MIDDLE SCHOOL ARTISTS
     News herald photo by LESTER MURRAY Maude Laird Middle School held its contest last Wednesday for the art students in Donna Mathis' Art I and Art II classes. Above, Chloe Nisbett and Dominique McGaha took first place. Nisbett is in Art I and McGaha is in Art II. Anna Grace Miller took second in Art I and Giovanna Murillo took third in Art I. Christian Davis took second in Art II and Savanah Boyd took third in Art II. All of the artwork entered for competition is on display at MLMS for parents and friends to enjoy.
More ...

French seize bogus chocolates
      PARIS (AP) — Ten tons of chocolate bonbons could stuff a lot of stockings this holiday season — but instead they will be under the lock and key of French customs agents.
More ...

2 killed, 1 hurt in Dallas-area road shootings
By REGINA L. BURNS Associated Press Writer
      DALLAS (AP) — A manhunt continued Tuesday morning for a gunman in a pickup who is suspected of killing two people and injuring another in a series of rush hour shootings on Dallas area roads. The suspect was last seen Monday evening heading west on Interstate 635.
More ...

3 Chinese ships to leave Friday for Somalia
By ANITA CHANG Associated Press Writer
      BEIJING (AP) — Chinese warships on a mission to protect their country's vessels and crews from pirate attacks off Somalia will depart Friday, armed with special forces, helicopters and plans to share information with other countries working in the area.
More ...

German frigate begins anti-piracy patrols
By CLAUDIA KEMMER Associated Press Writer
      DJIBOUTI (AP) — A German navy frigate sailed out of Djibouti's harbor on Tuesday to join what the country's defense minister said was a necessary but potentially tough mission to protect civilian ships from Somaliabased pirates.
More ...