from GTA 5 that still give fans chills. 1. 'Surviving is winning, Franklin. Everything else is bulls***.' Michael straight-up drops this line when Franklin starts asking deeper questions. It's not just advice — it's a worldview. Cold, harsh, and honest. It tells you exactly who Michael is: a man who's lost so much, he's convinced himself that just breathing is enough. Grand Theft Auto V Lamar & Franklin Yee Yee haircut (GTA V PS3) 2. 'Maybe if you got rid of that yee-yee a** haircut…' No explanation needed. Lamar's roast of Franklin is iconic. It went viral, spawned memes, and is quoted more than any line in GTA history. Pure energy. Lamar might be a side character, but this moment made him immortal. 3. 'Why did I move here? I guess it was the weather.' The first words of GTA 5. Soft, casual, and chilling . It starts light but hits hard once you realize Michael's running from his past, lying to himself, and dragging others down in the process. That's not a vacation — it's a ticking time bomb. 4. 'Hypocrisy, civilization's greatest virtue.' Michael says this with the tired wisdom of someone who's done it all . Robbed, lied, killed, retired — and still plays house like it's normal. He knows he's the villain but wears that truth like a badge. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tu Kia Sportage, por tiempo limitado KIA Undo A reminder that GTA doesn't pretend to be morally clean. 5. 'Yeah, whatever, dawg. It's either this or dealing dimebags…' Franklin accepts the game. He knows what's up. He's not delusional. This line shows he's not chasing a fantasy — he's just trying to level up in a world that won't let him play clean. That quiet acceptance? Lowkey heartbreaking. 6. 'You forget a thousand things every day, pal. Make sure this is one of 'em.' This isn't just Michael trying to be cool during a robbery — it's the line that brings Trevor back into the story. It's the spark that lights the powder keg. When Michael repeats it later during a job, Trevor hears it on the news... and the entire story flips. = 7. 'Then all of a sudden, your legs give in, and you just can't run no more.' Said right before Franklin pulls the trigger (if you choose to kill Michael). It's gut-wrenching. This one line captures regret, aging, and betrayal in one breath. Feels like someone just hit pause on your heart. GTA 5's dialogue wasn't just written; it was crafted . That's why we're still quoting it a decade later. It's raw, unfiltered, and iconic, just like the game itself. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
