text:
LTE ~ Husband of Superintendent Granger Attacks the Messenger at The World
Thanks to The World editorial board for your July 18 editorial support of reporter Chelsea Davis.
Apparently unable to mount a successful argument against the content of published articles regarding the Coos Bay schools turmoil and the schools' superintendent, the alleged husband of Coos Bay Schools Superintendent Granger crudely publicly attacks the messenger, not the message. According to the editorial, Mr. Granger wrote that, in addition to reporter Davis being a moron and a hack, he suggests that the reporter's personal life is lacking. The World has publicly confronted and responded to Mr. Granger.
Tax paying Coos Bay citizens should be furious reading crap like that stated to have originated with the husband of our embattled schools superintendent. Publicly posted notice to the people of this planet that reporter Davis "hasn't been laid in a few years" and suggesting that being the cause for her less than acceptable (to Mr. Granger) reporting / writing skills is direct from the gutter. It is clear that Granger's message was intended as a personal attack on Ms. Davis character and was a not so veiled threat to Ms. Davis and intended to embarrass her. It appears that the man has not learned that you don't pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel.
How would you react if reporter Davis was your daughter; a recent college graduate with an entry level job; half a continent from home; just starting life's journey; and she encountered the assault of an apparent frustrated male twice her age?
Mrs. Granger desires to be our public employee. Constructive criticism of her job performance by those paying her salary is appropriate. There was a terrific opportunity for a rapid response to the editorial by Mrs. Granger to show her character and distance herself from the abusive comments of her alleged husband. Apparently, she chose silence. And, she may be correct - a good time to keep your mouth closed is when you are in deep water. This matter has been a test of the character of the schools superintendent and her reaction to the conduct of her husband will help determine if she should remain our employee. Mrs. Granger's letter of embarrassment by the acts of her husband and detailed apology to Ms. Davis published in this newspaper is overdue. What say you Superintendent Granger?
LTE ~ Coos Bay Council Busted Over Charging Residents Sewer Rates
From a Watchdog in Coos Bay:
Coos Bay City Council busted, caught with hands in the cookie jars of sewer user's rate payers. Will Council seek forgiveness or pay reinburstments? For the years of charging sewer user rate payers for more than they used.
This practice was again pointed out by a Citizen, at the May 5, 2015 Council meeting concerning agenda item Resolution 15-06 Sewer Fee Adjustment. It was explained away as a common practice and the City had been doing it for years, no one knows when it started. The term in the resolution is "fraction thereof". Layman terms, rounding up any amount over 100 cubic feet, up to the next 100, and charging for the increased amount, not amount used.
Who is not paying attention? At the Town Hall Meeting, Tuesday, May 13, 2014, noon, Coos Bay Library Myrtle Room, a Citizen said to the meeting presenters, City staff, Mayor and Council members in attendance, "when we pay our water bill they are rounding up the charges".
At the Council meeting May 5, 2015, the practice was continued, resolution passed. Justified by required billing lead time for a 6.5 percent rate increase to start, June, billing cycle. July 21, 2015, practice of rounding up discontinued, with a two month lead time, a resolution in the August Council meeting, will continue through September or October. Four or five months or more of missing cookies.
Will the Council refund rate payers their missing Cookies? Every Budget and every Sewer Fee Adjustment vote during the past years, did council know they were voting to take extra cookies, without permission. Oh, who needs permission, they are our representatives.
Cookies are extracted annually from Citizens jar. September. 2014, Solid Waste fee increase, 1.9 percent. May 2015 Sewer Rate Fee increase, 6.5 percent. May 2015 Budget adoption, Property Tax Increase, 3 percent. July 2015 CB/NB WaterBoard Rate increase, 6.1 percent. July 7, 2015 PacifiCorp Franchise Fee increase, 2 percent. Does Council has any idea how may fewer Cookies the citizens have after the Council decides, share your Cookies.
Next on the table, gas tax, 5 Cents per gallon. Cities cost to put on ballot? If passed, buy 10 gallons, pay $.50 more, the state gets a cut, rest to City, after administration cost, directed to streets. See Coos Bay Councilors at, gas tax town hall meeting.
Is the Council inventorying cookies in the Cities' jars?
Denny Powell
Coos Bay OR 97420
Coos Bay North Spit Waste Treatment Plant 2 SUMMARY 7-22-15 PDF
Coos Bay Plant 2 Alternative - 7-22-15. Chloe PDF
The City of Coos Bay has been struggling with sewer plan #2, Empire in redesigning and upgrades. They think that they are ready to now construct a new plant, as soon as the permits are approved.
Problem, The new Plant will be placed in residential neighborhood. The Plant will still dump "treated" sewage products into the Coos Bay. Bay. Currently the design cost are around 3 million, and they will be spending 7 million more in construction for the plant, over that of another offer to build a plant, in another place.
The City, Councilors are not only reluctant, but have voted to no longer look at any other options which will require spending staff time. However, some Councilors like the long term advantages of the other option offered.
DBWT, Inc. A locale Business has offered to build the beginnings of a regional waste water treatment facility, starting with the a Plant # 2 design meeting Coos Bays current and future DEQ, and other permitting requirements on the North Spit and including an Ocean Outfall. The actual plant construction, turn key ready to go will cost 7 million less than the Current Coos Bay plan.
The Ocean Outfall can be build in combination with shared cost. The future will be better for the health and well-being of all animals and humans because Coos Bays Plant # 1 can pipe it waste to the north spit facility and no longer dump into the Bay. And in the future likewise North Bend can become part of the Regional waste water treatment system with an ocean outfall improving the health of the Bay.
DBWT has prepared a Proposal and Summery in attachments included. One a summery and the other the same summery with much more details and data.
The Councilors said they would consider the North Spit option again if the information answered the question the Council members had and they could be convinced it could happen within the time mandated DEQ time frame.
It is the job of the Citizens to not let the councilors play with the health and future well-being of the Community by not having a public meeting to consider this complete information which has been offered.
LTE ~ CEP Vote is a Plan Without an Agreement
LTE ~ Coos Bay Sewer Fees Over the Next 5 Years
LTE ~ Coos Bay Officials bring Citizens in Line by Taxing Them
LTE ~ LNG Pipeline Man and His Bag of Money
BOC ~ Releases Coos County Strategic Plan
Sweet admits that community service fess are derivatives of tax dollars
MGX ~ More Articles & Latest News from Mary Geddry
MGX ~ Interesting Proposition for the Voters of Coos County and a Petition
MGX ~ Cribbins & Sweet Entertain Awarding County Crony with $15,000 Raise
Less than 24 Hours After Election & the Sweet Deals Start Rolling Out in #CoosCounty
MGX ~ Sweet's Campaign is Getting Desperate to Turn to the Walrus
Candidate Don Gurney is the Right Choice for Coos County Commissioner
OPRD ~ Fascinating Email Exchange Involving Stuntzner, Sweet, & Bandon Biota
On July 16, the Coos County Vector Assessment & Control Advisory Committee held their regular monthly meeting on the Ni-les'tun Unit overlook at the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, which is the small wooden platform with a plaque dedicated to longtime Oregon Congressman, Peter DeFazio.
At the meeting, the chair of the committee, Roger Straus, announced that the US Fish & Wildlife Service had their biologist regularly apply BTI larvacide to the marsh and that it is currently free of mosquitoes. However, he also admitted that there has been a severe fly-off off the refuge on property located further into the Coquille Valley near Prosper Road over to Randall Road on Hwy 42S.
The Service is blaming the failure of tide gates located on property within the infested area for the cause of the problem.
They suspect that remaining pools of water stagnated, enabling the perfect environment for breeding mosquitoes. The agency has offered some of the landowners to bring in equipment to dredge the area for better drainage, but suspicions remain as to their real motives.
One reason is that the service's own biologists relate the current infestation directly to the marsh expansion, which is contradictory to the main storyline.
In addition, over the last few years, several property owners have been seeking permission to replace aging tide gates and they claim that the government is not granting those permits.
Which agency is responsible for granting permits? That is right, none other than the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
The belief of the new leadership on the refuge is that the government will have to expand the marsh to contain the burgeoning wildlife, which sounds like another excuse for a land grab. The agency can only purchase land from "willing sellers," and claim not to have the funds for the acquisitions.
What better way to create "willing sellers" than to deny them the permits for the gates knowing those actions will cause more mosquito infestations? Moreover, because the infestation will be off the marsh the agency can deny culpability, while acting as savior when they come in with an offer to purchase.
To add insult to injury, Commissioner John Sweet, who is the liaison between the county and The Service, has been parroting the same message of obfuscation. Mr. Sweet said in a conversation at the county fair, "that it seems unlikely that the mosquitoes in the valley are coming from the marsh."
The commissioner is currently facing a recall for not supporting an ordinance to preserve the Second Amendment in Coos County. His alliance with Fish & Wildlife and caviler attitude towards this latest controversy is a risky public relations tactic, especially since he risks the backlash of his constituents.
Proving the point, The Committee to Recall John Sweet is having a campaign meeting in the Owen Building, 201 N. Adams Street, Coquille, Oregon on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 7:00 pm.
There are several reasons for the removal of John Sweet and the recall committee is inviting everyone to come out to the meeting this Friday to learn the petitioning process. The experience will provide the basic knowledge needed to file future initiatives, recalls, or referenda and the ability to defend the people from bad officials and even worse political policies, no matter what ideology practiced. Equally, the group will need all the help they can get to remove such an entrenched politician.
Rob Taylor is the founder of a local virtual network of activists, which is located on the internet at www.CoosCountyWatchdog.com.
http://theworldlink.com/news/opinion/editorial/your-view-are-mosquitoes-an-excuse-for-a-land-grab/article_5319b07a-f940-59db-ab2d-65bb7b08bdba.html
Cribbins & Sweet Snub Second Amendment Supporters Again
History of the Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance
BOC ~ Mosquito Meeting on the Marsh Thursday July 16, 2015
ODFW ~ Public Meeting Discussing Nearshore Strategy July 7 & 9, 2015
Coos County Mosquito Meeting Thursday June 18, 2015
BOC ~ Vector Control Meeting in North Bend Thursday March 12, 2015
Coos County Vector Control Committee ~ Mosquito Meeting February 12, 2015
LTE ~ OR State Recalls Scrapped Due to Lack Of Support From Republicans & NRA
Oregon Recalls Scrapped Following Lack Of Support From Republicans And NRA
Three out of four recall campaigns against Oregon legislators who helped pass universal background checks were scrapped earlier this month, having received zero support from mainstream Republicans and the NRA. A fourth recall is still in progress.
The recalls targeted four left-wing legislators who supported a bill requiring background checks on gun sales and private transfers between individuals. Gov. Kate Brown signed the bill into law on May 11.
Two of the recalls failed because they weren't able to collect a sufficient number of signatures needed to generate a recall election. A third, against House Majority Leader Rep. Val Hoyle, was abandoned after Hoyle announced she would step down to explore a run for Secretary of State. A recall against Sen. Floyd Prozanski, chief sponsor of the background check bill, is still ongoing.
Organizers of the abandoned recalls blamed the failure on a lack of logistical and financial support from gun groups and Republicans. The state Republican Party reportedly told people not to help the recall efforts and may have deliberately tried to sabotage them. The NRA apparently offered to help but never delivered on the promise.
As one of the organizers told The Oregonian, "Everyone refused to work with us."
It is unclear why Oregon Republicans were so unwilling to support efforts that would have given them a majority in the legislature. As for the NRA's no show, one organizer blamed it on the organization's complete inability to function on a state level. He wrote:
"The NRA response really felt like it was an organization that is just too big to function. I don't think they have any sort of way to function on a state level. After repeated requests for help, money or even advice their response was purely stalling. Letting me know they would get back to me with help and then providing nothing. It was clear they were wasting our time. The very first conversation they should have said 'No we are not going to help' instead of wasting hours of my time."
After facing little opposition in passing universal background checks in Washington State last year, the gun control lobby said it intends to push similar laws in a number of other states.
Posted by Bruce P at 5:20 AM
http://bluegrassbruce.blogspot.com/2015/07/oregon-recalls-scrapped-following-lack.html
OFF ~ Recall Petitioners Take Heat ~ Sweet Recall Continues
LTE ~ Sweet Deals for Sweet Vote for Don Gurney for #CoosCounty Commissioner
MGX ~ Cribbins, Wiese, Heaton & Political Elite Show True Colors & Insult Public
Coos County Commissioner John Sweet & Mayor Of #Bandon Misleading the Public
John Sweet Lied, Mosquitoes Did Not Die ~ Mosquito Meeting October 23, 2014
LTE~ Vote for Don Gurney for #CoosCounty & Stop Appeasing the #USFWS
BLM ~ Tell Feds "No" on Sage Grouse Land Grab in Oregon
The Western United States is about to feel the weight of Washington's heavy hand.
All because of a small chicken-sized bird known as the "greater sage grouse."
Unelected and unaccountable officials at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are working to impose a federal "strategy" to protect the habitat of the sage grouse in 11 Western states on an area the size of Texas.
In truth, BLM's scheme – concocted by career bureaucrats and Obama political appointees – will do little for the bird. But it will inflict serious long-term damage on this vast region of America, on our energy resources, and especially on private property rights.
Please sign CFACT's public statement today and together let's tell President Obama and the BLM that their plan to micromanage the land policies of our Western states is a terrible mistake.
To make matters worse, the Interior Department may even soon decide to list the sage grouse as a federally protected "threatened" or "endangered" species to comply with a court-ordered deadline of September 30th.
Brenda Richards, president of the Public Lands Council, has warned, "If sage grouse are designated for protection under the ESA [Endangered Species Act], many ranchers may no longer be permitted to allow livestock to graze on or near sage grouse habitat."
"This decision would not only destroy the ranching industry in the west, which is the backbone of many rural communities, it would also halt the conservation efforts currently underway by ranchers," she added.
With the September 30th deadline approaching, this gives us less than 60 days to make our voices heard against the sage grouse being listed as "threatened" or "endangered."
As for the BLM plan, by targeting an area of 165 million acres for severe land-use restrictions, the feds, in effect, are declaring economic activity in the rural West is incompatible with the sage grouse's recovery.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
States in the affected region have already developed comprehensive plans that will reverse the decline of the bird and safeguard the livelihood of millions of citizens throughout the West.
State and local officials have worked with wildlife biologists to tailor their plans to the vastly different environmental conditions prevailing throughout the region. They've found ways to help the sage grouse and preserve the way of life of local residents together.
But the radical Greens and federal regulators will have none of it.
The state plans center on environmental stewardship based on wildlife biology. But at the center of the BLM plan, it is all about federal land-use control.
If the BLM were truly interested in recovery of the greater sage grouse, it would embrace these state plans.
Its refusal to do so exposes its real agenda: Expanding federal control over the rural West, and locking up precious mineral and energy resources that could benefit every American.
That's why we need your signature on CFACT's petition, and hope you'll share it with your friends so we can enlist tens of thousands of other concerned citizens.
Farmers, ranchers, and tens of thousands of people employed in the region's oil and gas fields are the first targets in BLM's crosshairs.
Indeed, a spokesman for the Western Energy Alliance recently predicted "The economic impact of sage-grouse restrictions on just the oil and natural gas industry will be between 9,170 and 18,250 jobs and $2.4 billion and $4.8 billion in annual economic impact across Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming."
If the feds can get away with inflicting pain like this, it will only whet their appetite for future land grabs.
That's why their battle is our battle.
Governors, local officials, and business people in the West are outraged over the BLM's action. They need the support of Americans from across the country.
Please help CFACT put an end to the BLM's land-grabbing scheme. Sign the petition. Share it with your friends.
Together let's tell the federal bureaucracy that it has already gone too far.
We, the people, are calling a halt.
O&C Land Wyden Bill Still Not Good for Rural Oregon
BLM ~ Guided Hike at New River to Indoctrinate Civilians Saturday July 11, 2015
BLM ~ Loses Fight with Miners for the Sugar Pine Mine Victory for Patriots
IMPORTANT ~ BLM Open House on Draft Plan for Western Oregon Thurs. May 28,
Rural Organizing Project Ignorantly Attacks Oath Keepers for Defending Miners
Stop DOI's Demand for Permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund
OR Legislation to Transfer Federal Lands Back to State HB3444 ~ HB3240 ~ HJM13
Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council Meeting Discussing NMS on May 7, 2015
Bill in Oregon Legislature Transfers Federal Lands Back to the Locals
USFWS ~ Email Exposes ODFW Lie About the Winter Lake Restoration Project
USFS ~ Forces Skamania County to Declare Forest Management November 12, 2014
Neal Knox once famously said, "If you're taking flak you must be over the target." Well, we must be over the target folks.
With over a month left before signatures have to be turned in, the Recall Prozanski campaign is outperforming expectations. So, as you can imagine, the nanny staters are out in force doing everything they can to interfere with, harass, and tamper with signature gathering efforts.
The Oregon Citizens to Recall Senator Floyd Prozanski have issued a formal election law complaint against the "Oregon Democracy Fund" and the Lane County Fair for their efforts to block and harass people who are alerting voters to Prozanski's twisted record of supporting felons and rapists and attacking law abiding gun owners.
Pam Duffy, the Chief Petitioner for the Prozanski recall, said in a press release " Our circulators were illegally harassed by employees of the Oregon Democracy Fund at the Lane County Fair, stopping them from gathering signatures on our recall petition. That clearly violates established Oregon law and we want the Secretary of State to investigate and fine them for each person they stopped from signing our petition."
The complaint also alleges that Lane County Fair employees illegally stopped recall petition circulators from canvassing inside the fairgrounds and even confiscated the circulators' clipboards and petitions while they were inside the fairgrounds. Looks like Floyd's enablers hate the First Amendment as much as the Second. While the signature gatherers lost many valuable signatures as a result of the petty harassment from the women of the "Oregon Democracy Fund" it also proves that these freedom haters are scared.
In the press release Pam Duffy said "We are discussing our legal options beyond making the election law complaint as we believe that the individual employees of the fair and the Oregon Democracy Fund are personally liable."
Clearly the gun grabbers are on the run. We still have work to do to make this recall successful. But we are making great progress. We want to thank our friends at the Recall Chuck Riley campaign who donated the balance of their PAC account to our efforts. This battle is costly but we are closing in.
We have no doubts Prozanski's minions will be amping up their efforts to harass the recall campaign. We're prepared for that.
Please consider helping us pay for this very, very, expensive, but critical effort. You can make a donation to OFFPAC, which is currently the only organization to fund this effort here. Please be sure to pick "Political Action Committee" from the "Donation Category" drop down menu.
Donations to our PAC qualify for an Oregon tax credit so your contribution may cost you nothing. Thanks for your continued fight for our rights.
OFF ~ Another Sheriff Says No to SB941 While Cribbins & Sweet Whistle in the Wind
OFF ~ Sine Die Legislature Ends The Local Fight Begins
Second Amendment Deficiency Letter on Initiative ~ the Petition Drive Continues
Special Second Amendment Event in Josephine County July 11, 2015
OFF ~ Democrats Smell Fear & Republicans Are Fearful Sadly Even Krieger & Kruse
IMPORTANT NOTICE ~ Cribbins & Sweet Recall Organizing Meeting June 12, 2015
OFF ~ Money Well Spent  More Gun Bills Pass the Senate
Noncompliance Rally High Noon On the Coos Bay Boardwalk Sunday, May 31 2015
OFF ~ The Clown Parade Rolls On
BOC ~ Work Session Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance Wed. May 13, 2015
OFF ~ Gun Registration Bill Passes.
OFF ~ SB941 May NOT Have the Votes ~ Keep Calling & Emailing State Reps
American Forest Resource Council
U.S. Senate Committee Also Holds Hearing on National Forest Ecosystem Improvement Act to Improve Health of Federal Forest Lands
The Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee yesterday held a hearing on the Oregon and California Land Grant Act of 2015 (S. 132), legislation sponsored by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden to change the management of O&C timberlands administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
The committee also held a hearing on the National Forest Ecosystem Improvement Act of 2015, legislation introduced by U.S. Senator John Barrasso to expedite ecosystem restoration projects on National Forests across the country.
Representing Western Oregon forest products manufacturers, American Forest Resource Council (AFRC) President Tom Partin highlighted how the Wyden O&C proposal lacks balance and won't address the needs of rural, forested communities. S. 132 is identical to Senator Wyden's proposal from last year (S. 1784), which was opposed by Oregon's forest products industry and the affected counties in Western Oregon.
"The Oregon and California Land Grant Act of 2015 would set aside 69 percent of the O&C lands as conservation areas where sustainable timber management is prohibited," Partin said. The remaining 31 percent would be subjected to the bill's new regulations and arbitrary forestry restrictions that will reduce harvest levels while providing no certainty that projects will actually be implemented.
Unfortunately, the bill in its present form will not help our financially-distressed counties, will not solve the socio-economic problems in our rural communities, and will put forests of all ownerships further at risk of catastrophic wildfire. The Douglas Complex fire, which burned nearly 49,000 acres of private and BLM forests in 2013, serves a reminder that the lack of management has destructive consequences."
Despite claims the bill would "double" timber harvest levels on O&C lands, an analysis commissioned by the Association of O&C Counties suggests the legislation would result in long-term sustained harvests of only 85 to 171 million board feet (mmbf) per year, far less than the 1.2 billion board feet the O&C lands grow naturally and lower than current meager levels of approximately 200 mmbf.
"While we have serious concerns with Senator Wyden's O&C proposal, we are encouraged that the Committee is reviewing legislation to restore the health of our National Forests such as the National Forest Ecosystem Improvement Act to improve management on federal lands across the nation," Partin said.
Testifying in opposition to S. 132, Steve Swanson, President and CEO of family-owned Swanson Group of Glendale, Ore., said the industry remained unified in opposition to the legislation. But he expressed the industry's commitment to working with Sen. Wyden and other members of the Congressional delegation on a solution that balances economic and environmental goals.
"Western Oregon's rural, forested communities are in dire need of a durable, workable solution, Swanson testified. "We need a solution that provides the remaining critical milling infrastructure with a predictable supply of raw materials; we need a solution that is going to get Oregonians back in the woods proactively managing our forests to reduce disease, insect, and fire risks. And, we need a solution that reflects the unique legal mandate of the O&C Lands, which is to provide permanent, sustainable timber harvests in Western Oregon."
Swanson testified that any effective O&C solution requires sufficient harvest levels to protect infrastructure and jobs; legal certainty against obstruction and delay; and stable and adequate funding for rural communities. He said Oregon's industry has agreed in the past to a compromise that would set aside a majority of O&C lands for permanent conservation, and would continue to work with other stakeholders to help achieve a balanced solution.
"Our industry has come to the table – and will continue to come to the table – to find a durable, workable compromise for the O&C Lands," Swanson said. "In fact, the timber industry supported the House O&C proposal, which dedicated more than half of the O&C Lands to conservation purposes while dedicating less than half to sustained yield timber production with sufficient legal certainty. While that was a difficult negotiation, it was the right thing to do for our communities and federal forests."
"Senator Wyden, despite our position on your bill, I want to assure you that our industry remains totally and completely committed to working with you and the rest of the Oregon delegation to find an effective, compromise O&C solution before we see further economic declines in our rural communities. Most rural communities that are dominated by federal forest ownership can't simply create alternative industries that defy the realities of their geography. With some of the most productive forestland in the entire world we would be foolish to even suggest it. Instead we should be taking steps to ensure that we restore active, sustainable management to the BLM O&C lands. We are excited to work with you in order to accomplish that mutual goal."
Swanson applauded the committee for its consideration of the National Forest Ecosystem Improvement Act, testifying the bill will help expedite critical forest health projects and support forest collaboration while upholding federal environmental laws.
"S. 1691 includes important provisions to address the primary factors limiting the management of our national forests today, namely litigation and cost and time required for the Forest Service to satisfy the analysis paralysis that constrains forest management projects," Swanson said. "With at least 65 million acres of national forest at risk to insects, disease, and catastrophic wildfire, S. 1691 includes an important – albeit modest – mandate to accomplish at least 1 million acres of mechanical restoration treatments annually. The legislation seeks to address analysis paralysis by placing reasonable limits on the size scope of the analysis required for these ecosystem restoration projects."
O&C :Urgent" Public Comment Tell Wyden You Oppose his Deal to Environmentalist
Tribal Forest Management in the Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs
MGX~Lobbyist a Big Waste of #CoosCounty Money for Wagon Road Lands
Music in the Bandon City Park Sunday, August 23, 2015
The World banner headline of June 13 proclaimed "CEP vote on horizon". The front page, above the fold, article reported that citizens are still skeptical about this thing that is labeled CEP, SCCF and WDP.
Whether labeled taxes or fees in lieu of taxes, it's the people's money to do with as the people, not a few self - anointed, so choose. You won't be voting for how you want your piece of the potentially hundreds of millions of dollars spent, and neither will I. You won't be voting to elect any person to represent your interests and oversee the CEP, SCCF or WDP. A majority of local citizens whose families long ago stopped using the schools systems and want their monies to go for infrastructure will not influence any vote. But you may attend a meeting.
What is it that will be the subject of a vote? Why should anybody be voting on a plan that Veresen / Jordan Cove Energy (JCEP) has not agreed to in writing or voting on how to distribute money that may never be received? The article says that four local government entities will vote on an Enterprise Zone Agreement in August. It's possible that one or more of the entities may amend whatever it is that will be voted upon. Now what?
It's possible that Veresen, the Canadian parent of JCEP, a company traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange, will sell out as soon as all permits are in hand. We have been informed that the JCEP will possibly be a seven billion dollar project. If you are among the folks who read financial reports from Veresen, you know that Veresen has relatively very few Canadian dollars to rub together. Why would Exxon or Shell or any investor make a seven billion dollar investment on the acknowledged most geologically unsafe location of the contiguous 48 united states? As reported by the article, why would any astute business person build housing in Coquille to support a North Spit enterprise? Would you welcome a Chinese company as you have welcomed a Canadian company? Will the content of a novation agreement covering taxes or fees, if Veresen / JCEP agree, be legally enforceable against the new developer? Why should our neighbor's property be seized for a pipeline that benefits a Canadian company, not the US public? And there is so much more.
LTE~ A Package of Rancor for Coos County Commissioner John Sweet
Commissioner Candidate Refuses to Disclose Answers to a Questionnaire
Commissioners Campaign Contributors are Champions of Corporate Welfare
LTE ~ Why do #CoosCounty Commissioners Support Failed Economic Policies
Yes to LNG, No to the CEP
Attention OCA members,
Next Thursday, July 23, the Board of Forestry will make a final decision on western Oregon stream buffers in response to small temp. changes observed following timber harvest (0.7 degrees Celsius). Although these temperature changes are insignificant, short-lived, and lack scientific proof that they harm fish, federal agencies and environmentalists are pressing for no-cut buffers five times larger than currently required.
This will have significant impacts on people owning forested lands in western Oregon. As determined by the Department of Forestry, a 100 ft. no-cut buffer on all fish-bearing streams in western Oregon would have an immediate financial impact to landowners of over $700 million! Even a 70 ft. no-cut buffer on only those streams with salmon, steelhead, and bull trout would cost landowners in excess of $100 million.
It is crucial that OCA members speak out against unnecessary forested stream buffers. Even those who do not own forested lands should be concerned about this regulatory overreach! These rules will set a precedent for the state and have a ripple effect on ODA's riparian protections on ag lands.
Please submit comments to Chair Tom Imeson of the Board of Forestry as soon as possible! Or email your comments separately to BoardofForestry@oregon.gov.
Together for Agriculture,Oregon Cattlemen's Association
Sweet Recall Meeting
When: 7:00 pm on Friday July 31, 2015
Where: The Owen Building
201 N. Adams Street, Coquille, Oregon
https://goo.gl/maps/OT68X
Why: Update on the Recall Campaign
Connect with us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RecallJohnSweet
https://www.facebook.com/cooscountysecondamendmentordinance
https://www.facebook.com/CoosCountyWatchdog
LTE ~ Coos Bay City Council Two More Opportunities to Get into Taxpayers Pockets
http://coosmediacenter.pegcentral.com/player.php?video=3723af9d69815aa663d14f4879694eec
Residents of Coos Bay, have just had another sewer rate increase, 6.5 percent. And now before the City Council, two more opportunities for them to get into your pockets to fund another avoided project, streets. Council meeting July 7, 2015.
Two items, PacificCorp Franchise fee, direct pass through to Citizens electric bills, and a gas tax, where the State gets a 10 percent cut, the rest to the city. Gas tax, at the pump will have to be voted upon in an election.
The human experience, wired for short term fix. First choice, see the effect, fix it. The underlying cause, avoid for 20 or more years. Coos Bay streets, never enough tax dollars to maintain. The three percent property tax increase yearly, that limits governments growth. They have to live within their means by supplementing with fees, and taxes.
What percentage of these collected funds will be dedicated for the streets, and what percentage will syphon off to city staff for services surrounding street projects? What is the bang for the buck, in this short term fix?
Council created Streets Task Force, and approved updating Street Condition Survey, resulting in a plan. Solution, tax and fee the Citizens to implement. What about other solutions?
The popular solutions already described, but the unpopular ones, lets explore. First, close the Urban Renewal, UR, Districts, make then go away. The percentage of tax revenue, about 30 percent of the UR current property tax dollars, will be new dollars to the General fund. Second, let the number of employees decrease, through attrition, without new hires. Third, stop, or reduce the cost for consultants. Fourth, eliminated open ended contracts where staff has a retainer with contractors for repeated or continued projects up to $24,999.00 without Council further approval.
Fifth, direct South Coast Community Foundation dollars toward community infrastructure.
These solutions will make current and future property tax dollars available to start being used to maintain the streets. The Council then will have more options and solutions on the table, instead of just signing checks, and approving laws taxing it's Citizens.
Video of Public Meeting with testimony:
LTE ~ Coos Bay Sewer Plant replacement has a new wrinkle
LTE ~Operators and Controllers of Sewage, not Geese
LTE ~ Coos Bay waste water plants suffers financially
The latest numbers are in from the State Police, and they once again prove what a massive fraud the background check system is and how much worse things will get when SB 941's firearms transfer provisions kick in in early August.
While 129 transactions were denied in June (including 95 "felons", 13 people actively "wanted"and 5 adjudicated mentally ill) the number of arrests was a bit smaller.
Of those 13 people actually "wanted" at the time of their denial exactly 1 was arrested. Of the 5 mentally ill people and 95 felons, the number of arrests was a whopping ... zero.
So once again, we see the sham that the anti-gunners numbers are. Virtually no one is prevented from getting a firearm because of background checks. They are just diverted from that gun at that time and place. But soon this ridiculous system is going to be used against you for transfers that now don't require the failed intervention of the Oregon State Police. Keep in mind, the OSP still has a policy of taking a trooper off patrol for every firearm's transfer denial. What a tragic waste of scarce resources.
Maybe because this system is proving itself each day to be a joke (the shooter in the Charleston murders passed a background check) more and more sheriffs are making it clear they will notenforce the new registration, universal background check bill.
Last Saturday at a firearms event sponsored by the Josephine County Republicans with Rich Wyatt, the new sheriff of the county stated unequivocally that neither he nor his deputies would enforce SB 941. Sheriff Dave Daniel called SB 941 a "waste of time" and a "travesty."
We will keep working to expose the fraud that SB 941 is. The fight is not over.
Oregon Coastal Management Program Update to City of Bandon ~ Public Comment
CWA ~ Public Screening of 'Salmon-Running The Gauntlet" July 27, 2015
CWA ~ Meeting to Discuss Coos Commons Protection Council Monday, June 22, 2015
Coquille Watershed Action Plan 3.0 - WRCA application
CWA ~ Executive Council Meeting Monday 3/23 - OFRI Speaker Darren Mahr
CWA ~ Meeting Monday February 23, 2015 w/photographer Tim Palmer
CWA ~ Public Meeting South Fork Coquille River Action Plan Monday Nov. 24, 2014
OWEB~Using Public Money to Restore Private Property Right Out of Existence
CWA---Public Meeting "Modern 'Minimalist' Salmonid Supplementation" August 8, 2014
CWA---Monthly Meeting Monday June 23, 2014 w/Roger Doll as Guest Speaker
CWA---Monthly Meeting Monday, May 19, 2014 w/Oregon Coast Alliance
CWA---Public Meeting Speaker Mitch Lewis, "The Watermaster" Monday April 28, 2014
CWA---Monthly Meeting Monday March 24, 2014
CWA---Going Native Public Event February 22, 2014
CWA---Coquille Watershed Association Public Meeting January 27, 2014
CWA---Meeting Calendar
CWA---Last Meeting of the Year November 25, 2013
CWA---Executive Council Meeting Monday 9/23
Action Alert ~ Bandon City Council Meeting to Discuss Mosquitoes Dec. 8, 2014
Important Town Halls to Give Away Tax Dollars on a Sweet Deal July 9 -11, 2015
Good Afternoon All!
The following is a press release from the City of Coos Bay regarding the upcoming Community Enhancement Plan Open Houses to be held around the County.
Community Enhancement Plan Open Houses July 9th – 11th
The Community Enhancement Plan (CEP) Work Group will hold three Open House sessions to answer questions and hear feedback from citizens as follows:
Thursday, July 9th, 6pm-8pm, Blossom Gulch Elementary School Cafeteria, Coos Bay
Friday, July 10th, 11am-1pm, The Barn in Bandon City Park, Bandon
Saturday, July 11th, 10am-noon, Oaks Pavilion at Coos County Fairgrounds, Myrtle Point
The Community Enhancement Plan is the result of community discussions regarding the property tax implications of the Jordan Cove Energy Project and its participation in the State of Oregon's Enterprise Zone Program.
Representatives from the South Coast Community Foundation, the Waterfront Development Partnership and the CEP Work Group will be available to discuss their plans with attendees. Handouts summarizing the activities of these three entities will also be provided to the public.
The format of these meetings allows citizens to discuss issues with elected officials and staff on a one-on-one basis. Citizens interested in providing public testimony will be able to do so when the governing bodies meet at a later date to hold public hearings on these proposals.
All meeting minutes, handouts, and draft agreements related to the Community Enhancement Plan are available on the Port of Coos Bay's website under the "Community Partnerships" tab: www.portofcoosbay.com
For those who cannot attend the open house sessions, an email address has been created for those who prefer to provide written feedback to the CEP Work Group: cepcomments@portofcoosbay.com
The Community Enhancement Plan Work Group will meet next on Monday, July 20th at 1pm at the Coos Bay City Council Chambers to review citizen feedback. The next step will be to present the CEP to the governing bodies for approval, including the City of Coos Bay, the City of North Bend, Coos County, and the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay. For more information contact Councilor Jennifer Groth at 541-217-8293 or email at sjgroth@charter.net
Please take this opportunity to attend one of the above sessions with any questions you may have and to give feedback on this potential opportunity for our community.
Sincerely,Connie Stopher
50 Central Avenue, Suite A
Email: connie@scdcinc.org
Sine Die
The most damaging legislative session in Oregon history is over. The rights of gun owners took a massive hit.
The Democrat majority ignored the best interests of the people of the state.
It has been a bitterly contentious few months, but you fought valiantly.
Thank you for every call, letter and email. Thank you for showing up at hearings and rallies in the rain.
While Bloomberg and his paid lackeys are claiming victory, Oregonians across the state are preparing to defy and defend.
God bless each of you for your courage and commitment.
The battle has just begun.
ODFW ~ Central coast all-depth halibut fishing closes until August
Central coast all-depth halibut fishing closes until August
NEWPORT, Ore. – After fishing last weekend nearly exhausted the available spring quota, the spring all-depth Pacific halibut fishery on Oregon's central coast is closed until Aug. 7.
"Last weekend there was just enough good weather and good fishing to push us to within 1,500 pounds of the spring all-depth quota," said Lynn Mattes, ODFW's project leader for halibut. "That's not enough quota to open any additional days this spring, but that remaining quota will be added to the summer season that opens in August."
The spring all-depth Pacific halibut fishery for the central coast subarea (from Cape Falcon south to Humbug Mountain) was open 12 days over four different periods, resulting in the harvest of approximately 109,163 pounds of Pacific halibut.
The summer all-depth fishery will open Aug. 7 with a quota of approximately 45,000 pounds. The summer season for the central coast all-depth fishery is scheduled to be open every other Friday and Saturday until the all-depth quota is taken or Oct. 31, whichever is earlier.
Fishing for halibut in the Central Coast Subarea is still allowed seven days per week inside the 40-fathom line until the quota is reached or Oct. 31. On the north coast (the Columbia River Subarea; from Leadbetter Point, Wash., to Cape Falcon), nearshore halibut fishing is open seven days a week until the quota is taken or Sept. 30. On the south coast (the Southern Oregon Subarea; from Humbug Mountain to the OR/CA Border) the halibut fishery is open seven days per week until the quota is reached or Oct. 31.
Lynn Mattes (541) 867-4741 ext. 237
Maggie Sommer (541) 867-4741 ext. 227
ODFW ~ Public Meeting to Discuss Winter Lake Project Thursday June 18, 2015
Beaver Slough Drainage District Tax Increase Resolution Meeting June 8, 2015
ODFW ~ Drought prompts earlier trout release on Oregon coast
Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Presentation on Winter Lake Restoration Project
Family Fishing event featured during Family Fun Day
Watchdog Keeps ODFW on Track with Rebuttal on Land-Use Issue
ODFW ~ Cormorant hazing aims to protect young fish
ODFW ~ Commission to Consider Land Grab in Willamette Valley December 5, 2014
#ODFW~ Public Meetings in October for 2015 Groundfish & Sport Halibut Seasons
#ODFW to host public meetings on commercial nearshore fishery September
Lottery Proceeds Spent on Eco/Devo Voo Doo Instead of Schools
How the State of Oregon Gambles Away Its Lottery Proceeds
Posted: 06 Jul 2015 05:00 AM PDT
By Thomas Tullis
When Oregon politicians pretend to be experts on venture capital investing, it ends up costing the state millions of dollars in education money.
This is exactly what is going on with the Oregon Growth Board, a project of the Oregon Business Development Department. Tasked with generating a return on investment by financing venture capital funds in Oregon, the Board receives 10% of state lottery profits that are supposed to be apportioned to a state education endowment fund. Unfortunately for students, the Oregon Growth Account boasts a measly 1.5% return on investment over a 15-year period.
In order to justify these dismal returns, the Board claims that venture capital funds tend to lose money in the early years but then make it up as new companies mature. They also admit that they're recovering from $22 million in losses suffered when the dot-com bubble burst 15 years ago.
State legislators don't recognize the irony of using profits from the Oregon Lottery to gamble in high-risk investments to benefit an education stability fund. Perhaps the Oregon Growth Board would have a more reasonable ROI if they just flew to Vegas and put our education money all on red.
Thomas Tullis is a research associate at Cascade Policy Institute, Oregon's free market think tank. He is a student at the University of Oregon, where he is studying Journalism and Political Science.
Subject: Guided Hike at New River to Explore Current Management - BLM News
OR120-15-15
Contact: Megan Harper (541) 751- 4353
Guided Hike at New River to Explore Current Management
BANDON, Ore. – The public is invited to join the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a guided hike of the New River Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) to explore the area and learn about the agency's current management of this unique stretch of the Oregon Coast.
The hike will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, and the hike will last approximately an hour and a half. Hikers should meet at the New River Nature Center. Participants should bring water, wear sunscreen and wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking in the dirt and sand.
The hike will be the informal kick-off of the BLM's effort to update the plan that guides the agency's management of the site. The BLM last updated the plan in 2004.
"New River is one of our coastal treasures, and we manage it to protect the unique habitats in the area that are home to native fish, wildlife and plants," said Kathy Westenskow, BLM Myrtlewood Field Manager. "We hope people take advantage of this opportunity to explore the site and to start thinking about what they would like to see happen at New River in the future."
New River ACEC is located eight miles south of Bandon, west of Highway 101. Turn right on to Croft Lake Lane and follow the directional signs to Storm Ranch and the Nature Center.
Additional information on the planning process will be forthcoming in mailings and a website. In the meantime, please contact Racheal Jones or Kip Wright at 541-756-0100 with questions.
For additional information, please contact the BLM's Coos Bay District Office at (541) 756-0100.
Megan Harper
Coos Bay District
#ODFW Director Elicker takes Leadership Position with #USFWS =Government Graft
Forest Access for All Responds to #USDA, #BLM, #USFS on Blue Mountain Closures
Explosive Minority Report~Billionaires Club Supporting the Environmental Movement
Oregonian Prints Article on Landowners & Eminent Domain for #JordanCove
NOAA Official Responds to Public Request for Answers on NMS Nomination Process
BOC ~ Important Position Available for County Budget Committee
OFF ~ YAMHILL County SAYS NO TO SB941 While Cribbins and Sweet Flounder
Today, as the worst legislative session for gun rights in Oregon history slowly grinds towards a conclusion, the Yamhill County Commissioners signed Resolution 15-7-2-1.
This resolution states that Yamhill County will expend no county resources to enforce SB 941, the liberty smashing, gun registration bill. Once again, the lies told by Prozanski and Hoyle are being exposed.
Our sincere gratitude is extended to the courageous commissioners who joined their colleagues in Linn and Lane County to stand up to the tyranny of the Democrats in Salem.
With each passing day it becomes more clear how dangerous and unworkable 941 is. Thank you to everyone who contacted the commissioners and thank you to all the sheriffs who have publicly opposed this senseless attack on our rights and privacy and vowed not to enforce it.
Oregon Senate Passes Ivory Ban with one Republican Turncoat
OFF ~ SB941 GUN GRAB PASSES SENATE  Call State Representative Not over Yet
OFF ~ Port Orford To Consider Pro-Gun Resolution  Thanks To Councilor Brett Webb
Oregon Senator Cannot Function as a Normal Human Being
Places to Sign the Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance Petition
Action Alert ~ SB041 Heading for Senate Floor Monday April 13, 2015
Open Letter to the State of Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee Opposing SB941
Action Alert ~ Coos County BOC Meeting Discussing SB941 Tuesday April 7, 2015
OFF ~ Gun Registration Bill SB 941Postponed Until Monday for Thatcher Amendment
:Action Alert ~ UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION BILL INTRODUCED!
Important Town Hall for Second Amendment Supporters
OFF ~ Gun Owner Registration Bill SB941 Gets Worse
Today the House Rules Committee adopted amendments to SB 315 and sent it to the House Floor for a vote.
315 started life as a bill that would allow gun stores and pawn shops to forward their registration records of used guns to the police electronically rather than by hand delivery or regular mail.
Since all used gun sales by dealers must be registered with the police and all "private" sales of guns will soon have to go through gun dealers, universal gun registration is about to become the law.
However, the bill was gut and stuffed by House Rep Brian Clem and it no longer has anything to do with electronic records.
Now the bill adds even more ambiguity to the registration bill, SB 941.
Clem demanded some "concessions" when he agreed to vote for the registration bill and the newly amended SB 315 is what he got.
We told you about this bill in the past. With the amendments adopted today, you will no longer face criminal charges if you lend a gun to another person (after having conducted a background check) and someone else commits a crime with it. That's certainly an improvement, but the bill still creates more problems than it solves.
For example, while you will now be able to lend a gun to someone you "know" for seven days, (you still need to do a background check, you just don't have to do it at a gun store) there is nothing in the bill that discusses what happens if the gun is not returned in 7 days.
There is nothing in the law that discusses whether returning the gun requires another background check. In short, this bill simply adds confusion to the mess created by SB 941.
The bill passed out of committee on a straight party line vote with all Democrats voting yes and all Republicans voting no.
County Clerk CPSA Deficiency Letter June 29, 2015


When receiving an email to access a Review Page, the content can be reviewed from the phone with the mobile browser and the Frame.io iOS app. If the phone has the iOS app installed, Frame.io will open when clicking 'View Share Link' from the email invite. Otherwise, the default browser will display the Review page.
Please note: Downloading clips is not available while viewing on a mobile device but it is available through the iOS app.


A VISIT FROM THE NURSE!
Parent Karen Yencho, APRN came to talk to our 4 year olds about being a nurse. She answered many questions like why nurses give shots, and why do they hurt. She gave us a first hand lesson on what to do if you get a bloody nose as one if our students got one during her visit.
Many reminders were also shared wearing helmets when riding bikes or scooters, healthy eating and exercise. Mrs. Toomey's class then led everyone in their daily morning exercise routine.
Thank you Mrs. Yencho for visiting Mrs. V's and Mrs. Toomey's class!!!
Imagine my surprise when I returned to the scene of a large equipment delivery to clean up the mess of cardboard and plastic I had left behind…to find that it had been taken care of before I returned. No sign at all of the YMCA staff elves that had beaten me to the mess, but that's what happens when you work with the best people in the world!
Recently The Wilson- Gray YMCA "Let's Dance Program "were featured on Fox CT News. The name inspired by First Lady, Michelle Obama's 'Let's Move campaign was created for the purpose of using dance as a tool to promote healthy living, youth development and to demonstrate social responsibility. The mission is to provide youth of all financial backgrounds with quality dance instruction and to expose them to a diverse dance curriculum. The featured highlight discussed the epidemic of childhood obesity and how the program is impacting children's health by providing a fun way to exercise. Click on the link to see the video and learn more!!!
On June 19th, 2013 one of the 2012 graduates of the YMCA's Read to Succeed Adult Literacy Clinic will do what no other member of her family has ever done before. She will walk across the stage and receive her high school diploma!
Mary has worked so hard to earn her high school diploma, but she is not stopping there!! She had already started on her newest goal….to become a CNA (certified nursing assistant).
This is the best part of my job…seeing my students achieve what not even they thought was possible…..
I'm the luckiest person in the world. I was in the right place at the right time and because of that I'm here at Camp Jewell as an Assistant Director and I'm so thankful for it.
I'm from Australia, where going to summer camp isn't an option for kids the way it is in the U.S., so my one childhood camp experience was unique. When I started grade 9 my family moved to a new town and I wasn't happy about it. Shortly after arriving there I was able to take advantage of a rare four-week school camp that had a strong influence on me, changing and shaping me as a person. When I graduated from high school I thought back to that time and sought out a way to re-create for other kids what I had experienced as a young teenager. I decided to study outdoor recreation and took a job leading wilderness trips just outside of Sydney where I worked for 18 months.
In 2011 I was ready for a change so I decided to come to YMCA Camp Becket-Chimney Corners in Massachusetts in search of the quintessential American summer camp experience. I figured I'd spend a summer there, travel around North America, and then head to Europe to continue my adventure. The first part of my plan came to pass—after working as a lifeguard at Becket I spent time in Canada and the Eastern U.S., settling for a little while in Florida. But when I came back up to Becket in the spring of 2012 to visit a friend there for a long weekend, I was introduced to the all-girls Chimney Corners Camp and I fell in love with the idea of it and the way the people who'd been there for years talked about it. I came with a bag packed for three days and I ended up staying through the summer. I've been in Y camping ever since.
The endless creativity I saw that first summer at Chimney inspired me to continue working with kids and redefined my passion for wanting to give something back. I spent some time working as program staff at YMCA Camp Mason in New Jersey, and then returned to Chimney this past winter. I started thinking about pursuing a year-round camp job and putting down some roots. It was because of Shannon Donovan-Monti, Chimney's Executive Director and a long-time former Jewell director, that I knew about the Assistant Director job at Jewell, and it was because of her encouragement that I applied for it.
I feel so appreciative of all the opportunities that I've been given working at Y camps, and especially now that I'm part of the leadership staff at Jewell. What's most important to me is that I give back—the way I see it, my directors and mentors have taken the time to get to know me and have given me this chance and I'm going to make the most of it. I want to give back to the YMCA; I believe in what camp does for kids, especially the ones who are struggling in school or who aren't fitting in elsewhere because camp can offer a great change for them.
I'm really looking forward to this summer when I'll be Assistant Camp Director overseeing the LITs, Seniors and Trips. I know I have a lot to learn about how Jewell works and the traditions here, but I really feel like this job is the perfect fit for my camp background and the hard skills I learned when I was leading trips back in Australia. I love the feeling I get during summer camp and the atmosphere that exists when it's in session. I love that my creativity is so encouraged, and I'm motivated by the creativity I see in the staff and in the campers around me. Camp is the one place where you find people who are so unique and so comfortable with themselves. And I'm so thankful to call it my home.
Below is a picture of our after school program at Betances Elementary school. The kids were sitting and discussing ways they can help out their community. Our little YMCA friends sat for a half hour talking and debating about how important it is to help their community and provide different activities to help kids have fun!
You could imagine how happy and proud the staff was to hear his statement and astonished that this group of kids held a discussion all on there own without staff prompting or redirection!
The end result was to start helping the community at that moment. They asked the janitors for garbage bags and grabbed gloves and went outside and helped clean the playground area!
Living our cause can affect everyone especially these kids. They know that the YMCA always acts, communicates, and thinks differently! Our community needs come first! And now our future kids will know how to act communicate and think about our community first!
The Wheeler YMCA had two fantastic days of TRI-ing! This past Sunday the Wheeler YMCA Tri Club finished off their winter season with their final indoor triathlon. 47 racers swam a 1/2 mile, biked 13 miles and ran a 5K. We ended our 5th season in style with a brunch, raffle and awards!
It was another amazing season with some dedicated and determined athletes whom some are just learning how to swim and are participating in a program to help them challenge themselves. Other members are seasoned athletes and use our indoor triathlons for conditioning purposes! Time to bring the racing outdoors!
Then last night we kicked off our Kids Triathlon Program at the Plainville High School. Over 30 junior triathletes signed up for this program ranging from ages 4 – 11. Our little athletes swam in the lap pool and then biked and ran around the high school track.
The smiles on the children's faces were priceless and they could not wait to come back and TRI again! Little Sarah just took the training wheels off her bike and was very scared to bike alone. While running alongside Sarah while she biked and cheering her on she was able to build enough confidence in herself that we could not get her off the bike. James was so excited to be at the triathlon that he kept shouting "I'm on my first lap!" or "I'm done biking!" and "I'm almost finished, yeah!". Madison TRI-ed last year and decided not to continue BUT came back this year and raced with the biggest smile on her face. She was so excited that she actually swam, biked and ran and had FUN!
Congratulations racers! You are ROCK STARS!
Here are a few pictures of a group of Juniors in High School from Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson, CT. They came to the West Hartford Program Site at the St. Thomas Seminary to help with gardening and landscaping for the upcoming Summer season.
It was an awesome feeling to see so many kids willing to help with getting the job accomplished! They did a wonderful job and has helped with bringing out program site to life!
I build relationships with a couple of the kids in the group when I took them on a tour of our building. I had asked them what they thought of the space and if they had access to it, what would they have in it if they were a local teen in our community areas? It was great to hear the various number of ideas and thoughts that I can bring for the communities we serve hear at the West Hartford YMCA.
On Sunday, May 19th, The RunHers at Downtown ran in their first 3.3 mile race in Glastonbury called the Ten Penny Ale Run.
Of the 18 members of the RunHers team, 6 ran in the race with me. I also had my own youth running team there with us as well. Both teams ran extremely well, with the RunHers picking up 5 age group awards and my youth running team picking up 6 awards. It was a dream come true to see both my teams united as one on this day!


One of Diagon Alley's most important stops is the Flourish & Blotts bookstore, where new Hogwarts students purchase their schoolbooks. This official set of high quality Harry Potter pin badges replicates the bookstore storefront with its collector's box, and includes 9 pins based on books from the series. This is the perfect gift for all Muggles!


Liu, S.G., Bond-Lamberty, B., Hicke, J.A., Vargas, R., Zhao, S.Q., Chen, J., Edburg, S.L., Hu, Y.M., Liu, J.X., McGuire, A.D., Xiao, J.F., Keane, R., Yuan, W.P., Tang, J.W., Luo, Y.Q., Potter, C., Oeding, J. (2011). Simulating the impacts of disturbances on forest carbon cycling in North America: Processes, data, models, and challenges. Journal of Geophysical Research – Biogeosciences, 116, G00K08, https://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2010JG001585.


Is this the track Prefontaine was filmed at?
Anna's coach Rob Collins should be able to answer that question.
No Kevin, That was University of Puget Sound in Tacoma Washington before they resurfaced their track.


American car, to the styles and tradition of a country so rich and vibrant with life, Route 66 was the lifeline between two sides of our country. From Illinois to California, Route 66 has created a time capsule of stories, monuments, and music that has never been forgotten. Though times have changed, and an interstate built, the nostalgic history is full of life on Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico.
Garage 71 and Grease Inc. magazine is a kulture! The crew here is all about the 'gear head' scene from music, turn wrenches, life style, art, pinups, hot rods/rat rods, motorcycles, bobbers, tattoos and the life style. The crew dedicates themselves with being builders, entertainers, artists and DJ's. We live the scene daily and want to bring it to life in creating events, in print and on-air.
Rockin' Route 66 is one of our creations with emphasis on Swing, Ska, and Rockabilly. We are currently working on a line-up with major national artists coast to coast including singer-songwriters to complete ensembles of one-of-a-kind acts. We will bring our signature Traditional Hot Rod Show and our Vintageand Hand Built Motorcycle Show to Tucumcari showcasing several national builders. We include acts from our traveling Vagabond Side Show with World Famous performances. We will be celebrating the unique flavors of New Mexico and create a beer garden packed full of local and regional food vendors. We are encouraging everyone to take more of a part in the celebration with dress and attire. We will be hosting a fashion show with unique designers and vintage clothiers. We will be showcasing a nationwide Rag Doll search for Ms. Rockin Route 66 with a complete vintage pin up classic shoot for Grease Inc. magazine and to represent Rockin Route 66 for the following year in 2020! Rockin Route 66, as we mentioned earlier is a celebration of Tucumcari and New Mexico. We will be working and showcasing several locations throughout Route 66 in town and create a fun schedule that is packed full of entertainment and good times, no matter if you only hit a small portion of the show, or the entire show. There will be something for everyone of every age during the celebration of the Mother Road, Route 66 and the City of Tucumcari.
We want to thank you for your participation. A portion of the event directly supports the Museum of Route 66 here in Tucumcari, New Mexico.
Thank you for reaching out. You will see the schedule this month posted on the website. Keep following us for weekly updates.


Hand selected red raspberries are coated in cane sugar to create old-fashioned preserves - everyone tells us our raspberry preserves taste just like a freshly made pie. We think its because we do not use additives, preservatives, corn syrup, artificial flavors or anything else in our labor-intensive recipe - just whole raspberries and sugar! Enjoy on your morning toast, dab on buttermilk waffles or pancakes, spread on scones or bagels, or use as an easy and tasty main ingredient in raspberry muffins or raspberry jello.
When the season and annual harvest allows, our Raspberry Preserves are made with raspberries grown locally in New York State.


Tuesday, April 16, 2019 — Telenet Group Holding NV (Euronext Brussels: TNET, "Telenet") today announces that Sam Lloyd, Chief Information Officer ('CIO') will leave Telenet end of July after three and a half years of service. Lloyd will take on the role of Chief Data and Information Officer at a FTSE100 company based in the UK. Telenet will not refill the position. Under Lloyd's leadership, the company created a new organizational structure for its IT department realized the complex IT-integration after the acquisitions of BASE and SFR and started developing and implementing a new IT platform that will enable Telenet to operate even more digital.
Lloyd will remain in her position until 31 July, after which she will then return to the United Kingdom. Looking at the latest technology developments and Telenet's ambitions to work in a more agile way in the future, the company has decided not to re-assign the CIO position. Micha Berger, Chief Technology Officer will work with Sam Lloyd over the next few months to bring together both the IT and Technology & Innovation ("T&I") teams and guide the combined technology department's transition into the new agile business structure of Telenet.


text:
BMW, VW and Renault warn on new EU emissions-testing regime
Under the new system, cars will be tested using portable equipment during real-world driving. The device is pictured on a Citroen C4.
Automakers warned that new emissions testing procedures in the European Union will impact their production and profits.
BMW said it will temporarily stop production of some models starting in May because of modifications required so their vehicles comply with RDE on-road emissions tests.
Last week, Volkswagen Group warned of potential bottlenecks as it seeks to get vehicles through the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) laboratory-based testing.
BMW said the tests will interrupt production of models including various versions of the 7 series, the X1, X2, X5 and X6. Production will be temporarily interrupted starting in late May, a BMW spokesman told Automobilwoche, a sister publication of Automotive News Europe. "Depending on the version of the model and its volume, the interruption could last between a couple of weeks and a few months."
Volkswagen finance chief Arno Antlitz said earlier this month that the automaker faced "heavy financial demands" due to bottlenecks expected from introducing WLTP tests, which are related to emissions and fuel consumption.
Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn warned that WLTP will impact the automaker from September this year to April 2019. "We have a lot of uncertainties. We don't know how quickly the type approvals will be given. We don't know if customers will be willing to pay the new prices because we need to add technologies," Ghosn said at Renault's 2017 financial results conference on Feb. 16.
Tougher tests
WLTP is replacing the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) tests to measure exhaust emissions. The phase-in period required new-type vehicles introduced from last September to undergo WLTP testing. Starting this September, all new passenger vehicles sold in the EU must pass the test before they can be sold.
The RDE (real-driving emissions) test is a new procedure that measures pollutant emissions on the road. It will ensure that levels of fine particulates and nitrogen oxides measured during the WLTP laboratory testing are also met in normal operation on the road.
Peter Sigal in Paris and Reuters contributed to this report
2021 Eurostar winner Frank Klein
2021 Eurostar winner Jean-Marc Chery
2021 Eurostar winner Philipp Reth

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Our speaker this month will be our own Dennis Lucey, leading a discussion on Scientific Inquiry in Scripture Study. One way to develop our understanding of Scripture is to use the method of inductive reasoning common in science. With an open mind, we propose and develop hypotheses and theories to discern the meaning and intent of the authors of Scripture in their historical context. This complements, but does not replace, the more "spiritual" aspects of Scripture: its place in our Tradition, its meaning in our lives. Dennis holds a BA in Scripture Study from Seattle University and an MA from Catholic University Leuven, Belgium. He has been teaching and leading retreats on Scripture Study for more than 25 years. Join us for interesting and enlightening conversation as we delve deeper into our faith, and enjoy dinner with friends. All are welcome! Join Monterey Theology on Tap on Facebook! You can also send questions to Deacon Warren Hoy at whoy@dioceseofmonterey.org. We hope to see you there!


Morelia en Boca, the international festival of gastronomy and wine held it's 6th edition from May 20th to 22nd in the historic city of Morelia, Michoacan.
Morelia, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, is a city that has opened its doors to different international festivals of great importance, including film, culture and gastronomy. Morelia en Boca brought together local producers, traditional cooks, chefs, winemakers, mixologists, sommeliers and industry leaders over the course of 3 days at the Casa de la Cultura, which is a former convent from the 17th century, in the historic center of Morelia.
Morelia en Boca included some distinguished guests. From chefs such as the Michelin star chef Virgilio Martinez, whose restaurant Central, in Lima Peru, is ranked No.4 in the world and No.1 in Latin America on 'The World's 50 Best Restaurants' by San Pellegrino to chef Jorge Vallejo of Mexico City, whose restaurant, Quintonil is ranked No.6 in Latin America (No. 35 in the world) on that same list.
Chef's Virgilio and Jorge along with chef Mauro Colagreco (Argentina) of restaurant Mirazur in Menton, France (ranked No.11 in the world) explained their project – "Origins". This project represents everything that identifies us as Latin-Americans with all of our essence. It is a collective effort to protect, rescue, learn, and investigate ways that the ancestral people of Latin America used to eat. They presented Trinidad Mamani Cascaymata, a woman from Cusco, Peru who teaches others about the traditional food and culture of her Incan heritage. She is also a community leader against domestic and sexual violence and alcoholism helping people achieve a better quality of life. This presentation was truly a highlight of the festival for all those in attendance.
Other highlights included traditional foods from beautiful Michoacán with 16 traditional cooks delighting us with typical plates like, Mole, Corundas (similar to a tamale) and many more offerings.
Wines of course were a central focus of Morelia en Boca and we enjoyed tasting some of the best wines produced in Mexico, such as gold medal winning wines from Monte Xanic, Volcan Cellars, and Casa Madero.
There were also many workshops and tastings presented that featured wines, rum, beer, native corns, cocktails and even the typical candies for which Morelia is known for.
No doubt Morelia en Boca was a success this year, and a delight to our palate.


Cointains 1/20 troy ounce of pure .9999 gold.
Considered legal tender by the Government of Australia (Face Value of $5 AUD).
Obverse Design: Traditional bust of Queen Elizabeth II along with the date, purity (1/20 oz .9999 gold) and face value of the coin ($5 AUD).


This year innovation and technology consulting firm Altran celebrates its 30th anniversary. Honoring this jubilee, contemporary CEO (PhiIippe Salle) together with co-founder Alexis Kniazeff spoke about the past, present and the future.
What was the situation when Altran was founded?
Alexis Kniazeff: when Hubert Martigny and I founded Altran in 1982, it was the dawn of the digital revolution, micro-processors and new technologies, with a host of major industrial programs starting up - the TGV high-speed train, Concorde, Airbus, the aerospace industry, the Minitel, etc. Industry needed to be put in touch with engineers to help them accomplish this technological revolution. And that is the role Altran has played.
Is it a profession you invented?
Alexis Kniazeff: we invented high technology consulting. We were not supplying classic computing services. Our value-added was our use of computer science to solve technology problems. Good engineers were scarce; we knew where to find them and how to attract them. That has not changed, but the market then was demand-driven. Now supply drives the market.
Did you have a special form of organization?
Alexis Kniazeff: we were organized in a very unusual way - in profit centers, around a business manager who was a real entrepreneur. This network-based organizational structure was our strength. It enhanced business growth, work motivation and savings more than a centralized organization could have generated.
Does this model still meet your clients' requirements?
Philippe Salle: we have to adapt our model to market trends, in particular the increasing internationalization of our programs. We need greater centralization to manage increasing risk and projects that are more international in scope. We have set up a Programs and Innovation department and redesigned our monitoring and tracking procedures. Central career management would be as beneficial to our engineers as it would be to the company.
How has Altran developed up until now?
Alexis Kniazeff: twenty years ago we were opportunistic. We were disseminating technologies, and business skyrocketed. We created markets that did not exist before by forming subsidiaries and buying up companies for which the Group provided the model or the driving force. In fact, chance played an enormous part.
Philippe Salle: we can no longer expand as we used to. We are completing the legal process of unifying Altran around a single company in each country and we have pulled out of Brazil. There are nine countries where we aim to be really strong: six European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom), India, China and the United States. We have to reach the critical mass to trigger a virtuous cycle between brand recognition, projects and recruitment for the six European countries by 2015 and for the other three by 2019. With its ability to manage complex problems, its specialization and its international presence, Altran will strengthen its position as an indispensable partner for all future international projects.


New year always calls for diet resolutions and detoxes after all the holiday feasts. We honestly strongly believe that when you have a healthy diet overall you don't have to diet, but a cleansing period after all the treats is a good idea. That's how we came out this juice recipe: we wanted something really cleansing and completely sugar free, but not terrible to drink. With fennel, celery, ginger and a touch of lemon, this is going to be your n°1 aid against toxins. Try drinking it before anything in the morning: your skin will look clearer and your digestion is going to thank you!
Peel the lemon so you'll only get the pulp.
Place, right in this order, fennel, celery, ginger and lemon pulpin the slow juicer and juice them.
Serve immediately or store it in the fridge for a maximum of 12 hours.


10% any order Get one of Eastex's coupons and promo codes to save or receive extra 10% off for your orders!
30% your order on Site Bring a new look to your style by purchasing the latest collection of tops, dresses and more from this online store for a discounted price.
Get 30% on Site Step into the new fashion world by wearing these skirts, trousers, jackets and much more. Purchase now for a discounted price from this merchant.
Eastex sale - up to 75% Site Choose from a fantastic selection of dresses, coats, jackets, scarves plus much more for a huge reduced price from this online merchant.
Get 71% on Site Take a glance at these beautiful skirts which add more trend to your style. Buy now for an amazing discounted price from Eastex.
Site sale - Up to 70% Get the best collection of trousers, jackets, dresses and a lot more for a greatly reduced price from Eastex.
Free Delivery on Orders Over £30 Purchase the best collection of dresses, jackets and much more from this online merchant. Get them delivered to your doorstep for free when you spend over £30.
62% your order on Site Bring an elegant look to your style by purchasing these dresses for a fabulous discounted price from Eastex.
Eastex sale - up to 46% Site Add an item to your accessory collection by purchasing this hat from Eastex for an excellent discounted price.
Everything on sale up to 64% for a limited time only at Eastex Add an item to your accessory collection by purchasing these scarves for a splendid discounted price from Eastex.
Up to 20% at Eastex Update your style by purchasing these coats and jackets from Eastex for a huge discounted price.
Site sale - Up to 34% Update your style by purchasing these tops, skirts and much more from Eastex for a splendid discounted price.
Save up to 20% on Site Bring an elegant look to your style by purchasing these tops, dresses and much more from this online merchant for a reduced price.
Save up to 71% with Eastex coupons Bring an elegant look to your style by purchasing these dresses for a fabulous discounted price from Eastex.
75% your order on Site Look more trendy and stylish by purchasing these tops for an excellent discounted price from this online merchant.
68% any order Look more trendy and stylish by purchasing these trousers for a fantastic discounted price from Eastex.
Get 74% on Site Bring an elegant look to your style by purchasing these jackets from Eastex for a great reduction in price.
Eastex - 72% Site for 2 days Update your wardrobe by purchasing these skirts for a stunning discounted price from Eastex.
Eastex sale - up to 71% Site Add an item to your accessory collection by purchasing this scarfs, hats and much more from Eastex for a huge discounted price.
Everything on sale up to 68% for a limited time only at Eastex Update your style by purchasing these jumpers and jackets for a fabulous discounted price from Eastex.
Site sale - Up to 70% Find the fantastic collection of sale items including jackets, tops and much more from Eastex for a fantastic discounted price.
Site sale - Up to 50% Save up to 50% on Site at Eastex via this Eastex promo code or coupons. Offer valid for a limited time.
Save up to 70% with Eastex coupons Get the Latest Eastex coupons and Eastex promo code & save 70% off at Eastex. Check out the Eastex coupon code first.
50% your order on Site Enter this Eastex coupon code to get 50% off your purchase at Eastex. 100% verified and tested Eastex promo code.
Eastex offers versatile clothing options for the mature woman in sizes 10-20, providing quality and comfort without compromising on style. With everyday dressing the priority, we focus on quality, style, and ease-of-wear.
The official store of Eastex Discount Codes & Deals offers the best prices on Site and more. This page contains a list of all Eastex Discount Codes & Deals Store coupon codes that are available on Eastex Discount Codes & Deals store. Save 75% Off on your Eastex Discount Codes & Deals purchase with the Eastex Discount Codes & Deals coupons.


Mr Stephen Bevan complained to the Press Complaints Commission that the newspaper had inaccurately reported that while serving as an RAF sergeant in Afghanistan, he had used his language skills to listen to the Taliban and al-Quaeda.
"Our article of 7 February, which reported that former RAF sergeant Steve Bevan had taken over Flowerwise Florist in Epsom, claimed that "Mr Bevan who speaks Arabic and Pashto - a language spoken both in Afghanistan and Pakistan - used to fly in a high-tech Nimrod over Afghanistan listening in on the radio communications of al-Quaeda and the Taliban". Mr Bevan has asked us to make clear that he flew over Afghanistan on one occasion in 2001, prior to his completing language courses. He has never said that his language skills were used to "listen to the Taleban or al-Quaeda". We are happy to clarify the position and apologise for any confusion caused."


What's the best digital marketing strategy to gain ecommerce success?
Implementing powerful techniques to drive online traffic.
To a lot of people, it does seem pretty uncomplicated. You research and find the most successful ways to promote your online brand and henceforth create consumer awareness.
But then you have to ask yourself… what is the most 'simple' effective way to promote your brand online?
Generally, when people brainstorm ways in which to perform a functional digital marketing strategy, they face a wall with two doors. The first door leads you to a brilliantly complex pathway toward online optimisation. It's free (or it perceives itself as free), but it's very hard to dissect and many may be overwhelmed by its confusing, foreign language. The second door leads you to the more monochromatic world of online marketing. The pathway through this door is very linear and everything's pretty structured and (seemingly) straightforward. However, this path usually comes with a higher toll (but usually with a more immediate reward).
These days, these two doors have become even more complicated. Door 1, aka the world of online optimisation doesn't just confine itself to the search engines, it also encompasses social media. That means both SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and SMO (Social Media Optimisation). The same goes for Door 2; you'll find both SEM (Search Engine Marketing) and SMM (Social Media Marketing) in there.
In recent years, offshoring business processes has become a popular way to cut back on expenses and get menial tasks done more efficiently. While there are a few different options in regards to the country you may choose to outsource to, more Australian companies are outsourcing/offshoring to the Philippines every year.
Why do these Australians outsource to the Philippines, and why might this be a good move for your company as well? Let's talk about the benefits of offshoring to the Philippines and why this could be the perfect fit for your business.
The cost of living in the Philippines is significantly lower than in other Western countries. In fact, living costs may be up to half of what they are in Australia!
Obviously, this means that wages are also much lower than in other countries. Your company benefits from this arrangement due to the cost reductions of offshore workers. You'll be getting the same tasks accomplished for as little as half of what it would cost you to employ someone in Australia!


MMKR serves clients with creative and cost-effective business management solutions designed to help them meet their goals now and into the future.
We fulfill our mission by offering customized solutions and services to our clients. In our efforts to help clients reach their goals, we become their business partners members of their teams. We provide them with solid, forward-thinking business strategies, expertise, and advice along with traditional accounting, audit, and tax consulting services.
The quality of our services is directly related to the time and energy we invest in our client relationships. We believe that we offer more than a standard certified public accounting firm. We are known as much for our personable services, as for our excellent technical talents as certified public accountants.
It takes a blend of sincere interest and professional talent to deliver services of the caliber that MMKR provides. We possess the credentials and strong motivation necessary to help clients reach their financial goals.
Each of our clients is unique; therefore, we respond to each with tailored advice and services specific to their needs. A constant in all of our relationships, however, is our delivery of ethical, dependable, responsive, and innovative financial advice.


Hospitals are a critical point of intervention in the care pathway of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Clinicians in this setting must be well versed in current treatment guidelines, as well as the full spectrum of medications and delivery devices, to provide disease management tailored to the physical and cognitive needs of each patient. Moreover, hospital clinicians also need to be adept at communicating with patients and engaging them in the management of their own disease. Collectively, these measures can significantly reduce symptom severity and risk for future exacerbations, increase physical activity, and improve overall quality of life in patients with COPD. This program will improve the knowledge and competence of clinicians who care for patients with COPD.
This educational initiative has been designed for hospitalists and other healthcare providers involved in the care of patients with COPD.
A statement of credit will be issued only upon receipt of a completed activity evaluation form and a completed posttest with a score of 75% or better.
Integrity Continuing Education, Inc. designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Integrity Continuing Education, Inc. requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by Integrity Continuing Education, Inc. for fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.
Consulting Fees & Speakers' Bureau: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
José Luis González, MD, has no real or apparent conflicts of interest to disclose.
Patima Tanapat, PhD, has no real or apparent conflicts of interest to disclose.
This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA. Integrity Continuing Education, Inc. and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., do not recommend the use of any agent outside of the labeled indications.
The opinions expressed in the educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily represent the views of Integrity Continuing Education, Inc., and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.
The information provided at this CME activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician relative to diagnostic and treatment options for a specific patient's medical condition.
Use of Internet Explorer browser is not recommended.
Click here for more information on minimum system requirements.
Supported by an educational grant from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


include Chlöe Swarbrick MP, Manu Caddie, Shane Le Brun and Rebecca Reider.
afternoon session to build a networked campaign among supporters".
Administration Committee Deputy-Chair, and a Justice Committee member.
gangs, organised crime and methamphetamine.
be the industry's first legal grower.
lecturer with the Department of Economics at the University of Canterbury.
possess raw herbal cannabis in New Zealand in over 50 years.
One or more representatives from TOP, who have dug into this deeply, need to be invited to speak/participate.


text:
Strengthening the Water Sector Reform Process in Nigeria
By UNOSSC March 17, 2019 August 29th, 2019 Solution
The Government of Nigeria has long recognized the challenges facing its water supply and sanitation sector. This includes low access to services, failure of poorly maintained infrastructure, weak capacity and performance of service providers, and the far-reaching impacts of Nigeria's deep sanitation deficit, such as negative public health effects. In response, the Government prioritized improvement of access to water and sanitation services in its development strategy and the National Transformation Agenda.
The Government of Nigeria continues to work towards increasing sustainable access to water services in urban areas, mainly for the poor, by addressing institutional and governance issues. This requires policy and legislative reform in combination with infrastructure investment.
Towards a Solution
Government officials in the water sector in Nigeria wanted to obtain firsthand information from water-sector practitioners who had successfully conducted reforms. The World Bank responded with a South-South Facility-financed knowledge exchange to bring Nigerian officials together with peers in Colombia and Brazil. The countries had faced similar water sector challenges and had recently implemented reforms that had significantly improved their water sector. Colombia had undergone reforms over the last 15 years, partially with World Bank support, that had significantly improved its water sector. Prior to reforms, Colombia had similar challenges to those experienced by Nigeria, including insufficient service quality and coverage, poorly performing and unregulated service providers, and ineffective cost-recovery and financing. Brazil, which has a similar decentralized federal system of government to that of Nigeria, also had to deal with fast urbanization and large-scale water sector inefficiencies. Both countries have implemented successful water supply and sanitation sector reforms since the 1990s.
The scoping and design of the programme benefited from numerous preparatory exchanges, after which two Nigerian delegations of federal and state officials visited Brazil and Colombia for study tours in May 2016 to meet national and local water sector experts. The delegations to Brazil and Colombia were respectively led by the Permanent Secretary and the Director of Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR). In total, 20 Nigerian officials participated, including five federal government officials (FMWR and Federal Ministry of Finance) and 15 state government representatives or State Water Agency managers.
Study tours began with a half-day introductory session on the situation and history of the host country's water sector, followed by formal meetings and presentations by key sector institutions, some site visits (facilities, systems) and exchanges with operational staff and mealtime discussion with managers. Each study tour included an intermediary and final brainstorming session (four sessions in total), led by the chief of delegation, with
World Bank team and local consultant support to record participant questions, reactions and takeaways. The formal process of Nigerian water sector revitalization and reform started a year later, in mid-2017.
The results achieved through this initiative are as follows:
New knowledge: Exchange participants gained an understanding of the challenges faced in Colombia's and Brazil's water supply and sanitation sectors, and of the medium- to long-term strategies for water sector development, financing and regulation. The Nigerians were able to reflect on the applicability of these solutions to Nigeria's context, and understand possible changes and reform options to improve the coverage and sustainability of water services.
Enhanced skills: The exchange programme enhanced the knowledge and skills of the Nigerian delegation in terms of implementing water sector reforms.
Improved consensus: Since the Nigerian knowledge exchange participants work at both the Nigerian federal and state levels, the exchange strengthened the relationship between these government officials. The study tours facilitated brainstorming sessions and promoted consensus between potential state and federal reform champions, creating a coalition of reform- minded officials and contributing to the establishment of reform priorities.
Enhanced connectivity: The delegations from the three countries formed a group to continue working together. Several of the study tour participants, in particular State Water Commissioners and State Utility Managers, are now at the forefront of the sector reform debate in Nigeria.
New and improved actions: The knowledge gained on sector reforms greatly informed and influenced policy debate and formulation in Nigeria, including those related to clarifying complementarity federal and local government roles, the regulation of utility services, and the design of subsidies and sector financing. The delegates were empowered to champion and mobilize Federal and State Government Water Supply and Sanitation sector reforms. This has informed Nigeria's national consultations for the development of Nigeria's Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Poverty Diagnostic, and the Sector Revitalization Action Plan in 2017-2018. The Government of Nigeria has also requested World Bank support to design and establish a new National Water Fund.
Following the study tours, the Government of Nigeria asked the World Bank to develop an updated, evidence- based diagnostic of sector conditions, the Nigeria WASH Poverty Diagnostic, 2017. It also asked the World Bank to support the ensuing Federal -States participatory consultation process for development of a WASH Sector Revitalization Action Plan (approved in April 2018), which included a number of governance and financing recommendations inspired by the Brazilian and Colombian experiences. Key reform areas include:
Strengthening of the institutional framework and Federal-State partnership for sector development
Establishment of an economic regulator appropriate for Nigeria's low-capacity context
New Water Supply and Sanitation financing schemes, including rules-based awarding of federal concessional loans and State grant incentives
Supervision and control of water utilities, including the establishment and building of the capacities of a national regulatory system as a short- to medium- term measure. (Each Nigerian state needs to have a full WSS regulatory system, but these will take longer to establish.)
Countries/Regions involved: Brazil, Colombia, Nigeria
Supported by: World Bank South-South Facility
Implementing entities: Governments of Brazil, Colombia, and Nigeria, The World Bank Group
Project period: October 2015 – October 2016
Mr. Laurent Porte, Programme Manager, South-South Facility, World Bank
Email: lporte@worldbank.org, southsouthfacility@worldbank.org
Relevant Solutions
6 - Clean Water and Sanitation


text:
Satellite Antenna on Your Car? Toyota to Make it a Reality!
Droom March 7, 2016	Write a comment
Redmond based Kymeta Corp and Toyota have been working on a system that promises broadband speed connection on the go, anywhere in the world.
This antenna equipped, hydrogen powered Mirai fuel-cell Vehicle was unveiled this January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The prototype version currently created can download satellite data at about 50 megabits per second which is better than the typical LTE wireless service. The transmission speed is expected to cross the gigabit mark in a few years.
At present the satellite antenna system is being installed only on the Mirai research vehicles, not on commercially available models. But if we go by what Kymeta president and CEO Nathan Kundtz has to say, the company responsible for development of this antenna system, that status is going to change soon.
Kymeta was churned out from intellectual ventures in 2012 with funding from Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Lux Capital, Liberty Global and other leading VC firms. The car antennas are six inch wide, six sided panels that can be installed in the car roof as modules. The whole system requires less than 10 watts of power to run. If someone requires a much bigger bandwidth, additional modules can be installed.
The antennas takes advantage of metamaterials and LCD technology to pick up satellite signals from any direction without actually pointing towards that direction. As far as the cost factor is concerned, according to Kundtz they don't add up to the cost of the car. According to him, because of the ability to do software updates, the net cost added to a car will actually be negative.
The ability to send software updates is likely to be one of the most important feat this system wants to achieve. This would further provide scope for gaining massive traction as every major automobile manufacturer now wants to digitally connect their vehicles to give a superior motor experience. This would help in update the same on the go thus further strengthening the network.
According to Kundtz satellite connections to one's car will eventually become the main channel for in-car connectivity, including the delivery of entertainment content. Currently Kymeta is targeting at delivering 1 TB of data per month or the equivalent of at least 100 HD movies.
Tags:buy used car, cars online, used car online
Road Safety Tips from Droom. We care for your safety!
Planning a Compact SUV? Things you should keep in mind!