Tributes have been paid to a dad-of-four who died after his car crashed into a fence in north Manchester.

Jeff Beaumont, 67, is thought to have suffered a medical episode whilst driving his Volkswagen Golf on Crescent Road in Crumpsall.

Emergency services were called to the junction of Duchess Road at around 1.40am on Monday, 14 December.

Mr Beaumont, who lived in the Cheetham Hill area, was taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.

Police believe he suffered a medical episode before the crash.

A post-mortem examination to determine exactly how Mr Beaumont died is yet to take place.

Manchester Coroner's Court confirmed they had received a file relating to Mr Beaumont's death. An inquest is due to take place at a later date.

Tributes have poured in for the dad on social media, following the tragic news of his death.

One friend wrote: "Rip Jeff you were always so kind to me we would talk for hours on the front your with your wife now but have left us broken. RIP to the best next door neighbour ever.

Another said: "Was such a lovely man. Hes with his wife Jackie now. RIP the both of you. Thinking of their children and grandchildren at this heartbreaking time.

Another wrote: "Rest in peace Geoff [sic] now reunited with Your Lovely wife Jackie a beautiful couple, going to miss our chats about football when you came in shopping rest easy Geoff [sic] thinking of all your family at this sad time."

One person said: "So sad r.i.p sweet heart fly high my heart goes out to your family and friends at this sad time."

An investigation into the incident has been launched, and police are urging for any witnesses to come foward.

Sergeant Matt Picton, of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Our thoughts are with the man's loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision - I'd ask anyone with information or dash cam footage to contact us."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting 137 14/12/20 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The rest is here:
Tributes paid to 'lovely' and 'kind' dad who died after his car crashed into a fence - Manchester Evening News

On Sept. 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed. As dictated by Article VII, the document would not become binding until it was ratified by nine of the 13 states. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the document, and it was subsequently agreed that government under the U.S. Constitution would begin on March 4, 1789.

Although the Constitution starts with We the people, it initially gave men the right to vote, but not women. The womens suffrage movement began in 1848 with a group of women meeting to discuss womens rights. This wasnt something that was changed overnight.

On Nov. 3, 1896, via Senate Joint Resolution 2, by a vote of nearly two to one in favor (12,126 to 6,282), Idaho changed history, long before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. constitution was passed on Aug. 18, 1920. Idaho, and the western states of Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Washington, led the country in the effort of womens suffrage.

These last few months I have heard too many people ask the question: Why should I vote? And then they explain: My vote wont count anyway. I dont like one of the candidates and the other one probably doesnt have a chance.

Voting is a privilege, an honor, a right and maybe even an obligation that not every country gives its citizens the opportunity to do. We may not agree with the candidates nor with what they stand for, but we do need to vote. Then we will have the right to complain.

Do we become apathetic, showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm or concern? Do we think we have no power to do anything, therefore we wont do anything such as vote or attend meetings or even do personal study of people running for offices? Maybe we as a country have become so apathetic and laid back, thus we are willing to let our government, and therefore ourselves, be governed by people who have no business doing such.

We mock candidates, we search their backgrounds for things they did when young to prove that they are not worthy of holding an office and therefore we are saying they are not capable of overcoming weaknesses yes even addictions to become good and honest people to rule over us. We watch as candidates become contentious, arguing over controversial subjects rather than working together to understand each other. In doing this we also become controversial, almost seeming to enjoy public disagreement and bringing these disagreements up whenever in a group.

Our country is in a state of unrest, of disunity, but by not voting we are not going to cure that. We need to get strong men and women involved in the politics and then support them and keep in touch with what they are doing.

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Voting doesnt take much time, but preparation is probably something that needs to be considered before going to vote. This is difficult in this day and age when there is so much negativity on television and other medias about any candidate that is running for an office. However, there are usually articles in newspapers and magazines that give pertinent information, though even that too can be biased.

So why should we vote? Voting is actually having a say in who will be making laws and regulations that will govern us. If we dont vote do we have the right to criticize those who are voted in? Im afraid many people are voted in because the silent minority decided not to vote. It is a sad time in our country when people feel that their vote doesnt count!

Because so many women worked hard for the opportunity to vote, we as women should feel proud that we are able to vote and to voice our thoughts on the issues that face this country. We need to be aware of things going on in our communities, in our counties, our states as well as in our own country. We need to hold our heads up high and say, Yes I voted! Then when the voting is finished, whether the candidates we voted for won or lost, we need to get behind and support the winners. We need to keep in touch with them, let them know through emails and attending town hall meetings if we disagree with what they are doing and why, and we need to do those things in a civilized manner!

But first WE NEED TO VOTE!

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Straddlin' the Fence: Why should I vote? - Idaho Press-Tribune

Visalia youth remove Black Lives Matter signs from St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Sunday after Visalia Code Enforcement said the signs were in violation of a local ordinance.(Photo: Joshua Yeager)

Visalia youth and parishionersremoved dozens of signs from a prayer fence at St Paul's Episcopal Church on Sunday after city officials said the signs were in violation of a local ordinance.

The signs had messages such as "Black Lives Matter," "Racism is an illness" and "Love Conquers All." The signs were meant to promote equality and send a message that Visalia is inclusive of all, organizers said.

"These are issues that the community should be praying about. My church offered what we thought was a sanctuary for young people to put their signs up," Rev. Suzy Ward said. "I had no idea it was something not to be allowed."

Visalia Code Enforcement recently sent a letter to the church, saying that the signs are in violation of the city's sign code. According to the ordinance, the signs are considered "snipe," a legal term that refers to signs placed on fences, trees, light posts, and public right of ways.

Dozens of Black Lives Matter signs hang on a fence at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in October.(Photo: Joshua Yeager)

So-called snipe signs are forbidden under the ordinance, whether the fence is on private property or public. The ordinance does not discriminate based on the content of the signs.

"The removal of signs (these or any others)is in keeping with our standard sign ordinance. The content of the signs is irrelevant. They could be campaign signs, garage sale signs, or Grateful Dead Forever signs," Visalia City Manager Randy Groom said in an email.

Code enforcement officers have removed1,991 snipe signs in public places in 2020 so far, according to city data. The department has had seven violations on private property.

Melissa Flores and her daughter Jocelyn Flores, 4, browse Black Lives Matter signs along the El Diamante campus Monday, June 29, 2020. Supporters took some signs down Monday afternoon amid concerns opponents were planning do so before Visalia Unified. They hope to find a new home for the signs. Jocelyn watched family members make some of the signs and wanted to see them displayed.(Photo: Ron Holman)

Many of the church signswere previously displayed on a fence at El Diamante High School. Visalia Unified School District officials removed the signs following repeated incidents of vandalism and a confrontation with an adult.

The signs were then moved to College of the Sequoias before they were vandalized again and security declined to intervene, organizer and recent El Diamante graduate John Piper said. He picked up the posters before he noticed they were covered in urine.

That's when Ward offered St. Paul'sprayer fence as a "sanctuary" for the signs and the youth, she said.

"I'm disappointed that this kind of opportunity for young people to express their thoughts about things that are happening across the country have been repeatedly, more than once, denied to them," she said.

Visalia youth and activists echoed that disappointment Sunday morning.

Rev. Suzy Ward removes signs from St. Paul's Episcopal Church's prayer fence on Sunday after Visalia Code Enforcement said the signs were in violation of a local ordinance.(Photo: Joshua Yeager)

"It's a little bit frustrating because here we are trying tobring awareness to important things that are going on in our own city, and yet we keep getting pushed out," said Andrea Navarrette of Visalia. "Where do we go from here? Where is there a safe space for us to be able to express how we feel?"

Organizer Lisa Alvarado said she wants to see more from Visalia city leaders to promote equality.

"I wish that our leadership would be leaders in regardto justice, because now I feel that we're left with a solution that paints our city in a certain way," she said. "It feels a little prejudiced to see other snipe throughout the city not being taken down."

Snipe signs on other church fencesand nearly every Visalia school fence remain up.

City officials said the sign ordinance is enforced frequently regardless of their content, especially during a heated election year.

"We enforce the sign ordinance daily.We are constantly dealing with sign violations, particularly during campaign season when people have too many signs, signs put in the public right of way or on public property, etc." Groom said."This week we have dealt with many, many campaign signs in addition to the other usual variety of signs."

Ward says a neighbor complained about the signs that had hung on her fence since July, sparking the letter from code enforcement. It's unclear who filed the complaint but other neighbors on Main Street Sunday said they supported the signs' message.

"I think they'reamazing and great. It shows unity in our community," Raul Garcia said outside his home next door, adding that hewas confused by the city's action. "After all this time, why (remove them)now?"

Joshua Yeager covers water, agriculture, parks and housingfor the Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register newspapers. Follow him on Twitter @VTD_Joshy. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today.

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Visalia orders church to remove Black Lives Matter signs from 'prayer fence,' citing ordinance - Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register

The Confederate monument in Albertville that has been the focus of protests since August will be getting a new fence placed around it, according to Marshall County Commission chairman James Hutcheson .

The chairman told The Reporter a fence will soon be placed around the flagpole area, which contains the Confederate monument and a separate war memorial. Hutcheson said installing a barrier was a matter of safety.

All of your monuments have got some type of fence around it to keep people kids from climbing and falling, he said. Its a safety issue for me Weve seen kids out there climbing on it, and I dont want somebody to fall off and get hurt.

The style of fence would match the black railing already present at the courthouse and will cost approximately $3,000. The money would come out of the Courthouse Budget Fund, Hutcheson said.

Marshall County Sheriff Phil Sims said he had received requests to install a barrier around the monuments, so he began discussing the idea with the chairman.

It was suggested that a fence or something be put around it to keep the area more secure and keep it from being damaged, Sims said.

Aside from the Confederate monument, he said he was concerned about the other war memorial and flagpoles located there getting damaged or vandalized.

Im not worried about just that one monument that everyone is focused on, Sims said. Right next to it, you got your other military monument The last thing I want to see is anybody throw paint on it, ram into their car or take a sledge hammer to it.

Sims said he initially recommended cordoning off the area with posts and police tape during any future protests, but Hutcheson said he wanted something more permanent that would add to the aesthetics of the courthouse in addition to providing security.

Anything I do to the courthouse, I want it to look presentable to the public, Hutcheson said.

The chairman said hes done a lot to spruce up the courthouse since taking office including extensive landscaping and tree removal, replacing the front awning, refinishing the front stairs, applying a new paint job and adding a new, paved handicap ramp.

I try to take pride in anything I do to [the courthouse], he said. This handrail around the monument, its really nothing compared to what weve done.

Read the original here:
Fence to be installed around monuments in A'ville - Sand Mountain Reporter

Gov. Ron DeSantis rallied Florida Republicans on Wednesday with a baseball-themed social media pitch urging them to get out and vote.

Its game time, DeSantis said in a Republican Party of Florida ad. Bottom of the ninth and Florida Republicans are on deck. Florida is the nations most important swing state and the Republican Party is counting on us to deliver a win in November.

The Governors rally cry comes less than two weeks before Election Day and at a time when Republicans dramatically trail Democrats in vote-by-mail ballots.

More than 2.3 million vote-by-mail ballots have been returned to the state as of Wednesday, according to the Florida Division of Elections. Of those ballots, over 1.4 million are registered Democrats, 900,828 are registered Republicans and 589,892 have no party affiliation.

While DeSantis once a Yale baseball captain conceded the difference, he called on Florida Republicans to help turn the tide with early voting.

We know this election will come down to the wire, he added. Liberal Democrats like Michael Bloomberg and George Soros have run up the score on Republicans with vote-by-mail ballots. But our big hitter just stepped up to the plate and thats you.

Florida is widely considered a must-win swing state for President Donald Trump. After being sidelined with a COVID-19 diagnosis, Trump returned to the campaign trail with a particular emphasis on Florida. It was his first campaign stop after leaving Walter Reed Medical Center and he revisited the Sunshine State days later.

The President is expected to hold another Florida rally at The Villages and in Pensacola on Friday. The following day, Vice President Mike Pence is slated to visit Tallahassee and Jacksonville.

Republicans across America are counting on you, DeSantis concluded. With your help, we can even the score and win this ball game. Florida, lets knock this one out of the park.

Link:
Gov. Ron DeSantis swings for the fences with early voting message to Florida Republicans - Florida Politics

Editors note: This is the second in a two-part analysis of Ballot Measure 1 and its potential effects by economists at the University of Alaska Anchorage. The first installment can be found here.

Alaskans are currently weighing Ballot Measure 1, which would increase taxes on oil production. As the state faces large deficits, proponents argue that Ballot Measure 1 would provide a needed source of revenue. Previous changes to Alaskas oil tax structure amounted to tax cuts in certain cases and a tax increase in others. Ballot Measure 1 is a tax increase in all cases for Alaskas largest producing oil fields.

Currently, oil revenues and the Permanent Fund draw combined are not enough to pay the states bills. This year, Alaska is projected to face a deficit, whether it pays a Permanent Fund dividend under the statutory formula or distributes no PFD at all. With a PFD around the same size as last years, the deficit will be around $1 billion. With a full statutory dividend, the deficit would be around $2 billion.

The amount of revenue Ballot Measure 1 would raise depends on the economics of oil. Prices are the most important factor. At todays price outlook, the measure would raise $200-500 million per year on top of what the state would otherwise collect from oil taxes. If prices were to rise sharply from expectations say, to $75 per barrel the measure might instead raise an additional $1 billion per year on top of what the state would otherwise collect from oil taxes. Add this to the states other revenue from oil, and it would be able to balance the budget and pay close to a statutory PFD.

A key assumption made when estimating revenues from Ballot Measure 1 is that oil companies will not change the levels of production or investment in response to the tax increase. Higher taxes will likely make at least some oil wells unprofitable to operate or drill. A handful of studies have been written by economists trying to measure the effect of taxes on oil drilling and production. An important take-away from these studies is that tax changes dont change the level of oil production today. Instead, they affect a producers decision whether to invest and drill a well today, which provides the source of oil production tomorrow.

Investment decisions are made based on a host of other factors in addition to tax rates. Prices, geology, geography, infrastructure, workforce education, and political risk all matter when committing dollars to a project. While it is safe to say that the proposed tax increase will have some negative effects, based on the existing evidence it is hard to know exactly how much Ballot Measure 1 might affect investment in Alaskas oil fields.

In this way, Ballot Measure 1 creates important tradeoffs: some higher oil tax revenues today against some foregone royalty and tax revenue in the future. Less investment in drilling today will also mean fewer jobs in the oil industry and in other parts of the economy. At the same time, cuts to the states budget through layoffs or smaller PFDs also have negative effects on the economy.

The potential oil resources on the North Slope are vast and could offer many years of future production. However, markets can change quickly, as weve seen with coal production in the United States. Its quickly evaporating as innovations in renewable energy and natural gas have transformed the way we produce electricity.

What is clear is that Ballot Measure 1 is unlikely to generate enough revenue on its own under current conditions to entirely fill the states projected deficit and also provide enough for a large PFD. This means that future budget cuts, changes to the PFD, or additional sources of revenue will be needed to secure a sustainable budget.

Ballot Measure 1 is not the final word in the debate over Alaskas state fiscal problems. And given that Alaskas oil tax structure has been totally redrawn three times in the past 15 years, it is unlikely to be the last word on oil taxes either.

Brett Watson is a Research Professional/Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Alaska Anchorage. This article is based on an ISER working paper, available upon request: bwjordan@alaska.edu.

Link:
On the fence about Ballot Measure 1? Here are some facts to consider. - Anchorage Daily News

The town of Vail is bringing back temporary fencing that was installed last year in East Vail to reduce the potential for motor vehicle collisions with bighorn sheep and other wildlife.

The fencing was first built in April along the north side of the North Frontage Road following the loss of three bighorn sheep over several months.

The town has worked with it partners from the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife to return the temporary fencing. Installation will begin the week of Nov. 2, with the fence remaining in place until mid-July 2021. Permit approvals for construction in the right-of-way are in place from the transportation department.

At the Oct. 20 meeting of the Vail Town Council, Town Manager Scott Robson told councilmembers he hopes this is the last season for the temporary fencing. That temporary fence, while effective, drew some complaints from residents who called the fence unsightly.

Were making great progress with (the transportation department) on permanent, well-designed fencing, Robson said. We hope in the next two years well have permanent fencing in East Vail, paid for mostly, if not exclusively by (the transportation department).

For this seasons project, the town has contracted with Strategic Fence & Co. for the approximately $22,000 project, which the town is funding. The fence will run from the East Vail Interchange along the north side of the North Frontage Road west to Katsos Road. During construction, the westbound Frontage Road shoulder will be closed for one to two days.

For more information, email Vail Environmental Sustainability Director Kristen Bertuglia, kbertuglia@vailgov.com.

Original post:
East Vail wildlife fence returns for the coming winter - Vail Daily News

October 22, 2020 - By Ron Allen (UC Master Gardener, Mariposa) - Fall is the time to plant California natives. The weather is cooler, the first soaking rains are imminent, and yet there is still plenty of good sunlight. These factors make for good initial foliage growth and root development.

The motivation for adding native plants comes down to one thing: water. Mariposa County enjoys a somewhat hot, but generally Mediterranean climate; we have cool winters, wet springs, and dry summers. California natives are adapted to our long, dry summers. Filling your garden and landscape with natives saves on irrigation expenses once the plants are established. Also, native plants are adapted to local soil types and are resistant to local plant pathogens, insect pests, and herbivores. By gardening with native plants, you will save again on insecticides, soil amendments, deer screens, rodent traps, etc.

(Pictured) Toyon, with red berries.

Its easy to get started growing California natives. First, make a survey of your site. Take an inventory of plants already present and try to figure out how to complement them. Choose plants that are adapted and grow well in your local ecological niche. This can depend upon your aesthetic and goals. Do you want attractive ornamental natives? Do you lean toward supporting pollinators? Maybe fire resistance or bank stabilization is key? Please feel free to call our UC Master Gardener Helpline in Mariposa County for suggestions.

(Pictured)Narrowleaf Milkweed, with butterfly.

If you want a simple approach, you can scatter native annual wildflower seeds, such as California Poppy. If youre keen on helping pollinators--and the monarch butterfly in particular--then set down some milkweeds in the Asclepias genus. These perennials are the only plants upon which monarchs lay their eggs. Good examples are the Narrowleaf and Showy Milkweeds. A great choice among shrubs is the Toyon, an attractive evergreen that can become a small tree. In the summer it is covered with creamy white flowers, drawing bees and butterflies. In the fall, it produces bright red berries that attract birds. It is very fire resistant, and its one shrub that you can plant close to structures.

(Pictured)Douglas Fir seedlings.

If your landscaping plans are ambitious, and youre at an elevation of 3,000 feet or more, you can try planting Douglas Fir seedlings. An excellent companion for these conifers is the Canyon Live Oak whose roots support an ectomycorrhizal fungus beneficial to young Douglas fir growth.

For assistance, contact our Helpline at (209) 966-7078 or at mgmariposa@ucdavis.edu. We are currently unable to take samples or meet with you in person but welcome pictures.

The U.C. Master Gardener Helpline is staffed;Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Serving Mariposa County, including Greeley Hill, Coulterville and Lake Don PedroPlease contact the helpline, or leave a message by phone at: (209) 966-7078By email (send photos and questions for researched answers) to:mgmariposa@ucdavis.edu

For further gardening information and event announcements, please visit:UCMG website:http://cemariposa.ucanr.edu/Master_GardenerFollow us on Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/mariposamastergardeners

Master Gardener Office Location:UC Cooperative Extension Office,5009 Fairgrounds RoadMariposa, CA 95338

Phone: (209) 966-2417Email:mgmariposa@ucdavis.eduWebsite:http://cemariposa.ucanr.edu/Master_Gardener

Visit the YouTube channel atUCCE Mariposa.

Excerpt from:
Over the Garden Fence - Fall is Time to Plant Natives - Sierra Sun Times

A man was found dead near the U.S.-Mexico border fence in Nogales on Thursday morning, authorities said.

The Nogales Police Department was called to the scene at 9:04 a.m. after a body was found in the hills near the border at the end of West International Street, between a quarter- and half-mile west of the DeConcini Port of Entry, NPD Spokesman Oscar Mesta said.

Identification found at the scene indicated that the man was a 29-year-old Mexican national, Mesta said.

Nogales Fire Chief Jeff Sargent said EMTs also responded and determined that the man was dead. Its not clear when the man died, but Sargent said he didnt have signs of trauma from a weapon or blunt force.

Mesta said NPD sent the body to the medical examiner to determine the cause of death, but the department isnt currently conducting a criminal investigation.

' + this.content + '

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Man found dead north of border fence in Nogales - Nogales International

More and more car thefts are taking place through breaches in the security fences between Israel and the Palestinian territories, research has found.In the last six months, Iturans sample of about 600,000 vehicles, found that as a result of intensive activity by Iturans security forces and law enforcement units at the Palestinian Authority checkpoints, more and more thieves transferred stolen vehicles through areas of the fence where there is no military enforcement.During this period, 62% of car theft incidents were committed when the thief was in possession of the key, 12% were broken in to violently and then hotwiring the vehicle via the computer system, 14% were started through the OBD socket in the vehicle and 9% of incidents were car theft incidents that took place during the towing process. In 3% of the incidents, the vehicle was stolen from its owner or the vehicle keys were left in the vehicle.During this period, Ituran increased the use of technological means to prevent car thefts among them: deploying drones with the 80 Ituran enforcement squads and using LPR cameras.Nir Sheratzky, CEO of Ituran: During this period, the locating units of Ituran seized 86 gangs of thieves and estimated that the difficult economic situation in the economy and rising unemployment will lead to an increase in the number of car thefts in the coming months, as in all criminal industries.The capture of 86 gangs of thieves during this period will prevent thefts of about 5,644 vehicles in the coming year worth about NIS 450 million,In analyzing the thieves favorite areas, Gush Dan continues to lead the theft table in Israel with 33% of all theft attempts, followed by the Sharon area with 22%, the southern area with 14%, the Jerusalem district with 8%, the Shfela area with 10%, the northern area with 8% and Judea and Samaria with 5%.

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Car-theft transfers via security fence breaches on the rise - research - The Jerusalem Post