NewsPoliticsThe SNP has been urged to use a 70 million recycling fund now amid claims more rats are on Scotlands streets.
Friday, 1st January 2021, 12:30 pm
Last year was a bumper one for rats, with numbers in Edinburgh soaring by 25 per cent due to a combination of lockdowns, vacant commercial property and poor waste management.
Many have now been forced to move into residential areas due to commercial food sources drying up.
The total number in the country is now estimated to be 15 million, with numbers soaring across different cities.
In Edinburgh, the estimated rat population is now 1,094,541 around two for every person.
Ministers had previously claimed they were setting aside the cash to improve local authority collection infrastructure, but have now been urged to use it now to fend off the vermin.
Shadow economy secretary Maurice Golden said: The SNPs decision to hoard this cash is only making the problems on Scotlands streets worse.
This is money that could help councils get out and collect more waste now.
That would have an immediate impact on street cleanliness, the quality of life across many communities and reducing the prevalence of rats.
The SNP announced this commitment months ago, yet still as we enter 2021 it hasnt been handed out to councils who so desperately need the money.
Its yet another example of the SNP hoping that warm words will make real problems go away.
It comes as it emerged 74 per cent of rats now carry a hybrid-resistance to common pest control poisons, which makes controlling an infestation even harder.
The recent 2019/20 Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use survey of rats showed three-quarters of rats in the UK carried a resistance gene to popular rodenticides, with 20 per cent super resistant.
Jenny Rathbone, from Edinburgh based pest controller Pest.co.uk, this week warned the public had to be vigilant to stave off the rodents.
She said: More and more people in Edinburgh are seeing rats in the open this is a sign that numbers are very high.
"We are heading for a cold snap and rats are busy raiding food sources and bedding down calls for infestations are already increasing.
Category Pest Control Commercial|Comments Off on SNP urged to use 70 million recycling fund amid claims more rats are on Scotlands streets – The Scotsman
Chesapeake-based R.A. Styron Heating & Air Conditioning has a longstanding tradition of providing excellent service to its customers. This is not surprising as they are one of the oldest and most reliable HVAC and plumbing services in and around the Chesapeake, Virginia area. Over the 67 years, the company has been in business, they have continued to improve on their old services and added newer ones into the mix to better meet their customers HVAC needs. In that time, this family-owned and operated business has also managed to establish deep roots within the local community.
The company representative, Tabitha, says, Over the years we have resisted the temptation to become part of a nationwide HVAC services provider. Its something that has just never fit our style. Thats because we firmly believe in taking a more personal approach when it comes to providing our customers with quality HVAC services. We feel this is one of the reasons why many of our customers have been using our services for decades and we are now on a first-name basis. For us, pride and caring have always been just as if not more important than our businesss bottom line. Our customers can rest assured that combining excellent workmanship, great customer service, and affordable pricing is a trend that will continue for us well into the foreseeable future.
Tabitha went on to say that over the years they have consistently added to their wide variety of Chesapeake HVAC services. They now do such things as supply and install some of the most energy-efficient and reliable Heating and air conditioning systems that are sold today. She added that they carry such trusted HVAC brands as Rheem, Ruud, York, and Lennox. The company representative also stated that they are very proud of how well-trained and experienced all of their heating, air conditioning, and plumbing techs are. She expanded upon this by saying that they are so good at what they do, their techs can even work on HVAC and plumbing systems that have been installed by their competitors. R. A. Styron Heating & Air Conditioning is also the area's geothermal heating and cooling experts and can supply, install, and repair any type of water heater.
Here are some glowing reviews that testify to the fact that the company has a history of satisfying both new customers and those that have been with them for many years. Longtime customer Bonnie Laibstain wrote, We have known the Styron family and used their services for over 26 years. Everyone has always been very polite, thorough, and professional. They have done many jobs over the years at our home. We use their spring/fall maintenance program to reduce problems throughout the year. They are a reliable, trustworthy, and fair company. More recent customer T. Phillips stated, A few years ago our HVAC system died on us in the middle of the scorching heat of the summer. After a day of calling around for estimates, we decided to go ahead and let Styron's crew replace it. They were reasonably priced and had availability the very next day. We have had them out to maintain that system ever since and had only one issue, which they promptly came out to repair under warranty. They now have a lifelong customer with us and we refer them to friends and family whenever we can! These reviews and others like them can be seen on their Google Maps Business Listing where they average a perfect 5-star rating.
Those who would like to get more information on the services that this Heating & Cooling Company in Chesapeake VA offers can contact them by phone, email, or by filling out the form thats found on the bottom of their websites homepage. Styron reminded that their customers can reach out to them for free HVAC installation or repair estimates and they also offer a complete customer satisfaction guarantee on all of their completed heating, air conditioning, and plumbing jobs. R. A. Styron Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. serves not only those in Chesapeake but also in the surrounding communities of Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Portsmouth, and Norfolk.
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For more information about R. A. Styron Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., contact the company here:
R. A. Styron Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.Jordyn Styron(757) 371-7994office@rastyron.comR. A. Styron Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.1481 Watersedge DrVirginia Beach, VA 23452(757) 371-7994
Category Heating and Cooling - Install|Comments Off on RA Styron HVAC Company in Chesapeake VA Still Going Strong in Their 67th Year of Existence – Press Release – Digital Journal
Geothermal Industry Wins Tax Credit Extension in Stimulus Bill | 2020-12-31 | ACHR News This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more. This Website Uses CookiesBy closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn MoreThis website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
Smart devices took the focus in 2020, as our homes became our school classrooms and offices. The smart home trend which allows us to interact with devices is only set to get stronger in 2021 as the coronavirus and its mutations continue to upend our daily routines and keep the new standard as remote everything.
NoCamels scanned the internet to find Israeli smart devices and gadgets (and some home-based medical kits) that are catching global headlines and making our lives smart(er) no matter where we live.
Israels Sensibo, a company that offers smart air sensing and control solutions, was recently named a must-have on US tech news site Tech Crunchs 2020 smart home gift ideas list.
Think of the Sensibo as a smart thermostat for those who do not have a central heating/cooling unit. If a person has a window air conditioner, portable room heater, or modern heat pump any device that has a remote control the Sensibo will control the temperature, TechCrunchs Matt Burns wrote.
The smart home device that enables air conditioners to automate a persons heating or cooling needs, also features on Paste magazines 15 Best Gadgets of 2020.
AI artificial vision and hearing devices made by Israels OrCam won accolades across the world this past year. The company, headed by the founders of Mobileye, won aBest of Innovation awardin the accessibility category by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) for its OrCam Read digital reader just this month.
The OrCam Read is a new class of assistive technology to support people with reading challenges, such as dyslexia, mild to moderate vision loss, reading fatigue, as well as for those who read large volumes of text.
This handheld Israeli device reads full pages or screens of text aloud from any printed or digital surface, including newspapers, books, product labels as well as computers and smartphones. It does this entirely offline, without requiring an internet connection, resulting in instant audio communication while ensuring data privacy.
The wearable tech devices that assist the visually and hearing impaired were also included on this US-recommended last-minute gift idea Christmas list.
COVID-19 has given a boost to the smart lock marketplace. With household spread among the most common paths to infection, the idea that the fewer high-touch surfaces you touch, the better. And door handles are among high-touch home surfaces.
The ENTR Mul-T-Lock, which lets you use your fingerprint, keys or app to open a door, is a smart lock with patented blue-and-white advanced technologies.
It was named one of the Best UK Smart Locks For 2020 by PCMag, who called it easy to install and one of the most versatile smart locks in our group.
The novel coronavirus gave a boost to all companies developing products to enable diagnosis and monitoring of different health factors at home and without visiting a doctors office.
Australians are using PixCell Medicals HemoScreen diagnostics device, an Israeli rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnostic system to monitor COVID19 patients remotely.
The HemoScreen is the first established and FDA-cleared hematology analyzer for POC use by non-technical users.This can minimize the spread of disease, particularly in the pandemic management reality in which we currently find ourselves, PixCell Medical CEO Dr.Avishay Bransky said in a statement.
We recognize the need to simplify real-time blood testing and are proud to work with NSW Health Pathology to increase accessibility to POC diagnostics, Dr. Branksy said.
The HemoScreen leverages AI and computer vision, combined with PixCells patented Viscoelastic Focusing technology, which causes cells to line up in a single cell plane for rapid analysis.
Israeli-founded company Nanit, a smart monitor to predict the growth pattern of an infant through camera tech, was named in New York Magazine among The Best Baby Monitors, According to Parent and Sleep Consultants.
The US-Israeli company combines computer vision, machine learning, and advanced camera sensors that measure a babys sleep cycle and breathing motion. In April, JVPs Fiona Darmon told NoCamels that the elderly population was snapping up this device as a way to bond with a grandchild while watching him sleep while the relative remained isolated at home.
Nanit is based in New York City and has its R&D office in Tel Aviv. While there are many monitoring apps out there, Nanit differentiates itself thanks to its data-tracking abilities and can also give sleep training tips.
COVID-19 gave a huge push to telehealth and telediagnosis. Earlier this year, Tyto Care received an additional $50 million in funding for the production of its remote medical testing devices due to surging demand and rapid telehealth adoption.
In September, the Israeli companys on-demand AI-powered telehealth solution received approval by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) with the company being given the green light to distribute its handheld devices to health organizations and consumers across Australia. By October, it offered an AI-powered diagnostic support solution for clinicians. The diagnostic tool was submitted to the FDA for clearance, expected in mid-2021.
The pandemic has accelerated the need for remote care, and we have seen firsthand the global surge in demand from health organizations, hospitals, and consumers for high-quality telehealth solutions, said Dedi Gilad, CEO, and co-founder of Tyto Care, With Tytos diagnosis support solution, we will be equipping clinicians to make better informed decisions from afar. We look forward to propelling telehealth and telediagnosis even further with other at-home diagnosis solutions to come.
Category Heating and Cooling - Install|Comments Off on 6 Israeli Devices And Gadgets That Will Make Our Lives Smarter In 2021 – NoCamels – Israeli Innovation News
CLEVELAND, Dec. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Millennia Companies (Millennia) has closed on $27.5 million in financing for the acquisition and renovation of 131-units of affordable housing for seniors and persons with disabilities at Peace Lake Towers in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The rehabilitation includes a comprehensive renovation of the six-story, mid-rise apartment complex. Upon completion, residents will enjoy renovated one-bedroom apartments and amenities such as a community center, arts activity space, library, computer lab and fitness room.
For seniors and persons with disabilities, affordable housing is especially critical, says Frank T. Sinito.
The construction scope encompasses enhanced security features and upgraded heating, cooling, mechanical and electrical systems. Additionally, the plan calls for the installation of a new roof, windows, and doors. Inside, crews will install energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly materials for countertops and cabinets.
"For seniors and persons with disabilities, affordable housing is critical. Since the supply of affordable housing for this population is declining while demand is increasing, we are proud to provide residents with quality housing and a community enriched with services," says Frank T. Sinito, Chief Executive Officer, The Millennia Companies.
Millennia anticipates that construction will begin in the coming weeks and take 14 months to complete. Crews will renovate vacant units first and relocate households onsite as the construction is completed in phases. Residents pay 30 percent of their income toward rent, and rent will remain affordable well into the future as it is subsidized for at least 20 years by a federal Project-Based Section 8 contract.
The following partners provided financing and resources for this transaction: RedStone (lender), Aegon (syndicator), Louisiana Housing Corporation (Bond and Tax Credit Issuer), the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Southwest Field Office and the City of New Orleans. Also engaged in this project are Marous Brothers (general contractor), Hooker DeJong, Inc. (architecture firm), Millennia Housing Development, Ltd. (developer), and Millennia Housing Management, Ltd. (management agent).
About
Founded in 1995, The Millennia Companies manages a diverse portfolio of over 30,000 apartments in 275 communities across 26 states. In 2020, Millennia ranked #3 on the Affordable Housing Finance (AHF) list of Top 50 Affordable Housing Owners, #7 on the AHF list of Top 10 Companies Completing Acquisitions, and #18 on the Multi-Housing News list of Top Developers.
Category Heating and Cooling - Install|Comments Off on The Millennia Companies Closes on $27.5 Million in Financing for the Renovation of Peace Lake Towers in New Orleans – PRNewswire
The author is Head of Energy of the UN Development Programme (UNDP)
NEW YORK (IDN) The energy sector, still dominated by fossil fuels, is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. We know people and nations need reliable sources of energy to power hospitals and light schools, and to safely cook, heat or cool their homes. We know we need to switch to sustainable energy.
Yet despite progress, we are not on track to meet our climate goals and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 universal access to clean, affordable and reliable energy.
Much more needs to be done. But the clean energy solutions that can get us there exist, and there is growing momentum to make them political and investment priorities. Here are our five reasons to be optimistic.
1) Clean energy is a smart investment
Fossil fuels used to be less expensive than cleaner energy, but this is changing. Renewables are becoming more affordable every year, and some options are now cheaper than fossil fuels. The price of solar has decreased by 89 percent since 2010. It is now cheaper to go solar than to build new coal power plants in most countries, and solar is now the cheapest electricity in history. Amid an exceptionally challenging year, and despite suffering setbacks, the renewables sector has shown some resilience.
This fall in price, coupled with technological progress and the introduction of innovative business models, means we are now at a tipping point. Energy efficiency technologies can also deliver climate benefits. The right efficiency policies could enable the world to achieve more than 40 percent of the emissions cuts needed to even without new technology.
We now need massive investment from the public and private sectors. To help catalyse this, UNDP has developed the De-risking Renewable Energy Investment framework and supports countries to create an enabling environment for large scale clean energy investments.
2) There is growing momentum for carbon neutrality
Throughout the year countries have pledged to build back better, greener, fairer. With support from UNDPs Climate Promise, 115 countries committed to submitting enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions.
High-emitting economies such as China, Japan, South Korea, the UK and the EU have made net-zero commitments. The announcements at or just before the Climate Ambition Summit, together with those expected early next year, mean that countries representing around 65 percent of global CO2 emissions, and around 70 percent of the worlds economy, will commit to reaching net zero emissions or carbon neutrality. President-elect Joe Biden has announced that the United States will seek to rejoin the Paris Agreement early in his presidency.
These pledges now need to be translated into action. Yet at the time of writing, more than half of all public money committed to the energy sector as part of COVID-19 recovery packages in G20 countries are for fossil fuels. In 2019, US$500 billion was spent on fossil fuel subsidies. Ambitious commitments are a strong signal and a necessary first step towards reaching net-zero emissions. We now need to build on them.
3) Clean energy can power a green recovery that leaves no-one behind and is in line with the Paris Agreement
Clean energy is a win-win solution to recover from COVID-19. It can improve healthcare for the worlds poorest. A reliable supply of electricity is key for health centres to function. Our Solar for Health programme brings clean, reliable, and affordable energy to 900 health facilities in 13 countries. As COVID-19 vaccines - some needing to be stored at -70C - get rolled out, powering a sustainable and reliable cold chain will be critical.
Clean energy is also an engine for job creation. The energy transition can create 18 million jobs by 2030, even when accounting for the inevitable losses of fossil fuel jobs. Investing in renewables could create nearly three times as many jobs as investing in fossil fuels.
The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated momentum for healthier, greener cities. As the world is rapidly urbanizing, energy efficiency in buildings, sustainable cooling and heating, smart urban planning and sustainable transport options from electric vehicles to enabling walking and cycling -- are key for the future of cities.
4) Every year, tens of millions of people get clean energy
Between 2010 and 2018 411 million people gained access to clean electricity, and an additional 200 million to clean cooking technologies and fuels. This huge leap towards achieving SDG7 is life-changing for many. Sustainable energy is necessary to achieve nearly every other SDG.
Renewable energy systems such as solar mini-grids are good solutions to provide the affordable and reliable electricity communities need to power schools and health centres, and to support small businesses, sustainable agriculture and food security. Clean technologies and fuels for cooking can also improve gender equality.
However, population growth in some parts of the world offsets some of this progress. The number of people without electricity in sub Saharan Africa is projected to increase from around 580 million in 2018 to around 680 million in 2030. To accelerate action on energy, a new coalition launched by the Rockefeller Foundation with UNDP as founding member committed to end energy poverty by bringing sustainable energy to one billion people by 2030.
5) 2021 will be the year of global action for sustainable energy
In September 2021, for the first time in 40 years, the United Nations will host a High Level Dialogue on Energy. Organized by UN-Energy, this event will be instrumental for countries, businesses, civil society and international institutions to step up action on sustainable energy. UN-Energy co-chair and UNDP Administrator
Achim Steiner recently called for a reinforcement of global energy governance: We know clean energy can both deliver universal energy access and contribute to tackling the climate crisis. We know it can power a green recovery and the transition to a sustainable future. But we need to do more, we need to do it faster, and we need to do it togetherwe must join forces to step up action.
Phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to green economies is a monumental challenge. But the solutions exist. We need to finance them, to scale them up, to accelerate them. On top of existing partnerships such as the Climate Investment Platform, we will be announcing new initiatives early 2021 to make it happen. We are ready to rise to the challenge. Join us in making 2021 the year of global action for sustainable energy. [IDN-InDepthNews 03 January 2021]
Photo: Men install solar panels for a hospital in Yemen. UNDPs SPCRP project is equipping COVID-19 isolation centers with vital equipment such as solar energy panels. This allows the key healthcare facilities to function even with the chronic lack of electricity in the country. Photo: UNDP Yemen
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Key players operating in the global HVAC dampers market are American Warming and Ventilating, Arzel Zoning Technology, Inc.
The essentiality of HVAC dampers dated back years ago during thermal and humidity comfort application where, its majorly used in heating, cooling, dehumidification and humidification A damper can be generally manually opened or closed, but does not prevent the furnace or cooling system from sending warm or chilled air into a room. The system also contains a condensing unit along with multiple room vents. HVAC Dampers market are growing steeply owing to the huge commercial application due to the presence of smart buildings and green buildings which further enhance the demand for equipments inside the building. HVAC technicians are in high demand to build, install, and maintain constantly evolving systems. The Bureau of Labor Statistics specifically estimated a growth of 21% within 2012 to 2022. HVAC Dampers system generally contains a furnace, a thermostat, refrigerant lines, an evaporator coil, automated zone dampers, and the actuators that control the dampers.
In terms of revenue, the global HVAC dampers market stood at US$ 1,526.2 million in 2018, and is anticipated to reach US$ 1,874.3 million by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 2.51% during the forecast period (2019 2027). The detailed research study provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of global HVAC dampers Market. The market has been analyzed from demand as well as supply side. The demand side analysis covers market revenue across regions and further across all the major countries. The supply side analysis covers the major market players and their regional and global presence and strategies. The geographical analysis done emphasizes majorly on the different geographical regions world wide
Absolute Markets Insights assists in providing accurate and latest trends related to consumer demand, consumer behavior, sales, and growth opportunities, for the better understanding of the market, thus helping in product designing, featuring, and demanding forecasts. Our experts provide you the end-products that can provide transparency, actionable data, cross-channel deployment program, performance, accurate testing capabilities and the ability to promote ongoing optimization.
From the in-depth analysis and segregation, we serve our clients to fulfill their immediate as well as ongoing research requirements. Minute analysis impact large decisions and thereby the source of business intelligence (BI) plays an important role, which keeps us upgraded with current and upcoming market scenarios.
Category Heating and Cooling - Install|Comments Off on Global HVAC Dampers Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.51% over the forecast period (2019 2027) owing to the snowballing demand for air…
News from Around the Driftless Area is a compilation showcasing the excellent work and interesting tidbits from the community journalists sprinkled throughout our area.
VIROQUA The Vernon County Board held a short special meeting on December 18. It was the last meeting for outgoing County Clerk Ron Hoff, and its purpose was to adjust the budget to pay the salary of the new county administrator. The new administrator will be Cari Redington, a former Hillsboro High School graduate with professional experience in administration and financeEach year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year 4,136 American Degrees were awarded. Morgan Woodhouse, a member of the De Soto FFA chapter, was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo Oct. 27-29, held virtually. Sponsored by Case IH, Elanco Animal Health and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs New members have just been welcomed onto the Vernon County Historical Society Board, and some returning members have changed to new positions. Here is the line-up for 2021: Dian Krause of Viroqua is the new president, and Denise Kirchoff of Viroqua is the new vice president. Brad Steinmetz of La Farge is continuing as secretary, and Loann Frie of Viroqua is continuing as treasurer. New directors are Brian Ekern and Carl Lindquist, both of Viroqua. Continuing directors are Leila Holen of Westby and Donna Knower of Ferryville. Thank you to all of the VCHS Board members for their hard work!
LA FARGE At their December 14 meeting, the LaFarge Village Board learned from Public Works Manager Wayne Haugrud that the villages sewer utility lost $65,000 in 2020, and is in debt. Upon advice from the villages accounting firm, Johnson and Block, the village will implement a rate increase. Rates will be raised 25 percent, and raise rates on average for a single user by $5.04, and as much as $18.22 for a five-person family Needing some new content to watch over the coming winter months? Check out our past Driftless Dialogue videos on a wide range of topics: http://kvr.state.wi.us/.../Lecture.../Lecture-Series-Video/
The Ralph Nuzum Lecture Series typically occurs once a month and is free thanks to a grant by the Ralph E Nuzum Kickapoo Reforestation Fund through the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the Friends of the Kickapoo Valley ReserveThe Viola Sportsmens Club will hold its annual New Years Day Poultry/Trap Shoot. The event is open to the public, with 10 shot Rounds, two shots from each station. Prizes will be Chicken, Ham, Pork Loin ???. Free Soup, Chili, Hotdogs, Coffee, and Hot Chocolate. They will hold a round of Annie Oakley @ 1pm. $5 entry fee with $50 prize to the winner. This will be shot from the 25 yard line. They will have a fire available to help stay warm as well.
ONTARIO Fears of possible flooding prompted the Kendall Village Board on Monday to investigate having a beaver dam removed. But because the dam in question is near the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and Highway 71, its partly on property owned by the DOT and partly on a DNR right-of-way. That left the village board wondering if it could legally have the dam removed and the beavers trapped. Nearby homeowner Dale Haney attended the meeting, advocating for removing the dam. Other residents had requested that it be left intact, noted board president Richard Martin. In the end, Martin said he would contact a DNR representative to learn the villages scope of control over the dam structure A Warrens teenager has died in a two-vehicle crash that occurred on Highway 21 in the Town of Byron. Just after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, the Monroe County 911 Communication Center received a call reporting a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 21 and Crescent Road. The initial investigation found that a 2003 Honda Civic was southbound on Crescent Road when the driver failed to stop at the stop sign at Highway 21. The vehicle was struck by a 2017 Kenworth straight truck that was eastbound on Highway 21.The passenger in the Honda, a 16-year-old, died in the crash. Both drivers were evaluated for injuries and released With what continues as a popular community service, representatives from several emergency service departments participated in Shop With a Hero on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Employees from the following agencies helped children shop for gifts for Christmas: Monroe County Emergency Management, Tomah VA Fire and Police Departments, Wisconsin State Patrol, Tomah Area Ambulance Service and Tomah Fire and Tomah Police Departments.
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN Crossing Rivers Health has received our first allocation of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for our employees! We expect employee vaccination clinics to begin next week. As you may know, the first vaccine shipment will be given to healthcare workers who have frequent face-to-face contact with patients. Next, the county health departments will work with local nursing homes to coordinate vaccinations for their residents and additional healthcare workers. As far as we understand, vaccines will not be available to the general public for at least several weeks. Crossing Rivers Health Clinic is not creating a waiting list for community members who want the vaccine. We will coordinate with the public health department to make announcements when the vaccine will be offered to the public A constant, piercing sound coming from the Universal Forest Products manufacturing plant on Lessard Street in Prairie du Chien is disturbing neighbors. City Administrator Chad Abram first briefed the common council on the issue Dec. 15. He said city hall and the police department had received multiple calls from residents in the area about the 24-hour sound that, in some cases, has made it difficult for neighbors to sleep. Abram explained that the sound is coming from a new piece of equipment at the plant. It has been noticeable for about a month or so Clayton County health care workers were expected to start receiving COVID-19 vaccinations this week, according to a press release from the Clayton County Visiting Nurse Association (VNA). The Clayton County Visiting Nurse Association has placed the countys initial order for 600 doses of COVID-19 vaccine for those in priority groups identified in phase 1-A, the release stated. These doses will be targeted to health care staff with direct patient contact who are unable to telework, who provide services to patients or patients family members or who handle infectious materials. This includes those who work in inpatient care, outpatient care or community settings.
Companions are special creatures in Magic: The Gathering that require you to build your decks around them to summon them.
While they were released without a cost and appeared in your hand with no issues, they were deemed too strong and were eventually nerfed to have a three-mana cost to appear in your hand. While their dominant reign came to an end, Companions are still a good pick to build your deck around if you want to have a great win rate.
Here are the best Companion cards in MTG.
Umori is a Companion who restricts you to only one card type for nonland creatures. While not as strong as other companions, Umori does provide you a one-mana cost reduction for spells which you choose.
Zirda, the Dawnwaker is a Companion who excels in decks that rely on activated abilities. One of these types of decks could be cycling where creatures have this effect and allow you to fit Zirda in as well. This legendary creature will reduce the cost of abilities by two, allowing you to cycle through your deck easily.
Kaheera, the Orphanguard is a great Companion for tribal decks, allowing you to buff up all creatures with the named keywords while also granting them vigilance. While these tribes might be currently underperforming, the additional buff can help them withstand against other strong decks you might meet on the ladder.
With plenty of creature options from the five-named tribes, you can easily build a deck accommodating for Kaheera.
Yorion is one the most unique Companions, requiring your deck to have at least 20 more cards than minimum. Its effect allows you to exile any number of permanents and return them to the battlefield next turn. You can reset enchantments and other effects easily with this card, allowing you to buff up your board with ease.
Lurrus of the Dream-Den is a great Companion aimed to help aggressive decks. With a huge restriction of having cards cost two or less, you can spam spells every turn from your graveyard and stop your opponent from developing a board while you smash your units into their health bar.
The Below Deck Galley Talk crew offered a few additional insights into some of the best and worst aspects of being on the show and on charter.
The group viewed the latest episode of Below Deck and commented from their couches and homes throughout the world. Below Deck crew members were paired off into two teams and they dished about the drama unfolding during the episode, but also reflected on their own experiences.
So what were some of the highlights and lowlights of yachting? From meals to docking, the crew breaks it down.
Big themes threaded throughout the franchise is docking the massive superyacht and dropping the anchor. Former chief stew Kate Chastain watched the latest episode with pal, former deckhand Connie Arias and commented about the whole anchor drop drama.
You guys make dropping the anchor so dramatic, Chastain said to Arias during the episode. Like gravity does most of the work. But Arias pointed out it isnt as easy as pushing a button and letting the anchor go.
RELATED: Below Deck: Kate Chastain Reveals How She and Rhylee Gerber Got Busted Behind the Scenes
It tangles, Arias exclaimed. Chastain related anchor tangles to the annoyance of necklace chain tangles. Below Deck viewers saw an epic anchor tangle during Below Deck Mediterranean season 2. The anchor chain became so tangled it took the crew countless hours to straighten it back out. Captain Sandy Yawn shared that cutting the chain could be the end of the charter season because you cant dock the boat without an anchor chain.
When it came to docking the boat, Kelley Johnson felt the deck teams stress. Med docking is a nightmare, he said as bosun Eddie Lucas looked anxiety ridden.
Deckhand Bobby Giancola, who was involved in the Below Deck Med anchor tangle mess during season 2 said docking during extreme circumstances gives him an adrenaline rush.
The guests packed up and got ready to depart. Drop off day is the best day of charter, Colin Macy-O-Toole said. Stew Julia d Albert Pusey noted how the guests always talk about how sad they are to leave. So sad, its like see ya later, she joked.
The Below Deck Galley Talk crew seemed to really like the guests. Chastain joked about being ready to lowkey stalk them to become their best friend. Plus, Amy Johnson observed how grateful and sweet they were during their departure. When a guest is super thankful and grateful, Kelley Johnson started to say. Amy Johnson added, It makes it so worth your effort.
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One reason the guests were overjoyed was because of chef Rachel Hargroves incredible culinary performance. Season 8 viewers may have seen Hargrove only really break a sweat during breakfast for the first group of charter guests.
Breakfast was always the worst, Amy Johnson said. Too many options. Dinner youre just told what youre eating. Hargrove quickly shifted to doing a breakfast special, which is when viewers were introduced to her epic French toast. Rosbach recently tweeted the dish was probably the best thing hes had from a yacht chef.
