Simulated view of 500 ft turbines seen from Ames Monument

A new wind project proposed for Albany County near Veduawoo has run into strong headwinds from local residents. Houston-based ConnectGen wants to put wind turbines on 26,000 acres of private and state land stretching from near the Ames Monument and Vedauwoo to an area west and south of Tie Siding.

The company says the project will generate 504 megawatts of wind power. Amanda MacDonald, ConnectGens project manager, said the exact number of wind turbines has not been determined.

ConnectGen Simulated View of 500 ft. Wind Turbines from I-80

We havent selected the turbine type that well use yet. Looking at all of the models were considering, they are between 500 feet, which is the same size as the turbines that just went up at the Roundhouse project, or potentially as tall as 675 feet, she said.

The larger turbines generate 6 MW each. Depending on the size chosen, the company will install between 84 and 151 turbines. The taller turbines generate more electricity, so fewer will be needed.

The numbers and size of the turbines upset Paul Montoya. Montoya and his wife Lynn own the Vista de Luna Bed and Breakfast near the Ames Monument. Montoya created a website, http://www.ProtectAmesMonument.org, and has been rallying neighbors to fight the project.

Montoya said 54 people attended a protest in front of the Albany County Courthouse in July. He is also pushing a petition through the website, calling on the Albany County Commissioners to review the regulations concerning wind energy, especially how they relate to setbacks.

ConnectGen Simulated View of 500 ft. Turbines from Tie Siding

Setbacks determine the distance between a project and property lines, residences, roads, and other locations. MacDonald says the current regulations require wind turbines to be built at least 5.5 times their height away from residences, measured from the tip of the blade to the ground.

Montoya said thats not enough. The regulations that were put in place by Albany County are well over 10 years old and really havent kept up with the current technologies in wind energy. What were really asking is that the regulations be looked at from a number of standpoints, but one of the primary ones are setbacks, not only from property lines rather than the residence but also setbacks from national historic monuments, and from national parks and state parks, Montoya added.

ConnectGens Amanda MacDonald disagrees. The setbacks used in Albany County are more or less identical to those used in Carbon County, Laramie County and are very much the norm for setbacks, she said.

She added that the real goal was to stop the project completely. The specific setbacks that have been put forth by this group of landowners that Mr. Montoya is a part of would effectively put setbacks over the entire project area. We would not be able to install a single turbine anywhere within the 26,000 acres project area, MacDonald said.

ConnectGens website points to a significant economic impact. The company will spend more than $500 million building the project. 113 construction jobs will be created with $35.8 million in one-time earnings. Once the project is completed, it will have 23 long-term jobs with $1.6 million in annual earnings.

Absolutely its a good project for Albany County, said Albany County Commissioner Terri Jones. As a commissioner, Im most interested in what our bottom line is, the physical bottom line, she added.

As of last week, Montoya had gathered 468 signatures on his petition calling for the Albany County Commissioners to review and amend the existing wind regulations, and he plans to call a press conference the day before the next Albany County Commissioner meeting.

The Albany County Planning and Building Department is looking into the current regulations, and will have a recommendation for the commissioners at their meeting on September 15.

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Headwinds for New Wind Project | News | thecheyennepost.com - The Cheyenne Post

The U.S. Green Building Council, the creators of the LEED green building program, has selected outstanding projects in the affordable dwelling category for the 2020 LEED Homes Awards. Currently there are more than 555,000 residential units certified as LEED-qualified because these homes help lower utility bills for families by reducing energy and water consumption while also providinghealthier indoor environments by using materials that lower exposure to toxins and pollutants, which resultsin better air quality.

These three projects won awards in the Outstanding Affordable Project category:

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Could we create an urban housing typology that does as much for its neighborhood as it does for its residents? Can we make a building that builds a sense of community around a shared notion of environmental connectivity? Those were the questions that the Community Corporationof Santa Monica and Koning Eizenberg asked as developer and architectbegan to fuse ecological and social benefits into what would become the Arroyo, a LEEDPlatinum winner. (All photos:Koning Eizenberg Architecture)

The 83,768-square-foot building is five stories tall. Itsmassing consists of two parallel bar structures, one single loaded and the other double loaded, which run alongside the open-ended courtyard.

The Arroyo's open-ended courtyard strategy creates a social hub for residents, captures prevailing ocean breezes, and provides daylight to all apartments, while also makingthe street more pedestrian friendly. The designleveragesthe real earth below the courtyard for planting large shade trees, creating aserene, shaded community space for residents while also bringing somenative California landscape to the street.

Koning Eizenberg Architectureused building elements that have social, environmental, and economic impact to create the Arroyo's visual identity. Brightly colored undersides of sunshades and bridges visually enliven the experience of the building for residents and pedestrians alike. The sunshades also reduce solar gain, thereby reducingenergy demands on cooling systems, while also providingdaylighting without glare, which reducesinterior lighting demands. The bridges serve to make the life of the building visually accessible to the neighborhood and create moments of encounter between residents and the neighborhood.

Construction of the project was financed with Affordable Housing Tax Credits, whichrequire use of healthy materials and finishes. AMERV 8 filtered mechanical system and greatly reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) help ensure healthy indoor air quality within the dwelling units.

Open-air corridors, bridges, and stairs create a visually dynamic circulation system that aims to create a fun, walkable experience for residents that also serves to makethe elevator a less attractive option and encourages an active lifestyle. The bridges flank the east and west of the courtyard and look upon the basketball half-court and courtyard where children ride bikesand residents stroll through the garden.There are 142 bicycle parking spaces on site for both resident families and visitors to the community rooms, which host neighborhood events.

Freedom Commons, in Syracuse, N.Y., is a$15 million project that is the result of collaboration between the Center for Community Alternatives and Syracuse Housing Authority. The project was developed and designed by Norstar Development USA andSustainable Comfort. (All photos: Sustainable Comfort)

The 72,989-square-foot LEED Gold development supports low-income families, formerly incarcerated residents, and those who have experienced homelessness.

Forty-three of the buildings 54 units are designated as affordable housing and provide comprehensive reentry services that address education, recovery, employment, civic restoration, and case management. The design includes a computer lab, meeting space, laundry facility, and communal dining area.

Freedom Commons provides access to transportation and uses a high-performing mechanical system. The buildingincludes LED lighting, Energy Star-qualified appliances, low-flow fixtures with the EPA's WaterSense label, and a healthy indoor environment with dedicated energy recovery ventilation, and individual mechanical system control for residents.

The building creates an urban-residential character for the neighborhood, with a strong street edge, parking pushed to the interior, and inviting stoops that enhance the pedestrian experience.

The building is constructed of durable materials including a brick base, metal panels, and fiber-cement siding.

Freedom Commons is part of aprogram that seeks to create a community based on restoration rather than retribution by serving the population with the highest risk of future incarceration. The future of this area is hopeful, as Freedom Commons took on the task of being the first restoration in an ongoing implementation of redevelopment.

This LEED Platinum project demonstrates thatquality housing can be both affordable and sustainable. Designed to encourage community-building, this low-energy, high-performance building developed by Bronx Pro Group and designed by Steven Winter Associates consists of 30 studios to four-bedroom units for low- to moderate-income families. (All photos:BronxPro Group)

The 3365 Third Avenuebuilding provides efficient heating and cooling, as well as LED lighting and low-flow plumbing fixtures that increases efficiency and helpresidents keep utility payments in check. A rooftop solar array and green roof provide functional and aesthetically pleasing places for residents.

The 46,993-square-foot project also includes a courtyard andfitness roomand supports the Bronx community at large through the Little Scholars Early Development Center, a year-round preschool in the base of the building.

3365 Third Avenue is one of more than a dozen buildings in Bronx Pro Groups portfolio that support the organizations mission to "develop quality housing that is both affordable and sustainable with an increasing focus towards community building. As part of Bronx Pros goal ofdeveloping affordable housing, 3365 Third Avenueconsists of 30 studio to four-bedroom apartments for a low- and moderate-income population thatincludesformerly homeless families.

Sustainable features include a robust and air-tight insulated concrete form envelope with fiberglass triple-pane windows,VRF(variable refrigerant flow) HVAC systemsthat provideheating and cooling to each apartment, and an in-unit energy recovery ventilator (ERV), which manages the kitchen and bathroom exhaust while also providing ducted fresh air.

High-efficacy LED lighting is installed throughout the building, along with low-flow plumbing fixtures. A rooftop solar array,as well as a green roof installed at residential floor terraces, and high-albedo roofing elsewhere are functional and aesthetically pleasing design features.

In addition, 3365 Third Avenuefosters a sense of community through its common spaces, such as the back courtyard and fitness room, which facilitate resident interaction. This projectbuilds on Bronx Pros experience with previous affordable housing projects and goes beyond them by synthesizing the multifaceted sustainability measures defined by the LEED for Homes Multifamily Midrise rating system with the low-energy, high-performance goals of the PHIUS + program. This outstanding affordable housing project not only raises the bar for buildings within Bronx Pros portfolio of projects but within the Bronx as well.

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Sustainability and green building awardsaffordable housing | Pro Builder - Professional Builder

The Canfield Fair announced on Tuesday, July 7th that the 2020 season would be cancelled and limited to a Junior Fair only. Following the guidelines from Ohio Governor Mike Dewine, the Canfield Fair Board heartbreakingly realized it would be impossible to adequately follow social distancing and other safety requirements to protect visitors from the COVID-19 virus. Sam Boak, president and founder of Boak & Sons, was heartbroken but understanding of the decision.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (PRWEB) August 31, 2020

The Canfield Fair announced on Tuesday, July 7th that the 2020 season would be cancelled and limited to a Junior Fair only. Following the guidelines from Ohio Governor Mike Dewine, the Canfield Fair Board heartbreakingly realized it would be impossible to adequately follow social distancing and other safety requirements to protect visitors from the COVID-19 virus. Sam Boak, president and founder of Boak & Sons, was heartbroken but understanding of the decision.

Boak & Sons, Inc. is a residential and commercial exterior contracting company based in Youngstown, Ohio and serving customers from Cleveland, Ohio to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Boak & Sons has been an active participant in the Canfield Fair for decades, with a booth set up every season.

"The Canfield Fair wasn't just a sales opportunity for Boak & Sons," said Sam Boak. "It was a weekend full of laughs, hugs and handshakes with our friends, customers and partners. We fully understand the Canfield Fair Board's decision to cancel the fair because at the end of the day, safety comes first. However, it is heartbreaking to know that for the first time in so many years, we won't be participating in such a cherished tradition in our community."

The Canfield Fair would have celebrated its 174th season this year. It is a staple of the state of Ohio as the largest county fair in the state and the 3rd largest in the country. It was established in 1846 and has continued to grow into one of the most popular events in the state. The grandstand alone holds over 6,000 people, and the entire grounds covers 353 acres of land. With such a large crowd in attendance every year, the Board members had to put the safety of the community over the decision to keep the fair open.

"The fair is a focal point of this community," said Sam Boak. "While everyone is understanding of the situation, it's hard to ignore the financial impact this could have on several businesses. I'm thankful for the Board's decision to keep our community safe and my heart goes out to the other businesses who will be affected by the cancellation."

The Canfield Fair has announced its plans for their 175th season in September of 2021, with the intent to make it their biggest and best year yet. For more information about the Canfield Fair, visit http://www.canfieldfair.com. To learn more about Boak & Sons, visit http://www.boakandsons.com.

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About Boak & Sons:

Boak & Sons, Inc. was founded by Sam Boak in 1974 as an insulation contractor. With the high energy costs of the 70's, Boak & Sons expanded early on into the roofing business. They offered economical roof installations through cutting edge technology and equipment, allowing customers to recoup even more in energy savings. Today, Boak & Sons is a residential and commercial contractor for roofing, insulation, sheet metal, siding, and gutters. Based in Youngstown, Ohio, the company serves customers in surrounding areas from Cleveland, Akron, and Canton to Cranberry and Pittsburgh. For more information on Boak & Sons, visit their website at: https://www.boakandsons.com/

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Sam Boak of Boak & Sons Responds to Cancellation of the 2020 Canfield Fair - Benzinga

(MENAFN - GetNews) Tony's Windows and Siding is rated the best window and siding installation company in North Carolina for a number of reasons. Not only does their company possess the expertise, experience, and craftsmanship of professionals, but they also offer services that give clients the peace of mind they need, as well as a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Greenville, NC - Tony's Windows and Siding is rated the best window and siding installation company in North Carolina for a number of reasons. Not only does their company possess the expertise, experience, and craftsmanship of professionals, but they also offer services that give clients the peace of mind they need, as well as a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Pushing to better meet the needs of clients in and around its primary service areas, Tony's Windows and Siding is proud to announce the expansion of its service area into Greenville, NC.

The expansion into Greenville, NC will bring superior quality siding and window installation services to the members of the area. With their office now open, residential and commercial property owners who are looking for qualified window contractors or siding installers can rest easy knowing that their needs will be well attended to.

At the opening of their new office in Greenville, NC, Mary Kathryn VanLandingham, the spokesperson for Tony's Windows and Siding said, 'Many homeowners live with old and outdated windows that aren't energy efficient. As a result, the air inside becomes polluted and you end up wasting controlled air. Instead, a new set of vinyl windows will improve your energy savings and reduce your utility bills. Whether you need improved weather stripping or replacement panes, choose us. Our experienced window installation contractors offer affordable solutions every day. Keep the elements outside with quality products and local technicians. Whether you have an aging house or a newer residence, call us for window installation services. We keep your place better protected against the outdoor elements with reliable contractors and quality windows.

The Window Installation contractors, as they begin operation in Greenville, NC, have also announced that they will be offering services like glass window repairs to the members of the community. Some of the common repair services that their team offers include repairs of leaky skylights, repairs of missing adhesives, window maintenance, repairs of torn screens, and more.

Added to this, the company also offers the sale of single hung windows, double-hung windows, sliding windows, accent windows, glass blocks, basement hopper windows, picture windows, projection windows, casement windows, storm windows, ceiling skylights, as well as awning windows.

Tony's Windows and Siding also offers comprehensive Siding Installation and Repair services. The team handles installation and repairs of all siding materials including wood siding, fiber cement, vinyl siding, engineered wood, shingle siding, cedar siding, stone veneer, brick veneer, and other materials.

'Whether your existing siding is in rough shape or it's time for new siding, call us. As your experienced team of local installation contractors, we offer affordable services. With our range of quality building materials, we always have a practical solution. From premium products to cost-effective siding, we carry it all, the company representative added.

Not only does quality siding keep a property safe, but it also offers many other benefits such as preventing moisture damage, pest problems, energy loss, and utility costs. Quality siding installation will also increase indoor air quality, curb appeal, and property value.

The company has earned tons of accolades from past clients whose properties have received a boost in value, appeal, and aesthetic appearance due to Tony's Windows and Siding's expertise.

Tony's Windows and Siding is located at 1920 Exchange Drive Suite 823, Greenville, NC 27858. For quality window and siding installation and repair services, contact their team by calling (252) 542-5594. For additional information regarding their services, send an email to or visit their company's website.

Media Contact Company Name: Tony's Windows and Siding Contact Person: Mary Kathryn VanLandingham Email: Send Email Phone: (252) 542-5594 Address: 1920 Exchange Drive Suite 823 City: Greenville State: NC Country: United States Website: http://www.tonyswindowsandsiding.com/

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Tony's Windows and Siding Opens a New Location to Serve Greenville, NC and the Surrounding Areas With Quality Window and Siding Installation and...

Brighten up your home with a beautiful new exterior with the help of Windows Hawaii. The company carries several types of siding that blends function and curb appeal for lasting reliability. Of Windows Hawaiis three different siding options from manufacturer Royal Building Products, which include Craneboard and Market Square, its Celect siding is a customer favorite.

Celect is a premium cellular composite siding skillfully engineered that boasts the appearance of wood without the draw backs of real wood. One of the reasons it is a popular choice is its little to no maintenance feature. Since it is made from sustainable components, it resists moisture and is warrantied to never warp, buckle or shift, unlike real wood or cement. The material is low-maintenance plus reduces worry about termites, saving homeowners money in the short and long term. Additionally, one of the best benefits is that there will be no need to paint ever again.

Speaking of paint, Celect offers an extensive color palette that general manager Mario Garcia says has just the color to please homeowners and satisfies policies of various town associations.

Topping it all off, the product has superior strength-to- weight ratio and locks together like a puzzle, so there is no need to worry about filling in the gaps. It also keeps the home cooler, saving costs on utility bills.

The product has been tested and proven by Windows Hawaiis customers and one such customer is Nancy Beggin who quickly became the envy of her neighborhood after installing Celect.

It was so funny because I actually had people coming up to me asking if I was going to sell my house, she chuckled. Of course, Beggin told the inquirers that her house was not for sale. Im really, really pleased. Its beautiful and a huge improvement. (Even) my friend drove by and said, You have a new house!

If Celect siding doesnt fit your preference, not to worry because Craneboard and Market Square is also available from Windows Hawaii. Craneboard combines stone, shake, and board and batten that also offers thermal resistance, low-maintenance features and has the look of cedar-grain wood.

As for Market Square siding, it is similar to the aforementioned options of virtually no maintenance beautiful wood looks and is environmentally-friendly. This vinyl product features strong wind load performance and also promises to not warp, buckle or sag.

To learn more about the different sidings, give Windows Hawaii a call at 671- 0808 or visit its website at trustwindowshawaii.com.

WINDOWS HAWAIICONTACT 671-0808 383-7233 (cell)ADDRESS 91-314 Komohana St., KapoleiEMAIL windows@windows-hawaii.comWEB trustwindowshawaii.com

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Siding with quality - Windows Hawaii | Hawaii Renovation - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Clark Roofing & Siding is a widely known, Class A Roofing Contractor in Chesapeake, VA. If you are searching for a roofing and siding contractor in Chesapeake, VA, Clark Roofing & Siding is the one to choose. Clark Roofing & Siding has achieved many certifications and is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau. With years of experience and many testimonials from satisfied customers, you can rest assured that Clark Roofing & Siding is the best roofing contractor in Chesapeake, VA.

It is not always easy to find professional, experienced roofing contractors, or an experienced roofer, with a good reputation, and with Chesapeake, VA being a growing area, there is plenty of need for a roofing contractor. But dont just take our word for it. You can hear that we are the best for the job straight from our customers and see it in the before and after transformations of our homes.

Clark Roofing & Siding has been established on high-quality workmanship and professional service. Our employees receive ongoing training to reach the high standards set at Clark Roofing & Siding. We install all types of high-end materials including standing seam metal, Eco-Star products, metal roofing, copper roofing, and fiber cement siding, cedar siding, and Cedar Impressions. No job is too big or too small for Clark Roofing & Siding.

Customers looking for exterior home improvement and maintenance will be impressed by the affordability and professionalism that the team members at Clark Roofing & Siding offer. We wont leave a job until we know our customer is 100% happy and pleased with our work. The experts at Clark Roofing & Siding bring a personal touch and care for the quality of work to every single job we tackle, no matter the size. This is one of the biggest things that Clark Roofing & Siding have staked their reputation on in Chesapeake, VA after 19 years in operation as a roofing contractor.

Whether customers are looking to expand their home outdoors with beautiful, high-performance Trex decking, are in need of replacement roofing or siding, or need their gutters cleaned, Clark Roofing & Siding is the best in Chesapeake, VA. Your roof is your homes first line of defense to outdoor elements. If its missing shingles or showing signs of damage, it could be letting water into your home leading to costly repairs in the future. Clark Roofing & Siding is a roofing contractor that ensures every element of your homes exterior is in tip-top shape, protecting your investment.

Clark Roofing & Siding is open Monday through Friday allowing us to serve the demand for roofing contractors in Chesapeake, VA. Amidst COVID-19, we are able to use the latest technologies to provide an estimate and do the work without ever even entering your home. Clark Roofing & Siding can be contacted at 757-485-1000.

The roofing and siding of your home play a huge role in the homes value which is why we source the highest quality products and machinery to use on its exterior. The roofing contractors at Clark Roofing & Siding understand this and will make certain that every detail is covered to protect the investment that is your home.

Source:https://thenewsfront.com/clark-roofing-siding-roofing-siding-contractor-employs-the-best-roofers-in-chesapeake-va/

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Clark Roofing & Siding: Roofing & Siding Contractor employs the Best Roofers in Chesapeake, VA - The News Front

Doesnt it always happen that way? Just as Shamyla and Anthony Lando started to enjoy their freshly renovated dream home on a bluff above the Minnesota River, a new job is forcing the family to move from the leafily enchanting Eden Prairie neighborhood that some call Narnia, the fantasy world created by author C.S. Lewis.

Shamyla, an innovative leader in information technology, has already begun working as chief technology officer at Duke Health in Durham, N.C. Husband Anthony, a private banker, will soon follow. In the meantime, hes savoring the sunrises and sweeping panoramic views of the river valley from his bedroom, the deck off the owners suite, the bank of windows on the south side of the house and from as many spots as he can in the 5,184-square-foot house.

In the fall, the views are magnificent as the treetops become this amazing blaze of color, Anthony said, describing images that could have been painted by Monet or Van Gogh. There are not many places like this the amenities, the natural light, the privacy and the spectacular views. To be honest, we kind of want to hold onto it.

There are other houses with views of the river, a flyway for abundant wildlife such as cranes and eagles. But few look out only onto water and trees, not industrial plants or even Valley Fair amusement park.

Our view is all nature no factories or other houses or even people, Shamyla said. Even in the winter, you feel like youre on a ski slope or mountain somewhere. Youre elevated, and its just you and the valley down there.

The house on E. Riverview Drive in Eden Prairie isnt visible from the street. All you see is the long driveway that leads to the 1.64-acre lot. The sense of solitude extends to the siting of the four-bedroom, five-bathroom house that was built in harmony with the trees and is enhanced by the deer, turkeys, foxes, eagles and other fauna that regularly show up.

The Landos bought the house in a short sale nearly five years ago. The previous owners had run into a rough patch, leaving the place in need of serious repair. The new owners replaced the garage floors, redesigned a wall and upgraded all the windows to offer better views of the valley.

They also installed rot-resistant, maintenance-free siding.

The garage has three stalls, but two of them are extra deep, which means that the garage can accommodate five cars or a combination of boat and cars. There also is additional storage under the garage.

The 1987 structure was well-built, the Landos said, with three inches of concrete under the sunroom and steel beams across the house to support the main level.

In engineering and architectural terms, its solid, Anthony said.

Listing agent John Prins, RE/MAX, said that both house and site have made him gaga.

Ive been in this business since 1979, and you dont ever want to fall in love with the inventory but Wow! Prins said. The lot by itself is so spectacular, and then you put a house like this on it.

The only challenge the Landos had at first came from the creatures they liked so much. Deer demolished their hostas and other flora. So they planted deer- and rabbit-resistant foliage. And then they hoped to be able to enjoy their home for a lifetime.

Sitting in the sunroom and looking at the view outside is very calming, Shamyla said. Watching the kids just playing in the yard or sitting around the firepit in the evenings its such a great spot.

Before they bought the house, their extended family had reunions that moved around the country. But that all changed once they visited Minnesota. Everybody always wanted to come here, Anthony said. Theres lots of room for everybody, they love the privacy and the views, and you create some great memories.

John Prins, 612-845-0412, RE/MAX, has the listing.

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$1.195M estate in Eden Prairie sits on a bluff with incredible views of the Minnesota River - Minneapolis Star Tribune

New Delhi: The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked the Pakistan naval headquarters not to push for the conclusion of a water-sharing agreement with Afghanistan at present as a dialogue on the topic with the present Afghan government led by President Ashraf Ghani would be detrimental to Islamabads interests as it would open up contentious issues. The ministry has advised the naval headquarters to withhold the matter till the formation of a new political dispensation in Afghanistan.

The foreign ministrys recommendation has also mentioned that the topic (of water sharing) should be avoided as Pakistan is already receiving double the share of its water from Kabul river that originally flows from the Chitral river.

These recommendations, sent to the Pakistan naval headquarters last month, and accessed by The Sunday Guardian, have not identified the new political dispensation that the Pakistan Foreign Ministry is so sure of siding with Pakistans cause in the near future, but it is not rocket science that the Foreign Office is most likely alluding to a Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, which ISI has been pushing for even since the US-Taliban peace deal was signed.

On 7 March, The Sunday Guardian had written that the Taliban, in collaboration with Pakistans ISI, was working on the ground with an objective to remove the present political dispensation (Taliban eye replacing pro-India Ghani in Kabul).

The Foreign Office of Pakistan has also asked the naval office to reconvene the inter-ministerial group, which was constituted in March 2017 to strategize Pakistans national interest in light of Indian projects in Afghanistan, at the earliest to deliberate on the developments.

Strategic observers, who are following the issues, believe that these developments are possible signs of ISI and Taliban making a move to remove the present Afghanistan government in the near future, as India, one of closest allies of Afghanistan, both figuratively and literally, is facing challenges of its own with regards to China.

PAKISTAN COPYING CHINAS SALAMI-SLICING

Pakistan has also resorted to encroaching on territory belonging to Afghanistan along the Durand Line, leading to a war-like situation among the two countries.

The Foreign Ministry of Afghanistan recently lodged a strong protest with Pakistan after it found that 600 square metres of its territory, including a cemetery, has been encroached upon by the Pakistan army, which has now installed barbed wires there to stop Afghans from reclaiming it. This technique of clipping away small pieces of land and announcing it as its own is what China too has been doing for long now.

The Afghanistan government recently found that Pakistan military personnel have encroached on about 500 to 600 square metres of Afghan territory in the area of Sonzi and Warzhala in Tani district of Khost province and have installed barbed wire fencing around the encroached upon area.

With the installation of the barbed wire in the Sonzi area, even the cemetery belonging to the village of Sonzi and the tribes of Tani district of Khost province, has now gone to the other side (Pakistan side) of the Durand Line, The Sunday Guardian has learnt through official documents.

This encroachment, according to official reports, has caused a lot of anger amongst the locals. There was a fear that a conflict would break out in these areas, but this has now been disputed.

MORE TROUBLES FOR KABUL

Signs that troubling times lie ahead for Afghanistan can be gauged from the statement issued by Ambassadors of the European Union in Kabul last week on the escalating violence in the country.

The EU Delegation in agreement with EU Heads of Mission based in Kabul believe the situation has further deteriorated since 29 May when the EU Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers declared the level of violence as unacceptable, the statement reads.

The attacks by the Taliban against Afghan National Defence and Security Forces are undermining the prospect for intra-Afghan negotiations; this must end and a full-fledged ceasefire enter into force. Violence against civilians has also continued. It is a violation of international humanitarian law, which profoundly undermines the confidence and trust necessary for peace negotiations. It appears to be a deliberate attempt to stifle debate in advance of peace negotiations. These crimes need to be investigated and the responsible brought to justice, it further stated.

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Pak hoping to topple Ghani, install puppet in Kabul - The Sunday Guardian

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. One of the benefits of long summer days around your home is the opportunity to soak up the sun, enjoy the outdoors, cool off in the pool and master one's grilling techniques. The Army Public Health Centers Safety Officer Tim Sank has a few tips to make sure you stay healthy, happy and safe while still having fun in the sun.With COVID-19 concerns keeping some area and community pools closed, more people than ever are buying inflatable pools or installing above-ground or in-ground pools for their homes. According to Marketwatch.com, Amazon sales of inflatable pools and accessories has doubled over 2019 numbers. This can be a great way to beat the heat, but Sank has some critical pool safety tips.If you have a built-in or above-ground pool or hot tub, make certain that the children cant get to it, said Sank. Set water safety rules for your family. Install safety fences between the home and the water feature, and install locks on doors and windows high enough so that a child cant disable them.Sank recommends draining inflatable or wading pools promptly after each use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional deaths in the United States.All it takes is one inch of water for a child to drown, said Sank.Sank recommends taking CPR training, if not certified already, and keeping a phone and first aid kit near the pool.With Independence Day just around the corner, many families may plan to celebrate with some fireworks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates about 9,100 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2018. About 62 percent of those injuries occurred between June 22 and July 22.More than 50,000 fires are caused by fireworks every year, said Sank. Take the proper precautions when operating fireworks. Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks. Dont point sparklers or fireworks at yourself or others, especially while theyre being lit.Before spending a fortune on your personal celebration to independence, ensure fireworks are legal to possess and use in your city and state. The National Council on Fireworks Safetys website is a good source of information on state fireworks laws. You should also always ask your local fire or police department if fireworks are legal in your area.Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire resistant, said Sank. Dont attempt to light multiple devices at the same time, and never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.Sank said sparklers can also cause serious burns because their materials burn at very high temperatures. He recommends keeping a portable fire extinguisher close by, as well as a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.If fireworks malfunction, dont relight them! Douse and soak them with water then throw them away, said Sank.Although fireworks may be legal in your state, there may be reasons, such as a burn ban due to dry weather, why their use is prohibited in some areas. For more information, visit http://www.fireworkssafety.org.Another summer staple for many homeowners is firing up the outdoor grill or barbecue. Sank also has some tips to keep your grilling safe.July is one of the peak months for grilling fires, said Sank. Check gas grill hoses for cracks, holes and leaks, and keep children away from grills. Gas leaks, blocked tubes, and propane tanks can be a cause of grill fires and explosions.According to the National Fire Prevention Association, 10,600 fires are started by home grills every year. They also report 19,700 patients went to the emergency room because of grilling injuries, including 9,500 thermal burns.Sank says never grill indoors, in the garage, in any enclosed area or on a surface that might catch fire. Also, keep the grill at least two feet away from decks, siding, branches and any outdoor equipment that can catch fire quickly. The NFPA has a number of grilling safety tips and videos on their website.The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is also an excellent resource for more home safety information, said Sank.The bottom line is everyone should take time to enjoy the summer and get out of their houses, but following these tips will keep them happy and healthy.

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Army Public Health Center Safety Officer offers tips to keep your home, family safe this summer - United States Army

TOMS RIVER As summer holidays hit, and the coronavirus regulations are eased, the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention is urging everyone to have a safe summer by issuing easy-to-follow tips.

The first topic they wanted to tackle is fireworks. The message is easy: Leave it to the professionals!

State law allows the sale and use of non-aerial fireworks such as hand-held sparklers, smoke devices, and ground-based sparklers. However, even these can be dangerous. The temperature of a small sparkler after ignition is nearly 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, they said.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200 people go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. A third of those who are injured are younger than 15.

The following are tips on using fireworks safely:

State law prohibits the sale and use of any aerial explosives such as bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles.

Grilling Safety

Barbecues are back on the menu, especially since outdoor gatherings are safer these days.

Here are some tips to keep yourself safe:

Water Activity Safety

While were talking safety, this is the time of year for boatingand boating accidents.

Here are some tips for safety near the water:

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How To Stay Safe Using Fireworks And Grills - Micromedia Publications