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Discount retailer Fred's Inc. said Thursday its June revenue at stores open at least a year rose 4.5 percent, helped by warmer weather and stronger sales of food.
Analysts expected a smaller 1.1 percent rise, according to a Thomson Reuters poll. The metric is a key measure of a retailer's health, because it excludes revenue at stores that recently opened or closed.
Total sales for the four weeks that ended July 6 rose 3 percent to $187.7 million.
CEO Bruce Efird said customer traffic and the number of transactions both improved during the month. Discounts on food items drove shoppers into stores, and warmer weather helped sales of lawn and garden products, summer toys and other seasonal goods. Results from Fred's pharmacy department also improved.
Year to date, revenue at stores open at least a year were flat, while total sales rose 1 percent to $841.6 million.
Memphis-based Fred's operates 715 stores, including 21 franchised stores, in the southeastern U.S.
Memphis-based brokerage firm Wunderlich Securities Inc. has named a new director of equity capital markets and added four equity capital market professionals to the department.
James Dobson will serve as director of research and managing director of the equity capital markets division. He joined Wunderlich in 2009 and has more than 20 years of experience as an equity analyst and investment banker.
Also joining Wunderlich Securities' equity research department as senior vice presidents are Robert Derrington, Todd Scholl and James Terwilliger.
The firm's equity capital markets division now has 18 senior analysts covering companies in six industries. There are also 18 senior salesmen, nine traders/sales traders and 20 senior investment bankers.
Beer lovers will soon be able to get Memphis-made craft beer in a can.
Wiseacre Brewing Co. will package its two year-round beers, Tiny Bomb American Pilsner and Ananda India Pale Ale, in a can, making it the first craft brewery in Tennessee to can beer.
Wiseacre opens later this year in the Broad Avenue Historic District.
Wiseacre's Kellan Bartosch said canning the two beers would make them more portable and recyclable while delivering a better taste.
"Recent breakthroughs in canning liners have eliminated the oxidation of aluminum into beer, "Bartosch said. " Cans protect completely from light and oxygen making them basically miniature kegs."
The beer's packaging will include distinctly Memphis flair, with Memphis native Rachel Briggs designing the artwork for the packaging of both beers.
Briggs, whose work includes illustration and photography, said she was aiming to reveal each brew's personality.
"The stories of beers and breweries conjure up special little identities in my mind, which I get to process out onto paper and eventually on a can," Briggs said.
Early voting in advance of the July 16 election day in Shelby County's six suburban towns and cities topped 10,000 through the next to last day of the early voting period.
A total of 10,907 citizens cast early ballots through Wednesday, July 10, according to Shelby County Election Commission statistics.
Thursday, July 11, was the last day of early voting.
The most popular of the early voting sites in the set of six referendums on forming municipal school districts was Collierville Church of Christ where 3,580 early ballots had been cast through Wednesday. That was followed by 2,899 early voters at Germantown's New Bethel Baptist Church and 2,443 at Bartlett's Bethel Church.
The average U.S. rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage rose this week to 4.51 percent, a two-year high. Rates have been rising on expectations that the Federal Reserve will slow its bond purchases this year.
Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average on the 30-year loan jumped from 4.29 percent the previous week. Just two months ago, it was 3.35 percent – barely above the record low of 3.31 percent.
The average on the 15-year fixed mortgage rose to 3.53 percent from 3.39 percent last week. That's the highest since August 2011.
Chairman Ben Bernanke has said the Fed could slow its bond purchases this year if the economy strengthens. The purchases have kept rates low. The yield on the 10-year Treasury, which mortgage rates typically track, has been rising.
Even with the gains, mortgage rates remain low by historical standards. Low rates have helped fuel a housing recovery that is helping to drive economic growth this year.
To calculate average mortgage rates, Freddie Mac surveys lenders across the country on Monday through Wednesday each week.
The average doesn't include extra fees, known as points, which most borrowers must pay to get the lowest rates. One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount.
The average fee for a 30-year mortgage was 0.8 point this week, up from 0.7 point last week. The fee for a 15-year loan also rose to 0.8 point from 0.7 point.
The average rate on a one-year adjustable-rate mortgage was unchanged at 2.66 percent. The fee rose to 0.5 point from 0.4.
The average rate on a five-year adjustable mortgage rose to 3.26 percent from 3.10 percent. The fee was unchanged at 0.7 point.
A Mississippi mayor has pleaded not guilty to charges for his alleged role in a scheme run by a Memphis educator who helped teachers cheat on certification exams over a 15-year period.
Metcalfe Mayor Corey Holmes appeared Wednesday in federal court in Memphis. He remains free on his own recognizance. No trial date has been set.
Holmes' plea was first reported by WABG-TV in Greenville.
The indictment alleges Holmes paid Clarence Mumford in 2008 to have a ringer take three different exams – one each in Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee. The ringer had Holmes' Social Security card and paid for the exam with Mumford's credit card.
Holmes is charged with wire fraud, conspiracy and Social Security fraud.
If convicted, Holmes could be sentenced to up to five years.
Tennessee ranked No. 14 in the nation in goods exports last year, with an estimated value of $30.7 billion, according to a state-by-state analysis by the industry group Business Roundtable.
The analysis found medical equipment is the state's top goods export, followed by motor vehicle parts, computer equipment, basic chemicals and synthetic rubber and resins.
The state's medical equipment exports have increased by 28 percent since 2002. In 2012, exports of these products reached about $3.2 billion.
Overall, international trade supports an estimated 788,000 jobs in Tennessee.
Restaurant Technologies Inc., a Minneapolis-based frying-oil delivery, management, removal and equipment service firm, is opening a Memphis location.
The new oil depot at 3930 Willow Lake Blvd. will support 65 current customers across Western Tennessee, Eastern Arkansas, Northern Mississippi and Southern Missouri. It will also supply and service more than 80 new installations coming online in the region during the next four months, according to the company.
RTI installs equipment, and monitors and delivers fresh oil. It also removes used oil. The Memphis depot will initially employ 10 people. McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Carrabba's, Applebee's and Chili's, among others, use RTI's services.
U.S. wholesalers cut back on restocking in May even as sales rose, indicating economic growth could pick up later this year as they rebuild their stockpiles.
The Commerce Department said Wednesday that wholesale stockpiles shrank 0.5 percent in May, the most in 20 months. That followed a 0.1 percent decline in April, which was revised lower.
Sales at the wholesale level jumped 1.6 percent in May and 0.7 percent in April.
A reduction in stockpiles may prompt economists to cut their growth forecasts for the April-June quarter. But the steady gain in sales suggests companies may have to order more goods in the coming months to keep up with demand. That could boost factory production and drive more economic growth in the second half of the year.
Auto sales jumped 3 percent in May, yet stockpiles were unchanged. And sales of durable goods, items meant to last at least three years, rose 0.3 percent, while inventories of those goods fell by the same amount.
Sales of nondurable goods rose 2.8 percent, the most in more than two years. The gain was driven by large increases in sales of clothing, groceries and pharmaceuticals. Stockpiles of those goods declined 0.8 percent.
Stockpiles of farm goods fell sharply for the second straight month, dropping 6 percent.
That likely reflected the impact of a severe drought last year, which has resulted in lower stockpiles this spring.
Overall wholesale stockpiles totaled $500.9 billion in May, 3.3 percent higher than a year ago.
Senate Democrats on Wednesday failed to restore lower interest rates on student loans, again coming up short and perhaps signaling that undergraduates might really face rates twice as high as the ones they enjoyed last year.
The proposal from Democratic leaders would have left interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans at 3.4 percent for another year while lawmakers took up a comprehensive overhaul. The one-year stopgap measure failed to overcome a procedural hurdle as Republicans – and a few Democrats – urged colleagues to consider a plan now that would link interest rates to the financial markets and reduce Congress' role in setting students' borrowing rates.
The competing proposals failed and lawmakers said students would face higher costs to repay their loans after graduation.
The failure to win a one-year approval – combined with little interest in such a deal in the Republican-led House – meant students would be borrowing money for fall courses at a rate leaders in both parties called unacceptable.
The rate increase does not affect many students right away; loan documents are generally signed just before students return to campus, and few students returned to school over the July Fourth holiday. Existing loans were not affected.
However, absent congressional action in the coming weeks, the increase could spell an extra $2,600 for an average student returning to campus this fall, according to Congress' Joint Economic Committee.
During last year's presidential campaign, lawmakers from both parties voted to keep interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans at 3.4 percent. Yet this year, without a presidential election looming, the issue seemed to fizzle and the July 1 deadline passed without action.
The price of oil rose nearly 2 percent Wednesday as the U.S. government reported another steep decline in the nation's supplies of oil and gasoline.
By late morning, benchmark crude for August delivery was up $1.94, or 1.9 percent, to $105.47 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Oil has risen about $12 a barrel, or 13 percent, in the past two weeks to the highest level since early May of last year. The initial catalyst was turmoil in Egypt. The country controls the Suez Canal, a critical channel for oil and gas shipments from the Middle East. But now oil is rising on signs of increased demand in the U.S., the largest consumer of oil and gasoline.
Rising oil prices have reversed a steady decline in the price U.S. drivers pay at the pump. The average price for a gallon of gas rose 2 cents to $3.50. That's the biggest one-day increase since May 18. The price is still 14 cents cheaper than a month ago.
The local residential real estate market continues to show signs of improvement, according to recent sales figures.
Memphis-area home sales for June increased 6.7 percent compared to June 2012, with 1,459 total sales recorded, according to the Memphis Area Association of Realtors.
The average sales price for June was $161,508, up 9.9 percent from $146,899 in June 2012, according to MAAR, which records sales in Shelby, Fayette and Tipton counties.
While total sales were flat from May, year-to-date total home sales, average sales price and sales volume all saw increases.
The average year-to-date sales price was $137,571, up 9.8 percent from $125,263. Sales volume year-to-date jumped to $1.1 billion, up 22.8 percent from $895.5 million.
"Halfway through 2013 the Memphis housing market is well ahead of last year," said MAAR President Regina Hubbard.
Shelby County Commissioners approved Monday, July 8, the appointment of engineer Julie Furr of Millington to the Memphis and Shelby County Building Code Board.
Furr's appointment by Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell was delayed by the commission after she voiced opposition to pushing back the effective date of new seismic building code regulations.
The later effective date for the new code at the end of the year was approved by the commission as well as the Memphis City Council. Furr remained vocal in her opposition to the decision.
Furr and other structural engineers argued the higher seismic standards should be implemented as soon as possible because of the city and county's proximity to the New Madrid fault.
Homebuilders and developers pushed for the delay to work out a compromise. They contended the standards will add enough expense to some projects that they would be scrapped instead of completed.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting low-level flights across sections of Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee this week looking for clues about the New Madrid earthquake fault zone.
The USGS begins conducting the flights Wednesday over a 1,400-square-mile area across southeastern Missouri, northeastern Arkansas and western Tennessee. Crews will be measuring the magnetic field of the earth and underground rock formations to help locate concealed faults associated with the New Madrid seismic zone.
The USGS says the New Madrid area has been the most seismically active region in the United States east of the Rockies for decades.
The USGS says while there's no evidence of an imminent large earthquake, the agency has serious concerns about the potential repeat of a destructive earthquake like those in the 1800s.
An adult online degree program promoted by Gov. Bill Haslam opens Tuesday in Tennessee.
WPLN-FM reports legislators were hesitant to spend $5 million to open an office of Western Governors University, which targets people who have some college credit but never finished a degree.
Lawmakers argued that Tennessee's existing public colleges could start a similar program, but Haslam convinced them to go with the Salt Lake City-based nonprofit.
The state has set a goal to graduate 55 percent of residents from college, meaning as many as 100,000 adult Tennesseans need to finish school.
With demolition winding down, Methodist University Hospital is poised to begin construction of a $33.5 million expansion and renovation of its emergency department.
The expanded emergency department will add 93,000 square feet of new space and 6,200 square feet of renovated space. Once complete, the expanded emergency department will add 16 patient treatment areas, bringing the total to 54.
As part of the renovation process, the main entrance to the hospital will be temporarily relocated from its current location off of Eastmoreland Avenue to off of Bellevue Boulevard.
A new circle drive is being created off of Bellevue to allow vehicle drop-off access during construction. Pedestrian access to the new entry will be available from the marked walkway along Bellevue. The entry point to the marked walkway is at the corner of Eastmoreland and Bellevue.
Entry to the existing emergency department on Eastmoreland will remain unchanged.
Preparations are underway for the launch of Memphis' first logistics hackathon.
It will happen sometime this fall with the date still to be determined, and it's being spearheaded by the Memphis Bioworks Foundation and Start Co.
The idea is for developers and logistics professionals to come together for a weekend of competitive designing and coding. They'll tackle logistics challenges faced by large companies like FedEx and will have the opportunity to work with application programmer interfaces to develop logistics solutions.
Additionally, Memphis Bioworks and Start Co. have been planning to launch a new logistics accelerator that would be similar to the existing ZeroTo510 accelerator, which focuses on medical device startups.
A decision by the state Board of Education to change how teachers are paid has led to a social media push to remove Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman.
The Tennessean reports the creation of two Facebook pages calling for Huffman's ouster as well as a Change.org petition that has hundreds of signatures.
Huffman's ouster would be unlikely, as Gov. Bill Haslam, state education board chairman Fielding Rolston and outside education advocates came to his defense. Rolston noted it was the board's decision, not Huffman's.
The board approved the changes last month after supporters and opponents argued for two hours over the matter. The measure changes the minimum teacher salary schedule, reduces steps in salary increases from 21 to four and eliminates incentives for doctorate degrees and post-master's training.
"I think we've made it abundantly clear we asked him to do this," Rolston said.
Haslam released a statement in support of Huffman.
Lakeland has a three-way race for mayor in September, and the three incumbent aldermen seeking re-election in Arlington each have opposition, also in September.
The Shelby County Election Commission has set the ballot for the Sept. 19 non-partisan elections in the two suburban communities.
In Lakeland, incumbent mayor Scott Carmichael faces a challenge from former mayor Jim Bomprezzi and Shelby County Commissioner Wyatt Bunker.
Voters in Lakeland will also elect two commissioners from a field of five contenders – Donald O. Barber, Sherrie Gallick, Clark W. Plunk, Cecil Tompkins and John Wilkerson. Each voter votes for two candidates in the group.
In the three races for Arlington aldermen, Position 4 incumbent Oscar Brooks Sr. is being challenged by Brian Groves, who ran for Arlington mayor in 2011.
Position 5 incumbent Harry McKee has a challenger in Joshua Fox.
And Larry M. Harmon Jr. is challenging Position 6 incumbent Brian Thompson.
Early voting for the Sept. 19 election day in each city is Aug. 30 to Sept. 14.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has picked up a $437,500 grant.
The funding comes from the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. It was announced by U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, who said the money will help doctors and scientists at St. Jude better understand one of the most basic human senses.
According to Cohen's office, the funding will be used for a project researching the epigenetic reprogramming of retinal neurons.
The Regional Medical Center at Memphis has added two new employees to its leadership team.
Kathleen Healy-Collier has been hired as vice president of business line operations. Healy-Collier joins The MED after holding various executive leadership roles at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.
She holds a doctorate in health administration from the Medical University of South Carolina, a master's degree in health administration from the University of Memphis and a bachelor's degree from Saint Louis University.
And Sarah Colley has joined The MED as senior vice president of human resources. In her new role, Colley is responsible for personnel, recruitment, labor relations, training and development and occupational health. Colley joins The MED after working in human resources leadership positions for nearly a decade at health systems in Little Rock, Ark.
Colley earned her undergraduate degree from Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C., a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law and a master's degree in health administration from Webster University in Little Rock.
Memphis-based Zellner Construction received an award for the Memphis Area Transit Authority airport facility the company built.
Zellner was awarded the American Institute of Architects Gulf States Honor Citation for the project at the corner of Brooks and Airways near Memphis International Airport. The $15.8 million, 30,000-square-foot MATA station houses MATA and Greyhound Lines.
Copyright 1995 -
by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved


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Dollars gone digital: Bitcoin is gaining acceptance as currency in the Granite StateBy DAVE SOLOMON
New Hampshire Union Leader
January 11. 2014 12:36AM
A stone foundry in Rochester, a martial arts studio in Derry, a chiropractor and a cafe in Newmarket and law firms in Concord and Manchester have something in common.
They've joined the growing number of New Hampshire businesses that accept Bitcoin, a virtual currency that exists only on the Internet, as a form of payment.
The Granite State's reputation as a hotbed of activity for the digital currency was enhanced last week, as visitors to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas got a peek at the first Bitcoin ATM, created in Manchester by brothers Zach and Josh Harvey.
At this time last year, the machine was just an idea the brothers developed as they operated the Stomp Romp guitar store in the Millyard, which has since been closed. They now focus full-time on building a business around their invention, which hit the marketplace just as the value of bitcoins began to soar.
When their invention was first featured in the New Hampshire Union Leader last May, the alternative digital currency was trading online for about $100 per coin.
"Many thought at the time that was a bubble," said Zach Harvey, "and it did go down to as low as $55, but then slowly built back up to $100 and now it's around $800. At one point in the past year, it went up as high as $1,200."
Investment in the Bitcoin phenomenon is not for the weak of heart. "It hasn't been very stable," said Harvey, "but it's been experiencing incredible growth."
Bitcoin values started the day on Jan. 8 at $820, went to $790 and back to $806 before noon. Like any commodity traded in real time, a bitcoin is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
Spawning imitators
Apparently, there are a lot of people willing to take the risk. Interest in alternative digital currency has spawned several other "altcoins" in the past two years, as programmers adapted the open Bitcoin protocol to launch Litecoin, Peercoin and Namecoin, among others.
Creators of an "altcoin" called Coinye West last week had to speed up the release date of their crypto-currency after lawyers for rapper Kanye West threatened legal action. Kanye West's image came off the coin, which is now known simply as Coinye.
Litecoin, called the "silver" to Bitcoin "gold," has been trading between $20 and $30, while other imitators are fetching below $10 a coin, some getting only fractions of a cent.
The phenomenon appeals to people for a variety of reasons. Some see Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation, because unlike government-managed currency, there is a limit on how many bitcoins will ever exist. There are now 12 million bitcoins in circulation, with a total cap of 21 million.
Others like the idea of online financial transactions with no middle man - no bank, no credit card, no Paypal.
Supporters of the Free State Movement, which is very active in New Hampshire, are attracted by the lack of government control, at least for now, over the Bitcoin economy.
The Free State Bitcoin Consortium, which meets every Saturday, at 6:30 p.m. in the Strange Brew Tavern is one of the most active and well-attended Bitcoin meetups in the world. The group has a Facebook page with 438 members.
Manchester Attorney Brandon Ross, who has been accepting bitcoins and represents the Harvey brothers in their business, says Bitcoin has already helped make some New Hampshire people very rich.
"I've been accepting it since last fall," he said. "It's not a frequent thing, but there are people here who invested early, who have tons of it lying around. We're talking millions and millions of dollars. There are some people here who really made a lot of money."
Early adapters
The Harvey brothers were among the first attendees at the Strange Brew meet-up, and from those meetings hatched the concept for what they call the Bitcoin Machine. They're reluctant to call it an ATM, since it does not convert bitcoins into cash.
The machine's appeal is the easy trading of dollars (or any other currency) for bitcoins, a transaction that can now only be completed online through one of several Bitcoin exchanges. Unlike typical online transactions, however, Bitcoin exchanges require an electronic funds transfer and cannot be completed with credit or debit cards. Some exchanges take 30 days just to register.
Bitcoin "miners" using expensive and complex computer technology should be able to generate Bitcoins from the original inventory for another 20 to 30 years, said Harvey, although the "mining" gets more difficult with every passing year. Eventually, the only way to get Bitcoins will be to buy on exchanges from the fixed inventory in circulation.
The Harvey brothers debuted their Bitcoin Machine prototype last May, and started working on the production version last summer. The first 14 were shipped last fall from the manufacturer in Portugal to buyers in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Finland and Slovakia.
"By the time we had shipped those out, we had finished another 28, and those are shipping out this week or next," Harvey said. The company the brothers created, Lamassu Bitcoin Ventures, is now into its third production run of about 100 machines, all of which are pre-ordered and scheduled for delivery between February and April to domestic and international clients.
Starting to hire
A company called Atlanta Bitcoin in Atlanta, Ga., was the first U.S. location to put one of the machines into operation.
"We are going to do some hiring in the near future, because a lot of orders have come in during the past five or six weeks," Harvey said. "We're getting a lot of interest and are really overworked. It's at the point where we definitely need some help."
Until now, they've been managing the business from their Manchester apartment, making trips to their manufacturer in Portugal and working primarily with freelancers.
Attorney Seth Hipple, of Martin and Hipple in Concord, says his law firm decided to accept Bitcoin last week after getting requests from clients.
"People kept asking me if I accept Bitcoin and I told them 'no,'" he said. "The main reason was that I was skeptical that it was worth something. At this point, it looks like it has crossed that barrier. It is now not that difficult to turn bitcoins into cash."
The most common method is to use a service called bitpay.com.
Businesses that accept bitcoins can be located at coinmap.org.
"There is some risk, but it's a risk we've discussed and are willing to take," Hipple said. "I'm not going to run my firm on bitcoins. If we have a $10,000 divorce case, I'm not going to take all of it in bitcoins, but I will take some. Obviously, we'll make decisions as they come."
Business Concord Derry Manchester Weare Lee Newmarket Business Headlines

subset: commoncrawl


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The way above normal temperatures we experienced most of 2012 most likely meant St. James just experienced one of it's hottest years on record if not the hottest year on record.
The way above normal temperatures we experienced most of 2012 most likely meant St. James just experienced one of it's hottest years on record if not the hottest year on record.
October was the only month that had a meaningful below normal average temperature in 2012.
August was a fraction of a degree below average, but the rest of the year 2012 was well above average.
According to the website Weather.com November was 5.27 degrees F. above the daily average high that St. James would usually see.
Even the blast of cold we had the last ten days of December couldn't prevent the average daily high of the month from averaging 31.4 degrees F. when the historic average is 27 degrees F.
That data suggests 2012 is one of, if not the warmest year, on record for St. James is that the National Weather Service out of the Twin Cities has the average 2012 temp for The Cities tied with the warmest year on record. That year was the Dust Bowl year of 1931.
National Weather Service data had 2012 the warmest year on record for Rochester, the second warmest for Fargo and the third warmest on record for La Crosse and Sioux Falls.
The website ClimateCentral has crunched the numbers for the nation and concluded 2012 is the hottest year on record for the lower 48 states of the U.S.
ClimateCentral also has computed information that has Minnesota as the third fastest warming state in the lower 48 over the last 40 years.
The other major climatic issue for us in 2012 was the drought. The area began experiencing below normal rainfall in the last half of 2011.
The first four months of 2012 produced way below normal rainfall and the county was in a condition of extreme drought as of the first of May.
Then the heavens opened up and approximately 200 percent of the average rainfall for May fell that month.
This rain carried most of the farmers through the first half of the summer. Some farmers got 'million dollar rains' the time the corn tasseled, and this helped those farmers produce excellent corn and bean yields.
However, from June though November, rainfall remained below normal and Watonwan County and much of southern Minnesota returned to a condition of extreme drought. Almost all of Minnesota was in some condition of drought as 2012 ended.
For Watonwan County, December had a fraction more than the average precipitation for the month. The average is 0.99 inches and we received 1.14 inches of precipitation according to weather.com.
The next ten days are forecast to have seasonal temperatures that may work out to be above average and we also may experience below average precipitation.


text: Augusta's boys junior varsity basketball team had been close a couple times this season and have had some brilliant performances, but for the first time, the Orioles have a win to show for it. Dustyn McEachern made three 3-pointers and scored 19 points, Michael Albright hit a pair of threes and added 16 and the Orioles got their first win of the season by beating Clearwater 58-46 Tuesday night. Caleb Faulconer added six, Chase Hull had five, Caleb Laubhan and Connor Hurst both added four. Tristan Finch and Cortlan Jackson both added two. The freshman boys teams improved to 5-3 on the season with a 60-44 win despite a 27-point effort from Clearwater's Austin Smith. Cole Howerton led the team with 15 points and seven rebounds. Preston Bevan had 11 and Jaden Shryock scored 10. Josh Korthals and Cody Wesbrooks both grabbed six rebounds. Augusta was 17-of-24 (71 percent) from the free throw line. In a decisive third quarter, the Orioles held Clearwater to six points and were able to score 17 themselves for a 48-30 lead. Smith was held to two points in the quarter for the Indians. "We were able to do some of the things we talked about at halftime and give ourselves the separation and comfortable lead," freshman coach Roger Lawrence said.


text:
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text:
STOCKTON - A 72-year-old man was killed Friday by a hit-and-run driver who was apprehended less than an hour later after calling police to report his vehicle stolen, authorities said.
STOCKTON - A 72-year-old man was killed Friday by a hit-and-run driver who was apprehended less than an hour later after calling police to report his vehicle stolen, authorities said.
Police did not release the names of the victim or the driver, but The Record identified the driver as Frank Spingolo Jr., a 25-year-old Stockton man who was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death or injury. He is being held at the San Joaquin County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.
His mother, Linda Spingolo, described her son as "clean and sober," saying he was complying with all requirements of an unspecified court-ordered program.
"We were just in court this morning, and he was acknowledged for doing very well in the program," she said Friday night in a tearful telephone interview. "He's not in a gang. He doesn't hang with a bunch of losers. He lives with his parents. He comes from a great family.
"It's very tragic, and I'm sorry this other person lost his life, but I know my son was not on drugs, and I know he was not drunk. He has a license. His car is insured and registered. I heard there were 35 feet of skid marks, so he attempted to stop but then freaked out when he hit him. He should not have left the scene. He just panicked."
The accident occurred about 1:20 p.m. on Waterloo Road between East Harding Way and D Street. Witnesses told police the victim was trying to cross the street when he was struck by a dark blue Ford Explorer, authorities said.
Officer Joe Silva, a spokesman for the Stockton Police Department, said Spingolo called police a short time later to report his vehicle stolen. Spingolo asked officers to meet him at West Bianchi Road and Claremont Avenue, about four miles from the scene of the accident, Silva said.
Officers detained Spingolo and placed him under arrest after witnesses identified him as the driver of the Explorer, which was found about a half-mile away at Jamestown Plaza. The vehicle had a broken right headlight, obvious damage to the passenger's side and a collection of short gray hairs on the dented hood.
Witnesses declined to comment, but Silva said their cooperation helped police make an arrest.
"We're very appreciative of the witnesses for staying at the scene of this deadly hit-and-run to provide our officers with good suspect and suspect vehicle descriptions," Silva said. "We have seen over these last several months more citizens getting involved and providing officers with good information in regard to suspects engaging in criminal activity, and today these witnesses were able to positively identify the suspect in this case."
Contact reporter Jason Anderson at (209) 546-8279 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/crimeblog.


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NH Sen. Ayotte: Wasteful spending needs to go
April 10. 2013 10:36PM
WASHINGTON - Republican U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte issued a news release Wednesday saying taxpayers shouldn't keep footing the bill for duplicative, wasteful programs.
She referred to the Government Accountability Office 2013 annual report saying it identifies 31 areas "where federal agencies could achieve greater efficiency - including 17 areas of duplication and 14 areas of potential cost-savings."
Ayotte cosponsored the Taxpayers Right-to-Know-Act, which would require federal agencies to provide an annual "report card" of all federal programs, how they perform, and their cost-effectiveness.
"Over the past three years, GAO has identified 162 areas of fragmentation, overlap, and duplication in federal agencies," Ayotte said. "Yet, the GAO's 2013 report found that of its approximately 300 recommended actions, only 65 were addressed, 149 were partially-addressed, and 85 were not addressed by Congress or the Executive Branch."
The GAO reviewed 31 areas of government spending, including 17 areas of extensive duplication, fragmentation, and overlap, and 14 areas of larger potential cost-savings through addressing waste and management, the release said.
Ayotte listed the following as examples of areas of duplication:
-- 76 federal drug abuse prevention and treatment programs are spread across 15 agencies
-- 23 agencies implemented 679 renewable energy programs at a cost of $15 billion in fiscal year 2010
--159 contracting organizations in 10 Pentagon offices provide foreign language support
--Among 29 Department of Homeland Security contracts worth $66 billion, GAO found 35 instances where the contracts overlapped with existing DHS activities
--Three federal offices have oversight of catfish inspections
"Duplicative programs are an obvious place to find savings, and that's why I've voted numerous times to save billions of taxpayer dollars by consolidating or eliminating overlapping government programs," Ayotte said.
"With $17 trillion in debt, there's no excuse for Congress' failure to act on GAO's common sense recommendations."


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Today at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, the Super 8 got a chance to feel out the course and get their practice on all day. Check out the photos. Super Crown World Championship: Sunday at 7 PM ET on ESPN2. Check the video!
$200,000 and the Nixon Super Crown Champion custom watch and ring are up for grabs!
Photos by Blair Alley


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Colours Monito Natural Oak Effect Wood Top Layer Flooring Sample Sample
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This real wood top layer flooring has a wood top layer and an attractive brushed finish, giving the appearance of solid wood. It's hard wearing and has been made with engineered based layers.
Features and Benefits
With the same natural beauty and luxurious feel of solid wood, real wood top layer flooring has become a popular choice for many households. Easier to install than solid wood, it features an engineered core that makes it exceptionally stable. This stability makes it suitable for underfloor heating and in conservatories as it is less resistant to heat and moisture changes in your room. Our flooring can be sanded down and refinished to give it a new lease of life, to remove signs of wear and improve the lifespan of the product.
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Continued education will help department, he said
Ionia Department of Public Safety Deputy Director John Odette is one of 12 who received a Capstone Award at the Michigan Association Chiefs of Police mid-winter conference Thursday.
The award was given following training by MACNLOW Associates Odette participated in throughout several weeks. He said the training covered topics including advanced police supervision, building profiles, evaluating officers, legal and liability issues and project management.
With the improved skills he has gained, he said he can stay on top of the technological and strategic changes that can be vital to the effectiveness of his position.
"It will definitely make me better officer and a better, well-rounded manager," said Odette, adding the training will also allow him to better assist the citizens of Ionia.
Within the department, Odette said he will be able to provide a growing and learning opportunity for officers through encouraging evaluations, look into the future and philosophies of IDPS and empower officers to improve their work environment.
With the updated knowledge, he said he believes the department will improve at being a cohesive body.
"It'll develop into a very conclusive work environment for our employees," Odette added.
IDPS Director Troy Thomas said he believes the training is beneficial not only to Odette, but to the greater picture.
"It's going to make him stronger for the department and make him a better community partner," said Thomas.
He added IDPS Sergeant Michael Ketchum and Detective Sergeant Cory McDiarmid will also be completing the training in the near future.
Follow Karin Armbruster on Twitter @ISSKarin


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If you want a sign change is afoot in area school cafeterias, just look at the menu. Students are eating some of the same local produce served at Durangos finest restaurants.
Penne pasta with meat sauce, roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, and hamburger sliders all served with fresh vegetables and fruit.
We get varieties (of produce) that kids have never seen, said Krista Garand, student nutrition director for Durango School District 9-R.
What next? White linen napkins?
Part of what has made this possible is a process implemented last year and continuing this year that combines the supply needs of five area school districts Durango, Cortez, Bayfield, Mancos and Ignacio under one collective bid process.
The advantage for growers is myriad. Before they even plant their crops, theyll know who their buyer is, how much is needed and what theyll be paid. The advantage for the school districts is they get a break on price because they are buying in bulk.
Last year, 13 area growers responded. This years bid process opened earlier this month and closes Feb. 28.
Were hoping for even more this year, Garand said.
Communities not commodities
Ken Meter, keynote speaker at a recent conference in Cortez about local food, said bolstering local food systems is the best work anyone can do to bring the U.S. economy back on track.
Local food has the advantage of cutting down on fossil fuel use because it doesnt have to travel the 1,500 miles the average piece of grocery store produce does, Meter said. By arriving to the table fresher, it is more nutritious. And the dollars spent on local food stay in the community and generate local jobs.
Whats more, residents can have a relationship with their farmer greet him or her at the market, shoot the bull about the weather, ask when the tomatoes are going to be ripe.
Meter referred to it as investing in communities, not commodities.
So if local food is so great, why is it just now that schools are starting to buy more of it?
These are some of the barriers cited by people working on the matter:
Public schools, funded by tax dollars, must seek the lowest price, making it difficult for small growers to compete against large-scale, heavily mechanized farms.
Growers that supply schools must use specified safety practices that protect against tainted food. Small growers may not be trained in these methods or have the resources to implement them.
Many farm acres in La Plata County and the surrounding counties are dedicated to growing hay and alfalfa neither of which look too tasty on a school lunch tray.
Kids eat a lot. Every day, even.
Garand said Durango schools collectively serve 2,400 lunches a day. Even if every vegetable grown in the county went to the schools, it wouldnt come near covering the demand.
At the Cortez food conference, Garand recounted the case of a farmer who proudly delivered 500 pounds of potatoes. Imagine his chagrin when he learned that his bountiful yield would be gone in a single day.
Garand said she told him, Grow 10,000 pounds and Ill buy them.
An easier row to hoe
While not much can be done about the amount kids eat, efforts are advancing on the other obstacles.
In 2010, legislation was passed to create a statewide Farm to School Task Force. Garand is one of the members.
Lyn Kathlene, who serves as staff for the task force, said having a legislatively mandated task force has propelled Colorado into the farm-to-school vanguard.
In two years, we have become a leader in the country, said Kathlene, who also is senior research associate at the Spark Policy Institute in Denver.
Locally, training programs are being offered to help farmers develop plans to satisfy governmental safety requirements. And the school bid process is providing a known, quantifiable market for their produce.
Other programs are working to grow farmers. The Old Fort Market Garden Incubator Program is using 3 acres of irrigated farmland near the Old Fort Lewis campus near Hesperus to give aspiring growers a kickstart.
Mike Nolan of Mountain Roots Produce is helping with the training and also is one of the growers that was contracted by the schools through the last bid process.
Its really nice to go into the season knowing you already have an outlet for your product, said Nolan, who supplied the schools 2,400 pounds of potatoes as well as carrots, beats, turnips and rutabaga for the districts Thanksgiving meal.
He said he finds it gratifying to know that hundreds of kids are eating his food, and he plans to bid again this year.
Although he charges schools less than restaurants or stores, the quantity he sells and the expense he saves in labor and delivery makes it pencil out economically.
Nolan is poised to expand his production next year with the purchase of around 10 acres of land. Previously, he has farmed on leased land, which has prevented him from making infrastructure investments that would allow him to scale up.
Getting to this point has taken years, but that is the nature of farming. He said a farmer who works the land for 20 years will still only have brought crops to harvest 20 times. In-between is a lot of working and waiting a reality that is true, too, of farm-to-school efforts.
But thats OK.
Farmers are very patient, he said.


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The U.S. Comex gold futures fell 2.32% in the past two days after rallying 2.71% on Monday and Tuesday, up 0.34% for the week. In January and February, the gold futures dropped 5.83% while the MSCI All Country Equity Index rose 4.66%. Gold prices have dropped for five consecutive months while the Dollar Index has risen 2.73% year-to-date. The S&P 500 Index and the Euro Stoxx 50 Index are almost unchanged while the Dollar Index rose 0.57% to 81.949 this week.
Economic Optimism and Investors' Returning Risk Appetite
In the past few days, positive economic data from the major economies have accompanied the falling safe-haven demand for gold. A February Chicago business report rose higher than expected, the January U.S. durable goods excluding transportation equipment rose 1.9% compared to the 0.2% expected, the jobless benefits fell last week to a much-lower-than-expected 344,000 while the Q4 GDP was revised to an annualized 0.1% from -0.1%. The February German unemployment data fell by 3,000 to 2.92 million, revealing a better labor market. Faster economic recovery has raised investors' risk appetites for global equities instead of gold. Gold-backed ETP holdings level has fallen to a 5-month low at 2,508.5 tons.
Global Central Banks' Stimulus Plans Still Support Gold Prices
This week, the U.S. Fed Bernanke has indicated that the $85 billion per month of asset purchases will continue and is not overly concerned about rising inflation or asset bubbles. Fed Governor Evans (voter) said today that the Fed should not deviate from its goal and end stimulus too soon because there are still a lot of downside risks in the economy. In fact, the IMF expects that the sequestration, which will be likely be effective on March 1, will knock down U.S. GDP growth by 0.5%, resulting in a 2% GDP growth in 2013. In Japan, the newly appointed BOJ governor Kuroda may step up monetary stimulus effort by bringing forward the open-ended bond purchases to May or June according to JP Morgan's Japan economist. In the U.K., the Bank of England Governor voted for more QE while the rating agency Moody's said that the U.K.'s economic growth would continue to be sluggish for years.
What to Watch
Upcoming events we are watching include the ongoing Italian election impasse, Ben Bernanke's speech on March 2, the Bank of Japan interest rate meeting, the Bank of England monetary policy decision and the ECB interest rate announcement on March 7, and the Chinese trade growth and the U.S. non-farm payrolls on March 8.


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Oprah Winfrey seems to have it all, but the one thing she never wanted? Kids!
While the 60-year-old media mogul did have a baby when she was 14 (the child died weeks after birth), she revealed in the Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment issue that she's actually known since she was younger that being a mom just wasn't for her.
"Gayle [King] was the kind of kid who, in seventh grade home ec class, was writing down the names of her children," Winfrey said of her bff. "While she was having those kind of daydreams, I was having daydreams about how I could be Martin Luther King."
Clearly her career has played a big part in her decision to not have a family, something she's thought a lot about. "If I had kids, my kids would hate me," she said.
Oprah revealed to Barbara Walters in 2010 what she thought would have happened if the circumstances were different and she ended up being a parent. "I'd be one of those people that the kid's coming and saying, 'Mom, you've neglected me.'"
Check out this video to see what else Oprah said on the topic, and be sure to tune in to "omg! Insider" on TV tonight for all the latest in entertainment news.


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Helen Pauline Mann, 83, passed away Feb. 9, 2013.
Helen Pauline Mann, 83, passed away Feb. 9, 2013. She was a former Potwin resident, and was a sales representative for Avon and Tupperware.
She was preceded in death by her husband Clifford Mann, and son Bart Allen Windsor. She is survived by her children: Russell O'Mealey, Marcelle Windsor (Terry Schroeder), Dawn Unruh (Jeff); her husband's children: Bill Mann (Becky), Tom Mann (Sally); and Molly Mann; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Visitation: 2 – 7 p.m., Monday, Lamb Funeral Home, Whitewater.
Funeral Service: 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 12, 2013, Potwin United Methodist Church. Interment in McGill Cemetery. Memorial Fund: Potwin Lions Club in care Lamb Funeral Home, 120 S Main, Whitewater, KS, 67154.


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*** When Bundled with DIRECTV
Now get America's favorite satellite TV service with Exede and save $10 a month on your Internet service for the first 12 months.
high speed internet service in Oregon
Satellite TV and Exede Internet in your area , a great combination that will provide all your entertainment and information needs for many years to come! Learn how to set up your wireless network, Call Today (866) 997-5757
Exede internet United States's leading rural internet service provider. Exede Internet, a great rural internet option for you and your family.
Exede SM works with virtually all modern internet devices, including both PCs and Macs.Exede features competitive high-speed internet prices and deals making our satellite service a great broadband internet option for you and your family.
Affordable New Satellite Internet Service Providers
Do you live in rural areas of Clatsop County, Oregon and are you still having trouble finding the best or even a fast internet service provider simply due to lack of options, slow speeds, or even out of the serviceable areas? Well, Congratulations! Exede Satellite Internet Provider, formerly known as Wildblue Satellite Internet is now available in Clatsop County, Arch Cape and also Dayton View Triangle With Exede you have a high speed internet connection that delivers the right content at the best speed and with consistent quality.
Internet connection problems can be frustrating, Exede Satellite Internet provides all residents of Clatsop County and your home with broadband internet services. Exede Satellite Internet Service is fast enough to deliver all of your downloads quickly. And is available virtually to anyone who lives in zipcode 97102 in Oregon .
Is Exede internet available in my area? Whether it's rural areas, the suburbs or even close to the city, Exede Internet is a big step up in speed and service for all residents of Clatsop County. Here is a list of some of the cities in Clatsop County that are covered by Exede Internet Service.
With Clatsop County rural Internet service, Exede truly offers something for everyone in your home. With Exede Internet, you get the speed and connectivity to do the things you would like to do online.
Loyalty. It's hard to earn, and easy to lose. We promise to always keep that in mind when serving you, constantly striving to give you the highest internet experience you came to us for in the first place. Our goal is to always provide you with an unforgettable internet experience. If there ever comes a time when you have any questions, problems or concerns we will do everything in our power to remedy the situation and put a smile back on your face. In our company the customer support center really works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Exede voice is a new service offered by ViaSat that uses the same super-fast satellite space technology as Exede high-speed satellite internet. If you thought it couldn't get any better with internet provided by Brian the Alien, here's a curveball for you! As a customer, you can expect extremely high-quality phone service with Exede Voice—a great pair with your Exede internet service. Setting up wireless internet for your home with Exede is easier than you might think. Call and talk with an internet specialist today (866) 997-5757
Local satellite TV deals for Clatsop County in Oregon. Enjoy your favorite TV channels including premium channels, sports, HD & Spanish. Isn't it time to switch from cable tv? If you already have DIRECTV, or if you're a new customer, Exede Internet Oregon's best satellite internet provider! Exede Internet offers reliable internet access, and a great monthly discount for new DIRECTV & Exede customers so you can make the most of your satellite television and high speed satellite Internet service. It's a great combination that will provide all your entertainment and information needs for many years to come including wireless internet solutions!
Exede Internet availabily was based on: Beach Access Road, Arch Cape, OR 97102, USA Exede internet is available in almost all areas of Oregon please call us, your local authorized dealer in Clatsop County OR to talk with an internet specialist today. Exede Satellite Internet Requires a clear view of the southern sky. © 2014 WildBlue Communications, Inc. Service not available in all areas of Clatsop County Oregon. Please call to check for service availability. Minimum 24 month commitment term. One-time setup fee of $149.99 (currently on special for $49.99) and $9.99/month equipment lease apply (or pre-pay a 24-month lease and save almost $40). Actual speeds will vary. Non-standard installations may result in additional charge. Equipment must be returned upon cancellation of service, otherwise unreturned equipment fees apply. Taxes and monthly service fees apply. Prices subject to change. All offers valid for a limited time and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Requires a clear view of the southern sky. Use of the Exede service is subject to data transmission limits measured on a monthly basis as described in the Data Allowance Policy. For complete details and the Data Allowance Policy, visit www.exede.com. Exede Satellite Internet is a service mark of ViaSat, Inc. This website is owned and operated by an independent distributor of Exede Satellite Internet from ViaSat Communications, Inc. Some content on this website may be copyrighted by ViaSat Communications, Inc. Online Marketing by Victor C Fuentes Digital Marketing


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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Adventure / Action / Fantasy / Drama / Family
Director: Peter Jackson
Running time: 169 mins Released: 14th December 2012
Website: thehobbit.com
About The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
A prequel to the Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) is a respectable hobbit living peacefully in the mythical world of Middle Earth, in an idyllic rural area known as The Shire. The wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellan) convinces Bilbo to leave his home and reclaim the Lonely Mountain from Smaug, one of the last remaining dragons. Bilbo is helped in his journey by a band of dwarves. Their leader Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) wants revenge as Smaug desolated his homeland and stole his people's treasure. The dwarves' rough manners irritate Bilbo, but Gandalf insists that the timid hobbit comes along on the quest. Gollum (Andy Serkis), Elrond (Hugo Weaving) and Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) are among the returning characters.
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Two men found dead in their homes in the last two nights likely died of heroin overdoses, Ashland police said.
The first incident was reported Monday night at 8:18 p.m., on the 700 block of Laurel Street. Police responded to the second death exactly 24 hours later in the 2400 block of Siskiyou Boulevard.
Police haven't release the names of either man.
"There is some medical information we want to protect," said Deputy Chief Corey Falls, "It doesn't appear that they were there very long, and our detectives are following up on that right now."
The first death was reported by a family member who found a 36-year-old man dead at home.
The Tuesday night death on was reported by a family friend who found a 34-year-old man dead at home.
Officials are calling the deaths suspected overdoses because the investigation is ongoing and they are still awaiting results from testing in the lab.
"It was what was found on scene that made us suspect it was a heroin overdose but until we get back the information, we can't say for sure," Falls said.
Police also are investigating whether or not the two cases are connected.
"That's one thing our detectives look into," said Falls. "Just because these happened on back to back nights, it makes it odd, but our detectives just try to gather information."
For now investigators are collecting evidence and talking to possible witnesses.
The deaths push the number of suspected heroin overdoses in Ashland this year to three. The city of Ashland had one suspected heroin overdose in 2011 and one in 2010.
"I think that it's certainly uncommon if you look over the course of the last few years, having two overdoses, two nights in a row," Falls said. "We wanted to put something out just to notify the public. I do feel that it's a weird situation."
— Mandy Valencia
Two men found dead of suspected heroin overdoses in two days
Two men found dead in their homes in the last two nights likely died of heroin overdoses, Ashland police said.


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Manchester police use taser on Bedford woman who crashed into light pole
July 22. 2013 9:33PM
MANCHESTER — A 55-year-old Bedford woman had to be tasered and pulled from her car Saturday afternoon, after striking a light pole and allegedly refusing attempts by police to get her to exit the car.
Maria Bryant was charged with conduct after an accident, resisting arrest and disobeying a police officer.
Police said her car had struck a light pole in front of the Hilton Garden Inn on South Commercial Street around 2 p.m.
Even though the Ford Focus was apparently hung up on the cement base of the utility pole, Bryant allegedly did not cooperate with police and revved the car, even as an officer smashed a rear passenger window of the car to reach her, police said.
She eventually was able to back away, and the car struck the arm of Police Officer Warren Olson, police said.
When another officer blocked the path of her car, Olson entered the car through the rear passenger door and tasered Bryant. Several officers then pulled her from the car, briefly struggled with Bryant and then restrained her.
Police said she was sent to a local hospital for evaluation.
Police investigate Friday afternoon gunshots in Manchester
MANCHESTER — Police reported that a gun was fired in the center city Friday afternoon, minutes after a group of fighting young men dispersed.
Police said the confrontation was reported at Cedar and Union streets about 4 p.m. Friday. One of the participants reportedly displayed a firearm during the fight, police said.
"Moments after the group dispersed, a gunshot was heard in the alley near Cedar Street and Beech Street, where a .380 shell casing was recovered," a police statement read.
Police said they have identified one possible participant, but his exact role is unclear. A red Mazda 3 with two to three passengers may also be related to the incident, police said. It was seen passing through the area several times just prior to the shot.
Anyone with information should contact Manchester police at 668-8711.


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The Johns Hopkins East Baltimore Community Affairs is sponsoring the 2017 Holiday Gift Giving Program. All gifts donated by Johns Hopkins faculty and staff will be gifted to families in the East Baltimore area.
How you can help:
You can sponsor a child
EBCA staff have identified families who would benefit from your help. You can choose to purchase toys, clothing or shoes for a child or children of varying ages living in East Baltimore.
While we appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity, please leave all donated gifts UNWRAPPED.
PLEASE NOTE: You will receive an additional email with your designated drop off location and date based upon your Johns Hopkins location and child selections.
You can make a monetary donation
Checks should be made payable to JHHS - East Baltimore Community Affairs and sent to:
JHHS - East Baltimore Community Affairs
Holiday Gift Giving
901 S. Bond Street, Suite 540
Baltimore, MD 21231
Be sure to indicate "Holiday Gift Giving" on the check. Please do not send cash. As always, 100% of donated funds will go directly towards the Holiday Gift Giving program.
Email Community Affairs at email@example.com if you have any questions.


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The scene at the Board of County Commissioners meeting was a typical one, with a crowd of community members gathered to make their best case for why commissioners should support the project at hand a dog-training facility on Florida Mesa.
Without a clear set of standards, it was up to commissioners to decide whether the project was compatible with the surrounding area.
In the end commissioners denied the dog-training facility, but property owners Jim and Karen Lewis had already gone through months of meetings with county planners and coordinated inspections of everything from their roads to their water wells.
The process was frustrating, confusing and costly, Karen Lewis said. They didnt know what really was allowed on their land and had to go off what seemed like ever-changing advice of county planners.
La Plata Countys current compatibility-based land-use system has been the object of a range of criticism over the years and took even more heat during the county commissioner race last year.
The system is inherently subjective and unpredictable, commissioner candidates on both sides of the aisle said.
Yet a month after taking their seats at the dais, the countys new commissioners and the new planning director say they dont have their eyes on major changes to the countys land-use code. After the failure of two major efforts to reform the countys land-use planning over the past decade, the new county leaders have adopted a view that the current system isnt as bad as most people say, it just needs sprucing up.
During the campaign, compatibility was what people pointed to as the problem, Commissioner Julie Westendorff said. But after talking to (Planning Director) Damian (Peduto) its not compatibility that is the problem ... its not the idea of the (land use) code but the way its written.
Like it or hate it, the countys land-use code is here to stay, at least for now.
Behind the curve
Though it might reflect the right idea, the countys land-use code needs a lot of edits to get into working order, county leaders said. For the past decade, updates to the current code have languished while the county focused on years-long efforts to reform land use planning, first through attempting to write an entirely new land-use code, and later, trying to create a comprehensive plan that would guide future land-use planning.
Part of why we didnt do any real substantive amendments was because we were always anticipating a new code, said Sheryl Rogers, the countys attorney. Weve been on the cusp of a new code for like a decade.
In that time, the compatibility-based code, which dates back to at least 1990, became conflicting and outdated, causing much of the countys land-use struggles today, county officials said.
I would say La Plata County is a bit behind the curve with regards to our development of land-use regulations, Commissioner Bobby Lieb said. A lot of other counties have already implemented a level of zoning that is more sophisticated. We tend to be on the more subjective side of the spectrum.
According to a survey of Colorado counties conducted by the state Department of Local Affairs, 64 percent of counties use traditional zoning, 16 percent use a development permit or performance zoning approach, 11 percent employ a hybrid approach and 2 percent do not use zoning. La Plata Countys land-use code is based on performance zoning standards, which judge a project based on the impacts it would have to surrounding neighbors.
Gary Suiter, who was the countys interim planning director for nine months last year, said he was surprised by the countys approach.
My perception (from the consulting world) was that La Plata County was a bit more progressive in terms of land-use philosophy and principles, Suiter said. Coming and seeing they didnt have zoning, it raised an eyebrow.
The politics of land use
Land-use changes are hard in a county with so many different geographies, densities and land uses, Lieb said.
Discussions about implementing more traditional zoning strike a deep fear in people who see it as a threat to private property rights, said Erick Aune, former head of the planning department. Especially in more rural areas of the county where the concept of wealth is more likely to be associated with land than income, the idea of putting restrictions on how land can be used puts many large property owners on the defensive.
County residents are also split in their views about planning priorities. Many of the comprehensive plans most vocal opponents argued that infrastructure planning needs to happen before comprehensive planning.
Former County Commissioner Kellie Hotter put it more simply.
In La Plata County, planning is a blood sport, she said.
The way forward
The countys new commissioners are behind the updates that Peduto said are at the root of the biggest problems with the countys land-use code. Current efforts focus on reforming regulations about accessory dwellings and nonconforming uses and writing new code governing telecommunications.
While Commissioner Gwen Lachelt said the countys land-use system continues to be problematic, Peduto said it actually works well here because it allows the flexibility to accommodate the countys diversity.
Peduto said the county could also benefit from elements like overlay zones or planned-unit developments that introduce more traditional zoning to select parts of the county rather than the whole thing.
Looking forward, the county most likely will move toward a higher level of land-use regulation in more developed areas of the county, Lieb said.
If I were a betting man, I would say that the possibility of that happening sometime in the future is likely, Lieb said.
That may not be enough to satisfy some.
The outcry for a more predictable land-use system has risen, said Nancy Lauro, a planner with Russell Engineering and former director of planning with the county. Those that want to protect neighborhoods and those that want to change and develop, both sides are saying were tired of having to fight every single time.


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Expanding Medicaid: Congress will keep its word!
March 19. 2013 6:49PM
Supporters of expanding Medicaid eligibility in New Hampshire say the state should do it for two reasons: 1) it would subsidize health insurance coverage for more people, and 2) Washington will pay for it. There is a word for people like this: tools.
Under Obamacare, states initially were forced to expand Medicaid eligibility to families earning as much as 133 percent of the federal poverty level. The Supreme Court struck down the mandate as unconstitutional, so the expansion is up to each state.
A majority of the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee concluded that expansion "would be a vehicle for bringing hundreds of millions of federal dollars into the state." It said also that the "Medicaid expansion and its federal financing/matching rate are enshrined in federal law. Changing either of these federal government obligations would require an Act of Congress."
Goodness, an act of Congress! Why, Congress's word is as good as... as.... hey, wait a second.
If your best argument is that Congress will keep its word, then you don't have an argument. No one - literally, to use a Bidenism - believes that Washington will enshrine into permanency a subsidy it already cannot afford to fund. The argument mocks itself. Those making it have let themselves become tools of the administration's propaganda machine. They are undermining New Hampshire's future fiscal stability for the sake of advancing the Obama administration's political goals. They should be stopped. Passing House Bill 271, to prohibit the state's expansion of Medicaid, would do that, for now. It's too bad the House hasn't the will to do it.


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STOCKTON - A man once accused of murder expressed anger and sadness Thursday over the death of his son, who shot and killed a Galt police officer Tuesday before turning the gun on himself, authorities said.
STOCKTON - A man once accused of murder expressed anger and sadness Thursday over the death of his son, who shot and killed a Galt police officer Tuesday before turning the gun on himself, authorities said.
Humphrey Kenneth Gascon Sr., 61, spoke briefly outside his mother's residence at a low-income independent living center for senior citizens in Stockton. Gascon Sr. refused to answer questions about his son, 30-year-old Humphrey Kenneth Gascon Jr., saying he would speak to the media after making his son's final arrangements.
"This is my baby. This is my only son," said Gascon Sr., who was wearing a red bandanna under a backward black baseball cap, a flannel jacket and fingerless gloves made from white socks. "I've got to see my son's body and get him buried. I'm a grieving father. I'll make a statement when I'm ready."
Authorities said Gascon Jr. shot Galt police Officer Kevin Tonn, 35, and fired at another officer before using the same handgun to take his own life Tuesday in Galt. Neither officer fired a shot, authorities said.
Gascon Sr., who was tried on suspicion of murder in Stockton in 1974, said he doesn't believe his son committed suicide. He alluded to one of at least three witnesses who told reporters police shot Gascon Jr. as he fled on foot and noted that authorities didn't remove his son's body from the scene until 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, 18 hours after the shooting.
"Why do you think that is?" Gascon Sr. asked. "It's so they could clean up their mess."
The Record's archives show that Gascon Sr. was arrested for a string of robberies in Stockton in 1969 and charged with homicide in 1973, although the murder charges were eventually dismissed because the District Attorney's Office would not identify a key witness.
Police believed Gascon Sr. killed Roquel and Bonita Navales, both 24, in October 1972. Authorities said Gascon Sr. killed Roquel Navales because Navales sold bad heroin to Gascon's brother and that he killed Bonita Navales because she knew Gascon was with her husband the night of the murders.
Bonita Navales was found in her bedroom, brutally beaten with two bullets in the back of her head. Her body was discovered by the couple's 3- and 6-year-old sons. Roquel Navales was found in his car 10 blocks away from the family's home. He also was shot twice in the head.
Gascon Sr. reportedly confessed to the killings, but he later claimed he was under the influence of LSD when he confessed. His first trial resulted in a hung jury, and charges were later dropped after prosecutors refused to name an informant who connected Gascon to the murders.
"The law enforcement agencies gave their word to the informant, and if we identified him, it is very unlikely that we would ever receive any information again from informers who might then be called to testify in court," Stephen G. Demetras, then a deputy district attorney, told The Record in 1975.
Gascon Sr. spent nearly two years in jail before being released. Little else is known about Gascon Sr. except that he fathered a child, Gascon Jr., who was born Sept. 17, 1982.
Since 2004, Gascon Jr. has had addresses in Sparks, Nev.; Sacramento; Galt; and Stockton, according to documents obtained by The Record. He was caught driving under the influence in Nevada and was arrested in San Joaquin County in 2001 on suspicion of carrying a deadly weapon - a billy club - but he had no history of violent crime, authorities said.
Investigators found items in Gascon Jr.'s home that may link him to a Norte�o street gang, but he was not a documented gang member, said Lt. Jim Uptegrove, a spokesman for the Galt Police Department.
Tonn approached Gascon Jr. about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday because he matched the description of a reported burglar. There was a physical struggle, and Tonn was shot, leaving family, friends and a close-knit community to wonder why.
"That's the big question," Uptegrove said. "(Gascon Jr.) had relatively little police contact and no violent history that we're aware of, so we're not sure why he reacted the way he did. It would be nice to know, but I'm not sure we ever will."
Record librarian Delailah Little contributed to this report.
Contact reporter Jason Anderson at (209) 546-8279 or email@example.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/crimeblog.


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Police using computer analysis to curb burglariesBy DALE VINCENT
New Hampshire Union Leader
August 23. 2013 9:18PM
MANCHESTER — A mid-July spike in burglaries sent the total for the month up sharply, to 148 compared to 90 for the same month in 2012.
Manchester Police Information Officer Lt. Maureen Tessier said Friday: "We've been back down to normal levels." That's about 15 combined residential and commercial burglaries a week at this time of year.
She said the department's crime analyst helped in identifying problem areas when the two-week July spike happened. "We adjusted our investigative and enforcement efforts to target problem areas and identify suspects," said Tessier.
Burglaries in Goffstown and Bedford also have resulted in some arrests.
Tessier credited the year-old LeadsOnline computer registration program for secondhand stores with helping in the recovery of stolen items and with arrests. Goffstown and Bedford police also have used the Manchester program to help with their burglary investigations.
Because store owners are now required to immediately post photos and information about items sold, get identification from sellers, and hold items for 30 days, LeadsOnline has been important in resolving some area burglaries.
Tessier said LeadsOnline was a huge help during that two-weeks in July because officers were able to identify some of the property posted by the pawn shops as some of what was taken in the burglaries.
"A number of suspects were developed, leading to quite a few arrests related to the burglaries and/or the stolen property. Some of these individuals were responsible for multiple burglaries and their arrests led to a drop in those crimes during subsequent weeks," said Tessier.
"I can't understate the value of the system," she said. adding that Manchester gets inquiries from neighboring departments about items taken in burglaries in their jurisdictions. "Town lines don't necessarily stop (burglars)," she said. "LeadOnline enables them to locate property in our pawn shops."
Tessier said: "It's an incredibly valuable tool."
Tessier said most residential burglaries occur during the day, when no one is likely to be home, and most commercial burglaries are at night, when businesses are closed.
But there have been some recent residential burglaries at night, when people were home. Fortunately, she said, in several instances last weekend, the burglar fled when discovered, sometimes with property, sometimes leaving it behind.
In most cases, she said: "There's no indication the burglar is interested in anything but property."
In a burglary on Oak Street Thursday, she said, a couple returned home about 4 p.m. and discovered their home had been burglarized. It appeared the burglar had entered through a window and moved a laptop and small safety to the floor near the open window, but had left the items there. He or she could have been scared off by the family returning. Nothing else was missing and no one was injured.
In most cases, said Tessier: "They are interested in small items. They throw them in a backpack." They want to get rid of the items fast, she said.
That's why it's important to keep a list of serial numbers for electronics such as phones, laptops, computer towers and game systems. She said there could be 20 Toshiba laptops on LeadsOnline, but without a serial number there's no way to identify yours.
Burglars are also looking for credit and debit cards, and personal checkbooks. The checkbooks, credit and debit cards are often used even before the burglary is discovered.
That is what happened after a burglary early Thursday on English Village Road. Tessier said police who responded to a reported fight involving three men at about 2 a.m. learned a 28-year-old resident, who had heard noise in a bedroom, pursued a man who jumped out of the window and ran from the building, meeting up with another man who had been waiting outside.
Tessier said the resident caught up with the man who had been in the building and ripped off his backpack, but that man escaped when the resident turned his attention to the other man, Eddil Ortez, 20, who was arrested and charged with prowling.
But the burglar escaped with a cell phone, purse and wallet from the apartment and was able to use some of the victim's credit cards fraudulently before they could be canceled.
Tessier said police caution against confronting burglars. But they do urge people to report suspicious activity around their own or neighbor's homes.
There's no question open windows make burglaries easier. But while warm weather results in windows being left open, Tessier urged residents to take advantage of locking devices that can restrict how far a window can be opened. It's also a good idea not to leave tempting items out in the open and/or close to windows.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story said burglary totals for 2013 were lower that those of 2012. That statement has been removed.


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STOCKTON - Police released a 10-minute surveillance video Monday that shows a man said to be Eric Madison, 21, walking along Oak Street near American Street about 10:15 a.m. Sunday when a white vehicle pulls up behind him and someone shoots him.
STOCKTON - Police released a 10-minute surveillance video Monday that shows a man said to be Eric Madison, 21, walking along Oak Street near American Street about 10:15 a.m. Sunday when a white vehicle pulls up behind him and someone shoots him.
Madison was taken to a hospital, where he died of his injuries, police said.
Homicide detectives described the vehicle as possibly a two-door Ford Thunderbird from the 1990s with tinted windows or a similar vehicle.
A man visiting his girlfriend who lives nearby heard gunfire and joined several people at the scene of the shooting before police arrived.
Except for sharing a cigarette with Madison earlier that morning, Demeritt Brown, 24, said he had never met Madison before and made it clear he was not a witness to the shooting. That did not stop Brown from jumping in to assist Madison before he died.
"I was the one that was giving him mouth to mouth and why he was still breathing. He died in my arms," Brown recalled Monday.
"I heard gunshots. I was worried about my baby's mama. I rushed outside - a neighbor said somebody's hit. I heard him gasping for air. Hella people standing around just looking at him while he's dying. I don't even know the dude, but I just smoked a cigarette with him 45 minutes earlier. I can't start pushing on his chest - I didn't see any bullet holes. He was wearing two coats," Brown said, retelling the moments just as quickly as they flashed by.
It was raining heavily that morning. Brown said, "Ain't nobody doing nothing for him. My baby's mama put her jacket over his head. He woke up a little bit. 'Lil brother, if you can hear me, bra, help is on the way. You feel me, keep breathing, bra, keep breathing,' " Brown recalled saying to Madison. "He was gasping for air. I kept talking to him, giving him more air."
When police arrived at the scene, Brown said, it appeared to him that they didn't want to be there.
"The officer stood around worrying about what was going on around him. He was scared of the people in the neighborhood," Brown said. He took offense at a statement attributed to department spokesman Officer Joe Silva that the crowd of onlookers was hostile and "acting belligerently toward our officers by yelling obscenities."
Brown said, "There is a reason for that. They watch the little dude fade away before they do anything. I will never forget that officer's face.
"It ain't even that it's the treatment that they get from the police. There are people who deserve to go to jail, and all police aren't bad, but it's how police treat people," Brown said. "How the Stockton police is portraying the citizens of its own city. If the people are mad, they are mad and belligerent for a reason - because he got hit, because he got killed? No, there is more to it than that," he said.
Silva, the police spokesman, said the first officer arrived at 10:18 a.m., three minutes after being alerted by 911 dispatch.
"When a responding officer responds to a shooting scene, that officer has a lot of different tactical duties and responsibilities such as ascertaining information, if anyone knows if an armed suspect or suspects are still in the area, the condition of the victim, is the victim being tended to, and if there are additional victims," Silva said.
"While all of this is going on, that officer must also guide other officers and medical personnel into the scene safely," he said.
Silva said the Police Department is well aware "there are cooperative people that live in high-crime neighborhoods. That is why we are working ever so hard in helping them eliminate crime in their neighborhoods by directly working side by side with those citizens. We definitely appreciate the information and tips we have been receiving from our community in regards to suspects who are engaging in criminal activity."
Police are encouraging citizens to call if they have information pertaining to the homicide. Callers are asked to contact the Investigations Division at (209) 937-8323 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600. Callers can remain anonymous.
Citizens also can text information to CRIMES (274637) and type the keyword TIPSPD and then their tip; or log on to the Stockton Police Department's Facebook page and click "Submit A Tip."
If you have any information that may lead to an arrest, Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward up to $10,000.
Contact reporter Joe Goldeen at (209) 546-8278 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/goldeenblog.