WATE 6 On Your Side

Heating and air contractor takes Morgan County veteran's money, doesn't install unit WATE 6 On Your Side DEER LODGE (WATE) A retired Air Force sergeant says he regrets answering a Facebook ad for a heating and air contractor. The contractor and his partner traveled from Oak Ridge to rural Morgan County where they were supposed to install the unit.

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Heating and air contractor takes Morgan County veteran's money, doesn't install unit - WATE 6 On Your Side

Hector Uriarte wants locals to conserve water one toilet flush at a time.

Through a program from the Community Service and Development, Proteus Inc. is offering free replacement of water inefficient toilets.

Uriarte, energy division community development liaison, said homeowners or renters can have toilets with a 1.28-gallon or bigger tank replace with ones that are water efficient.

The swap, given the homeowners or renters qualify, is free.

People reduce water conservation and see a reduction in their water bill, Uriarte said.

The toilet replacement program is just one initiative Proteus, Inc. is offering, including weather-striping, door replacement, glass repair and heating and cooling.

Additional water-saving programs Proteus, Inc. offers include the installation of low-flow shower heads, replacement of high-energy consuming washers and fitting of faucet aerators.

Already in place for nearly a year, the toilet replacing program has meant 7,065 water inefficient toilets are no cost. The cost can add up to $250, with parts running up to $150.

We want people to conserve water, Uriarte said.

There are three ways to qualify for the program: income, reside in a disadvantaged community or live in a city with a water basin or drought stricken area. The program is offered in Tulare, Fresno, Kings, Kern, Los Angeles and San Bernardino.

It takes up to four weeks to complete the process, Uriarte said. Those interested are encouraged to call Proteus, Inc. and provide initial information.

Uriarte said state officials have already determined the locations where the program is in effect. County residents are likely to qualify.

After the initial step, an assessor responds to the address and ensures the toilet is one thats water inefficient, Uriarte said. Then, all the information is sent to state officials for final approval.

Once the paperwork is in proper order, an installation appointment is set and the replacement occurs.

On Wednesday, thats exactly what happened at Arsenia Espindolas Visalia home.

After completing the paperwork process, which started late last month, the water-saving toilet was installed. She said she waited on calling about the program. She had received a letter from Southern California Edison, telling her she had a good chance to qualify.

It took me longer to make the phone call than for them to have the installation done, Espindola said. They know what they are doing.

Espindola said she welcome the installation of the water-saving toilet.

Its a good program, she said. Residents need to conserve and save water.

During her home survey, the accessor took photos and told Espindola she could also qualify for a replacement refrigerator, washer, heater and the cooler.

Espindola said power bill get high during the hot summer months.

Uriarte said residents have until May 31 to apply for the toilet replacement program.

The sooner they can get in, the better it is, he said.

Information: 888-255-2142.

Waterwise is a news and notes column Reporter Luis Hernandez compiles. Send waterwise ideas and suggestions to the reporter on twitter @lfhernanvtd.

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Waterwise: Conservation by the toilet flush - Visalia Times-Delta

(The following letter is addressed to MLA Linda Larson.)

Four years ago when you applied for the job as our MLA you were (as were all other candidates) outraged at the high cost of electricity from FortisBC. For a while you made mention of your efforts in your publications to the constituents of Boundary-Similkameen. Of late there has been little news.

I cannot for the life of me understand why this punitive two-tiered billing system is being continued. I have for four years complained to you, to the BC Utilities Commission and to the people through the newspapers about how unfair this billing practice is to people with electric heat. This system was forced upon the electric utility by the BC Utilities Commission who received their instructions from your government. During the initial hearings to establish this reverse Robin Hood billing plan, Fortis told the commission that this change would be devastating to electric heat customers. No one at the commission listened because they had their marching orders from your government. Electric heat customers were just collateral damage to their plan.

Should we take out our anger and frustration on FortisBC? No we should not. This policy was ordered to be implemented by your Liberal government, and to this day your government continues to defend this unfair billing system.

If your government did not wish people to use electricity for home space heating all they had to do was change the building codes to ban the use of electricity for space heating. This has not been done. In fact the concept of heating electrically was promoted with rebates and allowances to install heat pumps. So now all of the folks that do not have access to gas are now stuck with a heating system that has become so expensive that electric heat users must take drastic actions to find enough money to pay the electric bill or freeze in the dark.

I can guarantee you that poorly heated homes result in illness which can and will impact upon medical costs to the province.

My latest electric bill was for $279.59 for Jan. 4 through to March 6. One could say what are you complaining about? This is a reasonable cost especially considering the very harsh winter. I ask you to bear with me here. For this sum I was able to keep my house at 16.3 C for January and 15 C in February. I ran out of Tier 1 rates on February 13, which meant that the 20 days left in the billing period were all at 15.617 cents for every kWh used. If we had dared to keep the house at 20 C during the day and 17 C at night our cost would be approximately double what we actually paid.

I have installed a high efficiency heat pump, energy saving appliances, energy efficient lighting, a timer on my hot water tank (it runs only eight hours per day), energy saving window coverings, insulated our heating/cooling duct work, installed solar film for summer heat reduction and we practice preventing energy waste by not having any electrical item left on when not in use. We seldom use the electric oven and select foods that we can cook using the less costly microwave. Our house has an energy efficiency rating of 82.7 out of a possible 83 points for a home of this vintage. We can do nothing more except pay the inflated rates or freeze in the dark.

Your government likes to say that electric consumption has declined under the tiered pricing. You are mistaken in this belief.

I do not want something for nothing. I already pay above the cost of production. All I ask is a flat rate (fair to all) or at the very least a different winter rate structure for electric heat users.

My final option now is to not vote for any government or party which refuses to correct this unfair billing practice. Therefore I will not support your re-election and neither will I vote for the NDP party who also is not listening to the rural electric customers who do not have access to natural gas and who are penalized for wanting heat in their homes at a fair price with an environmentally clean product.

I suggest to everyone who can, to switch to a fuel source which is priced fairly, although these options have detrimental environmental consequences.

I am tired of freezing in the dark. Your government does not offer tax subsidies for solar installations and obviously supports the use of polluting fuels over clean options.

I am sure that the Liberal government knows that there are more voters who heat with gas than there are those who depend upon electricity for their space heating.

We who oppose two tiered billing are not going away and will not give up fighting for what is fair.

James B. McGinnigle, Oliver

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Tired of two-tier plan and freezing in the dark | Oliver Chronicle - Oliver Chronicle

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The acclaimed commercial and residential remodeling contractors, J. Lane Construction, with free estimates at 904-500-5263, are offering homeowners in Jacksonville, Florida, kitchen remodeling services with all the custom countertops or cabinets and plumbing, flooring or lighting expertise needed to craft the most elegant, workable space.

Jacksonville, United States April 12, 2017 /PressCable/

The highly popular J. Lane Construction has announced it is now offering a premier range of kitchen remodeling services for homeowners in Jacksonville, Florida, looking to craft and enjoy the most elegant, functional and timeless kitchen.

More information is available at http://www.jlaneconstruction.com.

The renowned J. Lane Construction is one of the most popular, highly rated and sought after licensed general contractors in the Jacksonville, Florida area, with extensive experience and an established reputation for providing the very best in commercial and residential construction, renovation or remodeling.

The acclaimed general contractors have announced they are now offering a premier range of kitchen remodeling services for homeowners in Jacksonville, Florida, looking to turn their kitchen into a uniquely elegant, functional and comfortable space which can boost the value of the property and the whole family can enjoy.

Its kitchen remodeling services are delivered by an experienced team of contractors who are able to offer anything from custom cabinets, countertops and backsplashes to the cabinet refacing or refinishing and all the plumbing, lighting, flooring or painting services needed to craft a timeless space that suits each clients vision, personal taste and lifestyle needs, within a sensible budget and schedule.

Free estimates or consultations on J. Lane Constructions kitchen remodeling services and more information on its other commercial and residential renovation expertise, including bathroom remodeling, room additions, office build-outs, restaurant renovations or roofing, flooring and concrete services, are available at 904-500-5263 or through the website link provided above along with multiple examples of its recent remodeling work and extensive client testimonials.

The J. Lane Construction team explains that a great kitchen is the center and the heart of a great home and there is nothing better than cooking in an elegant, functional space where one feels comfortable in. We transform poorly designed kitchens into beautiful, working spaces that the entire family can use, enjoy and proudly display when having guests over for dinner. And we work personally with each client to customize all the bells and whistles based on their personal style and lifestyle needs to make sure we bring their dream kitchen to life.

Contact Info: Name: Jesse Lane Organization: J. Lane Construction Address: 1301 Riverplace Blvd. Suite 800, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States Phone: +1-904-500-5263

For more information, please visit http://www.jlaneconstruction.com

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Jacksonville Kitchen Renovators Remodeling & Cabinet Refacing Services Announced - MilTech

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is a major topic of conversation when it comes to manufacturing, automobiles, virtual reality and other highly technical industries, but have you ever considered the role A.I. may play in the home -- and the kitchen in particular?

The kitchen is what real estate agents and investors call a "money room." It's often the first room described in a property listing, and the average homeowner spends more waking hours in the kitchen than any other room in the home.

"Not only will you cook and eat your daily meals in your kitchen, but you will also celebrate holidays, entertain guests and spend quality time with family and friends," explains Kitchen Cabinet Kings, a leader in modern kitchen remodeling. "For all these reasons, the design and style of your kitchen is of the utmost importance. This is why most homeowners place kitchen remodeling at the top of their home remodeling to-do list."

But what are homeowners, builders and designers including in their updated kitchens? One recent study of home listings shows that 7% of homes on the market describe their kitchen as being a "chef's kitchen" or "gourmet kitchen." Features in these types of kitchens include things like industrial-size appliances, wet bars, butler's pantries, double ovens, standalone ice makers, wine fridges and lots of counter space.

But the kitchen of the future may look a lot different (at least in terms of functionality). Sure, you'll find wet bars and wine fridges, but you'll also find something that hasn't historically been a part of the classic home kitchen: A.I.

Watson, the powerful IBM computer that famously won a contest of "Jeopardy," gives us a surface-level glimpse of what's possible. Chef James Briscione recently co-authored a cookbook with the A.I. computer and the results are pretty incredible.

Watson is able to identify and recognize flavor profiles of different foods and make suggestions regarding which ingredients work best together. One of the suggestions the computer made involves cooking apples with olive oil instead of butter (because the flavor profiles align better).

"It was something I'd never conceive of doing on my own," Briscione says, "but it was one of the best singular bites that came out of three years [working alongside the machine]."

While a cookbook co-authored by a computer that understands flavor profiles is interesting, there are even more useful applications for A.I. in the kitchen -- and innovators are salivating at the prospects of additional uses.

One commercialized example is Hello Egg. Its appearance may resemble an old egg timer, but it's got a lot more going on inside. It's essentially an assistant that helps people make better use of the more than 400 hours a year they spend in the kitchen.

"Hello Egg comes with cooking assistance even for the most advanced chefs, as well as step-by-step voice-navigated recipe video tutorials and real-time prompts from a human support team for those who might need a little more hand-holding in the kitchen," tech expert Lulu Chang explains. "Moreover, the smart device promises to 'keep a lively conversation going by expressing itself through mimicking facial expressions,' and can also keep you entertained and informed by way of Spotify, audio news feeds, weather forecasts and voice-activated timers and reminders."

Having Watson author a smart cookbook and getting to interact with a little egg that responds to your commands is cool, but the future of A.I. in the kitchen has much more in store than trendy products and gadgets.

Moley is responsible for one of the greatest innovations in this space (to date). And while it's still only a prototype, it's hard not to get excited about the world's first "robotic kitchen."

The prototype, which has been in development for over a year and is now entering into the product launch "pre-sales" phase, is a collaboration between Shadow Robotics, DYSENGO, Yachtline, Sebastian Conran and Stanford University Professor Mark Cutkosky.

"A pair of fully articulated robotic hands now reproduce the entire function of human hands with the same speed, sensitivity and movement," the Moley website explains. The kitchen is operated by a touchscreen computer (or remote device) and is designed to make a delicious meal with nothing but a smart system and robotic arms. And while it's still early in the process of development, the potential here is astounding.

While it may not have been obvious before, new innovation in this space shows that A.I. and the modern kitchen go together like peanut butter and jelly. (Or should we say apples and olive oil?)

We're definitely in the beginning stages and there are lots of kinks to be worked out in all of the technologies mentioned. But once you see the potential, it's hard to imagine future kitchens without some sort of artificial intelligence baked in.

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A.I. in the kitchen: It's not that far from reality | Computerworld - Computerworld

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Using the latest technology, the company gives homeowners the kitchen of their dreams in less than three weeks, reports https://precisehomebuilders.com.

Reseda, CA April 12, 2017 /MarketersMedia/

Precise Home Builders announced the introduction of their 18-day kitchen remodel service. Leveraging the power of the latest 3-D technology, the company wants homeowners to know that their team can create the kitchen of their dreams in a time span of less than three weeks. Precise Home Builders also offers a 12-day Bathroom Remodel Los Angeles as well as a full suite of room addition, swimming pool, and new construction services to meet the needs of homeowners in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

While many homeowners understand the value that bathroom and kitchen remodeling los angeles can bring to their homes, the sheer frustration associated with these types of home improvement projects often makes them hesitant to take the plunge. Refined over the course of the 30 years weve been in business, our quick remodeling process is designed to eliminate hassles and give homeowners the space theyve always dreamed of having. Pulling out the precise details of the clients personal style, our team combines the use of powerful technology and knowledge of the latest trends to produce modern, functional kitchens and bathrooms in no time flat, said Moshe Shachrur of Precise Home Builders.

When it comes to a bathroom or Kitchen Remodel Los Angeles, the team at Precise Home Builders is equipped to take care of every single detail. Over the years, they have established strong relationships with architects, interior designers and trusted suppliers, all of whom respect their commitment to their clientele and are well aware of their demanding standards. Each client will be assisted by a personal project manager throughout each phase of the renovation, and the company will handle all city building permits and inspections on the clients behalf.

Shachrur went on to say, Doing everything in-house not only ensures that our high quality standards are met and exceeded, but that our clients are able to save as much money as possible on their renovation or construction project. Our service encompasses the most important tenets of design, style, and value, putting them all into a complete package that gives the client everything theyve ever wanted in a kitchen or bathroom.

About Precise Home Builders:

The mission of Precise Home Builders is to deliver high-quality products and services at low-cost rates. Their vision is to combine technology, high-quality products, cutting edge design, and reliable construction techniques into a market leading construction company a company who shares a clear vision of the future with its clients. Precise Home Builders invites homeowners to contact their team for a complimentary consultation by filling out their contact form or calling them directly at (800) 805-0692.

Contact Info: Name: Moshe Shachrur Organization: Precise Home Builders Phone: (800) 805-0692

Source URL: http://marketersmedia.com/precise-home-builders-introduces-18-day-kitchen-remodel-service/185557

For more information, please visit https://precisehomebuilders.com

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 185557

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Precise Home Builders Introduces 18-Day Kitchen Remodel Service - MilTech

Bradenton Herald

Office and retail building under construction in Parrish Bradenton Herald Phil Stewart bought one acre of property 22 years ago when Parrish was a sleepy little village with no traffic lights on its two-lane stretch of U.S. 301. He never imagined then that so many homes would be built around the community, or that it would ...

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Office and retail building under construction in Parrish - Bradenton Herald

Michael Barrett Gazette staff GazetteMike

A Charlotte-based financial institution has cleared another hurdle in its bid to establish a new hub in Gastonia.

Park Sterling Bank recently applied for a conditional use permit through the city of Gastonia to build a substantial new office building that will encompass 26,917 square feet. The 6.74-acre site near CaroMont Regional Medical Center is zoned to accommodate offices, but the city requires such a permit there for any proposed building that will be in excess of 25,000 square feet.

The Gastonia Planning Commission approved the request this month.

Park Sterling announced last summer it would begin searching for property for an expansion in Gastonia. Then in the fall, the company pulled the trigger, paying Gaston County $938,000 for a plot of publicly-owned land at the corner of Plastics Drive and Summit Crossing.

The bank initially stated its new one-story structure would only include 24,500 square feet, though its plan has only grown since then. Overall, the project will represent a total investment of roughly $3.7 million here.

Park Sterlings push is part of its broader plan to consolidate many of its back-office operations, which will involve bringing jobs from South Carolina to Gastonia. The lands position within the city limits means Gastonia will also see a boost to its tax base, just like the county.

Park Sterling CEO Jim Cherry said recently that Gastonia is a logical place to consolidate since they already have such a heavy presence here, and the banks leadership has been impressed with the local labor force.

The consolidation will move at least 15 new jobs into Gaston from other Park Sterling locations. The groups operating deposits, retail, bank cards, electronic banking, trusts and loans operations will move into one location in or near Gastonia.

The original plan last year was to finish constructing the new office building and move into it by late 2017, though that timetable may be pushed back.

The space will be mostly open space with cubicles, as well as some offices.

The companys headquarters will remain in Charlotte, where it was founded 11 years ago. Since then, mergers have helped the company grow to include some 60 offices and 529 employees.

You can reach Michael Barrett at 704-869-1826 or on Twitter @GazetteMike.

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Park Sterling Bank moves closer to construction of new facility - Gaston Gazette

An office renovation at 30 Broad Street. Yvonne Albinowski/For Commercial Observer

Over the last three years, alterations have generated an average of $9.3 billion in construction work annually, nearly half of which came from commercial renovations, according to a new report from the New York Building Congress.

Commercial buildingsincluding offices, hotels and retailaccounted for 46 percent of all alteration permits by value in 2016, and office construction made up 70 percent of those commercial permits. Overall, the New York City Department of Buildings issued 5,641 permits for renovations last year.

Interior construction is the unsung hero of the construction industry, said Carlo Scissura, NYBCs president and chief executive officer. And office renovation is on the rise as owners of half-century-old Midtown office buildings try to draw tenants who might otherwise move to new developments Downtown or on the Far West Side.

With Hudson Yards, the Brookfield Properties at Manhattan West and the World Trade Center, theres a lot of new office space being built, Scissura explained. A lot of commercial buildings are trying to compete, so theyre spending millions of dollars to upgrade their buildings. If you drive up Sixth Avenue, every single building is under renovation.

Work on large institutional buildings was the second-biggest driver of renovations last year, making up just over a third of all alteration permits. Institutional buildings is a broad category that includes public schools, higher education, hospitals, entertainment and cultural facilities, as well as government buildings. Among institutional buildings, schools tend to have the priciest renovations, averaging more than $3 million per permit. But across all building types, upgrades of miscellaneous nonresidential structures like subway stations, park facilities and libraries tend to be the priciest.

Multifamily buildings came in third, accounting for 16 percent of all alteration permits issued last year.

Not surprisingly, 70 percent of all alteration permits were issued for work in Manhattan, which is home to 93 percent of the citys office renovations. Brooklyn had 13 percent of renovation permits, followed by Queens with 9 percent, the Bronx with 7 percent and Staten Island with just 1 percent.

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Renovations Drove $9 Billion in NYC Construction Last Year: Building Congress - Commercial Observer

TYLER, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

KP Engineering, LP (KPE), an energy industry leader in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) solutions, has released detailed plans and the architectural renderings for its new building in Tyler, Texas. The new building will be adjacent to the current Tyler office and will include more than 25,000 square feet of additional offices, design workstations, and state-of-the-art conference rooms incorporating the latest conferencing technology. Design and engineering of the building are nearing completion, and construction is expected to begin in April.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170412005327/en/

As one of the fastest growing EPC companies in the nation, the new building is in response to KPEs growing headcount which has increased markedly since KPE opened its then-new headquarters building in 2015. The new building will relieve overcrowding and replace the temporary offices currently located adjacent to the Tyler location.

KPEs newest building will be a tangible representation of our stellar growth and promising future, said President and Chief Operating Officer, William Preston. Its a direct reflection of the dedication of our employees and our engineering, design and execution prowess that leads to efficient, on-time projects. KPE takes great pride in assisting our partner-clients with executing successful projects.

A testament to KPEs breadth of EPC expertise, the company has recently added several major EPC projects including a cryogenic gas processing plant, a syngas processing unit, a new gasoline hydrotreater, a refinery debottlenecking project, a condensate splitter and associated tank farm, an NGL fractionator, and numerous process studies. KPE plans to complete construction of the new office facility by year end in order to accommodate the growing demand for KPEs expertise and services.

In addition to its growing presence in Tyler, KPE has an additional office in the Energy Corridor in Houston, Texas.

About KPE

KP Engineering, LP provides value-based EPC solutions to clients in the refining, midstream, chemical, and syngas industries. KPE offers a full range of EPC services and specializes in fixed-price contracting. KPE combines technical expertise and in-depth experience with an integrated engineering and project management approach to deliver cost-effective projects to markets such as domestic refiners, natural gas processors, chemical manufacturers, and storage terminal operators.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170412005327/en/

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170412005327/en/

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KP Engineering Announces Plan for New Office Building in Tyler - Yahoo Finance