A smattering of power outages happened at the start of a winter storm that Consumers Power officials predicted could be "devastating." As of 4 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, nearly 750 Byron Township customers were without power, an outage near Spring Lake Township had been repaired, and nearly 1,000 customers living in Muskegon's Lakeside area, south of Muskegon Lake, were in the dark. In all, Consumers' crews were dealing with 44 outages affecting just over 2,500 customers.

Saturday, January 11, 2020 4:19 a.m. EST by Peg McNichol

Editor's note: This story will be updated as the storm progresses. For area cancellations -- and a few beyond this area -- visit whtc.com/cancellations.

HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) -- A smattering of power outages happened at the start of a winter storm that Consumers Power officials predicted could be "devastating." As of 4 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, nearly 750 Byron Township customers were without power, an outage near Spring Lake Township had been repaired, and nearly 1,000 customers living in Muskegon's Lakeside area, south of Muskegon Lake, were in the dark. In all, Consumers' crews were dealing with 44 outages affecting just over 2,500 customers.

Police and emergency managers, and Homeland Security officials across the state were on alert, too, ready for the affects of rain, ice, snow, travel issues, and power outages. Michigan State Police emailed a statement to media, quoting Gov. Getchen Whitmer, who said keeping Michiganders safe during severe weather is one of her top priorities.

"My office, along with state departments, will be closely monitoring weather conditions as they develop and proactively coordinating with emergency managers to support local response efforts as appropriate," she said. "We are also encouraging Michiganders to be safe and take precautions during these extreme weather conditions that are being predicted this weekend.

The National Weather Service meteorologists out of Grand Rapids predicted 2 to 4 inches of rain, with a transtion to freezing rain and sleet, and snow by late Saturday afternoon.

That makes flooding in low-lying areas likely, continued erosion along the Lakeshore, with the ice creating dangerous travel conditions and power outages.

Tips from the MSP statement include:

During a power outage

To stay safe during a winter storm

Safe winter driving tips

Preparing for a flood

Driving in a flood

Michigan weather is unpredictable any time of year, but especially during the winter months. If you are stranded in a winter storm, do not leave your vehicle. Stay with the vehicle and wait for help.

Motorists are encouraged to check travel conditions and weather reports before driving at http://www.michigan.gov/roadconditions. Major road closures can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/drive. The MSP/EMHSD asks that you tune into local news and/or view these websites rather than calling your local MSP post or 911 for travel conditions.

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit http://www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.

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Greater Holland Area Power Outages, Cancellations | News | 1450 99.7 WHTC - WHTC News

We have not started a new decade. I repeat, we have not started a new decade.

This truth will not affect lazy sports talk show or entertainment show hosts so obsessed with Best of the Decade programs. Seeing the number 20 in the year just drives people bonkers. I can only hope my industry editorial colleagues show some restraint. Nevertheless, we are still in the decade of the 2010s. Do the math, and youll see.

So until this 10th year reaches its completion at midnight, December 31, 2020, you have another year to put a ribbon on this decade of the 10s.

Start by attending the 2020 AHR Expo, Feb. 3-5 in Orlando. Always a great event with which to begin the HVACR industrys new year, this show brings the entire industry together for three days of product news, educational sessions, networking and for this year, you will enjoy the beautiful weather of sunny Florida.

Positive Outlook, Challenges NotedThe International Exposition Company and the AHR Expo management team has again released an industry outlook in advance of the show. And again we see you picked a great industry of which to be a part.

This Annual Economic Outlook Survey of HVACR manufacturers and attendees provides a snapshot actually, it's more like an expansive pan shot of their opinions of the HVACR industry's business opportunities and hurdles to clear as the new year begins.

We all know the economy has been strong, and that's reflected here. Seventy-five percent of the 1,418 total respondents said they expect business to increase; 25% said they expect business to increase by more than 10 percent. Seventy-nine percent said 2020 prospects for business are expected to be good or excellent.

Segment-wise, light commercial, hospital and residential market segment respondents have a "good" or "excellent" outlook, 72%, 67% and 64% respectively. Respondents said the best prospects for 2020 growth are in maintenance/replacement (72%); retrofit/renovation (67%); and new construction (64%).

Opportunities/Issues/Concerns

When asked to list areas of most concern and greatest perceived opportunities, responses were right in line with what we've heard over the past year or two:

Tariffs

Energy efficiency & DOE regulations

Low GWP refrigerants and R22 phase out

Growth of data centers

Regulatory compliance and new standards

Lack of skilled workforce and opportunities to grow the trades

Automation and self- diagnostic controls

Energy considerations

Modularization

Deregulation and implications to competition

Growth of big box retailers

Global market

Short-term implications of a trade war

Consolidation of manufacturers

SEER regulations

IoT, IIoT and system protocols

Digitalization

Outcome of the 2020 Election and resulting economy

Indoor Air Quality and consumer considerations

New Technologies VRF, mini-splits, geothermal, tankless, VRV, green initiatives, etc.

New Product ConsiderationsAmong both show attendees and exhibitors surveyed, both groups named RELIABILITY as the most important consideration when choosing a product, followed by:

For Attendees First Costs Comfort Energy Efficiency Maintenance Indoor Air Quality Sustainability

For ExhibitorsEnergy EfficiencyIndoor Air QualityFirst CostsMaintenanceComfortSustainability

FIND THE ENTIRE SURVEY ON THE AHR SHOW NEWSROOM.

THIS YEAR'S pre-show survey included for the first time commentary from some industry endorsing organizations. Among their detailed comments:

ASHRAE: "Human wellness within the built environment is an area of significant opportunity. ASHRAE's leadership role will expand in IEQ to support the growing interest in wellness and operational success in buildings by incorporatingobjectives into ASHRAE technical activities and working with other organizations to link the built environment to operational excellence." Darryl Boyce, President, ASHRAE

AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute: "Our industry continues its steady commitment to increased energy efficiency, environmental performance, convenience and comfort for its products, equipment, and customers." "One of the biggest opportunities is the industry industry coming together to lobby for and get legislation passed that would establish a national phase down schedule for HFCs. This could provide some certainty for manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and others with respect to when equipment using alternative refrigerants will need to be available." Steve Yurek, AHRI President & CEOBACnet:"There is a growing understanding in the industry that the Internet of Things is driving a host of technologies that can improve building controls but the business models and products in consumer IoT do not meet commercial building owner needs.This has led to a broad consensus on the need for a focus on commercial building IoT (BloT) to leverage technologies like cloud analytics and big data without compromising the requirements of building owners." Andy McMillan, BACnet President

CABA (Continental Automated Buildings Association): "The market has seen some cost incentives for the adoption of intelligent buildings technologies in HVACR and this is an encouraging development. Cost incentives recognize that more intelligent and responsive systems are better equipped to support peak demand reduction programs and energy savings during high consumption periods for heating and cooling. For example, advanced occupancy and lighting sensors that work with lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Ron Zimmer, CABA President & CEO

HVI (Home Ventilating Institute: "There are more code-driven initiatives being operationalized as we complete 2019 and move into 2020. California's Title 24 is prompting questions on how to adequately meet the code. California's energy code is designed to reduce wasteful and unnecessary energy consumption in newly constructed and existing buildings." "New codes being adopted are causing confusion for the designers and installers of HVAC equipment. Education is going to be paramount as manufacturers market their products in different regions of the country." Jacki Donner, HVI Executive Director & CEO

HI (Hydraulic Institute): "With lighting incentives fading out in 2020, building and system owners will find new pump related incentive programs that many utilities are now launching to meet their energy efficiency goals." "2020 will bring an important new regulation requiring energy efficient pumps. In January 2020, approximately 25 percent of clean water pumps between 2-200 hp will no longer be on the market." Michael Michaud, HI Executive Director

NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association: "NADCA is in the final stages of the first round of an Energy Study. Led by Dan Stradford, NADCA Vice President, in partnership with Dr. Mark Hernandez of the University of Colorado at Boulder, this study was formulated to determine if any statistically significant changes in energy usage was associated with systematic HVAC duct and and heat-transfer equipment cleaning. The executive summary of this study is in review, and will be released in early Spring." Jodi Araujo, NADCA Chief Staff Executive

SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association):"Our members are interested in seeing virtual design advances along with new construction concepts and applications. They are eager to see what tools and applications make significant improvements in fabrication and installation processes." Thomas Soles, SMACNA Executive Director, Market Sectors

WHVACR (Women in HVACR): "The possibility of Uberization in HVAC,like Yellow Taxi is a potential wake up call for thousands of HVAC companies nationwide. Today, its more important than ever to continue to build strong and loyal relationships with your customer base. We can tie more loyalty between customers and service providers to maintain a relationship even if big box stores start providing home services like Uber." Danielle Putnam, President, WHVACRSo, is the HVACR industry alive with change, innovation and challenging issues? Yes.

Will you attend the 2020 AHR Expo in Orlando, Florida? Only you can answer that.

Continued here:
10 ways to work on your business in 2020 - Contracting Business

In my last column, I wrote about governments resolving to be better prepared to deal with disasters. Today, I propose some timely resolutions any of us can make to help create a better world.

I suggest we resolve to tread more lightly on the face of the earth, leaving as small and shallow a footprint as possible. Do not destroy natural habitat without good reason. Do not litter or pollute the air, water or soil. Conserve all natural resources such as water, soil and natural beauty. Avoid needless waste. Instead, when given the opportunity, we should undo all the damage that has been done.

Pull or otherwise remove invasive weeds that are not native to the area, pick up litter and see that its properly disposed of. Plant more trees and other suitable plants to improve the soil, add beauty and gain cleaner air. Lets not waste any resource reuse, recycle, reduce usage and repurpose. Be careful not to pollute streams or soil. Read labels and follow directions.

I suggest making a plan that at regular intervals we help someone less fortunate, whether directly or through agencies that provide that help. This could include giving unwanted clothing items to a thrift shop or charity, giving to a food bank or joining a group such as the Gleaners who pick fruit from abandoned trees or fruit from privately owned trees with the owners permission.

Be an advocate for those agencies, private or governmental, that work to help those in need. Volunteer your labor to take care of animals at the Humane Society. Speak out at regular meetings of the city council, county commissioners as an advocate for your cause. Write your legislators, congressmen and congresswomen.

Vow, at regular intervals, to do something nice for friends who are ill, disabled or lonely. Take them flowers from your garden, take them baked goodies if they can have them, take them out to lunch or for a ride in the countryside or just visit them. Offer services such as grocery shopping, babysitting, errand running, lawn mowing or snow shoveling, or whatever is needed such as general yard cleanup to friends or neighbors in need of these services.

Tackle your weaknesses. Mine will be to not be such a champion procrastinator. How happy Id be to finally catch up on routine chores and occasionally have a house that has been thoroughly clean all at once instead of the piecemeal approach. I remember one of our high school class reunions when one of the gals came sporting a big button that said just duit. Instead of procrastinating, just do it. I find I need lots of reminding. Its easy to forget how good it feels right after you just dun it.

Another resolution Ill be making is to tackle my piling system to make it really workable. When I dont get to the bottom of each pile soon enough Im often embarrassed by failure to act in a timely manner. I should also resolve to talk less and more softly.

I spent a good bit of my life not practicing that, but eventually managed to rein myself in and modulate my voice until my husband lost a good bit of his hearing. Then all my efforts came to naught. Im sure there are some people who wish Id try again. These days, most of my conversations are at the pool where everyone needs to talk over the noise of screaming kids and the PA systems loud music. I think the main thing to remember if you forget or backslide, you can always start over. One slip doesnt negate the whole year. Also remember, when you remember and keep your resolutions, pat yourself on the back and reward yourself with a special treat.

Lenna Harding lived her first 20 and past 43 years in Pullman. A longtime League of Women Voters member, she served on the Gladish Community and Cultural Center board.

Visit link:
Her View: More resolutions to make our world a better place - Moscow-Pullman Daily News

BRANSON, Mo. (Edited News Release) -- After 70 years of compassionate care in the community, the mission that drives Cox Branson remains as strong as the bricks that built it: To improve the health of those it serves.

While the original brick hospital is still the pillar of the medical centers campus, new expansions have nestled in beside it to accommodate seven decades of growth seeing Branson bloom from rural town to booming tourist destination.

That old building may seem smaller now but, in 1950, the grand structure was the talk of the town. Rumblings to build it began a few years earlier when local businessman M.B. Skaggs, the founder of Safeway stores, witnessed a child die before she could be transferred to Springfield for treatment. M.B. and his wife Estella knew in that moment that Branson needed a hospital and they began rounding up support to build one.

Mr. Skaggs challenged local residents to donate as much money as they could to pay for a community hospital and he promised to match the funds. Nineteen business leaders chipped in for the construction, making way for Skaggs Community Hospital to be built for approximately $250,000.

The completed building was given to the community as a gift with citizens asked to equip and furnish the facility. The Skaggs family contributed another $50,000 to get the hospital ready for patients. On January 8, 1950, the hospital opened its doors with 25 beds, five physicians and six nurses aides.

More than 1,500 locals toured the hospital on opening day. An article written for the White River Leader that weekend described the facility as the best modern construction engineers can provide stocked with the best medical equipment that can be used. The Skaggs family had seen their dream come true and were excited for people in the area to have access to quality health care in their hometown.

Branson mayor Edd Akers fondly remembers being only 8 years old watching the hospital go up. By the time he was 11, he was an unofficial employee working hard to keep the facilitys lawn in shape. My brother and I had two little push mowers and wed mow the entire grounds for 25 bucks. It took us about two days to finish and by the time we got done, it was almost time to mow again, he says with a chuckle. Dad would take us to the dime store and wed spend our money on wooden airplanes and passes to the city pool. I feel so blessed to remember that story.

Akers loyalty to the hospital continued long after his lawn mowing days were done. He went on to serve on the Board of Directors in the 1990s. Today, as mayor, he realizes the historical significance of Branson getting a hospital, saying a city with good schools and quality health care is vital to attract new residents. Getting this hospital was a game-changer for our community, he says. Reflecting on how folks came together to make it happen just shows the true spirit of Branson.

That same spirit helped shape the culture among staff through the years. Jan Harper, the nurse who pioneered the current cardiac rehab program, reflects on those early days. In the 1970s, there would be one RN on duty at night covering the medical floor, labor and delivery and the ER, she says. We even answered the police phone if the officer was out making rounds.

Harper says even though the staff was small, their commitment to patients never wavered, even when the weather got bad. Wed all stay the night at the hospital if it snowed or got icy, she says. And the doctor would ride a horse to town to check on patients. We just had ways of making it work.

Long-time employees like Harper have witnessed quite the evolution in medical advances through the years. The changes have been incredible. I started teaching CPR and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and helped open the first Intensive Care Unit in 1972, Harper recalls. Before that unit opened, there were three of us working doubles to care for critical patients. We were blessed to witness the hospital grow from its early roots to its modern day medical center. In a way, its the house that built me.

While the hospital continued to advance in all areas of diagnostics and treatment, as decades went by, some growing pains became apparent. Skaggs Community Hospital was struggling to meet growing needs due to decreased revenue and lack of other funding sources. In January 2012, Skaggs President William Mahoney approached the board with an idea to keep the hospital relevant in changing times and keep quality health care in Branson by finding a strategic partner.

After an 8-month search, the board narrowed 12 potential partners down to two and, in a 96-0 decision, trustees voted to join CoxHealth. CoxHealth, which is headquartered in Springfield, planned to invest $100 million in the hospital, including building and equipment upgrades.

Just one year after the agreement was signed, the hospital broke ground on a 63,000-square-foot expansion of the Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit, presenting a $30 million investment in the community. In addition, CoxHealth made a $25 million investment in the Skaggs Foundation to improve the health and wellness of residents in Taney and Stone counties. The remaining funds were invested into capital equipment needs over the first five years of the agreement. Under the partnership agreement, Skaggs Regional Hospital officially became Cox Medical Center Branson on January 1, 2013.

Even though the future of rural health care in America stands on shaky ground, Cox Branson continues to thrive and expand in the community.

Community hospitals all over America are closing, says Lynne Yaggy, chief nursing officer and VP of Clinical Services. But here we are, growing and providing the most innovative care for those who need us without losing that hometown hospitality. Thats a legacy I know that Skaggs family would be proud of.

The hospital prides itself on a culture it says cant be matched that feeling that every employee and patient is family. My hope for our future is to continue to fulfill our mission and keep that culture strong so all who come here feel the difference in our care, says President William Mahoney. Our hospital is not just an economic engine for our community. It is and has been for 70 years a safety net and house of healing for those in need. When everything is breaking down around you, you can still come to us and be comforted, protected and uplifted. That legacy is possible because the Skaggs familys dream created such a strong foundation for all of us now and into the future.

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'The House that Built Me': Branson hospital celebrates 70 years - KY3

Homeowners do a lot to keep their home looking clean and fresh. Mowing the lawn, shoveling the walkway, power washing the deck and siding, repainting, and more.

But something that many homeowners forget about is roof cleaning.

Your roof and gutters might be less of an aesthetic factor when it comes to keeping your home clean and sleek, but that doesn't mean it's any less important to keep clean. In fact, it's one of the most important areas of the home to maintain. Unlike lots of aesthetic upgrades homeowners can worry about sometimes, cleaning your roof can help you avoid costly damage.

We know that not everyone is a roofing expert, which is where we can help. We're going to go over 4 things to know about the importance of roof cleaning services so you can get started before you end up needing a roof repair.

Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of your roof during the winter. These can form as a result of not cleaning the snow and/or debris off of your roof after snowfall or after a storm.

As the snow melts and runs off the roof, it can freeze at the edge of the roof forming a large wall of ice known as an ice dam. This prevents water from draining off the roof, which makes the problem progressively worse over time.

Ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof and to your home. They can lead to leaks, shingle and roof damage, dangerous icicle formation, gutter damage, and more.

There's a very simple fix to preventing ice dam formation: roof and gutter cleaning.

Cleaning your roof and clearing off any snow and debris on it can prevent the formation of ice dams. It's important to either do this very carefully or hire a roofing professional to clean the roof as inexperience can lead to further roof damage, gutter damage, or physical injury.

Read more about ice dam prevention here.

The roof over your head protects you and your family from the weather, the elements, and nature in general. That means that it's exposed to all of those things 24/7, which, in turn, means that dirt, water, leaves, plants, and more all find their way onto the roof at some point.

The problem is that rain and snow can often make your roof appear clean when there's actually dirt, moss, lichen, and algae existing all over the roof (especially on the side that gets less sun).

Just because these things can appear invisible doesn't mean that they aren't a problem for you and your home. They can also cause aesthetic problems: these things can make your roof appear blotchy and stained with dark blue and green splotches on various parts of the roof.

Algae, moss, and lichens on your roof can greatly decrease your roof's lifespan and increase the likelihood you'll need a roof replacement sooner. They can lead to gutter and shingle damage as well.

Not only that, but these things can also harbor mold spores, which can lead to mold growth. Mold can cause various negative health consequences throughout your home.

Roof cleaning services can get rid of, and prevent, algae, moss, and lichen growth on your roof. Cleaning after you notice any of this growth can reduce any potential damage it causes.

Failing to clean your roof can lead to shingle damage as a result of ice dams, falling debris, and the algae/moss/lichen growth. Damaged or missing roof shingles can lead to serious problems with your roof including:

Shingle damage in the winter is especially damaging. Debris, snow, and ice can easily damage or remove shingles if they are not cleaned properly. This can allow water to seep into your roof, walls, and more.

When that water freezes, it can lead to cracks in your roof, walls, and home's structure. Not only is this very expensive to fix, it's also extremely dangerous for your home's structural integrity.

Cleaning your roof consistently, or having it cleaned by a professional, can reduce the chance of shingle damage.

Moss and algae as well as ice dams and shingle damage can lead to excess water seeping into your roof.

This leads to increased chances that you'll get a leaky roof, freezing water damage, and wood rot. Water getting into the wood of your roof and home can lead to serious rotting damage that can be very expensive to have repaired. If the damage is extensive, you might need a roof replacement.

You're better off properly cleaning and maintaining your roof to prevent this from happening. Wood rot can often go undetected by homeowners, so you might not always know it's happening. That's another reason why consistent roof cleanings are essential for the health and longevity of your roof.

Roof cleaning is an important part of maintaining your roof. Clearing off snow, debris, dirt, and other natural elements can extend your roof's lifespan and reduce any potential damage caused to both your roof and your home.

However, it's easy to neglect cleaning, forget about it, or not understand the importance, which is where professional roof repair comes in. At Farina Roofing, we understand the importance of roof cleaning services and how it can affect repairs.

We take care of everything and can make sure that your roof is clean and repaired after storms, neglect, or damage. Contact us today to get an inspection and our professional opinion on what you need.

This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local sponsor. The views expressed in this post are the author's own.

For more about Community Partner, click here.

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4 Things to Know About the Importance of Roof Cleaning - Patch.com

Back in October, something happened that sent shock waves across America. Regardless of age, gender or political affiliation jaws universally dropped at the sight of Ellen DeGeneres sitting with George W. Bush as the Dallas Cowboys took on the Green Bay Packers. There was footage of them laughing with their wives, eating popcorn, and enjoying an NFL game like normal people. And do you remember what happened? People went absolutely nuts. Claws came out. Ellen was vilified.

When Ellen addressed the situation she remarked, "People were upset. They thought, why is a gay Hollywood liberal sitting next to a conservative Republican president? A lot of people were mad. And they did what people do when they're mad... they tweet."

In true Ellen fashion she offered this guidance: "But just because I don't agree with someone on everything doesn't mean that I'm not going to be friends with them," she said. "When I say, 'be kind to one another,' I don't only mean the people that think the same way that you do. I mean be kind to everyone."

Thats a simple, but powerful notion: be kind to one another not just the people that think the same way you do. Its especially relevant in a quaint community at a crossroads.

In full transparency, Im no longer a resident of Walden; however, I still call it home, and am fortunate to have called the mountain that for all my life. Its a pleasure watching my young children erupt in laughter going down the slides at the Pumpkin Patch. I remember pitching in at the very first community workdays during its construction as a student at Thrasher Elementary. We surprised my father for his 65th birthday with a splendid evening at the recently transformed McCoy Farm and Gardens. He beamed as he showed me the walls he painted, where he and other dedicated citizens spent hours tearing into overgrown shrubs, and the meticulous detail that went into picking the counter tops for the gut-renovated bathrooms. On the way home, he remarked about the stately new Walden town signs and how delighted he was for Walden to have an identity that people are connected to and proud of.

My father, Bill Trohanis, has been serving the community of Walden now for nearly a decade originally as an alderman, vice mayor and currently, as mayor. As the community transitions with the rezoning of the Lines Orchids property, I felt like a perspective into my father and your mayor could be beneficial.

Hes creative, compassionate and mildly obsessive-compulsive about design (I wont confirm or deny rumors that I lost my first job mowing our yard because the stripes in our lawn werent cut at perfect 45-degree angles). Hes been known to clean the door jams of our cars with a toothbrush. He spent hours, over multiple visits, with the architect of the new Waldens Ridge fire hall, ensuring that the aesthetic reflects positively on Walden. Let me assure you my father loves details (and works tirelessly to ensure theyre perfect) and absolutely wants anything with his name stamped on it, to bring satisfaction to the citizens of Walden.

Ive wrestled with the dilemma of if or when I chime in on the ongoing debate in my hometown. As claims become more outlandish and personal attacks persist, I could no longer sit idly by.

The social contract we hold as individual contributors to the fabric of our community empowers us with the freedom to speak up. Thankfully, were all encouraged to voice our opinions, and its a crucial element of any community to be able to do so freely. However, a concerning pattern has emerged among some of the residents of Walden and Signal Mountain that is a stark contrast from merely expressing concern, a difference of opinion, or even an impassioned protest.

For those reading this that choose to continue to instigate and torment rather than constructively debate or (heaven forbid) collaborate, before you press send on the next scathing email or spread another piece of misinformation, I hope you pause and think, Is this the most productive way to make a difference or better yet, to contribute to the well-being of my community or am I just steamed and looking for a punching bag? Or further is it possible to fully appreciate the diverse, basic needs that come from a wide range of household income, or even the influx of young families moving to Walden? Its a complex, multifaceted issue with a striking resemblance to the polarizing, tribal political environment were trapped in nationally.

Further, for anyone convinced that their own interpretation of whats best for Walden is superior to those holding office, I encourage you to channel your energy into worthwhile acts of service that make this community a better place to live and enjoy, now and for generations to come.

And for my father when he reads this (who might not be pleased I inserted myself into the situation), I hope you know that Im so proud of what you and the Board of Aldermen have done and continue to do for the community of Walden. Im proud that youve patiently listened to, and considered, all sides of this critical decision. Youve acted with integrity throughout the entire process, and remained courageously steadfast in the face of threats, lame intimidation tactics and a mirage of poorly-constructed (and some borderline unethical) distractions.

As this issue runs its course, and hopefully soon draws to a close, I challenge each of you regardless of which side of the fence youre on to pour your effort into ensuring Walden continues to be an inclusive, thriving community for all of us residents (both former and current), visitors or merely passersby.

Remember that story about Ellen and George W. Bush? In the coverage of this story, there were hundreds of negative, blistering tweets from Ellen viewers, but one stood out as particularly poignant: "Ellen and George Bush together makes me have faith in America again."

I, too, hope that those on each side of this debate come together to give me faith in Walden once again.

William Trohanis II

* * *

The opinion piece by Mayor Trohaniss son speaks of the social contract When Mayor Trohanis and Alderperson McKenzie ran for office, made promises, and were elected, part of that social contract that they surely must have understood was that the sleepy little town of Walden is not at all well-suited for the type and scope of development that is being brought in.

These two yes voters are in violation of their implicit or express promises that they would represent their constituents faithfully and competently.

Tim Deere20 year resident of Walden

* * *

William Trohanis II- Thank you for bringing the proper perspective to this situation in your well written opinion.

Mr. Deere- Reasonable people can disagree in a fair and professional manner. Reasonable points can be made for the development and against the development. When an individual does not agree with your position does notmean that they are necessarily wrong. In this case, I believe the majority of Walden residents think the positives outweigh the negatives for this development.

To yes voters- Thank you for representing the Walden constituents faithfully and competently.

David Garvey30 year resident of Walden

Originally posted here:
A Plea For Civility In Walden - And Response (2) - The Chattanoogan

Industries in Toronto are better known for their customer satisfaction and quality of products. The city-based roofing company, Universal Roofs Inc. has been maintaining this legacy for a long time. The company is one of the best roofing companies in North America due to its thousands of happy clients.

Universal Roofs Inc. has a dedicated team of roofers that are conducting any roof-related projects with professional and advances roofing skills. The company is enhancing its skills through every roofing project in the city while providing exceptional quality service.

Roofers Toronto is offering perfect installation of siding, skylines, gutters and soffit fascia. It has a unique idea for every bad roof. This quality of the company is moving its ranking at the topmost position in North America. Universal Roofs Inc. is providing skylight installation that allows homeowners to switch off their light to enjoy the natural reflectance.

The roofs installed by the company are safeguarding the homeowners from any water leakage problems during the rainy season. It is using advanced tools for the job to provide the best roofing service.

There are many parts in Canada where rain can do serious damage to the roofs. Universal Roofs Inc. is conducting emergency roof repair in those areas. Currently, Universal Roofs Inc. is taking care of many roofing projects in Toronto with its skilled workforce. It is the topmost roof solution provider that has years-long experience as a roofer.

The companys roof installation and repair prices are affordable that match the budget of any residential and commercial property owner.

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Universal Roofs Inc. has become one of the best Roofer in North America - America Daily Post

Capital improvement projects for the city numerous and focused

WASHOUGAL Theres quite a bit happening in Clark Countys fourth largest city. Washougals capital improvement projects for 2020 are now moving into action and they cover everything from public bike tracks to drinking water for future residents.

Now viewable in a specific page on the citys newly redone main website, each project either launched on Jan. 1, 2020, is being carried over from 2019 or is now listed as complete.

Every capital improvement project the city undertakes is a part of the citys Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) which provides funding for large-scale, high-priority endeavors.

Projects for community infrastructure are roughly an even mix of ongoing and new this year. Most notably is the remodel of the citys Civic Center adjacent to City Hall.

Weve just been agonizing over the completion of the Civic Center siding and windows and upgrades and everything, said Washougal Mayor Molly Coston. Its been lingering so long, but you know, it hasnt been upgraded in 40 years. The perspective of the city is although wed like to have it finished, we want to do it right.

The remodel was started in 2019 and is expected to be completed sometime in February 2020. Included in the project are the installation of new windows and siding, as well as work on city halls restrooms and break areas.

The center is used year-round as a hub for community events such as Meals On Wheels and the cold weather shelter during the winter. The total cost for the remodel is $750,000.

In the realm of parks and outdoor amenities, one of the citys largest and longest undertakings will likely be completed, or at least 90 percent complete in 2020: Schmid Ball Fields.

We thought we were going to be able to do it in five years, you know, put a whole complex of ball fields out there, and of course, we ran into challenges, Coston said. Now Im hoping that well be able to start that project. Were well underway. We have a lot of planning and design in place and the softball league is very committed to helping us achieve our goals this year.

Conceptualized in the early 2000s, the fields have been contracted and expanded little by little, and are now entering their third phase. This final step will include the construction of the third field, making the site viable for tournaments.

A parking lot, additional driveway onto Evergreen Way, lighting, as well as concessions and permanent restrooms will all be parts of phase three. The project will close out at a cost of approximately $2.6 million over the course of close to 20 years.

The property is the school district property. Weve been fortunate to have a very robust, healthy relationship with them over all this time, and I know thatll continue, Coston said. We will provide the funding for the ball fields, theyll provide the facilities and then we sort of jointly share maintenance.

Perhaps the most unique of all current projects is the completion of the second phase of the Hamlik Park Bike Pump Track. The track is already partially open, with the second half powered in part by volunteers and volunteer dollars.

This has been on the books for a couple of years now, and I hope that 2020 will see finality to this where we can do this because theres some real champions in our community to make this happen, said Coston.

Pump tracks are essentially tight circuits consisting of many rolling hills and banked turns usually constructed out of wooden planks, dirt mounds or concrete. The idea is to no pedal and instead gain speed and momentum by pumping the bike up and down on the ups and downs.

The track is aimed at mid-teens with an emphasis on providing an outdoor recreation opportunity as well as a place to teach bike safety and do training. The final and maximum expenditure for the track is $32,000 with the only remaining expense being maintenance.

I know it will be very beneficial not only for kids in our area, but for kids all over the area to come out and do some competitions and challenges and bike safety things, said Coston.

The completion of the majority of the Steamboat Landing Dock occured in 2019, with the final demolition of the upper viewing platform to be completed this year. When all is said and done, the project will have cost $1.5 million.

Finally, with the $20,000 donation from the Hutchinson family, unknown graves in the Historic Cemetery will be labeled with the use of ground penetrating radar.

The largest elements in this category carry over from 2019, with the 32nd Street underpass and the 27th Street grade separation. Analysis for the work at 27th Street has begun and is expected to be complete by the end of 2020.

Once the separation is mapped out, including design and permitting of the 32nd Street underpass location, construction on the underpass is expected to commence. Analysis has been allocated $500,000 with the cost of the underpass construction yet to be determined.

When it comes to travel-by-foot, new and existing trail systems are getting a jumpstart. The brand new Jemtegaard Trail has entered construction and will extend north of Jemtegaard Elementary School to Sunset View Road, where it will turn into a sidewalk.

The trail will be fully lit and connect several neighborhoods. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2020 and will cost $750,000.

The extensive Columbia River Trail System will receive another link in the chain with the connection of the new Port of Camas-Washougal trail going to Steamboat Landing. The section to be installed is 0.6 miles long and shifts from six feet wide to 10 feet wide as it passes South A Street.

The trail system is part of the larger network that can be followed all the way to Steigerwald Wildlife Refuge east of Washougal. The project is expected to be finished in September of 2020, and will close out at $1.9 million from city funds and a state appropriation.

In addition, the area surrounding Hathaway Elementary school will be made safer with installation of sidewalks on 22nd, 23rd and F Streets. This project is expected to be completed in March of 2020 and will cost $242,550 with partial funding supplied by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

When it comes to managing water, Washougal is making attempts to modernize and expand its infrastructure and policies. The citys Water Master Plan which was launched at the start of 2020, is expected to guide the aforementioned efforts. Its development will cost $30,000.

In the spirit of efficiency, Washougal is moving to replace their water meters with Automated Meter Reading (AMR). This over $1 million endeavour is aimed at, allowing city staff to focus on other areas within their department, which supports the Core Services pillar (focusing on cost-effective operations and maintenance, and continuous improvement in customer service, processes, and procedures).

AMR is expected to be widely installed by the end of 2020.

With growth projected on the horizon, the city is also planning for higher demand with the installation of the Woodburn Hill Transmission Line Design. The project would expand the water mains capacities for drinking water and fire flow.

We know that were going to see a lot of growth up there, Coston said. It may happen in 2020, but were looking really pretty much at a 10 year plan from 2020 to 2030. So it gives us a few years to plan for it, and I think were doing the right thing in planning for it before it hits us square in the face.

The nearly $900,000 project began with Jan. 1, 2020 and is expected to be completed by Dec. of 2020.

After completing their biosolids dredge and haul project in 2019, Washougal is moving on to constructing their own biosolids handling facility. This facility would take in solids collected from wastewater treatment and process them onsite. The facility will cost roughly $2.4 million.

In lockstep with the biosolids facility, the city is expecting to upgrade their wastewater management with an anoxic selector, which would allow for much needed increase in capacity, according to the city. The selector is budgeted at just under $1 million.

Finally, the city plans to relocate or upgrade four pump stations across Washougal. Relocation will cost $265,225, with each upgrade costing between $4,000 and $35,000.

Were going to try and work a lot harder at engaging the community before things become an issue, Coston said of the new year overall. 20 years ago, it was pretty easy. You would put something in the paper, or you would hold a town hall, but these days, those really may not be the best ways to engage community.

We'd love to hear your comments!

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Washougal enters the new year with improvement projects new and old - clarkcountytoday.com

Sound Transit is deep in the process of extending a light-rail line over a floating bridge for the first time. Photo Sound Transit

By Vesna Brajkovic, Associate Editor

Each year, rail bridges demand attention to a range of maintenance issues from routine tie replacement to complete structural replacement to keep the aging structures safe and efficient.

Whether for routine maintenance, unplanned repairs or new construction plans, freight and passenger railroads alike invest tens of millions of dollars annually into the bridges that are critical to their systems, as detailed in Progressive Railroadings 2019 MOW Spending Reports.

The following are a few recent bridge projects that have been in the works, have advanced to construction or were completed in 2019 by a transit agency, two Class Is and a commuter railroad.

Sound Transit is deep in the process of extending its Link light-rail line over the Homer M. Hadley Memorial Bridge in Seattle, marking the first time light-rail track will be constructed on a floating bridge. A floating, or pontoon, bridge is one that is constructed using floats instead of anchored piers to support the bridge deck over a body of water.

The bridge project is part of the 14-mile East Link light-rail extension that will connect Seattles International District to Judkins Park across Interstate 90 over Lake Washington by 2023.

To extend light rail onto a floating bridge, Sound Transit was tasked with solving multiple challenges, including addressing weight restrictions, accounting for stray electrical current that could rust utilities and adapting track to the bridges movement, says Rachelle Cunningham, Sound Transits public information officer.

Sound Transit used a high-strength epoxy adhesive to affix almost 9,000 specially engineered lightweight concrete blocks to the bridge deck to support light rail on a floating bridge.

Sound Transit

Typically, light-rail track is supported on a bridge by rebar within the structure. However, in this case, crews needed to avoid drilling holes into the bridge. Creating holes in the structure could compromise the bridges lifespan and the rebar would add weight.

Instead, crews used a high-strength epoxy adhesive called DexG to affix almost 9,000 specially engineered lightweight concrete blocks to the bridges deck.

The blocks were then attached to the bridge on top of corkelast, a shock-absorbing, spongy material designed to isolate stray electrical current coming from light-rail trains. Next, track was set on the blocks with steel tie bars placed between them to maintain gauge, similar to a standard railroad tie system, as Sound Transit officials described in a press release.

Crews also installed overhead catenary system portals and completed post-tensioning of the bridge pontoons to reinforce the concrete with high-strength tensioned strains so the structure can support the weight of light-rail trains and passenger vehicles.

The project also required the construction of specially engineered segments, called track bridges, that compensate for vertical and lateral lake motion over the bridges joints. Track bridges are especially important to install at the locations where light-rail trains travel from fixed track to the floating bridge. To date, crews have installed all eight track bridges.

One of the most difficult tasks was to adapt the rails to the movement of the bridge, Cunningham says.

Since its a first-of-its-kind project, Sound Transit conducted extensive testing of computerized models and physical prototypes of the bridge and its components at the Transportation Technology Center Inc. in Pueblo, Colorado. The agencys design passed all critical test criteria to be able to provide rail operations at planned speeds up to 55 mph, which is the highest speed that Link operates.

The floating bridge originally was built in 1989 with the intention of accommodating high-capacity transit needs in the future, Sound Transit officials say. Now, 30 years later, that plan is being realized as the once high-occupancy vehicle lane on I-90 transforms into a light-rail right of way.

In October 2019, Norfolk Southern Railway completed restoration of the Grand River Bridge in Brunswick, Missouri, nearly a month after 270 feet of the 1,152-foot structure was washed away by heavy rains, flooding and an unusual amount of drift material built up against the structure.

The bridge lost four deck-plate girder spans and three piers. As a result, NS had to redesign the bridge from scratch to fill the gap and restore rail service between Moberly and Kansas City.

Heavy flooding washed out a portion of NS Grand River Bridge last year. Crews restored the bridge in 27 days.

Norfolk Southern Railway

When the bridge washout occurred Oct. 1, the Class I called on Marine Solutions Inc. to scan the river to determine what portions of the structure remained; Hanson Professional Services Inc. to assist in the design of the new bridge; and Massman Construction Co. to lead the reconstruction work.

The construction team mobilized barges and cranes out of St. Louis and arrived on site Oct. 7, moving all the equipment up the Missouri and Grand rivers during flood conditions, Ed Boyle, NSs vice president of engineering, said in an email.

By the time Massman Construction crews positioned their equipment, NS had surveyed the river bottom and determined the layout for the new substructure.

The design called for installation of one 12-pile bent and two drilled shaft piers. The spans were anchored 15 feet or more into the rivers rock bottom, marking the biggest difference in the design from the original bridge in which the spans were supported by concrete piers resting on rock.

Four steel spans that NS stores for emergencies were shipped in for the new superstructure.

There were challenges almost daily when working around the clock to reconstruct this portion of the bridge. These challenges went from getting material to actual construction issues, Boyle said. The key was we worked as a partnership amongst all those involved to persevere and handle these challenges.

To restore service on the heavily traveled route as quickly as possible, crews had to adjust the reconstruction plan, he said. For example, in a typical construction project, one template for aligning the drilled shafts for the pier would be built. Then, after one pier is completed, crews would remove the template and move it on to the next pier.

Under that manner of construction, it would take two weeks to build the piers. To save time, crews instead built two templates to construct the piers simultaneously.

We had a problem setting up the casing for the first drilled shaft when we hit some old timber piling in the way of the casing, Boyle recalled. Where this would have slowed a typical project down while the timber pile was removed, we simply jumped over to the other template for the other pier and did not miss a beat in setting the casings.

Hayes Drilling Inc. drilled four shafts, installed reinforcing steel and poured concrete in each shaft over a total of four days an unprecedented amount of time, Boyle said. Coreslab Structures supplied the precast concrete caps.

The [NS] engineering team always seems to excel when these natural disasters occur, but their work at the Grand River exceeded my wildest expectations, Boyle said of the project.

For the past several years, BNSF Railway Co. has proposed building two bridges across Lake Pend Oreille and Sand Creek at Sandpoint in Bonner County, Idaho, to reduce congestion on the Class Is single-track mainline in the area.

The bridges would be part of a second line in northern Idaho where BNSFs mainline has become an operational constraint. Currently, the single track requires trains to wait for clearance to cross the existing bridge, which creates congestion on the mainline, yard and siding tracks, according to a Federal Register notice regarding the bridge proposals environmental assessment.

Another problem: Trains waiting to cross the existing bridge often block vehicular traffic at public and private grade crossings.

Currently, the lines daily capacity through Sandpoint and across Lake Pend Oreille is about 79 trains, and average daily traffic on the line segment is about 60 trains. The additional bridges would not increase or decrease rail traffic, but would increase the efficiency of rail traffic already moving through the area by allowing trains to cross the bridge more quickly, BNSF officials believe according to the notice.

In September 2019, the U.S. Coast Guard reviewed the final environmental assessment for the project and found it met federal requirements, wouldnt have a significant impact on the environment and wouldnt obstruct navigation. Since the BNSF bridges would cross U.S. navigable waters, the Coast Guard was required to approve the plans.

However, the project has faced opposition from local environmental groups seeking a higher level of environmental review, and from Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstaf, who raised concerns about the potential for increased rail traffic and possible derailments.

In response, BNSF added Federal Railroad Administration accident statistics and additional details to its plan to better characterize derailment risks and provide more information on the railroads spill response planning for different types of spills under various weather conditions. The railroad also included in its proposal the Lake Pend Oreille Geographic Response Plan, which will be implemented in the event of a rail accident. Finally, BNSF maintained that traffic wouldnt increase on its line due to the construction of the bridges.

The market conditions influencing train traffic growth in the study area exist with or without construction of a second mainline track and associated bridges, according to the notice.

Previously proposed alternatives to the project included adding a second mainline east of the existing mainline, creating alternate routes or shifting traffic to other railroads. But each was dismissed based on infeasibility or impracticability, BNSF officials said in the notice.

In October 2019, MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) completed the replacement of a 108-year-old rail bridge over Nassau Boulevard in Garden City, New York.

Between 2010 and 2019, the bridge was struck by motor vehicles 43 times, with 16 of those collisions occurring between 2018 and 2019. Due to its low clearance, the bridge was the third most-often hit structure in the railroads system, LIRR officials said in a press release.

MTA Long Island Rail Road replaced a 108-year-old rail bridge in Garden City, New York.

MTA LIRR

The original bridge which dated back to 1911 was 11 feet, 6-inches above the roadway, well below modern design standards. The bridge now stands two-and-a-half-feet higher.

In addition, the new structure includes room for a future third track, which will be added in 2022. The track will expand capacity, allow reverse commuting and increase flexibility so the railroad can work around and more quickly recover from service disruptions, LIRR officials said.

The bridge replacement was part of the LIRR Expansion Project, which aims to upgrade major bridges and grade crossings along the railroads mainline.

Email questions and comments to vesna.brajkovic@tradepress.com.

More here:
Rail Insider-Railroads rely on traditional and inventive ways to (re)build bridges. - Progressive Rail Roading

Highlights for this week include Public Market Financing Update, Truman Olson Update, Urban Design (Exact Sciences, LaFollette H.S, & Childrens Museum, ALRC (Visions, Garver, Canopy) and the future of golf.

8:00 am Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District Yahara WINs Executive Committee Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District Operations Building 1610 Moorland Rd Madison, WI 53713

4:30 pm Finance Committee Madison Municipal Building 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 215 Madison, WI 53703

5:00 pm Notice of Possible Quorum of the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center Board Monona Terrace 1 John Nolen Dr, Room Community Terrace Madison, WI 53703

5:00 pm Landmarks Commission Madison Municipal Bldg 215 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Room 153 Madison, WI 53703

5:00 pm Water Quality Technical Advisory Committee Madison Water Utility 119 E Olin Ave, Room Conference Room B Madison, WI 53713

5:30 pm Plan Commission City-County Building 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Room 201 Madison, WI 53703

5:30 pm Police and Fire Commission City-County Building 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Room 507A Madison, WI 53703

5:30 pm Ad Hoc Landmarks Ordinance Review Committee Madison Municipal Building 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Room 153 Madison, WI 53703

5:30 pm Madison Arts Commission Madison Municipal Building 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 013 Madison, WI 53703

5:30 pm Madison Arts Commission Arts Grant Program Madison Municipal Building 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 013 Madison, WI 53703

10:00 am Dane County Narcotics Task Force Steering Committee Monona City Hall 5211 Schluter Rd Monona, WI 53716

10:00 am Street Use Staff Commission City-County Bldg 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Room 108 Madison, WI 53703

3:00 pm Integrated Pest Management Policy Review Task Force Madison Municipal Building 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 202 Madison, WI 53703

4:30 pm Urban Design Commission Madison Municipal Building 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 153 Madison, WI 53703

5:00 pm Economic Development Committee CANCELLED Madison Municipal Building 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 260 Madison, WI 53703

5:15 pm Presidents Work Group To Review Administrative Procedure Memoranda (APM) Applicable to Alders City County Building 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 417 Madison, WI 53703

5:30 pm Alcohol License Review Committee City-County Building 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 201 Madison, WI 53703

6:00 pm Madison Area Transportation Planning Board (MATPB) Citizen Advisory Committee MATPB Office 100 State Street, Room Suite 400 Madison, WI 53703

6:00 pm Task Force on Municipal Golf in Madison Parks Goodman Maintenance Facility 1402 Wingra Creek Parkway Madison, WI 53715

8:00 am Commission of the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District Maintenance Facility- Training Room 1610 Moreland Road Madison, WI 53713

?? Landlord and Tenant Issues Committee 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Room 010 (Madison Municipal Building)

4:00 pm Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center Board Monona Terrace 1 John Nolen Dr, Room Hall of Fame room Madison, WI 53703

5:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals Madison Municipal Building 215 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Room 013 Madison, WI 53703

Robert and Tammy Downing, owners of property at 3905 Priscilla Lane, request side and rear yard setback variances to construct an attached garage addition and a dwelling addition onto the existing single-story single-family dwelling. Alder District #5

Christi Weber, representative of the owner of property at 501 Walton Place, requests a reverse-corner side yard setback variance to construct a second story addition atop the existing single-story single-family dwelling. Alder District #6

5:00 pm Equal Opportunities Commission 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Room 153 (Madison Municipal Building)

5:00 pm Notice of Possible Quorum of City of Madison Committee(s) Monona Terrace 1 John Nolen Dr, Room Community Terrace Madison, WI 53703

A possible quorum of the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center Board, Monona Terrace Booking Event Assistance Advisory Committee and Room Tax Commission may be present at Monona Terrace for a non-board related, social event being held on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 5 p.m., an observation area will be available. Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Drive.

5:00 Downtown Coordinating Committee 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Room 206 (Madison Municipal Building)

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City of Madison Week Ahead 1/13/20 - forwardlookout.com