The Titans weren't ready last season. Before Nashville was famous for catfish, before Marcus Mariota's broken leg, Tennessee was being pushed around in a decisive Christmas Eve game in Jacksonville. The franchise traveled the NFL road from laughingstock (five wins combined in two years) to competitive (9-7 in 2016) in a hurry, outmuscling two AFC contenders in December wins while joining the NFL's middle class in scoring defense and offense. Parts of the roster remained undercooked, however, and general manager Jon Robinson knew it.

The signing of Eric Decker on Sunday evening completed a dramatic overhaul of the Titans' receiver group, matched only by wholesale changes in the secondary. The contract, and the ready-made feature stories touring Decker's Nashville home, cemented the Titans' status as this season's AFC It Team. Ready or not, it's their time on center stage.

Robinson had the luxury of inheriting a franchise quarterback when he arrived in Tennessee last January. That allowed the Titans to use draft capital on building up the team's offensive line and running game. Top-five rushing numbers immediately followed, but that didn't change the fact that Mariota's No. 1 wide receiver was Rishard Matthews. Mariota essentially didn't have a second perimeter option and it showed as the team's passing game decayed late in the year. Mariota completed fewer than half his passes in December, averaging just 5.9 yards per attempt in the three games before his Week 16 injury. A playoff trip would have been nice, but this team was only going so far with players like Tajae Sharpe and Harry Douglas getting too many snaps.

Robinson saw enough. He showed conviction taking Western Michigan's Corey Davis with the fifth overall pick in April's draft, then doubled down by snatching up versatile wideout Taywan Taylor and athletic tight end Jonnu Smith in the third round. With erratic receiver Kendall Wright banished, Mariota finally has a group of pass catchers he can grow up with. Decker, last seen as one of the best red-zone receivers and No. 2 options in football, completes the group. It's difficult to totally fix an organizational problem in one offseason, but Robinson's track record with the running game last season should give Titans fans hope.

The reconstruction of the secondary was no less dramatic. Tennessee has two new starting cornerbacks in former Patriots spitfire Logan Ryan and first-round playmaker Adoree' Jackson from USC, in addition to a new starting safety in free-agent pickup Johnathan Cyprien. The most exciting player of the group is second-year safety Kevin Byard, who flashed star potential in a part-time role as a rookie. After running out of defensive backs last season, the Titans look far more well-stocked this time around. Then again, the Titans aren't buzzy because of their defense.

Mariota has developed as a pro mostly out of the national spotlight, a rare luxury for a top-two pick in this media climate. That's what happens when you play for an organization that has been off the radar since Kerry Collins' fever dream 13-3 season. (It doesn't help that the next quotable item from the lips of Mariota or Titans coach Mike Mularkey will be the first.) The Titans don't drive television ratings or page views, so media decision makers were happy to ignore the franchise until they had no other choice. It's time.

Still just 23, Mariota will face the difficult task of integrating all these new offensive pieces without the benefit of a full offseason. He surprised the Titans by taking snaps during OTAs, just five months removed from a plate being inserted into his broken leg. But Mariota was not able to cut or practice at full speed in June after failing to close out the regular season healthy for a second straight year.

The familiarity between Mariota and Mularkey should limit the damage of the injury. Mularkey took over as interim head coach of the Titans halfway through Mariota's rookie season. And last year, after being promoted to the full-time gig, Mularkey helped shepherd Mariota's improved vertical passing. For all the hype about Tennessee's additions this offseason, the foundation of the Titans' offense remains unchanged. Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin comprise the nastiest tackle duo in football. DeMarco Murray and underrated second-year back Derrick Henry might be the toughest one-two punch in the backfield. Tight end Delanie Walker is still a physical freak at age 32. Tennessee's offense comes harder than Mularkey's jawline.

While there has been some typical young-quarterback streakiness, Mariota has handled himself like a pro while throwing for 45 touchdowns against only 19 interceptions over the last two seasons. Now he has the teammates to take the next step to omnipresence, not to mention the schedule.

The NFL's hipster division is perpetually on the verge, a favorite of writers looking for what's next. It's also ripe to be conquered decisively.

The Texans are at least two years behind Tennessee in developing a franchise quarterback, coming off a season where they won nine games with smoke and mirrors. No one knows when the Colts' leader will be able to throw a football again, and how swapping out an entire defense will play out in 2017. Jacksonville looks intriguing on paper again, but Robinson is the newcomer who stole the show from the Jaguars and their fancy beach house. Rebuilds don't have to take five years.

Tennessee's coaching staff might have more to prove than its well-rounded roster. Since walking away from the Bills' head-coaching job, Mularkey has waited more than a decade to run a team like this. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau turns 80(!) before the season opener and oversaw a middling group last year.

Still, don't fall for any hot takesmen who try to claim the Titans as some surprise team. (My friend Chris Wesseling smartly staked out that ground last year.) This time around, they should be the clear favorites in their division and get used to the spotlight.

Their Week 1 matchup against the Raiders should be the national game on CBS, a sentence that would have sounded bizarre one year ago. The Titans have prime-time games against Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. A closing stretch against the 49ers, Rams and Jaguars screams "hot team heading into the playoffs."

Decker's signing was just the final reminder to the football cognoscenti that Tennessee is this year's consensus trendy team in the AFC. After an offseason attacking weaknesses on the depth chart, the Titans should be ready to attack this weak division.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

View original post here:
Eric Decker signing further fuels Tennessee Titans hype train - NFL.com

Resources | Blog | Additions | Challenges of Adding a Second Story Addition above a Garage

Bob Benedict | January 8, 2016

A second story room addition above an existing garage can make a substantial change to your current homes curb appeal and of course create an increase to your living space. However, like all remodeling projects, adding a second story addition has a broad range of complexity and challenges.

Despite the overall complexity, one of the simplest second story additions is to add new living space above an existing garage. Most 2-car garages in our area are roughly 440 to 500 square feet. Adding this much space is enough for a really nice master suite, or a couple of kids bedrooms plus full bathroom or a bedroom, bathroom and nice laundry room or some combination of these rooms.

Before 2nd Story above garage

Here are some of the challenges to adding a second story addition above the garage:

1) One of the more obvious challenges is aligning the new floor above the garage with the existing second floor of the house.

This can be very challenging and typically involves shortening or increasing the height of the existing garage walls and changes to the existing door and window headers so that the new and old floors align correctly.

2) Blending the new exterior to the existing so that the addition cannot be detected can be challenging from a fit and finish perspective, and from an aesthetic perspective.

2nd Story Addition Above Garage

Many times the exterior finish of the garage and main house may be more than 20+ years old. The difficulty is finding siding, shingles, brick or stone to match the existing house so the addition can be clad with an exterior that matches or complements the existing house. A garage is a large structure, so the architect/designer needs to be careful to not draw attention away from the main house when adding the additional mass of a second story on top of a garage.

3) Building a stiff floor with the long spans of the garage below.

Garages are typically 20 to 24 from front to back and side to side. These long open spans can make it difficult to build a stiff floor. Designing a floor system to support the people and rooms above and not interfere with car parking below can be difficult. The floor needs stiff enough so it complies with the code, does not bounce, and tiles dont crack. The thicker the floor system the less bounce and the fewer posts needed in the garage. The challenge is to keep the new floor from interfering with the garage door as it opens, and to align with the existing second floor.

4) Creating a balanced heating and cooling of the new space.

Balanced heating and cooling of the new space is critical, and can be challenging. Comfort of the occupants, energy efficiency, and protecting pipes from freezing is the heating and cooling systems job. Most HVAC systems in our area are in the center of basements which renders them ineffective and inefficient in providing adequate heating and cooling above a garage. Some sort of additional system design is almost always required. The good news here is that there are many very good options available to accomplish this task. Tip: The cost of spray foam insulation has come down quite a bit over the past couple years. At a minimum, consider spending a few extra dollars to have the floor above the garage spray foam insulated. This will help reduce the HVAC load and increase comfort.

2nd Story Addition Above Garage Completed

Before addition above garage

5) Creating a smooth flowing transition from the existing interior living space to the new space above the garage.

Transitioning from the existing living space to the new space above the garage can be very challenging. Sometimes space in an existing bedroom or even a bathroom has to be sacrificed to create access into the new addition above the garage. Contrary to that scenario there are some homes that only require a minor change to the interior such as removing a closet at the end of a hall to access the new space.

6) Extending plumbing pipes and drains to a new bathroom or laundry room above a garage can be very challenging and can have a significant impact on other areas of the existing house.

The location of the existing house waste water drain can substantially increase complexity. If the existing drain connection is in the middle of the house, you may incur significant drywall damage, framing reconfiguration, cabinet removal or even duct relocation to extend the new drain to the existing.

The challenges of adding a second story addition above a garage can be substantial, but if you have the right house, in the right neighborhood, and need more space; this is one way to gain the space.

What does it cost to add a room above the garage? As with all remodeling projects, when it comes to cost, the key phrase is It Depends. It depends on the number of challenges, the difficulty of the challenges, the level of fit and finish, and how much the space the project impacts other parts of your home.

So- very roughly- an easy to execute, simple fit and finish, basic addition above a garage could be as low as $275 per square foot. This assumes that all the stars align. If you are thinking about this type project I would start at $300+ per square foot because star alignment is a rare occurrence.

Thanks for reading our blog. I hope the content is valuable.. Please feel free to comment or leave questions via the links below

See the original post here:
Challenges of Adding a Second Story Addition above a ...

Hooks third baseman J.D Davis prepares to bat in the third inning against the Midland RockHounds on April, 24, 2017, at Whataburger Field(Photo: Charlie Blalock/Corpus Christi)

If there is one thing Ive learned covering minor league baseball off and on for more than a decade, it's that the goal is to develop players. But within that development is winning.

A minor league teams manager and its coaches want to see a player get better to ultimately earn that promotion but also they like to see how a player reacts in crucial situations. It could be a game in April or late August, but a players desire to win is something that is measured when managers and coaches talk to those in the front office.

Last week marked the first time in two seasons the Hooks had not won a Texas League South Division first half title. And with as successful as Rodney Linares has been here as manager and at other minor league stops in the Houston Astros system, Im sure he was frustrated.

The first half featured some frustrating moments for the hometown team, including a 10-game losing streak that ultimately kept the Hooks from having a shot at that title.

But the beauty of the minor leagues is that there is a second half. Player development will again be the primary focus, but it will be interesting to see how this team pushes over the final two-and-half months of the season to keep the Hooks playoff streak intact.

Hooks' Drew Ferguson celebrates with teammates after scoring against Arkansas on Saturday, April 15, 2017, at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi.(Photo: Gabe Hernandez/Caller-Times)

TEXAS LEAGUE SCHEDULING

This might be a little too inside baseball but it might be time for the Texas League to work on its schedule. Late in May and earlier this month, the Hooks had two extended road trips one to Springfield and Tulsa and this past weeks road trip in San Antonio and Midland sandwiched around a four-game homestand. Earlier this year they had two eight-game homestands surrounding a four-game road trip.

The Texas League is one of the tougher minor leagues when it comes to travel and it might be time to try to alleviate that.

In previous years, teams played five-game series. Naturally you want more games and series with teams in your division but I think it needs to be more balanced to where we see the North Division teams more instead of three games at a time. Currently each team plays 12 cross-division games against an opponent, six at home and six on the road. I think there could be more and it would help on the travel, especially.

Scheduling is hard but I think it would help the clubs in terms of promotions knowing they will be home for extended periods.

LOOKING TO THE SECOND HALF

The second half officially begins Tuesday and the Hooks have some momentum heading into it.

Here are a few things and players to watch:

Kyle Tucker and Jason Martin: The two recent call-ups have been solid additions for the Hooks over the last month and I expect both to continue to trend upward as the summer progresses.

Starting pitching: The Hooks have had some solid starting pitching this season only to struggle to score runs or to see the bullpen struggle to keep leads. But if pitchers can continue to go five, six, even seven innings, that helps the playoff chances and makes pitching coaches and the manager smile.

J.D. Davis promotion?: Davis has certainly shown that he is deserving of the call to Fresno. But a logjam in the infield in the Astros organization could make it difficult. He currently leads the league with 17 home runs and a .556 slugging percentage. With as much fun as he is to watch, it might be time for the third baseman to test his mettle in the Pacific Coast League.

See the original post here:
HAYWARD: Second half offers Hooks another playoff shot - Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Apparently Flyers General Manager Ron Hextall wasn't kidding around when he praised Scott Laughton's performance on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last season.

Laughton, a 2012 first-round (20th overall) draft pick, watched his stock with the organization drop over the previous couple years.

But a steady effort in Allentown impressed Hextall enough to earn a bit of a surprise spot on the team's NHL expansion draft (Vegas Golden Knights) protected list, which was released Sunday morning.

Also protected (as expected) were forwards Claude Giroux, Jake Voracek, Wayne Simmonds, Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn and Valtteri Filppula, along with defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere, Radko Gudas and Brandon Manning.

In what might be considered another mild surprise, the Flyers chose to protect rookie goalie Anthony Stolarz rather than veteran Michal Neuvirth, who signed a two-year, $5-million contract back in early March.

Also left unprotected: Forwards Jordan Weal (a potential unrestricted free agent) and alternate captain Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. On defense, Andrew MacDonald was not protected but his big contract makes it unlikely he will leave town.

It looks like the Flyers still believe Laughton can be an impact player someday in the NHL.

The 23-year-old center from Oakville, Ont. actually made it into a five-game trial with the Flyers way back in 2013. After a six-game stint with the Phantoms, he returned to his junior team (Oshawa Generals of OHL) for the 2013-14 campaign where he lit it up for 40 goals, 87 points in just 54 games.

He would play 102 games with the Flyers over the next two seasons but produced only seven goals in 71 games two seasons back and early this year was sent back to the Phantoms, where he produced 19 goals and 39 points in 60 games.

More importantly, his two-way game improved and he played a big part in getting the Phantoms to the Calder Cup playoffs for the first time since leaving Philadelphia nearly a decade ago.

Both Hextall and Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol have praised Laughton's work ethic. So maybe he really does have a future with the big team in Philadelphia.

Laughton played on a first line with Taylor Leier and Colin McDonald against the Hershey Bears in the first round of the playoffs (which the Phantoms lost).

"He had a terrific year," Hextall said of Laughton. "I can't say I'm surprised. I'm proud of Scott. In my mind, Scott's becoming a pro right now."

Laughton might have been a victim of too-high expectations.

Once nicknamed "Captain Canada" when he wore the "C'' for Team Canada in the World Juniors, Laughton was under a lot of pressure to score goals when he's really not a goal-scorer. He's more of a defensive type player.

He actually started last season with the Flyers but was sent down after just two games.

"He had a lot come at him early,'' Hextall said. "He comes up to the NHL, 'wow, one year in the minors, I'm in the NHL' and life's good.

"Maybe, a kid like that thinks he's got it made now. But he comes down here (to Allentown), he's done a really good job. He's become a better player, a better pro. I think he understands his skill set, he understands playing the whole sheet of the ice. I'm not sure he had that grasp.''

If he keeps improving, he could figure in the Flyers' future plans.

"It's just my confidence, it's a big part of my game,'' Laughton said during the Hershey series. "Just getting that back throughout the year, I think it took a little bit of time.

"This year has been good for me. I think I've taken a step forward.''

Meanwhile, any questions about the worth of Stolarz to the organization appear to have been answered.

The 23-year-old Edison, N.J., native by way of Jackson impressed in a brief trial with the Flyers this season while Neuvirth was hurt.

Stolarz, 6-foot-6, 210 pounds, was a 2012 second-round (45th overall) draft pick.

He went 2-1-1 with a 2.07 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage, including a brilliant shutout of the Red Wings in Detroit.

He's currently sidelined with a foot injury which kept him out of the Hershey playoff series. But the Flyers thought enough of him (and perhaps are confident Vegas won't take Neuvirth) to keep him in their future plans.

See the article here:
Laughton, Stolarz surprise additions to Flyers' protected list - Allentown Morning Call

Las Cruces Sun-News Published 7:33 a.m. MT June 18, 2017 | Updated 9 hours ago

Centennial tight end Brent Rigtrup goes up for a catch Saturday afternoon as the Hawks took the Manzano Monarchs in a quarterfinal Class 6A state playoff game.(Photo: Jaime Guzman/For the Sun-News)Buy Photo

A second game would not detract from rivalry

Yes, the annual Las Cruces vs. Mayfield game is a special event. No one is challenging that fact.

Many of the LCHS and MHS faithful in our community believe that the idea of a Centennial vs Oate game scheduled prior to the Las Cruces vs. Mayfield contest would detract from the grandeur of the traditional rivalry matchup.

This is not a proposal meant to devalue what is truly a storied contest; however, it is a unique opportunity for the city of Las Cruces to come together and embrace all four of the citys comprehensive high schools while giving student-athletes from Centennial and Oate the unique opportunity to compete in a Division 1 college football stadium.

Also, if it is truly a necessity to hold the Las Cruces vs. Mayfield game at Aggie Memorial Stadium for attendance reasons (which was challenged by last years free matchup that failed to fill up the Field of Dreams), what is the harm in having our other two major high schools compete in that stadium earlier in the evening?

Personally, it has been disappointing to see many of my fellow Las Crucens take aim at a wonderful opportunity for the students and supporters of Centennial and Oate. Being a native of this town, I feel as if we live in a very tight-knit community built on values of trust and support for one-another. However, attempting to halt an event that would be a wonderful spectacle for the people of Las Cruces, especially for our students, contradicts the perception that I have of my hometown.

Superintendent Ewing does not have it wrong. This proposal embraces the fantastic spirit of competition that defines high school football in Las Cruces.

Yes, we have one great rivalry, but we also have four great schools.

Cameron Castillo

Student body president at Centennial High School and chairman of the LCPS Student Advisory Council.

A lacking workforce plagues our area

This month I attended a lunch meeting in which three commercial real estate brokers discussed activity in the Doa Ana County area. The information provided was an update of recent additions of opening businesses and those in the pipeline into the future. Information also included not only Las Cruces but the Santa Teresa Industrial Park.

Those of us who keep track of the boom at Santa Teresa can see the development of Union Pacific and supplier businesses, which have located to that area, have brought many jobs. What I didnt hear during the presentation was activity at the West Mesa Industrial Park (WMIP). I posed the question as to why the WMIP is not a location that new business is interested in.

On the positive side, the response was that the WMIP has all the infrastructure in place, is well located with easy on and off traffic to the interstate, a Free Trade Zone for manufacturing and the land is fairly priced. The unfortunate answer for no activity at the WMIP is the lack of a trained workforce to accommodate a manufacturer looking to invest a few million dollars into a property.

The investment can only be possible with the ability to fill the needed employees. So when are we going to open our eyes understanding the key to commercial growth and new jobs is at our fingertips. We need the willingness to track down the business and the investment of a trained and employable workforce. It has always been the time and continues to be the answer to our job creation at the WMIP and in this city.

Dolores Connor

Las Cruces

Read or Share this story: http://www.lcsun-news.com/story/opinion/letters/2017/06/18/second-games-would-not-district-rivalry/406487001/

Read this article:
A second game would not detract from rivalry - Las Cruces Sun-News

Bradley International Airport has added nonstop service between Hartford and Edinburgh, Scotland on Norwegian Air.

The innaugural flight from the United Kingdom was celebrated Friday. Norwegian is to operate year-round, three times a week, with a twice-weekly schedule during the winter season. The route is Bradley's second transatlantic direct flight. In September, the airport started service to Dublin, Ireland on Aer Lingus.

"Every day more and more passengers are recognizing that Bradley International Airport is faster and more convenient than other nearby airports," Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said. "And with the addition of new flights to Europe, as well as new destinations across the country, that reputation continues to improve."

Airport and state officials also announced recently that Spirit Airlines is expanding operations at the Windsor Locks airport, beginning daily nonstop seasonal service to Fort Myers and Tampa, Fla.

Spirit, an ultralow-cost carrier, has offered nonstop flights from Bradley to Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Orlando, Fla., since April. The Fort Myers and Tampa flights are to begin Nov. 9 and extend through April. A nonstop flight to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. also was added recently.

With these additions, airport officials said, passengers can now fly to more than 30 domestic and international nonstop destinations.

Tickets for the Edinburgh service are on sale. The outbound flight leaves Bradley at 9:35 p.m., with scheduled arrival of 9:30 a.m. in Edinburgh. The inbound flight departs Edinburgh at 5:15 p.m. and arrives at Bradley at 7:55 p.m..

"The addition of this route is an important milestone for the Connecticut Airport Authority," authority board Chairman Charles R. Gray said. "This new international route highlights Bradley Airport's continued growth and is a reflection of Bradley's growing popularity among European carriers."

"We're thrilled to welcome Norwegian to Bradley Airport," authority Executive Director Kevin A. Dillon said. "The CAA is determined to build on Bradley's strengths and continue our focus to deliver more convenience and connectivity for our region."

See the original post:
Bradley Launches Nonstop Flights To Scotland - Hartford Courant - Hartford Courant

Vice President Mike Pence waves as he arrives for an event at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Ga., Friday, June 9, 2017.(Photo: David Goldman, AP)

This Father's Day Vice President Mike Pence got a very cute surprise from his family, and the country got more adorable pets to obsess over.

Sunday evening Second Lady Karen Pence tweeted a photo of herself with a grey kitten named Hazel, which the family got this weekend during a trip to Indiana.

She also tweeted a photo of Pence cuddled up with a puppy named Harley, and said it was his Father's Day surprise.

The new additions to the family come a week after they mourned the loss of their cat, Oreo.

Oreo along with the family's other cat, Pickle, and rabbit, Marlon Bundo became famousin January, when the family moved to Washington, D.C. They all made their national debut inphotos of the U.S. Air Force flight.

Since then, Marlon Bundo, better known as BOTUS (Bunny of the United States),has remained in the spotlightwith anInstagram page.

The black-and-white rabbit even has made White House appearances, recentlystealing the showat an event for Military Appreciation Month. At the time, Karen Pence said he was "kind of famous," asthe first bunny to ride on Air Force 2.

Could more adorable Instagram accounts be in this country's future? We can only hope.

Call IndyStarreporter Emma Kate Fittes at (317) 444-6129. Follow her on Twitter:@IndyEmmaKate.

Read or Share this story: http://indy.st/2thUm02

More here:
Meet Mike Pence's very cute, four-legged Father's Day surprise - Indianapolis Star

Ken Chester Jr., Motor News Media Corporation 7:00 a.m. CT June 16, 2017

The Nissan Rogue Hybrid, the newest addition to the popular Rogue crossover lineup, offers a second powertrain choice for Rogue buyers for the 2017 model year in both FWD and AWD applications. Like the 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine-equipped standard Rogue models, the Rogue Hybrid offers freshened exterior and interior styling, additional safety, security and driving aid technology and a wide range of standard and available comfort, convenience and utility features.(Photo: Nissan)

The Rogue model lineup expands for the 2017 model year with the addition of a new gasoline-electric hybrid model. Like the standard Rogue models, the Rogue Hybrid offers freshened exterior and interior styling, additional safety, security and driving aid technology and a wide range of standard and available comfort, convenience and utility features.

Available in SV and SL trim levels, the new Rogue Hybrid utilizes Nissan's advanced Intelligent Dual Clutch system. It uses a compact Lithium-ion battery and electric motor to provide supplementary power through its one-motor/two-clutch system. The advanced 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine together with a 30kW electric motor is rated at 176 hp. Torque is communicated to the wheels via an advanced Xtronic CVT automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is an available option.

The core of the Rogue Hybrid gasoline-electric hybrid system is Nissan's advanced Intelligent Dual Clutch Control system. The first of the two clutches is a dry clutch installed between the four-cylinder engine and the electric motor, where the torque converter would normally be, and the second is between the motor and Xtronic transmission.

The high-output lithium-ion battery is able to charge/discharge quickly, which contributes to high-speed, precise control of the electric motor and optimum clutch control, and in combination enable smooth start and quick shift changes. In addition, with the use of the compact Lithium-ion battery located under the rear cargo area, the Rogue Hybrid maintains its flat rear floor for easy passenger access to the rear seat and little reduction of cargo room.

Control hardware consists of a four-wheel independent suspension with struts and coil springs up front and a multi-link setup at the rear.

Inside the passenger cabin, Rogue Hybrid models feature several differences from their non-hybrid counterparts. An HEV gauge is added to the Advanced Drive Assist Display, the 2nd row seat is a 60/40 split folding design, a storage space is added under the rear cargo area and Pure Drive HEV badging is added to the exterior. Other additions include an HEV badge on the engine cover and the dual horn includes a Vehicle Sound Generator for driving in the electric mode.

For 2017, the available optional equipment packages include the SV Hybrid Premium Package and the SL Hybrid Premium Package.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 106.5; overall length: 184.5; width: 72.4; height: 66.3 (66.6 AWD)

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline 141 hp at 6000 rpm and 144 lbs-ft of torque at 3600 rpm, advanced 30kW electric motor 40 hp/118 lbs-ft of torque, and Lithium-ion battery 202 volts.

Transmission: Xtronic CVT automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 33 city/35 hwy. (FWD); 31 city/34 hwy. (AWD)

Cargo capacity: 61.4 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbag, front seat-mounted side-impact airbag, dual front/rear head curtain side-impact airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control system, vehicle dynamic control, engine immobilizer, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic headlamps, daytime running lights, rearview monitor, remote keyless entry, automatic power door locks, Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, tire pressure monitoring system, and easy fill tire alert. SL adds LED headlights, high beam assist, front fog lights, HomeLink universal transceiver, and Around View monitor with Moving Object Detection.

Optional safety features include navigation system and forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/100,000 mile, Bumper-to-bumper

Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile

Pricing

As of the writing of this review, Nissan has not announced pricing for the 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid models.

Read or Share this story: http://www.htrnews.com/story/money/cars/2017/06/16/2017-nissan-rogue-hybrid-crossover-breaks-new-ground/396126001/

See the article here:
2017 Nissan Rogue hybrid crossover breaks new ground - Herald Times Reporter

Patients at the East Mississippi State Hospital will soon move out of their 132-year-old rooms into a new 60-bed facility to accommodate modern amenities such as high-speed data, heating and cooling as well as strengthen the structural integrity.

The former building, built in 1885, didn't comply with current building codes and it had to be updated to maintain the hospitals Joint Commission accerditation as a health care organization and provider.

"Most people do not know this, but our state hospital was in the process of losing accreditation and funding because of its age, deterioration and overall general condition," Charles Young Jr., the Mississippi House representative for District 82, said. "Quite a few buildings were built in the early 1800s... the buildings were not able to be adequately updated."

Hospital staff, administrators and state legislators viewed the $14 million newfacility after a brief, soggy ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon, touring the future rooms, offices and nursing stations.

"This is the beginning of the beginning for (EMSH). (EMSH) has served the community well for decades and decades," Young said. "It's an ultra-modern facility and an opportunity to show Mississippi just how good the director and staff are here."

EMSH director Charles Carlisle said that with 100 patients, the 60 rooms won't be enough space for everyone. In late summer Carlisle said 60 patients would be moved into the new building and the remaining would be moved into the former adolescent complex.

Carlisle said he believed construction would start on the second 60-bed receiving unit with an additional medical wing and admissions hall in early fall. The second building will cost $17 million with these additions. Even with these additions, Carlisle said he anticipated the second building would take less time to build than the first building, which took over two years.

Still, Carlisle said he appreciated the state legislature's commitment to helping the hospital keep its accreditation by continuing to fund the bonds for the buildings.

"The bond money is all ready to go," Carlisle said. "We're one of the few agencies in East Mississippi that continued to get bond money."

Though the legislature continued funding the bonds that built the new structures, some services and positions were lost after this year's budget cuts. EMSH had to close its adolescent complex, built in 2002, and convert it for adult acute psychiatric care, losing 74 positions, after budget cuts this year.

"They believed we needed this," Carlisle said.

Carlisle stressed that the new building would be a replacement building for the old four-story facility, so no other positions would be lost.

"The old building needed to come down," Carlisle said. "But we won't demolish it until the other building is finished."

Read more from the original source:
East Mississippi State Hospital patients get new rooms - Meridian Star

The Sandy Springs Branch Library will get its first renovation in 30 years in early 2018, transforming into a more flexible and modern space, a team of officials said at a June 14 public input meeting. That work will bring temporary pain: a closure of five to six months.

The main entrance of the Sandy Springs Branch Library at 395 Mount Vernon Highway N.E. (John Ruch)

Improved facilities for events, childrens activities and a friends groups bookstore were among the suggestions by about 30 attendees of the meeting, held at the library at 395 Mount Vernon Highway N.E. The ideas were well-received by Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System officials, though they emphasized that the project will only renovate the existing building, not build additions. And while Al Collins, the administrator of the bond program funding the renovation, said the project has a limited budget, he repeatedly refused to say what that amount is.

Amy Sue Mann of Hogan Construction Group (standing) discusses Sandy Springs Branch Library renovations at the June 14 meeting. Joining her were architect Joe Alcock (right), Al Collins of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System (left), and Branch Manager Madigan McGillicuddy (at rear). (John Ruch)

The project is far from a blank slate, but still has plenty of room for community input to dictate details of how the library is reconfigured, said representatives of construction and architecture firms already hired by the library system.

Were just starting out, said Amy Sue Mann of Hogan Construction Group. We havent drawn anything yet.

What we really want to understand is the personality of your library, said Joe Alcock of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, which recently worked on major library projects for Louisiana State and Kennesaw State universities. He likened the project to a giant-sized version of renovating and refurnishing a living room.

A drawing of the Sandy Springs Branch Librarys current floorplan on display at the June 14 meeting. (John Ruch)

After the current round of public input, the team plans to return in the early fall with a preliminary design, then finalize the plan with more public input by years end. Construction is expected to start sometime in the first quarter of 2018, requiring a closure of up to six months.

The team continues to accept public input on renovation ideas at librarycomments@fultoncountyga.gov. That address is used for several branch renovations, so comments should mention they are about the Sandy Springs Branch specifically.

A long list of needs

The meeting itself made obvious some of the needs of the library, which dates to 1973 and was last renovated in 1988. Its three relatively small meeting rooms were all booked with activities, so the meeting was held amid bookshelves and DVD racks in the young adult section. Some attendees fanned themselves in the overly warm air, and lobby noise interrupted the discussion.

Due to a lack of available rooms, the meeting was held amid the librarys bookshelves and DVD racks. (John Ruch)

All that activity also shows how popular the Sandy Springs Branch is. Alcock said its book circulation about 20,000 volumes checked out a month is consistently in the top three of the systems 34 branches.

The team already has a must-do list of basic improvements, such as heating, cooling and lighting systems. And with this renovation possibly being the last major work for 20 to 25 years, the team is grappling with how to design a brick-and-mortar library for an increasingly digital age. The overarching theme was flexible space and a focus on perennial needs like teaching young children to read and providing study space for teens.

Alcock said that the vision of a modern library is less a book depository and more a place to exchange thoughts, learn and expand our minds and trade ideas.

Things come and go in fad and fashion, he said. We want long-range, durable ideas that will go on forever.

The list of improvements already required by the library system is long. It includes new heating and cooling systems; lighting; interior and exterior signage; accessibility for people with disabilities; new computers and Wi-Fi; renovated restrooms; carpeting; security cameras and an alarm system; new electrical wiring and outlets. Also on the agenda: better furniture and at least basic improvements to the lawn and parking lot areas.

The Friends of the Sandy Springs Librarys bookstore is squeezed into a space behind bookshelves. (John Ruch)

Cramped, crowded and poorly lit rooms were a major theme of comments from attendees. The design team previously sought comments from library staff, and said they heard similar thoughts.

Two mothers of young children called for an improved childrens area focused on books and other non-digital items, and insulated from the rest of the library so noise wont disturb other patrons.

Better furniture was another. As one man put it, the library should have chairs that will enhance reading, but not make you fall asleep.

Members of the Friends of the Sandy Springs Library asked for better after-hours access for such events as author readings, and better space for their bookstore, which funds many childrens programs. The bookstore is squeezed into an easily overlooked area at the back of the young adult section, and the Friends have to rent off-site storage space for $400 a month.

Joe Alcock of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture points out a wooden arch in the little-known second-story room in the Sandy Springs Branch Library. (John Ruch)

Marsha Holcomb, a Friends group board member, drew some exclamations of surprise when she asked about the use of a little-known second-floor room in the largely one-story library. Alcock said plans show the room was originally designated as a childrens play space, and a librarian said it was once a staff office and lounge. It became a heating-and-cooling system room in the 1988 renovation and likely will stay that way, especially since it is now accessible only by a pull-down ladder in the staff office area. Alcock gave the Reporter a brief look at the room, which still has some charms in its hardwood floor and ceiling and laminated wood arches.

The known budget and the secret budget

The Sandy Springs Branch project is part of the second and last phase of a system-wide renovation and construction program dating to a 2008 voter-approved bond. The current phase will renovate 21 branches and the Central Library in downtown Atlanta. Those renovations are being done in sub-phases called groups, and Sandy Springs is among seven branches starting off the work. The nearby Roswell Branch is included in that first group. Mann said the renovation closures will be scheduled so that the Roswell and Sandy Springs are not closed at the same time, so that patrons of one can visit the other during construction and avoid a local library desert.

The overall budget for Phase II work is $109 million, with about $50 million going to the Central Library project. The other $59 million is for the 21 branch renovations; if divided equally, that would be about $2.8 million per branch. However, Collins would not say what the actual Sandy Springs Branch budget is.

Im not prepared, necessarily, to disclose the budget at this time, Collins said when a meeting attendee asked for the figure. Were going to try to do it as equitably as possible.

Collins said after the meeting that the Sandy Springs project has a specific budget set, but he again would not state the amount, citing a desire to keep public opinion focused on planning and away from possible disputes over different branches getting different amounts of money.

Follow this link:
Sandy Springs Library renovation coming in early 2018 - Reporter Newspapers