TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

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1. Three students arrested in connection with BHS plastic bottle explosions

   By BREAKING NEWS BLOG

   Wednesday, May 22 2013 05:24 PM

   Three Bakersfield High School students were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of several felonies in connection with creating plastic bottle bombs that resulted in the cancellation of classes Monday.

   Police spokeswoman Michaela Beard did not have the age of each student, but said they were 15 and 16 years old. She said they were arrested on suspicion of possession of a destructive device, possession of a destructive device near a place where people pass by, possession of substances or materials with the intent to make a destructive device and conspiracy.

   BHS was placed on lockdown after three small explosions were heard on the campus late Monday morning. A noise was reported outside the science building, followed by an explosion inside a downstairs boys restroom inside Warren Hall and then a third explosion outside the industrial arts building.

   No one was injured and there was no damage to the buildings.

   Kern High School District spokesman John Teves has said the plastic watter bottles were filled with water and a common household chemical. Once sealed, the chemical and water react, produce pressure and the bottle eventually explodes.

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2. Grand fire near Frazier Park fully contained

   Full containment was reached Wednesday on the Grand fire, which burned 4,346 acres and caused a brief scare to Frazier Park residents before moving east of the area.
3. 

   DUI checkpoint to be held in eastern Kern County

   The California Highway Patrol will conduct a DUI checkpoint on Saturday in an unincorporated area of eastern Kern County.

4. Health caution issued for blowing dust

   Air pollution officials issued a health caution for blowing dust effective Tuesday evening through Wednesday night.

5. Passenger killed in big rig crash identified

   The big rig passenger who died Monday after the vehicle plunged over a railing and into a canal has been identified as Wisconsin resident Keith Michael Zeamer.

6. Suspect arrested in connection with kidnapping, attempted murder

   Deputies arrested one of two suspects Tuesday in a kidnapping and attempted murder investigation.
7. 

   Police searching for runaway juvenile

   Bakersfield police are asking for the public's help finding a runaway juvenile considered at risk because of her age.
8. 

   Grand fire near full containment

   There are still isolated hot spots in the area of the Grand fire east of Frazier Park that need to be extinguished and monitored, but full containment is expected Wednesday, officials said.
9. 

   Inside the schools: "Everybody was crying."

   MOORE, Okla. -- The principal's voice came on over the intercom at Plaza Towers Elementary School: A severe storm was approaching and students were to go to the cafeteria and wait for their parents to pick them up.

10. Herbicide spill closed road in Delano Monday

    An herbicide spill Monday closed the intersection of Lexington Street and Schuster Road in Delano until authorities determined the spill was not hazardous, Delano police said.

11. Roommate arrested in connection with man's death

    The roommate of a 45-year-old man found dead in his residence has been arrested in connection with his death.

12. Deputies: Man reports kidnapping at gunpoint

    Kern County Sheriff's deputies say a Bakersfield man reported Monday night that he was kidnapped at gunpoint, driven away and shot once in the back near College Park at Panorama Drive and Mt. Vernon Avenue.
13. 

    51 dead, including 20 children, as huge tornado hits Oklahoma City suburb

    MOORE, Okla. -- A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds up to 200 mph. At least 51 people were killed, including at least 20 children, and officials said the death toll was expected to rise.