BY STEVE METSCH smetsch@southtownstar.com June 17, 2014 6:56PM

This is the home where Oak Lawn police recently found two dozen marijuana plants and more than 30 guns when they helped the owner, who had been injured. | Steve Metsch/Sun-Times Media

storyidforme: 67968083 tmspicid: 24185827 fileheaderid: 11949754

Updated: June 18, 2014 2:11AM

An ambulance call to a house this month led to a big surprise for Oak Lawn police a marijuana growing business, more than 30 guns and more than $77,000 in cash.

When police responded June 6 to an ambulance call at 9717 Tulley Ave., they found a man lying on the ground and bleeding from a cut on his head, police said. They said Kris Bond, 58, was unable to sit upright, his speech was slurred, and he told police that he had been drinking because his friend was in the hospital and about to die.

As officers assisted Bond into his house, they were greeted by an overwhelming odor of marijuana and saw a pistol on the kitchen table, police said. Officers then found several rifles and ammunition on the floor of the family room, and as they secured the guns, they discovered a marijuana growing room in an upstairs bedroom, according to police.

They said Bond agreed to go a hospital for treatment, and police locked the house and obtained a search warrant for it, returning to find 24 marijuana plants in the bedroom along with a system of lights, fans and power convertors, fertilizing chemicals and a hydration system, Police Division Chief Michael Kaufmann said Tuesday.

They also found 30 firearms including numerous shotguns, a 9mm handgun and a .357 revolver in rooms throughout the house, Kaufmann said. In a safe in the bedroom, which police opened after Bond gave them the combination, police found more guns and $76,320 cash, police said.

Bond was arrested June 7 after being released from the hospital and is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana plants and possession of drug paraphernalia, Cook County prosecutors said Tuesday. No gun charges were filed as of Tuesday.

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Pot plants, guns, cash found at Oak Lawn house

Riverview Hospital's West Lawn building in Coquitlam.

image credit: tri-CITY NEWS FILE PHOTO

The provincial governments decision to close Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam has led to the current serious mental health crisis in the province, a former vice-president of the 102-year-old institution says.

And on Monday, Coquitlam city council unanimously backed Dr. John Higenbottams plan, which includes construction of an acute care hospital, to rededicate the 244-acre site as a health and wellness centre to curb the trend, especially in the Lower Mainland.

Councils move came after the city spent $20,000 to hire the clinical psychologist last December to update the citys 14-year-old vision for Riverview, a site that, in its heyday, treated more than 5,000 patients with mental illnesses.

In his report Into the Future, the Coquitlam Health Campus that was released this week, Dr. Higenbottam wrote the series of deinstitutionalization programs, starting in the 1980s, saw the hospital downsized and led to its closure in 2012.

Unfortunately, this has resulted in a loss of Riverviews specialized treatment capability for the group of traditional persons with serious mental illness requiring specialized, longer-term treatment which exceeds the capabilities of community hospitals and services, he stated.

At the same time, a group of Severely Addicted Mentally Ill (SAMI) individuals has emerged who have complex treatment needs and who are now placing great pressure on hospital emergency departments and psychiatric units as well as police and social services.

In 2008 and last year, the Union of BC Municipalities called on the provincial government to reopen Riverview but at the organizations 2013 convention, Premier Christy Clark said that wouldnt happen.

With BC Housing now tasked by the province to conduct a visioning exercise for Riverview this year, Coquitlam council believes Higenbottams report will add weight.

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Coquitlam endorses Riverview as health centre, hospital site

By ABDI GULED Associated Press

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - Hawa Nor carried her visibly weakened son into the hospital's isolation ward. Like many sick children here, the 7-year-old boy is likely a victim of an old Somali wives' tale: A child with measles should be kept inside, and away from the doctor, for a week.

Abdullahi Hassan labored to breathe, and his eyesight is deteriorating.

"Even though we kept him at home for a week, he's getting weaker," Nor tells the pediatrician.

Somalia is suffering from an outbreak of measles that the World Health Organization and the U.N. children's agency labels "extremely alarming." UNICEF reported 1,350 suspected cases of measles in March and April, a figure four times higher than the same period last year. Another 1,000 cases were reported in May.

Many children in the country are malnourished and few have access to medical care, making an outbreak potentially dangerous for thousands of others. One additional danger that prevents early medical intervention is the belief by many parents that they should keep measles-infected children at home for a week for what they call an "incubation" period.

"Such delays cause clinical problems, including respiratory disorders, and in some cases they bring children malnourished who cannot survive without ventilation," Dr. Omar Abdi, a pediatrician at Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu, said in an interview on Tuesday.

Though mostly eradicated in the United States, measles remains a common disease in many parts of Asia, the Pacific and Africa because of a lack of vaccinations. Even the U.S., where the disease has technically been eliminated, has seen a record number of measles cases this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the country has nearly 400 reported cases, more than twice as many as in all of 2013 and eight times as many as in all of 2012.

The measles is spreading in a handful of U.S. communities where pockets of unvaccinated people are found, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

In Somalia, the disease is spreading because of a lack of medical facilities. A measles vaccination costs only about $1, but millions of children remain exposed to the disease. Hunger and bad health add to the problem.

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In Somalia, a wives' tale delays measles treatment

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) June 12, 2014

Insect and disease problems are rampant on Philadelphia properties this year. The higher than normal incidence may be due to the extremely rough winter and late start to spring. The ISA Certified Arborists at Giroud Tree and Lawn have identified the Top 7 most destructive insects and diseases, the trees and shrubs most at risk and explain the actions homeowners can take to protect tree and shrub health.

Trees and shrubs are under attack from insects and disease this season, explains Lou Giroud, President of Giroud Tree and Lawn and ISA Certified Arborist. From leaf spots to insects actively feeding, Giroud Arborists are finding the signs of infestation on trees and shrubs throughout Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties.

Here are the Top 7 Insect and Disease Problems, the trees and shrubs most at risk and the actions that can be taken now.

1.Ash Rust: Outbreak caused by fungal spores blowing up from the salt marshes in NJ. A rare occurrence in Philadelphia, the fungus causes leaf problems including yellow-orange spots, curling and premature leaf drop. High Risk Plants: Ash trees Action: It is too late in the season to treat the fungus. However, infected trees should inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist. Deep root fertilization and other actions may be recommended in the Fall. 2.Adelgid: Damage appears as cottony dots on the underside of hemlock branches or a snow-like dusting on Pine bark. High Risk Plants: Eastern Hemlock and Pines Action: Control is required and must be timed when the pest is most vulnerable. 3.Soft Scales: Look for black, sooty residue on leaves, white specks, cottony masses, wart-like bumps on stems, twigs or branches. High Risk Plants: Azalea, Beech, Holly, Tulip, Poplar, Magnolia, Yew, Euonymus, fruit trees and numerous conifers such as Hemlock Action: Scale damage to plants and the timing for treatment varies by type of Scale. 4.Lacebugs: Damage can be severe including leaf discoloration, loss of vigor and premature leaf drop. High Risk Plants: Azaleas, Birch, Hawthorn and Piers Japonica Action: Treatment protocols will depend on timing and the severity of the infestation. 5.Spider Mites: Two types cause the most damage in Philadelphia. Spruce Spider Mites can make evergreen needles turn a rusty color and drop prematurely. Two Spotted Spider Mites cause leaves to become yellowed, stippled, or mottled and drop prematurely. High Risk Plants: Evergreens and deciduous trees including Spruce, Boxwood, Euonymus (Burning Bush) and Viburnum Action: Early detection and treatment are key to saving the plant. 6.Aphids: Warning signs are stunted growth and wilted, distorted, curled, or yellowed foliage. High Risk Plants: Beech, Plum, Purple Leaf Plums, Tulip Action: Control measures can include proper pruning, fertilizing, and watering. Introducing beneficial insects can also play an important role in aphid control. Severe infestations may require chemical control. 7.Bagworms: Look for cone shaped bags hanging from branches of evergreens or small brown spots on leaves of decidous trees High Risk Plants: Arborvitae, Juniper, Spruce and many other evergreen and deciduous trees Action: Manual removal of bags and chemical treatment for severe infestations Early detection by a professional tree service is the key to saving trees suffering from insect or disease problems. Homeowners concerned about tree health, should contact a tree service company with ISA Certified Arborists. The Arborist will inspect the trees, diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

About Giroud Tree and Lawn Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, tree removal and lawn care programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal and traditional and 100% organic lawn programs to keep lawns healthy and green . Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to diagnose, treat and maintain tree and lawn health. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award every year since 2005. The Giroud Treework for Charity program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Companys service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

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Insect and Disease Problems On Trees and Shrubs Are Widespread in Philadelphia and Giroud Tree and Lawn Describes the ...

Oakville Beaver

A number of Oakville ash trees are getting a new lease on life thanks to the Town of Oakville's municipal treatment program.

Last Wednesday, Town officials kicked off the annual program that began in 2008 to protect ash trees against the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) species.

At a home on Barclay Crescent, lawn and landscaping company TruGreen Canada demonstrated how bio insecticide TreeAzin is being used to combat the destruction the exotic beetle from Asia is having on Oakville's tree canopy.

TruGreen General Manager Michael Afzal said the treatment has to be administered to infected trees every two years to maintain the health and vitality of the ash tree and protect it from further infestation.

In this case, he said the particular 60- to 80-year-old ash tree they were demonstrating on is having its third cycle of treatment since the program began.

Noting how it continues to thrive with lush green foliage, Afzal added not all ash trees have the same fate.

The Town is doing its part to maintain its municipal ash tree population, but more needs to be done, he said.

"We will not be able to win this battle against this beetle, emerald ash borer, if the private home owners are not going to join us in this war against this beetle," said Afzal. "It's so critical that they get actively involved and be part of this campaign so we can work together."

In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of taking protective measures against EAB so Oakville can conserve its tree canopy, the Town is tying a green ribbon around a selected number of treated trees as they work on injecting about 3,000 of the treatable municipal ash tree canopy on streets and parks from now until August, said John McNeil, the Town's manager of Forestry Services.

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Oakville treats emerald ash borer-infested trees

Oak Lawn, IL (PRWEB) June 10, 2014

Mancaris of Oak Lawn is proud to announce their involvement as a gold-level sponsor of the 7th annual Ronald McDonald House Running for Hope 5k Run/Fun Walk. The race took place Sunday, June 1st, 2014, led by a Custom Ronald McDonald Jeep Cherokee from Mancaris of Oak Lawn. The race ran through downtown Oak Lawn and starting at Keeler Park on 93rd Street. Proceeds from the event benefited Advocate Childrens Hospital Oak Lawn, and the Ronald McDonald House near Advocate Childrens Hospital in Oak Lawn.

We are proud to have been involved again this year in this fun event for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The community participation was outstanding, and we always enjoy having our vehicles out to lead the race, said Ed Tapper, Sales Manager at Mancaris of Oak Lawn.

The event was a huge success, with about 2,000 participants who helped to raise over $80,000 for these local Oak Lawn organizations.

About Advocate Childrens Hospital

Advocate Children's Hospital is designed to make children and their families feel supported and at home. Designated as a Pediatric Critical Care Center, Advocate Childrens Hospital offers the highest level of specialized pediatric critical care and emergency care services. Ranked among the nations Best Children's Hospitals in the areas of cardiology and heart surgery as well as neonatology, this hospital continually strives to provide the best care to all patients and families throughout their hospitalization.

About Ronald McDonald House

The Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home for families whose children are receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. The Ronald McDonald House near Advocate Childrens Hospital opened in December of 2008 and has served over 1,000 families. This 24,000 square foot House serves 16 families on a nightly basis. Some families may stay one or two nights, while others may stay for 6 -9 months. The Ronald McDonald House asks for a donation of $10 a night, but no one is ever turned away for not being able to pay. The money raised from the Running for Hope 5K helps to cover basic necessities such as utilities, cleaning supplies, and paper products needed to keep the House properly equipped. Most importantly, money raised from the run allows the House to continue to support the families, in hopes that they can provide these families with the necessary resources desired to meet the needs of their child during this traumatic time in their lives.

About Mancaris Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Oak Lawn

As one of the largest Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM dealerships in the Chicagoland area, Mancaris of Oak Lawn has served Illinois loyally for more than 45 years with some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the automotive industry.

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$80,000 Raised at June 1st Ronald McDonald House 7th Annual Running for Hope 5k Run/Fun Walk, Sponsored in Part by ...

Boise, Idaho (PRWEB) June 09, 2014

Barrier Lawn & Pest is providing four tips for Boise residents to help them get rid of Elm Seed Bugs this summer. This new invasive species can be a nuisance for Idaho home owners, and can be present in large numbers. However, taking the proper steps can eliminate these pests.

Elm seed bugs were first spotted in Idaho counties, Canyon and Ada in 2012. They come from south-central Europe, and how these bugs migrated is unknown. Elm Seed Bugs are visibly related to Box Elder Bugs, and the two are often confused. The only major visible difference is size; Elm Seed Bugs measure around a quarter of an inch. The Elm Seed Bug overwinters as an adult, mates and lays eggs in the spring on elm trees. The larvae feed on the fruits and seeds, and in May or June become adults. These pesky creatures begin entering homes in earnest during the summertime.

Elm Seed Bugs are a nuisance because they often enter homes and other buildings in large numbers, as this video illustrates. The bugs have scent glands that produce an unpleasant odor when crushed making them even more of a nuisance. They are often observed inside around windows, doors, and in kitchens and bathrooms.

Populations of Elm Seed Bugs are expected to continue to rise in 2014, as early reports from Barrier Lawn & Pests technicians and customers indicate. Though this invasive species is known for pestering home owners in great numbers, there are ways to keep these pests at bay.

1. Sealing cracks in the foundation, as well as around doors and windows. Proper sealing of these areas with calk or other material is vital to block entry.

2. Install screens on doors and windows. As weather warms up, doors and windows are often left open. Unfortunately, this quite literally opens the door for Elm Seed Bugs to pass through freely. Installing screens allows people to enjoy open doors without letting bugs in.

3. Remove Elm Trees if possible. This is probably the most important thing home owners can do to remove harborage and food for Elm Seed Bugs. Though expensive and heartbreaking to watch a beautiful shade tree go away, residents can take comfort in having a more pest-free home.

4. Exterior perimeter treatment with a residual insecticide that focuses on cracks, crevices, and possible entry points is a must. Safe consumer products are available for use that will do the trick. If residents are uncomfortable doing it on their own, they should contact a reputable, licensed pest control company to do the job.

For more information about preventing pests, please visit here.

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Barrier Lawn & Pest Announces Tips for Boise Area Residents about How to Keep Invasive Pests Out of Their Homes this ...

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) June 09, 2014

For the first time in several years, Ash Rust, a fungal disease, has erupted in Philadelphia. Plagued by other serious health problems including the fatal Emerald Ash Borer, Ash trees infected with Ash Rust suffer further stress and often decline. Giroud Tree and Lawn helps homeowners understand Ash Rust symptoms, the impact on trees and the best actions to maintain tree health.

"Ash Rust infects White, Green and sometimes Black Ash," explains Lou Giroud, President of Giroud Tree and Lawn and ISA Certified Arborist. "Symptoms start as small yellow to yellow-orange spots on leaves beginning in Mid-May. Wart like-swellings may also erupt and leaves often become distorted. By July, heavily infected Ash Trees may have significant leaf loss."

Preventative treatment is the best control but is not recommended since the disease only occurs sporadically. Giroud Tree and Lawn recommends the following tree service actions:

1. Schedule Ash Tree Inspection Now: Have an ISA Certified Arborist evaluate overall health of the tree and determine the best actions to protect tree health.

2. Reduce Tree Stress: In the fall, deep root fertilization, soil amendments, vitamins and nutrients can help to boost the trees immune system.

3. Emerald Ash Borer Treatment: A fatal pest, treatment is the only way to protect Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer. If the Ash Tree is valuable to the landscape, Emerald Ash Borer treatment is critical.

4. Regular Monitoring: Because Ash Trees face formidable health issues, it is important to have professional inspections regularly to catch emerging issues early.

Like most Rust diseases, Ash Rust requires a second host. In this case, the fungal spores spend the winter on marsh and cord grass along the coast. An unusual confluence of conditions is required for the spores to travel as far as the Philadelphia area.

Recognizing that Ash trees are already plagued with a variety of serious health issues like Emerald Ash Borer, a professional tree inspection is the most important first step a homeowner can take to protect the health of Ash trees.

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Ash Rust Erupts in Philadelphia Putting More Stress on Ash Trees Already Plagued by Serious Health Problems; Giroud ...

(BPT) Small lawns have many of the same needs and issues as larger lawns, but they dont always require the same bulky tools to get the job done. A smart arsenal for small lawn care includes some sturdy hand tools and a few small, but powerful, gadgets. If youre looking to outfit your arsenal, consider these tools.

Lawn care at the flip of a switch Small lawns need fertilizer and treatment for weeds just like large lawns. But a large awkward push spreader can be overkill for a small lawn and take up valuable storage space in the garage. The new lightweight, hand-carried, battery-powered Ready2Go Spreader is specifically designed to make quick work of small lawns, slopes and tight spaces. It comes pre-loaded with popular lawn care products from Preen, GreenView and Vigoro. Each unit is pre-calibrated for its product so no further adjustments are ever needed. To use the spreader, just pick it up, flip the switch and walk to cover up to 2,500 square feet to fertilize or treat the lawn. To spiff up yards overrun with weeds including tough dandelions, try the Ready2Go Spreader with Preen Lawn Weed Control. For eco-friendly spring lawn feeding, the Ready2Go Spreader with GreenView Lawn Food offers quick green up plus controlled nutrient release over eight weeks. Each unit is refillable, reusable, and its pre-installed AA batteries are replaceable. After use, store the compact, portable tool on a shelf, with no space lost in the garage or shed.

Water the lawn, not the living room For a lawn, water ranks with sunlight in terms of importance. For a small lawn, often nestled up close to the house and open summer windows, putting water only where its wanted is desirable. The Dramm Colorstorm 9-Pattern Turret Sprinkler has adjustable directional sprays in nine different patterns to water small lawns evenly. Durable and efficient, it gives the lawn the good, deep soaking it needs, while leaving the living room curtains dry and blowing in the summer breeze.

Keep the lawn in fighting trim Mowing a lawn regularly is more than aesthetic: keeping grass at the right length, between two-to-four inches, helps grass develop strong roots. The Black and Decker 19-inch cordless electric mulching mower is designed for small lawns. It not only makes it easy to keep the lawn mowed to the correct height, it chops up clippings so they decompose easily, discouraging thatch buildup.

Give a small lawn an edge By their nature, small lawns are often viewed up close and personal. Edged lawns not only look nice, they help keep garden weeds out of the lawn and vice versa. But edging by hand is hard work. The GreenWorks 12 Amp Corded Edger is sturdy, lightweight, easy to maneuver and ideally suited to creating crisp tidy edges in turf along borders of walkways, driveways, paths and garden or landscape beds. With only a connecting cord of its own, attach the edger to the grounded outdoor-rated extension cord of choice, up to 50-feet. For those who prefer a manual edging solution, choose an edging tool with a sturdy handle and a strong hand-forged cutting edge such as the English-made Clarington Edging Knife.

These are tools that get the job done and done quickly, keeping small lawns trim, tidy and naturally strengthened to fend off weeds. Theyre also compact and easy to store and keep until next needed, a boon where storage spaces are also smaller with no room to spare.

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For small lawns, choose smart tools that get the job done quickly

Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) May 29, 2014

Emerald ash borer is considered the most destructive urban forest pest even seen in North America. Since the discovery, the pest is responsible for killing more than 50 million ash trees in over 20 states and two Canadian provinces. Ash trees in the Denver Metro area are posed with a real threat, with an estimated 1.45 million trees at risk according to the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Emerald ash borer is raising many tree care questions with Denver homeowners along the Colorado Front Range: the main concern being treatment.

As Colorado's lawn care and tree service experts, we are committed to keeping our clients updated on threats to our Colorado landscapes. It's important we create awareness about emerald ash borer sooner than later, so homeowners can make an informed decision. By our calculations, we've reached approximately 59% of our clients and plan to hit 90% by the end of July, Swingle President, John Gibson states.

Before homeowners jump to conclusions, it is important to determine if ash trees are present in their yards. Ash trees have compound leaves with 5 to 11 leaflets, branches & buds are in pairs directly across from each other, and a tree with mature bark has diamond shape ridges. If you have a hard time identifying the tree, it is best to contact a professional arborist first. There have been various successful methods of treatment in the mid-west where the majority of the damage has occurred. Swingle Lawn, Tree & Landscape Care has worked with national companies to bring homeowners proven solutions. Products being used have been successful methods of treatment with those who have experience the devastation already.

Deciding on the best approach to treat ash tree(s) depends on several factors such as tree size, condition, and the proximity to the known affected area of the emerald ash borer. After a professional arborist has evaluated the tree, treatment options include either an injection in the soil or the truck or a basal bark spray (spraying the trunk).

Trunk Injection (Arborjet TREE-age) - Injections can start in late May through June. It is effective for at least two years; yet research has shown it can last longer. Truck injections are recommended for trees within 15 miles of the known detection site. A trunk injection may also be used if a soil injection is recommended, but the soil is not accessible.

Soil injection (Criterion) - Soil injections can be made mid to late spring and fall. A soil injection will protect tree(s) for one year. Swingle recommends soil injections for trees 15 miles outside of the detection site in Boulder, Colorado. Professional soil injections can place the insecticide below turf or mulch to directly reach the root zone of the tree.

Trunk spray or basal bark treatment (Safari) - Trunk spray is applied in June. The spray is effective for one growing season. The basal truck spray offers the advantage of being easy and quick to apply.

It is important to note ash trees have a better probability of surviving emerald ash borer if the tree has maintained a healthy status, being properly pruned, previously not infested by other pests, and adequately watered. Many ash trees in Colorado have been attacked by native insects for years and have not received enough moisture due to our semi-arid climate. Ash trees infested with emerald ash borer may be saved if the infestation hasnt reached critical mass, but the survival rate decreases significantly. Homeowners will have to decide the value the ash tree has to their landscape, whether it be financial or sentimental. Unhealthy trees exhibiting numerous signs of emerald ash borer or other pest infestation will have a harder time surviving and may die causing a threat to your property and requiring removal. To prevent infestation, prune dead branches that would weaken the tree and have the tree examined immediately if you believe the tree has been infested.

By the time you see signs of the insect, it may be too late for the tree; emerald ash borer is stealth, says Plant Pathologist Steve Geist.

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Swingle Lawn, Tree & Landscape Care Notifies Customers About Emerald Ash Borer Risk and Treatment Options