Property developer Elevate Property Group has submitted plans to bring a derelict site in Birminghams Jewellery Quarter back to life in its latest project in the city.

The plans for the residential development, Heaton House Lofts, will bring 14 townhouses, 42 apartments and 3,500 sq ft of commercial space to try and recreate a part of Birminghams history.

To revive the sites historical roots, Heaton House Lofts will also include the restoration of a large 3,362 sq ft four-bedroomed Georgian villa, with paved garden terrace and its own private garage.

The original Heaton House was a 19th century villa in Camden Street, which at the time was part of the middle-class suburban developments that grew up on the fringes of the city centre in Birmingham.

The development was subsequently swallowed up in the expansion of Birminghams Jewellery Quarter and by the end of the century, Heaton House had been converted to form part of a large industrial works.

In a paper providing an architectural and archaeological assessment, written by historic buildings consultant Richard Morriss, it states: The complex of buildings centred on Heaton House is a good example of the industrialisation of the middle-classsuburban fringes of Birmingham in the later 19thcentury a process particularly common in the area to the north of the town centre in what is now called the Jewellery Quarter.

The original house would have been a rather fine example of a gentlemans suburban residence of the early 19thcentury, set within its own miniature landscaped park.

Heaton House was the home of a leading Birmingham merchant, William Cotterill, and was said to be the second oldest residential property in Birmingham. The building and its outbuildings were eventually altered to fit their new roles in industry and in recent years have become disused.

Now, Elevate Property Group, which has a reputation for the sympathetic regeneration of historic buildings, has pledged to bring the site back into residential use.

Following discussions between Elevates professional advisers and Birmingham city planners, the proposals for Heaton House Lofts will be submitted for planning approval this spring.

The company is currently applying for B1 and D2 usage for the 3,500 sq ft of commercial space on Powell Street, meaning the property can be utilised for offices or a possible leisure/gym complex.

Heaton House Lofts will quickly come to be recognised as one of the premier new addresses in Birmingham, says David Hofton, sales and marketing director at Elevate Property Group.

Camden Street is located just a mile from the city centre, giving quick access to the central business district and Birminghams vibrant retail, leisure and restaurant offer.

Founded in 2011, Elevate Property Group has been responsible for some of Birminghams most interesting, and sometimes controversial, residential projects. Current high-profile developments throughout the country include Victoria Point (Ashford), Alban House (Hereford), Trent Bridge Quays (Nottingham), Liversage Street (Derby), Princes Gate (Solihull), Assay Lofts (Birmingham), Sheldon Court (Birmingham) and Cliveland Street (Birmingham).

The company currently has in excess of a million square feet of development either under construction or in the planning and legal process. It has recently secured new lines of funding and is actively seeking new development opportunities throughout the UK.

For more information on Elevates new development at Heaton House Lofts, contact sales@elevatepropertygroup.co.uk or call David Hofton on 0121 272 5729.

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Heaton House Lofts to restore Birmingham's 19th century heritage - Property Investor Today

The UK government is being urged to follow Scotlands lead and close all but essential construction sites in England and Wales.

Scotland announced a list of essential sites yesterday, bringing an immediate stop to work on the majority of the countrys construction projects.

New Civil Engineer understands that the UK government is poised to follow suit, and has been consulting industry bodies about a list of essential sites since last week.

However, the government has been reluctant to publish the list or introduce stricter controls on the construction sector thus far.

Construction groups are now urging the UK government to see sense and close non-essential construction sites.

Federation of Master Builder (FMB) chief executive Brian Berry said: It is almost impossible to follow Public Health Englands social distancing advice on many sites, and it would therefore be safer to close them".

The government has already advised that non-essential construction sites to close down, but has stopped short of defining what is essential.

However, the Scottish government is now being much more prescriptive announcing which sites should remain open and which should close.

Work on domestic housing, education institutions and office buildings are among those which must now be closed north of the border. Certain health and transport jobs are deemed essential and are allowed to stay open.

If sites can be safely completed within 5 working days they can be completed.

Road works and some energy related jobs will go forward. The Scottish government warned any projects can only continue operating if they can comply with the guidance on the safety and welfare of people.

Work on hospitals in Edinburgh and Glasgow including the Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh and the refurbishment job on the Childrens Hospital in Glasgow will also go ahead.

Sites which need to close in Scotland

Sites that can stay open in Scotland

The Scottish Government website has the full explanation of the new regulations.

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Government urged to publish 'essential sites' list - New Civil Engineer

Wartrace aldermen were bound and determined to award the towns mowing contract to Roberts Lawn and Landscaping Service and so they did, despite the fact that the company was not the lowest bidder.

Alderwoman Patsy Gregory was even willing to visit the sins of the father upon the son, Chas Floyd, who was the low bidder.

I have a little background that I maybe shouldnt share but Im going to share it anyway, Gergory said. His (Chas Floyds) father, as far as I know, is named Travis Floyd. Im not going to say a son is always like his father, but he was brought up in this kind of environment. He (Travis) lived out close to my father. He (Travis Floyd) stole everything you could think of from my father, including gas out of the Jeep, a weed-eater, it just goes on and on. Ive heard his mother or his stepmother doesnt have much confidence in him (Chas).

Roberts Lawn and Landscaping Service is owned by Robert Dye, who was Wartrace fire chief. Dyes company held the towns lawn mowing contract for many years. Alderwoman Gregory was joined in her support of Dye by newly appointed aldermen Allan Tabit and Brian Ross.

When asked what the repercussions might be from not taking the low bid, Mayor Drake said it would show bad faith on the part of the town. Why would anybody bid? she said, if the winning bidder was already chosen before the bids were submitted.

Ross initially spoke in favor of Roberts Lawn and Landscaping Service because, he said, the company is based in Wartrace. His motivation was in promoting a business from within Wartrace rather than Shelbyville. Mayor Drake corrected that, however, pointing out that Chas Floyds business is also based in Wartrace.

Alderman Allan Tabit, alleged that Chas. Floyds bid was not acceptable. My understanding is he does not have workers compensation insurance, which tells me he has no employees, Tabit said. Mayor Drake clarified that allegation as well. He does have workmans compensation and he does have employees, she said. He was planning on doing this by himself without his employees.

Did he even come out and look at what his job would be? said alderwoman Gregory.

Yes, he did, Drake replied.

One person cannot do that job, Gregory said.

I totally agree, Tabit said.

My personal feeling is, weve got somebody we know is reliable, has the equipment, has people to do it, Tabit said in support of Roberts Lawn and Landscaping Service. I can understand giving somebody a chance but I dont think its beneficial to us to try and figure out whether he (Chas Floyd) is going to do the job and then later have to reconsider.

The board had deferred taking a vote on the contract at their March 23 meeting, questioning whether it is legal to not take the low bid. Mayor Cindy Drake contacted the towns legal counsel, Ginger Bobo Shofner, to find out. She (attorney Shofner) said she cant tell you what to do, but she did say she would highly, highly advise against bypassing the low bidder.

Four of the five aldermen, however, rejected their attorney's advice and voted to award the mowing contract to Dye. Alderwoman Sonia Miller abstained from the vote.

Originally posted here:
Local News: Wartrace mowing contract awarded to high bidder (4/3/20) - Shelbyville Times-Gazette

For continuous coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacton the industry, visit ourcoronavirus page.

As global concern over the coronavirus grows, landscaping companies should prepare for how to handle a possible outbreak in their area and urge employees who are sick to stay home.

Companies are continually updating their clients on what the coronavirus will mean for your business, plus events and policies are changing by the moment. Follow along with our rolling updates here:

BRIGHTVIEW'S HEALTH MEASURES (posted April 7): BrightView Holdings, a commercial landscaping services company in the United States, recently posted details of the companys response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

A presentation outlining the measures BrightView has taken to protect the health and safety of its team members and customers, as well as real and potential business impacts resulting from COVID-19, can be found on the companys investor website. The presentation includes landscapings designation as an essential service as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

LAURELROCK COMPANY (posted April 7): Company President Burt DeMarche has decided, while landscape companies remain an essential business in Connecticut, LaurelRock will suspend non-essential services for the next two weeks to protect their employees, clients, and community to help flatten the curve.

The LaurelRock leadership team has had a coronavirus action plan in place since March 16 to continue working on behalf of their clients safely.

We appreciate the understanding and support that we have received from our clients and other professionals in our decision to temporarily suspend non-essential services to protect the health and welfare of our greater community, clients, and our employees," DeMarche said. "We are doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19, and we urgently request that others in our industry do the same. Please stay home and stay safe.

WALKER MOWERS (posted April 2): Walker Mowers released a video titled "Standing United Together." Click here to watch it.

LAWN LOVE: Lawn Love, an on-demand lawn care provider, conducted a survey and found 90% of its contractors are operating as they usually do while 5% have slowed down and 5% have stopped. You can read the full article here.

BRIGGS & STRATTON (posted March 31): Briggs & Stratton announced it will continue to implement preventative measures for the safety of its employees and customers. In light of the pandemic, the company is reducing manufacturing activity at several of its facilities and has shut down other plants. For more information, click here.

NCLC CANCELED (SORT OF):The National Association of Landscape Professionalsinitially canceled the National Collegiate Landscape Competition as a result of the travel and health concerns. You can read more about thatcancellation here. However, NALP has converted the competition into a virtual education opportunity to be held April 7-8 from 1-4 p.m. EST each day. You can read more about that here.

STATE-BY-STATE UPDATES: NALP will also be keeping tabs on each state's stance on whether landscaping is to be considered essential or non-essential businesses during a shutdown. Read more about that here.

CATERPILLAR: (Story posted March 26)At this time, Caterpillar is continuing to run the majority of its U.S. domestic operations and plans to continue operations in other parts of the world, as permitted by local authorities. However, due to uncertain economic conditions resulting in weaker demand, potential supply constraints and the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and related government actions, Caterpillar is temporarily suspending operations at certain facilities.The companywill continue to monitor the situation and may suspend operations at additional facilities as the situation warrants.

SYNGENTA: Syngenta released the following statement: "As we adapt to the unprecedented challenges posed by the quickly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, we want to assure you that Syngenta continues to take steps to ensure we are operating safely. Syngentas priority is the health and safety of our employees, families, customers and partners. We continue to assess the situation daily and take actions in an abundance of caution to maintain business continuity while focusing on the safety and health of our customers and employees." The full statement can be viewed here.

IRRIGATION ASSOCIATION: Meanwhile, the Irrigation Association released a statement that says "understands and supports the aggressive preventive measures being taken across the globe as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic." A majority of its staff in Fairfax, Virginia, has moved to remote work as a result. You can read more from theassociation's website here.

SOME GENERAL GOOD TIPS: NALP has also established guidelines to assist business owners.These tips include complying with all federal, state and local advisories; actively urging employees who are sick to stay home; and thoroughly disinfecting personal protective equipment.

While the Centers of Disease Control assessed that for most people the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus is low, businesses should start preparing for more employee absences.

The NALP suggests cross-training personnel in the event that a key member of the team is absent for an extended period of time. Its also important to note that the Coronavirus is a reportable illness with OSHA.

Its also recommended that companies begin reviewing policies and procedures, along with preparing to alter business practices if needed.

According to the CDC, Oregon has 75 reported cases, while neighboring state Washington has reported 1,012 cases and 52 deaths.

For Ben Bowen, head landscape designer with Ross NW Watergardens in Portland, his company has already begun putting preventative measures in place.

Right now, its still business as usual for us. We had a discussion with all of our teammates, Bowen said. We made sure everyone understood the symptoms, and we told them we expect them to stay home if they have any of them.

Bowen added that at Ross NW Watergardens, employees have a pool of paid time off that they can utilize for sick, personal and vacation days.

Usually, our employees will come to work if they have a minor cold, he said. However, we made sure they know to stay home, and if they have to take off for this it wont impact their normal pool of paid time off.

Bowen noted some companies may not be able to offer the same courtesy to their employees.

For states that dont have mandated paid time off, there could be a problem, he said. There can be a little hostility toward those who are perceived to be spreading the virus.

According to Bowen, Ross NW Watergardens has already begun to be negatively impacted by the growing panic over the Coronavirus.

I just got an email from a client who was very motivated to do a backyard project with us, he explained. He loved all the ideas but told me with things being so uncertain he could not invest the money into the project at this time. In the design/build industry were seeing people worried about the economy.

Bowen said he expects the maintenance and manufacturing sectors of the industry to be affected as well, especially in areas that quarantine.

If we were to see something like what is going on in Italy, then crews could be idle for weeks, he said. Manufacturing disruptions could increase wait time for parts and equipment.

While everyone is being cautious, Bowen said that employees are staying calm in the meantime.

The tone is really that were not worried for ourselves but realize there are people in the community who are especially vulnerable. We want to protect those people by being, he said.

Bob Grover, president of Pacific Landscape Management, also in Portland, said that while the health risks are undeniable, he is more concerned about the economic impact.S

My biggest concern over the Coronavirus is the potential impact on the economy, he said. We are hearing of all the things being cancelled or postponed. The impact that the Coronoavirus has on the travel, hotel and convention industries will have ripple effects into the overall economy.

Grover added that beginning late last week, Pacific Landscape Management began researching and formulating a plan.

We want people to practice good hygiene, he said. That means washing your hands when you get to work, when you go home and throughout the day. Also, coughing or sneezing into your elbow. We told employees dont come to work if you feel sick. If you do come sick, and we feel that youre coughing, or feverish, we will send you home.

Grover said he believes that in states without mandated sick leave employees will show up to work even if they have some of the symptoms.

The good thing about Oregon is were a very progressive state and its required that all employees have sick leave, he said. So, its not as big of an issue here in Oregon as it might be in other states.

At Pacific Landscape Management some employees have scheduled travel plans that may be cancelled and others may choose to cancel trips in highly affected areas.

We told employees that they have the choice to self-select out and not go if they are not comfortable, he said. We want everybody to take their personal health into their own hands. We want to encourage people to do that and not feel like there will be any retributions.

Read the original:
The industry's latest on coronavirus - Lawn & Landscape

ST. PAUL. Minn. (KTTC) Minnesota Governor Tim Walz held his State of the State address Sunday evening.

He took time to briefly thank Minnesotans and reassure them that this pandemic is temporary.

"We are truly one Minnesota, and a new day will come. The sun will shine brightly. The trees will bud and the birds will sing. Spring will arrive, and when it does we will dig out Minnesota," Governor Walz said.

Following the address, House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, shared his response.

"I think the Governor is really trying to, from the perspective of the leader of the state, and trying to inspire Minnesotans and let them know, we will get through this. And I would agree with him we certainly want to remain a united front, Republicans and Democrats and not only wanting to fight and defeat COVID-19 but also make sure that Minnesotans get back to normal as quickly as it is," Daudt said.

Daudt also urges the the governor to reconsider allowing certain professions to be able to work as long as they are social distancing.

"The one that comes to mind, and I got an email from some friends of mine who are older. And they can't take care of their yard work and now their lawn. They certainly were asking and they wrote and email to the Governor today about allowing lawn care workers to get back. And I know that golf courses could certainly be open and provide an opportunity for folks to get out and get a little bit of recreation. If we can't allow them to open we at least need to allow them to maintain the golf course," he said.

Walz's address statement served as a motivational speech to show the strength in our communities.

He said the state is working on increasing testing capabilities and building hospital capacity, as well as getting more personal protective equipment for health care workers.

"Minnesotans wont just prepare for COVID-19we will lead. The brilliant minds and hard work of Minnesotans will help lead the worlds response to this crisis. Mayo Clinic is leading a national trial to use blood from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 as a treatment for others who fall ill with the disease. Hospitals across the state, from the largest systems to the smallest, are preparing in new ways for a surge in patients. 3M workers are producing millions of protective face masks a month. Medtronic is publicly sharing the design specifications for its ventilators to spark rapid manufacturing of this critical equipment desperately needed to save lives," Walz said.

Walz thanks those who stay at home, and practicing social distancing. He emphasized that those efforts are helping slow down the spread of this virus. He also said he understands how this is ruining plans for students, churches, family gatherings, and sporting events.

Walz shared stories of how Minnesotans are coming together to help each other as they get through the pandemic.

"In North Branch, a state trooper pulled a woman over this weekend for speeding. It turns out, she was a doctor in town for work.The trooper noticed some medical masks in her bag that she had been forced to re-use due to the current shortage. Instead of handing her a ticket, the trooper handed her a stack of masks that he had been given to keep him safe, he put his neighbor first," he said.

The stay at home executive order goes into effect until April 10th at 5 pm.

See the original post:
Minnesota GOP reacts to State of the State address; asks Walz to reconsider professions' ability to work - KTTC

Coastal Lawn Care is keeping lawns cared for during the coronavirus.

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Virginias secretary of finance says future uncertain

Local dialysis patients increasingly concerned as pandemic spreads

ODU to issue almost $8.4M to students for meals, housing and parking rebates

USO creates pen pal program to connect military members with seniors

COVID-19 relief: VB council temporarily eliminates meals tax, suspends late fees for real estate and personal property taxes

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Top Local Headlines | April 7

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Coastal Lawn Care is keeping lawns cared for during the coronavirus. - WAVY.com

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Acts of generosity can come from a variety avenues: government officials, business owners, nonprofits or just a regular person helping out their neighbor.

During Michigans coronavirus shutdowns, dozens of stories have emerged that offer folks in Washtenaw County and the surrounding area hope in a time of uncertainty.

City council members thanking health care workers. Hardware stores donating personal protective equipment to hospitals. Churches offering drive-thru confessions. The list of ways people are dealing with self-isolation and social distancing grows by the day.

Here are five more things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis in Washtenaw County.

If you have a story of a business, organization or person creatively dealing with social distancing and home isolation, or are going above and beyond to help others, please email Samuel Dodge at sdodge@mlive.com.

5 things that give us hope amid the coronavirus pandemic in Washtenaw County

5 more things that give us hope amid the coronavirus outbreak in Washtenaw County

Ann Arbor City Council Member Kathy Griswold, D-2nd Ward, poses for a portrait at a crosswalk on North Maple Road on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019 in Ann Arbor. Griswold is campaigning for better lighting at crosswalks throughout the city. (Ben Allan Smith | MLive.com)Photos by Ben Allan Smith

Ann Arbor City Council Member promoting effort to thank health care workers

City Council Member Kathy Griswold, D-2nd Ward, is helping promote a local womans effort to place signs around Ann Arbor thanking essential workers and health care providers.

Ann Arbor resident Susan Schmidt printed 250 signs last week that read Thank You Healthcare Workers! In a matter of days, the signs have quickly spread throughout Ann Arbor, planted in yards and other places, including many in the Old West Side neighborhood where Schmidt lives.

Ann Arbor woman gets amazing response to yard signs thanking health care workers

Griswold posted three different variations of Schmidts design on Facebook for people to print and post themselves. More yard signs will be available for safe distribution sometime late next week to attach the images to signs, Griswold wrote in the post.

The response Ive gotten from community members, especially health care workers, has been amazing, Schmidt said. Health care workers in particular have been really moved by the community support.

Andrew Stines unloads boxes of medical supplies that are being donated to UM Hospitals at the North Campus Research Complex on Saturday, March 21, 2020. UM Hospitals are asking for donations of medical supplies amid the coronavirus outbreak. Supplies needed include disposable face masks, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, among others.Jenna Kieser

Hardware store in Ann Arbor donated excess masks to Michigan Medicine, St. Joseph Mercy, other hospitals

Armando and Ita Reyes, the married co-owners of Carpenter Bros Hardware & Rental, 2753 Plymouth Road in Ann Arbor, realized two weeks ago that they had a stocked inventory of a valuable asset: N95 masks.

Their supply included 150 of the masks needed throughout Michigan and the country. They also had 500 latex shoe covers, 100 packages of gloves, five respirators and 18 decontamination Tyvek suits. Two weeks later, their supply is no more, as the Reyes donated it all to southeastern Michigan hospitals.

Two weeks ago, we held back on the items we were going to put out on the floor expecting that theyd be a high need for health workers, said Ita Reyes. I let my husband know about (various hospital supply drives), so we started donating our supply.

The store provided supplies to the University of Michigan Health System, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Beaumont Health and Henry Ford Allegiance in Wyandotte.

I know there are place that are actually selling (this stuff), Reyes said, but were just giving it out. U-M is literally calling stores all over, thats how big the need is. We just decided that whatever we had was needed out there.

Reyes also owns and operates Ita Yoga Studio, which is holding online classes at discounted prices during the state COVID-19 shutdown to promote social distancing. You can find the hardware store at Carpenterbroshardware.com and the studio at Itayogastudio.com.

11

Local launches free food pantry on porch of River Street home in Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti community porch pantry urges residents to take freely, give cheerfully during coronavirus crisis

At a time when social distancing has limited contact between neighbors, DReal Graham is still looking to build community with a simple message: Take freely, give cheerfully.

Those are the words on a sign welcoming neighbors to visit the front porch at 315 N. River St. in Ypsilantis Depot Town, where Graham and local realtor Tyler Weston have teamed up to provide easy access to a variety of nonperishable food items and other household essentials.

The community-sponsored U-Access Community Pantry is the work of Ypsi Local, which Graham and Weston started on March 17. Since then, Graham has worked to keep items the community has deemed essential in stock.

From canned fruits and vegetables, to boxes of pasta and oatmeal, to baby wipes, diapers and even an occasional package of toilet paper, items are flying off the shelves at a time when making a trip to the grocery store might be more difficult than usual for some.

Im overjoyed when I return to the pantry and food items are off the porch, Graham said in between restocking shelves Tuesday, March 31.

Drive-thru confession at Ann Arbor Catholic church

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2250 E. Stadium Blvd. in Ann Arbor, is offering drive-thru" confessions from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 2. The sacrament will be available again from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 4.

One commenter joked that the seal of confession, or the requisite confidentiality kept by priests once a parish member tells them their sins, may be an issue now that priests and member must be six feet apart for social distancing.

To learn more about this service or to help St. Francis stay afloat during a tenuous time financially for many organizations, visit stfrancisa2.com.

Brighton nonprofit donates funds to people in crisis, PPE to medical clinics

Fund a Life, a Brighton-based nonprofit, partnered with local investment agency Executive Wealth Management to donate thousands of dollars to organizations assisting people severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The partners donated $4,000 each to Bountiful Harvest of Brighton and The Torch & Torch 180 in Fowlerville. Both organizations will use the funding to fill food gaps for community members in need throughout Livingston County, according to a press release.

We feel that it is dire times right now and we really need to make sure all hands-on deck. Make sure we are helping everyone out and get through the crisis we are going through. said Michael Chechel, managing director at EWM, in the release.

Bountiful Harvest will work to supply meals, including delivery service to seniors, vets and more. In addition, the organization will provide school kids with a weeks worth of breakfast and lunch. Food pickup is also available at 290 E. Grand River Ave. in Brighton.

The Torch & Torch 180, located at 131 Mill St. in Fowlerville, is providing a similar service, including free food, grocery and hot meal delivery to the community.

For more information on how to support Fund a Life, Executive Wealth Management, Bountiful Harvest or The Torch & Torch 180, call 810-229-6446.

They are need of a lot of volunteers and a lot of help, anybody if you can give donations of money, food, your time, whatever you can do," said Mark Howell, leader of Fund a Life, in the release.

Howell also said in an email that his organization acquired 3,000 PPE masks which will be donated to Woodland Cancer Center, as well as Michigan Medicine hospitals in the area.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

Complete coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in Michigan here.

Read more from the 5 things that give us hope series:

Ann Arbor caterer donating thousands of meals: 5 more things that give us hope amid coronavirus

350 meals delivered to families in need: 5 more things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis

Free toilet paper with an oil change: Another 5 things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis

5 things that give us hope amid the coronavirus pandemic in Washtenaw County

5 more things that give us hope amid the coronavirus outbreak in Washtenaw County

An extra 5 things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis in Washtenaw County

Another 5 things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis in Washtenaw, Livingston counties

Originally posted here:
Yard signs show appreciation for health care workers: 5 more things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis - MLive.com

Temperatures are rising, the sun is occasionally peeking out of a bluer sky than weve seen for a while, and many of us are itching to start working on lawns that may not look so great after a long, wet winter. Before you spend a lot of money on herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers, realize that less is often more when it comes to spring lawn care.

The time to spread pre-emergent weed control is when forsythia blooms. Those bright yellow blooms are the first to emerge in early spring, and they are good indicators that the soil is beginning to warm and weeds are close to germinating.

Annual weeds such as crabgrass and goosegrass germinate in the spring. Depending on how thick your turf is and the amount of weed seeds in the soil, these weeds can outcompete with your grass and take over your lawn. If you miss the pre-emergent window and weeds start to sprout, your best bet is to apply some post-emergent herbicide to your lawn, when weeds are small.

Its not a good idea to apply nitrogen fertilizer to your lawn in the spring, so avoid applying a weed-and-feed herbicide. The best time to fertilize your lawn is in the fall. Spring feeding promotes the growth of warm-season weeds. Also, high amounts of nitrogen in spring and summer can result in increased damage from white grubs in the soil. High nitrogen levels restrict turf rooting, and that adds to the damage from grubs feeding on the turf roots.

Be aware that not all weeds are bad. We love to have pristine lawns, but the herbicides and pesticides needed to acquire those types of lawns are often detrimental to our pollinators. Dandelions are important early spring flowers for bees. If you dont like them, you can mow off the blooms before they go to seed, rather than spray them with herbicide.

For more information, call the Pulaski Co Extension office at 606-679-6361. Become a fan of Pulaski County Horticulture on Facebook, follow @hortagentbeth on Twitter and/or follow kyplants on Instagram.

Asof March 23, 2020, the Pulaski Co Extension office is closed to foot traffic. However, you can still reach all agents via phone, email, or social media. Programs and/or trainings will continue to take place electronically or with drive-through type interactions.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

Link:
Go light on the lawn care in spring - somerset-kentucky.com

TOWN OF TRENTON

Kevin T. Juech

April 14, 1958 April 1, 2020

Its with heavy hearts we have to say Kevin Thomas Juech, often called The Animal, Calvin, Ivan Putski, Kevy, Edd, Big Dog, and Kevin From Heaven of The Town of Trenton, owner of Kevins Lawn Care and Eastside Landscape Supplies, both of West Bend, who passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at 4:07 a.m. at Aurora Hospital in Hartford of congestive heart failure and heart complications.

Kevin was born on April 14, 1958, to the late Melroy Juech and the late Judy Juech (nee Matenaer) at St. Joes Hospital of West Bend. Kevin went on to grade school at Holy Angels in West Bend and later went on to West Bend East High School completing 10 years. Kevin and school didnt agree but he still became a very successful businessman! He then met the love of his life, Dawn Juech (nee Solheim), known to some as munch and others as MOTHER. Kevin and Dawn were united in marriage on July 28, 1979, at St. Johns Lutheran Church in West Bend. In April of 1981, he decided to start up his own lawn care business, the first one in West Bend, driving around with the old Gremlin with the push mowers busting out the back window, numerous times with the help of his brother-in-law and key employee Doug Solheim; followed by Chris Peters that helped the business continue to grow to what it is today and with much help from Jim Tilt sticking around for as many years as he did, and of course his two kids, Jason and Amanda that have been stuck working together getting into scraps day in and day out. Cutting lawns at night and being Mr. Busybody was him, so he proceeded to work construction at many different places including Bruce Muckerheide Construction of West Bend and later went on to work at Henry R. Marohl in Wauwatosa as a heavy equipment operator, where he learned how to pick up a penny on the forks of a skid loader without hooking any dirt before later retiring.

After so-called retiring he continued working for himself and his wife driving one of their quad-axle dump trucks. A few years went by and he decided not to drive the dump trucks on a full-time basis but rather start up Eastside Landscape Supplies of West Bend that opened spring of 2005, which he not only owned and operated but was known as a relations manager that guy really knew how to jack the jaw. Throughout his wonderful, short, life he enjoyed spending the very little free time he did have with family, trillions of friends, and talking on the phone. People always said, Yeah, I seen Kevin today in his loader with a cigar hanging out of the mouth and on the phone.

He was always into speed and anything with a motor. He was into everything from four-wheeling with his CJ7 Jeep to racing his friends down the Milwaukee River with his pickup truck. He loved racing, period. He raced limited late models many years at local tracks including Plymouth, Manitowoc, and Chilton. As times got more crazy with the businesses he hung up racing but was always still involved whether he was a push truck driver for the sprint car division, spectating, or visiting down in the race shop with good friends as they worked on his son, Jasons, grand national.

His newest little gig was watching Jason race r-c trucks thinking he should even consider getting one for himself. He did enjoy having his Mustangs and telling his daughter, Amanda, that his 2013 Shelby GT500 would beat any of her cars. However, the Shelby would never leave the garage and it has no miles on it because he would never take the time off of work to actually drive it. In the winter months you would often find Kevin running around plowing snow puffing on an old cigar, splitting and hauling firewood, and watching the West Bend Bombers Hockey Team. Kevin and Dawn not only were sponsors of the West Bend Bombers Hockey Team but would also travel throughout the state to go and watch.

One thing many people wouldnt have seen in Kevin was the love he had for animals. He always enjoyed the welcome home by the howling of his daughter, Amandas, purebred Siberian Huskies as they could hear him approaching with one of the quads as he rattled the straight pipes and just couldnt resist hitting that jake brake! He was hoping to have started a dog sled team with them guys.

Kevin is further survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Dawn Juech (nee Solheim) that everyone always referred to as MOTHER; Jason Juech (special friend Kim Mertes, Kaylee, and Carson), Amanda Juech (special friend Chris Peters), Kent Juech, Merri and Dennis DeRuyter, Kurt Juech (Darla Francis), Missy Averill (Tony Wondra), Kerry and Wendy Juech, Karl Juech (Justine Bonenfant) Kris Little Kev and Melissa Juech, Debbie and Neal Carsen, Diane and John Stockhausen, Doreen Solheim, David and Mary Solheim,Doug and Kathy Solheim, many wonderful nieces and nephews; trillions of wonderful friends, and fur babies Kevin always referred to them as his mountain lions Blaze, Boss, and Saleen!

Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Melroy Juech, and mother, Judy Juech; father-in-law Donald Solheim and mother-in-law Doris Solheim; sister-in-law Dannyel Lawrence and brother-in-law James Lawrence; many fur babies: General, Peanut, Pepper, Magic, Jasper, Levi, Lucky, Mountain Lion Moochie, and the Little Guy Blake.

Due to COVID-19, private visitation is being held. Interment will take place at West Bend Cemetery Association/ Washington County Memorial Park. Celebration of life will be at a later date to be announced. The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family.

Flowers or donations are greatly appreciated and can be made at the time of the celebration of life in remembrance of Kevin Juech to the American Heart Association, Plymouth Dirt Track of Plymouth, The West Bend Bombers Hockey Team of West Bend, and The Washington County Humane Society.

The family would like to thank Dr. Trivedi and his complete nursing staff along with Dr. Malik and his complete nursing staff. We would also wish to thank all past and present employees for their continued support in helping the businesses grow to what they have become today, as well as a big thank-you to all past and present customers for all their continued years of business and we look forward to doing business with them in the future. A big thank-you also to Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend and Slinger youre all family.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family. For more information, call 262-338-2050 or visit http://www.phillipfuneralhome.com.

Read more:
Kevin T. Juech | 2020 | gmtoday.com - Greater Milwaukee Today

TCPalm's Rob Landers brings you some of today's top stories on the News in 90 Seconds for April 3. Treasure Coast Newspapers

To provide our community with important public safety information, our newsroom is making stories related to the coronavirus free to read. To support important local journalism like this, please consider becoming a digital subscriber.

As the novel coronovirus makes its way through Florida, hospitals on the Treasure Coast already havemore than half of theirintensive care beds filled, according to a state database.

The three counties have 164ICU adult beds;plus sixpediatric ICU beds aLawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute in Fort Pierce. As of noon Monday, patients filled 96of the adult beds, or about 59percent, plus half of Lawnwood's pediatric beds.

As of noon Monday, 55people on the Treasure Coast were admitted at hospitals related toCOVID-19.

Thursday, theAgency for Health Care Administration announced it had published a data dashboard of real-timehospital bed availability to provide the public with greater visibility on hospital capacity and census.

While the COVID-19 public health crisis is unprecedented, Florida has a strong foundation of emergency preparedness built on government collaboration at all levelsstate level emergency infrastructure to support local responses, state and county public health expertise and resources, and a high-quality, dedicated health system, said agency Secretary Mary Mayhew.

Monday, Lawnwood had 40of 54 of its adult ICU beds filled, about 74percent. But officials said they have a plan if more beds are filled.

"We stand ready to activate established and exercised surge plans, including setting up triage tents and mobilizing additional resources in collaboration with federal, state and local entities," said Lawnwood spokeswoman Tiffany Woods. "Our surge plans include using all available patient care space within our hospitals and in other settings across our healthcare system."

Overall bed availability on the Treasure Coast showed about 54percent of the 1,807 were filled Monday.

This publicly reported data will be a critical statewide resource for anticipating individual hospital needs and monitoring bed availability across Florida," Mayhew said.

Thedashboardprovides search options for counties and individual hospitals within the counties for overall beds and ICU beds.

More: Coronavirus cases: Third person dies in St. Lucie County

More: St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin counties embrace DeSantis' statewide safe-at-home order

Stancil is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm.Contact Stancil at 321-987-7179

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More than half intensive care beds filled at Treasure Coast hospitals - TCPalm