Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

From left to right, Capstone owners Brian Rhoton, Clint Whiting, Jerry Abbott.

Kaitlin Olson

For the Capstone Homes team, being named Flagstaffs Best Home Builders seems an especially fitting distinction for its most productive year ever.

Whereas in a normal year the 40-person team might sell 100 of the houses it creates, it will close 2020 with more than 165 home sales. In custom homes alone, the team is currently working on 40 homes in contrast with its normal 11-per-year average.

The company, which has been building in Flagstaff since 2010 and is currently expanding into Prescott and surrounding areas, is the creator of communities including Flagstaff Ranchs Aspen Ridge and Aspen Shadows, Crestview and Flagstaff Meadows. Lots in its newest community off West Route 66 and Woody Mountain Road, Timber Sky, which opened this year, as well as the second stage of Flagstaff Meadows, are completely sold out.

Lately, more buyers are coming from urban areas of California, as well as Phoenix, as families use their savings from the lack of travel this year to invest in a second home, said Marketing Director Janell Wilson. Custom home requests have also seen some changes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic as families seek larger homes with enough space for home offices and study rooms for their children as they complete school remotely.

Wilson said part of the appeal of Capstone Homes as a builder is their environmental friendliness, which goes beyond installing energy efficient appliances to include the structure of the building itself, from sealants and insulation to windows and air filters.

See more here:
Capstone Homes: The business of building lives - Arizona Daily Sun

The Memorial house once owned by late Enron executive Kenneth Lay is back on the market. This time its listed at $1.6 million, for less than its 2015 price tag of $2 million.

Lay commissioned custom home builderSam Marshall Senior to construct this Colonial-style estate in the prestigious Hunters Creek enclave.

Built in 1983, the six-bedroom,5,538-square-foot house sits on more than half an acre of land and welcomes guests witha long, winding driveway and vaulted-ceiling foyer. The formal dining room is outfitted with herringbone-patterned cherry hardwood floors andchinoiserie-print wallpaper. In the updated kitchen, there's a light-flooded crystal display case and granite counter built-in desk.

OPENINGS, CLOSINGS: What's new in Houston food

Custom molding and millwork feature prominently throughout the interior.

Upstairs, a large game room boasts a wet bar and built-in surround sound. The wood-paneled study has bay windows, with plantation shutters, that overlook the patio.

Outside, canvas awnings cover a terrace and professionally landscaped backyard.

Lay and his wife Linda reportedly paid $672,000 for the custom construction in the early 80s.

Lay, who was convicted of corporate fraud, died of a heart attack in 2006, months before his sentencing hearing.

Read the original here:
Enron exec's former home is back on the market - Chron

JESSE JAMES PUSHES CUSTOM BUILDS TO THE LIMIT IN "MONSTER GARAGE", PREMIERING JANUARY 4 ON DISCOVERY+

(Los Angeles) - Jesse James, legendary fabricator and founder of West Coast Choppers is returning to Discovery after fourteen years with a renewed passion for creating some of most mind-blowing vehicles to ever drive across television screens. James, along with a new crew of maverick mechanics each week, set out to continue his legacy and inspire a new generation of builders in a brand-new season of MONSTER GARAGE, premiering January 4, 2021 exclusively on discovery+.

With a focus on elevating mechanical and automotive vision in the shop, James is once again looking to accomplish the impossible and will be working with some of the most talented craftsmen and women in the country. Each episode will feature five builders from diverse backgrounds who are given five days to transform an ordinary street vehicle into a one-of-a-kind monster machine. If they're successful, they leave the garage with $5,000 worth of tools, and Jesse can take the vehicle out for a high-octane monster challenge. But if they fail, James gets to blow it up.

"I'm very thankful for Discovery CEO David Zaslav for keeping the Monster Garage candle lit for the last 10 years. We always knew we would eventually bring it back. I also knew when that day came, I needed to be ready. More skills in my toolbox and a clear mind and schedule. Ready to put my head down and work as hard as possible to push the limits of TV again," said Jesse James.

James challenges each team of mechanics with some of the wildest builds they've ever heard of - from constructing the world's largest pulse jet engine to use as the power source for a vintage Jaguar to turning a typical farm tractor into a dragster, these builds lead to some of the most epic endings in MONSTER GARAGE history. In addition, James takes another shot at one of the builds from the original series that has been haunting him: The Hovercraft DeLorean - and it will either be a complete failure or one of the garage's most insane redemption stories.

Jesse James is more talented than ever and he's ready to break all the rules when it comes to custom builds.

Viewers can join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #MonsterGarage and follow Discovery on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates.

MONSTER GARAGE is produced for discovery+ by Fremantle's Original Productions. For Original Productions, Brian Lovett, Jeff Hasler, Ernie Avila and Sam Wasserman are executive producers. For Discovery Channel, Kyle Wheeler and Gretchen Morning are executive producers and Jessica Mollo is associate producer. Jesse James also serves as executive producer.

About discovery+

Available in the U.S. on January 4, 2021, discovery+ is the definitive non-fiction, real life subscription streaming service. discovery+ will launch with a landmark partnership with Verizon that gives their customers with select plans 12 months of discovery+ on Verizon. At launch in the U.S., discovery+ will have the largest-ever content offering of any new streaming service, featuring a wide range of exclusive, original series across popular, passion verticals in which Discovery brands have a strong leadership position, including lifestyle and relationships; home and food; true crime; paranormal; adventure and natural history; as well as science, tech and the environment, and a slate of high-quality documentaries. For more, visit discoveryplus.com.

About Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which is distributed to 88.3 million U.S. homes, can be seen in 224 countries and territories, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres including, science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please visit http://www.discovery.com.

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Breaking News - Jesse James Pushes Custom Builds to the Limit in "Monster Garage", Premiering January 4 on discovery+ - The Futon Critic

With the first round of third-party AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT cards now on the way, we caught wind that Asus spearheaded the movement with the custom, factory-overclocked TUF Gaming RX 6900 XT GPU. A sneaky move from Asus, having crept the design out the day before AMD's reference cards were set to go on sale.

This pioneer AIB card is based on the 6000-series flagship model, the AMD RX 6900 XTaffectionately known as 'Big Navi'will be powered by dual 8-pin connectors, and features a massive, enhanced triple-fan and triple-slot cooling solution to keep the fully custom PCB design from running hot. Clock speeds are TBD at this point, but we're expecting these to boast something in super-excess of the reference cards 2,250MHz max recommended boost clock.

Joining the Asus TUF Gaming GPU in the Big Navi AIB lineup, comes the ASRock Radeon RX 6900 XT Phantom Gaming D. The Phantom Big D (please let this catch on) not only features a wider and longer, fully custom PCB, it also necessitates triple 8-pin power connectors, and a beastly aluminum heatsink cooling solution with nine heat pipes to boot.

Following this, ASRock pulled out a non-public version of the Phantom Gaming D, with a further enhanced radiator and PCB materials. Again, the actual specs for both the public and non-public cards are nebulous at the moment, and are apparently "subject to change without notice," not that there are any to speak of yet. Still, it's fair to say that the 3x8-pin power connectors point to some thirsty clock numbers or overclocking potentialthat which there is potentially plenty of with the binned Navi 21 GPU at this card's core.

Both the Asus TUF Gaming and ASRock Phantom Gaming D RX 6900 XTs are expected to come in at way over the reference RX 6900 XT's $999 MSRP. And with more third party manufactured Navi 21 cards on the way, you can look forward to a varied lineup of these top-end AMD cards slowly rolling out.

Still, don't expect to be able to get hold of any for a good few months yet, even if we do see a fair few designs coming our way. The GPU stock landscape is a barren waste at current, but there's no harm in looking.

Originally posted here:
The first round of custom AMD RX 6900 XT graphics cards includes one with triple 8-pin power - PC Gamer

HAVERTOWN, PA It may have been a tough year for some local businesses. But, in Havertown, that hasn't stopped you from honoring your favorites.

Whether it's the restaurant that made special accommodations for your takeout, the shop that opened early so you could pick up curbside, the pizzeria that went out of its way to deliver to your home or the hardware store owner that offered you invaluable advice when a repairman wasn't available we want to hear about the businesses that have impacted your life this year in Havertown.

Below are the nominees so far, along with a comment from the person who nominated them. If you'd like to put in a good word for your own favorite Havertown and Haverford business, follow the link above. We will be accepting nominations through Dec. 10

All Brands Appliance and Computer Services 2517 Hirst Terrace, Havertown

"If you have a computer problem or a problem with an appliance, All Brands can fix it. I've used All Brands for both. They're trustworthy and provide excellent service. I would highly recommend them."

"Frank LeVeque has been in the appliance repair business for over 40 years and his younger son, Andrew, has recently joined him in the business. They provide prompt, courteous service to customers in Delaware County as well as surrounding counties, too. When customers call, Frank will ask them what their problem is with their appliance or computer and many times he can help them fix the problem over the phone. Customers appreciate this service."

The Bead Garden 2122 E Darby Road, Havertown

"As a bead shop, The Bead Garden is a mecca for local bead artists to gather and enjoy their craft or to take classes or simply enjoy browsing and picking up supplies for their next creation. When the pandemic hit, small 'nonessential' businesses like the Bead Garden were forced to close for business. What the owner did during this time was to make and donate masks when supplies were short, helping our essential health care workers protect themselves. Tina Freels then began to respond to individuals' requests for masks and provided porch pick up. She has been working long hard hours sewing away making masks that people now come to her shop to pick up. As the seasons changed, and the holidays are upon us, Tina continues to make masks for people in the local communities. Her hard work not only provides a needed commodity in our area, she has also saved her business through this hard work."

"In spite of months of work making masks (in addition to the upkeep of her store), Tina always has a welcoming smile and an offer to help every customer. No matter what your level of expertise in jewelry making, Tina is willing to offer advice and appropriate products. The Bead Garden is welcoming to interested tweens and teens who want to learn. She also does repairs on your 'special' jewelry pieces. She is a very experienced beader and teacher, and I will be so happy to see the time when she is able to resume classes and spend her time teaching and creating beaded 'pretties' exclusively. She is the only employee and works countless hours. Tina is "the best" and her store reflects it."

"Friendly atmosphere, great place to shop."

"Tina Freels the owner is hardworking, gives back to the community and offers a wide array of beads, supplies, masks and offers repairs. She holds classes and is an asset to the community."

"This bead store is chock-full of a variety of beads on display, accessories and supplies. The owner Tina is always available for support or suggestions. The store has a warm, friendly atmosphere. Repairs are accepted along with your creative desires."

"Tina, the owner, and her staff are very helpful, knowledgeable and lovely helpful, knowledgeable, and lovely to deal with."

Brick and Brew 2138 Darby Road, Havertown

"Brick and Brew is a charming, friendly neighborhood restaurant. The employees are welcoming, warm, and efficient. The food is fantastic and the drinks are even better! We are so lucky to have Brick and Brew walking distance from our home."

Cenzo's Pizzeria 1619 Darby Road, Havertown

"We always have a good experience at Cenzo's. The staff is pleasant & efficient. Our favorite is the White Special on Sicilian crust."

"Best pie around! Excellent service! Reasonable prices!"

The Crossbar 2225 Darby Road, Havertown

"A local pub/restaurant that was fortunate to have ample outdoor seating while weather cooperates, keeping patrons distanced and able to have someplace to go in these troubled times. Staff is very friendly."

"A rare gem for soccer fans and people looking for a neighborly hang."

"Friendly staff, good pub food, beer selection."

"Excellent service, friendly bartenders, small but easy menu, neighborhood gem."

Crust 2415 W Darby Road, Havertown

"Awesome Detroit pizza!"

Cute Little Nails & Spa 2120 Darby Road, Havertown

"Andy and Ann are the best. Makes you feel at home. Truly recommend this place for your nails."

Dynamic Image Hair Salon 28 Brookline Blvd. #3802, Havertown

"Debbie and her wonderful staff treat everyone with so much kindness and respect. I always feel so welcome and they are working very hard to keep everyone safe during this trying time. So many precautions are taken each time. The atmosphere is warm and very friendly and it makes me always want to come back!!"

"Everyone at the salon is very pleasant and welcoming. They are careful to observe the pandemic protocols. I feel safe. It is easy to make an appointment. Debbie and her staff are terrific!"

"It puts me in a good mood when I'm here cause the conversation is interesting. Debbie and the girls are truly caring."

Fisher's Ace Hardware 1305 West Chester Pike, Havertown

"It was open at the beginning of Covid when everything else is shutting down. They were there when we needed them for every little household thing."

Havertown Grille 2409 W Darby Road, Havertown

"Great breakfast and lunch menu with fabulous selections. Everyone is kind and friendly from owner, servers and cooks. Exceptionally clean!"

The Hearth 1901 Darby Rd, Havertown

"Great food & personable staff."

Jacob Low Hardware 1231 West Chester Pike, Havertown

"Always goes out of way to be helpful:whether repairing a broken window or screen, putting batteries in a light or clock, helping to find the right size screw or bolt even though only 1 was needed; always pleasant and accommodating; prices are a lot cheaper than the larger than hardware stores"

"Owner very personable, knowledgeable and helpful!"

Kettle 1 Brookline Blvd, Havertown

"Wonderful workers & owners. The food & costumer service is outstanding."

Learning Express of Havertown 1305 West Chester Pike, Store #23 Manoa Shopping Center, Havertown

"Great service, very helpful staff, competitive prices, excellent selection. This store and their associates are always willing to go above and beyond to help their customers select the right gift or toy for boys or girls. We like to support this local business versus shopping on-line because of the many "extras" they offer in addition to their quality merchandise, such as free gift wrapping, free customization, curbside pick-up, phone orders, and more."

Mark Anthony Paisano's Pizza & Catering 105 W Eagle Road, Havertown

"I order pizza from Paisano's a couple times a month. I'm always greeted with a warm smile and pleasant conversation. Very rarely do I ever wait longer than 15-20 minutes for my food. I've grown to build a relationship with the owner and a few of the employees that work at this pizza place. Normally when I'm ordering food from Paisano's, it is on a Friday night during their busiest time and I have my two children with me. You'd never know this though due to the way they treat me. It always feels like I'm their only customer and the most important customer due to their phenomenal customer service. The owner and employees now know me and my children by name.The food that Paisanos serves is always delicious. I've never had a bad meal from there. You can tell that a whole lotta love goes into their dishes. If you've never been to Paisano's, it is 100% worth checking it out!"

RejuvaNew You Spa 28 W. Eagle Road, Suite 203, Havertown

"Paula is fantastic. Makes me feel like family. A very trying year for me as everybody has during this pandemic."

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See Whos Been Nominated As Havertowns Best Businesses - Patch.com

Acquire and her sons.*Photo taken prior to COVID-19

According to Beth Acquaire's three sons, she can fix anything. 'I guess that's my hidden talent,' she jokes. It's not surprising then that Acquaire oversees gas distribution and appliance repair for more than 130 municipalities in central and northern New Jersey as PSE&G's senior director for Gas Field Operations North.

Fixing things and ensuring everything runs smoothly is a talent that has served Acquaire well since she joined the company 33 years ago.

'I had two job offers right out of college. PSEG just felt like the right fit,' explains the Butler, New Jersey, native and the third generation in her family to work for the company.

Finding new opportunities to expand her skills

*Photo taken prior to COVID-19.

Acquaire's first role was in Customer Operations, where she worked for 10 years as a supervisor in both the meter reading department and collection department and in the 24/7 Customer Inquiry Center. Feeling ready for a change, she looked into Gas Operations which, at the time, was just starting to enter the air conditioning replacement and repair business.

'It was so exciting - it was a growing business with so much energy,' she said. 'That's where I wanted to work.'

She became one of only two women working at that time on the Appliance Service team.

'It was a big transition,' she said, 'especially because my female counterpart was in a different region and we didn't interact much.'

But she made it work, even attending school in the evening to get certified in plumbing and heating, as well as her MBA and is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

'I wanted people to know that I wanted to learn the work,' she said.

Acquaire left Gas Operations for a time, taking a rotational assignment in internal auditing.

'It gave me a whole new perspective on the company and a new avenue for networking.'

When she came back to Gas Operations, she moved into the dispatching department.

'There are so many different areas within PSEG and opportunities to try something new and different.'

Her recommendation: Take on a role that excites you and that you can grow into.

Creating a culture of support and inclusion

Photo taken in 2006

Looking back over her three decades at PSEG, Acquaire sees a huge and welcome shift in the growing level of support among and for women. Three years ago, Acquaire was the founding member of Pursuing Opportunities for Women in Energy Resources (POWER) in Gas Operations. The group has since expanded to an enterprise-wide Employee Business Resource Group.

Last year, POWER focused on professional development, helping members craft elevator pitches, hone their interview skills and tell their own personal and professional stories. This year, the focus is on empowering relationships through mentoring, with nearly 50 mentorships already in place.

POWER also takes time to give back to local nonprofits such as Home Front, a group focused on ending homelessness, and Habitat for Humanity, which works to provide affordable housing around the world.

Now that her sons are grown, Acquaire says, 'POWER is my baby - I love the opportunity to build the network and relationships with the other members.'

Looking back

Since joining PSEG in 1987, Acquaire hasn't regretted her choice, or any of the opportunities or roles she has had.

'Every day is different,' she said. 'You are always busy, always learning. That's what makes PSEG great.'

For more information on career opportunities at PSEG, please visit jobs.pseg.com.

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Disclaimer

PSEG - Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. published this content on 10 December 2020 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 10 December 2020 17:44:05 UTC

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Beth Acquaire: Thirty years of development and growth - Marketscreener.com

The pandemic temporarily knocked the wheels out from under Adrienne Cooper's idea for an adults-only roller lounge in Chattanooga, but now her distinctive line of skates is selling fast enough to make her head spin.

"Skates, inline skates, skateboards, bikes, anybody on wheels is more relevant than ever as people are trying to be outdoors as much as possible," says Cooper, who launched her Moonlight Roller brand in March 2019.

Cooper's initial business plan was to open up a roller rink that combined the social aspects of a bar with the fun of roller skating. On the verge of signing a lease when the pandemic hit, she quickly pivoted to online skate sales. She developed a line of funky, cool, comfortable skates called Moon Boots and dropped her first batch of 1,500 on Instagram in May.

"They sold out," Cooper says. "You would not believe the look on my face I was on Instagram Live with people watching my jaw drop to the floor."

Now, as quickly as the skates come into her Chattanooga warehouse from a manufacturer in China, they are gone, says Cooper, who moved here from Illinois for college in 2013, did a stint in the Navy, and then returned to town in 2018.

"For the foreseeable future, we'll place as large an order as we can 10,000 to 18,000 pairs of skates and we get them in at a rate of 4,000 a shipment every 20 days," Cooper says.

The business has showed up in a Vogue magazine article about reclaiming the joy of roller skating, and Netflix has called about featuring her products in a show in development.

"I still kind of can't believe it," Cooper says. "It's a very surreal feeling."

While the pandemic has delivered body blows to industries including travel, lodging, dining and entertainment, the crisis has also dropped an avalanche of demand for other businesses.

Moonlight Roller tapped into a big appetite for outdoor and sporting equipment, which has driven up sales of everything from bikes to kayaks and camping gear. According to industry analytics group NPD, sales of bikes were up 63% year-over-year in June 2020.

Closer to home, furniture stores have scrambled to keep up with demand as people working and attending school from their couches and kitchen tables grow weary of their furnishings at the same time they've saved money on travel and dining out.

"These families went a whole summer with kids not having as many activities, people at home on a daily basis, mom and dad working from home," says Michael Turner, the owner of Huck and Peck furniture store in Chattanooga. "They're saying, 'We've been talking about getting a new sofa for 3 or 8 or 10 years maybe we can get it now.'"

His business is up over last year, but there's a catch, says Turner, who opened his store on West 31st Street 5 years ago. The pandemic has bogged down supply chains at the source, and slowed shipping at just the moment demand is soaring, he says.

"We've definitely had to explain to people why things are going to take longer," he says. "They need to get on it now if they come in tomorrow and something is sold, it may be January, February, even March before we get it again."

At Southern Champion Tray, widespread demand for to-go dining has dramatically altered the market for the paper products the 93-year-old manufacturer churns out, says Sarah Williams, director of sales.

"Things like carryout containers, we can't make them fast enough," Williams says. "To-go drink holders, there was a national shortage of those for a while if we had millions of them, we could have sold them at one point."

Meanwhile, demand for paper plates and the red-checked open food trays that typically hold hot dogs or fries has tanked, along with the appetite for boxes for big sheet cakes that feed people at large gatherings, Williams says.

"Right now, everyone needs covered, closed containers they can stack," she says. "We've done a lot of pivoting in terms of moving employees to different equipment, trying to streamline as much as we can."

Their client mix has changed, too, Williams adds. "Catering is not a big thing now," she says. "People are not doing the corporate Christmas parties."

Southern Champion Tray is in a good position because it's versatile, producing a broad mix of products that serves a variety of sectors spanning bakery and food service, she says. But that doesn't make planning in this environment any easier.

"What I keep telling our customers is there is no forecasting tools for COVID," Williams says. "Just when you think you have a plan, it changes again."

For Stoney Standridge, planning during the pandemic has meant planning to be busy. His appliance repair business has run nonstop since people started staying home and using their dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances all day, every day.

"I would say we've got 30% busier because of the pandemic," says Standridge, who launched his business in 2016 after spending 22 years with another appliance repair outfit. "We've got so busy I've had to hire someone to answer the phone."

When the shutdowns first hit, Standridge was inundated with calls from folks who had been postponing appliance repair. Home all day, they finally had the chance to hang out and let him into the house, Standridge says.

"The first two months of COVID, business probably doubled," says Standridge, whose repair business covers a region that spans from his home base of Ducktown, Tennessee, to Blue Ridge, Georgia, and points in between.

He had already added a new employee in February to help keep up with the demand for repair work in his growing business, but he's had to add two more since then. As with so many other booming businesses, his biggest problem now is getting the parts he needs to do the work, Standridge says.

"Parts are not being made, or manufacturers are behind," he says. "That's my biggest thing is trying to track down parts."

There's also a sense of sadness that his business is thriving while so many others are suffering, Standridge adds.

"Our business, we have been blessed, and you hate for people to have problems," he says.

At Huck and Peck, Turner says he struggles with the same conflicting emotions. He and his customers are weathering the pandemic well so far, and that just isn't the case for so many people, he says.

"This is not the folks who have suffered from job loss," he says. "This is not an easy moment for the service industry."

For the founder of Moonlight Roller, the fast and timely switch from planning a roller lounge where people gathered to selling skates online probably saved her a world of financial heartache, she says. She had raised $10,000 in a Kickstarter campaign and over $100,000 from three investors, and she's already been able to pay it all back and take sole control of her company.

"Had we signed [the lease], I'd be bankrupt right now," Cooper says. "I think about that all the time."

Before COVID hit, Cooper had developed a mobile business hosting pop-up skate parties and renting skates at venues including Bonnaroo and Comic Con in Atlanta, and every single event fell through.

She did host a pop-up event on Halloween, and she'll get back to those earlier plans for a skate lounge and mobile business, but in the meantime, she has hired 11 employees since June.

"We're so slammed with roller skates that we don't have the time anyway," she says.

READ MORE

*Might as well: Entrepreneurs across the country are going for it, anticipating better days ahead

*Wear it out: Local businesses expand their brands through smart, fun swag

*Changing clothes: Pandemic frays small businesses built around getting dressed

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On a roll: For some Chattanooga businesses, demand for what they do is at fever pitch - Chattanooga Times Free Press

FARGO In the season of porch pirates, we often hear about people putting dog poop or glitter bombs in decoy boxes to get revenge. But what is legal to when deterring these thieves?

Around the country, vigilante mail recipients are taking matters in their own hands and posting about it online. There is the common practice of putting dog poop in a decoy box, using glitter bombs, and even going as far as rigging shotgun blanks to scare off patio patrons.

"You put blanks in there and it blows someone's hand off potentially, we might not be talking defense of property," explained Luke Heck, a criminal defense attorney with Vogel Law Firm in Fargo.

While North Dakotans and Minnesotans do have the right to defend their property with force, Heck believes putting blanks and explosives in boxes will invite litigation. If your the decoy is less hardcore, then you are probably not breaking the law.

Other stories:

"They didn't have the lawful authority to take the package, whether it was a dummy package or an actual package in the first place," Heck said. "So there's a pretty weak argument to where there could be criminal charges for a glitter bomb type situation."

"Open up a box and it takes someone's eye out with glitter, you could be opened up to other types of liability and different areas of the law there too," Heck added.

So what should you do to fend off porch pirates?

Law enforcement officials recommend tracking your package, require a signature or request in-store pickup, be home during delivery or ask a neighbor to bring packages inside.

Call the police if you become a porch pirate victim.

"First and foremost, call the police if something is being stolen from you," Heck urged. "Engaging in self help oftentimes causes more problems than it solves."

A Fargo police spokesperson says their officers are not seeing an increase in package thefts this year.

See more here:
Local lawyers warn against the act of revenge against porch pirates - INFORUM

Police in Bloomfield are seeking three men they say stole packages off residents' porches this month.

According to BloomfieldPublic Safety Director Sam DeMaio, the following incidents occurred earlier this month:

The first was on Dec. 2, on the 100 block of North 17th Street.The suspect was captured stealing a package containing $60 sneakers from his front porch on the resident's ring doorbell.

that same day, officers responded to Myrtle Street, where a resident said packages containing aNike Jacket, Vapor max shoes, Nike pants and a Nike Jacket valued at $740 were stolen.

On Dec. 3, Floyd Avenue residents reported two package thefts between 4 and 4:30 p.m. Their Ring doorbells captured the below suspect stealing their packages from the front steps. Both packages were worth approximately $50 dollars. First, was a childs clay toy mold and second was a pair of slippers.

On Dec. 4, anAmpere Parkway resident reported a package theft around 2 p.m., in which a man on a blue bicycle took a $170 package from the front porch.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bloomfield Department of Public Safety.

Click here to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts.

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RECOGNIZE THEM? Rash Of Porch Thefts Under Investigation In Bloomfield - Rutherford Daily Voice

Around the world, folks have begun to scramble in order to obtain that perfect gift for the special people in their lives. Although much more of that shopping will be done online this year, it still continues. Toys and dolls, electronics and new tech, kitchen gadgetry, and (my favorite) delectable edibles will all be neatly wrapped and exchanged in only a couple of weeks. And despite the vast array of possible gifts, there remains one item, something we all need, which is rarely gifted. That item is shoes.

So why dont we present those on our Christmas list with a new pair of kicks every now and then? Too expensive? No, even shoes are on Black Friday sales. Too difficult to find? Though there may be a toilet paper shortage, Ive heard no such similar news about sneakers or pumps. No, the reason we dont often gift shoes is because shoes are so very unique to the individual wearing them. Im not necessarily speaking about style, though we do have variant opinions on what makes a good-looking shoe. More importantly, Im referring to the fit. Even if I knew my wifes shoe size (I admittedly dont), I wouldnt dare begin to pick a pair to gift her, because inevitably, they just wouldnt fit right. Only one person knows if a pair of shoes feel right and that is the person wearing them. Im reminded of the old adage, Try walking a mile in my shoes.

How often do we remind ourselves of that maxim and evaluate anothers situation before making a decision or judgment? Too infrequently, I fear. When we take the opportunity to examine the unique experiences of those around us though, and relate them to our own, we can begin to develop empathy which is what the saying is truly all about. We should all make that our goal.

In the end though, we can never truly know what someone else is going through; we can never walk that mile in someone elses shoes. And its a good thing, for I reckon our feet would really begin to hurt by the end of some of those walks.

But despite the fact we cant walk that mile and we dont know what shoes are comfortable to others, much the same way we dont know what those people are going through in their lives, I expect a Size 12 worth of understanding and a shoestrings length of compassion might go a long way in making those miles easier to traverse.

Many blessings of Christmas to you and yours this season.

P.S. I stand corrected Perhaps a few of you realized that I incorrectly referenced Thanksgiving as falling on the last Thursday of November in my last column. Thanksgiving falls, in fact, on the fourth Thursday of each November, which is sometimes, but not always, the last Thursday of the month. A thousand apologies to those who may, as a result of my misinformation, now celebrate Thanksgiving 2023 on November 30th, rather than the 23rd.

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PORCH SWING POINT OF VIEW: Empathy and Shoes - Record Delta