NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Police officer’s time comes to end on ‘Race’

Jessica Shields’ stint on “The Amazing Race” ended Thursday, which was the second episode of the season.

Shields, a Howland native and a Youngstown police officer, and her teammate, Francesca Piccoli of Texas, finished in 10th – and last – place, which meant they were eliminated.

All of the contestants on the CBS reality competition show traveled to Sao Paolo, Brazil, where they engaged in several challenges, including keeping the beat in a samba band and rappeling down a high-rise building to wash windows.

In the final scene, after learning they were eliminated, Shields said she had no regrets.

“I had a blast,” she said.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra founder Paul O’Neill dies at 61

TAMPA, Fla.

Paul O’Neill, who founded the progressive metal band Trans-Siberian Orchestra, has died at 61.

University of South Florida police spokeswoman Renna Reddick tells The Associated Press that O’Neill was found dead in his room by hotel staff at a Tampa Embassy Suites late Wednesday afternoon. She says there were no obvious signs of foul play, and a medical examiner is working to determine an official cause.

The band says in a statement that O’Neill died from a “chronic illness.” The band calls his death “a profound and indescribable loss for us all.”

O’Neill was a rock producer and manager who began putting together Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 1996. The band is best known for its hard rock takes on Christmas staples such as “Carol of the Bells.” Fans especially loved the band’s Christmas tours, which were heavy on guitar solos and heavier on special effects

Trans-Siberian Orchestra played Covelli Centre in Youngstown about a half-dozen times in the past decade, most recently in November.

Staff/wire reports