March 18 – Marcia Lane, roving reporter

This news bulletin is brought to you in conjunction with NATKIM Radio. Listen to WPLK (800 AM), WIYD (1260 AM) and WPLK FM (98.3 FM).

Public schools are out for spring break in Putnam and St. Johns counties this week. Also out St. Johns River State College in all three counties. If you’re in Putnam and looking for something for little kids and grandpas to do, Touch A Truck will be out at the John Theobold Center off U.S. 17 today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fire trucks, police cars and even a helicopter are expected.

Here at NatKim radio we’re making news – starting today we have another FM station. 104.9 FM will join WIYD’s 1260AM. Listen to any of our stations including WPLK 800 AM and 98.3 FM.

Fire chief Melvin Asher of Pomona Park-Lake Como Volunteer Fire Department died this weekend. John Chapman, chaplain for the department, has sent out a request for financial and physical help for the family. The Ashers have had multiple health issues over the past year and have been in danger of losing their home, says Chapman. To help, call him at 386-546-2007.

A couple of fires in Putnam County over the weekend. On Saturday units responded to a structure fire at 136 Phillips Avenue in Interlachen Lake Estates. Reportedly two families lived in the house and the fire has left five children and three adults without anything. Also Saturday a structure fire behind Winn-Dixie in Palatka brought out fire units into unincorporated Palatka. The structure was at Alabama and Third avenues.

A Flagler County Sheriff’s Deputy parked in front of his house in Palm Coast had his patrol car broken into Saturday. A handgun and rifle were stolen. The car was locked, according to the Sheriff’s Office. An investigation is under way including checking the security system in Deputy Daniel LaVerne’s car.

Flagler City Commission won’t be taking up the issue of paid parking anytime soon. The commission had a study done on the feasibility of paying for parking but decided it isn’t needed at this time. The city was projected to raise $300,000 in three years using paid parking but meter maids and monitored parking would have been required and most of the money would have gone for a private firm to implement and put the system in place.

If you’re driving I-95 in Flagler County for the next year and a half expect some delays. Starting today the Department of Transportation is overseeing a $28.8 million project that will repave all 17 miles of I-95 in Flagler County. The work will go from the Old Dixie Highway interchange at Exit 289 to the St. Johns County line. One-lane traffic will be in place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and double lane closures will be from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Area law enforcement is on the lookout for some hot vending machines. The WalMart in St. Augustine contacted St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office after they found out three people who were suppose to be with the maintenance company overseeing a vending claw machine were actually thieves. WalMart discovered the theft after a real repairman with the company showed up to do maintenance. Turns out a similar vending claw machine was recently stolen from a WalMart in Gainesville. Maybe someone wanted a matching set for their rec room.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.