‘Tiny but mighty kitten' rescued from BMW engine needs a home. Meet Beemer
'Meet Beemer, a tiny but mighty kitten with a big heart and even bigger speed,' a North Carolina animal shelter wrote July 7 on Facebook. 'Rescued from the engine of a BMW, this little survivor quickly traded car parts for couch cuddles.'
Beemer, whose name is commonly used to refer to BMW vehicles, is up for adoption after she landed at Burlington Animal Services in June. The person who brought her to the facility is now caring for her in a foster home, the shelter wrote in an online adoption profile and in an email to McClatchy News.
'Beemer may be little, but she's full of life, love, and the funniest habits,' the shelter wrote. 'Her foster mom even calls her 'Bullet' because she zooms like one.'
The kitten, believed to be about 8 weeks old, is described as friendly and 'playful.' In foster care, she enjoys soaking up affection and showing off her energetic side.
'She's smart, sweet, and already litterbox trained (a total star student),' the shelter wrote. 'Her favorite hobbies? Sprinting around the house at full speed, napping beside her Husky foster sibling, and getting burrito-wrapped for bedtime snuggles.'
As of July 8, Beemer still was in need of a new owner. Anyone interested in meeting her is asked to email the shelter at fosterpets@burlingtonnc.gov.
Burlington is a roughly 20-mile drive east from Greensboro.
Parts of the region were hit with flash flooding and tornadoes from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal, which made landfall in South Carolina on July 6, The News & Observer reported. After the storm and Fourth of July fireworks, Burlington Animal Services in a Facebook post said it has been 'bursting at the seams' with missing pets.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Chicago Tribune
6 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Column: State must pony up for ‘Deadly Coast' rescue gear
Marketing folks have tried to slap an inviting name to describe this side of Lake Michigan. Over the years they've offered the Third Coast, Inland Coast and Fresh Coast. It's worked for Florida, which has the snowbird-inviting Treasure Coast, Gold Coast and Emerald Coast, among other coasts. Tourism officials in the Sunshine State have ignored naming a portion of the Atlantic side, between Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral, the Shark Coast for obvious reasons. This, despite the frequency of swimmers attacked by the predators in near-shore surf. Likewise, nobody has proposed the Deadly Coast for Lake County's portion of the Big Lake. Although that moniker has some truth to it, according to Lake County fire-rescue officials, who say they need better equipment for rescue operations up and down the coastline where, at the northern end, much of it lacks lifeguards. So far this season, emergency calls to water incidents have totaled six, including one death. That was a 20-year-old Waukegan resident who died last month after a rescue diver pulled him from the lake by Illinois Beach State Park. The park, the state's second-most visited, has seen increased visitor numbers since the beach underwent shoreline restoration work. About a week after the drowning, a rescue operation saved a rider who was in distress after falling off his personal watercraft near the state's North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor. Last year, Beach Park Fire Department firemedics responded to two drownings, according to officials. From 2016 to 2022, shoreline fire departments have answered about 30 calls for water rescues. Across the lakes' region, the nonprofit Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, based in south suburban Homewood, has tallied 31 drownings to date this year, with 15 of those in Lake Michigan, far and away the most of any of the big lakes. In 2024, Lake Michigan claimed more than 94 lives. The group has counted 1,362 drownings overall in the Great Lakes since 2010, including those of a father and son from Chicago's south suburbs who died in the lake near Indiana Dunes National Park on July 5. The area was lucky over the Fourth of July weekend with the National Weather Service issuing a beach-hazard advisory for Lake County, which began July 5 and lasted until nightfall on July 7. Life-threatening and dangerously high waves, from three to six feet, battered the shoreline and swimming beaches, forecasters had predicted. The danger of Lake Michigan is its propensity for rip currents, high waves and quick drop-offs. Adding to those hazards are beachgoers ignoring the peril of the Big Lake, although there is a 2023 state law that mandates water-safety training in schools for all kindergarteners through sixth graders. Area rescuers say they are being hamstrung by the lack of equipment needed to handle quicker water extractions with fire chiefs from Beach Park, Winthrop Harbor and Zion outlining last month what they need, according to a June 25 front-page News-Sun story by Joseph States. While the departments have a couple of jet-skis and a 24-foot rescue boat, officials say that the equipment is not enough to combat Lake Michigan's menacing seas. Crucial to the rescue mission is a boat able to deal with waves more than two feet high, beach patrols during peak summer times and increased water-rescue training, Winthrop Harbor Fire Chief Rocco Campanella said. The total price tag would be more than $1 million, with $750,000 alone for a new boat. Ironically, while the departments are quick to respond to water emergencies on the lake, they really don't have authority over Lake Michigan. 'Where the sand and water meet, our jurisdiction is over,' Campanella said. Nevertheless, thankfully for those they've saved, they do respond swiftly. Currently, if one is in jeopardy in treacherous lake waters, don't expect Illinois officials to come to the rescue. Illinois taxpayers paid for the $73 million shoreline restoration project at Illinois Beach, which takes in most of the Lake Michigan waterfront from its main entrance off Wadsworth Road, east of Sheridan Road north to the Wisconsin state line. That work accomplished what planners should have expected: An uptick in attendance from an estimated 1.2 million visitors in 2015 to more than 2 million last year. The state needs to come up with funding to ease the stress rescuers must feel every time they take to an often-angry Lake Michigan. Our lawmakers spent enough money in the recently enacted budget. They could have shoehorned in another million or so to save lives on this coast. Lives of those who might be their constituents.
The Hill
6 hours ago
- The Hill
Flash flooding claimed more than 100 lives in Central Texas. Here's what we know about the victims
AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least 119 people across Central Texas are confirmed dead, including dozens of children who were attending summer camp in the Hill Country, after a weekend of catastrophic flooding. The flash flooding deluged summer camps in Kerr County, dotted along the Guadalupe River, and also left families in Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson Counties looking for family members swept away in the floodwaters. State officials are still hoping to find people alive as crews enter their fourth day of searching. Kerr County officials said at least 95 people died in flash flooding over the Fourth of July weekend — 36 of whom are children. At least 161 others remain missing. Camp Mystic is a nearly century-old all-girls Christian camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River. The camp has been run by couple, Dick and Tweety Eastland, since they purchased it in 1974. The grandson of Dick Eastland confirmed on social media his grandfather died 'saving the girls that he so loved and cared for.' In a message posted Monday morning, Camp Mystic said it was grieving the loss of 27 campers and counselors. 'Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,' the post stated. On social media, several families across Texas have confirmed that their daughters did not survive the historic flooding that deluged the camp, including Lila Bonner, Janie Hunt, Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, Sarah Marsh, Linnie McCown, Blakely McCrory, Renee Smajstrla and Mary Stevens. Hundreds gathered outside Casis Elementary School on Sunday to mourn 8-year-old Austin ISD student Linnie McCown. Her father said on Instagram the Mystic camper, 'filled [their] hearts with so much joy we cannot begin to explain.' The family of Mary Stevens, a Mystic camper and student at Highland Park Elementary School, confirmed on social media that she was among those who did not survive the flooding. Stevens' mother wrote on Instagram, 'Our world is shattered, but I have peace getting your letters and knowing you were having the time of your life at camp and had a dance party with all of your friends before the Lord decided to take you from us.' Lila Bonner's family told KXAN, 'We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.' Janie Hunt was attending Camp Mystic along with several of her cousins, according to a message from U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter posted on X. Hunt's family said about her on social media, 'God of grace and comfort, we thank you for our little niece, Janie Hunt and for the place she held in all our hearts.' Eight-year-old twins Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence were among the victims at Camp Mystic, their grandfather told NBC News. Their older sister was also at camp, but was safely evacuated. 'Hanna and Rebecca gave their [family] so much joy,' the grandfather said. 'They and that joy can never be forgotten.' The Mayor of the City of Mountain Brook, Alabama, said on Instagram that Sarah Marsh, 8, was a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary. Mayor Welch said, 'This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school and our entire community. Sarah's passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew and loved her.' Blakely McCrory, 8, was also among those killed at Camp Mystic, her mother confirmed on Facebook. 'While we find some comfort in the knowledge that Blakely is happy, safe and secure in the arms of Jesus, we are beyond shattered and will miss her with every breath we take for the rest of our lives.' A family member of Renee Smajstrla confirmed she was among the victims, writing on Facebook, 'While not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly.' The family member went on to say, '[Renee] will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.' At least one Camp Mystic counselor was also killed during the flash floods, according to her family. Chloe Childress, 19, was a former camper who had become a camp counselor. In a statement, her family said she 'lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith.' Bailey Martin was a police officer in Odessa, Texas. Nexstar station KMID reported that Martin, his girlfriend, Jayda, his father, Bobby Martin, and his stepmother, Amanda Martin, were visiting a campground in Kerrville to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend when their RV was swept away in the flash floods. The Odessa Police Department said on Tuesday Martin was found dead. 'We kindly ask that you respect the family's privacy during this difficult time, as they have not only lost Bailey but also several other family members,' Odessa Police Department officials said. 'Our prayers go out to them, and to everyone affected by this devastating natural disaster.' St. Rita Catholic School, in Dallas, told its community that two sisters who attended the school, rising sixth grader Brooke Harber and rising eighth grader Blair Harber, were among the children whom first responders were searching for. NBC News reported that in a detailed statement posted to GoFundMe, the girls' aunt said their bodies were found 15 miles away from the family's vacation rental in Hunt. 'When they were found, their hands were locked together,' she told NBC. Another summer camp located along the Guadalupe River, Heart O' the Hills, announced on Saturday that the camp's longtime co-owner, Jane Ragsdale, lost her life during the devastating flooding in the Hill Country. Camp officials said Jane 'embodied the spirit of Heart O' the Hills and was exactly the type of strong, joyful woman that the camp aimed to develop.' Julian Ryan and his young family woke up to water rushing into their home. In a detailed account posted to GoFundMe, his family said Julian died while trying to save his wife, mother and children from the flood waters. 'I love you, Julian,' his sister said in a Facebook post. 'It shouldn't have took you to pass away for you to get recognition, but you made it and the world is gonna know how good of a man you were.' John Burgess, 39, was camping at the HTR TX Hill Country Campground in Ingram with his wife and two children when the flash floods hit. His family said on Facebook he died in the Kerr County flooding. Burgess' wife, Julia, and their two youngest children are still missing, family said. Kerrville Independent School District is also mourning the loss of a beloved soccer coach and a former teacher. District officials said on Facebook that Reece Zunker and his wife, Paula Zunker, lost their lives in the flood. The district said Paula 'left a lasting mark on the community' and said Reece's 'unwavering dedication […] will never be forgotten.' The Zunkers' two children, Lyle and Holland, are still missing, according to the district's post from Sunday. Humble Independent School District said a long-time teacher, Jeff Wilson, passed away due to the flooding in Kerrville. According to the district, Wilson worked for 30 years at both Humble High School and Kingwood Park High School. 'He was beloved teacher and co-worker to many and will be deeply missed,' the district said in a statement on X. District officials said Jeff's wife, Amber, and son Shiloh are still missing. The University of Texas at San Antonio community was also touched by the tragedy. Katheryn Eads, a senior lecturer of psychology at UTSA, was among those killed. Two UTSA students are believed to be among those still missing. 'Dr. Eads was an extraordinary educator whose devotion to her students and to the craft of teaching embodied the very best of our academic community,' Heather Shipley, UTSA provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said. 'Through her insight, expertise and unwavering commitment to student success, she inspired generations of learners and colleagues alike. Her absence leaves a profound void at UTSA, but her impact will continue to resonate through the lives she touched.' José Olvera and his wife, Alicia, both in their 70s, were swept away in floodwaters in Hunt, a neighbor told NBC News. José's body was found Saturday, but Alicia remains missing. Volunteers believe they were holding hands when they were swept away, the neighbor said. NBC News also confirmed with her father that Joyce-Catherine Badon, 21, was among those killed in the Kerr County floods. Braxton Jarmon was set to begin his Sophomore year at Glenn High School. Travis County Judge Andy Brown said seven people died and 10 people remain missing after the 'extremely deadly and destructive' flooding throughout Travis County over the Fourth of July weekend. Among the missing is a 17-year-old girl. The Glenn High School Grizzly Band and Leander ISD Trustee Anna Smith posted on Facebook Monday that incoming sophomore Braxton Jarmon lost his life during the floods. Smith said Jarmon's sister is still missing. 'We could not have imagined this tragedy happening to our family. He's our baby boy,' Jarmon's sister said in a post on Facebook. At least two people were killed in Williamson County, with one other person still missing at this time. In a social media post, Hope House, a home for children with disabilities, said their coworker Sherry Richardson, 64, was among those killed. 'Sherry was more than a coworker — she was a dear friend to so many in our staff,' the statement read. 'She loved our residents dearly and was an invaluable part of our mission. We are deeply grateful to the rescue workers and first responders who worked tirelessly to bring her home.' The Williamson County Sheriff's Office also recovered the body of Kaitlyn Swallow, 22, of Liberty Hill. Emergency management officials in Burnet County say five people are dead after flash flooding hit their county. Officials confirmed on Sunday that ranch worker Preston Prince lost his life. The son of William 'Govani' Venus confirmed to KXAN's Kevin Baskar that his father was among those killed. In a Facebook post, his son said Venus was a 33-year retired CSM Army veteran who had been deployed five times. One other person remains missing — Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips, who was swept away during a water rescue. Flooding in San Angelo on July 4 claimed one life. The body of Tanya Burwick, 62, was found several blocks away from where her vehicle had been found, according to the San Angelo Police Department. 'We ask that the public continue to keep the Burwick family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking tragedy,' the department wrote on Facebook. We will update this story as new information becomes available. Investigative Intern Elijah Carll and Investigative Producer Dalton Huey contributed to this report.
.jpeg&w=3840&q=100)
Miami Herald
8 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Riverbed washes away in NC to reveal 1862 shipwreck is wrapped around older ship
A confounding act of nature has uncovered one of the nation's most unusual wartime shipwrecks in eastern North Carolina. The Union gunboat USS Picket spent much of the past 163 years buried in mud in the Tar River, about a 110-mile drive southeast from Raleigh. But for reasons unknown, up to 7 feet of riverbed has been scoured away, excavating parts of the 130-foot-long ship not seen since it sank in 1862, according to Nathan Richards, director of the Maritime Studies program at East Carolina University's Department of History. The discovery was made as Richards led an ECU field school at the wreck site, and divers started seeing details that are uncommon among Civil War military shipwrecks. The USS Picket is essentially two shipwrecks, or as Richards explains: 'An iron-hulled watercraft 'wrapped' in a larger wooden hull, integrating the earlier structure into the U.S. Army gunboat.' 'We are able to access previously unseen parts of the ship that have long been buried. Added to this, the site is well known for having very bad visibility for divers (mere inches), but we have been very lucky to have had several feet of visibility,' Richards told McClatchy News in a phone interview. 'The wreck is largely intact below deck level. ... It appears to not only be intact bow(s) to stern(s) but there is 7 (feet) of exposed structure in many places.' The Picket remains completely submerged, but two-thirds of the hull are now free of mud, providing the team with 'tantalizing clues' of how two distinctly different types of American ship building were merged in desperate times. Ship within a ship The USS Picket exploded in mid battle in 1862, killing 19 crewmen and the captain, historians say. Before that, it led the kind of history that makes for a great war story. It had been a flagship for Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, who led a notorious 'motley fleet' crewed by sailors who 'conformed to neither army nor navy standards,' reports. Its mission was to shut down North Carolina's ports and starve the Confederacy of supplies, and the fleet did its job well. The Picket was among the smallest of the fleet, and its unusual construction resulted from an urgency to expand the Union's naval capabilities. 'At least three other Civil War ships were created in a similar way, but none survived to be studied by historians,' Maritime Studies graduate student Rebecca Kelley, who is writing a thesis on the wreck's construction, told McClatchy News in an email. The Winslow, built in 1845, represents one of the earliest examples of iron ship construction, and its hull is still intact, Kelley says. And because the wreck was encased in protective mud, much of the timber that made up the Picket's hull is also still there, she says. That makes the Picket a rare opportunity for researchers. The Picket's last day Little is known about the history of the Winslow, which was a barge built for New York's canal system, historians say. 'They are the least romantic type of ship. They often don't have stories associated with them or a spectacular romantic narrative that allow us to track them through history. Nothing really incredible happens to them,' Richards says. 'But it was transformed in multiple ways when it became the Picket. It was a witness to multiple battles as part of the Picket and was a flagship. It really went from a nondescript thing to something of prominence.' The Picket was used to transport Union troops and was a participant in a number of assaults on Confederate forces in North Carolina, Richards says. Its final battle was Sept. 6, 1862, when Confederates pulled off a surprise attack on federal troops near Washington, North Carolina, according to the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort. 'The gun boats, Picket and USS Louisiana began to shell advancing opponents. The Picket was only able to fire one gun before something went wrong onboard,' the museum reports. The cause of that explosion remains unclear. It could have been the ship's magazine exploding or its boiler, Richards says. Why the shipwreck is important The wreck of the Picket may deteriorate more rapidly now that it's no longer protected by mud, and that means the field school's use of emerging technology comes at a critical time. When completed, an updated 3D interpretation will tell the story of something bigger than a Civil War gunboat. The Picket represents emerging technology, industry and science from a time when the United States was evolving into a super power, Richards says. 'Faced with the 'rude test of war' both the Union and Confederate forces leverage technical know-how in many interesting ways,' Richards says. 'The adaptation of civilian craft into vessels of war is one major theme — and we aren't aware of too many cases where an iron vessel used in the New York canal trade was adapted so extensively and 'strangely.' 'Information from the wreck site provides a window into this period of experimentation and innovation under rare circumstances. Little of this seems to have been preserved in written records.' Kelley's thesis could be the most in-depth analysis made public on the ship's mysterious construction, Richards said.
