{
  "id": 4785307,
  "title": "Rutland homeowner cuts down trees over concerns about homeless activity",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/rutland-homeowner-cuts-down-trees-over-concerns-about-homeless",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T04:16:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12042613/rutland-homeowner-cuts-down-trees-concerns-homeless-activity/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Rutland, a homeowner named Kris Hyam has taken drastic measures to deter people from using his yard. Hyam claimed that he had removed trees and other vegetation from his property over a span of three full weekends at a cost of approximately $600. This included the rental of a roll-off bin for the disposal process. Hyam expressed his frustration, saying that having someone in his yard who is not invited felt like a violation. He noted that people experiencing homelessness had been leaving belongings, needles, and drug paraphernalia on his property. Hyam believed that his home's location, near Lions Park and a welfare office, contributed to the issue. Despite this, organizations like Metro Central offer alternatives such as 24-hour storage for those in need. Hyam himself claims that removing the trees has made a difference, with fewer sightings of homeless individuals near his home. However, he also mentioned considering leaving the neighborhood due to the persistent problem.",
  "summary": "A Rutland homeowner says he has removed trees from his property in an effort to discourage people from using his yard as a place to hide, store belongings and use drugs",
  "key_points": [
    "Kris Hyam removed trees from property over three weekends, costing $600.",
    "Homeless individuals left belongings, needles, and drug paraphernalia.",
    "Hyam believes removal deterred homeless activity near his Rutland home."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}