News from around the country
Purple Heart discovered at flea market traced back to Nebraska
LINCOLN, NE A Purple Heart belonging to a Nebraska World War II veteran killed in battle was discovered at a flea market in Missouri, but has now made its way back to where it belongs.
According to staff at the Museum of Missouri Military History, a woman discovered it at a local flea market and knew the medal did not belong there.
"I think they said they paid about 4 to 5 dollars for it," said Charles Machon with the museum.
The medal was awarded to 22-year-old Ralph Greeley from Stapleton, NE. When the museum in Missouri was able to make the Nebraska connection, they sent it to the Nebraska National Guard Museum in Seward.
Sgt. Greeley was a member of the Nebraska National Guard, who was called into service one year before the start of World War II by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Greeley was embedded with D Company of the 134th Infantry in North Platte. Military records show Sgt. Greeley was killed in France in 1944 where he earned the military's second highest honor, along with a Purple Heart.
A post from 1011 News on Facebook asking for any tips on the family's whereabouts went viral. Within two hours, the post had thousands of shares. A woman named Norma Greeley from Hershey, NE reached out and said her husband was the nephew of Sgt. Ralph Greeley and that there were other living relatives in Nebraska.
A few days later, three of Ralph's nephews made the trip out to the Nebraska National Gaurd Museum in Seward. They confirmed that Ralph had married in California, but to their knowledge, the two never had any children together. They believe she was the last relative to have possession of the medal.
"Just unbelief how it could have gotten from California to Missouri," said Dave Greeley, one of Ralph's nephews.
The family has decided to donate the medal to the Nebraska National Guard Museum in Seward so that their uncle's story can be shared with those who visit.
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Shipshewana Flea Market Announces Changes for Upcoming Season
Shipshewana, Indiana - The Shipshewana Flea Market, a seasonal and outdoor market known as the largest in the Midwest, has announced changes to its upcoming season, including the introduction of weekend markets.
For the first time ever in the 80 years of the Shipshewana Flea Market, there will be vendors set up for two Friday and Saturday weekend markets in 2019.
The weekend markets are scheduled for June 14-15 (Dog Days theme) and August 16-17 (Mother/Daughter theme).
"One of the most common questions we get here is 'why aren't you ever open on weekends?" said Lora Gates, marketing director of Shipshewana Trading Place. "We're excited to introduce these themed weekend markets, which will just be like a normal flea market where anyone can come, except with special giveaways and activities related to the theme."
New Hours and Re-location of Farmer's Market
Other changes announced are the new hours (Tuesdays & Wednesdays, May 7 - September 25, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day), as well as a new "Farmer's Market" section located near the Southeast side of the market.
"The Farmer's Market section is moving more towards the center of the market to make it more accessible for vendors and customers alike," said Michael Christner, manager for Shipshewana Flea Market. "Customers will still be able to drive up to pick up their plants and produce, and vendors will be able to have more space to unload their items."
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A man was shot in the torso Saturday evening after a fight broke out in the 1900 block of South Military Trail.
A person was shot and killed Saturday night at the Sunshine Flea Market off South Military Trail and Forest Hill Boulevard, W Palm Beach, FL.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the market in unincorporated Palm Beach County at about 7 p.m. where they found the victim on the ground in front of the main entrance.
The person, who had been shot in the torso, was pronounced dead at a hospital at 8:02 p.m.
The Post’s news partner, WPTV Channel 5, reported that a security guard shot a man after a confrontation.
Billing itself as the largest indoor flea market in the West Palm Beach area, the market is open five days a week and offers clothes, furniture, collectibles and jewelry. It caters to children with clowns, balloons and rides. It opened in 2006.
No further details were released Sunday by the sheriff’s office, including the name of the victim.