Not wearing a life vest could cost you $100

Monday, May 30th, 2011, 4:47pm

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Many people are trying to cool off today by jumping into the James River for a swim, but not everyone is wearing a life jacket like they should be. You can even be fined $100 for not wearing one.

The signs at city parks are pretty clear - if the river level is above 5 feet, you must have a life jacket on to get in the water. But many people see that more as a suggestion than a requirement.

Head to the James River and you'll see a lot of people in the water, but not a lot of life vests. Anthony Melton is one of many people jumping in the James without a life jacket.

"We saw the signs (saying to wear a life jacket)," Melton said. "We're pretty hefty guys so it doesn't really work for us to wear those vests very comfortably, so we'll take the chance of just swimming in the water."

Firefighters were busy this afternoon responding to several calls of people stuck in the water without a life vest.

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Hundreds Turn Out for Memorial Day Service at War Memorial

Submitted by NBC12 News Staff

Monday, May 30th, 2011, 4:14pm

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) -- Hundreds of people showed up at the Virginia War Memorial this morning to pay tribute to those Virginians who have lost their lives defending our freedom.

"I'm just proud and thankful," said Richard Featherstone.

"It makes us feel proud," said WW II Vet, Russell Beggs.

"I still share the tears," said Vietnam Vet Ernest Smith. He visits the War Memorial often, and every time he get's the same feeling, especially on this Memorial Day.

"Tearful. Very tearful. T-e-a-r-f-u-l. Tearful. Very tearful," he said.

He even carries a tissue around, in his right hand.

"There are many names on this wall. These are people that have given their lives, given everything they had and we should come and give thanks," said Featherstone.

"It's a wonderful feeling to be here and I get so many thank you's. That makes you proud," said Beggs.

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Hundreds turn out for Memorial Day service at War Memorial

Submitted by Danielle Wilson, 12 About Town online reporter

Monday, May 30th, 2011, 1:59pm

Hundreds turn out for Memorial Day service at War Memorial

By Gene Petriello

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) -- Hundreds of people showed up at the Virginia War Memorial this morning to pay tribute to those Virginians who have lost their lives defending our freedom.

"I'm just proud and thankful," says Richard Featherstone.

"It makes us feel proud," says WW II Vet, Russell Beggs.

"I still share the tears," says Vietnam Vet Ernest Smith. He visits the War Memorial often, and every time he get's the same feeling, especially on this Memorial Day.

"Tearful. Very tearful. T-e-a-r-f-u-l. Tearful. Very tearful," he says.

He even carries a tissue around, in his right hand.

"There are many names on this wall. These are people that have given their lives, given everything they had and we should come and give thanks," says Featherstone.

"It's a wonderful feeling to be here and I get so many thank you's.

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Free shuttle service to Belle Isle

Submitted by NBC12 News Staff

Monday, May 30th, 2011, 7:26am

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - To help you have a safer Memorial Day holiday at the river, the To the Bottom and Back bus is offering a free shuttle service to Belle Isle.

It's available today, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

We're told the route will be between The Fan and Shockoe Bottom, dropping people off at Belle Isle every 30 minutes.

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Increased patrols at city parks for Memorial Day Weekend

Submitted by NBC12 News Staff

Saturday, May 28th, 2011, 8:27pm

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Many of you are probably heading outdoors for Memorial Day Weekend and if you head to a city park for some fun and sun, you'll probably see some extra police patrols.

Many people like to enjoy a beer outside with weather like this, but police are trying to remind people that you're not allowed to bring alcohol into city parks.

So don't be surprised if you get a ticket if you try to bring it anyway.

Kendall Carter is one of many people heading to James River Park for Memorial Day Weekend. Like many people, she brought a few beers to the park.

"Everyone does it," Carter said. "I'm sure the cops know everyone is going to do it so you just keep it covered up. Put it in a cup."

That's where Patrol Officer Stacy Rogers comes in. He has patrolled city parks on his bike for almost two years and is part of some increased patrols during the holiday weekend.

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Eyewitness sees shooting suspects

Submitted by NBC12 News Staff

Friday, May 27th, 2011, 10:52pm

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) – We're uncovering new information about a shooting Friday afternoon that left a Richmond man clinging to life. He was simply caught in the crossfire when the bullets started flying on the 800 block of North 37th Street.

One eyewitness claims the suspects ran onto her property and that she was questioned by police this afternoon. Now she's hoping for more police presence in her neighborhood to protect her family.

The streets in her Richmond neighborhood were cluttered with police cars and crime scene tape after shots were fired there. Neighbors are concerned after hearing the victim was an innocent bystander.

"We just finished checking on his niece and her son," said neighbor, Katrina Seabrin. "We just finished checking on them and his other people that's around the block, just making sure everybody's okay.

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Graziano, City want judge to dismiss harassment lawsuit

Submitted by NBC12 News Staff

Friday, May 27th, 2011, 10:32pm

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Richmond and its council president want a judge to throw out a sexual harassment lawsuit. Jennifer Walle, the former aid to council member Bruce Tyler, is suing Kathy Graziano, her aide, David Hathcock, and the city for $500,000.

We obtained court documents that outline Graziano, the City of Richmond and Hathcock's defense to this lawsuit. We took them to our legal analyst who says in the end this case will likely come down to he said/she said.

Walle alleges battery and that there was the intentional infliction of mental distress. NBC12 legal analyst Steven Benjamin says the latter is much harder to prove.

"You're talking about intentional outrageous conduct that certainly would cause extreme mental distress. A mother or father seeing their child intentionally run over by the driver of a car," he said.

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