NEWS FROM: East Kendall, The Falls, Fontainebleau, Killian, Richmond Heights, Sweetwater, Westchester

DADELAND MALL

Foster children treated to shopping spree at Dadeland Mall

Some 300 young adults who are aging out of the foster care system were given a shopping spree, thanks to the Voices For Children Foundation.

SWEETWATER

Sweetwater, FIU to launch annexation study

The city of Sweetwater and Florida International University are partnering to conduct a five-year study for annexation services.
CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

TAMIAMI PARK AREA | A thief stole a DVD player, makeup bag and two Guitar Hero video games after breaking a window on a 2004 Volvo in the 13600 block of Southwest Fifth Street between 8:30 and
MIAMI-DADE

Small business grants available in districts 7 and 11

Starting Monday, Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez will start accepting applications from small businesses in his district for the Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program.
FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS | BY CHRIS MAYO

Donated catamaran boosts UM research

The Canelos family, part-time residents of Key Biscayne, has donated its 26-foot catamaran to the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

SWEETWATER AREA | Someone took Christmas presents after breaking a window on a 1996 Ford Explorer in the 400 block of West Park Drive between 7 and 7:45 p.m. Dec. 24. The presents were valued at $600. Damage was estimated at $200.
KILLIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Killian High School's Cougarettes to prowl Roses Parade

Nine color guard performers from Killian High are marching along with an honor band in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.
MIAMI-DADE

Miami-Dade students honored for doing the right thing

Special students from schools throughout Miami-Dade County were named the October winners in the Do The Right Thing Program (DTRT), sponsored by the Miami Police Department, British Airways, The Miami Herald and WTVJ-NBC 6.
SWEETWATER

Sweetwater travel agent jailed over bogus plane tickets

A Sweetwater travel agent has been accused of defrauding five victims of at least $5,000 in bogus plane tickets.
CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

WESTCHESTER | A thief stole a bag and Bluetooth cellphone device after breaking a window on a 2000 Honda Civic in the 7500 block of Southwest 31st Street between 8 and 8:45 p.m. Dec. 22. The items were valued at $70. Damage was estimated at $300.
CORAL REEF HIGH | COMMENTARY

Coral Reef High students keep cool, on road, runway

After the carnage of World War II, the international community met in San Francisco in 1945 to establish the United Nations. More than 60 years later, high school and college students are trying to resolve international problems as young diplomats representing the interests of a country at Model United Nations conferences.
FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS | BY CHRIS MAYO

One-act play has meaning in recession

Time to Go is a one-act comedy that transcends time and place and is especially relevant to our present economic turbulence.
CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

TAMIAMI PARK AREA | A thief stole a purse, $170, a diaper bag, a cellphone and credit cards after smashing a window on a 2007 Dodge Magnum in the 13100 block of Southwest Third Street between 8 and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 16. The items were valued at $496. Damage was estimated at $125.
CRIME

Sketches of armored car guard's shooters released

Miami-Dade police released sketches of the two men they believe killed 57-year-old Carlos Alvarado, an armored-car guard, during a money pickup at Dadeland Mall's Express clothing store Dec. 1.
PALMETTO BAY

Nutcracker collection transforms Palmetto Bay woman's house

A Palmetto Bay woman has collected hundred of nutcrackers -- from the traditional red-suited soldier to one the resembles Pope John Paul II.
CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

SWEETWATER AREA | A thief took $1,000 from a 1999 Ford Mustang in the 11300 block of Northwest Third Terrace between 4 and 6 a.m. Dec. 11.
MIAMI HERALD WISH BOOK | 2008

Foster child just wants an ordinary Christmas

Along with three siblings, Quella was removed from her mother's care and now lives in a foster home. She stuffed her clothes into two plastic bags -- just enough for the day or two she expected to be gone. But two days turned into a year...
FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS | BY CHRIS MAYO

Even in a recession, the need for help remains

For years the little sick patients at Miami Children's Hospital have been surprised with toys and holiday cheer by members of the Jewish War Veterans Post 243 and the Hearing Research Institute.
EAST KENDALL

East Kendall advocate Mary Williams honored by neighbors

Barely a year after moving into her Continental Park home, Mary Williams was told the county planned to take her home to build a Metrorail transit yard in its place. But Williams would not leave without a fight.
CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

FONTAINEBLEAU | A thief stole a wallet and $7 from an unlocked 1998 Chevrolet Trail Blazer in the 10000 block of Northwest Ninth Street between 7 and 11:45 p.m. Dec. 12. The wallet was valued at $20.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS | MIAMI BEACH

Miami Beach couple's holiday display a labor of love

Some people are cutting back on their decorations this season because of hard economic times. But, Maria and Tomas Hernandez say their efforts, to bring Christmas cheer to Miami, are needed now more than ever.