Mayor Cunningham Raises Taxes

July 2008 - Round 2008

by Viv Everett, Journalist

In an informal meeting held at the Skyline Lounge last night.  Mayor Cunningham along with his Business and Tax Advisors, made the decision to raise taxes for next year.

Despite the influx of simoleans raised at the Simday 20, Silent Auction Fundraising Event, the Hood is in desperate need to raise it's income.  The Hood expenses far outweigh its income, and our budget keeps falling in response.

S'Ahmisa Warwick, summer political intern, will be answering calls all month at City Hall for any concerned sititzens that have questions or issues regarding this new tax increase.

"I really didn't want to raise taxes while I was in office, however, it's detrimental to start increasing our income before we fall back into the red like we did after the unfortunate hurricane years ago.  I want to try and remedy this situation before it's too late and gets out of hand."  Mayor Cunningham said in his statement to The Simmington-Times.

"One good thing out of all this, is that Farmers living on ABR lots will be receiving an additional $1,500 in deductions.  SimCity Government has never recognized farmers for giving back to this Hood Administration and to the neighborhood.  Now they will!  And our farmers will benefit from that.  Hopefully, in their success, they'll continue to help our Hood grow."  Trenton VanHouten, Tax Advisor, reported.

ABR lots are Administrative Business Residential lots that are used specifically to produce goods for betterment of the Hood Administration and Simmington Hills.

New Military General Arrives at Fort Hills Military Base

June 2008 - Round 2008

by Cameron Masters, Editor

Fort Hills Military Base [FHMB] opened its doors this month for the arrival of highly decorated General Bruce Peterson and his wife, Greta Peterson.  The military base was voted on last year with a split vote, however the vote passed and the location was decided for Bluewater Village Township, Seratoga County because they had stepped in and sent us prisoners for our new Willow County Jail when SimCity declined.

"I'm excited to be here.  I think the Hood Administration has made a good choice.  The Military is my life and I will die serving my SimNation."  Gen. Peterson stated in his interview.

Gen. Peterson is Simmington Hills' new Military Advisor.  His current militia is small, but includes Recruiter Anthony Bachelor and ROTC Cadet Sierra Spencer.

Hailstorm Pummels Simmington Hills, 1 Dead

June 2008 - Round 2008

by Cameron Masters, Editor

A severe hailstorm is sweeping through Simmington Hills with unbridled fury, shattering car windows, and creating havoc on outdoor swimmers and sunbathers.

Hail the size of tangerines is falling almost horizontally, fueled by driving winds as the storm leaves residents in a state of shock.

"These huge ice balls came out of nowhere, one minute I'm tanning in the sun, enjoying my day off...the next, the sky got dark, the winds picked up, and I'm running for my life!"   Marisa Bendett, Columnist for The Simmington-Times, reported from Willow Co. Community Park.  "I haven't seen panic like this since the hurricane."

"Most residents here are still shaken up by any change in weather.  We've been devastated in the past, and no one wants to see that happen again.  We've got to realize that in SimNation, anything is possible...never leave home without an umbrella."  SimCity Meteorologist, Shane Deters, stated.

The hardest hit area is in Three Lakes where one unidentified Willow County resident was travelling.  Hail size there has been reported to be the size of grapefruits.  The unidentified Sim was said to be travelling  with a group and is the only fatality from this terrible storm; we have no further information at this time.  The Times will reveal the identity of this resident once we have verified our information and notified the family.

Burglar Nabbed on Cedar Street!
March 2008 - Round 2008

by Viv Everett, Journalist

Responding to alarms on the quiet suburb street around 3 a.m., Police were able to apprehend a burglar trying to gain entry into a house at 88 E. Cedar early Monday morning. The suspect has been identified as Russ Bear.

"I heard a car and house alarm going off. It woke me up out of my sleep. I thought it was my house." neighbor, Nick Michels, told reporters.

Officer Demi Love

Officer Demi Love was the first to arrive on the scene and captured the suspect before he could steal anything.

"When I arrived, the suspect was breaking into the front door, but I seized him inside the foyer. He never stepped foot into the main living area. The family was sleeping and did not hear the disturbance until after I had the suspect in handcuffs. Nothing was taken from the home." Officer Love recounted.

"I'm so glad this whole thing was resolved and no one in my family was hurt.  This man was dangerous.  It really pays to get your car and house alarmed, if you can afford it, because you can never be too comfortable; not even in the suburbs.  It's a shame that some Sims feel they need to resort to crime. " Keith Dalton stated. The Daltons have lived in this home for over nine simyears and have never had a break-in. 

Lt. Tomika Cunningham praised Ofc. Love for her arrest. "We train our officers to respond quickly and aggressively. This young woman has shown bravery and represents the SHPD with pride. I'm very happy that she was there."

The suspect, Russ Bear, was taken downtown instead of to Willow County Jail.  He is currently on suicide watch.

The Dalton family received $500 for damages to their front door.

New Year's Day Shocker!

Architect Struck by Lightning

Jan. 2008 - Round 2006

By Viv Everett, Journalist

Residential Architect, Lars Larsson, was struck by lightning tonight as he was leaving Willow Co. Public Library.  Lt. Tomika Cunningham was there and said that she believes Mr. Larsson was just finishing a date when a cab pulled up to take him home.  "The lightning appeared to come out of nowhere and strike him." Mrs. Cunningham stated.  She called 011 for an ambulance.

Dr. Trinity Dalton from SH Medical Center stated, "Although he had lost his bodily functions and was pretty singed up, he was definitely responsive when the medics arrived.  It looks like he's suffered some minor burns, though.  We're going to monitor him overnight.  If all goes well, he should be well enough to go home tomorrow. You never know when accidents are going to happen, that's why it's important to pay your health insurance.  Mr. Larsson is insured."