Tuesday, 17 March 2020 17:38Last Updated: Tuesday, 17 March 2020 17:42Published: Tuesday, 17 March 2020 17:38 Joanne WallensteinHits: 172

Have you ever seen a sprinkler watering a lawn while its raining or right after a downpour and thought what a waste of water? This would not happen if the homeowner had installed a smart irrigation controller.

Unlike traditional irrigation controllers that operate on a preset programmed schedule and timers, smart irrigation controllers monitor weather, soil conditions, evaporation and plant water use to automatically adjust the watering schedule to actual conditions of the site. Using a WiFi connection, the smart controller accesses weather data from the internet to determine watering schedules. For example, if rain is forecast for the afternoon, the smart controller would automatically adjust your watering schedule.

Smart controllers replace the existing programmable timer on your sprinkler system to open and shut the water valves. Instead of following a set schedule, the sprinkler follows the weather forecast. Once these systems are installed and programmed correctly, they usually require littleadditional monitoring and will irrigate the landscape at peak efficiency at appropriate times. And, you can control the system from your phone. They are readily available, easy to install and cost between $100 and $300.

Scarsdale resident Seema Jaggi installed a smart controller last summer. "The smart sprinkler was easy to install and it's been easy to maintain. If I need to make any adjustments, I can use my phone instead of the irrigation panel in my basement. I also like that the system provides a watering history." Scarsdale resident David Fenigstein says he loves the fact that hes using as little water as possible to maintain his lawn and shrubs, It was easy to install the smart controller which automates much of the difficult part of setting up the watering schedule for each zone. I can oversee all the controls through an app on my phone making it convenient and simple to monitor usage. Then once it's programmed it operates on its own so I don't have to think about it.

Smart irrigation controllers simplify lawn and garden care, and reduce water consumption and your water bill. For more information about smart controllers, please contact the Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council.

There is a permit requirement for lawn irrigation connections to the Villages water system and rain sensors are also required for lawn irrigation systems. For more information please click here.

By Adie Shore, Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council Member

Read more here:
The Future of Lawn Watering Is Here - Smart Sprinkler Controllers - Scarsdale10583.com

FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- For the better part of the last month Fairview Park City Schools Superintendent Bill Wagner said the school district was monitoring the coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19).

Early on the administration had a pretty good idea what was about to become a pandemic would lead to the shutting down of schools for an extended period of time.

Certainly as the governor was giving indications we really doubled down on our efforts to have staff prepared, Wagner said. Were very fortunate in that were a 1:1 technology district -- grades K-5 have iPads and grades 6-12 have MacBooks.

Thats allowed us to transition very easily to a home-based teaching and learning model for this period of time -- and extended if needed. Our teachers know what they need to be teaching. They know their kids, they know the content, they know the tech, so its been very easy for our district to move forward.

At this point Wagner said efforts are underway to make sure staff and all 1,800-enrolled students have everything they need to be successful during what are unprecedented circumstances.

We acknowledge that no matter how good of a structure we have under these times, it will never be as good has having kids in front of teachers doing the magic they do every day, Wagner said. Were about as close as we can get to that with the technology supports that we have and our teacher outreach to our kids and families.

Speaking of families, theyre encouraged to share photos of home-based learning using the #LearnDifferently hashtag over the next several weeks, as well as email photos or tag the district on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@FPSchools).

Another part of the Fairview Park City Schools effort during the coronavirus pandemic is offering students who qualify for free and reduced lunches through the district Grab-and-Go school meals for pick-up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Thursdays now through April 2 in the Gilles-Sweet Elementary Schools back parking lot.

Interested and qualified families need to sign up.

The Mondays-Thursdays effort is to try to minimize contact between people, Wagner said. What we do on Monday is give multiple breakfasts and lunches to last them to the Thursday lunchtime. Then on Thursdays we give them multiple breakfasts and lunches to last them to the Monday lunchtime.

We have approximately 500 students who qualify, but unfortunately weve only had about 70 families pick up food for their kids. We realize there are families who are unable to come during the pick-up time. We ask that they just reach out to us, and we will make deliveries to their home.

The superintendent is hopeful Grab-and-Go school meal participation will increase.

As far as what the future holds, Wagner said while district officials are awaiting word along with the community there have been internal discussions about prom and commencement.

Well include our students in that decision making, Wagner.

Considering all buildings are empty, the superintendent noted the districts $35.2 million permanent improvement project is finishing up with work at Fairview High School and Lewis F. Mayer Middle School, including the new cafeteria, kitchen, innovation center and library media space.

At this point, its actually permitting our construction crews more access to the building, Wagner said. Were in the process of charging and pressurizing our sprinkler system. Its convenient to be able to do that when there arent people in the classroom.

Things are moving ahead really well, and its helped us perhaps move faster.

Read more news from the Sun Post Herald here.

Here is the original post:
During coronavirus pandemic Fairview Park City Schools offering instruction and meals - cleveland.com

Following recent public health guidelines set in place by the CDC and mandated by Governor J.B. Pritzker, Adventure Stage Chicago (ASC) has canceled its Chicago premiere of Idris Goodwin's Ghost. The production had been scheduled to play from April 25 to May 3 at the Vittum Theater.

Current ticket holders for Ghost will automatically receive a credit for ASC's next season. The theater is also accepting donations of $12, the price of a youth ticket, online HERE on the Northwestern Settlement site (select Adventure Stage Chicago as the designation for donations). For more information, call the ASC box office at 773-342-4141 or email boxoffice@adventurestage.org.

"This has been a turbulent year for us," says ASC Producing Artistic Director Tom Arvetis. "The theater has been greatly affected by the CPS strike, a sprinkler system malfunction, and now, an ongoing pandemic. As always, our greatest concern is for our neighbors and students, for whom our organization exists. But we also must recognize our artists, actors, designers and staff who will be greatly affected by this outcome. Having to suspend production is devastating. Our season theme this year is Shelter; ASC has always strived to be a place of Shelter for our community, not only as a place to gather but also through the stories we share. To close our doors now during such uncertainty goes against our nature, but we know it is the right thing to do. Please do what you can to remain healthy and look out for each other. The only way we get through this is together. When we do, Adventure Stage will be here to shelter you again."

Continue reading here:
Adventure Stage Chicago Cancels Chicago Premiere of GHOST Due to the Current Health Crisis - Broadway World

Los Angeles will be on a form of lockdown its never seen in modern times amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Our decisions will determine the fate of our loved ones, the length of this crisis, Mayor Eric Garcetti said in announcing the restrictions Sunday. We need to take these steps to protect our city right now. The work we do now will have an impact on the citys history. We need to do everything now to stop the spread of this virus.

The restrictions are to last through March 31.

Here is what you need to know:

Source: City of Los Angeles

All Los Angeles Unified School District campuses -- and many other around the region -- are closed.

Los Angeles school officials were racing Sunday to organize the complex logistics of opening 20 meal pickup sites and 40 family resource centers to serve students who will be displaced from campuses beginning Monday in an unprecedented shutdown to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

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The food distribution sites and resource centers are widely seen as vital in a school system where 80% of students are from low-income households and 18,000 are homeless. The centers, scheduled to open on Wednesday, are intended as a stopgap to offer food, child-care, counseling, health screening and educational activities in a system of nearly 900 campuses.

As of 4 p.m. Monday, some municipal services are closed, and other are running with restrictions.

Recreation and parks

This agency, among the hardest hit, has closed 147 recreation centers, 28 senior centers and dozens of swimming pools. Griffith Observatory, Travel Town in Griffith Park, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro and the Sherman Oaks Castle also have been shut down.

Golfers may continue playing at the citys 12 municipal golf courses, where workers are installing six-foot barriers to minimize contact."Golfers are now allowed to ride alone in carts without a penalty, said agency spokeswoman Ashley Rodriguez.

Park bathrooms are open during regular operating hours, which vary from park to park. Most parks are open from dawn to dusk, Rodriguez said.

Many senior centers will offer take-out meal service, but locations are still being finalized. The agency will work with the Department of Aging to distribute meals to older adults between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day this week. Older adults may pick up their meal or assign someone to pick it up on their behalf, Rodriguez said.

Water and power

The Department of Water and Power has suspended utility shut-offs for nonpayment, said DWP spokesman Joe Ramallo. We also continue to offer generous repayment plans that can be setup online, Ramallo said.

Housing Authority

The Housing Authority of the city of Los Angeles, which runs public housing and issues housing vouchers, has closed its public lobby but is continuing to accept documents through a drop box, its President and Chief Executive Doug Guthrie said.

Guthrie said the agency will continue to fulfill its responsibilities to people who have vouchers issued and are trying to lease up a unit.

The agency is also limiting its inspections to emergency matters, limiting its work orders at public housing sites to urgent issues, and closing the doors of its property management offices.

Fire Department

Firefighters, paramedics and 911 operators continue to respond to emergencies. Although the departments City Hall offices are closed to the public, the agency is providing some over-the-counter services -- such as reviews of sprinkler systems for new buildings -- in its offices on Figueroa Street.

We are using social distancing to reduce the number of individuals our inspectors come into contact with at inspection locations and at our public counter, said LAFD spokesman Peter Sanders.

Inspections of high-risk buildings are continuing as scheduled. But routine nonessential inspections have been postponed a week. In addition, fire stations have been closed to the public, so no school tours, youth programs or meetings in the stations community rooms.

Housing department

The Housing and Community Investment Department has closed its public counters, but people can still call 866-557- RENT or 866-557-7368 or submit questions to hcidla.lacity.org/ask-hcidla.

The department has also suspended its Systematic Code Enforcement Program inspections at apartment buildings -- routine inspections that are not triggered by a complaint. It will continue to send out inspectors for safety violations.

Libraries

Los Angeles public libraries will be closed through the end of March. Readers can still access digital services such as e-books and digital subscriptions at lapl.org. Librarians are also providing assistance by phone or through Ask A Librarian and Book A Librarian. No late fines are being charged and due dates are being automatically extended.

Sanitation

Sanitation crews equipped with face masks, gloves and protective suits are still doing cleanups of homeless encampments. (In rainy weather, however, such cleanings are more limited than usual.) The department is also working to distribute additional sanitation stations with sinks, showers and toilets across the city, according to spokeswoman Elena Stern.

The department has suspended a number of workshops and events, including composting and home gardening workshops and tours of its water reclamation plants.

Special events

StreetsLA is reviewing permits and applications for special events to decide if they should continue or be approved. People can still apply for permits, but the department is controlling the number of people at its public counters to maintain social distancing.

Street lighting

The Bureau of Street Lighting has closed its public counters and is issuing permits online. Street lights are still being repaired as usual.

Building and Safety

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety is still operating and providing permits, checking plans and inspecting buildings, but it is limiting how many members of the public can be on each floor of its offices at a time. That will likely cause delays for customers, its spokesman Jeff Napier said. It has also canceled meetings of the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners.

Finance

Public counters for the Office of Finance are open in Van Nuys and West Los Angeles, but not at City Hall, according to city Treasurer Claire Bartels. People can also access online services or call by phone.

Cannabis regulation

The Department of Cannabis Regulation has closed its public counter where people can walk in to ask questions, but employees are still available to answer questions by phone. The cannabis department has also postponed a planned workshop on public health inspections and canceled a Cannabis Regulation Commission meeting.

Gov. Gavin Newsom called on the elderly to remain at home, and his request also extended to residents with underlying health issues, such as blood disorders, chronic kidney disease, asthma, chronic liver disease, compromised immune systems, pregnancies in the last two weeks, metabolic disorders, heart disease and other conditions that make them more susceptible to serious illness from the coronavirus.

He also urged family members to take care around the elderly and frail: People should conduct themselves around their grandparents as if they have it.

Garcetti announced the city would put a moratorium on residential evictions, aiming to protect people whose wages will be diminished or lost by coronavirus-related work stoppages. He said he has asked City Atty. Mike Feuer to look into whether Los Angeles can legally help prevent commercial evictions as well.

See the article here:
Coronavirus lockdown in LA: what's open and closed? - Los Angeles Times

Here it is, you'll believe me when you come check out this In Town Acreage on hard surface road!! This home sits on 9.15 wooded acres with great frontage on Memorial Drive and is located near Stone State park. The wildlife in this area is just one of the many reasons you will want to scoop this property up before it's gone. Tender love & care has been given to this home for many years. Front court yard is a peaceful and inviting entrance and the oversized 3 car attached garage is a huge bonus!! The entry foyer opens to the living room, with new carpet 3/19. Main floor family room also has new carpet 3/19. Family room, dining room and kitchen are all open to each other. The Kitchen is perfect size with white cabinets, new granite counters 5/19, new sink overlooking the backyard, engineered wood flooring, island, breakfast bar, lots of cabinets and 2 pantries. Off the dining room is 16 x 20 sunroom, which steps down to the 20x20 deck overlooking the gardens and a nature lovers dream backyard!! Water feature and wide array of perennial plants bring a park like feel to this lovely space. Moving back inside there are two bedrooms and full bath down the hall, and the master suite as well with newer carpet, WIC, 3/4 bath, and sliders to 8 x 8 wood deck. Lower level is great for entertaining. L shaped family room with wet bar & space for a pool table and other entertainment. 4th bedroom with 2 closets and 3/4 bath and laundry down. Lower level has storage room, safe room (5x10) and large pantry area (8x9). New water heater 2019. Cedar siding and new shingles 2017 and gutter guards. Outbuilding is 24 x 66, previously used as horse barn, has concrete floor, and a overhead garage door to store the lawn equipment, tractors, & toys galore!! Great pasture areas & property is close to Stone State Park with equestrian trails. Bring the horses and enjoy acreage living. The main yard has lots of flowers which will be waking up this spring. Oversized garage is heated and has 220..

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Homes Recently Listed in the Sioux City Area - Sioux City Journal

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

Bordentown, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/18/2020 -- As Bucks County's leading residential water well service, Paramount Well Service has helped countless families install and maintain irrigation wells. Irrigation wells are used to supply water to residential irrigation systems, which utilize a series of sprinklers and underground tubes to efficiently dispense water for lawns and gardens. In a recent blog post, Paramount Well Service outlined three major benefits of installing residential irrigation systems saving time and money, healthier plant growth, and reduced water waste.

Homeowners can save significant amounts of time and money by installing residential irrigation systems. Instead of manually setting up, turning on, turning off, and putting away traditional garden hose sprinklers each time watering is needed, irrigation systems allow the property owner to pre-determine when and where water is needed. An automated sprinkler system will eliminate the need to be physically present for watering, in addition to radically reducing waste that results from overwatering.

Reducing wasted water isn't just a cost-saving benefit it also benefits plant growth and the environment as a whole. When plants are overwatered, which often happens when sprinklers or hoses are used manually, the runoff carries vital nutrients away from the roots of plants. This deprives plants of their natural food. As far as the environment as a whole goes, conserving water wherever possible is a great way for homeowners to reduce their ecological footprint.

Homeowners who are interested in learning more about the benefits and applications of residential irrigation systems should contact Paramount Well Service today for additional details. Paramount Well Service also offers emergency well services to Bucks County and the surrounding regions visit https://paramountwellservice.com/contact-us/ to schedule services.

About Paramount Well ServiceWith over 30 years of experience, Paramount Well Service prides itself on providing the highest-quality water treatment and pump and tank issue management. As a family-owned and operated business, Paramount Well Service is a fully licensed and insured company that provides both residential and commercial services.

Residents and business owners interested in learning more about Paramount Well Service's areas of expertise and current specials are encouraged to call 800-352-0807 or visit them online at http://paramountwellservice.com/.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/paramount-well-service-advises-on-the-benefits-of-residential-irrigation-systems-1282666.htm

Here is the original post:
Paramount Well Service Advises on the Benefits of Residential Irrigation Systems - Press Release - Digital Journal

Investigators will be back on the scene Monday to determine the origin of an early morning fire that caused extensive damage to a large building at the International Paper mill in Coosa.

It was as bad a fire as Ive ever seen out there, said Rome-Floyd County Fire Chief Troy Brock on Sunday.

Battalion Chief Clay Walker, who was with the first responding units, said the location of the fire made it difficult to get to. Once firefighters were close to point of origin, they had to back out and regroup because a portion of the roof and wall had collapsed.

The fire was so hot that it expanded the roof trusses, according to Division Chief Clete Bonney, and that helped push out a side wall of the building.

It caused extensive damage to the production lines, Bonney said.

Fire Marshal Mary Catherine Chewning said one mill employee was taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation but their condition did not appear to be serious.

We are grateful all of our team members and contractors are safe with no serious injuries reported, said mill spokesperson Jenna Guzman in a Sunday statement.

Walker said the mill sprinkler system helped contain the fire but at least five fire units were on the scene until almost 4 a.m. Sunday, making sure the blaze was out and there were no hot spots.

Debris was still falling from the roof at 3:30 a.m. as the building appeared to be settling at the end of the fire, Bonney added.

Chewning said the nature of the site, coupled with the collapse and the rain on Sunday made it very difficult to get in to investigate. She said International Paper would be flying in personnel from corporate headquarters to assist with the investigation.

The point of origin appeared to be in the area of the two large paper machines inside the building, Chewning said, but she could not pinpoint a specific location Sunday.

Guzman said that it was entirely too early to know what kind of impact the fire will have on production at the mill, which makes linerboard used in cardboard boxes.

The mill has has been the focus of major technological upgrades and close to $300 million in capital investment by International Paper over the last seven years.

Go here to read the rest:
Fire investigators heading back to International Paper mill Monday - The Catoosa County News

The Research Report on Sprinkler Irrigation System marketis a Skillful and Deep Analysis of the Present Situation and Challenges. Experts have studied the historical data and compared it with the current market situation. The Research Reportcovers all the necessary information required by new market entrants as well as the existing players to gain a deeper insight into the market.

Moreover, the research study focuses on the product specifications, diversification, price, cost, production capacity, distribution channel, list of the distributors, and a profound analysis of the import and export data of the product. Upstream raw materials, downstream demand analysis together with the cost, supplier, and consumer list of this market have been examined consistently; product flow and marketing channel have been mentioned as well.

Get a Sample Copy of this Report @:https://www.reportsmonitor.com/request_sample/838343

TheMajor Manufacturers Covered in this Report:Valmont Industries, Inc., Lindsay Corporation, T-L Irrigation Company, Reinke Manufacturing Company, Inc., Nelson Irrigation Corporation, Rain Bird Corporation, Jain Irrigation Systems Limited, Alkhorayef Group, Pierce Corporation, Hunter Industries

The research study focuses on

Product Type SegmentationStationary Sprinkler Irrigation SystemTowable Sprinkler Irrigation System

Industry SegmentationFarmHorticultureOthers

On the basis of geographical segmentation, the report has been categorized into some of the major regions, with production, generation, revenue, usage, aggregate share and the development rate of the market in these geographies over the forecast period, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Regional Segmentation:

Speak to our industry expert and avail discount on Market [emailprotected]https://www.reportsmonitor.com/check_discount/838343

Some of the Points cover in Global Sprinkler Irrigation SystemMarket Research Report is:

Chapter 1: Overview of Global Sprinkler Irrigation SystemMarket (2020 2024) Definition Specifications Classification Applications Regions

Chapter 2: Market Competition by Players/Suppliers (2020 2024) Raw Material and Suppliers Manufacturing Process Industry Chain Structure.

Explore Full Report with Detailed TOC, Charts, Tables and [emailprotected]https://www.reportsmonitor.com/report/838343/Sprinkler-Irrigation-System-Market

The key takeaways from the report:

To conclude, the Sprinkler Irrigation System Industry report mentions the key geographies, market landscapes alongside the product price, revenue, volume, production, supply, demand, market growth rate, and forecast, etc. This report also provides SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.

Contact Us:Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549 5911 (U.S.), +44 203 318 2846 (U.K.)Email: [emailprotected]

Excerpt from:
Sprinkler Irrigation System Market To 2024 High Growth Opportunities | Emerging Trends | Industry Review | Global Forecast | Valmont Industries, Inc.,...

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)-- We've told you about cancellations left right as groups decide how to best move forward amid these Coronavirus fears.

One local expo says they're open for business.

The Home Improvement and Remodeling expo says they're all set up for visitors.

The Health Department has sent out cautionary guidelines when it comes to public events, but did not recommend cancellations.

The Housing and Building Association met with their board and vendors to decide what course of action to take.

Vendors for the event were already set up and decided to continue with the event.

Two rivers says they're taking all necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety.

The expo is being held at Two Rivers Convention Center Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

It's five dollars for adults and three dollars for seniors and kids.

See the article here:
The Home Improvement and Remodeling expo is here - KKCO-TV

Malissa Troutman spent 30 years working for nonprofits American Red Cross community executive in Owensboro, executive director of the American Heart Association in Evansville, things like that.

Then, at 52, she had what she calls my midlife crisis.

Five weeks ago, Troutman created High Heels and Hard Hats, a home-improvement company.

Last week, she was remodeling a house on Merriewood Drive in Owensboro, wearing her red heels, but not her hard hat.

Remodeling is an inconvenience for people living in a house thats being remodeled, Troutman said.

But the benefits of remodeling outweigh the inconvenience for most people, she said.

Troutman said, My mom thinks Im crazy. But Im available more now for my family and I can work on my schedule.

And home improvement, she said, is a passion.

I could do this 24/7 and never sleep, Troutman said.

When shes not remodeling houses, shes flipping them.

Im on my third and fourth houses now, Troutman said. I made $50,000 on the first one, but I know I cant do that on everyone. Some I may barely break even on. But this is a very, very good time to flip houses.

The Greater Owensboro Realtor Association says there were 282 active single-family homes listed with it in February.

That was down from 378 a year ago.

The median price of homes sold last month was $152,000 up from $126,950 in February 2019.

Troutman said she started doing her own home improvements when she was 24.

I was newly married, living on Booth Avenue and we wanted the house painted, she said. We hired a painter, paid upfront. He worked two days and never came back.

I want to help people save time and their hard-earned money, she said. I shop for inexpensive ways to redecorate. And Im very mechanically inclined. Im a perfectionist.

Her nonprofit background is helping with her new business, Troutman said.

I was remodeling a house for a man and I discovered that he needed a lot more assistance with aging in place, she said. I worked with GRADD (Green River Area Development District) to find the resources available to him. He wasnt indigent but he needed assistance.

Troutman said, I have a passion about aging in place. There are 68 million of us who will need help as we get older. Im pulling together a task force for aging in place. We have to figure out what it takes to get it done.

She said, I show people how to do things to save money like rip out the carpet themselves. I can teach you how to do things if you dont know how.

Troutman said, I get you estimates on everything. Sometimes, the lowest bid is good, but not always. Sometimes, the low bid cuts too many corners.

When she was a kid, she said, My father owned a carpet, paint and hardware company in Lafayette, Indiana. I grew up in that.

This is Troutmans second venture into the for-profit world.

I owned Great Comebacks for seven years, she said. I made money, but not as much as the time I put in. Then, one day someone came in asking to buy it. I put more heart and soul into that place. But I sold it quickly.

See the article here:
High Heels and Hard Hats Troutman's following her passion for home improvement - messenger-inquirer