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    Salai Road overbridge to get retaining wall soon – The Hindu - October 20, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Tiruchi Corporation plans to utilise Smart Cities Mission fund to construct a retaining wall along the Salai Road over bridge as a portion of the approach road was eroded on a rainy night in July this year.

    Though the civic body has made temporary arrangements, the eroded portion is yet to be permanently repaired.

    The right-side retaining wall and a part of the road overbridge on Salai Road leading towards Mainguard Gate caved in after heavy rainfall amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

    While the civic body used concrete, sack bags and wooden pillars to strengthen the sides to avoid further damage, a permanent solution is yet to be made.

    An official of the State Highways said that a proposal for reconstruction of the bridge had been sent to the State government for approval. Once the approval was given, funds sanctioned under a redevelopment scheme would be allotted for the construction.

    The civic body, meanwhile, has decided to strengthen the soil and construct a retaining wall.

    About 2.5 crore under the Smart Cities Mission fund will be utilised to fix the wall so that the bridge can be utilised until the plan submitted for redevelopment is approved, City Corporation Commissioner S. Sivasubramanian said.

    Since the damage to the overbridge, heavy vehicles, including buses ,are not allowed to travel on that route. A detour is taken via Karur Bypass Road to reach Mainguard Gate.

    What is usually a two-minute drive takes us at least 15 minutes due to the traffic on Karur-Bypass Road. The bridge was damaged amid the lockdown and the authorities could have repaired it before resumption of transport services, R. Kalaivani, a commuter on the route said.

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    Salai Road overbridge to get retaining wall soon - The Hindu

    QAnon spreads offline to rural Wisconsin – Wisconsin Examiner - October 20, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    In Ferryville, a small town of less than 200 people along the Mississippi River in Crawford County, stepping out of the car brings a strong scent of fresh river water. The local gas station displays photos of former Minnesota Viking Brett Favre getting sacked by a Packer.

    In October, the Crawford County village attracts plenty of passers-by enjoying the fall foliage along the National Scenic Byway.

    Theres also the chance of coming across a giant symbol of a far-right conspiracy theory thats been labeled a domestic terror threat by the FBI.

    Ferryvilles Main Street doubles as part of Wisconsins Great River Road. On Main Street, across from a mechanic and a photography studio, is an abandoned schoolhouse with a large retaining wall in front.

    On that retaining wall, in white paint are eight letters. The first letter, and the largest, is a giant Q. The other seven, WWG1WGA represent the call sign of QAnon.

    QAnon is the catch-all name for a baseless set of conspiracy theories that, among other things, claim President Donald Trump is fighting a war against a deep-state cabal of Satan-worshipping, sex trafficking, pedophilic cannibals that includes Democratic politicians, the media and left-leaning celebrities.

    Trump himself has winked at the conspiracy theory through retweets on Twitter and refusals to condemn the far-right movement most recently in a televised NBC town hall last week.

    Closer to home, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany was one of 18 members of the House of Representatives who voted no on a bipartisan resolution to condemn the conspiracy earlier this month. Sen. Ron Johnson appeared on Fox News on Oct. 18 to claim Hunter Biden, the son of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, was in possession of child pornography a claim CNNs Jake Tapper interpreted as a nod to QAnons focus on child sex crimes.

    Ferryville residents have a hard time placing exactly when the graffiti went up. Many said one day they noticed some strange initials on a wall and didnt know what they meant. The village clerk thought it was advertising a radio station.

    The graffitis sudden appearance in Ferryville mirrors the conspiracys sudden appearance online a few years ago.

    [The graffiti] is a perfect analogy for how it spread online, says Brian Friedberg, a researcher for the Technology and Social Change Project at Harvard University. The phrases, the use of Q and WWG1WGA, were both used as really unique keywords to help spread the movement on social media and in real life.

    The theory started on the forum 4chan in 2017 with anonymous posts about the deep state from someone called Q who claims to have high-level government security clearance. The movement quickly developed its own language and keywords. It moved to Youtube and Facebook, along with specific websites to track drops and other obscure forums such as 8chan that house the most radical elements of internet culture.

    The uniqueness of the keyword makes it an easy search query to fall into a data void, Friedberg continues. Similar things happened with a lot of other slogans in the community. These were all things that didnt take up a lot of space on the web. The presence of those things in real life do similar services to being online.

    By 2020, the theory had multiplied, devolved and split into factions. It had gained the support of health and fitness accounts on Instagram and notably suburban women.

    The interesting thing about QAnon compared to other far-right ideologies is its attraction to women, says Donald Haider-Markel, a political science professor at the University of Kansas. Usually right-wing ideologies attract white men and older white men. It has a special appeal to women because of the focus of the conspiracies on children and threats to children. Though its telling that none of the real world actions weve seen related to QAnon so far involved women.

    In April, as people flocked to Madison from all over Wisconsin to protest Gov. Tony Evers stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a number of rally-goers carried Q paraphernalia. COVID-related restrictions played a big role in spreading the conspiracy, experts say.

    Recently, Facebook and Youtube have moved to de-platform QAnon by removing accounts and groups from the networks only now its too late, the conspiracy has spread, the graffiti is on the wall and no amount of banning can put the theory back into its box.

    Despite how widespread the conspiracy has become, most of Ferryvilles residents fall into two categories, theyre either alarmed by the Qs presence or have no idea what it means. One resident said he didnt give a sh-t about it. Some teenagers, asked about the big Q, smiled knowingly.

    Bridget Schill, the village clerk, says that once she found out what it meant she was embarrassed and that most members of the community feel the same way.

    I dont think people are happy about it, Schill says. We just have to ignore it. Most people in Ferryville would like to loudly proclaim that doesnt speak to the people of Ferryville and theyre embarrassed by it.

    She says she called the Crawford County Sheriffs Office about it, but was told because the Q is on private property theres nothing that can be done.

    Kristy Knoble recently moved to Ferryville with her 20-year-old son. She says shes spoken about the Q with him, but not with other community members especially as a Democrat in a largely conservative area.

    In 2016, Trump won Crawford County by a slim margin. But Ferryville with its 126 votes voted for Hillary Clinton, 70-52 (four votes went to Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson).

    This year most of the yard signs in the village are supporting Trump. Knoble, though she doesnt think her politics match most of her neighbors, says she doesnt think any of them are conspiratorial types.

    Its unacceptable, she says. We live in a typical, small, rural, Republican community, but Ive never had a problem with anyone here. I havent heard anyone else talk about [the Q].

    Kim Schmitz has lived in Ferryville for about a decade. She works across the street from the Q graffiti at the Cheapo Depot, a store advertising the sale of fireworks, tools, toys, housewares, pet supplies, greeting cards, beer, bait, tobacco, CBD, vapes and pipes.

    Schmitz had never heard of QAnon, but after learning, she didnt think the graffiti represented her town.

    Thats kind of sh-tty, Schmitz says. Were a peaceful town with friendly people.

    Schill says shes worried about the Q because school buses drive by the property. Recently she called the property owner to see if hed remove the paint, she says. He said hed do it, for $50,000.

    I dont think the village is in position for that, so now we have a Q, Schill says. If there were something we could do, wed do it.

    The property owner, Terrance Possehl, lives in Fond Du Lac. He says the graffiti is there at his consent and he put it there because I wanted to though he wouldnt explain why he believes in QAnon or what message he was hoping to spread to Ferryville residents.

    Are you trying to put a big spin on it? What are you, a liberal? Possehl says. You know we dont trust newspapers, right? I think everybody should be able to hear the Q message, right? [Its] independent research, you dont have to go off of what other people say.

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    Friedberg, the Harvard researcher, says Possehls display matches a pattern, especially since he doesnt live at the property. Not living in Ferryville allows him to remain somewhat anonymous while still spreading the ideology.

    They operate with certain degrees of anonymity, when someones willing to put those on their property, its a message that theyre willing to commit socially that a lot of people are only willing to commit to online, Friedberg says. Despite the fact that he was contacted, it doesnt sound like he was too embarrassed by it. Hes effectively using his property as a billboard, thats very consistent.

    Possehl says he can do whatever he wants, but QAnon has had dangerous real-world consequences. A man recently pleaded guilty to terrorism charges stemming from a 2018 incident in which he used an armored vehicle to barricade the Hoover Dam. In 2019, a QAnon adherent who believed he had the protection of Trump as he attempted to fight the deep state killed a mafia boss as he tried to perform a citizens arrest.

    I think its cause for concern amongst many folks, including in law enforcement, Haider-Markel says. Its certainly true that the potential threat posed by far-right extremist groups has grown. The best thing people can do is monitor online activity about their local community and try to head off potential real world confrontations that could possibly occur. Just simply having the Q on a wall isnt itself inherently a threat. But an idea could spread really quickly, Heres this pedophile ring operating out of this restaurant, that could be dangerous.

    The Crawford County Sheriffs Office was unaware of the graffiti in Ferryville, but Lieutenant Ryan Fradette says theyll look into it though he acknowledged that agency leadership had to look up what QAnon was after receiving a call about it.

    This is honestly, were a very small rural area, this is the first weve heard theres something in Ferryville, Fradette says. We had to even look up what it was. Around here we havent heard of it.

    Read the rest here:
    QAnon spreads offline to rural Wisconsin - Wisconsin Examiner

    Northland news in brief: Car hits retaining wall – New Zealand Herald - October 20, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Quick thinking ITM staff used a forklift to secure the teetering vehicle after drove over a retaining wall at Waipapa. Photo / supplied

    Two people had to rescued after their vehicle went over a retaining wall at a busy intersection near Kerikeri about 12.45pm yesterday. It is understood the elderly couple were heading south on State Highway 10 and intended to turn left into Waipapa Rd, where a new roundabout is under construction, but instead went straight ahead, through a fence and over a retaining wall at Bay of Islands ITM. The vehicle was teetering precariously over the wall so quick-thinking ITM staff used a forklift to prop up the front while firefighters secured the back with strops, allowing the couple to be helped out safely. They were taken to Bay of Islands Hospital by St John Ambulance as a precaution. The crash caused major delays on SH10.

    Minor injuries when van rolls

    A man received minor arm injuries and a possible head knock in a crash near Maromaku yesterday. The crash occurred about 1.15pm when a van rolled at the intersection of Matawaia-Maromaku Rd and Taikirau Rd, coming to rest in a paddock. No other vehicles were involved. Police, St John Ambulance and the Kawakawa Fire Brigade responded.

    Fire damage closes classrooms

    Kerikeri High School is due to reopen to all students on Monday after a fire destroyed a toilet block and damaged three classrooms. The blaze, which started about 2.20pm on Wednesday, is still being investigated. All 1500 students stayed home on Thursday on the advice of the Ministry of Education while a thorough damage assessment was carried out. Senior students, in Years 11-13, went back on Friday. In an email to parents principal Elizabeth Forgie said seniors had come back early because it was close to the end of their school year when every day counted.The impact was worse than initially expected with three classrooms out of action for some time, significant affecting lesson timetables.

    Police searches

    Whangrei police searched a number of

    properties throughout the district in relation to an ongoing investigation.

    A 23-year-old female was charged with drug and firearms-related offending and was scheduled to appear in the Whangrei District Court yesterday.

    For operational reasons, police say they cannot provide

    details of Thursday's morning's search.

    Heads Cup challenge

    Tomorrow will be the first Heads Cup where teams from all over Whangrei Heads come together for a 20/20 cricket competition.There has been a huge amount of support from the business community, and some great spot prizes and raffle/ auction items.Event organiser Richard Davy and his team have pulled together four teams from Parua Bay, RD 1, RD 4 and Onerahi Town. The cup will be housed at Parua Bay Tavern until next year's event. The games will start at 10am and finish just before 4pm on the pitches at the Onerahi Airport.The Cancer Society is this year's charity of choice to receive funds from the event.

    Four new cases

    Four new cases of Covid-19 were reported from managed isolation in New Zealand yesterday. One suspected historical case is being investigated, which is not included in yesterday's numbers.The first imported case arrived from the Philippines via Hong Kong on October 3. The second arrived from Peru via Mexico and the US on October 10. The third and fourth imported cases arrived from Hong Kong on October 11. New Zealand's total number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 is 1524.

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    Northland news in brief: Car hits retaining wall - New Zealand Herald

    TxDOT: Beware of road construction this week – Sherman Denison Herald Democrat - October 20, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Staff reports| Herald Democrat

    Each week, the Texas Department of Transportation announces a list of planned road projects for the week. While the schedule for the projects can change, motorists are advised to be aware of areas where construction crews may be present.

    "These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues," the news release said. "Motoristsare advised toremain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems."

    Here are the construction projects planned for Oct. 19-23.

    "US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and Washington Street as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound exit ramp for Houston and Lamar (SH 56) is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the Park Avenue exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street (SH 56) exit. The northbound frontage road from South Travis Street to near Park Avenue is closed in order for crews to work on building the remaining portion of the retaining wall along US 75 at the South Travis Street intersection. Traffic is requested to use the US 75 mainlanes during this closure. There will be daily closures from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. for the northbound Washington Street exit ramp as crews work to construct detour pavement in this area. Exiting traffic wishing to access Washington Street should use the Park Street exit or the North Travis Street exit. There will be a nighttime lane closure on the southbound main lanes on Sunday night Oct. 11 for crews to perform restriping and to adjust traffic barriers along the mainlanes and frontage roads between Park Avenue and FM 1417. The FM 1417 exit ramp will be closed during this time, and exiting traffic should use Exit 58 for Houston Street. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the lanes should be reopened to traffic by 6:30 a.m. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.

    The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be removed at a later time. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.

    US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete slabs. Lane closures begin at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.

    FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.

    SH 289, Grayson County: from FM 120 in Pottsboro north to the end of State Maintenance. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to stripe and install rumble strips on the roadway.

    FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to the temporary detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.

    US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.

    US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building the new southbound US 75 entrance ramp. A new traffic pattern has been implemented where westbound Spur 503 will be shifted to the southbound US 75 frontage road and will travel through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on-ramp after FM 691. The new FM 691 exit ramp is open to access FM 691.

    Spur 503, Grayson County: from US 75 to SH 91. Watch for daytime and nighttime lane closures for both eastbound and westbound lanes as crews perform concrete pavement repairs.

    US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.

    US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.

    SH 289, Grayson County: between SH 56 and FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance workers blade level the roadway.

    SH 160, Grayson County: between SH 11 and the Collin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.

    FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

    FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

    FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

    FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

    FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

    US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided section. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement on the eastern end of the project between the Fannin and Lamar County line and County Road 2975. Eastbound traffic will remain in its current lane, while crews work on the inside lane to work on building the crossovers and turn lanes. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median. The SH 121 and US 82 frontage road intersections have been converted to signalized intersections. The on-ramp to westbound US 82 from SH 78 has been closed while crews work on building the new westbound main lanes. The westbound exit ramp for SH 121 is closed as crews work on building the new main lanes in this area. Exiting traffic for SH 121 is asked to use the SH 78 exit and continue along the frontage road to SH 121.

    County Road 3530, Fannin County: at Wafer Creek. County Road 3530 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new culvert. Traffic on CR 3530 will need to use an alternate route during construction.

    County Road 4250, Fannin County: at Freeman Creek. County Road 4250 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.

    FM 274, Fannin County: from FM 1753 to SH 78: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews blade level the roadway.

    US 69, Fannin County: in Leonard from FM 896 to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform ditch cleaning work."

    See original here:
    TxDOT: Beware of road construction this week - Sherman Denison Herald Democrat

    Pathway to Hope to reconnect Greenwood and Highlight Icons – The Black Wall Street Times - October 20, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    News

    Published 10/19/2020 | Reading Time 1 min 0 sec

    TULSA, Okla. Construction of thePathwaytoHope, a highly anticipated pedestrian walkway in the Greenwood District, is set to begin today.

    ThePathwaytoHopewill provide a more direct walking route between John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park and other sites in the core of the Greenwood District. The 10-foot pathway will be built between Elgin and Greenwood Avenues in the area between ONEOK Field and I-244. The corridor will feature landscaping, lighting, and a retaining wall on the north side.

    ThePathwaytoHopewill symbolically reconnect a Greenwood District bisected by I- 244 during Tulsas urban renewal phase in the 1960s and 70s. What some locals called urban removal displaced citizens and businesses and plowed through Black Wall Street, Tulsas thriving Black business district known throughout the land. ThePathwaytoHopewill acknowledge this history, elevate Black Wall Street icons, and encourage present-day healing of past, yet lingering, wounds.

    The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, together with other community groups, provided invaluable input for the creation of this $5 million project. The Sanford and Irene Bernstein Foundation and the Tulsa Stadium Trust provided principal funding for the Pathway to Hope. Special thanks to Mike Melega and the Tulsa Drillers for their cooperation throughout the construction process.

    The Pathway to Hope is among several projects to mark the 100th anniversary of the massacre. Completion and a formal dedication are slated for spring 2021.

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    Pathway to Hope to reconnect Greenwood and Highlight Icons - The Black Wall Street Times

    For Homebound Travelers, Israels Tourism Board Will Place Notes In The Western Wall – Forbes - October 20, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Israel Ministry of Tourism has launched a program for placing electronically sent notes in the ... [+] Western Wall.

    The tradition of placing a handwritten note within the Western Wall in Jerusalem is going digital, with help from Israels tourism board.

    Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, which has closed Israel to international visitors, the Israel Ministry of Tourism is offering homebound travelers the opportunity to experience this practice of adding notes to this famous religious site electronically. The notes can be submitted via a portal on the tourism boards website between October 19 through October 21, 2020.

    Notes can be sent through this submission link. Then the tourism ministrys officials will print out the e-notes and insert them within the Western Wall on behalf of their submitters.

    While Israel is still closed to international travel, we wanted to create a meaningful way that people can be inspired and connect with the spiritual sites that are abundant in our country, said Eyal Carlin, IMOT Tourism Commissioner for North America, in a media release.

    The Western Wall (or Kotel, in Hebrew) is an important piece of Jewish tradition, and it also attracts travelers from all faiths, Carlin explained. We want to make it accessible for those who arent able to visit [Israel] in person right now, so we created a portal for people to send their personal notes. We will print them, put them in the Kotel and create a video we will share with all those who submit.

    In Old City, Jerusalem, the Western Wall is one of the most visited sites in Israel.

    According to the Israel Ministry of Tourism, the Western Wall is one of the most visited tourist sites inIsrael, attracting millions of visitors every year. At this site in the Old City neighborhood of Jerusalem, visitors insert prayers written on a piece of paper into cracks within the wall.

    On its website, Encyclopaedia Britannica defines the Western Wall as only remains of the retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount, the site of the First and SecondTemples of Jerusalem, held to be uniquely holy by the ancient Jews. The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 587586BCE, and the Second Temple wasdestroyed by the Romansin 70CE.

    When asked how the e-note concept came about, Carlin replied by describing how this tourism initiative is a timely endeavor. It is coinciding with the beginning of the Jewish new year and the end of Judaisms fall holidays.

    A major religious site in Judaism, the Western Wall in Jerusalem also attracts visitors of different ... [+] faiths.

    We have just come through a time of introspection and reflection, said Carlin. We felt that inviting people from all over the world, regardless of faith or religion, to start the new year with personal thoughts and prayers to be delivered to the Western Wall would be very meaningful, especially now since tourists are not currently able to visitIsraelbecause of COVID-19.

    As of now, the Israel Ministry of Tourism has not set plans to continue the receiving and placing of these electronically sent notes in the Western Wall. However, Carlin noted that if there is a meaningful response, there would be no reason not to offer people this opportunity again in the future.

    To submit an e-note for placement in the Western Wall, click here.

    Continued here:
    For Homebound Travelers, Israels Tourism Board Will Place Notes In The Western Wall - Forbes

    At Front Lines of Armenia-Azerbaijan Fighting, Death and Fear Reign – The New York Times - October 20, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Azerbaijan has not been disclosing its military death toll. But the government said Saturday that 14 civilians were killed in Ganja, Azerbaijans second-largest city, in an overnight missile attack by Armenia.

    Officials say that more than half the people of Nagorno-Karabakh have fled their homes, though the martial law currently in effect bars men of military age from leaving the territory. Those who stayed behind include women who want to be close to their husbands, sons and fathers sent to the front lines. The coronavirus is far down the list of peoples worries, even though international aid organizations warn that cramped bomb shelters are spreading infection.

    Alyona Shakhramanyan, 33, and her neighbors from the fifth floor of an apartment building in Shusha, the hilltop town, moved three weeks ago into a section of their dirt-floor basement. They fashioned a door out of a sheet of corrugated plastic and taped cardboard over the openings in the concrete walls. One of the women is sick a cold, they say, that she caught because of the drafty air.

    Ms. Shakhramanyans brother, who, like her husband, is at the front, has not been answering his phone. When she went outside to do laundry the previous day, she was frightened by the buzz of a drone. Rocket artillery hit the nearby Holy Savior Cathedral twice earlier this month, and the paving stones outside it were still stained with the blood of a Russian journalist critically injured in the second strike.

    No one helps us here, Ms. Shakhramanyan said. We are on our own.

    At the military cemetery in Stepanakert, the resting place of fighters who died in the 1990s, the authorities removed a retaining wall and dug into a hillside to make way for the new casualties. Amid the artificial-flower wreaths and simple grave sites on the freshly graded, rocky dirt, a man whose brother was gone spread his arms in grief.

    These are fresh our guys, he cried, his voice trailing off. What is there to say?

    Go here to read the rest:
    At Front Lines of Armenia-Azerbaijan Fighting, Death and Fear Reign - The New York Times

    West Tennessee Weekly Construction October 14-21, 2020 – tn.gov - October 20, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    District 47 - West TN Northern

    CARROLL COUNTY, SR-22A: Bridge repair in Huntingdon over Brier Creek at LM 0.34 and over CSX Railroad at LM 3.10.Restrictions: Monday, March 9, 2020: SR 22A will be reduced to one lane traffic with a traffic signal system.

    CARROLL COUNTY, SR 22: The resurfacing on SR 22 from the end of the curb and gutter in Clarksburg to Bennetts Lane will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project.

    DYER, LAKE, OBION COUNTY, SR-78: The resurfacing on SR 78 from SR 103 in Dyer County, through Obion County to south of SR 79 in Lake County will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project.

    DYER COUNTY, SR-3 (US-51): The repair of bridges on US 51 (SR 3) over SR 211 in Dyersburg will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project. *Speed limit has been reduced to 55 MPH.

    Restrictions: Sunday, July 19, 2020: Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction with a 12 lane restriction.

    DYER COUNTY, SR-3 (US 51): The resurfacing with hot in-place recycling on US 51 (SR 3) from near SR 105 in Dyer County to South Main Street in Obion County.

    DYER COUNTY, SR-20 (US-412): The resurfacing on SR 20 from US 51 (SR 3) to the Crockett County line will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project.

    DYER COUNTY, SR-104: The resurfacing on SR 104 from SR 182 to the SR 181 including bridge deck repair will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project.

    DYER COUNTY, SR-211 (West Main Street):Monday, October 19, 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: This section of roadway will be temporary closed from MM 9.7 to MM 9.8, near downtown Newbern, for demolition of a building.

    GIBSON COUNTY, SR-5:Monday, September 21, 2020, through Saturday, October 31, 2020: There will be a closure of the right southbound lane and shoulder on SR 5 (north side of Humboldt) for construction of turning lane for Tyson S.I.A. route.

    HENDERSON COUNTY (New Lexington By-Pass): The grading, drainage, construction of bridges and retaining walls, signals and paving on US 412 (SR 459) from US 412 (SR 20) west of Lexington to near SR 22 south of Lexington. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway.

    HENRY COUNTY, SR-54: The grading, drainage, construction of bridges, retaining wall and paving on SR 54 from near Rison Street to near Smith Road. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway. *Speed limit has been reduced to 35 MPH.

    Restrictions: Monday, November 25, 2019: Bridge work on SR 54 at LM 12.02 (Bridge nearest Guthrie) is causing a 10 lane restriction. *Traffic has been shifted to Phase 3 of traffic control.

    OBION COUNTY, Future I-69 (Phase 2): Grading, drainage, construction of eight bridges on future I-69 from south of US 51 (SR 3) to south of US 45W (SR 5) will cause possible lane closures throughout the project.

    OBION COUNTY, Future I-69 (Phase 3): Grading, drainage, construction of bridges and paving on future I-69 from west of SR 21 to US 51 (SR 3) will cause possible lane closures throughout the project.

    Tuesday, October 13, 2020: Bethlehem Road north from Clifford Rives Road to Lindenwood Road will be closed. Claude Tucker Road north from Cloys Road to Section Line Road will be closed. Detour routes are posted.

    WEAKLEY COUNTY, SR-22 (US 45E): The repair of the ramp bridge on US 45E (SR 22) over SR 431 will cause the ramp to be closed. A detour to SR 431 is provided.

    District 48 - West TN Middle/Southern

    CROCKETT COUNTY, SR-20: The miscellaneous safety improvements on US 412 (SR 20) from near the SR 54 ramp (LM 10.40) to Old SR 20 (South Cavalier Drive) (LM 12.80) may cause possible temporary lane closures both eastbound and westbound.

    HARDIN COUNTY, SR-69: The construction of a Bulb Tee bridge over Doe Creek along with grading, drainage, and paving may cause temporary lane closures on SR 69 at LM 10.06. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway.

    HAYWOOD COUNTY, SR-19 (Brownsville Bypass): The construction of an I-Beam bridge along with grading, drainage, and paving may cause temporary lane closures on SR 19 (Brownsville Bypass) from east of SR 87 to west of Windrow Rd. One lane will remain. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway. Speed limit is reduced to 45 MPH within the project limits. Shaw Chapel and King Road will be closed at SR 19 and a detour put in place on August 27, 2020.

    HENDERSON COUNTY, SR-20: The resurfacing with hot in-place recycling on US 412 (SR 20) from Crucifer Road to near Sea Horse Drive will cause temporary lane closures daily.

    HENDERSON COUNTY, SR-20: The resurfacing with hot in-place recycling on US 412 (SR 20) from east of SR 22 to near the Chesterfield By-Pass, including bridge expansion joint repair and thin epoxy overlay will cause temporary lane closures daily.

    MADISON COUNTY, SR-5: The repair of the bridges on US 45 (SR 5) over Overflow (LM 11.17), near the fairgrounds, will cause temporary lane closures. One lane will remain open at all times.

    MADISON COUNTY, SR-186 (US 45 Bypass) and I-40: Interchange improvements on SR 186 (US 45) north and southbound from the I-40 ramps to Old Hickory Blvd for paving and construction of retaining walls. Widening of I-40 from just east of Exit 79 to just east of Exit 82.

    Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge construction activities.

    Saturday, October 17, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge construction activities.

    Saturday, October 17, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: I-40 eastbound and westbound will have intermittent lane closure at Exit 82 to allow for installation of overhead signs and opening of phase 1 of the off ramps. (BACKUP DATE: Sunday, October 18, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.)

    Monday, October 19 through Wednesday, October 21, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge construction activities.

    LOOK AHEADThursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge construction activities.

    Saturday, October 24, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge construction activities.

    Saturday, October 24, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: I-40 eastbound and westbound will have intermittent lane closure at Exit 82 to allow for installation of overhead signs and opening of phase 1 of the on ramps.(BACKUP DATE: Sunday, October 25, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.)

    Monday, October 26 through Wednesday, October 28, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge construction activities.

    MADISON COUNTY, SR-186: The resurfacing on U.S. 45BP (S.R. 186) from Channing Way (L.M. 4.40) to Passmore Lane Overpass (L.M. 8.18), including bridge expansion joint repair and thin epoxy overlay.

    Sunday, October 18 through Friday, October 23, 7:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: Intermittent lane closures north and southbound for resurfacing on US 45BP (SR 186) from Channing Way (LM 4.40) to Passmore Lane Overpass (LM 8.18).

    LOOK AHEADSunday, October 25 through Friday, October 30, 7:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: Intermittent lane closures north and southbound for resurfacing on US 45BP (SR 186) from Channing Way (LM 4.40) to Passmore Lane Overpass (LM 8.18).

    MCNAIRY COUNTY, SR-57: The resurfacing with hot in place recycling on SR 57 from the Ramer City Limits (LM 12.00) to the Hardin County Line (LM 24.67), including bridge expansion joint repair will cause intermittent lane closures daily.

    TDOT District 48 MAINTENANCE:Wednesday, October 14 through Wednesday, October 21, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be possible lane closures at various locations in Region IV in order to repair pavement on an as needed basis.

    District 48 Floating Maintenance-Asphalt Resurfacing (TDOT Floating Maintenance):Wednesday, October 14 and Thursday, October 15, 7:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be intermittent lane closures on SR 186 (45 Bypass), both north and southbound in Madison County LM 0.00-0.40 to repair damaged sections of asphalt. Weather Permitting.

    REGION IV Snowplowable Markers:Wednesday, October 14 through Wednesday, October 21, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be possible lane closures I-40 (MM 27.02- MM 45.54) in Fayette, (MM 45.54- MM 67.08) in Haywood, (MM 67.08-MM 94.95) in Madison, (MM 94.95-MM-119.65) in Henderson, (MM-119.65 MM-120.24) in Carroll, (MM 120.24- MM 125.89) in Decatur, and (MM 125.89- MM 134.70) in Benton counties at various locations for replacement of pavement markers.

    LOOK AHEADWednesday, October 21 through Wednesday, October 28, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be possible lane closures I-40 (MM 27.02- MM 45.54) in Fayette, (MM 45.54- MM 67.08) in Haywood, (MM 67.08-MM 94.95) in Madison, (MM 94.95-MM-119.65) in Henderson, (MM-119.65 MM-120.24) in Carroll, (MM 120.24- MM 125.89) in Decatur, and (MM 125.89- MM 134.70) in Benton counties at various locations for replacement of pavement markers.

    District 49 - West TN SouthwestFAYETTE COUNTY, SR-196: The repair of bridge over Shaw Creek will cause a lane closure with temporary traffic signal near MM 7.0.

    LAUDERDALE COUNTY, SR-19: The resurfacing with hot-in-place recycling on SR 19 from near Eastland Avenue to Haywood County Line will cause temporary lane closures daily.

    LAUDERDALE COUNTY, SR-88: The resurfacing with full depth reclamation on SR 88 from Dee Webb Road to Key Corner Road, including bridge deck repairs will cause temporary lane closures daily.

    SHELBY COUNTY, SR-3: Resurfacing on SR 3 (Union Ave) from Bellevue Blvd to BB King Blvd.Wednesday, October 14 through Tuesday, October 20, 6:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be intermittent lane closures on SR 3 east and westbound between Bellevue Blvd and B.B. King Blvd for asphalt paving operations. One lane in each direction will remain open. Weather Permitting.

    LOOK AHEAD:Wednesday, October 21 through Tuesday, October 27, 6:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be intermittent lane closures on SR 3 east and westbound between Bellevue Blvd and B.B. King Blvd for asphalt paving operations. One lane in each direction will remain open. Weather Permitting.

    SHELBY COUNTY, SR-14: Resurfacing on SR 14 from the Mississippi State Line to SR 175Thursday, October 15 through Wednesday, October 21, 5:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.: There will be temporary lane closures on SR 14 (Third Street) north and southbound for resurfacing. One lane will remain open in each direction.

    SHELBY COUNTY, SR-14: The grading, drainage, construction of concrete Bulb-Tee and I-beam bridges, signals and paving on SR 14 from east of Old Covington Pike to SR 385 will cause possible lane closures throughout the project. *Speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH.

    SHELBY COUNTY, SR-14: Construction on SR 14 for a widening project from SR 385 to east of Kerrville Rosemark Rd. There will be possible temporary lane closures throughout the project. Access to SR-14 from McCalla Rd West will be permanently detoured to Donnell Rd. *Speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH.

    SHELBY COUNTY, SR-205: The resurfacing on SR 205 from SR-14 to Armour Rd will cause temporary lane closures.

    SHELBY COUNTY, SR-205: The addition of turn lanes on SR 205 (Airline Rd) from Brooks River Drive to south of I-40 will have lane closures throughout the project.Thursday, October 15 through Wednesday, October 21, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be intermittent lane closures on SR 205 north and southbound from Brooks River Drive (LM-15.75) to just south of I-40 (LM-16.07) to perform temporary road widening work. There will be one lane traffic with flaggers present at times. *Speed limit has been reduced to 35 MPH. Weather Permitting.

    TDOT District 49 MAINTENANCE:Thursday, October 15 through Wednesday, October 21, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be possible lane closures on all interstates and state routes in District 49 for routine maintenance activities on an as needed basis.

    TDOT District 49 Emergency Reference Marker InstallationWednesday, October 14 through Tuesday, October 20, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be nighttime lane closures at various locations in Shelby County on I-40 westbound, MM 0.0MM 18.6; I-240 eastbound, MM 12.0MM 31.0, and I-55 southbound, MM 5.8MM 12.4. One lane will be CLOSED to install new Emergency Reference Markers. Weather Permitting.

    TDOT District 49 On-Call Guardrail/Concrete Barrier Rail Repair:Wednesday, October 14 through Tuesday, October 20, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be night time lane closures at various locations on SR 3 (Shelby County), SR 385 (Shelby County), SR 14 (Shelby County), SR 15 (Shelby County), I-40 (Fayette and Shelby Counties), I-269 (Shelby and Fayette Counties),I-55 and I-240. One lane will be CLOSED to repair damaged guardrail. THP will assist with traffic control. Weather Permitting.

    Thursday, October 15 through Wednesday, October 21, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be daytime lane closures at various locations in Shelby County, SR 205, MM 2.32.5, Lauderdale County, SR 3, MM 10.024.0, Tipton County, SR 206, MM 2.302.37, and Tipton, SR 59, MM 20.620.65. One lane will be closed. Flagmen will be used to direct traffic where necessary. Weather Permitting.

    Wednesday, October 14 through Tuesday, October 20, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be nighttime ramp closures in Shelby County at the I-55 southbound EXIT 5A off ramp to eastbound Brooks Rd and at the I-55 southbound EXIT 7 on ramp from SR 14 southbound. Weather Permitting. If weather prohibits, the closures will be on the next available night.

    LOOK AHEAD:Wednesday, October 21 through Tuesday, October 27, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be nighttime ramp closures in Shelby County at the I-55 NB ON ramp from EXIT 12C (Metal Museum Drive), I-55 southbound EXIT 5A off ramp to eastbound Brooks Rd, I-55 southbound EXIT 7 on ramp from SR 14 southbound, I-240 EB ON ramp from Union Avenue, and I-240 EB ON ramp from SB Airways. Weather Permitting.

    NON-TDOT/City of Memphis workSHELBY COUNTY, I-40: Memphis Cook Convention CenterMonday, October 7, 2019, 6:00 a.m. through Wednesday, October 28, 2020: On October 7, 2019 the exit ramp from I-40 eastbound (Exit 1, Front Street) was fully closed for upgrades to the Memphis Cook Convention Center. The ramp split to Riverside Dr. will remain open. Traffic will be controlled by signage and traffic barrels. Drivers should exercise caution when approaching and traveling through work zones.

    From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at http://www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel or for West Tennessee follow https://twitter.com/NicLawrenceTDOT.

    As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

    In 2016, the Tennessee Department of Transportation lost three workers in the line of duty. All three were struck by passing motorists. Those tragedies bring the total number of TDOT lives lost to 112. We dont want to lose another member of our TDOT family. Were asking you to WORK WITH US. Click on the WORK WITH US logo to learn more.

    See more here:
    West Tennessee Weekly Construction October 14-21, 2020 - tn.gov

    Itasca-Heartland Connection Trail receives $2M in bonding – Park Rapids Enterprise - October 20, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    After more than a decade of efforts to secure funding for a multi-purpose, paved trail connecting Itasca State Park and the Heartland Trail, the Minnesota Legislature included $2 million in its recent bonding bill for the trail spur.

    A citizens-led committee had asked for a $3.8 million appropriation to complete the first phase of the project. Hopes of receiving the request were considered slim in June, after a bonding bill failed to pass during the regular legislative session.

    After announcing to committee members that $2 million was in the final bonding bill, State Sen. Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids) said the rest of the funding $1.8 million will come from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

    "The DNR has said they will add the balance to get the tunnel and trail into the park completed in phase one," Utke said. "Good luck and let the project begin!"

    The first phase of the project involves building a 1.75-mile trail from the Itasca State Park contact station to U.S. Hwy. 71, a tunnel under the highway with a retaining wall and a 1.96-mile trail east of the tunnel toward Emmaville, where it would connect with an existing snowmobile trail.

    The committee has been actively developing a plan for the Itasca-Heartland Connection, with input from a variety of stakeholders, DNR staff, Hubbard County Land Management Department staff, two county commissioners and trail users, such as hunters, snowmobilers and bicyclists.

    With everything that it happening in the country and state now, it is indeed a pleasure and honor this state trail will provide a recreational connection to Itasca State Park and the Heartland Trail for all county residents and visitors from around the world to enjoy, said Eric Haugland, chairperson of the citizen committee. We would like to thank Sen. Paul Utke for his support as well as Rep. John Persell and the Hubbard County commissioners, specifically Char Christenson and Tom Krueger who have shown special interest in the trail, and for Hubbard County Land Commissioner Chip Lohmeier for his efforts since the start on discussion of a trail.

    Legislators who sponsored the Itasca-Heartland Connection bonding bill included Sen. Utke and Sen. Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) and Rep. Persell (DFL-Bemidji), Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul) and Rep. Leon Lillie (DFL-North St. Paul).

    In coordination with the committee, the DNR conducted preliminary engineering work to determine a trail corridor and cost estimates.

    The Heartland Trail Spur, if funded, would connect bikers, hikers and snowmobilers on a 24-mile jaunt from CSAH 4 to Itasca State Park. (Map courtesy of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)

    Tunnel construction accounts for nearly half of the $3.8 million cost, but a handout for legislators notes this initial phase will give the park a scenic and secluded out-and-back trail for cyclists that complements the currently busy in-park trail, while also giving snowmobilers a welcomed safe route under Hwy. 71 when going to and from the park's snowmobile trails.

    One of the primary reasons for the new trail is that the current bike route between Itasca and Park Rapids to Itasca, along a shoulder of U.S. Hwy. 71, is considered dangerous due to the high traffic levels and the narrow shoulders with rumble strips.

    When funds are available, the second phase of trail construction will continue 13 miles east to Emmaville on county land. The third phase will go south eight miles from Emmaville on a county road right-of-way to the intersection with the Heartland Trail, where a trailhead would be constructed.

    State legislators also approved $2 million in bonding for another new section of the Heartland Trail from Detroit Lakes to Frazee that has been under construction.

    Excerpt from:
    Itasca-Heartland Connection Trail receives $2M in bonding - Park Rapids Enterprise

    Deal reached to build new fire station | Government – News-Press Now - October 13, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    A majority of the St. Joseph City Council voiced their support Monday for a behind-schedule project that will see a new fire station built on Missouri Western State University property.

    The new station will include a shell for an emergency operations shelter to replace a cramped space serving as an EOC inside another firehouse.

    We need about another $200,000 to get to the $3 million that weve negotiated the price (of the new station) down to, St. Joseph Mayor Bill McMurray said.

    The project originally was budgeted for $2.9 million, though the city has paid a penalty to the associated contractors because the project is a year behind schedule, and some funds already have been spent on preliminary issues. The $200,000 shortfall will be paid by money found in a Tax Increment Funding account.

    To pay for the EOC, the city will draw some $285,000 from a Capital Improvement Plan account. In total, the new firehouse and EOC will cost about $3.3 million. The EOC will only be roughed in, according to McMurray, meaning it will be functional but still needing additional work.

    The new station will be built on Mitchell Avenue near Interstate 29, on Missouri Western property. Originally, the firehouse was to include a police station for the university, though officials backtracked on that plan after an acrimonious process in which planners couldnt accommodate the police departments needs, according to St. Joseph Fire Chief Mike Dalsing.

    St. Joseph will pay the university $275,000 for a 99-year lease of the land where the station will sit.

    McMurray and council members Madison Davis, Kent ODell, Russell Moore, PJ Kovac and Brenda Blessing voiced their support for the project. Gary Roach and Brian Myers were absent, though their votes wouldnt be enough to stop construction.

    Construction on damaged bridges in St. Joseph will begin next year, city officials told council members at the work session Monday. Voters approved $20 million in bonds to finance the project during a

    The Corby Pond will be drained later this year following an agreement between the city and state. City officials told council members Monday that the pond will be drained and then rebuilt to accommodate more water. It will also receive a new retaining wall. The city and state are under an agreement that the project will finish by the end of 2021.

    Originally posted here:
    Deal reached to build new fire station | Government - News-Press Now

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