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12 ON YOUR SIDE: Rare tick-borne meat allergy in children

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (WWBT)- Parents, take extra care while your young ones are outside this summer - U.Va doctors say a tick-borne meat allergy may now affect children.

We first brought you the story about a man with a mysterious illness, an allergy that almost killed him, traced to a tick bite.

The lone star tick can cause life-threatening allergic reactions if your child is bitten and then eats a hamburger or hot dog.

U.Va researchers tested 51 children, ages four to 17, who had a history of allergic reactions - like severe itching and trouble breathing - but unknown causes. Doctors found most kids in the study had tick bites within the past year.

Shawn Wills remembered in funeral service

CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT)- It was a difficult and emotional day in Chesterfield as the 4-year-old killed by a falling tree was laid to rest. Hundreds gathered at The Pentecostals of Richmond to remember Shawn Wills, who died at Maymont Park during last week's storm.

The service lasted just over an hour. There were a lot of tears. Sobs could be heard throughout the sanctuary, but the Wills family asked their church to make this more of a celebration of young Shawn's life.

The church choir sang Shawn's favorite song, which carried a message meant to comfort his deeply religious family. The lyrics "God is fighting for us, God is on our side" echoed.

The Wills family had some specific requests for the service. They wanted to make it a non-traditional memorial with upbeat songs. Still, an overwhelming cloud of sadness hung over the sanctuary as people mourned a life taken too soon.

Martin's now Richmond's top grocery store

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- For the first time in four years, Food Lion is no longer the king of local grocery stores; Martin's now claims the top spot.

That's according to a market share study released this week by the industry publication "Food World."

Based on total sales, Martin's had nearly 17% share of the market, followed by Food Lion, which had around 15% of the market.

"I'm delighted," said long-time customer Bobby Twigs. "Martins and Ukrop's have been our favorite for years."

"I think that is great," said customer Angela Eskridge. "I've been shopping here for many, many years, and I like to see them continue good service."

VCU Marketing Director Dr. Michael Little studies these trends. He says the promotion of fresh foods and fuel perks are two big strategies he says could have helped martin's get to the top.

He also says it's all about the visual attraction.

Chesterfield family says mold problem keeps them from going home

CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT)- A Chesterfield family says mold has forced them out of their home, and the landlord just won't fix the problem. Now, both the renters and landlord are headed to court.

Toni Klonis and Marc Dunkerly say they've dreamed for a long time of moving into a home together with their toddler daughter and infant son. But the, they say they found mold in their home, all over the attic above their children's room.

"The first thing you think is oh Lord. This can't be healthy for a kid," said Klonis.

"We found black and white mold," explained Dunkerly. "All up in the attic and all on the HVAC system, on the roof. And it just went downhill."

Enter to win a free medication lock box

Substance Abuse Free Environment Inc., the county's coalition addressing drug-related issues, invites Chesterfield County parents to take a brief survey (less than two minutes) about keeping children safe from medication abuse.

Survey participants will remain anonymous. Participants also may enter a drawing to win a free medication lock box.

The personal information entered to win the medication lock box will not be linked to the survey. To participate, visit chesterfieldsafe.org. The survey will end on July 9.

Medicaid expansion in VA now under serious review

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- A hot button issue brought hundreds of demonstrators to the State Capitol on Monday. More than 200 showed up as the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission met for the first time to review changes to the Medicaid program.

Both sides are giving their reasons for and against Medicaid expansion, but the commission said we're still in the beginning process of trying to understand that type of change.

Expansion could mean coverage for 400,000 more people in the state. Opponents say, right now, the Medicaid program is a broken system.

"The idea really is to get everybody dependent on government - somebody has got to pay for that, and I think a lot of it is going to be waste," said Senator Dick Black with District 13, who is against Medicaid expansion.

Across the Capitol grounds, a smaller group in favor of the expansion gathered. These demonstrators believe it will provide much needed health care for the uninsured.

Memorial at Hampton Park for Chesterfield teenager removed

CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT)- An impromptu memorial for a Chesterfield teenager has been removed, but that's not the end of an effort to remember him.

Before Monday, the pedestrian tunnel in Chesterfield's Hampton Park was decorated with paintings, images, and quotes honoring 17-year-old Cal Reilly. 

It's the same place where police say he committed suicide. Now, the paint is gone - but not the determination of Cal's friends. 

Friends close to Reilly knew the images wouldn't be able to stay up there forever, but they are simply asking the HOA to let them memorialize him in another, more permanent way.

Spray paint now covers words that once read "Cal you will be forever in our hearts". 

Not out of disrespect to the cause - but an effort to keep the grounds free of any vandalism, according to some neighbors. Friends of Reilly spray painted images and quotes - symbolic of his personality.