The Marco Island Police Department has announced its officers will now carry the life-saving drug Narcan.

In a press release distributed Thursday morning, the department announced it had partnered with Families of Grace, a nonprofit focused on education about the opioidcrisis, Collier County EMS and the Marco Island Fire-Rescue Department, to carry and administer the drug.

Narcan, otherwise known as Naxolone, is used to counter the effects of opioid overdoses.

More: Report: Fentanyl outpaces other opioids in overdose deaths throughout Southwest

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed more than 702,000 people died from drug overdoses between 1999 and 2017.

Opioids have become one of main drivers of death. Of the more than 70,000 drug overdoses in 2017, 68% were opioid-related.

In Florida, drug-related deaths decreased by 3% last year, according to the Medical Examiners Commission's annual report. Opioids were either identified as the cause or present in 11,193 deaths in 2018.

More: More than two dozen Florida hospitals sue opioid makers, distributors and retailers

While Marco Island has not seen a spike in opioid overdoses like other municipalities, Capt. Dave Baer called the drug essential for law enforcement given that officers are often times the first to respond to the scene.

"While Collier County EMS and Marco Fire Rescue are highly trained professional organizations with exceptional response time, law enforcement officers are often the first on unsecured scenes involving drug overdoses, therefore the quick deployment of Narcan is essential," he said.

"In addition to citizens who are experiencing a drug overdose, Narcan has also been used to save the lives of police officers in other jurisdictions who become inadvertent overdose victims or are unknowingly exposed to opioids through contact with drugs in law enforcement situations."

More: Collier Sheriff's office credits Narcan-carrying deputies as lifesavers

Baer said the police department received training from Collier EMS this month to administer the drug, which he estimated was carried by approximately 14% of police departments nationally.

He also credited Denise Holmes, president of Families of Grace, for donating more than 20 doses of Narcan to the police department.

Paramedics have used Narcanfor more than 40 years, andit cannot be abused or cause overdoses. If it is administered to someone not overdosing on opioids, it has no adverseeffects,accordingto DCFsOffice of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

Opioids include opium,morphine,codeine, heroin hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl and methadone, according to the office.

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Marco Island police officers will carry life-saving drug Narcan - Naples Daily News

On Little Bay Islands,a town in Newfoundland and Labrador, after the Canadian government issued a December 31 deadline after which all services, including electricity, would be shut down, all the residents left.

Except one couple.

Mike and Georgina Parsons stayed behind after the other 69 residents of the ghost town evacuated. The only fish plant in the town closed in 2011; the only school shut down in 2015. The Daily Mail noted, According to official data, the government will save roughly $20 million over the next two decades from the relocation.The savings will mostly come from cutting the ferry service to the island.

The Parsons have spent $50,000, including getting a solar power system and a fresh water well, storedmedication, dry and canned goods, as well as six freezers with protein, enough to last them for two years, they told CTV News.

The Parsons own half-a-dozen boats, though the winter arctic ice could keep them isolated for six weeks in the winter. In October, Georgina Parsons said, Were not nervous at all. It still feels a bit unreal. Mike Parsons acknowledged, The town has gotten much quieter Every day now people are packing up and leaving.

The government, trying to effect a resettlement program to relocate residents, has been accused by some residents of not remunerating them. They claimed that although they paid taxes, they werent compensated because they didnt live there all year. The government claimed in 2017 that 55 of the 76 residents then living in the town were permanent residents. The government paid those 55 residents a total of$8.7 million.

Juanita and Gord Hull, who left the town after Gord had a stroke in 2003, toldCBCthat they were not compensated although they had lived in the town for roughly 70 years. Juanita Hull stated, I was hurt and I thought we was discriminated (against). Theres bad feelings. And the ones like myself, got turned down, they feels exactly the same way that I do.

Doris Tucker echoed said: I felt insulted.And I felt, you know, of anyone I was born there in 1939, I went to school there, and I worked there.

A spokesperson for the Department of Municipal Affairs stated, A persons place of birth, or where they spent most of their life, does not constitute a person being a resident of a community.A person may be born in a community and live there for 50 years, but if they, at some point prior the communitys relocation request, move to, and reside in another community, they cease to be a permanent resident. The department added, The funding provided to eligible permanent residents is not intended to compensate for the value of their property. As such, persons with permanent residences outside the community do not require financial assistance to relocate.

CBC noted, A permanent resident is defined as an individual who lives and sleeps year-round, 365 days per year, on Little Bay Islands subject to some conditions. Those conditions allow for temporary absences for vacations, work or caregiving, and more extended absences for those in prison oraccessing ongoing health care treatmentif substantiated by a doctors note.'

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All Residents Leave Canadian Island After Government Cuts Off Power. One Couple Remains. - The Daily Wire

VICTORIA Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and the royal baby Archie are celebrating Christmas in Greater Victoria.

Bev Koffel, who owns the Deep Cove Chalet with her husband chef Pierre Koffel, said she has seen the royal couple and met with their security guards at the elegant waterfront restaurant in North Saanich.

Prince Harry has also been seen several times hiking Horth Hill, said Koffel.

Horth Hills become a very popular place now. And they jog around, so theyve been seen, said Koffel.

Its kind of exciting. I hope everything goes fine for them. Theyre breaking away from tradition and I just wish them all the best.

Last weekend, it was announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and baby Archie would spend the festive season in Canada.

Though the Buckingham Palace did not specify in its statement where the royal couple will be visiting during their time in Canada, it did say that Harry and Meghans decision to base themselves in the country reflects the importance of this Commonwealth country to them both.

The Duke of Sussex has been a frequent visitor to Canada over many years, and it was also home to The Duchess for seven years before she became a member of the Royal Family, the statement continued. They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son.

On Dec. 20, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed the royal family on Twitter.

Prince Harry, Meghan, and Archie, were all wishing you a quiet and blessed stay in Canada. Youre among friends, and always welcome here.

Koffel said security guards came down and talked to her last week.

They said How did you figure out who we were? And I said It wasnt too hard.

Now Koffel is keeping close to the phone because her husband Pierre was the one who answered when the royals wanted to make a reservation. He turned them down because of the security required.

Anyhow, you know what Pierres like. Well see what happens, she laughed, adding that she wants them to enjoy their time here.

Let them have their peace and quiet. For us to be so lucky to have them in the area, how lucky is that? said Koffel. I wish them all the privacy they can possibly get. They deserve it.

Koffel said she bought two books for Harry and Meghan during the summer and planned to send them to them. She bought Paseka: A Little Elephant, Brave by Ruth James because of their love for Africa. She also bought them a copy of Neekahs Knitting Needle, illustrated by her neighbour Sheena Lott.

I hope to meet them one day. I hope they get my books.

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Is there more to this story? Wed like to hear from you about this or any other stories you think we should know about. Email vantips@postmedia.com

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Royals in B.C.: Prince Harry and family celebrating Christmas on Vancouver Island - National Post

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND As 2019 nears its end, a city committee is making preparations for the new year.

During a committee meeting held Dec. 10, the City of South Padre Island Shoreline Task Force took action on a few items regarding portable restrooms, native plants and a pilot program.

Portable restrooms

Shoreline Task Force Committee members and city council, voted to renew its contract with A Clean Portoco for the rental of 20 ADA portable restroom units at 11 beach accesses.

Our survey said people are using the restrooms, Mayor Patrick McNulty said during a city council meeting held Dec. 11. They appreciate the restrooms and all of the customer service and tourist friendly so I think that we can invest.

The contract was first put in place in January of 2019.

The total cost of the temporary facilities cost close to $13,842 per month.

According to Shoreline Department personnel, the creation of the pilot program stemmed from the communitys request for more access to restrooms while at the beach.

In total, the city currently has brick and mortar restroom facilities at two beach accesses Treasure Island Beach Access #11 and Gulf Circle Beach Access #3.

Boburka said the ultimate goal the city will look at is making sure there are more brick and mortar restrooms at beach accesses.

Planting

In October, the Shoreline Department was awarded a $1,500 grant from the Texas Urban Forestry Council to help improve the Islands bay endings by adding plants.

According to Rolling Grants and Special Projects Administrator Erika Hughston, a big focus for the grant is adding community work and having the ability to access urban forest areas within communities.

During the committee meeting, members voted to place native plants such as Black Mangroves, Padre Island Mistflowers and Seaside Goldenrods in bay areas near these locations Cora Lee Drive and Dr. Joseph and Jeanne K. Lis Memorial Park on West Esperanza Street.

Hughston explained to the committee members that those native plants are great for bird and butterfly migration.

According to Hughston, the project will take more effect toward the spring because winter is not a good time for planting.

Borrow bins

Rakes, shovels and other beach toys are items often found left behind on the beach.

During the meeting held Dec. 10, Shoreline Task Force committee member Abbie Mahan proposed a borrow bin program, which aims to combat the issue.

The idea of the pilot program is to place bins with toys at some beach accesses so beachgoers can borrow and return them.

A lot of times, theyll leave it on the beach thinking other kids are going to pick them up and play with them, Mahan said. They get washed out to sea and it finds its way back to our beaches, in our turtles and wherever else it doesnt belong.

Mahan said the program would start small with five bins.

I really do think its something that if we go overboard and throw a ton of toys out there, we could see an influx of them on our beach, she said.

Committee members voted to proceed with a plan to receive an estimate for the pilot program.

Hopefully its successful and everybody is asking for more at more beach access points and thatd be great, Mahan said.

They plan to discuss which beach accesses they will place the five bins during their next committee meeting.

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Island takes action on shoreline projects - Brownsville Herald

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In preparation for Christmas festivities, Staten Islanders from all over the borough lined up Tuesday at Royal Crown Bakery & Cafe, Grasmere, to grab their holiday treats.

The line extended outside the well-known establishment, and customers waited for their warm baked goods in the chilly weather.

Many of those on the line outside remarked that they were waiting for about five to 15 minutes.

We dont mind this at all, said Nancy Aroll, who was on line with her daughter, Tawni Galadyk. We come here every year to buy bread for Christmas. Its like our ritual.

For those customers who had made it inside, many had been waiting for 30 minutes to an hour.

But its worth it, you get what you pay for, said Vincent Valerio of Tottenville, with a smile and a shrug.

Customers said they came for the bakerys renowned rainbow cookies and cannolis, but most importantly -- the bread.

Samantha Musso of Great Kills said she was planning to buy three loaves of Italian bread for a Christmas party at her workplace. And Jennifer DAnna of Dongan Hills said she is looking forward to the Royal Crown cannolis, seven-layered cakes and chocolate bread.

During the wait, the bakerys cookie and coffee girls, like Gabriella Calcaterra, gave out pastries, snacks and warm drinks.

We look forward to the coffee that they bring around," said Galadyk. "The cookies, theyre amazing. And we love it.

Rob Forminio, a coffee server who was dressed up as an elf, said he had been working since 5 a.m. -- after Santas reindeers dropped him off at 4:30 in the morning. But he added that he and Manager Frank Alano love the long line and dedicated customers.

On Christmas Day, Royal Crown Bakery will open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- so plan your holiday schedule accordingly!

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A Staten Island holiday ritual: Waiting in line at Royal Crown bakery - SILive.com

A scuba boat moors. (Source photo by Dave MacVean)Courtnie Robenelt leads scuba divers at Wreck Cove, Buck Island. (Source photo by Dave MacVean)

Scuba diving around the U.S. Virgin Islands offers visitors and locals an opportunity to explore some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.

Since the invention of a safe and reliable Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, which gave the world the acronym scuba, the Virgin Islands have been a chosen destination because of the clear tropical seas, safe dive sites and beautiful coral reefs.

The V.I. Economic Development Authority boasts that scuba diving in the U.S. Virgin Islands is easy and accessible, and offers an array of experiences for everyone.

Over a dozen established companies, spread over the major islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, provide locals and visitors with everything from training, equipment and boats, to professional dive masters and guides. Experienced divers can see rock walls and deep wrecks, all covered with an array of coral and fish. First time scuba divers, after just a few hours of training, can swim weightlessly through the colorful life found on the reefs.

Some of the best dive sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands surround two small uninhabited islands, both named Buck Island. There is Buck Island Reef National Monument, located less than two miles north of St. Croix. There is also Buck Island south of St. Thomas, which has a National Wildlife Refuge. Both islands are short boat rides from the major islands, and are serviced by multiple snorkel and scuba tour companies on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.

And because the U.S. Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States, youll enjoy the added safety of diving within U.S. waters. This means that all dive boats are inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and captains are USCG-certified, highlights the VIEDA website.

Most Virgin Island scuba shops recognize the international scuba certifications by PADI, SSI and NAUI, and offer a full range of instruction. Some of the local beaches, such as Coki Beach and Secret Harbor, are so calm that underwater instruction can be done in the sea instead of a swimming pool. PADI offers scuba certifications for divers as young as 10 years old, and Discover Scuba Diving, which teaches the skills needed by an uncertified diver to safely go down to depths of 40 feet with a dive master.

Most local shops offer a full range of certifications, from junior divers to advanced, and visitors can do the book work online before they arrive. After some classroom reviews, they can begin open water instruction with scuba equipment as soon as they arrive.

I love the fact that unlike all the other dive spots on Earth, in the Virgin Islands, even on the stormiest days, we can tuck in behind some of the smaller islands and find great diving, said Courtnie Robenolt, head instructor at Aqua Action Dive Center on St. Thomas. I worked in the Florida Keys and in Baja Mexico and we lost many days to bad weather.

Aqua Action operates two boats from Secret Harbor. They also offer instruction and guided dives directly from the beach.

Another established shop on the islands is St. Croix Ultimate Blue Water Adventures. When asked if they offer boats to scuba dive nearby Buck Island, shop owner Molly Buckley said, Yes, we do this in conjunction with Caribbean Sea Adventures, who operates a fleet of snorkel boats to Buck Island. We utilize their boat and captain and our dive crew and gear. We have two custom dive boats and [we] dive all of the moored dive sites along St. Croixs north and west shores.

On St. John, scuba divers have access to great beach diving, as well as local shops offering boat trips. Low Key Watersports offers PADI certified instruction, and boat dives to over a dozen great scuba spots around St. John, Little St. James and Buck Islands.

All of the local dive boats utilize mooring balls placed around the most beautiful reefs to prevent anchors from damaging coral. This network of floats and lines are maintained by volunteer scuba divers, often professionals who work for competing businesses. After the hurricanes of 2017, the local shops coordinated repairs to damaged and lost moorings. Calf and Cow Rock, one of the most popular sites south of St. Thomas, now has all five mooring balls back in place. Busy days will see multiple boats launching divers into what Robenolt describes as the dive site Walt Disney would have designed.

The history of scuba diving in the U.S. Virgin Islands begins soon after Emile Gagnan and Jacques-Yves Cousteau perfected a device that was safe, reliable and easy to use. The Aqua-lung was first sold in France in 1946, and in 1947 the U.S. Navy began an Underwater Demolition Team training program housed at Submarine base at Crown Bay on St. Thomas.

The calm and clear waters as well as the absence of strong currents made the St. Thomas base an ideal training facility. New techniques and new equipment were tested and proven, according to Mark Wenner of Caribbean Discourse.

In the early 1960s, before NASA built huge swimming pools to train astronauts, the original Mercury Seven were trained scuba diving in Shipwreck Cove, Buck Island and St. Thomas. The U.S. Navy placed the Tektite habitat in Great Lameshur Bay, St. John in 1969. That year, four aquanauts spent a record 58 days living underwater, studying various aspects of the ecology of coral reef fishes.

An important remnant of the early NASA and Navy scuba diving programs was a hyperbaric chamber brought to St. John, allowing divers at risk of decompression sickness, or the bends, to be treated safely. In 1984, Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas refurbished the discarded chamber and put it back into service.

So far in 2019, our year has been pretty average. We have treated seven cases of the bends so far. It has really helped those in need, said Steve Prosterman, UVI Dive Safety Officer, who has also been working with the chamber since 1985. We have very few customers who have been tourists divers.

Prosterman credits good training of recreational scuba divers for keeping those numbers low, as a majority of cases come from commercial divers.

A critical new development for local scuba businesses is Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, first spotted at the west end of St. Thomas in December 2018, after ravishing the reefs off Florida since 2014. The disease is killing beautiful coral, including so-called brain and pillar corals. According to Robenolt, the disease is a problem.

Packet Rock, Armandos Paradise, Navy Barges and everything west end has it bad! Its really sad, Robenolt said. It has not yet hit Buck Island nor our east end, Cow/Calf etc. Thank goodness, but I went to a meeting about it recently and got some interesting info as to how to keep it from spreading.

UVI is taking the lead combating the disease with a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. Scientists think simple practices such as rinsing equipment with fresh water and letting it dry, especially when traveling to new destinations, can help prevent the disease from spreading farther.

For now, the diverse and healthy ecosystems found in the U.S. Virgin Islands continue to attract great numbers of scuba divers. Many local dive sites havetautological names: the Ledges of Little St. James, the Wall of St. Croix, Wreck Cove, Champagne Cork and Dive Flag Rock. The tropical seas and volcanic geology have created coral reefs that impress well-traveled divers as well as beginners. Scuba diving in these waters blends a rich history, an industry founded on safety and education and conditions that invite scuba divers year round.

As the PADI travel website says, diving here features incredible walls, wrecks and reefs. All islands feature soft, white sand beaches and warm turquoise water. The diversity of the U.S. Virgin Islands means that divers are sure to find the island that fits their vacation dreams and diving desires.

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World Class Scuba Diving Abounds Off the US Virgin Islands - St, Thomas Source

Crimeline accepts tips and offers rewards to tipsters - while protecting your privacy. Call 1-800-423-8477. GINNY BEAGAN/FLORIDA TODAY Wochit

JMeisha Gant, 19, was a hard worker who graduated early from high school and set her mind to serve her country by enlisting into the Army this month.

But instead of celebrating the move, family members will gather for a funeral this week to pay final tributeto the Merritt Island resident whose body was found in the apartment she shared with her mother and brother, according to a family member and authorities.

More: Army veteran's treatment in Brevard jail violated sheriff's office policies

More: Former state Sen. Michael Haridopolos involved in fatal crash on Pineda Causeway in Brevard County

One of the last photos of her, taken in the week before her death, showed her smiling broadly and staring squarely ahead.

"I'm hurting because no mother should go through this. She was a special child," Audrey Hughey said, "I'm her mother. She was surely loved by her family."

Hughey says that she will talk about the case sometime in the future, but she's waiting for more information from the sheriff's office.

"Her death did have an impact on the community," Hughey said.

The Brevard County Sheriffs Office is the agency investigating her death,but so far has not confirmed a body was recovered ordescribed anydetails about the case, including whether foul play is suspected or whetheranyone was being sought for questioning. Tod Goodyear, spokesman for the sheriff's office, did not respond to requests for information in the case.

The sheriff issued the following statement. While Sheriff Wayne Ivey and the Brevard County Sheriffs Office are always willing to answer questions for our many credible news source partners, we do not under any circumstances respond to questions from the Florida Today as we do not consider them to be a credible news source. Our agency is however more than willing to fulfill any public record requests from the Florida Today that is in compliance with Florida State Statute 119. Should you have a Public Record request for our agency please email your request to records@bcso.us so that a member of our team can process your request.

Residents in the complex said deputies and crime scene investigators wereat the complexlast week in the 200 block of Ligustrum Avenue, just east of Courtenay Parkway across from Merritt Island High School.

Investigators questioned residents in and around the apartments about the woman. Relatives also were questioned. Residents said they saw deputieson the first floorof the concrete block building searching for possible fingerprints and other evidence earlier this week.

Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641, jdgallop@floridatoday.com and Twitter @JDGallop

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Family seeks information after woman's body discovered in Merritt Island - Florida Today

Love Island star Lucie Donlan was in danger of revealing a little too much as she slipped into a busty dress at ITV's glitzy Palooza in London at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, tonight.

The surfer chick, 21, wowed in a sizzling fishtail gown with a keyhole neckline, which gave a daring flash at her ample cleavage.

The telly star was nearly showing off more than she bargained for in her risqu black gown which had a plunging center feature.

It appeared the star nearly suffered a wardrobe malfunction after she was snapped adjusting herself in the not-so-forgiving outfit.

Regardless of the near wardrobe mishap, Lucie continued to showcase her incredible hourglass figure in the figure hugging dress as she posed up a storm on the red carpet.

The beauty screamed sexiness as she wore her blonde locks in a tousled wet style and rocked an edgy make-up look with smoky eyeshadow.

The reality star was joined by her handsome beau Joe Garratt who looked dapper at the event in a smart black tux.

The smitten pair joined the likes of Vicky Pattison , Gemma Collins and Ferne McCann at the glamorous London event.

While the 2019 Love Island squad was in full force with Maura Higgins , Amber Gill, Amy Hart and Tommy Fury all dazzling on the red carpet.

Lucie revealed back in September that she and Joe had never split up after the Love Island villa, and had been secretly dating.

Theirs wasn't a smooth path to romance though, as other boys and girls in the villa threw spanners in the works.

On Day One, Lucie chose to couple up with the sandwich maker without a second thought.

After Curtis Pritchard and Tommy Fury rocked up though, second-place winning Tommy chose to couple up with the surfer babe.

She coupled up with Joe again, but before he was dumped from the island, he incurred the wrath of fans by telling her she shouldn't be spending so much time with Tommy.

He wanted her to be putting her time into friendships with the girls instead, which didn't go down well and had him branded controlling and manipulative.

Still, after Lucie was dumped alongside Casa Amor beau George, she seemed to find the spark with Joe again and the couple are still going strong!

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Love Island's Lucie Donlan almost spills out of her dress as she joins beau Joe at ITV Palooza - Mirror Online

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Lorraine Kelly cackled as she picked up one some tension between Love Island stars Amy Hart and Curtis Pritchard.

Amy and Curtis were at the centre of one of the most shocking Love Island splits ever way back in June this year, with the former air hostess admitting she had to see a therapist as a result.

Curtis swiftly moved on with Maura Higgins, whose relationship is just one of two from the series to remain intact. Molly Mae Hague and Tommy Fury are also still as strong as ever, which she feels pretty smug about.

However, Amy and Curtis who have been respectively amicable in recent months were reunited at the red carpet for last nights ITV Palooza where Lorraine sensed some bad blood.

I need to ask you something later actually, its a secret, Amy told Curtis, chuckling.

But Lorraine whose show will be moved to 9am to replace axed The Jeremy Kyle Show saw something else.

They styled it out quite well but there was a little tension, she quipped.

Regardless, Amy will be moving on and trying her luck at another dating show, Celebs Go Dating, alongside Scary Spice Mel B and This Morning hero Alison Hammond.

The 27-year-old recently laughed off reports she was dating 48-year-old Toby Anstis, joking: Hes the same age as my mum.

Lorraine airs weekdays at 8.30am on ITV. Love Island returns to ITV in January 2020.

If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you.

MORE: Love Islands Jourdan Riane refuses to date another celebrity after hurtful Danny Williams split

MORE: Spice Girl Mel B joins Love Islands Amy Hart and signs up to Celebs Go Dating

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Lorraine cackles tension between Love Island Amy Hart and Curtis Pritchard - Metro.co.uk

Friends and family of Cassandra LynnEllis, also known as Cassie, are grieving after she was killed in a head-oncrash Sunday afternoon.

The 35-year-old mother of four was onher way to the beach when police say a black Jeep Renegade SUV crashed into herHonda Pilot.

Police say the crash happened on QueenKaahumanu Highway around 2:10 p.m. near the 90 mile marker.

Police say a 25-year-old Kamuela man wasdriving the Renegade when he passed a vehicle and struck Ellis car.

Two of her daughters, Taylor (15), andTrinity (10), were in the car. Taylors best friend Kawena Haserot (15) wasalso in the car.

Both Taylor and Kawena were taken toKona Hospital and later transported to Queens Medical Center on Oahu incritical condition.

Taylor and Trinitys father, DannyCampogan, said it was an airbag that saved Trinitys life. She was taken to KonaHospital and released.

Cassie was also taken to Kona Hospitalwhere she was pronounced dead at 8:26 p.m.

I know the car caught on fire andeverybody inside was unconscious, said Laurel Haserot, Kawenas mother. Therewere some aunties and uncles that stopped for the accident and I thank God forthem because they started pulling the girls out, breaking the windows with fireextinguishers, and getting the girls outotherwise they would be deadtoo.

Both Haserot and Campogan said their daughtersdont remember much of the crash.

And both suffered severe injuries andmight not be able to do the activities they love to do ever again.

Campogan said his daughter had a hole onthe side of her head. Doctors took a skin graph from her leg to make up for theskin on her head. She received more than 100 stitches and had bleeding in herhead.

She was excelling at everything, shehad the option to graduate a year early, her dad said.

Its only this morning that I told herthat her mom didnt make it, and that was probably the heaviest situation inthis whole thing, Campogan said.

Ellis also leaves behind a 2-year-olddaughter, Lucy.

Shes asking for her mommy and allI could tell her is, Shes sleeping, and that was yesterday and I dont knowwhat Im going to tell her today, said Lucys father and Ellis boyfriend JohnLim Jr.

Kawenas mother Laurel said her daughtermay not be able to swim ever again because she has a broken femur.

Where the accident happened is a notoriously deadly stretch of road, Haserot said. There are some blind hills and people are in a rush to get into town or to get to the airport and theyre not looking where theyre going and apparently this guy was also under the influence of something and unfortunately tragedy happened.

Friends and family say Ellis was abeautiful person inside and out and they are devastated someone who police saywas under the influence of an intoxicant took her away.

Her aunt, Joann Schaan wrote the following to KHON2:

Cassandra Lynn is a beautiful soul. Her happiness and sense of humor could light up any situation. She is the only child of Laura Bjur Matzen and Jim Ellis. She has lived in Hawaii (Kailua Kona) for almost 20 years and considers herself a true Hawaiian.

She has four beautiful daughters who are the delight of her life, Taylor, Lana, Trinity, and Lucy. She spent the first several years in Hawaii learning from the School of Hard Knocks. She took herself down to rock bottom and then lifted herself and her family out of the pit and has become a successful entrepreneur of Two Chicks Cleaning along with her best friends Leilani Alcain and Alicia Brunette.

She hangs with a great bunch of people who are her friends and they all provide mutual sober support. She has focused on loving life clean and serene and it has been a beautiful experience to see her blossom into such an intelligent loving woman.

This is a tragedy of epic proportions for her children and us and it certainly was not worth those last few drinks or hits or whatever her murderer had taken.

Policesay the driver of the Jeep Renegade was injured in the collision and was takento Kona Community Hospital for treatment.

Thedriver was later arrested for Negligent Homicide, operating a vehicle under theinfluence of an intoxicant, Reckless Driving, three counts of NegligentInjury.

He waslater released pending further investigation.

Policebelieve that speed and drugs are factors in the collision.

Ellis family is angry because Ellis did so much to try and keep children away from the drugs.

Cassie had a fishing tournament she facilitatedevery year, Keiki Come First Tournament, where it was kids against drugs andevery year they would hold a fishing tournament on small boats and every yearshe was the facilitator, explained Campogan.

Im really not happy that guy is outwalking the streets right now. My daughter is in the hospital for days, herfriend is in the hospital for days, her mom is never going to live again andthis guy is out living his life again, said Haserot.

Campogan said a memorial was put inplace at the scene of the crash. His 13 and 10-year-old daughter went to put upa cross for their mother.

The family is pleading for people to think twice before getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

That driver ruined our lives, and its wrong. We need to all be better than that, said Campogan.

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Mother of 4 killed in head-on collision on Hawaii Island - KHON2

An aerial view of Dollar Island, which includes a cottage, boathouse, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree. (Courtesy of Lon Lehman)

CEDARVILLE, MI - A small island in Lake Huron that once sold for $1 is going for a lot more now that it appears as a small but ornate castle in the center of a very large mote.

Dollar Island is in the Les Cheneaux chain of 36 islands. The government oncesold it for $1, historians say. Now, it could be yours for$850,000. It was listedin late August.

In 1913, the 0.6-acre island had a windmill and cabin. In the past 100 years, the seasonal home thats accessible by boat has been enhanced into a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cottage surrounded by views of Lake Huron and neighboring islands.

The little wooden castle complete with a turret and tree room is surrounded by features that make use of the waterfront location, including a three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck, docks, a gazebo accessible by a small bridge and a waterfront kissing booth.

An aerial view of Les Cheneaux Islands in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The 36-island chain includes Dollar Island. (Courtesy of Lon Lehman)

Dollar Island is centered in Snows Channel betweenCedarville and Marquette Island.It is about 4 miles by boatfromdowntown Cedarville launch rampthru a protected waterway.TheLes Cheneaux islands are northeast of Mackinac Island.

Although the island is listed as seasonal, it is accessible by snowmobile when the ice is this thick enough in the winter, said realtor Brenda DeRosha, of Coldwell Banker Schmidt in Cedarville.

We have had a lot of people calling about it, she said. A lot of people have gone by it and theyre interested to see. We still have a boat in the water and it can still be shown up until the ice comes.

A view of the turret and its wrap-around balcony that's part of the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes a boathouse, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree. (Courtesy of John Griffin)

The cottage features a white wooden exterior with green details and a red roof. Its 1.5 stories with 1,612 square feet.

A tree grows through the roof and rivals the height of elaborate turret. The tree can be viewed inside the home through a window into the tree room.

The tall turret includes a wrap-around balcony with red and green detailing.

The interior of the home is set off by pine walls, cupboards, doors and archways. The floors are hardwood. The living room includes a stone fireplace with a pine mantel.

Nearly every room of the house provides access to the outdoors or solarium, which is home to an extra dining area and a hot tub. A bathroom that connects to the solarium includes a sauna.

The kissing booth is a covered seating area facing out to the water - a perfect spot for a stargazing. The gazebo is accessible through a door off the kitchen, and then across an arched bridge; it's set up with a four-top table.

This is truly a one-of-a-kind island, the listing says.

Continue scrolling to see photos of the property. Find the listing here.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a gazebo settled on a boulder off Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the waterfront "kissing booth" on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the kitchen at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, three-stall boat house, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of Lon Lehman

An aerial view of Dollar Island, which includes a cottage, boathouse, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a bedroom at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree. The cottage has three bedrooms.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the kitchen at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the doors to the washer and dryer closet off the living room at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the three-stall boathouse on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a bedroom at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree. The cottage has three bedrooms.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the dining room at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view into the "tree room" where a tree grows up through the roof of the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of one of two bathrooms at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the bathroom sauna and door to the hot tub in the solarium at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the solarium that includes a hot tub at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of one of two bathrooms at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the living room in the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a small grassy area on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the exterior of the solarium at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view inside a gazebo settled on a boulder off Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the three-stall boathouse on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree. One of the stalls has a removable floor to transform it into a workshop.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view into the "tree room" where a tree grows up through the roof of the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the living room in the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the triple water filtration system that pulls water from Lake Huron for use on Dollar Island, which includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the living room in the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the turret and its wrap-around balcony that's part of the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes a boathouse, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the living room in the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the stone fireplace and pine mantel in the living room in the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the front porch at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes a three-stall boathouse, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of one of two bathrooms at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the kitchen at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the workshop inside one of three boathouse stalls on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the washer and dryer in a closet off the living room at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of boat dock that features a hammock on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a seating area in the solarium at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the workshop inside one of three boathouse stalls on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a deck on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a covered entrance into the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the workshop inside one of three boathouse stalls on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the dock that wraps around the three-stall boathouse on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the kitchen at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the deck that wraps around the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

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You can buy this tiny island near Mackinac for $850K - MLive.com

Fans cant stop watching The Curse of Oak Island on The History Channel. The series follows Rick and Marty Lagina as they try to unlock a 200-year-old mystery and discover the treasure thats rumored to be buried on the island. With a combination of cutting edge technology, determination, and ingenuity, the Lagina brothers seem closer than ever to finally finding the buried treasure they seek.

The search so far has been expensive and dangerous plus, theLaginas havent found the treasure trove they know is buried somewhere on OakIsland. But now with the premiere of Season 7, we have so much to look forwardto. I think the audience is going to be amazed anda bit stunned, as we were, by the discoveries, Rick said in the teaser.

And theres one theory about the buried treasure that fans are saying makes a lot of sense. Could it be the missing piece to solve the mystery?

The main issue that prevents the Lagina brothers from finding the treasure is they only have vague theories about where its hidden. If they had a treasure map with an X to mark the exact location to dig, they would have found the hidden riches years ago. But now one researcher and historian says he has an idea how to help them pinpoint where to dig next.

James McQuiston visited the island in June and while he was there, he formulated a very compelling theory about the buried treasure. According to him, the fortune could have been hidden there by the Scots, who arrived to establish a settlement in the 1600s.

In a sense its all circumstantial, but its based on actual documents that still exist, McQuinston explained about his theory. Thats whats different with mine. If someone hand-writes something, who knows when it was actually written? Mine is based on actual documents that exist.

Theres more than one theory about who buried the treasureon Oak Island and why. But McQuinstons idea makes a lot of sense, and he explainshow he was filmed during his June visit to the island for about 10 hours, thoughhes unsure how much of the footage will make it onto Season 7.

And as for his theory? McQuinston is so flattered to beconsidered one of the most plausible suggestions. I was thrilled I made number six. Of course, in my mind, it shouldhave been number one, he said, as reported by usnews.com.

Even though McQuinston doesntknow for sure exactly what will happen during Season 7 of The Curse of OakIsland, hes confident that the Laginas are on the verge of a majordiscovery.

When I was talkingto Rick (Lagina) this year, he said they have data points from two differentsources, and if its what we think they are, youre going to be back up here.Its neat to hear, but nothing like putting me in suspense, McQuinstonsaid.

Does that mean his theoryabout the Scots is right? Well find out soon enough!

Catch episodes of TheCurse of Oak Island on Tuesday nights on The History Channel.

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'The Curse of Oak Island': This Theory About the Buried Treasure Makes So Much Sense - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

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ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- Starting in 2020, recreational marijuana will be legal in Illinois. In an effort to help answer questions and clear up confusion, the City of Rock Island held a panel discussion.

The panel consisted of experts from human resources, law enforcement, medicine, government and the cannabis business. The Rock Island Library and the Rock Island Community and Economic Development Department hosted,

"There is obviously some concern about the negative impacts of it," Rock Island planning and redevelopment administrator Mile Brainard said. "But, there are a lot of positive things to think about it too. Including diversification of the economy, jobs, and of course some tax revenue."

According to panelist, current Illinois medical dispensaries get the first set of licenses for recreational use. Brainard says this means individual businesses probably won't be able to get their license for the first six months to one year.

"Nothing will happen immediately," Brainard said. "In the first year or two, we may only see one or two dispensaries open up. We think that there won't actually be that much of an impact in the first few years."

People were able to ask questions about drug testing, driving impairment, and taxes.

The panel didn't have all the answers though, explaining that many things aren't established in the legislature.

"There are a lot of details that are a little confusing," Brainard said. "There's been disagreements about what certain parts of the act means."

Watch the full question and answer with the panel below.

"The Pot Panel: Cannabis Legalization Q & A" is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12 at the Rock Island Downtown Library.

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Watch: Rock Island holds panel discussion on what recreational marijuana will look like for the city - WQAD Moline

Teacher Joshua Laurin said he wanted to use one of his students to beat two other students to death and injure a thirdGetty images

A substitute teacher on Vancouver Island has been disciplined by the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation for inappropriate comments made during a Grade 8 field trip.

Joshua Frederick Roland Laurin was employed as a teacher on-call at a Campbell River school last November when he was overheard saying he didnt like his job or being around kids during a field trip with Grade 8 students.

Laurin also said he wanted to use one of his students to beat two other students to death and injure a third.

According to the agreed statement of facts in the commissioners ruling, Laurin then told the students back in class that if he was going to die the following day he would want to hurt students as he wouldnt then get into any trouble.

Some students who heard these comments described them as weird and reported feeling shocked by them, although they thought that Laurin was joking, the ruling said.

After the incident, School District 79 (Campbell River) issued Laurin a letter of discipline and suspended him from its TOC list from Dec. 3-21.

He was also required to complete a course on reinforcing professional boundaries.

The commissioner for regulation considered the previous discipline and handed Laurin an additional one-day suspension.

Laurin failed to appreciate howhis comments might be interpreted by students, the commissioner said in the ruling.

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Vancouver Island teacher suspended for inappropriate comments - Vancouver Sun

In the past few years, due to factors that were beyond Greeces control, cruising has seen a slight drop from its previous peaks, he said.

As a result, it can be stated that our destinations do not currently face an issue of excessive cruising flows. Having said that, as the area picks up and Greece enters again the calendar of the big cruise ships, we need to ensure that the management of the flow is done in such a way that does not create temporary problems.

After being in the job for only two months, Theoharis faced his first challenge in the collapse of Thomas Cook. We feel confident the long-term effects will be minimised, he said, adding that destinations hit by the operators collapse, such as Skiathos and Zakynthos, will be subject to additional promotion.

His next big challenge in terms of the UK, will be Brexit, the effects of which he said have been exaggerated. He said when there is clarity next year this should lift most psychological barriers and have a positive effect, if any on British travellers visiting Greece.

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How Greece is tackling overtourism, the migrant crisis and the fallout from Thomas Cook's failure - The Telegraph

The Rugby World Cup and dating show Love Island helped bolster viewing figures and advertising revenue at ITV over the past three months.

The chief executive, Carolyn McCall, whose strategy is to build ITV into a digitally led media and entertainment company said on-screen and online viewing had performed well.

Highlights included four of the five highest-rating new dramas this year and the Rugby World Cup, when the audience for the South Africa v England final peaked at 12.8 million.

The broadcaster said it had also reached its target of 30 million registered users of its ITV Hub before its target date.

The companys shares have risen 30% in the past three months as improving advertising trends and demand for new programming, particularly in the US, have bolstered the business. They closed up 1.7% at 138p on Tuesday, though they are still down on their 155p peak of a year ago and 275p four years ago.

Advertising revenue was up 1% in the third quarter, despite Brexit uncertainty forcing companies to adopt a cautious approach to spending.

The final quarter is expected to be either flat or up 1%, after falling 5% in the first half of the year.

The ITV Studios business, McCall said, was enjoying a very strong second half delivery schedule with ITV America benefiting from the US version of Love Island and other popular programming.

ITV has built up its studios production business in recent years to reduce its reliance on fluctuating advertising trends, while McCall, a former chief executive of easyJet and the Guardian Media Group, is also developing digital offerings to help the broadcaster compete with the likes of Netflix and Amazon.

She said the recent launch of BritBox, a streaming service that includes content from the ITV and BBC archives, had been successful and a distribution deal with BT and EE had been agreed.

ITV had a strong schedule for the coming months, McCall said, including Im A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, England qualifiers for the Euro 2020 football championship and the return of Saturday Night Takeaway and Liar.

Richard Hunter, the head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: ITV is swimming against a strong current but is making some steady progress.

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Love Island and Rugby World Cup boosts ITV - The Guardian

Two people have been arrested after investigations into a family-based tobacco smuggling syndicate in Auckland.

Customs Investigations manager Bruce Berry said officers intercepted 79.6kg of tobacco. Photo: 123RF

Customs started looking into the case earlier this year and found that the family was manipulating travellers to illegally bring tobacco into New Zealand from the Cook Islands.

Customs Investigations manager Bruce Berry said officers intercepted 79.6kg of tobacco and $113,422 in evaded taxes.

"We saw a spike in interceptions of... people identified travelling with tobacco about 18 months ago," he said.

Mr Berry said a 34-year-old man was arrested at Auckland Airport on Tuesday after returning from Rarotonga.

His mother, who is 52 years old, was arrested this morning after executed search warrants.

The pair are believed to be linked to organised crime in Auckland.

"This was a systemic fraud where they were utilising friends and family travelling from Rarotonga," said Mr Berry.

"Criminals or opportunists may assume Customs isn't concerned about travellers who try to smuggle undeclared tobacco, but that's not true - we have a team that specifically targets the organisers of cross-border revenue fraud."

Mr Berry said New Zealand Customs worked closely with the Cook Islands Customs Service and the Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit in this case.

He said further arrests were likely.

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Two arrests after probe into tobacco smuggling from Cook Islands - RNZ

An undersea volcanic eruption in the Tongan archipelago has sunk one island and created another one that is three times larger, according to a report by geologists released on Thursday.

Taaniela Kula, of the Tonga Geological Service, said the new island is estimated to be about 100 metres wide and 400 metres long, and is situated about 120 metres west of its now-submerged predecessor, Lateiki island.

The upheaval followed an 18-day undersea eruption last month in an area prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

The new island lies between Kao and Late in the Pacific island nations northern Haapai group of islands.

Tonga sits on the notorious Ring of Fire, an area of frequent seismic activity in the Pacific ocean and which is responsible for about 90% of the worlds earthquakes.

In late 2014 the eruption of an undersea volcano created another Tongan island that is now home to plants and birdlife.

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Volcanic eruption creates new island in Tongan archipelago - The Guardian

Channel Nine Love Island Australia contestant Cynthia Taylu.

With continuous 24/7 footage and only just over an hour of screen time per episode, plenty of Love Island content this season never made it to air.

One example was a conversation between fan favourite Cynthia Taylu and co-star Phoebe Thompson, in which the contestants spoke about their cultural heritage and connection with hair.

Me and Cynthia actually had a conversation about black womens hair in the villa but they obviously didnt air that, Phoebe told HuffPost Australia.

The 28-year-old, whose father is Jamaican and mother is English and German, said she spoke about her hair journey with Cynthia, who was born in Liberia, west Africa.

My hair is naturally really curly. When I was younger I relaxed my hair and I even said when I was in there [the villa], Id love to shave my head and grow my natural hair out, she said.

Channel Nine Love Island Australia's Cynthia Taylu and Phoebe Thompson.

But I think its also really important to not judge a woman or specifically black women on how they want to style their hair. If you want it to be natural, then absolutely.

A girl should never be ashamed of her natural hair but then also you shouldnt shun black women or say that they dont like who they are because they want to have straight hair or wear a weave. Its really just up to the person and what they want to do.

Cynthias the first black contestant to appear on the Australian version of Love Island.

The 23-year-old model from Brisbane has been vocal about the challenges shes faced with her Afro-textured hair, admitting showing her natural hair leaves her feeling vulnerable as its letting the world know who I really am, and stripping off the layers is confronting.

Cynthia arrived at the Fiji filming location sporting shiny brown locks with a bold front fringe a very different look to her naturally curly black hair which shes presented in a previous blog post.

Growing up in Australia, I always envied my Caucasian friends hair the texture, the length, and the ease of maintaining their hair, she wrote forAscension magazinein 2017.

Cynthia initially came to Australia at age seven with her biological father before moving in with her aunt, and it was during her schooling when she experimented more with her hair. She wore her hair braided with extensions or clip-ins up until high school, before wearing a full set of weave or relaxing her natural hair, which involves chemical straightening.

Extensions were always the easier option, and from a young age I associated long hair with beauty. I couldnt see the beauty of my natural hair; it was like a rebellious child I could never quite tame, she wrote.

This Thursday marks the Love Island Australia finale, and the remaining couples in the villa are Cynthia Taylu and Aaron Shaw, Anna McEvoy and Josh Packham, and Cartier Surjan and Matt Zukowski.

Love Island Australias finale week continues on Wednesday and Thursday on Channel Nine.

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The Cynthia Taylu Conversation We All Missed On Love Island Australia - HuffPost Australia

ST. CLOUD --Learn about the Beaver Islands and Talahi Woods during an informational meeting next week. The Southeast St. Cloud Neighborhood Preservation Coalition is hosting its 11th annual meeting on Monday.

Minnesota's National Register Archaeologist David Mather will be the featured speaker.

Spokeswoman Ann Marie Johnson says he'll be able to talk a lot about how the city and the university utilized the islands over the years.

On one of the bigger islands, there was a tree nursery planted on there by professor Frederich who was a biology professor at St. Cloud State. They had picnics out there on one of the bigger islands, and of course, there was a bridge at one point.

Johnson says another topic of discussion is the newly established Southeast St. Cloud New Deal-Built Landscapes Historic District. It is the first historic district in St. Cloud in nearly 20 years.

It does cover four of our really significant sites, Riverside Park with Munsinger Gardens, Killean Boulevard, Selke Field, and George W. Fredrich Park, so that's pretty exciting.

The meeting is open to all city residents, not just the people who live in southeast St. Cloud. It will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday at St. Benedict's Senior Community.

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SE Neighborhood Meeting Talking Beaver Islands, Talahi Woods - WJON News