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Alpharetta, GA (PRWEB) July 31, 2014

Richard Kissane, President and CEO of Premium Franchise Brands, announced that Pamela A. Evans has joined his team as the Vice President of Interactive Marketing, a newly created position to lead interactive marketing strategy and demand generation programs for Jan-Pro International Commercial Cleaning and Maid Right Residential Cleaning companies.

Ms. Evans brings Premium Franchise Brands global marketing and communications experience in how to grow businesses in emerging markets. In her new role, she will be responsible for website strategy, public relations, social media, and email marketing. Pams knowledge of how to generate leads from web-based campaigns matches the growing needs of our Franchise Owners, says Kissane. We are very happy to have her interactive marketing leadership on our executive team.

Ms. Evans held leadership positions at IBM in digital marketing, marketing communications, and public relations for 32 years. She led a series of digital marketing initiatives in website design, global content management, automation, analytics, and loyalty programs for the past 16 years. In 2008 her digital marketing leadership was recognized by industry peers as the Target Marketing Magazine Marketer of the Year.

Pamela Evans holds an MBA degree in Marketing from Georgia State University and a BA in English degree from Georgia Southern University.

About Premium Franchise Brands: Premium Franchise Brands LLC is the holding company for two subsidiaries, JAN-PRO Cleaning Systems and Maid Right Franchising LLC. JAN-PRO has been an industry leader in franchise commercial cleaning for over 22 years, being most recently recognized in Entrepreneur Magazines 2014 Franchise 500 rankings as the #1 in commercial cleaning, #1 low cost franchise, the fastest growing commercial cleaning franchise, and #12 overall franchise. Maid Right Franchising, LLC is a professional-grade home cleaning franchise founded in April 2013 and has established 17 franchises to date, with two in Canada. Maid Rights owner-operator business model, branded processes, and advanced cleaning services are adapted from JAN-PRO. For more information, please contact:

Premium Franchise Brands Office: 678-336-1780

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Pam Evans Named Vice President Interactive Marketing for Premium Franchise Brands

ST. CHARLES A reserve officer with the Pine Lawn Police Department has been charged with raping his former girlfriend at an apartment in St. Charles in May.

Rico L. Frazier, 23, of the 5900 block of San Simeon Drive in south St. Louis County, was charged Thursday with burglary, rape, felonious restraint and two counts of sodomy.

The woman, 22, a student at Lindenwood University, reported the attack just before 4 a.m. on May 1. It happened about two miles from campus at the Time Centre Apartments, 901 Time Centre Drive. The woman was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Frazier had been a volunteer reserve police officer with the Pine Lawn Police Department for three months at the time of the assault. He graduated from the Eastern Missouri Police Academy in November 2013.

Pine Lawn Police Lt. Steven Blakeny said Frazier was with the department as a reserve until the end of June when he told officers he was taking a paying job with another department. It could not be determined Thursday whether another department hired him. Blakeny said Frazier did not volunteer with the department after the attack.

This kid on paper appeared to be stellar, he said. He was one of the standout students at the academy.

Frazier and the woman dated until October 2013, St. Charles County Prosecutor Tim Lohmar said and remained friends afterward. The two had spoken as recently as the day before the assault, and the conversation had been cordial, he said.

Police gave this account of the attack:

Frazier smashed in the sliding glass door of the womans apartment about 3 a.m., while she was sleeping. Frazier then sprayed her in the face with law enforcement-grade pepper spray, temporarily blinding her.

He tackled the woman and repeatedly beat her face into the floor as he pulled her hair. The woman fought back and was able to rip a necklace off Frazier, but he overpowered her and raped her.

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Reserve Pine Lawn officer charged with raping Lindenwood University student at apartment in St. Charles

BOSTON - Prosecutors have charged a Massachusetts man with raping a woman at a raucous country music concert south of Boston on Saturday where dozens of people received treatment for alcohol-related medical problems.

Police in Mansfield, Massachusetts, the site of the concert by Australian singer Keith Urban, charged Sean Murphy, 18, with raping a woman on the outdoor venue's lawn during the performance while dozens of concert-goers looked on, some taking photos of the incident.

Murphy on Tuesday pleaded not guilty and his attorney said on Wednesday that the incident was ill-advised but consensual.

"This was a consensual act, not a sexual assault. There are no allegations of force or violence against him," attorney Neil Crowley said in a statement. "Mr. Murphy deeply regrets this incident and I am sure the young woman does as well."

Police in Mansfield, about 25 miles (40 km) south of Boston, said in a statement that a female witness "pushed Murphy off the victim" and a male witness reported the incident to a police officer. Murphy was arrested at the venue, police said.

Some 22 concert-goers were taken to hospitals during the show and about 50 people were taken into protective custody.

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Police charge man with raping woman at raucous Massachusetts concert

By Monique Sugimoto and Dennis Piotrowski, Special to the News

Good architecture and attractive neighborhoods, gardens and landscaping are what make a city worthwhile they give life satisfaction. Everything else is secondary.

So said Charles H. Cheney, the first city planner for the city of Palos Verdes Estates, at the 1940 national conference of the American Society of Planning Officials. As PVE celebrates its 75th anniversary, it has much for which to thank Cheney.

Just more than a hundred years ago, city planning was not a full-fledged profession; the term was not well known and even less understood. At what would become the professions first meeting in 1909, participants, ranging from architects and landscape architects, to social welfare and civic interest groups, discussed the pressing housing issues of the day including overcrowding and congestion, poor construction and ventilation, inadequate parks and playgrounds, migration to cities and ugly advertising signs.

After this conference, city planning would sweep the country, forever changing the nations housing landscape.

Cheneys education prepared him well for this burgeoning field. Graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 1905 with a degree in architecture and engineering, Cheney went on to Paris famous cole des Beaux-Arts where for three years he studied the main cities in France, Italy, Spain and England.

In 1910, Cheney returned to the United States and worked for several years as an architect, before turning his full attention to city planning in California.

Cheney created the first statewide city planning conference in California in 1914. One year later, he was instrumental in persuading the California Legislature to pass the first city planning measure. The City Planning Law of 1915 provided for the creation of city planning commissions in all incorporated cities and towns.

Not long after, Cheney drafted a state zoning enabling act that gave unincorporated areas the right to create zones or districts. Adopted in 1917, the California State Zoning Act, was the start of designated districts for industry, business, and residential areas.

Cheney also played a major role in writing the California Planning Act of 1927, which authorized cities, counties and regions to establish master plans and appoint planning commissions. He was key to getting the language improvement and control of architecture inserted into the act, noting that it was through architectural control that harmonious development and attractiveness in a city could be achieved.

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Charles H. Cheney: The first city planner of PVE

Longwood resident uses yard as a natural garden.

After more than two years of battling Longwood City Hall, Florida's court system and his neighbors along with racking up nearly $200,000 in code-enforcement fines Sean Law has cleaned up his yard.

"It is an improvement it looks dramatically better," City Commissioner Joe Durso said. "But we've still got some more work to do."

Law's attorney Dwayne Gray Jr. said the property at 402 E. Maine Ave. only needs to be re-sodded.

"He wants to be a good neighbor and resolve his issues with the city," Gray said.

Law's neighbor Kathy Ettman said she is delighted.

"I'm glad to see it this way," Ettman said, standing on her driveway and looking at Law's front lawn across the street.

"Oh, I hope it stays this way."

Law drew national attention after the city of Longwood began issuing him fines in 2012 for having high grass, weeds, dead wood and other debris in his yard at the corner of East Maine and South Oak Street.

Law called his home's junglelike landscape an "ecosystem" that is in compliance with the 2009 Florida-friendly landscaping state law, which encourages homeowners to grow yards that need little water and no chemicals. He added that he was growing fruits and vegetables.

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Longwood man cleans up yard after two-year battle

By Steve Jacobs, Nature Designs

The old saying if something seems to good to be true, it probable is is quite fitting when it comes to hiring a contractor for your home or yard construction project. While it is smart to shop around, get quotes, etc., dont fall into the trap of trusting an unlicensed contractor promising a great price. More times than not, the cheapest contractor will actually end up costing you the most in the long run. Here are some important things to consider when looking for a contractor.

Licensing

First, make sure that your contractor has the appropriate licensing (it is actually illegal for a contractor to provide services or products over $500 without a license). This is proof that he or she has met certain industry training standards and is allowed to work in your area. Its also important that your project meets all of the proper local building codes and obtains the necessary permits.

Each contractor is required to list their license number on their website, trucks, business cards, and all marketing materials. If you dont see this, ask them why and have them provide their number, then check the status of their license and insurance coverage on the Contractors State License Board website: https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx

Disputes

Working with someone who is licensed also gives you an avenue of grievance should a dispute arise. The contractor is held accountable by the Contractors State Licensing Board, so the contractor has incentive to do things the correct way, and you have an authority to contact if they do not. Working with a contractor who does not have the proper license and therefore cannot get the appropriate permits can severely hurt your property value. When a house is sold, certain facts must be disclosed to buyers. If it is revealed that something was not done to code or was done without a permit, this could negatively affect your homes value and you may be the one to pay for improvements to meet code standards.

Insurance

Licensed contractors are required to insure their work and their workers. Contractors should carry two types of insurance: liability and workers compensation. Liability will protect you in the event that the contractor causes damage to your home, and workers compensation will cover an injury that occurs on your property during construction. Dont be mistaken by thinking that your homeowners policy will cover these mishaps. Most policies are voided if the project is being done by an unlicensed contractor. Its not hard to imagine how catastrophic it would become if you were liable for the damaged property or injured worker.

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Why Hire a Licensed Landscape Professional?

NEW YORK, July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --The McGraw Hill Financial Research Foundation today announced the winners of the 2014 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. Each will be presented with a $50,000 award during a ceremony at the New York Public Library on September 23. Now in its 27th year, the Prize honors innovators in education and focuses this year on those who have found ways to narrow a particular achievement gap in a broadly replicable manner. This year's winners are:

The 2014 winners represent the best innovative research and tactics being used worldwide to identify and narrow achievement gaps across the educational spectrum. Honorees are chosen by a distinguished independent board of judges from the education community.

"McGraw Hill Financial is proud to sponsor the Foundation and its activities, especially the Prize in Education. Closing student achievement gaps is vital to ensuring future generations have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed," said Harold (Terry) McGraw III, Chairman of the Board of McGraw Hill Financial. "Despite being confronted with unique gaps between students of different nations, genders and cultures, all three of the winners have brought innovative thinking and scalable solutions that are helping to reshape the educational landscape."

"We are very proud of this year's exceptional winners," said Ted Smyth, Vice President, McGraw Hill Financial Research Foundation. "We congratulate each on the significant contributions they have made in helping close achievement gaps."

Additional information, including photos and more details about the 2014 winners, can be found here: http://www.mhfirf.org. Follow updates on the Prize on Twitter at @McGrawPrize (www.twitter.com/mcgrawprize).

About the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education:

The annual Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, sponsored by the McGraw Hill Financial Research Foundation, recognizes outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to education innovation. It was established in 1988 to honor the late Harold W. McGraw, Jr.'s lifelong commitment to education, and to mark the Company's 100th anniversary. Since 1988 the Prize in Education has recognized 82 of some of the nation's most prominent and pronounced educational leaders. Visit http://www.mhfirf.org to learn more and see a complete list of winners.

About The McGraw Hill Financial Research Foundation:

The McGraw Hill Financial Research Foundation's mission is to support organizations, projects and activities that are advancing global education and knowledge in the 21st Century. To further this commitment, the Foundation educates, informs and raises awareness about: new methodologies to improve student and teacher performance; the use of technology and innovation to empower life-long learning; education for jobs; the need to improve financial literacy; and emerging societal issues and trends impacting the global community.

Emily Fredrix Goodman McGraw Hill Financial (212) 512-2825 emily.fredrix@mhfi.com

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McGraw Hill Financial Research Foundation Presents the 2014 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education Winners

The physical landscape of downtown Pagosa Springs could be changed forever if town council follows a recommendation made by its planning commission this week.

Commission member Peter Adams, who recused himself from the Tuesday night discussion, was the one who had submitted the application to the planning department requesting the towns right of way (ROW) adjacent to his property be vacated and turned over to him.

Adams owns a strip of property between 6th Street and the shale cliff (along the San Juan River). He also owns more than half of the lots on the east side of 7th Street between Navajo and Piedra streets, on the top of the shale cliff. The town retains a ROW between those two properties that runs the full length of the ridge above the cliff.

Although the terrain would make construction of an alley nearly impossible in that area, and the strip of land remains undeveloped to this day, the towns ROW could also allow for other future uses, such as trails or utilities. However, if the town vacates its ROW, Adams plans to develop the area into private residences.

Although Adams could not testify at the planning commission meeting because it would be considered a conflict of interest, he did submit an email with his application to the planning department, and Town Planner James Dickhoff included it in the commissions agenda packet.

The alley in its (sic) current location will prevent me from getting to the crest of the hill to take advantage of the view, Adams wrote. As I consider developing this property it is simple economics. If I can utilize the views the nature of the housing I can provide will change dramatically. A more up scale experience with views of the river,town (sic) and mountains.

Without this option I would be forced to build lower income housing close to So. 7th. The rear yards would be a steep hill with none of the amenities mentioned above. This kind of construction is not my style and I would be reluctant to put my sign out front.

As a concession for Adams being able to take over the alley ROW and develop the top of the hill, Dickhoffs agenda materials explained, The Applicant has also stated he will work with the Town to formalize the 6th street ROW, which currently goes through his property. The town has a prescriptive Right (Easement) for 6th Street alignment, however, this is very limiting on what can occur along 6th Street. Formalizing the 6th Street ROW will ensure the Town can utilize the ROW for all utilities, road, future sidewalk/trails, etc.

Adams original application, which he submitted on March 27, asked the town to vacate the ROW for the entire alley between Navajo and Piedra, not just the portion next to his property. It also asked that the Navajo Street ROW from 6th Street to 7th Street be vacated, as well.

The April 29 planning commission meeting where this original application was to be discussed received proper notice, and a sizable crowd of neighbors showed up to offer public comments. However, at the last minute, Adams amended his application, narrowing the scope of the request to only include the portion of the alley ROW between his properties, excluding Navajo Street.

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Recommendation could change towns landscape

Wong Maye-E

North Korean students practice playing their musical instruments at the Moranbong or Moran Hill, Thursday, July 31, 2014, in Pyongyang, North Korea. Even in Pyongyang, people need a place to relax and unwind. With the heat and humidity of the Pyongyang summer now setting in, one of the most popular is Moranbong, Moran Hill, just a short walk from Pyongyangs iconic Kim Il Sung Square that is famous for its shady walking paths, vistas of the city and grassy fields. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

Wong Maye-E

North Korean students practice playing their musical instruments at the Moranbong or Moran Hill, Thursday, July 31, 2014 in Pyongyang, North Korea. Even in Pyongyang, people need a place to relax and unwind. With the heat and humidity of the Pyongyang summer now setting in, one of the most popular is Moranbong, Moran Hill, just a short walk from Pyongyangs iconic Kim Il Sung Square that is famous for its shady walking paths, vistas of the city and grassy fields. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

Wong Maye-E

North Korean students practice Taekwondo at the Moranbong or Moran Hill in Pyongyang, North Korea, Thursday, July 31, 2014. Even in Pyongyang, people need a place to relax and unwind. With the heat and humidity of the Pyongyang summer now setting in, one of the most popular is Moranbong, Moran Hill, just a short walk from Pyongyangs iconic Kim Il Sung Square that is famous for its shady walking paths, vistas of the city and grassy fields. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

Wong Maye-E

A North Korean student is silhouetted against the sky as he practices Taekwondo at the Moranbong or Moran Hill, Thursday, July 31, 2014, in Pyongyang, North Korea. Even in Pyongyang, people need a place to relax and unwind. With the heat and humidity of the Pyongyang summer now setting in, one of the most popular is Moranbong, Moran Hill, just a short walk from Pyongyangs iconic Kim Il Sung Square that is famous for its shady walking paths, vistas of the city and grassy fields.(AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

Wong Maye-E

North Korean boys climb a tree at the Moranbong or Moran Hill in Pyongyang, North Korea, Thursday, July 31, 2014. Even in Pyongyang, people need a place to relax and unwind. With the heat and humidity of the Pyongyang summer now setting in, one of the most popular is Moranbong, just a short walk from Pyongyangs iconic Kim Il Sung Square that is famous for its shady walking paths, vistas of the city and grassy fields. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

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AP Photos: Beating heat on Pyongyang's Moran Hill

McGraw-Hill Professional Chooses Unbound Medicine to Deliver AccessMedicine to Mobile Clinicians - New App Leverages Institutional Capabilities of the Unbound Platform

With the AccessMedicine App, McGraw-Hill Professional expands its relationship with Unbound Medicine to bring select content to institutional mobile users worldwide. Unbound, leveraging more than 15 years of mobile development expertise, manages app development and distribution; content design and loading; user authentication; digital rights; and back-end integration with AccessMedicines web services provider. Many of Unbounds core platform capabilities are available within the app such as device-optimized interfaces, cross linking between resources, and app personalization all features that have made Unbounds products highly rated within the healthcare professional community.

McGraw-Hill Professional selected Unbound Medicine to power the AccessMedicine App to give our institutional customers the best possible mobile experience, said Scott Grillo, vice-president and group publisher, McGraw-Hill Professional. Unbounds long experience serving institutional mobile users ensures our customers will be able to navigate the ever-changing mobile landscape with uninterrupted access to the information they need on a daily basis.

We were pleased to extend our long-standing partnership with McGraw-Hill Professional to bring AccessMedicine content to the point of need, added Bill Detmer, MD, president of Unbound Medicine. With AccessMedicine now downloadable to all popular mobile devices, clinicians and trainees can confidently find answers to the questions they confront in the course of daily patient care.

About Unbound Medicine Unbound Medicine is a next-generation health care knowledge company. Unbound produces award-winning mobile and Web products for partners and health care professionals using its end-to-end digital publishing platform and information architecture expertise. Additional information is available at http://www.unboundmedicine.com.

About McGraw-Hill Professional McGraw-Hill Professional is a leading global provider of content and services for the science, technical, and medical communities. It is home to the Access line of fourteen educational and clinical digital platforms, including AccessMedicine, the world's leading and most-trusted online medical resource. McGraw-Hill Professional is the publisher of landmark references including Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine and Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, the world's number one selling annual medical book. For more information, visit http://www.mhprofessional.com/medical.

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McGraw-Hill Professional Chooses Unbound Medicine to Deliver AccessMedicine to Mobile Clinicians - New App Leverages ...