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Miami County leaders take action to get disaster aid after Hillsdale devastated by tornado damage

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Miami County leaders take action to get disaster aid after Hillsdale devastated by tornado damage


KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County in Kansas and Cass County in Missouri. He also covers agricultural topics. Ryan has extensively covered stories in Miami County over the past two years. The Sheriff’s Department took him on a tour of the damage in Hillsdale on Tuesday. If you want to share your story and what the path forward looks like, reach out. Share your story idea with Ryan.

Miami County leaders are preparing to sign a state of emergency on Wednesday as Hillsdale residents clean up from Monday night’s tornado before the next batch of storms arrive.

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Miami County leaders take action to get disaster aid after Hillsdale tornado

The Miami County government will officially sign the declaration to secure outside resources and aid for a rebuild.

The county of 44,000 people does not budget for disasters of this scale.

Ryan Gamboa/KSHB

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George Pretz

Presiding Commissioner George Pretz told KSHB 41 News Miami County Reporter Ryan Gamboa that he (Pretz) entered into a verbal agreement on Monday night, but the county will officially declare a disaster declaration at its Wednesday meeting.

“It’s get with it, and get through it, and take care of the people as quick as you can,” Pretz said.

The move follows action taken by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who issued her own declaration of disaster on Monday night for areas impacted by major storms.

Ron Warhurst

Ryan Gamboa/KSHB

Ron Warhurst and KSHB 41 Miami County Reporter Ryan Gamboa chop up a fallen tree to save a sappling.

“Due to the severe weather that impacted the state overnight, I’ve declared a disaster emergency to ensure state assistance was readily available if needed,” Gov. Kelly said in a news release. “I encourage all Kansans to have an emergency kit and a family plan in preparation for a tornado. Stay updated on local weather conditions by listening to a NOAA weather radio or local TV and radio stations. Once a warning is activated, it is important to take cover.”

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The Kansas Division of Management has activated the State Emergency Operations Center and is monitoring the situation, according to a news release.

Matt Kelly

Ryan Gamboa/KSHB

Matt Kelly

Miami County Undersheriff Matt Kelly said the declaration is necessary to facilitate a remedy to the disaster.

“More resources, funding, things like that to get the community back to where it was prior to the storm,” Kelly said. “There was verbal declarations done early last night when the storms came through, and because of that, we were able to get the resources that we did. We were seeing state resources coming in as far away as Pottawatomie County and south as far as Wichita to help us.”

Miami County Sheriff

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Those declarations go farther at the county level according to Pretz.

It opens of the county to more resources and the county can even apply for additional federal aid.

78-year-old Ron Warhurst spent Tuesday afternoon operating a chainsaw to help his friend, Carol, clean up her property. The tornado passed about 100 yards from Carol’s home, damaging trees and her car. Warhurst also worked to save a sapling trapped under a fallen tree.

Ron Warhurst

Ryan Gamboa/KSHB

Ron Warhurst

“Over there is where the tornado came through,” Warhurst said to Gamboa.

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Neighbors in unincorporated Hillsdale are leaving brush piles along the road for collection on Wednesday.

“The county is supposed to come by tomorrow,” Warhurst said.

Hillsdale Tornado Damage

Ryan Gamboa/KSHB

Damage to Warhurst’s friends car

Miami County Undersheriff Kelly told Gamboa that Tuesday’s efforts were to ensure the roads, structures, and community were safe to move around in.

A larger effort to clear debris and get rid of trash will begin on Wednesday, weather permitting.

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“Tomorrow, we will start the cleanup phase,” Kelly said. “Without taking care of that, we can’t do the clean-up phase. That’s where we are at because we’re looking at more weather today… We couldn’t have been able to do that without these declarations, and that’s why they’re so important and crucial to make these successful recoveries.”

Matt Kelly

Ryan Gamboa/KSHB

Matt Kelly

For now, the ultimate goal for the community is to get back to regular life.

Pretz estimates a large bulk of the clean-up, if the storms hold off, should be much better by Friday. He said the goal is to get all power restored by late Wednesday.

“This is truly local government here, all hands on deck, making a difference,” Pretz added. “Miami County government has got to do everything we can to get them [Hillsdale] up and going.”

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Hillsdale Tornado Damage

Ryan Gamboa/KSHB

Hillsdale Tornado Damage

Undersheriff Kelly released the latest details on the impacted structures in the Hillsdale area on Tuesday afternoon.

  • Nearly 300 structures were searched
  • 113 structures affected
  • 41 structures significantly damaged or destroyed
  • All residents have been accounted for
  • Only one minor injury has been reported

Volunteers are needed to assist in the clean-up effort on Wednesday morning. Those who want to help are asked to sign up at Hillsdale Presbyterian Church, 22875 W 255th Street.

The cleanup is expected to begin at 8:30 a.m.

“We’re already seeing people step up in this community,” Kelly said.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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7 more women arrested at southwest Miami-Dade massage parlors, accused of prostitution in undercover sting

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7 more women arrested at southwest Miami-Dade massage parlors, accused of prostitution in undercover sting



Seven more women have been arrested at massage parlors across Miami-Dade, following a wave of arrests in an undercover prostitution sting operation run by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. 

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All seven women appeared in bond court facing prostitution charges as well as running a massage business without a license. The arrests come a day after seven other women were arrested at massage parlors in southwest Miami-Dade. Those locations were closed after the first round of arrests. 

According to arrest reports, the women would offer sexual acts to an undercover detective after a massage. They would also charge, according to the reports, prices ranging from $50 to $150. 

The women’s ages ranged from 46 to 67 years old: 

  • Yaoying Lin, 58 
  • Xiufen Lin, 51 
  • Yan Xi, 48
  • Zixuan Wang, 46 
  • Mei Hui Lin, 49
  • Quirong Xu, 67 
  • Hongli Ren, 63

The seven women were arrested in massage parlors across Miami-Dade, accused of providing services without a license and prostitution by offering undercover detectives sexual acts. 

Miami-Dade Corrections

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Judge Mindy Glazer presided over the bond court appearances. During the proceedings, she referenced charges of “committing a lascivious act and engaging in prostitution,” according to CBS News Miami’s reporting from the courthouse.

Yaoying Lin’s attorney, Paul Petruzzi, persuaded the judge to reduce her charge from a felony to a misdemeanor.

“She’s resided in Miami for many years. Married. And has never failed to appear,” Petruzzi said.

“They had my client held overnight. She was charged with a felony unfairly. To the point where a judge on her own dismissed it. It’s either real bad, bad, bad police work. Or it’s something else. A little bit more nefarious. I’m afraid the latter,” Petruzzi said.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said that they will not be providing any interviews regarding this undercover sting at this time. 

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2026 Miami Football Early Opponent Preview, Game 8: North Carolina

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2026 Miami Football Early Opponent Preview, Game 8: North Carolina


This is the eighth edition of Miami Hurricanes on SI’s breakdown of each team on the 2026-27 Miami Hurricanes football schedule.

Miami, to this point, is coming off its biggest test of the year against Pitt. Now they will turn their attention to Bill Belichick and what he has accomplished to this point in his second season as a college football head coach.

North Carolina should be better than last season after a disappointing 4-8 2025 outcome. However, the Hurricanes also understand that this is the ideal trap game before they head on the road to face Notre Dame in one of the biggest games of the season, which could hold massive playoff implications.

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Miami can’t look forward. All eyes will be on what the new season and another fun home game against a rising contender.

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Here’s everything you need to know about UNC and its 2026 unit.

The Offense

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UofL football coach Bobby Petrino talks to the media during a press conference Thursday at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
Thursday 17, 2014

Petrino03 | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

After coming off one of the worst offensive outputs in the country last season, Belichick knew that he needed to make a move quickly. It started with hiring veteran coach Bobby Petrino as the teams offensive coordinator.

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It won’t be the 126th ranked offense, but how much better could it get with Petrino making the calls? The Tar Heels will also have a new quarterback under center, but so far, no one knows who exactly it will be.

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The most talented player in the quarterback room is Travis Burges. A 6-foot-4 freshman dual-threat quarterback with unlimited potential, but they also went into the transfer portal and landed some experience in former Wisconsin QB, Billy Edwards Jr., is expected to start, but the change could be made halfway through the season if things don’t work.

Two new starting receivers also entered from the transfer portal, but the consistency in the room was provided by Jordan Shipp. Last season, he led the team in receiving yards (671) and touchdowns (6), even with how bad the team was at scoring.

UNC’s rushing attack was also highlighted by returning sophomore Demon June. He rushed for nearly 500 yards in his limited snaps, averaging 5.5 yards a carry with two touchdowns.

Defense

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Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Melkart Abou-Jaoude (9 ) celebrates with defensive lineman Smith Vilbert (8) after making a sack in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Defense should be the calling card of the Tar Heels next season, led by their star pass rusher, Melkart Abou-Jaoude. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound rusher totaled 10.5 sacks and 47 tackles last season. Another year learning under Belichick would likely push him to be a first or second round pick in the 2027 Class, one that the Canes are paying close attention to.

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Moreover, some familarity will be on the sideline and a likely starter during his freshman year in Keton Dopson, the former Miami Hurricanes commit. He reclassifed to the 2026 class, and flipped his commitment knowing that there is a better chance to get on the field quicker at UNC than the depth that he would have had to wait behind at least for this season.

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UNC’s secondary is one of the more sound groups in the country compared to the rest of its roster. However, their linebacking core who rack up tackles, are transfers who have to learn the Belichick system.

Schedule

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Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal with linebacker Wesley Bissainthe (31) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Schedule-wise, this game is the biggest trap game of the season for the Canes. If Miami finds its way past Pitt, it will be 7-0, and this game stands between the Canes and a rematch with the Fighting Irish.

This is the perfect time for Belichick to get his first signature win against a returning program like Miami, which puts a ton of pressure on the Canes to get the job done. However, the Canes can’t afford it, knowing what is coming next.

Moreover, this is the perfect chance for Darian Mensah to have a better game than last season’s outing against the Tar Heels. His one touchdown performance was one of his weaker games of the season, but it could be a step for him to get control of the Heisman conversation.

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Outlook

MIami will be favored in this game, similar to how it will be for the rest of the season. UNC will give the Canes one of the better defensive matchups this season that will also test the offense.

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Miami’s history against UNC in the Mario Cristobal era has shown it can have a high-flying offense but has to avoid self-inflicted wounds.

The Game

Date: October 31
Time: TBA
TV: TBA
Location: Hard Rock Stadium
Series History: UNC leads 16-11
Last Meeting: 2023

The Team

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The Coach: Bill Belichick
Offensive Coordinator: Bobby Petrino
Defensive Coordinator: Steve Belichick
2025 Record: 4-8
2025 Rankings: 126th Total Offense, 70th Total Defense
Players to Watch: Melkart Abou-Jaoude, R-Sr, EDGE
Top Newcomer: C.J. Sadler, WR, Freshman
Biggest Question: How will Belichick adjust in his second year as a college football head coach?

The School

Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Founded: 1789
Enrollment: 32,099
Nickname: Tar Heels
Colors: Power Blue and White
Mascot (Symbols): Rameses the Live Ram

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The Program

Last Win in the Series: 2023
Last ACC Title: 1980
National Championships: NA
Playoff Appearances: NA
Last missed bowl season: 2025
Heisman Trophies: NA

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The Schedule

October 31, Time TBA, Pitt Panthers @ Miami Hurricanes

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This is the eighth story in Miami Hurricanes on SI’s early preview series of all 12 regular-season opponents for Miami football in 2026.


Follow all social media platforms to stay up to date with everything Miami Hurricanes- TwitterFacebookInstagramYoutube, and BlueSky.

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The offseason has been a massive success for the Miami Heat

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The offseason has been a massive success for the Miami Heat


The NBA offseason is typically an interesting time for the Miami Heat organization. The fans are always pushing the organization to make big acquisitions and are always looking for the next star to play in the Kaseya Center. Because of the organization and the fans desire for star players, the media finds a way to talk about Miami as a destination.

The Heat consistently being mentioned for stars but not landing them has been a point of frustration for fans over the years. This year that frustration can be put to rest for a few more years.

What did the Heat add?

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It would be foolish to have an offseason discussion without first mentioning the Heat pulled of the biggest move in the NBA in the past several years. That is of course the trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Heat made their best move since signing Lebron James and Chris Bosh to form the big three in 2010. They landed a top 5 player still at the height of his powers and they did not have to give up their best player. This allowed them to form what will be one of the scariest defensive duos the league has ever seen.

The other notable move was signing Heat legacy Tim Hardaway Jr., son of former Heat player Tim Hardaway. This was a fantastic signing as it lands them a quality shooter on a favorable contract. Shooting has been pointed out to be Miami’s biggest potential weakness after the trade and they addressed it immediately.

Another move that is seemingly turning out well is the drafting of Ryan Conwell in the second round of this year’s draft. Conwell has been a scoring machine in Summer League, scoring 21 points, 16 points, and 26 points in his three games so far.

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Who did they keep?

Miami will return a good core of players from the previous season, notably Bam Adebayo. This alone was a massive win for the Heat. They landed an elite player and were able to keep their franchise pillar to pair with him. Miami did retain 2 players though that many thought might be playing elsewhere.

The Heat were able to sign Andrew Wiggins to an extension and though the first year’s salary was not decreased, the second of the contract will be an absolute steal. Then the Heat kept Simone Fontecchio on a veteran minimum contract. This will not make any headlines, but he was a 37.5% shooter from three and like previously mentioned the Heat need shooting.

What was lost?

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The Heat did lose several players from their Play-in squad last season. Most notably former All-Stars in Tyler Herro and Norman Powell. Herro was traded in the Antetokounmpo trade and Powell signed with the Bulls in free agency.

These are notable losses, but the addition of Antetokounmpo plus the retention of other key players more than make up for it. Miami did lose several if the young pieces in the trade as well, sending Jaime Jaquez jr., Kel’el Ware, and Kasparas Jakucionis to Milwaukee. This of course is the price you have to pay when going, as Miami calls it, whale hunting.

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IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

How it grades

It would be embarrassing to grade the offseason anything less than an A. This is largely due to Antetokounmpo, but the other moves listed out are the cherry on top. The Heat have been able to sign a quality player to help an area of their biggest need, retain one of their key starters at a great contract price, and retain a three-point specialist that plays his role well.

When you add those things, the addition of the next Heat great in Antetokounmpo, and subtract what was needed to complete the trade, then you are left with an excellent body of work that any team in the league would be proud of. The offseason is not done either and the Heat might have one or two more tricks up their sleeve by the time it is all said and done.

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