By DON DARE
6 On Your Side Reporter

GATLINBURG (WATE) - A Gatlinburg chalet owner received a big surprise recently. The decks on his unit were torn down by mistake.

Bill Smith couldn't believe his eyes. The decks to his chalet were taken down when he was away for about three hours on Monday, February 13.

"They took all that off, tore it down and threw it off the bank. They tore this floor, the handrails and the steps and had it thrown everywhere," he said.

Bill has owned the three-story chalet, called Bill's Hideaway in the heart of Gatlinburg, for 10 years. There are three suites in the building that looks over the city. It's been a money maker when vacationers could sit outside on the porch.

"The deck is part of the atmosphere here. Sit on the deck, listen to the music in the city. But with the deck gone, it's tough to rent," Bill said.

He showed 6 On Your Side pictures of how the place looked when he returned from shopping. "They just threw the debris on the bank, left all the nails exposed which was a safety hazard," he said.

At first, Bill had no idea who had torn the deck down. But a neighbor had some information.

"Finally, I got the contractor here." They said, "The GPS sent us here." However, his chalet is clearly marked as number 151. The crew was supposed to go to 145.

The chalet at number 145 is next door to the building Bill owns. He wonders how anyone could have missed the mailbox with the address on it right in front of his unit. He filed a police report in Gatlinburg.

"at this point, I'm losing business and I'm out my deck, two decks as a matter of fact," Bill said.

Robinson Remodeling of Sevierville is the contractor that made the costly mistake.

Chad Robinson was working in Kentucky when he spoke with 6 On Your Side. "We were supposed to go to the house next door. We accidentally tore it off the wrong house," he said.

"His place is 151," I said. "How could you have missed his house?" Robinson told us the same thing he told Bill. "Because the GPS brought us to it."

Bill said at first, Robinson told him he wanted to use some of the old lumber to rebuild the deck. However, Bill objected and Robinson revised that plan.

"We're going to build him a brand new deck," Robinson said. "We agreed to that."

Bill has received the signed agreement. He says Robinson Remodeling agreed to rebuild the decks to code at their cost. The job will begin a week from now and it should take three days to complete.

If you have a consumer issue, call the 6 On Your Side Hotline at 865-633-5974 or email ddare@wate.com.

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Contractor demolished Gatlinburg chalet deck by mistake

By DON DARE
6 On Your Side Reporter

GATLINBURG (WATE) - A Gatlinburg chalet owner received a big surprise recently. The decks on his unit were torn down by mistake.

Bill Smith couldn't believe his eyes. The decks to his chalet were taken down when he was away for about three hours on Monday, February 13.

"They took all that off, tore it down and threw it off the bank. They tore this floor, the handrails and the steps and had it thrown everywhere," he said.

Bill has owned the three-story chalet, called Bill's Hideaway in the heart of Gatlinburg, for 10 years. There are three suites in the building that looks over the city. It's been a money maker when vacationers could sit outside on the porch.

"The deck is part of the atmosphere here. Sit on the deck, listen to the music in the city. But with the deck gone, it's tough to rent," Bill said.

He showed 6 On Your Side pictures of how the place looked when he returned from shopping. "They just threw the debris on the bank, left all the nails exposed which was a safety hazard," he said.

At first, Bill had no idea who had torn the deck down. But a neighbor had some information.

"Finally, I got the contractor here." They said, "The GPS sent us here." However, his chalet is clearly marked as number 151. The crew was supposed to go to 145.

The chalet at number 145 is next door to the building Bill owns. He wonders how anyone could have missed the mailbox with the address on it right in front of his unit. He filed a police report in Gatlinburg.

"at this point, I'm losing business and I'm out my deck, two decks as a matter of fact," Bill said.

Robinson Remodeling of Sevierville is the contractor that made the costly mistake.

Chad Robinson was working in Kentucky when he spoke with 6 On Your Side. "We were supposed to go to the house next door. We accidentally tore it off the wrong house," he said.

"His place is 151," I said. "How could you have missed his house?" Robinson told us the same thing he told Bill. "Because the GPS brought us to it."

Bill said at first, Robinson told him he wanted to use some of the old lumber to rebuild the deck. However, Bill objected and Robinson revised that plan.

"We're going to build him a brand new deck," Robinson said. "We agreed to that."

Bill has received the signed agreement. He says Robinson Remodeling agreed to rebuild the decks to code at their cost. The job will begin a week from now and it should take three days to complete.

If you have a consumer issue, call the 6 On Your Side Hotline at 865-633-5974 or email ddare@wate.com.

Continue reading here:
Man returns to Gatlinburg chalet to find deck demolished

TOPEKA — The Kansas House has voted down a Democratic property tax reduction plan that they say would have saved Sedgwick County taxpayers about $7.4 million a year.

On a 41-76 vote, representatives on Tuesday rejected the proposal to restore state payments to local governments for property tax relief. The $7.4 million for Sedgwick County would have been part of $45?million in relief statewide.

A competing Republican plan has yet to be voted on on the House floor.

Democrats tried to tack their proposal into a routine bill allowing county treasurers to accept partial payments of delinquent property taxes.

The money would have been transferred from the state to local government coffers, to be used for the sole purpose of providing property tax relief, said Rep. Jim Ward, D-Wichita.

Ward said Kansas did that from 1938 until 2004, when, facing a budget shortfall, the state cut back on relief funds for local communities.

“We got about 10 Republican votes and all the Democrats,” Ward said.

Rep. Nile Dillmore, D-Wichita, said state cuts in recent years have increased pressure on counties and cities to increase property taxes.

He said he thinks if you asked Kansans what they want to do, “overwhelmingly they’d say our property tax is too high.”

Gov. Sam Brownback and Republican leaders are favoring reductions in state income tax rates instead. The House taxation committee on Monday passed a modified version of the income-tax buydown that Brownback introduced in his State of the State speech early this year.

Both the Democratic and Republican plans would have tapped into increasing state revenue to fund tax relief.

The plan that emerged from the taxation committee Monday follows Brownback’s general emphasis on using rising state revenue to buy down the property tax rate. But it wouldn’t lower rates as much as the governor proposed and would leave in place federal deductions that Brownback wants to do away with on state income taxes.

It also would delay elimination of income taxes on some types of business organizations, including sole proprietorships, farms, limited liability companies and Subchapter S corporations. The committee proposes a five-year phaseout of the tax on those businesses; Brownback wants to get rid of it immediately.

The committee plan also would wipe away all “refundable” tax credits, including the earned income tax credit, which rebates taxes to low-income single parents. Brownback favors doing away with that tax credit and shifting the money to social programs directed at the poor.

Contributing: Brent D. Wistrom of The Eagle

Reach Dion Lefler at 316-268-6527 or dlefler@wichitaeagle.com.

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House decks Democrats on plan to cut property taxes

Sashco launches two new stains in conjunction with education on "A Better Way to Stain" to help consumers transform the look of almost any exterior wood surface.

Brighton, CO (PRWEB) February 20, 2012

Sashco introduces two new additions to its Transformation Stain® line, Transformation Deck & Fence and Transformation Siding & Trim. These additions are a natural step in expanding Sashco’s 30 years of log finishing and maintenance expertise into existing markets. Joining Transformation Log & Timber, this expansion creates a full spectrum of stain solutions under the popular Transformation name, with a stain that’s right for most every exterior wood surface.

Both new stains come standard with what Sashco calls, “A Better Way to Stain,” a bundle of services that proactively educates customers about how to achieve staining success. Sashco has stain experts available by phone or live chat, instructional how-to videos and a mobile website that offers needed info on the go. “In the end, we are passionate about helping our customers achieve great results. Transformation Stain and education on ‘A Better Way to Stain’ is the combo that gets us there,” said Nick Burch, Brand Manager.

Transformation Deck & Fence and Transformation Siding & Trim are easy to apply, easy to maintain, peel-resistant, and provide the UV protection all wood needs to stay beautiful over time. For more information on Transformation Deck & Fence and Transformation Siding & Trim, as well as “A Better Way to Stain,” visit Sashco’s website at http://www.sashco.com/log/products-main-log-stains.html.

About the Company

Since 1936, Sashco has been a leader in innovative products proven to stand the test of time. They manufacture only the highest quality caulking and wood stain products for conventional, log and wood structures. Sashco is committed to delighting the customer with a better way by consistently providing products that work. Visit http://www.sashco.com for more information.

# # #

Charis Babcock
Sashco
303-286-7271
Email Information

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Sashco® Launches Two New Stains for Decks and Wood Siding

When he's not drumming with the jam-rockers of the Disco Biscuits, Georgia's Allen Aucoin morphs into DrFameus, a cross between a DJ and a one-man band. Though the Biscuits pepper their songs with flecks of electronica, DrFameus dives deep into the genre, pairing killer breakbeats with live drum solos. DrFameus visits the Inferno Friday, Feb. 17. I spoke with him about his first solo show in Madison and his upcoming trip to the studio.

How would you describe the sound of a DrFameus show?

It's a DJ-esque vibe with lots of live drums. I have a MIDI controller that I use to work my way through different loops and different styles of electronic music, from dubstep and trance to drum-n-bass and breakbeats. I try to keep it as electronic as I possibly can.

How do you tailor the music to the crowd?

I have a couple of set lists and ideas about how the night could go. For example, I can try out a block of dubstep or drum-n-bass loops and see how the room responds. If they're really into a particular sound, like if they're dancing a lot, I'll groove on it a bit longer. So there are a few paths I can take, kind of like a Choose Your Own Adventure book.

Because you're a drummer and a DJ, beats are a big part of your craft. Why's it important to have a good sense of rhythm?

If you're playing with a band, you need to respond to what the guitarist and the bass player are doing and keep the groove going. In a lot of Latin music, there's a clave that runs through the songs. It's like the metronome, or the pulse of the music. It makes all of the other instruments come together and sound seamless. Whether you're drumming or DJing or playing a clave, that's what you want to do.

What's next for you?

I've been working on some tracks with Drizno, a buddy from Georgia who's a DJ and producer. We're going to hit the road later this year, and I'm hoping to have a new EP ready to go in the spring.

Link:
DrFameus keeps the beat groovy with drums and decks

irishtimes.com - Last Updated: Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 11:24

Rugby: The Ospreys, who are set to lose Ireland international Tommy Bowe in the summer with Ulster a frontrunner to capture his signature, have parted company with head coach Sean Holley. Holley has been with the Ospreys since their inception in 2003, but following discussions with the board it was decided he should leave with immediate effect.

“Professional sport is a fast-moving and ever-changing environment and after nine years in office we feel that the time is now right to freshen things up and look at alternative options,” Ospreys managing director Mike Cuddy said today.

Scott Johnson, director of coaching at the region, will also leave with immediate effect. “After talking through the issues facing the business with the board, we’ve come to a decision that is for the good of the organisation as a whole, which means that I’ll be giving up my post with immediate effect,” the Australian said today.

“I was brought in to a job for the Ospreys, with a particular a remit to help set-up systems that would enable us to bring through home grown talent, coaches and players, and we agree that I’m leaving an organisation that is now better equipped to deal with the challenging times that lie ahead for all the Welsh regions.”

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Ospreys start to clear the decks

Published on Feb 13, 2012

A family service centre at an Ang Mo Kio block's void deck. Volunteer groups benefit from subsidised rent. -- ST PHOTO: JOYCE FANG

By Shuli Sudderuddin & Tay Suan Chiang

Voids decks have become a hot topic following the recent petition against a day-care centre for the elderly in Woodlands.

Yet, despite the controversy, voluntary welfare groups which have set up shop in these communal spaces say there are distinct benefits.

For a start, it helps them to be more accessible to the community. Some can even pay three to five times less in overhead costs.

Mr Alfred Tan, executive director of the Singapore Children's Society, said the voluntary group started opening branches in Housing Board void decks in the 1980s in a conscious decision to get closer to its beneficiaries, and because it is cheaper.

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Void deck centres 'benefit public', make services accessible

From the top of an Olympic podium to scrubbing barnacles from the bottom of a boat, Dane Martin Kirketerp is making quite a sacrifice in the hope of one day sailing around the world in the Volvo Ocean Race.

The word 'unassuming' does not do justice to Kirketerp, who won gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 49er class in Qingdao despite the fact that he has one glass eye.

He hopes to taste glory again by competing in the Volvo Ocean Race but for now that seems a distant goal as he works his way up from the bottom, scrubbing and polishing the boat as a member of the shore crew for Chinese team Sanya.

"Winning the Olympics was the best feeling in the world," he told Reuters. "It was ecstasy for me.

"I spent the next four months enjoying myself but I knew I wanted to come and sail around the world, to get that same feeling of the adrenaline rushing.

"I'm not there yet but a wise man once told me you get a long way with hard work. All big things come from starting small so that's just what I'm doing."

While the 11 onboard sailors received a rapturous welcome from the crowds at their home port when the race arrived in Sanya in southern China this month, Kirketerp went on working unnoticed in the team's shore base.

He will continue to bide his time for the remainder of the round-the-world race, which started in Alicante last year and will not finish until July in Galway, in the hope of being called up as a substitute or, more likely, getting a chance in the next race from 2014-15.

CANCER BATTLE

Kirketerp plays down a battle with cancer that caused him to lose an eye when he was one and a half years old.

"I don't speak about it, not having one eye," he says. "It's just part of who I am and I don't even think about it. I always had it so I don't know any different.

"And anyway, I'd rather lose an eye than an arm. You can't grind winches on a boat with one arm, but with one eye it's no problem."

Victory for Denmark's Kirketerp and Jonas Warrer back in 2008 came against the Spanish pair of Iker Martinez and Xabi Fernandez, who were then Olympic champions.

While the Spaniards had to settle for silver on that occasion, they are on the crest of a wave now as skipper and trimmer onboard Telefonica, the team currently leading the Volvo Ocean Race after winning the first three offshore legs.

Kirketerp, bu contrast, has turned down offers of coaching at the London Olympics and at this stage does not even think he will be in England to see his own event.

"My job here now is about cleaning and polishing the boat, keeping things in place in the workshop, but it's a stepping stone to other things," he said.

"I have a lot to learn about these boats and this kind of sailing and hopefully I may get a chance to sail a leg or two even in this edition."

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Olympics-Danish gold medallist swabbing decks for ocean dream

SANYA, China, Feb 14 (Reuters) - From the top of an Olympic podium to scrubbing barnacles from the bottom of a boat, Dane Martin Kirketerp is making quite a sacrifice in the hope of one day sailing around the world in the Volvo Ocean Race.

The word ‘unassuming’ does not do justice to Kirketerp, who won gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 49er class in Qingdao despite the fact that he has one glass eye.

He hopes to taste glory again by competing in the Volvo Ocean Race but for now that seems a distant goal as he works his way up from the bottom, scrubbing and polishing the boat as a member of the shore crew for Chinese team Sanya.

“Winning the Olympics was the best feeling in the world,” he told Reuters. “It was ecstasy for me.

“I spent the next four months enjoying myself but I knew I wanted to come and sail around the world, to get that same feeling of the adrenaline rushing.

“I’m not there yet but a wise man once told me you get a long way with hard work. All big things come from starting small so that’s just what I’m doing.”

While the 11 onboard sailors received a rapturous welcome from the crowds at their home port when the race arrived in Sanya in southern China this month, Kirketerp went on working unnoticed in the team’s shore base.

He will continue to bide his time for the remainder of the round-the-world race, which started in Alicante last year and will not finish until July in Galway, in the hope of being called up as a substitute or, more likely, getting a chance in the next race from 2014-15.

CANCER BATTLE

Kirketerp plays down a battle with cancer that caused him to lose an eye when he was one and a half years old.

“I don’t speak about it, not having one eye,” he says. “It’s just part of who I am and I don’t even think about it. I always had it so I don’t know any different.

“And anyway, I’d rather lose an eye than an arm. You can’t grind winches on a boat with one arm, but with one eye it’s no problem.”

Victory for Denmark’s Kirketerp and Jonas Warrer back in 2008 came against the Spanish pair of Iker Martinez and Xabi Fernandez, who were then Olympic champions.

While the Spaniards had to settle for silver on that occasion, they are on the crest of a wave now as skipper and trimmer onboard Telefonica, the team currently leading the Volvo Ocean Race after winning the first three offshore legs.

Kirketerp, bu contrast, has turned down offers of coaching at the London Olympics and at this stage does not even think he will be in England to see his own event.

“My job here now is about cleaning and polishing the boat, keeping things in place in the workshop, but it’s a stepping stone to other things,” he said.

“I have a lot to learn about these boats and this kind of sailing and hopefully I may get a chance to sail a leg or two even in this edition.” (Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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Danish gold medallist swabbing decks for ocean dream

She has been inundated with big money offers to DJ at parties after her first stint behind the decks at a bash for the fashion label Prada last month.

The supermodel has agreed to start hiring herself out for gigs at the eye-watering cost of ?250k for half an hour, which works out at just over ?8,330 for every minute.

That means she could almost buy the cheapest house in Britain every 60 seconds, or probably quicker given the cash she gets for ad campaigns like this one for Italian label Liu Jo.

According to pals, the Croydon clothes horse has been honing her DJ skills for a couple of years ? she has a pair of decks in a party barn at her house in the country.

Bottoms up ... Kate looks svelte in denim

A source said: "Kate loved getting on the decks so much in Paris that she wants to do more.

"She'll keep it to high-end, exclusive gigs though.

"The model has been talking to people in the business and they've said she can charge huge money for it

Laidback style ... Kate looks radiant in maxi dress

"She thinks the price is reasonable and has been told people will pay it, although she'll only play her favourites, definitely no cheesy requests."

No need for Peter Andre to send his CD over then.

Blonde ambition ... fair-haired Kate smoulders

The rest is here:
Kate Moss has got decks appeal