New Iberia, LA - Through the Louisiana Main Street program, New Iberia Main Street Program is soliciting Re-development Incentive Grant applications from downtown commercial building and/or business owners located in the New Iberia Downtown Commercial Historic District. The Louisiana Main Street program is able to offer two types of competitive grants - a $10,000 grant for major projects and a $2,500 grant for minor projects. Grants are available for either interior or exterior rehabilitation. Interior improvements are limited to exposing, restoring, replicating, or enhancing the original interior architectural features, or the installation of fire suppression systems.

Louisiana Main Street is part of the Lt. Governor's Office of Cultural Development and the Division of Historic Preservation. Applications received from the New Iberia Downtown Commercial Historic District building and/or business owners will compete statewide for funding with other Main Street communities. Over the years, New Iberia Main Street has received some $110-thousand dollars in re-development grant funds from the Louisiana Main Street program and generated nearly $40 million in private re-investment.

To be eligible for Re-development Incentive Grant funds, a building must be located within the New Iberia Downtown Commercial Historic District, be used for commercial purposes, and be at least 50 years old. In addition, the proposed work must be approved by the local Historic District Commission and the Louisiana Main Street office, while also conforming to the guidelines set forth by the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. New Iberia Main Street Re-development Incentive grants are reimbursable matching grants. Grants are reviewed by an independent panel comprised of professionals working in historic preservation and related field.

Panelists are neither members of designated Louisiana Main Street communities nor employees of the Louisiana Main Street program or the Division of Historic Preservation. Panelists consider, among other things, the degree of immediate economic and/or visual impact the project brings to the Main Street district in order to maximize the return on tax dollars reinvested in community revitalization projects. Louisiana Main Street assists historic commercial districts in their revitalization efforts.

Funded by the state, the program operates under the umbrella of the National Main Street Center, an arm of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, DC. The state program provides revitalization technical assistance in the areas of economic development, exterior, interior and streetscape design, promotion and organization. The services are available at no charge to individual merchants and commercial property owners located within the boundaries of the thirty-four designated Main Street districts statewide. Submit application to New Iberia Main Street office no later than Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 4:00pm to Main Street New Iberia. Call 369-2330 for more information.

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Grants available to downtown New Iberia businesses

The Presidnt of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh has effected changes to Cabinet with effect from yesterday, April 16th, 2012.

According to a media release from State House, the changes saw the removal of Sheriff ML Gomez as minister of the Interior, and the subsequent appointment of Lamin Kaba Bajo as a replacement with immediate effect.

Below is the full text of the release:

His Excellency the President of the Republic of The Gambia, Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J Jammeh acting under the provisions of Section 71 (4)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia has relieved Mr. Sheriff M.L Gomez of his Cabinet appointment with immediate effect.

His Excellency the President, acting under the provisions of Sections 71(1) and 71(3) has appointed Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo as Minister of the Interior with immediate effect.

In the same vein, His Excellency the President acting under the provisions of Sections 71(1) and 71(3) respectively, of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia has effected a Cabinet re-shuffle with effect from 16th April 2012:

Mr. Mambury Njie, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs as Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Abdou Kolley, Minister of Water Resources, Fisheries and National Assembly Matters as Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs as Minister of Fisheries, Water Resources, and National Assembly Matters.

Copyright 2012 The Daily Observer. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

Originally posted here:
Gambia: Jammeh Reshuffles Cabinet

The following information is from selected reports provided by the St. Charles County Sheriff's Department:

Stealing

A 16-foot, flat-bed trailer was reported stolen March 6 from a new home construction site in the 1500 block of Burnside Lane. The trailer, used for siding installation, was described as a 2004 M&M trailer with two tool racks and a single ladder rack on the sides. Value was placed at $4,000. [Map highlight 1]

The owner of a home in the 300 block of Meadow Brook Estates Lane reported March 6 that after having a 19-year-old female house sitter occupy his house while he was on vacation, he came home to find $1,100 in $100 bills and another $500 in assorted currency taken from the home. As it turned out, the house-sitter also brought in her 22-year-old boyfriend to stay at the house. [Map highlight 2]

The owner of a home in the 1700 block of Veterans Memorial Parkway reported March 9 that after inviting some friends over, he discovered that a Mossberg shotgun valued at $300, a Movado watch valued at $200, three cell phones valued at $200 and $460 in currency were missing. All items were recovered and returned to the owner. Even though deputies have a person of interest in the case, the victim refused to prosecute. [Map highlight 3]

A man who was asleep in his home in the 2500 block of Bates Road reported March 11 that someone entered his home, stole $200 in cash, several credit cards and his driver's license. There were no signs of forced entry. [Map highlight 4]

The owner of an unlocked vehicle parked in the 800 block of Brockwell Drive reported March 12 that someone entered the car and made off with a Kel-Tec .380-caliber automatic pistol valued at $500 and an iPod valued at $250. [Map highlight 5]

Thirteen sets of collectable silver dollars were reported stolen March 12 from a home in the 2600 block of Highway P. Value of the 260-coin collection was placed at $2,600. There was no sign of forced entry, and the victims were unsure when the coins were stolen. [Map highlight 6]

A trapeze bar, attached to a child's swing set, was reported stolen March 12 from the yard of a home in the 4000 block of Stonecroft Drive. Value was placed at $300. [Map highlight 7]

A woman who dropped a child off at KinderCare, 6016 Young Drive, reported March 13 that after leaving her unlocked car unattended for a few minutes, she returned to find her purse and its contents missing. Besides the purse, which was valued at $80, other items stolen included a wallet containing numerous credit cards and an iPhone. When the woman called to cancel the credit cards, she was told one had already been used at a BP gas station and an AutoZone store, both in Bridgeton. [Map highlight 8]

See more here:
Incident reports for St. Charles County

By BRIAN TILLEY

Last updated at 13:00, Monday, 16 April 2012

ONE of Tynedales longest-established businesses has gone into liquidation, with the loss of 40 jobs.

Believed to be the UKs longest-established roofing contractor, Matthew Charlton Slaters, which was established in 1842, has finally fallen victim to the recession in the building trade.

Staff were told on Thursday that the directors of the company were applying to go into voluntary liquidation.

The company has ceased trading with immediate effect.

Teesside-based insolvency specialists Taylor Rowlands are handling the demise of the roofing business.

A spokesman said: We were approached last week by the directors of Matthew Charlton Slaters to assist with the statutory processes of putting the business into voluntary liquidation.

There will be a meeting with creditors and interested parties on May 1, when the situation will become a little clearer.

However, the business has ceased to exist, and everybody who worked for it is now unfortunately out of work.

Read more here:
Jobs go as historic roofing firm folds

April 17, 2012 - Northwoods League (Northwoods) Green Bay Bullfrogs FrogVille, Wi- With opening day approximately six weeks away, the Green Bay Bullfrogs 2012 roster has expanded to 24 with the additions of Jeff Brigham and Mac Acker from the University of Washington. The Huskies compete in the Pac-12 conference, which is currently ranked as the 3rd best conference in college baseball.

Brigham is a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher for Washington. The sophomore missed the first 14 games of the season while battling an injury but is now healthy and making a big contribution to a very strong Huskies staff. Brigham has made five appearances and carries a 2.89 ERA. Over his last two outings Brigham has faced off with national powers Stanford and Cal and allowed just two earned runs in seven innings of work.

Brigham made an immediate impact at Washington as a freshman in 2011, finishing 2nd on the team with 23 appearances (5 starts). The Federal Way, WA native finished 4-1 with two saves in 51 1/3 innings of work. Brigham struck out 30 batters while walking just 18 on his way to a 4.73 ERA.

Brighams's successful 2011 continued in the summer as the closer of the Bend Elks of the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League. Named second team all-league, Brigham posted a 0.82 ERA and six saves in 22 innings pitched. Following the season, Perfect Game named Brigham the league's 9th best prospect. Perfect Game has also ranked Brigham as the 165th best draft prospect nationally for 2013.

Mac Acker is in his first season at Washington following two very successful seasons at Columbia Basin Community College in Washington. As a sophomore, Acker was named the East Region MVP and NWACC player of the year. A dual threat, Acker batted with 13 doubles and 37 RBI's while finishing 5-1 on the mound with a 1.49 ERA.

The Redmond, WA native continues to earn a bigger role with Washington. Acker has made seven appearances (two starts) on the mound for the Huskies, compiling a 2-2 record and 3.27 ERA in eleven innings of work. Acker has also been one of Washington's top pinch hitters in recent weeks and earned his first start as the team's DH against Cal on Saturday.

"We have a tremendously strong relationship with the University of Washington and are excited to continue it this year," Bullfrogs Field Manager Jordan Bischel said. "Jeff is a hard-thrower who will be an impact pitcher for us as either a starter or closer. Mac's versatility will be invaluable throughout the summer. He will make strong contributions as both a left-handed pitcher and outfielder."

The Bullfrogs open up their 6th season in FrogVille, Wisconsin on May 30 at 6:35 against the expansion Lakeshore Chinooks. Please call 920-497-7225or log on to http://www.greenbaybullfrogs.comfor more information.

The Green Bay Bullfrogs are a part of the 16-team Northwoods League. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate League in North America.

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Bullfrogs Add Pair From Pac-12 Conference

By Alex Morales - Tue Apr 17 11:00:00 GMT 2012

Wind-power capacity will more than double by 2016 as growing installations in newer markets such as India and Brazil counter weakness in the U.S., where additions are set to decline next year, according to an industry lobby.

World capacity will reach 493 gigawatts in 2016, from 238 gigawatts in 2011, the Global Wind Energy Council said in an e- mailed report today. Installations will jump 8 percent a year on average to 59 gigawatts during 2016, from 41 gigawatts in 2011.

Even with the growth, the biggest wind-turbine makers such as Vestas Wind Systems A/S and Gamesa Corp. Tecnologica SA face shrinking margins because of excess world production and Chinese competition. Prices of turbines sold in the second half of 2011 fell 4 percent to $910,000 a megawatt, the lowest since at least 2008, when records began, Bloomberg New Energy Finance says.

The next five years will be especially tough for manufacturers, with chronic oversupply adding to existing downward pressure from general economic conditions to cut margins dramatically, according to the lobbys report.

Growth in installations will stall next year because of the possible loss of a tax credit in the U.S., the second-biggest market after China, it said. New capacity will rise more than 13 percent to 46 gigawatts this year, drop to 45.8 gigawatts in 2013 and resume gains to 49.4 gigawatts in 2014, 55.2 gigawatts in 2015, and 59.2 gigawatts in 2016, according to the group.

The single greatest factor affecting the global market in 2012 will be the debate on the future of the U.S. Production Tax Credit, Steve Sawyer, the secretary-general of the industry lobby, said in the report. Wrapped up in the politics of a presidential election year, anything could still happen.

The credit grants an incentive worth 2.2 cents a kilowatt- hour and expires at the end of the year. When it was allowed to lapse at the end of 2003, U.S. wind installations declined to 397 megawatts in 2004 from 1,670 megawatts the previous year.

Stable policy is needed for the wind industry to begin to live up to its potential, attracting massive new investment and creating thousands of new jobs, according to the report.

Vestas may fire 1,600 workers in the U.S. if the credit expires, Chief Executive Officer Ditlev Engel said in January.

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Wind-Power Capacity to Double by 2016 After U.S. Dip, Lobby Says

Gaithersburg, Maryland (PRWEB) April 18, 2012

Shanco Companies, a window company in Maryland, recently launched a new windows microsite, ShancoWindows.com. The new site features an informative blog and a photo gallery and it will soon have an FAQ section and a window terminology page. ShancoWindows.com is user-friendly and has a wealth of information on window installation and replacement. On the website, information is also available as to the style, material, and brand of windows Shanco installs and services.

Shanco provides new window installation and full window replacement in Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia. They have been offering window services throughout the area for over 20 years, helping homeowners improve their home efficiency and enhance the exterior of their homes.

Were excited about the launch of the new windows site, says founder and president, Shannon Allcock. We hope it will be useful to both returning customers and prospective clients who are looking for the best window services in the DC area.

About Shanco: For more than 20 years, Shanco has been providing homeowners throughout the greater Washington, DC area with a variety of home improvement and remodeling services. In addition to window installation and replacement, Shanco also offers roofing, door, siding, and gutter services, as well as kitchen and bathroom remodeling.

For more information, visit their website, http://www.goshanco.com, or call 301-208-0848.

Excerpt from:
Maryland Window Company Launches New Microsite

Fairfield plans to replace the windows at Osborn Hill Elementary School.

Photo credit: File

FAIRFIELD, Conn. Fairfield needs more experts to serve on a volunteer building committee. The First Selectmans office has put out a call for candidates for the Osborn Hill Elementary School Window Replacement Committee.

The town has plans to replace the Stillson Road elementary schools aging windows, which date back to the buildings original construction. A building committee would be responsible for planning, budgeting and overseeing the project. The town needs to set up such a committee in order to qualify for state funding for the work.

The First Selectmans office is particularly interested in finding volunteers with experience in construction, general contracting, architecture and finance. Committee members should expect to meet once a month until the project is finished.

The town is also still looking for candidates for itsFairfield Warde High School Roof Building Committee and the permanent Town Facilities Commission. Those who wish to apply can submit a resume via mail at 725 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824 or via email at firstselectmanffld@town.fairfield.ct.us.

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Volunteers Sought for Osborn Hill Building Panel

By Jane Michaels jmichaels@pioneerlocal.com April 17, 2012 1:46PM

Sheri Sauer prepares to cut the ribbon April 10 for the grand opening of her store, Premier Design Cabinets in LaGrange Park, with assistance from Village President Jim Discipio (right). | Photo courtesy of Sheri Sauer

storyidforme: 28856617 tmspicid: 10503891 fileheaderid: 4830869

Updated: April 17, 2012 3:05PM

Environmentally conscious consumers need not worry about kitchen remodeling projects with a solution posed by a new LaGrange Park firm.

Your old cabinets can go to Habitat for Humanity, where they recycle them and they dont go into landfills, said Sheri Sauer, owner of Premier Design Cabinets, who made arrangements with the nonprofit group.

Habitat also will work with appliances to recycle them, too, Sauer said. Theyre very green, very friendly.

Sauer said she chose a variety of new cabinets for her new LaGrange Park showroom, at 1101 E. 31st St., after moving her business in December from an Indian Head Park location for eight years.

I wanted to come to LaGrange Park because I know the opportunity for business is here, and I live here, so I could walk to my showroom, said Sauer, also president of the LaGrange Park Business Association.

Though some observers wouldnt think so, Sauer said her location on 31st Street just east of the Indiana Harbor Belt line railroad tracks works to her advantage.

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LaGrange Park cabinet firm offers eco-friendly choices

The Logan County Commissioners on Tuesday opened the single bid they received for construction of a Safe Room (tornado shelter) at the Central Services Building. They immediately referred it to Dennis Hunt, grant manager, and County Attorney Alan Samber for recommendation.

Later in the meeting, Hunt returned with the bid and suggested the commissioners table it for more negotiation with the grant provider. Hunt also said he wanted to contact FEMA and the Office of Emergency Management for their recommendations.

Dave Conley of the Logan County Lodging Tax Board presented requests for funding from a number of projects. Mega Music, who sponsors the High Plains Music Fest, requested $2,000 for advertising. Commissioner Debbie Zwirn questioned the approval of monies to a business. Conley said that in the past, any profit has been given to high school bands although he does not have any accounting of that.

The commissioners decided to table the request until a representative of Mega Music could be present to answer questions about the event.

The July 4 Heritage Festival request for $2,500 was approved and the Colorado Flatlanders request for $1,500 was also approved.

The commissioners approved $2,500 toward a Logan County Fair Board request. The board had asked for $5,000.

A agreement for construction of the pavilion with restrooms at the fairgrounds with Yost Construction was approved, as was an agreement with Concrete Specialties, Inc., for the construction of a four-inch sewer line for the pavilion/restroom.

In other business, the commissioners approved an agreement with Demolition Derby Racing Association for the promotion and production of the demolitionderby at the Logan County Fair.

Also approved was an agreement with Wattle and Daub Contractors for Phase Five of the Logan County Courthouse Restoration Project to be funded in part by State Historical Fund grant funds, not to exceed $979,727.

The next regular business meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, at the Logan County Courthouse meeting room.

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Construction contracts for fairground improvements signed by Commissioners