The Republican victory in the Senate changes the political landscape more for the federal workforce than most Americans. The terrain for federal employees could prove rocky, not that it had been so smooth before.

The partys impressive set of victories Tuesday now will give it full control of Capitol Hill. Congress rules over the working and living conditions of Uncle Sams staff to a far deeper degree than any other sector.

A look at what the Republican-dominated House has already approved provides a good indication of what will soon get much greater consideration in a Republican-dominated Senate. For starters, take the budget plan the House approved in April.

It would save Sam $125 billion over 10 years at the expense of his employees.

The GOP has repeatedly given feds good reason to be wary of a Republican-controlled Congress. Last years 16-day partial government shutdown was engineered largely by recalcitrant House Republicans. At the same time, its worth remembering that the three-year freeze on federal pay rates was proposed by President Obama, a Democrat, and approved with a bipartisan congressional majority. Those two things, the pay freeze and the shutdown, angered the workforce and hurt its morale more than any other issues in recent years.

With a GOP-controlled Senate, federal employees should expect a Congress much more willing to pick their pocketbooks by requiring them to contribute more toward their retirement. The House Republican spending plan, authored by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), would make workers pay 5.5 percentage points more of their salary toward retirement.

With no increase in benefits, that would amount to a 5.5 percent pay cut.

The House budget advocates a defined-contribution retirement system that centers on increased employee payments instead of the current program that includes the defined benefit that comes with federal pensions. House Republicans also voted to close a student loan reimbursement program for employees and a supplemental retirement benefit for many federal staffers who retire before age 62.

I am concerned about the return of the Ryan budget, which would increase federal retirement contributions and cut the size of the federal workforce at a time when staffing needs are critical, Colleen M. Kelley, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, said by e-mail on election night. I am also concerned about other efforts to cut federal retirement as evidenced by the recent letter by Reps. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Paul Ryan to the Congressional Budget Office [CBO] asking for an examination of the budgetary impact of different options for reforming FERS [Federal Employee Retirement System].

In that letter, Ryan and Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said the CBO report should study different options for reforming FERS, based on changes made in recent years to other largepension plans, both public and private. The report should include, but not limit itself to,adjusting the retirement contributions of federal employees, altering the formula for computingpension benefit payments, and expanding the defined contribution component while reducing thedefined benefit component.

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Federal Eye: GOP control of Hill means rough road for federal workforce

Never has a landscape played to a more appreciative cheering squad. Talk to Priscilla McCord about her garden, and she overflows with enthusiasm. From the beauty of the bristling hydrangeas to the buzz of the pollinators courting her asters, McCord has all sorts of good things to say about what has grown around her. Actually, she doesnt really have to say a thingsit down to talk with Priscilla McCord in her backyard, and the glow of true love speaks for itself.

Her husband, Alan McCord, is equally smittenin a different sort of way. An abstract expressionist artist, Alan McCord didnt have to think twice about where he might want to put down weekend roots when the time came to look for a second homehe had plenty of blissful memories of the regional rolling hills and august trees in Litchfield County from attending Salisbury School. So thats how the McCords became the proud homeowners of the 10-acre landscape in Lakeville in 1990.

Priscilla McCord was a total novice when she came to the property. Actually, she was a green-wannabe, but had not yet received coaching in the specifics of how to dig in. And she was faced with a blank canvas waiting to be worked on. Meanwhile she yearned to garden.

I always loved gardens, she recollects. But she was working in the city four days a week. I thought: What can I do to really enhance my life? Her answer was right at handshe could study gardening.

When she makes a decision, Priscilla McCord seizes the moment. She asked legendary gardeners Fred and Mary Ann McGourty of Hillside Gardens in Norfolk to mentor her. For the next year, she couldnt wait until her weekly Friday visits interning with the McGourtys and working at their nursery, Hillside Gardens, learning how to plant, divide perennials, amend the soil, and accomplish the other nuts and bolts of making things grow. The garden that sprouted up around the 18th century eyebrow colonial in Lakeville is the result of that focused education with two of the finest designers/plantspeople in the area, but it also has a lot to do with the professionals that collaborated to create the hardscape and make plant selections.

Mary Ann McGourty was a key factor in the design and she steered Priscilla McCord toward the types of plants that would be apropos in borders around the housewith an eye toward performance, color combinations, and season-long interest. Marc Tonan was still in high school at the time, but he worked with the McGourtys and played a key part in installing the McCord garden. Now with his own businessConsolini & Tonan Landscape Design LLChe continues to provide maintenance24 years later.

Meanwhile, Alan McCord had his own battles to wage. He was single-handedly responsible for clearing the hillside that stretched behind the house. At first, suspecting that beauty lay beneath, he whacked a few tenuous paths into the densely overgrown yonder, penetrating trails in a terrain populated by the sorts of botanical bullies that Priscilla calls, heavy bad shrubs.

Sure enough, what he exposed revealed a landscape of gentle curves framing a scenic view. Fifteen years ago, with the help of some earth-moving equipment, he cleared the field entirely to create the sort of rural scene that captures the subtleties of light in these hills and inspires his art. Now, the property boasts 6 cleared acres. I was the gardens, but he was the land, Priscilla likes to say.

Following the field conquest, the McCords put in a poolwhich required a garden all around. Thats when the eye-opener about hydrangeas happened. They started with Annabellewhich was less than satisfactory. The leaves never look good and the flowers droop, Priscilla sums up the essence of her discontent. The switch to Hydrangea paniculata Tardiva brought the sort of results she could applaud.

Actually, the hydrangeas sparked an encore. The time came when the McCords decided to renovate their little eyebrow Colonial to raise the roof and build a second floor, enlarging the height and dimensions of the rooms, and creating an open veranda, all on the existing footprint. Continued...

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Lakeville Garden Thrills Its Audience

Benefits are already flowing from Ravensdown's Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) programme focused on transforming hill country farms through the precision application of fertiliser.

Two students at Massey University are completing their PhD's with part of the research associated with the programme and a further two PhD students are to be appointed. A third student completing a Masters of Philosophy (Science) is associated with a research project funded by Ravensdown.

The Pioneering to Precision PGP programme is a partnership between Ravensdown and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) with research carried out by Massey University and AgResearch. It is a seven-year programme that aims to improve hill country sheep and beef farming productivity, while protecting the environment through more efficient application of fertiliser.

The globally-recognised Precision Agriculture Group at Massey University is helping define the science which will allow the aerial scanning of farms to flow through to improved accuracy in applying fertiliser.

Among the students working on the project is born-and-raised Kiwi, Pip McVeagh, who is completing her PhD research topic on site specific pasture production in New Zealand hill country.

Her aim is to develop a detailed understanding of pasture production and pasture ecology, and how a range of spatial factors can determine nutrient needs and impact on pasture production in a hill country farming system.

"Fertiliser is a big financial investment for hill country farmers, and many sheep and beef farmers are struggling to sustain a reasonable profit - hill country farming is typically low profit," she said.

"The research we are doing will help to improve grazing and stock management strategies of hill country farmers because this research will provide them with a more in-depth understanding of the spatial variation in pasture production over the landscape."

McVeagh has been working on the PGP programme for the past five months and is part of the fieldwork team who collect site-specific data and develop ways to use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to store, analyse and display that data.

The information collected includes sensed data, pasture and soil samples which will be used to evaluate how remote sensing technology can be used to direct fertiliser applications.

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Massey PhD students contributing to hill country PGP

Even though they knew it was likely coming, Ed and Debbie Sands were devastated by the eight-year prison sentence minus time already served for the man who pleaded guilty Monday to manslaughter in the shooting death of their daughter Amy Sands more than two years ago.

We were hoping it would be higher, but its not enough to have to serve just four years and nine months for taking a life. Thats not justice, Okotoks councillor Ed Sands said outside court.

Its inadequate. Our daughter dies and he could be out in less than five years, added Debbie Sands.

Jesse George Hill, 28, faced a lengthy second-degree murder trial in the shooting death of Amy Sands at a southeast garage party on Aug. 31, 2012, but as part of a plea bargain pleaded guilty Monday to manslaughter with a firearm.

Hill had always maintained he was not the shooter, but rather a party to the incident in which Sands, 27, was struck by a stray bullet intended for another person inside the garage of an admitted drug dealer.

It is believed that Sands boyfriend, Robert Rollins, was the intended target. He had got into a heated argument with Hill, in which derogatory comments were made to Hill, who left and returned with someone else just after 6 a.m., when two shots were fired.

The accomplice with Hill is believed to have fired the two bullets, including the one that struck the victim in the spinal cord and exited out her throat.

Court of Queens Bench Justice Earl Wilson, who accepted a joint sentencing submission presented by Crown prosecutor Deven Singhal and defence lawyer Adriano Iovinelli, gave Hill a stern lecture before sending him to prison.

That this started as a war of words and insults is mind-boggling, said Wilson. I only hope to God it has sunk in.

Mr. Hill, you have heard the victims familys statements and you heard their pain. You caused what you did to their daughter and I hope you remember it every waking moment for every day for the rest of your life.

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'That's not justice,' says father, after daughter's killer given eight-year manslaughter sentence | Video

ROCKY HILL, CT (WFSB) -

Since childhood, my love of the outdoors has always been a part of me. And as an adult, I hope to share that passion with my own children.

So, I offered this challenge to my family, to join me in exploring the hidden treasures and more popular gems Connecticut and the surrounding region have to offer.

From hiking to biking to kayaking, I hope my window into the outside world inspires you to explore as well.

DIVIDEND POND TRAILS

Rocky Hill

Connecticut is steeped in history and there is no clearer vision of this than at Dividend Pond Trails and Archaeological District in Rocky Hill. Located off of Old Forge Road, it is an ideal spot to explore the wooded 68-acre parcel which includes two ponds, trails, and industrial relics harkening as far back as the 1600s.

I settled on hiking the White Trail with my four-year-old, who tagged along for the 2.5-mile adventure. It begins at the parking lot and heads left down the trail past Lower Dividend Pond. But before starting, it pays to study the map at the kiosk at the park's entrance. It details the 10 archaeological gems that dot the property. All showcase the area's rich manufacturing heritage from the late 1600's to the mid 1880's.

And, as we soon discovered, the moment we strolled past the lower pond, some of these shadowy artifacts began to emerge. I found the presence of what was once a powerful industry built on factories and mills gels nicely with its natural surroundings.

As we rounded the pond and began to head uphill, the sound of the cascading waterfall soon greeted us. A dam dividing the lower pond from its upper pond neighbor is a dramatic, and worthwhile stop on this journey. Here, is where the true pieces of Rocky Hill's past come alive. Broken remnants of an 1884 manufacturing plant hugs the falls, with its looming columns and steep steps following the landscape down to the brook below.

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Dividend Pond in Rocky Hill steps hikers back in time

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October 31st, 2014 12:00 pm by Dave Ongie

The landscape beneath the feet of 6A football teams across the state of Tennessee is getting ready to shift dramatically with a new playoff system on tap for next season.

But tonight, on All Hallow's Eve, Dobyns-Bennett and Science Hill find themselves standing on familiar ground.

Week 10, Indians vs. Hilltoppers, Big 7 Conference title up for grabs.

"It's always exciting to play Science Hill, especially with a conference title on the line," D-B coach Graham Clark said. "They're obviously a very talented football team, but we're excited about our football team, too."

Both teams have plenty to be proud of this season. The Indians (8-1, 5-0) have knocked off plenty of quality opponents, as have the Hilltoppers (8-1, 5-0).

But in both Kingsport and Johnson City, one game looms larger than the rest, and after Science Hill managed to end a 19-game losing streak to Dobyns-Bennett by scoring a 35-24 victory at J. Fred Johnson Stadium a year ago, the Tribe will be looking to reassert its dominance tonight.

But Clark doesn't believe his players will be consumed with a desire for revenge when the Indians descend upon Kermit Tipton Stadium.

"Kids have very short memories," Clark said. "They have much shorter memories than we do. They're able to go to the next play, the next game and move on.

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Tribe, Hilltoppers meet with Big 7 title on the line

For an outdoor space youll love, start with our down-to-earth approach.

Hill & Valley Landscaping in Milwaukee, WI provides skilled landscaping craftsmanship,plus a reputation for leaving customers truly satisfied. We enjoy our work fromthe artistic pleasure of creating a glamorous flower bed to the practical satisfactionof correcting drainage issues.

Hill & Valley Landscaping has experience with every size project in Milwaukee from a simple residential landscape update to large commercial landscaping jobsand everything in between. You can be sure that our experienced work crewshave the landscaping knowledge and equipment to get your job done in a timely manner.

Take time to explore our website and see the many landscaping services we offer.

Be sure to save some time to view our landscape project gallery for examples of recent work we have done.

Headquartered in Franklin, WI; Hill & Valley Landscaping has servedthe Milwaukee Metro area since 1999.

We continue to offertop landscaping workmanship and high-quality products at competitive prices.

Contact us about our full range of landscaping services including hardscapes, outdoor living, retaining walls, water features, drainage corrections and more.

See our About Us page for full details about our company.

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Hill & Valley Landscaping - Milwaukee Landscaper ...

From staff reports

October 29, 2014 | 8:42 p.m.

Costa Mesa City Council candidate Christopher Bunyan announced three new endorsements from Orange County-based mixed martial arts fighters: Justin McCully, Nick Moghaddam and Jason Drexel.

Moghaddam is an alumnus of Newport Harbor High School and Orange Coast College.

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Newport officials make endorsement in water board race

Newport Beach Mayor Rush Hill joined three former Newport mayors and four current and past city officials in endorsing Satoru "Sat" Tamaribuchi in his run for a spot on the Municipal Water District of Orange County board of directors. Tamaribuchi is running for the Division 5 seat, representing Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Woods and Lake Forest.

Hill, former mayors Tod Ridgeway, Steve Rosansky and Don Webb, current City Council members Tony Petros and Nancy Gardner, former council member Jean Watt and former City Manager Robert Shelton signed a letter to Newport Beach voters recommending Tamaribuchi's election.

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Political Landscape: Costa Mesa candidate gains MMA fighters' endorsements

For many of the 12 former Arizona Wildcats players starting the season in the NBA, theres something to prove this year.

For rookie Aaron Gordon, whose Orlando Magic kicks off the season at the New Orleans Pelicans tonight at 5, its about showing the potential that made him a surprise No. 4 pick. For fellow rookie Nick Johnson, its carving out a role with the Houston Rockets and staying out of the D-League.

Then theres Derrick Williams, the No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft, trying to find a more solid role with Sacramento before his lucrative rookie-scale contract runs out after the season.

Theres Solomon Hill, getting a chance to play regularly with the Pacers after a rookie year firmly on the outside of the rotation. Theres Chase Budinger, finally healthy in Minnesota after years of knee issues. And journeyman Jerryd Bayless, trying to find a home in Milwaukee.

Theres also two veterans in Richard Jefferson (Dallas) and Jason Terry (Houston) trying to show what they have left.

Overall, UAs 12 representatives counting Oklahoma Citys Grant Jerrett, who is out with an ankle injury are three more than the Wildcats had last season. Thats because Jerrett moved up from the D-League, while Johnson and Gordon joined the league in their first pro years.

Heres a look at each of the UA players in the league:

Years at UA (age): 2007-08 (26)

Last year: 9.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.7 apg

Whats new: After playing just his freshman season at UA during the Kevin ONeill interim season Bayless has wandered through the NBA. He split last season between Memphis and Boston, starting 14 of 41 games for the Celtics because of an injury to Rajon Rondo. Then he signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Bucks, his sixth NBA team over seven seasons.

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Former Wildcats littered across NBA landscape

By Morgan Swift | Published 21 hours ago

Maggie Morgan-Smith, a graduate anthropology student, commutes from Raleigh to campus due to a lack of available housing in Chapel Hill.

When it comes to finding a place to live, UNC graduate students are left with limited options that require a choice between affordability or convenience. But local developers are suggesting a solution in the form ofa proposed new apartment complex.

The Graduate is an apartment complex geared primarily toward UNCs graduate student population. The Chapel Hill Town Council approved a special use permit for the project Monday.

The Graduate is a seven-story complex that would be located downtown at 105 Kenan St.

Maggie Morgan-Smith, a UNC Ph.D. candidate in the anthropology department, said she encountered problems when she and her husband first made the move to Chapel Hill from Atlanta in 2008.

There were options, Morgan-Smith said. But we sort of felt like the apartment complexes were geared to undergrads and the rental housing market was difficult to navigate.

Many student apartments downtown have been designed to accommodate single bedroom leases to suit undergraduate students needs, said Jay Patel, project manager of The Graduate.

In grad student settings, theyre a little older and may have families, Patel said. They may prefer some privacy.

He said The Graduate would sign leases for entire apartments instead of single bedrooms.

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The Graduate apartment complex changes the housing landscape