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Next Wauwatosa mayor could earn $30K
Whoever wins the next mayoral election could be looking at a salary of $30,000, a figure that would reflect the first raise given to the position in 27 years.
The Employee Relations Committee on Tuesday recommended, on a 3-1 vote, an increase from the existing mayoral pay of $22,500. The Common Council will need to vote on the matter July 5; if approved, the raise would not go into effect until after the April 2012 election.
Alderman Peter Donegan, committee chairman, estimated the value of mayoral job duties - appointing members to committees and commissions, breaking ties, holding veto power on council votes, representing the city at political and ceremonial events, and more - at $70,000 for a full-time position.
The job has never been officially designated as full- or part-time, but he said he expects Tosa's mayor to work 20 or fewer hours per week.
Alderman Brian Ewerdt suggested a $35,000 salary, but the motion failed.» Read Full Article
Fight about Facebook posts erupts at Mayfair
A fight between two 23-year-old Milwaukee women at Mayfair last week resulted in hair scattered on the floor, nearly two dozen punches thrown and a bleeding eye, according to a Wauwatosa police report.
Also from the report:
One of the women was shopping at Journeys shoe store when the second entered, yelling about Facebook, at 6:32 p.m. June 22.
She pulled the first woman out of the store by her hair and punched her repeatedly, resulting in an eye injury.
Security guards arrived and pulled them apart.» Read Full Article
Man charged again with weapon possession
For the second time in about a week, a 32-year-old Wauwatosa man is facing weapon possession charges.
Three fire arms, 47 knives and a loaded rifle magazine were recovered Sunday afternoon from Jason Falkenstein's bedroom in the basement of his uncle's home in the 2600 block of North 111th Street, according to a Wauwatosa police report.
On Monday, he was charged with misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon and bail-jumping. He remains in custody while a doctor determines if he is mentally competent to proceed.
Also according to the police report:
Falkenstein's family said he had been acting paranoid, hadn't slept much since his first arrest and was threatening to kill his girlfriend. Since he had been charged for possession of a semi-automatic pistol a week earlier, family members worried he might have access to other weapons.» Read Full Article
Man in purple hat accused of Wauwatosa Pick 'n Save thefts
John Henry Smith Jr., 51, of Milwaukee has been charged with misdemeanor retail theft. He is accused of violating probation from a prior theft charge and taking liquor valued at $734 from Pick 'n Save, 6950 W. State St., two days earlier.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
Grocery store personnel had been on the lookout for a man wearing a distinctive purple hat who had been taking liquor. He showed up at a checkout counter at 12:57 p.m. with an empty cart.
He tried to keep the cashier distracted while his accomplice - Charles Adams, 42, of Milwaukee, who has been charged with the same crime - pushed the full cart out the door.
The duo was loading a car when security approached, so they ran. Smith got on a bus but was arrested when he exited at 60th and Vliet streets.» Read Full Article
Teen arrested for battery, another for drug possession
A 16-year-old Milwaukee boy was arrested for battery after he punched and split the lip of a man in a Village parking lot last week, according to a Wauwatosa police report.
Also from the report:
A man was leaning against a pillar in the underground parking lot next to Noodles & Company, 7700 W. State St., with his bicycle on the ground next to him at 3:14 p.m. June 23. The boy approached and grabbed the bicycle handlebars, to which the owner said, "That's a bad idea."
The boy put the bike down, walked up to the owner and said, "You want to throw up hands?" Before the man could answer, the boy punched him at least a dozen times and split his lip.
As police looked for the boy, they received an alert about five boys breaking into a vehicle in the 7200 block of Honey Creek Parkway. The battery suspect was among the group.» Read Full Article
Marquette's seventh-inning rally whips Red Raiders
Marquette rallied for four runs in the seventh inning Tuesday night at Breitlow Field to beat Wauwatosa East, 7-5, and prevent a huge upset.
Trailing 5-3, the Hilltoppers opened the seventh with a bloop single to center by Dan Flatley and then Adam Vanucci followed with a seeing-eye single to center field.
East coach Matt Dahlstrom then pulled starter Tracy Johnson and brought in Ben Carpenter. Carpenter then walked Nolan Peterson to load the bases and struck out Brandon Johnson, but then walked Nathan Siudak to bring in a run and cut the score to 5-4.
Carpenter then threw a wild pitch scoring Vanucci and tying the game at 5-5. Marquette the scored the winning runs on a fielder's choice which scored Peterson and Siudak scored on Willie Bolles' grounder.
The Hilltoppers led 3-0 when the Red Raiders exploded for five runs off Joe Bartoletti in the fourth.» Read Full Article
Jefferson principal, other teachers hired
The Wauwatosa School Board last night approved the hiring of several new employees, including a new principal at Jefferson Elementary and a new band director at Wauwatosa West.
The new hires are:
Stephanie Jajtner, principal, Jefferson Elementary, $95,000
Matthew Byers, associate principal, Wauwatosa West, $76,000
Guy Kammerer, band director, Wauwatosa West, $71,800» Read Full Article
Tosa School Board approves spending plan
Members of the Wauwatosa School Board on Monday again credited district employees for making sacrifices to help the district present a balanced budget for 2011-12.
The board, on a 6-0 vote, approved a financial plan that calls for $8 million less in spending in the next school year. Board member Sharon Muehlfeld was excused from the meeting.
Wauwatosa was able to bridge the gap thanks to concessions from all its employees. Union and non-union employees alike will see a pay freeze for 2011-12, and employees will have to pay more toward their retirements and participate in a high-deductible health care plan.
Board member Phil Kroner said the district's administrators worked hard to develop a budget in light of the massive cuts in revenue authority that were part of the state's 2011-13 biennial budget. He also praised the employees for making sacrifices to help bring a balanced budget to the district.
Thanks to the hard work of administrators and the concessions by employees, next school year will look "virtually the same" as last year, he added.» Read Full Article
Couple says teen pulled gun on them in Mayfair parking lot
A teenage boy pulled a gun and threatened a couple in the Mayfair parking lot last week, according to a Wauwatosa police report.
Also from the report:
The Brookfield couple got out of their car and began to open the trunk, and then they heard a loud stomp and indistinguishable noise. The teen caught the couple off guard, and he and the car owner exchanged words at 1:57 p.m. Wednesday.
When the teen got six or seven cars away, he pulled a gun from his pocket and said "Do you wanna die?" and "Do you want me to kill your wife?"
The couple ran into the mall and called the police.» Read Full Article
Change made to Tuesday 'Dragon Tales' at library
The Wauwatosa Public Library program, "Blue Dragon Tales: A Remarkable Conservation Story from the Caribbean," for kids ages 5 to 12 has been postponed until Aug. 2, to accommodate the presenter's trip to Grand Cayman Island to further study the iguanas that are the subject of the story.
Instead, children in grade four and higher can attend "Blue Dragon Tales: Fantasy, Myth and Today" from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. tomorrow at the library. Wauwatosa resident Martin Tierney, a former co-owner of a fantasy board game company and avid reader of fantasy and science fiction, will present a program about dragons. He will trace the evolution of dragons from mythology to popular literature. Registration is not required, but questions can be directed to the Children's Library at (414) 471-8486.
Liquor permit needed before East Tosa can get down
Management of Juniper 61 restaurant wants to bring another summer celebration to North Avenue.
Calling it the East Town Get Down, the party would start small with a food, drink and live music under tents in the parking lot from 1 to 8 p.m. Aug. 20. But before the restaurant can start roasting the pig and mixing up the sangria, the city's Legislation, Licensing and Communications Committee has to take up the request Tuesday night to extend its liquor license to the parking lot for the event.
Juniper 61, 6030 W. North Ave., already got the OK from the Board of Public Works last week to hold the outdoor party.
The organizers wanted to keep the inaugural Get Down simple, but they would like to add a family bike ride and involve other East Town businesses in the future.
Tosa School Board to vote on budget Monday
The Wauwatosa School Board on Monday will vote on a budget that calls for $81.3 million in spending for 2011-12, a decrease of about $8 million from 2010-11.
Much of the savings will come with a salary freeze for all employees, who also will participate in a new high-deductible health care plan and contribute more toward their retirements.
The salary freeze will offset some of the cuts the district will see in revenue authority as part of the state's 2011-13 biennial budget. Wauwatosa expects to lose about $3.1 million in state aid for 2011-12, including $2.4 million in equalization aid and $724,000 in aid for the Chapter 220 program, which allows Milwaukee students to attend suburban schools.
The district's tax levy will stay about level, and Wauwatosa officials have said they expect the school portion of residents' property taxes to stay steady or see a slight decrease for 2011-12, but final figures won't be known until enrollment and state aid are finalized in the fall.
The School Board on Monday also will discuss School Choice voucher legislation, virtual schools and benefits for administrators. A full agenda and supporting materials can be found here.» Read Full Article
Heideman's hit sparks West's 1-0 win over East
Senior Kyle Heideman's RBI-single in the fourth broke up a scoreless tie and gave Wauwatosa West a 1-0 victory over Wauwatosa East this afternoon before a packed house at Breitlow Field.
Tosa East senior Will Westley and Tosa West senior Paul Gerhartz hooked up in an old-fashioned pitchers duel, as the game was scoreless through the first three innings.
Jacob Boudreaux then singled to center to lead-off the bottom of the fourth for the Trojans. Gerhartz then singled to rightfield, moving Boudreaux to second and they both moved up a base when Tyler Gross grounded out to second.
Heideman then came up and ripped a single to center to score Boudreaux with the game's only run and move Gerhartz to third.
Westley then walked Travis Hudson to load the bases, but East shortstop Ben Carpenter nabbed Josh Kundinger's grounder up the middle, stepped on second and threw to first for a double play to get out of the inning.» Read Full Article
While playing, girl sees man who broke into her home
Remember the drunken man who broke into a Wauwatosa home in April and was found sleeping in the mother's bed?
Her daughter sure does, and when the girl saw him walk up as she played outside with her friends at 3:23 p.m. June 14 she ran away and called 911, according to the Wauwatosa police report.
Also from the report:
The 51-year-old Milwaukee man was walking in the 7300 block of West Garfield Avenue when the girl spotted him. However, he was gone when police arrived.
It didn't take officers long to track him down. He was sitting on a bench in front of Walter's bar, 6930 W. North Ave.» Read Full Article
Macy's security guard attacked by theft suspects
A Macy's security guard was attacked by two men he suspected of theft Saturday. 2:44 p.m.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
Two men had their arms full of merchandise and appeared ready to flee the Mayfair location of Macy's about 2:44 p.m. Saturday.
A security guard chased them as they ran out of the store, and the men proceeded to drop all the merchandise at the door, past the point of payment. The agent tackled one of the men, but the other suspect and another man, who ran out of the van that seemed to be waiting for the two theft suspects, attacked the agent. They kicked him in the head and back of the neck until he let go of the man he'd tackled.
All three men got into the van and drove away.» Read Full Article
Officer orders man from car at gunpoint, finds semi-automatic weapon inside
A 32-year-old Milwaukee man was arrested for carrying a concealed firearm, violating a gun-free school zone and endangering the safety of others by use of a dangerous weapon.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
The man called his parents at midnight Sunday, telling them he was concerned people may be trying to harm them. His parents informed police that a dark-colored sedan was circling the block - the 2600 block of North 111th St. - which turned out to be their son.
He began yelling to police, "They're after me." He then told the officer he had a gun, and the officer ordered him out of the car at gunpoint. A semi-automatic gun was found in the car; the hammer was cocked with the safety off.
The gun was not licensed to the man, and it was later learned that the man bought the gun from a cook at a local burger restaurant.» Read Full Article
Honor roll page updated
honor roll page with the latest lists of academic achievers from area schools.We've just updated our
The schools updated are: Forest Park Middle School (Franklin), Greenfield Middle School, Homestead High School, Marquette University High School, Martin Luther High School, Menomonee Falls High School, Muskego High School, Oak Creek-Franklin West Middle School, Oak Creek High School, St. Francis High School and St. Matthew School (Oak Creek).
Kratzer's walk-off double sparks Red Raiders win over Hale
Wauwatosa East's Bryce Kratzer's 2-run walk-off double sparked the Red Raiders to any exciting 5-4 win over West Allis Hale tonight at Breitlow Field.
With Hale (4-6, 4-8) leading 4-3 going into the bottom of the seventh, Steffen Uhrich walked off reliever Tony Machowski to start the inning. Ben Carpenter then smashed a one-bouncer to Hale third baseman who threw to second to try and get Uhrich, but the ball got by the second baseman putting runners on first and second.
Kratzer then came in and slammed a long double off the wall in leftfield scoring both runners for the win.
Kratzer would have been the losing pitcher, as he allowed three earned runs in 3.1 innings, before running into a control problem in the fifth. With one out, he hit a batter and then walked two Huskies to load the bases.
Tracy Johnson then came in and allowed an RBI-single to DH Nick Sotiros, who had two doubles, an RBI and two runs scored earlier in the game to give Hale a 4-2 advantage.» Read Full Article
Redistricting: Plan aims to make aldermanic districts similar in size
Some Wauwatosa residents may find themselves represented by different aldermen or heading to a new site to vote next year as the city adjusts boundaries to compensate for population shifts identified in the 2010 U.S. Census.
The Redistricting Committee has posted maps showing existing and proposed boundary changes on the city's website and the public can provide comment at 7 p.m. June 23 at City Hall, City Clerk Carla Ledesma said.
"The populations of the existing aldermanic districts range from a low of 5,425 residents (District 1) to a high of 6,283 residents (District 4)," according to a letter she wrote to Common Council members. "The proposed changes to aldermanic district boundaries were made with the goal of creating aldermanic districts as close in population as possible to 5,799.50 persons."
No Common Council members will be redistricted due to the adjustments as their homes still remain within the specific aldermanic districts' borders, Ledesma said.
Some of the changes come in an effort to straighten out boundary lines, but typically adjustments are meant to balance out existing populations or plan for future growth.» Read Full Article
Mayor raising re-election campaign funds
Wauwatosa Mayor Jill Didier will hold a campaign fundraiser next week, but she said she's still contemplating whether to run for re-election.
"I should have been holding fundraisers for the last three years, but I haven't because I've been busy," she said.
If Didier does decide to announce her candidacy, she'll have funds available, she said.
"I'm still considering all the options," she said.
The group organizing the fundraiser calls itself Citizens for Jill Didier an they're calling the gathering set for 5 to 7:30 p.m. June 23 at the Rosebud Cinema the "Taste of Tosa."» Read Full Article
Spotlighted-Spangled Banner now waves
The Grand Old Flag that flies at the center of the Washington Highlands neighborhood just became more majestic.
Thanks to a donation by resident Emily McNulty, spotlights now illuminate the American flag that has been posted at the roundabout at Washington Boulevard and Washington Circle for 50 years.
Residents of the Washington Highlands' 374 homes, as well as McNulty's family and friends, gathered Tuesday evening to celebrate Flag Day with a dedication ceremony. The lighting serves as a tribute to McNulty's late husband Truman, who died in 2004.
"He'd come home late and he'd say you're not supposed to fly at the flag at night unless it's lit," said daughter Mary Kay McNulty.
Truman was a World War II veteran, enlisting in 1942 for officer training school. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps flying in China and Burma. He later served in the Army Reserve and became a military judge. Truman retired as a colonel, so patriotism was important to him, his wife said.» Read Full Article
Mayoral salary bump again up for debate
Should the Wauwatosa mayor get paid more?
That question was vigorously debated within the city 18 months ago.
But with the next mayoral election coming next spring, the topic is back - and it looks to be no less contentious this time around.
Several aldermen who attended the Employee Relations Committee meeting Tuesday called the mayor's pay of $22,500 annually - a salary that hasn't changed in 27 years - an embarrassment, pointing out it is far less than a living wage. Had that salary kept pace with inflation over the years, the mayor would now earn more than $50,000.
At the same time, they admit it's hard to justify boosting a salary when the city faces a $2.6 million budget shortfall and many of its constituents are struggling through their own economic pressures.» Read Full Article
Tosa Schools settles final contract
The Wauwatosa School District has reached an agreement with its final union group negotiating a new contract. It's a move Superintendent Phil Ertl said was integral to the district being able to present a balanced budget for 2011-12.
The School Board on Monday approved the agreement with the Wauwatosa Educational Support Association - the group representing the district's administrative assistants - on a 6-0 vote. Board member Anne Fee was excused from the meeting.
Wauwatosa earlier had reached interim agreements with its teachers union and the unions representing its educational assistants and janitors to help bridge a $6.5 million budget deficit for 2011-12. The agreements with those groups include a pay freeze for the next school year, a shift in retirement contributions from the district to employees and participation in a high-deductible health care plan.
The deal with the administrative assistants includes those same provisions, but reaching the agreement proved more contentious than with the other groups. As the administrative assistants' contract runs through the 2012-13 school year, they did not have to agree to any concessions, board member Mary Jo Randall said.
However, in an effort to gain the concessions, the district said it would furlough employees for 20 to 24 days or outsource their work entirely. The union filed a grievance, and the two sides eventually agreed on the concessions.» Read Full Article
Heroin mailed to local organization
Heroin was sent to a Wauwatosa organization collecting money on behalf of New Jersey police Tuesday.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
360 Direct, 12040 W Feerick St., a clearinghouse for nonprofit and charitable organizations, received a shipment for the New Jersey Police Officer Foundation about noon June 7. When opening the envelopes, white powder was found by one of the employees.
The Wauwatosa Police Department contacted police in New Jersey, who said they were familiar with the sender of the envelopes.
The powder - which came in wax bindles stamped in red ink with "White China" or "Cowboy" - tested positive for heroin.
Tosa gets look at proposed schools budget
Wauwatosa residents would pay about the same in school taxes as they did last year, under a budget proposed to the Wauwatosa School Board on Monday.
Overall, the district would spend nearly $8 million less than it did in 2010-11, with much of that savings coming from salary freezes for all employees, who also would participate in a high-deductible health care plan and contribute more toward their retirements.
That would help offset a drastic reduction in per-pupil taxing authority, a proposal that is part of Gov. Scott Walker's 2011-13 biennial budget.
Wauwatosa's total expenditures would be $81.3 million in 2011-12, an 8.9 percent decrease from the $89.2 million the district spent in 2010-11.
Those expenditures include money spent by the Wauwatosa Recreation Department, which is part of the school district.» Read Full Article
Panel: North and 72nd not right spot for day care
East Tosa's stretch of North Avenue isn't the place for a day care center, the Wauwatosa Plan Commission said Monday.
Darneshia Jackson had requested a conditional-use permit to operate a day care center with up to 30 children enrolled in each of two shifts at 72nd Street and North Avenue. The building was last occupied by Curves.
The proposal called for an asphalt parking lot with a playground on it.
Mayor Jill Didier, commission chairwoman, said she was concerned about taking away parking spots and providing a safe dropoff area.
Jackson answered that she expected to transport most of the children and employees herself, so there would not be a great need for parking or a dropoff site.» Read Full Article
Gavinski named Tosa West girls basketball coach
They say good things are worth waiting for, so you can understand how happy Ron Gavinski is.
The 55-year-old Gavinski has been named head coach of the Wauwatosa West girls basketball team this week, his first head coaching job in a long career of being a successful assistant.
"I can't tell you how excited I was," he said when offered the job by athletic/activities director Nathan DeLany. "This gives me a chance to take a program in a direction that I want to.
"I was very fortunate to work with Jerry Hastings at Greendale. What he and I did together, the kids bought into and I believe our kids will buy into it at Tosa West too."
Gavinski will also quick to praise former coach Mike Pietrowiak, who he worked with the past few years, as his JV coach.» Read Full Article
Highlands Cafe looks to expand building, menu
The owner of a Washington Highlands restaurant is looking to grow the eatery's space and menu.
Business owners Sandy Murphy and Brett Swider plan to expand Highlands Café into the adjoining vacant storefront at 60th and Vliet streets, which would increase space for eight to seating for 52 indoors, plus outdoor seating for 20 in front of the restaurant.
A couple of neighbors worried about the lack of parking, which Community Development Director Nancy Welch said falls below city standards. However, many of the customers walk from the Highlands, so some concessions can be made, she said.
Plan Commission members agreed Monday. The request next goes to the Community Development Committee for consideration on June 28.
Commissioner Jody Lowe lives near the café and said additional street parking can be found if people are willing to walk a bit farther. She pointed to Highlands Café, as well as Cold Spoons Gelato and Meritage restaurants, as getting this area on the city's eastern border some attention for its dining options, and said the benefits to the community outweigh the growing pains.» Read Full Article
Indian grocery may move to larger building
The owner of an Indian grocery store in Wauwatosa is looking to move into a larger, neighboring office building.
"The Indian population is in the metro Milwaukee area, so this is about keeping up with demand," said Dinesh Sanghavi, owner of Indian Groceries & Spices at 10633 W. North Ave.
He has applied for a conditional-use permit to relocate and expand into the vacant three-story North Brook Executive Center, 10701 W. North Ave.
The proposal submitted to the Plan Commission on Monday called for minor upgrades to the building's exterior that will update its 1960s look.
"That building has been a dated eyesore for a long time now," Commissioner Gloria Stearns said.» Read Full Article
Railroad worker, local drivers stop suicide attempt
Four men put a stop to a suicide attempt when they pulled a person off the railroad tracks at 115th Street between Watertown Plank and Potter roads on Friday afternoon.
Brian Olson, a Canadian-Pacific Railroad track foreman, was stationed at the crossing when the 49-year-old Wauwatosa man approached and asked when and where the next train was expected to arrive. The man then headed to the north track and laid down, he said.
Olson had given a westbound train clearance to cross, so he ran from his vehicle to the tracks. Luckily, another truck had stopped and the occupants helped Olson pull the man off the track.
"It was pretty scary," he said. "I didn't know how far away the train was. The gentleman decided he wanted to end his life. I couldn't let that happen."
The suicidal man resisted the rescue attempt, but the group, which soon included a couple more drivers, got him off the tracks and restrained him until police arrived, Olson said. Meanwhile, Olson made a run back to his truck and called to stop the train, which was less than a half-mile away at that point.
Olson marveled at the timing, saying he had let an Amtrak train cross less than 10 minutes before the man's arrival. With the train traveling at 60 mph, the man likely wouldn't have survived that impact, he said.» Read Full Article
Current recycling arrangement may continue for another six months
The Public Works director is asking Waste Management for an extension of its curbside recycling pickup as a group of DPW laborers, dispatchers and supervisors look at changes to all garbage, recycling and yard waste disposal services offered in Wauwatosa.
The Public Works group likely will not be ready to implement changes in service by Dec. 31, when the contract with Waste Management is set to expire.
Public Works Director Bill Porter has suggested a six-month extension of the contract that requires twice a month curbside pickup of recycled materials. The Budget and Finance Committee tonight will discuss the contract extension and forward a recommendation to the full Common Council for action the following week.
The Public Works group is expected to bring options, including fully automating garbage and recycling collections, forward as the city prepares its 2012 budget.
Six females ticketed on theft allegations at Mayfair mall
Six females, ranging from ages 13 to 21, were arrested and ticketed on allegations of stealing clothes and other items valued at $1,179 from the Boston Store at Mayfair mall over the weekend, according to a Wauwautosa Police Department incident report released Monday.
According to the report:
The females met in what was a planned theft in the Polo section of the Boston Store, grabbed as much clothing as they could carry and fled to a Chrysler waiting in the parking lot. Three of the females ran to the car and put merchandise in the car, while two dropped merchandise in the parking lot. All six, including the driver, ran away, attempting to elude police. All were caught.
Another car, according to the report, was thought to be waiting for the females; however, the car left the lot and was not found.
Police recovered 170 items, according to the report.
Teens accused of arranging shoplifting spree on Facebook
Five teens from Milwaukee filled their arms with 170 pieces of clothing at Boston Store at Mayfair and made a run for it Thursday night.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
The teens, females ranging in age from 13 to 19, said it was a bit of a coincidence they ended up at the same store at the same time. They said some of them were only familiar with each other via Facebook, but when parents were called they gave permission for one father to pick up all the teens from the Police Department.
A 17-year-old girl called herself "a booster," stealing and reselling merchandise for half price to make money. The group mostly took infant and toddler clothing, and tried to get away with merchandise valued at nearly $4,200.
The teens told officers they arrived at the mall planning to shoplift, but online discussions had them going to different stores. When they all ended up at Boston Store, they made a snap decision to grab and run, one teen said.» Read Full Article
Free car seat safety check, installation taking place Thursday
Parents and caregivers of little ones can make sure car seats are correctly installed in their vehicles at Wauwatosa Fire Station 1, 1601 Underwood Ave., on Thursday.
The Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin Coalition will host a free Booster and Car Seat Safety Check from 3 to 6 p.m. Statistics show that more than 90 percent of car seats are not properly installed, which put kids in danger.
Certified car seat technicians will make certain seats are correctly installed and that they are appropriate for the age and size of the child. No appointments are necessary.
For information, go to chw.org/carseats.
Mt. Tosa condos might become assisted-living apartments
The condominium market remains in the dumps, so the developer of the Mt. Tosa Neighborhood wants to switch plans and offer assisted-living apartments instead.
Helmut Toldt, president of Brookfield-based Toldt Development, has asked modify the developer's agreement with the city to allow construction of 67 single- or studio-unit assisted-living and memory care rental units instead of the previously planned 40 two-bedroom condos.
Toldt already has broken ground on Cedar Glen, an 80-unit senior apartment facility at the former city landfill site at 113th Street and Walnut Road. That project has qualified for tax credits.
The portion of the project to be discussed by the Plan Commission at 7 p.m. today would be a subsequent phase, adjacent to Cedar Glen, for the "continuum care" building, dubbed Oak Park Place. The application submitted to the Wauwatosa Community Development Department breaks down the new proposal to 31 one-bedroom and 16 studio apartments categorized as assisted living and 20 apartments for people with dementia. A staff of 40 people would provide round-the-clock care.
Toldt has not responded to a reporter's request for an interview.» Read Full Article
Watertown Plank reconstruction starts today
Watertown Plank Road reconstruction will start about three weeks earlier than planned, with the contractor hired to do the work authorized to begin today, Elm Grove officials announced today.
"We were notified last week that the Wisconsin DOT has approved the contractor's contract and schedule and authorized them to start work as early as today, June 13, which is three weeks earlier than anticipated," Village Manager David De Angelis said.
Menomonee Falls-based Super Western won the contract with a bid of nearly $1.3 million.
The project consists of a complete reconstruction of 0.64 miles of the road, including new storm sewer, curb and gutter, sidewalks and decorative lighting. The project is scheduled to be completed on Nov. 11.
While there will be lane closures during construction, through-traffic will be maintained in one direction through the downtown business district, village officials said. Work will be done initially with flagmen but then traffic will be
transitioned to eastbound traffic only through the downtown area with all other traffic being detoured through the Village.
"During construction I encourage everyone to make a special effort to patronize our local businesses. It is important for all residents to help keep our local businesses viable during this disruption," Village President Neil Palmer said.
Weekly updates on construction progress and schedule will be posted on the village's website, elmgrovewi.org.
Boxing center eyes Tosa location
Boxing has become much less about competition and more about physical and mental fitness, said a Waukesha gym owner who wants to open a facility in Wauwatosa.
"There are times when it's 80 percent women in the gym and 20 percent men and the women do it better because they focus and get into it," said Oscar Medina, who already runs a center in Waukesha.
Medina plans to operate Medina Boxing Camp at 10848 W. Wisconsin Ave. to offer boxing fitness workouts, strength and agility exercises, and competition boxing training
First, boxing coach Medina will have to go before the Plan Commission on Monday and Community Development Committee on Tuesday. Those panels will make a recommendation to the Common Council.
If the approval process goes smoothly, Medina plans to open in mid-July.» Read Full Article
Woman accused of theft, attacking guard at Mayfair
A 22-year-old Milwaukee woman was arrested at Macy's at Mayfair for retail theft and battery, after attacking a security guard Wednesday.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
She had put merchandise in her bag, but when the security guard confronted her about 5 p.m. she got upset and started to flail her arms, so the guard tried to put her in a "bear hug." She began to resist and scream.
She punched and kicked him in his legs and then bit his wrist and upper leg, refusing to let go. The guard hit her on the head to try to get her to stop. The security guard suffered swelling and bleeding from the attack.
The woman has had several prior incidents of resisting arrest, and she will be going to the district attorney's office Friday. She is accused of attempting to steal $290 in clothing.
Wauwatosa student discipline case won't be handled criminally
The parent of a Lincoln Elementary School student who said he was disciplined by spending 35 minutes in a storage closet has decided not to press charges and allow the school district to handle the situation.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
In early May a student alleged a music teacher had grabbed him by the back of his shirt, scratching him and accidentally hitting his head on a rail before making him spend class time in the closet. He had been disruptive during class with another student who was sent to the cafeteria, the boy told police. The principal and School Board were made aware of the allegation and other issues between the teacher and student.
On Wednesday the boy's father told police he was going to leave it up to the school district how to deal with the teacher.
Tosa schools budget being present Monday
Wauwatosa School District administrators will present the district's 2011-12 budget at the School Board meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the Fisher Building, 12121 W. North Ave.
District officials said earlier this spring that Wauwatosa could have faced a budget shortfall of $7 million if the cuts proposed in the state biennial budget are not offset by savings in the budget-repair bill.
Interim agreements with the district's unions and non-represented employees - including a pay freeze for 2011-12, higher retirement contributions and participation in a high-deductible health-care plan - are expected to save the district millions of dollars. The agreement with the teachers alone is expected to save Wauwatosa $4 million.
The School Board also will vote on an interim agreement with the final group of unionized employees, the district's administrative assistants.
Monday's agenda and background materials can be found <a href="http://www.wauwatosa.k12.wi.us/cms_files/resources/June_13_Agenda%20with%20attachments.pdf"> here</a>.
Grandma accused of leaving toddler on porch while she went drinking
A 45-year-old Wauwatosa woman was arrested for neglecting her 18-month-old grandchild; she is accused of leaving the child sleeping on the porch outside her home while she went to a bar.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
A bartender said the woman acted disorderly and was already highly intoxicated when she arrived at 1:56 a.m. Wednesday. She couldn't keep her balance and was demanding a drink five minutes before bar time. After she was denied the alcohol, she grabbed a customer's beer and drank his entire glass.
Police took her home, where the woman's boyfriend refused to let her inside and asked where the child was. Her grandson was found sleeping on the porch wrapped in paper towel. She nearly fell holding him, and police grabbed him away. The boy is the child of the woman's daughter, who is away completing basic training for the military.
The Bureau of Child Welfare took custody of the child.
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On Thursdays starting tomorrow, you can post to those places and be entered in a chance to win a pair of Marcus Theatres movie passes. A winner will be chosen and notified each Friday.» Read Full Article
Tosa being billed as Innovation Parkway
In Wauwatosa, all major roads lead to a parkway.
That revelation came while mapping out areas ready for development projects, Mayor Jill Didier said. The Menomonee, Underwood and Honey Creek parkways cover a significant portion of Wauwatosa.
As a result, the city is "branding our economic development marketing efforts as Innovation Parkway," she said.
Wauwatosa is looking for development projects in a down economy and competitive greater Milwaukee market so city officials held a gathering June 1 to roll out the marketing campaign to more than 130 people, many of whom work in construction, finance and development-related fields.
"Now we're looking at how do we make a buzz around Wauwatosa," the mayor said.» Read Full Article
Man arrested for burglary after wife calls cops
A 55-year-old Milwaukee man was arrested for burglary and battery after he broke into a Wauwatosa home and took collectible figurines, then later injured an officer at the police station.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
The man's wife called police about 8 p.m. June 1, because she was worried about the stolen property he had brought into his home at 90th Street and Mount Vernon Avenue, just across the border in Milwaukee. She found about 30 Lladro figurines, which are Spanish porcelain figurines valued at several hundred dollars each, in the basement.
He said he had been out walking and saw a home in the 400 block of North 89th Street in Wauwatosa that looked abandoned. He tried a door and found it unlocked, so he entered and found a display case full of figurines. He said he made a few trips back and forth to collect the items but he only planned to keep them safe for the owner.
Police checked out the home and found a hoarding situation with items blocking walking paths, making it difficult to get around. The house also had cobwebs, a thick layer of dust and raccoons could be heard running around. The 49-year-old woman who owns the home hasn't lived there for several years, neighbors told officers.» Read Full Article
City may face $2.6 million budget gap in 2012
Wauwatosa anticipates facing a $2.6 million budget gap in 2012, but the numbers are changing daily as legislators make changes to Gov. Scott Walker's proposed state budget.
"No matter who is the governor, that's never the budget that's adopted," Finance Director John Ruggini said.
Last week, Ruggini gave the Budget and Finance Committee a synopsis of the city's budget picture for 2011 after crunching the numbers for the first quarter. He also made projections for next year's budget.
The state budget likely will limit the city's ability to increase the tax levy other than to account for new growth. That is expected to keep a levy increase in Tosa to about 0.05 percent, or $200,000. Beyond that, other sources of revenue are projected to increase 1.26 percent next year, and that just won't keep pace with expenditures that are increasing by 4.3 percent, he said.
Simply doing business another year will bring with it cost-of-living salary increases that will trickle down to increased overtime, Social Security and pension costs. Inflation of medical costs likely will drive up the city's health insurance costs about 9 percent.» Read Full Article
Tosan accused of threatening to kill stepdad
A 23-year-old Wauwatosa man has been charged with disorderly conduct, domestic abuse and use of a dangerous weapon after he allegedly arrived home high and threatened to kill his stepfather.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
When police arrived at a home in the 3200 block of North Knoll Terrace at 10 p.m. May 31, Shundale Dixon was pacing back and forth while arguing with family members outside. He had dried blood on his hands.
Dixon was ordered to the ground, but refused to comply. Instead he went back into the home. When he came toward an officer, a stun gun was used on him. A folding knife was found in Dixon's pocket.
His stepfather said the young man pulled a knife and pointed it at him, then threatened to kill him.» Read Full Article
Team effort - and a little luck - saves life
A city employee keeping watch over Hart Park helped save the life of a man participating in the Scottish Highland Games on Saturday morning.
About 11 a.m., Jim Fork, a custodian/laborer for the city, overheard one of the event coordinators say a man had collapsed. The weather was hot, and the park was extremely busy.
"I said 'Someone is having a heart attack in my park?'" he recalled. "Then I asked if anything was being done to help that individual."
Jumping into action
Someone asked whether an automated external defibrillator, a machine that can shock a heart back into a normal rhythm, could be found on the property. Fork ran and retrieved the AED locked inside the Muellner Building, handed it off and followed to find the 49-year-old bagpiper from Illinois who was ill.» Read Full Article
Sons of Union Veterans hope to donate flagpole to cemetery
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is charged with caring for the graves of Civil Wars veterans, and the local chapter wants to do just that by donating a flagpole to Oak Hill Cemetery.
The cemetery at 114th Street and Capitol Drive is home to two Civil War veterans: Private Johann Bahler of Company I, Wisconsin Infantry, and Levi Halsted, surgeon with the 7th Wisconsin Light Artillery. Halsted also is known as the Wauwatosa pioneer who built the Little Red Store in 1854, the community's first railroad station and post office.
For the past 15 years, the Col. C.K. Pier Badger Camp One and Auxiliary have helped maintain Oak Hill Cemetery, group chaplain Deacon Dean Collins explained in a letter to the city. With the help of Boy Scout Troop 61 from Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Parish in Milwaukee, the group has trimmed hedges, pulled weeds, planted flowers, picked up garbage and remounted fallen gravestones. The cemetery has been the site of five Eagle Scout projects, including one that erected the wooden fence that surrounds the property.
Prior to work sessions, the groups raise a flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance - and each time, they use a makeshift flagpole fashioned from plumbing pipes.
After fundraising, the groups want to donate the nearly $1,800 it will cost to buy and install an aluminum flagpole to Wauwatosa.
Neighbor dispute turns into all-out brawl, police say
A broom, rocks, pepper spray, hedge-clippers and a knife were all featured weapons in a brawl between neighbors near 60th Street and Garfield Avenue last week, according to a Wauwatosa police report.
Also according to the report:
The 15-year-old son living in the upper unit of the home took out the garbage about 10 p.m. June 1 and noticed an empty can of lighter fluid inside. He suspected the downstairs neighbors had used it, so he and his mother went to talk to them.
The lower-level residents immediately got confrontational, denying use of the lighter fluid and yelling profanities. The mother called the landlord because there have been ongoing troubles between the neighbors.
Meanwhile, the 50-year-old Wauwatosa man living downstairs called his sister, a 47-year-old Milwaukee woman, who drove over to the home. She ran into the lower unit and grabbed a broom, which she later used to hit the teen several times.» Read Full Article
City needs to market its events more successfully, alderwoman says
Alderwoman Linda Nikcevich says turnout at some city events and interest in Wauwatosa's vaccination clinics and other services has dipped now that community members aren't getting a city newsletter delivered to their doors.
In a letter sent to city officials today, she suggested City Hall pump up its marketing and public relations to better promote Wauwatosa activities and to keep the media well informed.
Other communities have branded messaging and marketing literature to promote living and recreational opportunities, and Nikcevich said she feels Wauwatosa is lagging behind.
The Common Council already has a Legislation, Licensing and Communications Committee, which reviews the city's quarterly newsletter before publication. It is available for electronic delivery.
The city stopped issuing paper copies of its quarterly newsletter - with the exception of a few copies posted in places like the library and Hart Park Senior Center as well as by special request - this year. While the printed newsletter went out to about 15,000 homes, only 270 people have subscribed to the electronic newsletter.» Read Full Article
State track and field photo gallery now online
photo gallery from Peter Zuzga and Todd Ponath with more action from all divisions in this year's state track and field meet in La Crosse.We've just updated the
Brookfield East won the boys Division 1 competition with 57 points to 39.33 for Arrowhead. Bradley Tech was tops in the girls Division 1 meet, outpacing Arrowhead, 64-40.
Bluemound reconstruction begins
Reconstruction of Bluemound Road has started just as the 70th Street bridge replacement project reaches completion.
The pavement, curb and gutter will be replaced on Bluemound Road (also known as Highway 18) between Mayfair Road and the Brookfield border at 124th Street.
One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction, but parking will be eliminated in front of local businesses. For the duration of construction - expected to last through December - parking restrictions along side streets will be relaxed.
Starting this week, the 70th Street railroad crossing south of State Street will be closed so a raised safety median can be installed, according to the Village Business Improvement District weekly update. During this time, all access to Hart Park will be off 72nd Street. Completion should coincide with the end of the 70th Street bridge reconstruction project.
While the bridge project was delayed due to wet spring weather, it looks like it should be done in time for Hart Fest on June 17 and 18, according to the city Engineering Department.» Read Full Article
Days Inn clerk robbed at gunpoint
A clerk at the Days Inn was robbed at gunpoint early Monday morning.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
The nightshift clerk was watching television in the office when a man walked into the hotel, 11811 W. Bluemound Road, and asked for a room. The clerk checked the computer for vacancies; when he looked up he saw a gun pointed at him.
The robber told him, "Give me all your money, or I'm going to shoot you in 10 seconds."
The clerk handed over money while the robber counted backward from 10. The robber fled at 2:39 a.m.» Read Full Article
Wauwatosa considers 21-day waiting period for used goods
A city panel's recommended ordinance change seeks to find the balance between protecting crime victims and supporting local businesses.
After discussing for a few months the rules for secondhand dealers who buy and sell items in the city, the Community Development Committee this week recommended having secondhand dealers electronically report to police all items purchased with a value of $50 or greater, then enforcing a 21-day waiting period before the goods can be sold.
Those business owners who insist on turning in cards detailing product information, instead of using electronic reporting, would face a 30-day waiting period, incur a fee and have the responsibility of delivering the paperwork to the police station.
Police had pushed for a 30-day waiting period for all transactions in hopes that more stolen goods would be discovered before they are sold and walk out the door. It often takes theft and burglary victims time to inventory stolen items, and detectives need time to investigate leads, officials said.
However, the 21-day hold for electronic transmissions counts as the longest period instituted by a municipality so far, and provides some incentive to make the process simpler through online reporting, said Alderwoman Jill Organ, committee chairwoman.» Read Full Article
State tennis photo gallery now online
photo gallery from NOW's Peter Zuzga and Lake Country Publications' Todd Ponath featuring action from the opening round of the state individual tennis tournament.We've just published a
The matches continue today with semifinals and finals on Saturday from the Nielsen Tennis Center in Madison.
The gallery features competitors from Arrowhead, Brookfield Central and East, Homestead, Muskego, Nicolet, Waukesha South, Wauwatosa East and Whitefish Bay.
Man robbed on walk home from bar
A Wauwatosa man was robbed by two teens while walking home from a bar early Sunday morning.
According to Wauwatosa police:
The victim, who had met friends at Club Tap, left the tavern at 92nd Street and North Avenue at 1:30 a.m. While walking east on North near 85th Street, he was approached from behind by the two teens.
One boy had a revolver and demanded his wallet and watch, while the second held the 34-year-old victim from behind. They took off running and the man lost sight of them.
The victim, who police said appeared intoxicated, told authorirties he didn't get a good look at the robbers' faces and could only offer a limited description. He said the suspects were both black males, between 16 to 19 years old with thin builds about 5-foot-5 inches to 5-foot-7 inches tall and wearing dark colored shirts.
Fire chief OK with small staffing cut
Wauwatosa fire officials are recommending a two-person staffing cut, changes to the management structure and taking a backup ambulance out of service in response to a review of the Fire Department.
For most of the fall, a study of the Fire Department's operations by the International City/County Management Association was met with controversy. When new Chief Rob Ugaste claimed his role, he spent his first two months on the job going over each page of the report with the department's two assistant and four deputy chiefs.
The Fire Department managers presented their response to ICMA's 17 suggestions for improvement during the Budget and Finance Committee meeting Tuesday. Aldermen were generally supportive of the recommended changes, which would save at least $180,000 in employee costs, but they asked to take some time to review the matter.
It's a delicate balance between looking for efficiencies and cost savings and ensuring residents' safety through continued emergency services, Alderman Dennis McBride said.
Changes at Station 2» Read Full Article
School lunch prices going up in fall
The price of school lunches will increase slightly for Wauwatosa's middle and high school students next year.
Students in the district's elementary, middle and high schools paid $2.25 per day for the lunch program this year. But that number will increase to $2.35 at the middle and high schools in 2011-12, thanks to changes in federal regulations, said Steve Youngbauer of Sodexo, the district's food service provider.
Lunch prices will not increase at elementary schools.
There also will be no increase in the price of school breakfasts, which are offered at several sites across the district: both high schools, Longfellow Middle School, and Roosevelt, Underwood and Washington elementary schools, said De Gitzlaff of Sodexo.
Sodexo also plans to renovate the cafeteria at Wauwatosa West High School this summer. The food-service provider has completed three major renovation projects since partnering with the district in 2007, including a recent two-year project to improve the cafeteria at East High School.» Read Full Article
Surge of retirements could hit city soon
A quarter of the city's employees are likely to retire within the next five years.
In 2011, 25 employees are expected to end their service to Wauwatosa. Within the next five years, 112 employees are expected to retire, according to a report by Michael Loy, city health and productivity coordinator.
This follows a decade that saw 134 retirements.
The Employee Relations Committee on Tuesday postponed discussion about retirement trends due to time constraints, but the topic could be back on the table in two weeks.
At this time, 38 Wauwatosa employees meet full retirement eligibility for the state retirement system. Another 78 employees could retire early and receive a reduced benefit, an option few people choose.» Read Full Article
Wauwatosa makes new push to attract development
Wauwatosa is making a new push to attract development, with the creation of a Community Development Authority and a marketing campaign that promotes the city's development areas.
Some of that marketing will occur at an event that begins at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at the newly renovated Grand Hall at Hoyt Park Pool,1800 Swan Blvd., where city officials will meet with developers, lenders and business leaders.
Among the items for discussion will be the new Community Development Authority, which the Common Council approved in April. It replaces the Housing Authority and Redevelopment Authority, and is designed to help streamline city action on development proposals, said Mayor Jill Didier.
"The focus is now on pulling all the pieces together," Didier said.
Also, city officials will be discussing Wauwatosa's development areas, which are being marketed as the Wauwatosa Innovation Parkway. That plays off the city's parkways near Honey Creek, Underwood Creek and the Menomonee River, which are close to most of the development sites.» Read Full Article


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Germany coach Joachim Low announced his provisional squad for the 2014 World Cup on Thursday, turning quite a few heads in the process.
The initial 30-man roster will have to be trimmed down to 23 by June 2. And while it appears that Low is decided on the required minimum of three goalkeepers in his squad, competition should be fierce among some of his less experienced players.
Uncapped duo Max Meyer and Leon Goretzka were surprise nominations, while under-21 captain Kevin Volland and Erik Durm were also called up to the senior national team for the first time. Matthias Ginter, Shkodran Mustafi and Andre Hahn were also recalled after having been called to the national team for the first time in March.
Elsewhere, longtime absentee Sami Khedira made the squad despite not having played a minute of competitive football since November, while the currently injured Mario Gomez, who spent almost the entire season sidelined with injuries, was omitted.
In spite of an increasingly apparent bottleneck of talent still short of its prime, Germany's squad continues to evolve. The coming weeks will be interesting for followers of the Mannschaft as Low's chosen 30 aim to make the final cut.
Low's selection contains a wide range of players of diverse backgrounds, each with a unique story of how he reached this point in his career. Click "Begin Slideshow" for profiles of all 30 players listed in the provisional Germany squad.

subset: commoncrawl


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Aphrodite's Cyprus, a Mediterranean island at the crossroads of three continents and where the east meets the west, is a perfect summer destination, with inviting beaches, breathtaking mountain trails and championship golf courses surrounded by luxurious, world-class hotels.
Orange County's Cypress? Not so much. But Cypress Plaza Shopping Center does include a BevMo! (6820 Katella Ave., 714-891-1242), so well-stocked with mixers, elixirs and mood-fixers that you can gather all the ingredients for a ripping Brandy Sour, which is the official drink of Cyprus. No, you won't find Cypriot brandy brands such as KEO VSOP or Haggipavlu Anglias, but a reasonable facsimile would be to grab a bottle of DeKuyper Apricot Brandy (only $11.99 with your ClubBev card!), shake a shot and a half with lemon juice and ice, strain, add soda, and begin your morning with the perfect fuel to get you through another goddamn-hot day in Cypress.
Don't go too crazy, as your recreational activity could get you pulled over—on your skateboard. The Skate Plaza at Cypress Park (4554 Avenida Granada) is the perfect place to show off your best, Brandy Sour-inspired moves to the groms hyped up on Skittles who swarm here. Surrounded with pretty green grass (better to make soft landings upon, my dear), the skate park boasts an eight-stair with a rail right down the middle. What waaaay over-the-hill shredders can appreciate is the cement surface is mostly flat, just like the town that hosts it.
A wonderful place to nurse owies and cap another goddamn-hot summer day in Cypress is the funky and intimate Cafe Hiro (10509 Valley View St., 714-527-6090), which, just like TV's original Iron Chef, is all about the foreign influence on traditional Japanese food. Cafe Hiro's iron chef, Hiro Ohiwa, studied in both his native Japan and France, and he now creates modern Japanese fare through French sauces, Italian pastas and Indian curries. As at any restaurant with a flair for the WTF?, the most satisfying dishes are the daily specials, which on one visit included this walk-off home run: sea urchin risotto topped with roasted miso-marinated salmon. Bet you won't find that on Cyprus!
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Panama's just a canal...isn't it?
Trip Start Jun 05, 2006
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So today we got up for a boat tour around the Islands, and saw dolphins and went to a tropical Paradise, not going to say any more..just check out the pictures when I put them up. And seriously, I knew Panama had more to offer than just a Canal, but this was over and above expectations, and considering I was going to miss it out and head straight for the city...happy days!
In the morning Im off on a 12 hour bus journey to Panama City to take a look at the 'big ditch', the Panama Canal.


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Juniata County School Board approves a final proposed budget
MIFFLINTOWN – The Juniata County School District Board of Directors approved the proposed final 2013-2014 budget, with no tax increase, Thursday during a public meeting held at Fermanagh-Mifflintown Elementary School.
Treasurer Richard Meily said the proposed budget included a 2.3 percent tax increase and $160,000 deficit for Juniata County. Strong opposition from the board was shown in a 7-2 vote against the proposal.
A motion was made by Dressler and carried by the board to adopt the proposed budget with no tax increase.
Dressler said the proposed budget also shows a decrease in pay-to-play costs for students in the district. Last year, students paid $250 to participate in school sports. The current proposal shows a $100 fee per sport per student.
Also during the meeting, Shirley Schlegel and Gloria Brubaker, representatives of the Juniata County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, presented two district teachers with Loretta Woodson Awards. Schlegel said the award honors the bequeath of a teacher of secondary English who believed public school districts do not receive the support and recognition they deserve.
According to a press release, the awards are presented to active public school employees who exhibit outstanding creativity, initiative and productivity to the learning process and growth of children.
Jacqueline Heidenreich, a teacher at Juniata High School, was presented with the Woodson award. Heindenreich was nominated by a parent, and her recommendation stated that she challenges and motivates students enrolled in her AP English classes. Cheri Peck, a paraprofessional in a Life Skills class at Fayette Elementary School, also received the award and was recognized for exhibiting creativity and initiative in the classroom with a compassionate attitude toward students.
The East Juniata High School All-State musicians were also present at the meeting. Vocalist Brynne Guyer opened the meeting by singing the Star Spangled Banner. Flutist Jennifer Tressler and violinist Gabriel Edwards played a movement from Sonata 6 for the board.
In other new business, the board approved:
A contract with Capital Area Intermediate Unit for special education services for the 2013-2014 school year at a total cost of $47,159.38.
Adoption of new algebra and trigonometry textbooks at a cost of $19,273.14. The purchase includes hardcover books, e-texts, resources and limited training.
An agreement with River Rock Academy, an alternative placement for students, for seven reserved spots at a per diem rate of $114.52, or an annual cost of $144,295.20, for the 2013-2014 school year.
The use of Tuscarora Junior High School for Migrant-ELL Summer School 2013, operated by Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 Migrant Education Program, in conjunction with the JCSD, contingent upon the availability of Title III funding.
Financial reports and bills for payment for April 2013.
Gilson Transportation to provide services for the Extended School Year program at an estimated total cost of $40,000.
Tess Beecher, Angela Bryner, Kayla Ritter, Stephanie Yetter, Emily Beck, Lindsay Sheaffer and Megan Shipe as substitute teachers.
The resignation of East Juniata High School teacher Amanda Lightner, effective at the conclusion of the 2013-2014 school year, and part-time elementary art teacher Garry Price, effective Aug. 16.
Erin Robinson and Leighette Sechrist as elementary school teachers, effective Aug. 21.
Stephen Dreibelbis as district athletic director/Title IX compliance officer, effective July 1.
Richard Meily II as treasurer of the board for a one-year term and Polly Digon as secretary of the board for a four-year term.


text: I recently listened to a podcast with a great riff by the author Tim Kreider on how we seem to pride ourselves on our "busy" lives. Tim points out that while this busyness makes us feel important, there's also a huge downside to our nonstop activity—it takes away from our ability to be lazy. Now, [Read More…]


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ESCANABA - Norway wrestled to third and Iron Mountain took fourth in the 17-team Escanaba Invitational high school tournament Saturday.
Sophomore Zac DeCremer (103) pinned Kingsford sophomore Zach Jones in 1:22 and junior Cole Gonzalez (135) took a 9-2 decision from Gladstone sophomore Bobby Beauchamp for Norway's titles.
"We knew Escanaba and Gladstone were the teams to beat, although on paper I thought we had a shot at winning this tournament," said Norway coach Nick Burklund. "A lot of matches could have gone either way, but this is something our kids have to learn from. Overall, we did all right. We just have to work a little harder"
Article Photos
Janet DeCremer Photo
Unbeaten Zac Decremer of Norway pins Kingsford's Zac Jones for the 103-pound title in the Escanaba Invitational high school wrestling tournament Saturday. The Knights sophomore owns an 18-0 mark this season.
Other Norway wrestlers to place were Dylan Hoffart (112) in second, Tim Huddleston (119) in third, Donny Houle (125) in second, Tanner Gonzalez (140) in second, Cody Spade (145) in sixth, Zavier Gonzalez (152) in third, Taylor Bonetti (160) in third, Travis Moon (171) in third, Jordan Neumann (189) in third, Pat Guffey (215) in sixth, Kasey Siegle (HWT) in fifth and Izaac Degener (119) in sixth.
"To finish where we did right behind the two powerhouses in the U.P. was good now we know what we have to work on going into the U.P's in two weeks."
Mountaineers' Jared Gauthier (125) and Aaron Bolo (140) captured firsts; Alex Edwards (130), Jacob Weslin (145) and James Christiansen (189), second; Corbin Henkel (135), third; Brayden Fitzpatrick (215), fifth, and Devin Farragh (heavyweight), sixth.
"Aaron wrestled an excellent tournament," said Mountaineer coach Brandon Rutter, noting Bolo avenged earlier losses this season in the semifinals and finals (Tanner). "We had eight guys entered and all eight placed."
Florence placed seventh with just six wrestlers.
"I'm extremely proud of the wrestlers," said Bobcats coach Shane McLain. "They wrestled well .
Florence's Danny Jones (125) and Shawn Paulson (130) each placed third with 3-1 marks; Andrew Kelly (135), fourth with 2-2; John Lemanski (140), fifth with 4-1; Mitch Koenig (152), sixth with 3-2. Anthony Kiligic (1-2 at 160) also wrestled for the Bobcats.
The Flivvers also gained a third from Seth Collins (145) and sixths from Quintin Pratt (130) and Yury Hammar (140).
"As a team we were middle of the pack at ninth which I thought was pretty respectable considering we only had four weight brackets covered," Flivver coach Torrey Adams said. "We continue to improve and advance in our skills on the mat.
"The next big challenge is with the Mariucci Invitational."
The Mountaineers also wrestle Saturday in the Ray Mariucci Invitational at Kingsford.
"We have been moving in the right direction," Rutter said. "The Mariucci tournament will give us another good test."
Norway wrestles Wednesday in Munising before participating the Mariucci Invite.
"All and all when you have 14 wrestlers place on the day you have to be pleased," Burklund said. "They all fought hard, win or lose."
Escanaba and Gladstone grabbed the top two spots.
Escanaba Elks Invitational
Escanaba 260 1/2, Gladstone 250 1/2, Norway 233, Iron Mountain 157, Benzie Central 97, Ishpeming 77, Florence, Wis. 72 1/2, Munising 70, Kingsford 52, Gwinn 44, Westwood 42 1/2, Bark River-Harris 31, U.P. Extra 28, Escanaba II 23, Menominee 18, Negaunee 17, U.P. Extra II 10, DeTour 6.
103 - DeCremer, Nor, pinned Jones, K, 1:22
112 - Anderson, Gw, dec. Hoffart, Nor, 17-9
119 - Bruce, Glad, pinned LaMarche, Esky, 3:45
125 - Gauthier, IM, dec. Houle, Nor, 9-0
130 - Priebe, Esky, dec. Edwards, IM, 11-6
135 - C. Gonzalez, Nor, dec. Beauchamp, Glad, 9-2
140 - Bolo, IM, dec. T. Gonzalez, Nor, 3-2
145 - Sadler, Esky, dec. Weslin, IM, 15-4
152 - Rahoi, Esky, dec. Kadish, Glad, 13-5
160 - Heller, Esky, dec. Brandon Gagnon, Glad, 10-1
171 - Peippo, Esky, pinned Bradley Gagnon, Glad, 3:06
189 - Jake Cronick, Glad, pinned Christiansen, IM, 1:06
215 - Olsen, Esky, dec. Jack Cronick, Glad, 5-3
285 - Bailey, Glad, pinned Smith, BC, 3:02


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The Current Jewish Issues Forum presents Dr. Dennis Carlson, who will speak on "The True Story of the (incomplete) Emigration of Ethiopian Jews to Israel, as Told by an Observer" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 at Congregation Kol Shalom.
His eyewitness account will document the transfer to Israel of some 81,000 of the poorest people in Ethiopia, practicing Jews and alleged descendants of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. He will also address the plight of those who were left behind.
Congregation Kol Shalom is at 9010 Miller Road.
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Levy funds make JVS roof project possible
BLOOMINGDALE – Jefferson County Joint Vocational School is getting some new cover, thanks to voters who backed a 1-mill levy last fall.
Boak and Sons Inc. Commercial Roofing of Youngtown has been contracted to undertake the estimated $340,000 project, which is the first phase of an ongoing upgrade at the facility along County Highway 22A in Bloomingdale. A lack of funds has been a longtime issue because of little support at the polls in the past, but now financing is available to help quash a never-ending problem.
School Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson said the current roof was well worn, leading to holes in some of the decking that needed removed.
"The roof is at least 30 years old," he added. "We had to replace the ceiling tiles in one lab because of the water damage."
Those woes led leaders to work with project manager Construction Resources and contract with Boak Construction to make the much-needed upgrades. Work began on the interior around June 11 and the improvements have continued ever since, save for some rainy days which delayed some of the project. Officials said it has rained a minimum of two days per week throughout the summer.
"We tore off the old roof all the way down to the deck," added Christopher White, roofing division manager of Boak. "We tore away decking that was deteriorating and are installing a new rubber roof. The deck replacement has been needed for a long time."
The older foam-type topper is being removed in favor of a sturdier material that should keep the building dry for years to come. A 13,000-square-foot section of the roof was being done for now, but the JCJVS Board of Education is eying a three-year timeframe to complete the entire structure.
"Boak's goal is to get this finished by Aug. 22," said Dr. Phillipson. "It's on one identified section that needed repairs and we're on schedule to repair the other sections that need attention over the next two to three years. Most of the roofing on the building will be replaced."
The entire project could run between $1.5 million to $2 million to complete, but once it is finished the district will be saving in more ways than one.
"It will improve energy efficiency [and save on costs in the long run]," Dr. Phillipson noted.
Funding is being derived from the levy, which will generate $1.2 million annually for a period of seven years.


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This is an updated version of a story posted at 11:22 this morning.
SPRINGFIELD – The involuntary manslaughter trial of former Pelham police chief Edward B. Fleury was continued until Jan. 3 Friday as not enough jurors could be impaneled by the end of the day for it to begin.
Jury selection began Friday morning in the case involving the accidental shooting of 8-year-old Christopher Bizilj, of Connecticut, despite requests from both the prosecution and defense that it be delayed until early next year.
Although about 70 prospective jurors were brought into the courtroom and questioned, only 15 people remained as possible jurors at the end of the day. The others were dismissed by the judge for undisclosed reasons.
Although 16 people are needed for a jury, the prosecution and defense can challenge up to 10 jurors each, and lawyers typically use most of their challenges. Thus, the judge needed a larger pool of jurors to start with.
Because of the holiday season, no one will be called in as prospective jurors for two weeks starting Monday. So Velis told the 15 people who are still potential jurors to come back Jan. 3, when he will continue picking more potential jurors from a new jury pool.
Then the two sides will be allowed to use their juror challenges, which means they can each dismiss up to 10 jurors without cause.
Fleury, 53, faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Bizilj in 2008 at a gun exposition that the chief's company organized at the Westfield Sportsman's Club.
Two previous attempts to hold the trial over the past two weeks were stalled because Fleury each time was admitted to an area hospital for medical tests.
Both Hampden District Attorney William M. Bennett and Fleury's lawyer Rosemary Curran Scapicchio told Velis they would rather start the case Jan. 3 but Velis said he wanted to try to get it started Friday.
An affidavit from a physician, delivered to Judge Cornelius J. Moriarty and impounded by the court, caused Moriarty to say there is no reason why Fleury, who was released from Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton Thursday after being admitted Monday for medical tests, couldn't start trial immediately.
Bizilj died on Oct. 26, 2008, after suffering a wound to the head when he lost control of a Micro Uzi submachine gun he was firing during an annual shooting event at the club. Fleury also faces three counts of furnishing a machine gun to a minor.
Meanwhile, Velis decided Friday that a portion of the audio from a videotape of the boy accidentally shooting himself will not be allowed in the trial.
Velis said the video portion may be shown, but no audio component will be heard after the shooting.
Scapicchio had asked Velis to exclude the video. If the video were to be played, Scapicchio asked that the audio after the shooting be silenced, saying it portrayed Christopher's father, Charles Bizilj, praying for his son's life and telling him he loved him.


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Organic skin care and
Privatelabelskincarelabs.com, a leading private label organic skin care manufacturer has several products that are paraben-free made with real fruit extract and essential oils like lemon verbena soap, lavender body lotion, camomile eye gel. The product line is never tested on animals either so it is cruelty-free. This includes the makeup. This private label skin care is affordable too. They have day and night creams as well. There are anti-aging creams that are rich in anti-oxidants as well.
What separates Privatelabelskincarelabs.com from other makeup manufacturing companies, is that the foundation is light not thick on the skin. It doesn't clog your pores. Concealer and powder also go on lightly. It feels and looks like aren't even wearing any makeup. Instead it improves the skin while covering blemishes and redness and shadows under the eyes. It creates a nice even tone. Eye shadow in pretty spring pastel shades is added to eyes along with eyeliner and mascara. Lip liner and lipstick adds the final touch to your lips and face. Lipsticks come in pink,tan,nude and berry shades and go on soft and the color stays on a long time without having to keep reapplying it.
Organic skin care and makeup from this private label manufacuturer is like nothing else you have tried. It is rich in moisturizers that make your skin feel softer and more youthful. Coconut oil is in many of the products so it adds oils to your skin. Remember, the skin is the largest organ of your body so it is really important what you put on it as the pores absorb the cream right into the body. Peppermint oil is invigorating,tea tree oil has antiseptic qualities which is why find them in facial cleansers. These products are truly organic,environment friendly, green and definitely what many are looking for today.


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General Laws
Section 105A. No employer shall discriminate in any way in the payment of wages as between the sexes, or pay any person in his employ salary or wage rates less than the rates paid to employees of the opposite sex for work of like or comparable character or work on like or comparable operations; provided, however, that variations in rates of pay shall not be prohibited when based upon a difference in seniority. Any employer who violates any provision of this section shall be liable to the employee or employees affected in the amount of their unpaid wages, and in an additional equal amount of liquidated damages. Action to recover such liability may be maintained in any court of competent jurisdiction by any one or more employees for and in behalf of himself or themselves and other employees similarly situated and any agreement between the employer and any such employee to work for less than the wage to which such employee is entitled under this section shall be no defence to such action. The court in such action shall, in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff or plaintiffs, allow a reasonable attorney's fee to be paid by the defendant, and the costs of the action. At the request of any employee paid less than the wage to which he is entitled under this section, the attorney general may take an assignment of such wage claim in trust for the assigning employee and may bring legal action necessary to collect such claim, and the employer shall be required to pay an additional equal amount of liquidated damages, together with the costs of the action and such reasonable attorney's fee as may be allowed by the court. The attorney general shall not be required to pay any filing fee, or other costs, in connection with such action. The commissioner may join various claimants against the employer in one cause of action. Any action based upon or arising under sections one hundred and five A to one hundred and five C, inclusive, shall be instituted within one year after the date of the alleged violation.


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»LOCAL SCHMOCAL: Husband-and-wife team Randy Goodman and Nancy Hunt are planning an early summer opening for their European-inspired Southeast Division Street neighborhood hangout, Bar Avignon. Taking a left turn from the locavore dining craze, they plan to feature wines and cheeses from across the pond as well as charcuterie from Bay Area Fra'Mani (crafted by famed ex-Chez Panisse chef Paul Bertolli) and classic Molinari salami. The corner space—once home to the Red & Black Cafe and since renovated by North Rim Development—will be warm, comfortable and affordable to encourage lingering, Goodman says. The food, simple and rustic, will not be the focal point, he adds, so much as the atmosphere. "We want this to be a place where people can stop on their way home from work and then be surprised to find they've spent a few hours with us."
»HEAVY METAL: Look—in the sky! It's a plane! It's a train! No…it's a 10,000-pound oven being lifted by a crane! Last week Tim Healea watched as his new pastry-and-bread deck oven got hoisted into his new bakery, Little T American Bakery, which is still under construction at the corner of Southeast 26th Avenue and Division Street. The high-tech German-made oven can be controlled remotely via the Internet, he says, and will be perfect for his inventive takes on classic breads and pastries, like pretzel bread for sandwiches and baked lemon currant donuts. Expect Little T to open in late May, depending on building construction, Healea says.
»RUMOR DENIED, KINDA: Joe DeVencenzi, vice president of operations for Seattle-based Restaurants Unlimited Inc.—the corporate giant that recently bought its Portland rival, Pacific Coast Restaurants—says the Pearl District and Lake Oswego outposts of the restaurant Manzana will not be turned into Palominos (a Seattle brand recognizable by its jumping red horse)—for the moment, anyway. DeVencenzi says all of the PCR restaurants (which include Henry's, Newport Seafood Grill and the iconic Portland City Grill among its 18 properties in the Portland area) are so wildly successful as they are that they hesitate to "fix something that isn't broken." That said, DeVencenzi says the Bellevue, Wash., Manzana will be renamed and face-lifted into a pizza-, pasta- and crab-dip-loving Palomino restaurant this spring, so the possibility is still out there, depending on Bellevue's success.


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Police watching crosswalks
The Minot Police Department will be monitoring school areas and pedestrian crosswalks for any violations as Minot schools start on Wednesday.
The department urged parents to take the time to walk with their children to school to make sure they are comfortable with the routes they are using and that they use crosswalks proprely and know the exact route to and from school.
Drivers are asked to use extra caution during the beginning and end of the school day and to slow down and be alert in school areas. Drivers are reminded to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Drivers are to look and be alert around crosswalks. If they do see other vehicles stopping at a crosswalk, they are reminded to slow down and stop before the crosswalk. They may not be able to see a pedestrian in the crosswalk due to the view obstruction of the stopped car. Pedestrians do have the right-of way in crosswalks.
Drivers are also reminded that if they are dropping off a student at the school, they should not drop the student off in the middle of the street. Schools have loading zones or areas designated for them to take their children to drop them off. These are safe areas where they can leave their children and not be in the street.
Job Corps ceremony Friday
Quentin Burdick Job Corps Center will hold a graduation ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Burdick gymnasium.
More than 30 students are graduating. Ron Allen, executive director of Bourgault Industries, a global agricultural manufacturing business in Minot, will be the keynote speaker for the event. Bourgault is also a work-based learning partner for the Job Corps Center and Allen is a member of the industry council for the center.
Job Corps centers across the country are also holding their graduation ceremonies on Friday.
MSU department reaccredited
The Minot State University Department of Communication Disorders' speech-language pathology graduate program recently received reaccreditation through Feb. 29, 2020, by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, according to a release issued by MSU.
"We are pleased that the CAA recognized the strength of our program by granting us continued accreditation for the next eight years," said Leisa Harmon, chair of the department of communication disorders, in a press release.
The council holds six standards as essential to quality education in the audiology and speech-language professions: administrative structure and governance, faculty, curriculum (academic and clinical education), students, assessment and program resources. The council's site visitors spent two days at MSU in February. They reviewed the program, examined the facilities and on-site communication disorders clinic, and interviewed faculty, staff, students, alumni, employers and consumers. MSU's master's degree program in speech-language pathology was found to be in complete compliance with all standards.
To document MSU's due diligence in continuing compliance, the communication disorders department will submit its next annual report by Feb. 1, 2013. The university's next on-site visit is scheduled in eight years.
"I am grateful to all faculty and staff who helped prepare for the CAA visit," Harmon said in the press release.
The council, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's accrediting body, is the only accrediting agency for audiology and speech-language pathology education programs recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and U.S. Department of Education.
BND releases banking app
Bank of North Dakota announces the availability of "Big Start," a new mobile app that focuses on helping parents educate their children on financial literacy. Children under the age of 6 learn about saving money and participate in age-based career-planning activities. It can be used on any Apple or Android smartphone, or the iPad.
The BigStart mobile app is the first of its kind and is available through the College SAVE Plan administered by BND. It is available for download from iTunes for iPhones and iPads, and Google play for Android smart phones.
"The app makes learning about the value of money fun for children," said BND President Eric Hardmeyer in a press release. "I encourage parents and grandparents to use the Big Start app to start teaching children about saving money and spending wisely when they are young."
New applications for 7-12 year olds and 13-18 year olds will be released before the end of the year.
The "BigStart" app features four interactive sections that appeal to kids' learning styles. These include:
Little By Little This section illustrates how taking small steps can help accomplish big goals like saving for college. Children can listen to a narrator read the book, activate animations with sound effects and learn how to say "little by little" phrases in Spanish, French, Korean, Hawaiian and Swahili.
What Is Money? The concept of money can be difficult to grasp as a child, but "What is Money" teaches kids the basics of money and how to earn it.
When I Grow Up "When I Grow Up" helps children start thinking about what they want to be and the schooling it will take to get there.
Save, Share, Spend Learning how to save can be daunting for anyone regardless of age. This section introduces children and their parents about reaching savings goals.
It is never too early to start planning to finance college. Hardmeyer encourages North Dakota families to learn about the available matching grants and tax incentives through the College SAVE Plan and to make a financial plan for college. To date, families have saved over $322 million in North Dakota's College SAVE Plan.
For more information about North Dakota's College SAVE Plan, call 866-728-3529 or visit (www.collegesave4u.com) to obtain a plan disclosure statement.
The College SAVE Plan is a 529 plan established by the State of North Dakota. Bank of North Dakota acts as trustee of the College SAVE Trust and is responsible for administering the plan. Upromise Investments Inc. and Upromise Investment Advisors LLC serve as the plan manager and recordkeeping and servicing agent, respectively, with overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations, including marketing and distribution of the plan. The Vanguard Group Inc. provides underlying investments for the plan. The plan's portfolios, although they invest in mutual funds, are not mutual funds. Units of the portfolios are municipal fund securities and the value of units will vary with market conditions.
Investment returns are not guaranteed, and you could lose money by investing in the College SAVE Plan.
Williston chamber hosting reception
The Partners in Education and Leadership Committee of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 2012 Teacher Appreciation Reception from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Airport International Inn and Suites at 3601 Second Ave. W. in Williston.
Educators and staff from any area school, including District 1, District 8, St. Joseph's Catholic School, Trinity Christian School, HeadStart, 8 Mile School District No. 6 in Trenton and Williston State College are invited to attend.
The event is a come and go affair with hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, a make your own sundae bar and door prizes.


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Am I the only awesome person who has friended everyone I share a name with on Facebook?
Yes, although I don't think anyone on facebook shares my name. Actually I've never met anyone with the same name as me. Close but not the same.
Question: Should marijuana be legal?
It wouldn't really bother me either way, but I think it should be legalized.
Will any of you females in WiiChat come out in a Lil Jon or some other singers music video but you will have to wear lingerie and dance around while they call you offensive names like ho and b***h. They will pay you a lot of money if you do it. Will you gals do it?
Question: How can I kidnap Mathew Bellamy?
A good Question: Should I write stories or work on GFX?
Brawl Punching Bag
Chibi Asuka!!
Spoiler Alert!BrawlFC: 0173-1027-1103
WiiFC: 6069-9016-3559-6279
Xbox LIVE: M3KAMonsteroid
PSN ID: Monsteroids


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It was about this time last year that I found myself in the exact position I feel I am in again today. As it draws near the end of the year I reflect back on the vision I had for myself and my year ahead … and I begin to panic.
Another year has passed and some things never change!
I'm still single. I'm still battling with my weight. I'm basically the same weight I was this time last year. My book still isn't published. It's not complete yet, to be honest. I'm still living at home … oh, the list goes on and I totally panic.
'Project me' is nearly a year old and if I've learned anything from this time with myself, now is the moment to throw it all into action and save myself from repeating patterns.
I'm not saying that today I came up with any solutions or that I know how to really handle this time any different from the last, all I know is that I'm not the same girl I was when I started 'project me' at the beginning of this year. That's gotto mean something? Right?
Tonight is Tuesday … My night with my mom and Greggie. Our night to do our 'work' on ourselves. To hear ourselves speak our fears, truths and … more fears. I can feel half of me wanting to run away from tonight and the other half wanting to time to come so that I can listen to my own madness and remind myself of just how far I have come and that this time last year is no reflection on this moment right now! But for the moment, I'm doing the best I can to just not panic!
I never roll over and surrender, so today I did do things to keep me moving forward. I hauled out the novel, Ephineah and have edited the first chapter.
I spoke to my sister and we are going to join the water aerobics class at the gym together.
I asked my brother to go with me while I drive for the first time since August.
I am announcing two additional sponsors this month … can you hear that I'm talking all the positive I can to just not panic?
Oh, to add to the panic, I lost Saphirah today. I'm only learning that kitties love to hide away whenever they feel like it and I had visions of her being flushed down the toilet and on spin cycle in the washing machine. Thank heavens for Huster Girl and Robbie who kept me both calm and giggling while I waited for her to re-emerge. Jeez … no wonder I don't have kids.
I'm supposed to be meeting with a Facebook friend tomorrow. Well, I was supposed to meet with him today but he shifted the day. I am also supposed to be meeting with The Jock tomorrow … I'm going to have to play the time game and not let anyone down … which is totally ironic seeing that I'm fitting both of them in and seeing them when it's convenient for them. So, I'm a little bitter about it at the moment, but that's also because I'm panicking about related things. I haven't me FB friend and am worried that over a year of chatting will come to an end after we meet. I'm also worried about seeing The Jock after all this time. We have never just been friends.
Let's not kid … I still panic every day about my back. I stress that I am going to do something to set me back. Yesterday I leaned forward and there was a stabbing pain exactly where the pain had originated from months ago. I was frozen with fear … I totally panicked. It took me a while to calm down, finish getting dressed and wait for Greggie to fetch me for a meeting. We both had the same thought … to call Dan and go for a body stress release treatment as soon as possible. I just couldn't make the call without Greggie, I was in that much of a state.
Of course I got through the day and Dan slotted me in at the end of the work day. Of course it's not the original pain and of course his treatment helped me wake up this morning with only a tinge of a memory that yesterday ever happened.
With so many 'of courses', there's no need to panic!


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Excellent Communication
Hands down, the best communication I've had with any order I've made for my car. Parts are awesome, and having a great place to order them from is just icing on the cake.
Keep up the good work, and you'll have a customer for life!David Hendricksonposted 9 years ago
Tell others about your experience with us!


text: Hershey Bears winger Casey Wellman has produced 21 points in 22 games since being acquired from the Florida Panthers organization on Jan. 31 in exchange for Zach Hamill. Wellman had two goals and two assists on Feb. 24 against the Albany Devils, a team the Bears are scheduled to play Friday night. The Washington Capitals re-signed Wellman to a two-year contract extension on Thursday.


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LANSING -- Happy day after Thanksgiving - or Black Friday if you're out braving the crowds today!
After a day of feasting and hanging out with family, my bet is you are ready to get out there and have some fun this weekend. Luckily there are plenty of ways to do that.
First up, enjoying opening weekend this weekend are two holiday-themed, family-friendly shows.
The Williamston Theatre presents the original "Ebenezer" while Riverwalk Theatre presents "The No-Hole Holiday."
Another great way to get into the holiday spirit? Head to downtown Mason tonight, Friday, Nov. 23 for their annual Mason Holidays Celebration featuring live music, a light parade and the official lighting of the courthouse Christmas Tree.
Another family-friendly event to check out this weekend is the annual Children's Ballet Theatre production of "The Nutcracker." The show continues all weekend at the Wharton Center.
For a little more adult fun and some live music music head to The Green Door where Smooth Daddy takes to the stage tonight, Friday, Nov. 23. Soulstice will be at The Green Door on Saturday. Also on Saturday, Nov. 24 at Mac's Bar is Blue Snaggletooth.
Wrap up the weekend with a visit to Potter Park Zoo for the kick off of the annual Wonderland of Lights which opens today, Friday, Nov. 23.
So, #lovelansing what are you up to this weekend?
Emily Caswell is the managing editor of Capital Area Women's LifeStyle Magazine and the Discussion Diva at M3 Group. Contact her at emilypcaswell at gmail dot com or follow her on Twitter @emilycas.


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Wednesday May 8, 2013
Pittsfield Firefighters Union Local 2647 is sponsoring an event to benefit the Boston Marathon bombing victims on Tuesday, May 14, from 5 p.m. until closing at Port-Smitt's Restaurant, 370 Peck's Road.
The event will include food and drink specials including a "Boston Fare" menu, entertainment by Bad Habits, raffle drawings, and door prizes.
Proceeds will be donated to "The One Fund."
Admission is free.


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Throw in an ironic twist to Auburn's hire of Gene Chizik.
Rhoads is an Iowa native and a former Iowa State assistant coach. He'll be introduced as Iowa State's new coach at a men's basketball game against Jacksonville State in Ames tonight. Rhoads was Auburn's defensive coordinator for one season. He was at Pittsburgh the eight seasons before that.
Rhoads was an Iowa State assistant coach from 1995-99.
"I know how special Ames and ISU were to me during my first tenure and having the chance to return and lead this program reads like a Hollywood script,'' Rhoads said.
Rhoads agreed to a five-year deal worth $5.75 million in guaranteed compensation with incentives to increase that total.
Moving on, here is today's Auburn story in The Birmingham News. We have a new coaching name -- Watson Brown -- but don't go too crazy with it one way or the other. We don't know the level of talk.


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Comment on MacKeeper
So I procrastinated about buying the full version until I had to. The last 24 hours have been hell, someone was using my computer and router as their own personal playground. Thanks to Mackeeper, doors are locked and secure once again... sifting through the ashes and assessing the extent of damage now... feeling a hell of a lot more secure than I was 24 hrs ago.


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Well done tattoos "Mom Confessions" style!
I just saw this post in another group about well done tattoos. It was interesting because there was a lot of beautiful work but there was also a lot of not so good work.
Post your beautiful tattoos and let's see what everyone else really thinks! ;)
Quoting rbeauchamp:
This was a cover/ up of a name on my weist
I have one more but no pics of it ^_~
Quoting Mare1180:
I figured it was something like that, but it struck me as funny. Don't worry though, you're not likely to get a lot of people making that mistake :) It's a beautiful tattoo though!
I thought I'd add a picture just of reference
Quoting rbeauchamp:
It's the Greenman which is a pagan deity.Quoting KittenKrump:
It's funny how similar that looks to Obad-Hai!!! (Dungeons and Dragons deity's symbol)Quoting rbeauchamp:
Not finished with this one yet...
Quoting rennez:
My third right after I got it. My friend drew it which is why the perfect lines aren't absolutely perfect. It is an asymmetrical ambigram of my kiddos names. Reads Joey one way and Max the other
This one was done in my kitchen :) it needs work but I like it
My girls' names and birthdated