AUSTIN -- To bloggers statewide, it looked like hilarious clickbait: A person claiming to be an oil field worker posted an advertisement on Craigslist seeking a "homeless girl" as a roommate. She could live rent-free, the ad said, in exchange for cooking, cleaning and "bedroom fun."

To investigators faced with a wave of sex trafficking, though, it looked more like a potential lead. Jason Lewis, a spokesman for the police department in Lubbock, said detectives are "aware of the post and have multiple investigations in progress."

In the end, the ad could turn out to be little more than a prank. The person who placed it anonymously through an encrypted email address did not respond to interview requests.

But as Texas law enforcement agencies grapple with organized gangs operating compulsory prostitution rings with sophisticated online operations, experts say the story of the "Homeless female wanted" ad reveals the dangers of a poorly understood criminal phenomenon. Traffickers target young women, particularly runaways, who have little recourse when false promises of romance or shelter turn to sexual servitude.

The ad "does seem like a tactic that a pimp or trafficker would use to lure young vulnerable women," said Claudia San Miguel, director of the Criminal Justice Program at Texas A&M International University in Laredo. "In fact, based on my research, homelessness is one of the key factors that makes young women prime targets for prostitution and/or trafficking."

On Nov. 11, the ad appeared in the housing section of Craigslist in Lubbock, a city on the northern end of the booming oil fields of the Permian Basin, where countless workers live in the temporary accommodations known as man camps. The advertiser attached four photographs, showing a neatly furnished living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. No person appeared in the images.

"I work in the oil field (mid 20s) and have no time to date so I'm looking for a homeless girl that wants a place to stay," the ad said. Promising a comfortable bed and bubble baths, it expressed a preference for women drug-free and under 25. Making a vulgar reference to oral sex, the advertiser added, "I have a high sex drive and love to cuddle."

On Nov. 29, the ad appeared again in the same forum, with the title altered from "Homeless female apply" to "Homeless female wanted." The new version subbed in different photographs of a living room and bedroom. In the bedroom photo, the image of a man in a white shirt was visible in a mirror.

Craigslist, which maintains separate web sites for scores of cities, typically displays both local and "nearby" search results for its classified ads, so "Homeless female wanted" appeared on screens across West Texas.

Along with a similar advertising site, Backpage, Craigslist has weathered scrutiny for its role in facilitating prostitution and other crimes. Four years ago, the company shut down its adult services forum. It has fought in court to establish immunity from liability for the words and actions of its users, but the full extent of its legal responsibility remains unresolved.

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In viral ad, police see darker signs

Boston, Ma (PRWEB) December 19, 2014

MaidPro cleaning franchise has, once again, been named in Franchise Business Reviews special Veterans & Franchising Report, which lists the 100 best franchise opportunities for military veterans based on comprehensive satisfaction scores among franchise business owners with military service in their past experience.

The FBR report reflects the 100 franchise companies earning the highest overall ranks based on input on satisfaction across a broad variety of measures from more than 3,500 military veteran franchisees across some 350 leading franchise companies. One of the best ways to know if a franchise opportunity is really as good as it appears is to look at its third-party franchisee satisfaction data, says FBR Editorial Director Molly Rowe. [Ours] is the only report in the industry that highlights the best franchises for vets based on actual franchisee feedback.

FBR notes that, according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), military veterans are 45 percent more likely to take the plunge into entrepreneurship compared to people with no active military duty experience. But, while hundreds of franchisors offer incentives and discounts to veterans, FBR warns that, Not all are a good fit for vets, and urges all to conduct thorough due diligence including research into the overall satisfaction of existing franchise owners, prior to signing any long-term agreements.

An interesting statistic in this years Veterans & Franchising report, observes MaidPro VP of Planning and Development Chuck Lynch, is that military veterans are most satisfied with their franchise brands in three areas: marketing and promotional programs, effective use of technology and training and support programs. These are all areas where MaidPro cleaning franchise focuses a great deal of R& D and investment. Our repeat placements in FBRs Top 100 franchises for veterans list helps to validate that those investments are paying off and that we truly excel and differentiate ourselves from other franchisors in these areas. Military veterans typically come to the table with many but not all - of the skills they need to be successful as independent business owner/operators. We are happy to be complementing our veterans skills sets in so many positive ways and to make it easy and attractive for military veterans to join our MaidPro family.

Valued at some $15,000, MaidPros special offer for veteran franchising candidates is designed for affordability. The package includes:

To learn more about MaidPro franchise opportunities, visit: maidprofranchise.com/

ABOUT MAIDPRO MaidPro is a Boston-based franchisor of housecleaning services with over 170 offices in 33 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1997, takes pride in its strong owner community, cutting-edge technology and creative marketing. It has been honored with the Franchise Business Reviews Four-Star Rating and Franchise 50 awards every year from 2006 to 2014 for owner satisfaction. MaidPro was named one of the Top 50 Franchises for Minorities by USA Todays Franchising Today. MaidPro is also a proud member of the International Franchise Association and the New England Franchise Association. The company can be found online at maidpro.com. Details of the companys commitment to the environment can be found at maidpro.com/green. For more information about MaidPros charitable foundation, MaidPro Cares, visit maidprocares.com.

### Contact: Jen Doyle Director of Franchise Marketing 617-742-8787 x7204 jen(at)maidpro(dot)com

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Tuesday December 16, 2014 5:25 PM

Callie Kristan Crosby, daughter of Robin and Kristan Crosby of Upper Arlington, was married to Kyle Thomas George, son of Tom and Lisa George of Mount Prospect, Ill., on Aug. 16, 2014, at The 10th at Vail Mountain in Vail, Colo.

The maid of honor was Cara Clippinger, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Jessica Crosby, Kay George and Rose George.

The best man was William George, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Christopher Crosby, Kyle Crosby, Frank George and Jon Clippinger.

The bride graduated from Upper Arlington High School and Columbus College of Art and Design. She is an interior designer with Brad Adams Walker Architecture, P.C.

The groom graduated from Prospect High School and Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a district engineer with Liberty Oilfield Services.

The couple took a wedding trip to Belize.

They reside in Denver.

Originally posted here:
Colorado wedding

Published: Sunday, December 14, 2014 at 11:00 p.m. Last Modified: Sunday, December 14, 2014 at 11:11 p.m.

The reigning Tuscaloosa County Maid of Cotton, Barbara Britt, was named the top Corolla beauty at the University of Alabama. Britt was a Holt High School graduate.

Tuscaloosa city police in force asked the City Commission for a 40-hour work week. Police were then working a basic 44-hour week.

The Holt Lock and Dam was more than 90 percent complete.

Alabama football coach Paul W. Bear Bryant accepted the Nashville Banners annual Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year award for his team the best bunch of kids Ive ever coached.

Deaths this week included Mary Emily Maxwell, office manager of Perrys Pride Inc. for

25 years and a member of an old Tuscaloosa County family. Also, Anna Springer, 83, and her daughter, Mary Springer, died in a house fire in Elrod. Their home was one of the oldest in the Elrod community. Mrs. Springers late husband, Milton Springer, had served as a community leader and a justice of the peace at Elrod for many years.

M.T. Ormond was elected president of the Tuscaloosa County Bar Association.

W. Tandy Barrett was elected president of the Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce to succeed Jack Warner, president of Gulf States Paper Corp., who had served two terms.

25 years ago this week

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Anne Helms Irons, a social worker who held starring roles in local community theater productions for nearly 50 years, died Nov. 28 of heart disease at Gilchrist Hospice Care in Towson. She was 83.

Born in Baltimore and raised in Guilford, she was the daughter of Dr. Samuel T. Helms, medical director of the Emerson Drug Co., and Selina Clair Helms.

She was a 1949 graduate of Roland Park Country School and earned a bachelor's degree in theater from the College of William and Mary in 1953. She attended the University of Maryland School of Social Work, graduating in 1969.

After working as a caseworker with children in the foster care system in Baltimore County, Ms. Irons became an administrator and executive in what was then known as the state Social Services Administration. She retired as chief of the administration's adult services division.

But acting was her passion, friends and family said.

While a student at William and Mary, she spent her summers acting in "The Common Glory," an annual production in Williamsburg depicting the American Revolution. The event drew about 80,000 attendees each summer, according to the college.

She briefly went to New York to pursue acting, returning to Baltimore in 1955 and beginning a 40-year career in social work, said her daughter, Jane Irons Moore of Baltimore. But she continued to act in local theatre.

"She did shows constantly, even while she was a social worker," Moore said.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, she was an ingenue of local theater, playing the title roles in "Gigi" and "Anna Christie" at the Vagabond Arena Theater. She starred as Eliza Doolittle in the Baltimore Actors' Theater's production of "Pygmalion."

A Baltimore Sun reviewer of "Arms and the Man" at Center Stage in 1963 said Ms. Irons "radiated" a spirit of impudence in playing a maid seeking to improve her social status.

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Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) December 10, 2014

TruBlue Total House Care is thrilled to announce that the brand was just named to Bonds Hottest New Franchises for 2015.

TruBlue specializes in providing complete and affordable solutions for all house care needs including home improvements, maid services, lawn care, emergency repair services and more. In addition to seniors and busy homeowners, franchise owners work with real estate professionals, general contractors and property managers to maintain homes and rental properties, improve curb appeal, make final preparations to sell homes and more. TruBlue was founded in Cincinnati in 2011.

Weve been doing this for a few years now and the word is really starting to get out about TruBlue. The market is noticing our growth and realizing the need for services like this, especially as people continuously get busier and our loved ones get older. Having someone available to take care of your home so you can spend your weekends doing things you enjoy is extremely valuable, said TruBlue COO Mark Cottle.

This is an exciting time for the brand because of the huge potential and momentum in property management. There is a real and growing need to keep people in their homes longer and more comfortably. The sky is the limit when we look at the services we offer and the opportunity for growth, he added.

According to World Franchisings website, companies have less than 50 operating units and provide evidence of outstanding growth potential for entrepreneurial franchisees to be named to Bonds Hottest New Franchises list.

Jason Lapp, owner/operator of the new TruBlue franchise in Mason, Ohio, said he was attracted to the company because of the concept and the general appeal of the services TruBlue can provide.

"We can market and serve to anyone and everyone. Everyone wants to make taking care of their home as easy as possible, especially as people get busier. With TruBlue, you can make one call and know your property is in good hands. Whether you're looking for our full suite of services or just one or two of the things we offer, everyone can use what we offer, Lapp said.

To learn more about becoming a TruBlue franchise operator, call (513)483-3293 or visit http://www.TruBlueHouseCare.com.

About TruBlue Total House Care

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TruBlue Total House Care Recognized as a Hot New Franchise