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HERMITAGE It's been 10 months since a resident of North Neshannock Road asked Hermitage Municipal Authority if it was planning to extend sewer service in her area, but authority officials told a group of area residents Wednesday that the issue goes back way beyond last year.

The authority is preparing an update to its Act 537 plan, the document "that says, for any given piece of property in the entire city, what they're gonna do with their sewage," said Jason Wert, consulting engineer with RETTEW Inc.

JOE PINCHOT | Herald

Jason Wert of RETTEW Inc., Hermitage Municipal Authority's consulting engineer, center, explains a study of the sanitary sewer needs on North Neshannock and Darby roads.

Specifically, officials are looking at needs for sewer service on North Neshannock and North and South Darby roads, although a larger update covering the entire city is in the offing.

Kathy Lealyof North Neshannock asked the authority Wednesday how the study of her neighborhood came about.

"I can't understand why one individual family has opened this big ball of wax up and we're causing so much stink in Hermitage, here," she said.

Authority Manager Tom Darby responded that the "stink" goes back at least to the '80s, during a previous Act 537 plan update.

"We knew the area where you're at was bad," Darby said, meaning that there were malfunctioning sewer systems.

At that time, the authority expanded sewer service, but not to that area. Local officials knew they would have to revisit the area and state Department of Environmental Protection officials have not forgotten the earlier findings.

"It wasn't off the radar," Wert said. "The city didn't kick over an anthill that wasn't already known. The DEP was aware of the situation. As a matter of fact, the DEP asked if we would look at a broader area, which is why it's more than just Neshannock Road. We did not do as broad an area as the DEP wanted, and that's probably something that will come up in a later year. Maybe, next year or the year after. "

The authority has sent letters to residents asking them fill out a survey.

"We have to determine what the situation is in the area," Wert said. "Whether you feel strongly or not about whether public sewer service should be there, your input's valuable. We need it because we don't live in those homes and we don't understand what goes on on a daily basis."

RETTEW employees will be walking the neighborhoods this month looking for signs of malfunctioning septic systems. Wert said homeowners are allowed to forbid surveyors from coming on their properties, but that DEP requires them to list such occurrences a "potential malfunction."

Lealy asked if a poll of the residents could be used to determine whether sewer lines are extended.

"We cannot," Wert said. "We have to let the data determine what the situation will be. If there is enough malfunctions identified, or repairs of malfunctions throughout the years, then we'll have to provide options to the DEP of how we're going to solve that situation. It varies but I will say, generally, if one in four homes have had a problem or have a problem at the moment, generally, the DEP will say we have to extend public sewer service. It's cut and dry."

Just because a specific area North Darby, as an example does not meet that threshold, lines still could be extended if the percentage of malfunctions is close to the cut off, more malfunctions are expected in the coming years and/or officials decide it will be cost-efficient to do the area as part of a larger project instead of waiting, Wert said.

"No decision's been made," Wert said, noting any projects are at least a year away.

Some residents complained about the potential cost to homeowners. In the past, the city has charged a tap-in fee to each homeowner and an assessment fee based on property frontage, and homeowners have had to hire contractors to connect their homes to the public lines.

"I really think there's a serious financial problem for the people who are here," said Linda Spanos of North Neshannock.

Marcie Grimm of North Neshannock said she had to pay $20,000 to install a low-flow treatment system as a condition of buying her house and would not want to have to dismantle that system and pay more to tap in to public sewers.

Wert acknowledged the financial burden can be significant. The city has established payment plans for past projects and grants have been used to reduce the cost to homeowners, but Wert said grant funds largely have dried up.

After Grimm left, Wert told the board that low-flow systems such as Grimm's, which uses chlorine to treat waste water, are permitted by DEP when there is no appropriate land on a property for a conventional septic or sand mound system, and are considered a malfunction. Many permits specify that, should public sewer service become available, the homeowner must tap in.

"DEP considers that a measure of last resort," Wert said of low-flow systems.

Roseanne Sauers, who approached the authority in September, identified herself to the neighbors and explained her situation.Sauers and her husband, who has since died, wanted to sell their house but could not without replacing their septic system. They didn't want to spend the money if the city was going to extend sewers in the near future.

"I didn't blow a whistle," she said. "We were having trouble.I share your frustration."

Wert said he expects a draft of the Act 537 update will be ready in September with a public comment period in October or November. City commissioners will have the final say on whether any projects are undertaken and how homeowners would have to contribute to a project.

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Sewer plan update in works - Sharonherald

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Australian Visa Bureau Australia Jobs Category Skilled Trades/Services Electrician (General)

Electricians Job Australia- If your profession is Electrician (General)in accordance with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) 3411-11 then you are currently in demand by employers in Australia.

As the occupation features on the MLTSSL as an occupation in demand in Australia, it is possible to apply for any of the visas in the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program.

Visas in this category include the Skilled Independent 189, the Skilled Nominated 190, the Skilled Regional Nominated 489 or the Skilled Regional Sponsored 489 visas. In addition there is also the opportunity of applying for a number of employer sponsored visas if you have a firm offer of employment.

Please complete an online assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options with a consultant.

Click Here to Complete the Online Australian Skilled Migration Visa Assessment

Installs, tests, connects, commissions, maintains and modifies electrical equipment, wiring and control systems. Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks

Specialisations

Alternative Title

If the above ANZSCO code 3411-11 for Electrician (General)is your current occupation then you have a very good chance of qualifying for a skilled visa. For more detailed visa information, please complete a no obligation Online Assessmentand select a call back time when a Visa Bureau migration consultant will call you and explain the migration process in detail.

If you are looking to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis and your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), you can apply to emigrate to Australia through the Australian General Skilled Migration Program.

The program aims to meet current skills shortages in Australia by attracting skilled migrants under the age of 50 who can make an immediate contribution to the Australian economy.

If your occupation is not on the SOL but you are still interested in emigrating to Australia, the best route for you will be applying for an employer-sponsored visa, such as through the Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS), or by applying for the sponsored 457 visa.

If you are looking to work and travel in Australia and are under 30 (inclusive) years of age, you may be eligible for a Working Holiday in Australia.

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Electrician (General) Job Australia

Electricians work for a wide variety of companies, perform a multitude of tasks that generally require close attention to detail and good judgment, and have a journeyman electrician's license. These licenses typically require four years of apprentice work. That time includes some classroom instruction and a good deal of actual fieldwork. Certain states and companies may require a master electrician's license, which entails several more years of experience working as a journeyman.

Electricians work with a wide variety of electrical systems, repairing and maintaining them to the specifications of the system or the organizations they work for. These positions are vital and ensure that those electrical systems are running properly and performing to their highest capabilities. Electricians might perform work in various systems, include lighting, security, and distribution. Most large organizations will employ their own electricians to maintain their electrical systems. They may be responsible for one part or all of the electrical systems needed to keep the company running. They may also work with other licensed electricians or non-licensed employees to complete larger jobs.

Electricians should be willing and able to work in all conditions and at any time, as many of the systems they are required to work on may need maintenance at unpredictable times and in various locations. The work can be quite physical but also requires a great deal of knowledge and attention to detail.

Continue reading here:
Electrician Salary - PayScale

After spending nearly two decades in Illinois as a union electrician, Court Evans decided to move to Florida.

With hard work and a lot of help from other business people in the area, he has made his new company, Conch Electric, one of the "best" new companies in North Fort Myers, earning "Best of North Fort Myers" recognition for best electrician.

The designation is awarded via a North Fort Myers Neighbr readers poll.

Court Evans, owner of Conch Electric.

CHUCK BALLARO

Evans, whose father and grandfather worked as electricians in the Peoria area, worked for 19 years - five as an apprentice and the rest as a master electrician - before coming here. He passed all his exams and hit the floor running.

"I had been coming here for six years. My dad is a snowbird and many of the people I worked with in Central Illinois are here. I have that client base and they have friends who they've met. I had a lot of clients vote for me," Evans said.

He named the company Conch after the place he and his wife got engaged, in Key West, more specifically, the Conch Republic, which "seceded" from Key West in 1982. The company van even as the Conch Republic Flag on the side.

But with such a jump on a client base, perhaps the most important thing he did was join the River's Edge BNI group, an organization of business owners that meets to network and help each other find business, usually with the other businesses.

"It was a blessing, not knowing anyone here it's been a good in with general contractors," Evans said. "It's helped us grow rapidly. The contractor likes me and he gives me all his work."

Conch does typical electricial work, as well as bath and kitchen remodels. It also does things you might not know about, such as docks and boatlifts, landscape lighting and more.

Evans said he can also do telephone, data, fire alarm systems and more.

"I can do commercial work, but only small commercial since we aren't big enough just yet," Evans said, who has one van and three electricians. "I like helping people fix their problems."

Evans said being named "Best of" is an honor that has brought him recognition and increased his business even further.

"I've had calls come in that I wouldn't have had without it. I'm still in the process of building my web site, so anything that will get me up there in the search ranks will help me," Evans said.

Conch Electric, which covers Marco Island to Port Charlotte, is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more, call 313-0496.

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Conch Electric wired into North Fort Myers - North Fort Myers Neighbor - North Fort Myers Neighbor

Two years ago, Pablo Picasso's painting The Women of Algiers, sold at Christie's for an art auction record of $179 million. Then in June of last year, one of his cubist works, Femme Assise, went for over $63 million.

So when a portfolio of 271 never-before-seen Picassos appeared in 2010 the art world was stunned.

But the biggest surprise may be where they had been for nearly 40 years. Picasso's former electrician, 77-year-old Pierre Le Guennec, and his wife Danielle kept the art treasures in their garage -- works they said were a gift from Pablo Picasso and his last wife, Jacqueline.

The Picasso family heirs don't believe it. They suspect theft, but as we first reported last fall, the Le Guennecs stand by their story -- and it's a story that has captivated the art world.

Danielle and Pierre Le Guennec

CBS News

Danielle and Pierre Le Guennec are a retired couple living in the south of France. Back in 1971, he was an electrician hired by Pablo Picasso and his wife Jacqueline, to fix their American-made stove. The Picassos were so pleased, they had him to do other odd jobs on their properties including installing burglar alarms.

Bill Whitaker: How would you describe the relationship? Was it employee/employer? Or did you have a friendship?

Pierre Le Guennec: I believe that Monsieur had total trust in me. Particularly because of my discretion.

His discretion might be the only thing in this tale that isn't in dispute. As family electrician and handyman, Pierre Le Guennec had the run of Picasso's houses for 15 years starting before and stretching beyond the artist's death in 1973. One day in the early 1970s, he says, Jacqueline Picasso surprised him.

Pierre Le Guennec: Madame called me into the hallway and said, "Come here, this is for you. And she handed me a box. I said "Thank you, Madame." I left and brought it back here.

Pablo Picasso in his studio in Vallauris, France, Oct. 23, 1953.

AP

The Le Guennecs say they opened the box, and weren't impressed. They describe the contents as two Picasso sketchbooks and sheets of looseleaf paper all unsigned.

Danielle Le Guennec: There were plenty of drawings that were repeated. For example, there was the body of a horse without the head and the second part was only a head.

Danielle Le Guennec says, in general, she's not a big fan of Picasso's art.

Danielle Le Guennec: There are paintings where I don't know if the character is looking at me, not looking at me, the head is upside down it's on the side, and that's what made him famous. I'm not saying it's ugly, but I don't like it.

Bill Whitaker: So, you didn't think much of this box of paintings and sketches, and things that you received?

Pierre Le Guennec: If someone would've told me, "Mr. Le Guennec, go and throw this in the fire, I would have thrown it in the fire."

Pierre Le Guennec and Bill Whitaker inside Le Guennec's garage

CBS News

Instead of burning the box, Pierre Le Guennec says it ended up on a shelf in his garage. It lived there undisturbed until 2010, when he says he was ill and facing surgery. That's when he thought he should get his affairs in order and wondered if that Picasso gift might be worth something.

So, he contacted the Picasso Administration, run by Pablo Picasso's son, and described by hand-written letter and photos, what he had. The Picasso administration is the only place in the world that can certify the artist's work. Le Guennec wanted his box of art authenticated.

Pierre Le Guennec: They answered me by telling me that Claude Picasso wanted to see with his own eyes what it was we had and he gave us an appointment. So we went up to Paris, my wife and I, by train with a suitcase.

Bill Whitaker: Full of artwork?

Pierre Le Guennec: Yes. I organized them properly in cardboard folders so it could be presentable.

Bill Whitaker: How were you greeted by Claude?

Pierre Le Guennec: He was a bit haughty.

Danielle Le Guennec: Impolite.

Pierre Le Guennec: He's a monsieur and we are little people.

Danielle Le Guennec: He didn't even say 'hello'.

Bill Whitaker: Like little people?

Danielle Le Guennec: He looked at me and said 'You, you can sit over there.' One cannot say we were welcomed. That's not very polite, considering he's the son of a genius.

Bill Whitaker: Kind of snobbish, you say?

Pierre Le Guennec: Yes.

Danielle Le Guennec: Yes, snob.

Pierre Le Guennec: a man who represents wealth.

But Claude Picasso himself, the artist's third child and one of five living heirs, remembers the meeting differently.

Claude Picasso: I start-- you know, asking questions and so on. And they said they were given these things by my father. Then later on, a little bit later on in the conversation they said that some of them were given to them by my father's widow.

CBS News

The stash contained works spanning more than 30 years from 1900 to 1932. Some were preliminary sketches of well-known works displayed in museums and galleries around the world, like this one from 1932, "Woman Seated in Red Armchair" at the Musee Picasso in Paris. The similarity is striking. And then there's this one: a never-before-seen portrait of Olga, Picasso's first wife and constant subject for nearly 20 years. Included in the 271 works were six sketches, 28 lithographs and nine cubist collages -- considered museum quality. There were also those two full sketch pads with 81 drawings. An art trove later valued at as much as $100 million. Claude Picasso could not believe his eyes and did not believe the Le Guennecs.

Claude Picasso: The explanations were a bit murky. But I quickly understood that they must have stolen them.

Bill Whitaker: Did you know, immediately, that they were real?

Claude Picasso: Yes, but I didn't tell them that.

Bill Whitaker: You didn't wanna give anything away.

Claude Picasso: I couldn't because it was so it was so amazing. And they kept pulling out things.

Bill Whitaker: More and more

Claude Picasso: More and more and more. So at a certain point I said, "Is that all?" And they said, "No, no, no. We have some more here." And I-- I couldn't-- I c-- that's incredible. And-- and but I-- you know, I didn't say anything at all

Bill Whitaker: You didn't reveal anything on your face

Claude Picasso: "How nice. How lucky," whatever, you know, some

banality like this. And-- I had to let them go. 'Cause there is no system that can make me-- clamp down on these possessions.

Bill Whitaker: You couldn't seize them.

Claude Picasso: No, no

Bill Whitaker: So you had to let them go

Claude Picasso: You have to let that go. I knew what I had to do next.

Bill Whitaker: You called the police.

Claude Picasso: Yes.

The police opened an investigation. Three weeks later, the gendarmes were at the Le Guennec door. They seized the works - - and they seized the couple.

Pierre Le Guennec: We were taken into custody to Nice, my wife in one car and I in another and I was held there for two days.

Danielle Le Guennec: I spent one day in jail, I was devastated -- so devastated that I've been seeing a psychiatrist. I am not over it. I can still see that jail cell. And I'd like to add, if I can use this language, it didn't just smell bad, it stank.

Bill Whitaker: You don't believe they were kept in their garage for 40 years?

Both Jean-Jacques Neuer and Claudia Andrieu: No.

Jean-Jacques Neuer and Claudia Andrieu, lawyers representing the Picasso administration, say the condition of the art is too pristine to have been kept on a shelf in a garage for almost 40 years. They don't buy any part of the Le Guennecs story.

Bill Whitaker: Why not?

Claudia Andrieu: It's impossible.

Jean-Jacques Neuer: It's impossible. It's nonsense, and to be very frank with you, we believe that Mr. Le Guennec is a swindler.

The Le Guennecs say they're honest people caught in a David and Goliath battle with the Picasso heirs. Snooty art moguls who can't handle the idea that a modest family might be worthy of the artist's gift.

Danielle Le Guennec: We are simple people. We love our home and our garden. We've never travelled.

Bill Whitaker: They say that you folks were a little snobbish and perhaps looking down on them, because they're just little people, simple people, they call themselves.

Jean-Jacques Neuer: They play on that. It's pure manipulation, it's fantastic. It's-- it's the-- the poor

Bill Whitaker: You don't believe that they are simple people

Jean-Jacques Neuer: They are simple people, this is not the problem. We believe that they play on this to try to obtain sympathy from the public.

The family lawyers also question the meticulous language Pierre Le Guennec used to describe the works which they say could only have come from an art expert. But the retired electrician denies the accusation, and says he wrote every word himself.

These works by Picasso were deemed so valuable they immediately were seized and brought here for safekeeping one of the most secure places in the country: the Bank of France. This is the Fort Knox of France: the country's gold reserves are kept here too.

In February 2015, the Le Guennecs went on trial. There wasn't enough evidence to prove they stole the art, so prosecutors charged them with possessing stolen property.

Witnesses who knew Pablo Picasso and his wife, Jacqueline, testified it was impossible anyone would get such a generous gift from the master.

Maya Picasso, the artist's second child, says it's entirely out of character for the father she lived with the first 20 years of her life.

Maya Picasso : My father gave he gave pretty easily be it money or a sweater, if you were cold. But giving away artworks? No!

Even more unlikely, she says, was parting with his portraits of his first wife.

Maya Picasso: There's a beautiful portrait of Olga when she was young. You know, love is something beautiful, and when you're living it and decide to draw it, it's more than a picture. So he would have never given something like that away.

In his defense, Pierre Le Guennec presented this signed gift as evidence his relationship with the Picassos was more than just doing odd jobs. The Picasso family says an autographed pamphlet is exactly the type of small gift he might have received from Pablo Picasso.

Jean-Jacques Neuer: It's a little brochure dedicated and signed by Picasso. And when he came, he gave this little brochure. As a, "See, Picasso knew me," and his excuse to have all these works which were obviously stolen, was that he had this little brochure.

When Danielle Le Guennec took the stand she insisted she had a close friendship with Jacqueline Picasso, claiming Madame Picasso considered the Le Guennec home a refuge from the pressures of being the wife and widow of the 20th century's best-known artist.

Danielle Le Guennec: Jacqueline was a wonderful person who taught me a lot. Because she spoke so much about her husband, I got to know him. My friendship with Jacqueline lasted until the very end14 years of loyaltyI accompanied her to her final resting place.

Bill Whitaker to Danielle Le Guennec: Jacqueline, Jacqueline, Jacqueline She wrote to you quite often

Danielle Le Guennec keeps mementos of her relationship with the late Mrs.Picasso -- handwritten postcards she considers more valuable than a Picasso itself.

Danielle Le Guennec: As I said in court, they may have taken away the works, but the most beautiful painting I ever had was my friendship with Jacqueline and that is something they will never be able to take away.

The story of how the Le Guennecs aquired these works remains a mystery were they a generous gift? Were they stolen? Much like Picasso's art, this tale is intriguing, abstract and ultimately left to each of us to make sense of it all. In court the Le Guennecs were found guilty and given a two-year suspended sentence. They are appealing.

Bill Whitaker: If you had known then what you know now, would you have taken the artwork to Claude?

Pierre Le Guennec: If this had to be done all over again, well Monsieur, the box would've ended up in the chimney in the room right behind you there.

Last fall, the Le Guennecs appeared before a French appeals court and admitted they had lied. They said Jacqueline Picasso had asked them to store the art to keep it from French authorities and from her step children. As you might expect, Picasso family members think this latest story also is a lie. The French court upheld the Le Guennec's two-year sentence and ordered the art returned to Picasso's heirs.

All work by Picasso: 2016 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Produced by Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson and Sabina Castelfranco.

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A Picasso mystery examined by 60 Minutes - CBS News

HYDERABAD: A worker from Telangana is stuck at a Saudi detention centre and waiting to be sent back to India for the last nine months. Syed Muqtar of Bodhan in Nizamabad district had gone to Saudi Arabia two years ago.

"The employer troubled him and refused to pay him his salary," Muqtar's father Syed Hameed, an auto-electrician in Bodhan, told TOI. Syed Muqtar is in the Shumaisi Detention Centre in Riyadh.

On Saturday, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi urged union external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to look into Muqtar's case. "Please help me to go to my country. I am here not having committed any crime. Please help me," Muqtar had tweeted on Saturday to Sushma Swaraj.

The Consulate-General of India (CGI), Jeddah, responded by saying that the CGI was cognizant of his case as he was 'matloob' (wanted) by the sponsor. It was informed that he was in room no. 72 of the detention centre. The CGI said they were working on the case through his sponsor.

Muqtar's father Hameed said his son was sent to Saudi Arabia through an agent two years ago. But after Muqtar landed in Riyadh, he was not given salary.

Original post:
T worker stuck in detention centre in Saudi for 9 months - Times of India

By Lisa Zapalac, homes correspondent

Bellaire Showcase-winning home offers entertaining areas

A Bellaire Showcase winner, this custom home is on a huge 20,475-square-foot lot on Braeburn Drive.

Listing agent Sabrina Elias with Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty describes the home as magnificent, with Mediterranean flair and a blend of inspiration and beautiful architecture.

The two-story home with more than 7,300 square feet of living space and a three-car garage is elevator ready and features Segreto finishes and stone and wood accents throughout.

Columns frame the double-door entry that is accessed by stairs with a limestone balustrade. Inside, the foyer has a sweeping staircase and a ceiling with a capped dome.

Triple arched windows enhance the formal dining room with a groin-vaulted ceiling, Segreto stenciling and a Versailles-pattern floor. Just off the main entry, the formal living room has a limestone fireplace, Versailles pattern flooring, and mahogany multi-piece molding and blocked paneled bookcases on both sides of the arched entry.

Open to the kitchen, the family room has a beamed ceiling, a large fireplace framed by mahogany bookcases, and banks of windows viewing the pool, spa and landscaped backyard. A beautifully designed island, subway tile extending to the ceiling and Segreto finishes on the ceiling and hood over the cooktop are some of the features in the kitchen, which also has custom furniture-quality cabinetry, granite countertops, and Wolf/Sub-Zero appliances.

There is a wet bar with forest granite that adjoins a butler's pantry that has an arched window of leaded glass and tile work. The home also features a temperature controlled wine room with a Segreto mural and stenciling and built-in storage for up 300 bottles of wine.

A study with access to the pool has a built-in desk and cabinetry with Segreto stenciling and an adjoining half bath.

Located on the second floor, the master suite includes custom arched windows framed by a drapery pocket, architectural detailing and views of the pool, spa and backyard.

The huge game room has banks of windows and access to a balcony overlooking the back of the property. Located next to the media room, the game room features a beamed ceiling, hardwood floors, and a fully equipped kitchenette.

The media room has additional space in the front of the home for a play area, and includes custom storage.

An upstairs craft/hobby room offers extensive storage and a large island work area. Adjoining this room is the spacious laundry room that also has custom storage, a sink and a window.

All of the secondary bedrooms are spacious and well-appointed. One bedroom has an en suite bath and an open-air Juliet balcony that overlooks the front lawn, while three others feature built-ins and window seats.

The home also has an exercise room upstairs that includes access to the large climate controlled floored and shelved attic.

The outdoor living/entertaining areas include a resort-style patio with massive columns, a hardwood ceiling, stone work and a summer kitchen. The patio and summer kitchen are climate controlled.

A loggia overlooks the grounds and saltwater pool with a waterfall and colored lights, surrounded by travertine decking. The large landscaped yard also includes towering trees, open seating/entertaining areas and plenty of green space.

With five bedrooms, five full baths and two half-baths, this home at 5201 Braeburn Drive is priced at $3,295,000.

For information, visit http://www.MarthaTurner.com.

Property Profile

Location: Bellaire

Stories: 2

Agent: Sabrina Elias

Listing agency: Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

Square feet: 7,333

Lot size: 20,475 square feet

Bedrooms: 5

Baths: 5 full, 2 half

Price: $3,295,000

Originally posted here:
Bellaire Showcase-winning home offers entertaining areas - Chron.com

Shannon Gilchrist The Columbus Dispatch @shangilchrist

As central Ohio children are going school shopping in anticipation of that first day in a couple of weeks, students of one private school in Worthington just learned that their summer will last an extra month.

The 2017-18 school year for St. Michael School will now begin on Sept. 22, the principal informed parents Thursday night, because damage to a tile floor released asbestos dust, a known cancer-causing material.

The late start caused by the clean-up, decontamination and re-testing has led the Catholic school to eliminate all unnecessary school breaks during the 2017-18 school year, and to extend the school year to June 15. All teacher professional development days, the email from Sister John Paul said, have been moved to days before and following the school year.

"I realize this is quite an adjustment for all of us and that it may require a great deal of human and supernatural virtue to adapt to this later date," wrote Sister John Paul. "St. Michael greatly appreciates the sacrifices of our parents to support Catholic education and we realize that this may bring you added inconveniences."

In a message Friday morning, the principal added that the school will work with parents in a financial bind because of this unexpected child-care cost.

Right now, the entire school is being cleaned, and the floor and ceiling tiles and other materials are being removed and replaced. Insurance is covering the project.

The Ohio Department of Health is aware of the situation at St. Michael and has a licensed asbestos contractor at the school to make sure the work is done correctly, said department spokeswoman Melanie Amato. She didn't have an estimated ending date for the project.

Options other than a late start were considered, Sister John Paul told parents, including starting school at a temporary site.

"We have decided against that choice, in order to best focus time and resources on getting the whole school operational faster," she said.

According to several messages the principal sent to parents over the past month, minor damage to the tile happened as workers were doing an annual stripping and waxing of the floors. It happened after 3:30 p.m. on June 28, after office hours were over. Tests done on the floor dust indicated the presence of asbestos. The school building was closed July 1-7.

The principal said the people who accessed the building using their key cards between June 28 and July 7 already have been mailed a letter about the risk.

"I thank God that this did not happen while school was in session and that we are confident that the end result will be a thoroughly safe environment," Sister John Paul wrote to parents.

Asbestos, now closely regulated as a carcinogen, refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that routinely were used in automotive and ship parts and construction materials up through the first half of the 20th century because of their ability to resist heat and corrosion.

The presence of asbestos in a building is not a problem until it is damaged or begins to deteriorate, according to information provided by the Ohio Department of Health.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, breathing in asbestos fibers can lead to scarring in the lung tissue called asbestosis, which eventually causes disability and death. It also has been tied to lung cancer and a cancer of the membranelining the cavity of the lung or stomach, called mesothelioma.

"There is no 'safe' level of asbestos exposure for any type of asbestos fiber," says the OSHA website. "Asbestos exposures as short in duration as a few days have caused mesothelioma in humans."

sgilchrist@dispatch.com

@shangilchrist

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St. Michael School delays opening during asbestos clean-up - The Columbus Dispatch

A lawsuit filed two years ago by the Des Moines Water Worksagainst three drainage districts in northwest Iowa drew a lot of attention to agriculture-generated nutrients in Iowa's streams and rivers.

The water works gets its drinking water from the Raccoon River. When nitrate levels reach a certain level, specialized and expensive equipment is required to remove thenitrate and make the water safe for drinking.

The lawsuitclaimed thenutrients were coming from nitrogen fertilizer and, in some cases, animal waste viaunderground drainage tiles used on farms. Although the lawsuit was dismissed in March, the questions it raised remain.

The state of Iowa has adopted avoluntary Nutrient Reduction Strategy, inspiring more strategies for filtering farm water before it reaches streams. One such strategy is the installation of"bioreactors" at the edge of fields.

Here's how it works: A bioreactor is a trench filled with wood chips. When water flows into it, the bacteria in the water "eats" the wood chips, then "breathes" the nitrate, converting it into nitrogen gas. That way, cleaner water is discharged into waterways.

Scott Countyfarmer Robb Ewoldt installed the area's first known bioreactor on land he farms in Muscatine County inApril. He calls it a"denitrification plant."

The process is relatively new and construction is costly, anywhere from$12,000 to $20,000, depending on the size and slope of the land.

Ewoldt's was on the high end, about$20,000. In his case, he was able to obtain "cost-share" payments of about one-third from water-quality initiative funds at theIowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship andabout one-third from theIowa Pork Producers Association. The rest he paid for himself.

Given the cost and the fact there are thousands and thousands of drainage tiles in Iowa, bioreactors are not likely to become widespread any time soon. But they are a start.

There's not much to see

The trench for Ewoldt'sbioreactor is 100 feet long, 25 feet wide, eight feet deep and filled with about 440 cubic yardsof wood chips that were trucked in from Washington, Iowa. The tile that flows into it drains about 50 acres, he said.

Ewoldt applies hog manure to the field in the fall as fertilizer; his manure management plan filed with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources allows him to apply 3,750 gallons of manure per acre per year.

Weekly water samplingby a technician with the Iowa Department of Agriculturewill show what affect the manure and the bioreactor have on nitrate levels. At the time the reactor was installed, levels were at four parts per million, which was well below the 10 parts per million that is acceptable for drinking water, said Jim Gillespie, director of the Agriculture Department's Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality.

After installation, the percentage has fallen to one part per million.

Because all the action is underground, there's really nothing to seeon the surface, except for two small metal boxes that control the water flow. It is sometimes necessary to slow the water coming into the bioreactor, so the bacteria have time towork and, if the rainfalling on the field is too much for the bioreactor to handle, the water-flow structures allow it to bypass the bioreactor and go directly into the stream.

In Ewoldt's case, water flows into an unnamed tributary of Pine Creek.

Generally speaking, about 45 percent of the total cost of bioreactor installation is for wood chips, 30 percent is for the water-control structures and tile, 23 percent is for the earthwork and 2 percent is for a protective fabric between the wood chips and the soil underneath, according to Sara Klindt, a soil conservation technician withthe Iowa agriculture department office in Muscatine.

Carbon from the wood chips is what the bacteria eat, and it is not yet known exactly how long the wood chips will last before they need to be replaced, Gillespie said. He is hoping for a lifespan of at least 10-15 years.

In Ewoldt's case, the earth work costs went up, because more trenching was required to get the drainage right than originally anticipated.

State, Pork Producers helped

To date, the Soil Conservation and Water Quality Division of the Iowa Department of Agriculture has funded five bioreactors across the state and has 11, including Ewoldt's, in process,Gillespie said.

The state will reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost, but of course, there is only so much money to go around. In fiscal 2016, the division received $9.6 million for all water-quality initiatives statewide and, for 2017, received $10.575 million, Gillespie said.

Ferreting out other avenues of funding, such as Ewoldt did with the Pork Producers, makes bioreactors more affordable, Gillespie said.

The Pork Producers Association has committed to providing up to $25,000 through the year to offset up to half the costs for hog farmers to install bioreactors or another system called saturatedbuffers on their land, said Tyler Bettin, state public policy director for the association.

Farms are selected based on the greatest opportunity for nitrate reduction and will be dispersed throughout the state to aid in education and demonstration opportunities,Bettin said.

"Projects like this offer excellent opportunity to showcase new nutrient-reduction technologies and further advance farmer-led water-quality efforts in Iowa," he wrote in an email.

Iowa'svoluntaryNutrient Reduction Strategywas adopted about 4 years ago. It aims to reduce by 45 percent the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus flowing down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.

Critics have argued that the strategy doesn't go far enough, because there are no mandatory requirements and there is no deadline for reaching the reduction goal. They also question why, when 90 percent of the nutrients causing the "dead zone," or low-oxygen areas, can be attributed to agriculture (farm fertilizer and animal operations) and 10 percent to industry or city treatment plants, only the 10 percent is regulated.

The agriculture community opposes mandatory requirements.

Gillespie points out that none of the work or expense of bioreactors does anything toimprove yields or a farmer's profits. In fact, it is an expense. They are installed to "build a legacy," he said. "They're built so you can say, 'I'm cleaning the water.'"

Read the rest here:
Farm 'bioreactor' will filter nitrate from water - Quad City Times

Two neighborhood meetings one on Monday, Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. for Stoneridge Estates Park, and one on Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. for Wyndham Hills Park will determine community interest in athletic field planning at both parks.

Each meeting will take place at the respective park: Stoneridge Estates Park, located at 300 Stonehaven Drive; and Wyndham Hills Park, located at 675 N. Heatherstone Drive, near Horizon Elementary School.

Both plans were briefly outlined at the Sun Prairie City Councils Aug. 1 Public Works Committee meeting by Joe DeYoung from MSA Professional Services.

The City of Sun Prairie will hold two park meetings next week to gauge reaction to athletic field plans for Stoneridge Estates (above) and Wyndham Hills parks. The city intends to have the work completed in October (MSA/City of Sun Prairie photo illustration).

We want to get out and talk to the public about this project that we are potentially going to be bidding out, DeYoung said, adding that he hopes to hear from the public at both meetings. He also said the Sun Prairie Soccer Club plans to contact its members.

At Stoneridge Estates Park, the proposed project may include field enlargement, installation of fill, drain tile and re-seeding of the fields.

The plan shown at Tuesday nights Public Works Committee meeting includes the retention of a soccer field already on site, maintaining the existing ball diamond, but relocating the basketball court and installing two U-16 soccer fields.

The City of Sun Prairie will hold two park meetings next week to gauge reaction to athletic field plans for Stoneridge Estates and Wyndham Hills (above) parks. The city intends to have the work completed in October.

At Wyndham Hills, one planned U-16 field and two youth fields are planned, with all existing amenities planned to be retained.

Like Stoneridge, the proposed project at Wyndham Hills may include field enlargement, installation of fill, drain tile and re-seeding of the fields.

If plans are acceptable, DeYoung said, the intent is to go out for bid in August to complete the work in October, but overseed and maintain the fields through the winter, spring and summer growing seasons so the turf takes root before allowing athletic play on them during the fall of 2018.

The Sun Prairie Soccer Club plans to contribute $100,000 to the projects, and participate in maintenance of the fields until they are ready next fall.

Both meetings are intended to address any questions, concerns, or comments residents may have and provide additional information regarding the projects.

Both DeYoung and City Public Works Director Lee Igl clarified that the fields will be referred to as athletic fields, with other uses such as youth lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, and other athletic events that use flat, square fields.

One portion of the plan shown for Stoneridge that is not being pursued is the expansion of the parking lot.

DeYoung explained to District 2 Alder Jon Freund, who lives near the park, that the expansion of the parking lot to the west along with the addition of a second driveway entrance was not part of the plan.

Freund urged DeYoung to consider adding the expansion to the plan, however, because if the fields are going to be used as much as projected, there will be demand for parking.

DeYoung also said the parking could be expanded to the south, towards Stonehaven Drive.

In order to raise the level of the fields in both Wyndham Hills and Stoneridge, the city plans to use 6,000 cubic yards of topsoil currently piled at Stoneridge Park, according to DeYoung. The soil has been piled there by city workers in anticipation of the project.

Microwave traffic signal loops OKd

Accepting the recommendations of City Engineer/Director of Public Services Adam Schleicher, the Public Works Committee approved a change order in the Wilburn Road Project for a microwave loop detector.

A memo from Schleicher to alders stated the current installation has a loop detector installed within the asphalt pavement structure, but that staffs recommendation is to use pole mounted microwave detection instead of the existing loop detectors.

The $12,642 change order to the project is for TAPCO to install microwave detectors at this intersection and allow the removal of the in pavement loop detector.

Schleicher explained microwave detection equipment is installed on the traffic signal poles and nothing is placed in the asphalt, providing a better driving surface and less maintenance concerns on the pavement surface.

Nothing is actually cut into the pavement, Schleicher told alders.

District 1 Alder Steve Stocker asked how the signals work. Schleicher said the microwave detection equipment is already being used in the signals installed at Ironwood Drive and South Grand Avenue and the city is happy with how they work at that intersection.

TAPCO has an annual preventative maintenance contract with the city and the work will be done by TAPCO at the negotiated rates under that contract, according to Schleichers memo.

Northwest Koshkonong Facility design work OKd

Assistant City Engineer Tom Veith requested $10,000 for MSA to complete a preliminary design study for the Northwest Koshkonong Stormwater Facility.

Veith said as part of the Northwest Koshkonong Stormwater facility potentially being located on two different parcels the Schneider and Livesey properties near Thompson Road a professional services contract has been requested from MSA to perform preliminary stormwater design.

The study is being sought to provide the following baseline information:

Maximizing the usage of the entire Livesey parcel for stormwater, determine how much acreage will be required on the Schneider property to achieve our stormwater management goals.

Concept plans developing depths and connectivity needs to maximize efficiencies between both stormwater facilities.

Determine the size and depth of the cross-culvert under Thompson Road.

Its important for the future design of Thompson Road, Veith said.

Begin process of coordinating with the DNR for removal of the small wetland on the Schneider property.

Veith said the information will provide a better understanding of the land area needs for the Schneider property to be dedicated for the stormwater facility.

Alders agreed and approved $10,000 for the study.

See the rest here:
Meetings set next week to discuss Wyndham Hills, Stoneridge park updates - hngnews.com