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Mold is one of a homeowners worst nightmares: The hidden nature of the problem, the potential danger of inhaling mold spores, and the unknown factors and expense of removal combine to make mold a problem to be feared. There are many elements that affect the overall cost of removal, including the location and type of the mold, the size of the problem, and the kind of remediation that is necessary. Treating mold can be as simple as a bleach wash or as complex as removing panels of drywall and tile to deep clean beneath the surface, but regardless of how large a mold problem is, theres a way to correct it. So how much does mold remediation cost? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, mold remediation will typically cost homeowners between $1,108 and $3,408, or an average of $2,242.

All houses have some mold in them: Its important to understand that complete removal of every spore is impossible, so the term mold removal refers to the excision of a particular growth, not the prospect of rendering the home completely mold-free. The presence of mold is not an indicator of the cleanliness of the house, but rather the presence of moisture that probably needs to be corrected. Assessing the source and size of the problem helps homeowners estimate how much theyll need to spend to remove any dangerous mold from their home.

Mold removal is definitely a job for the pros

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The largest determiners of the cost to remove mold are the location, size, and type of mold, along with the cost of labor in the area. Mold that is hidden from view or difficult to access will be more challenging to abate, and therefore it will cost more to remove. Unsurprisingly, large growths will be more costly to remove, as will certain types of mold that are resistant to mold remover, are aggressive spreaders, or are particularly dangerous to breathe in.

Homeowners might assume mold can only be found in damn areas, but thats not always the case. According to David Harley, owner of AdvantaClean of Badgerland, Mold can actually be found anywhere in the home. [It] simply needs three things to grow: it needs a temperature of somewhere between 40 and 100 degrees, it needs a food source of organic materials such as wood, paper, leftover food, plant matter, etc. and it needs moisture.

Depending on the molds location, homeowners may be able to remove it with vinegar, bleach, or a mold removal spray. Getting rid of mold on a wall can be fairly simple, but concealed or difficult-to-access areas could require demolition or a contractor crawling through a basement or crawl space. The location will determine the best course of removal and whether hiring one of the best mold removal companiesis necessary.

The size of the mold problem plays a factor in the cost to remove it. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold remediation projects of less than 10 square feet can typically be addressed by the homeowner, as long as the mold was not caused by sewage and the homeowner does not have respiratory sensitivities. The only costs for DIY remediation are mold cleaner and protective gear.

If the mold has spread well beyond that size, the job can cost between $10 and $25 per square foot, and if the mold is deep as well as spread across a wide surface, the price to remove it can be even higher. This is part of the reason it is so critical to get rid of mold as soon as its clear that theres a problem: Even if the initial problem seems too expensive to fix, the problem will only get larger and more expensive as time goes by.

While they may look alarming because they spread swiftly on the surface, surface molds (which remain on top of building materials) are easy to remove, usually with cleaners. These molds are less expensive to remove and may be a DIY job for a homeowner who is familiar with how to kill mold.

Molds that eat down through the surface and into the core of drywall, wood, and concrete, along with molds that flourish underneath carpeting and behind walls, are more costly to abate. This is because of the difficulty in detecting and locating the problem and the need to remove or replace walls, ceilings, floors, and furnishings. In addition, if the mold is identified as black mold or another especially toxic variety, it can be more expensive to remove because of the need for specialists, protective equipment for the technicians, and whole-house ventilation afterward. According to Harley, The most dangerous mold for you is the mold that causes health issues for you. Since any mold can be potentially allergenic, pathogenic, or toxigenic, all mold should be treated carefully and by a professional.

Mold remediation is not a job for a regular handyman, however skilled they may be. So what is mold remediation, and why does it cost more? Mold removal companies that provide this service use skilled technicians and high-end equipment to ensure precise and appropriate removal techniques are used and to check the status of the mold growth after removal is complete. The costs for labor will include the time spent on the job, but will also incorporate the cost of high-efficiency vacuum equipment and protective gearranging from gloves to full-body suits and face masks with respiratorsas necessary for the job. Approximately 60 percent of the mold removal cost will be labor, with the other 40 percent accounting for materials.

This doesnt mean homeowners should automatically decide to remove a large mold growth themselves; there is a reason the professional companies use air scrubbers and protective equipment. Mold isnt a cosmetic problem, and particularly with aggressive or toxic molds, trying to take on a large problem without professional expertise and equipment will most likely spread the mold around the home rather than remove it. That 60 percent of the cost protects the home and its residents by bringing in the expertise of technicians who can safely restore the home to a place where residents can safely breathe. Searching for mold removal near me will give homeowners an idea of costs more specific to their region.

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Remediating a significant mold problem doesnt just involve removing the mold; for a large-scale growth, the remediation process may involve removing significant chunks of drywall, tiling, and carpeting. In the process of calculating the cost of mold remediation, these additional costs can mount up sharply. Some remediation services also provide restoration services, and while its great to consolidate the different parts of the job into one hire, its a good idea to ask for several estimates for the restoration work. If restoration is necessary, its likely the restoration will cost more than the remediation itself, so the savvy homeowner wont be locked into having the remediation service provide restoration until the extent of the necessary work is evident.

Sometimes the damage from mold remediation is as simple as scraped or dissolved paint in the area where the mold was cleaned off, and the cost to restore the surface is as inexpensive as a can of paint. On the other end of the spectrum, mold removal behind a shower wall can mean that new drywall, tile, and grout must be installeda much larger and more labor-intensive project. That degree of moisture can also mean theres rot in the wood studs supporting the wall, which should be inspected and repaired as well.

In addition to the surface repair, a mold inspector or remediator should be able to help homeowners identify the source of the mold growth, and its possible that the mold is the result of damaged or leaking pipes. If thats the case, homeowners will need to include the cost to hire a plumber to repair the leaks prior to closing up the wall. Significant damage resulting from either the water that encouraged the mold growth or from the process of remediation can run between $2,000 and $20,000.

Materials needed to repair damage generally make up about 40 percent of the total cost of mold remediation. Drywall (along with the cost of tape, mud, and finishing supplies; roofing materials; and foundation sealing material) may be necessary to repair the damage caused by the mold and to prevent future moisture issues. In addition, it may be necessary to replace carpeting, flooring, and soft furnishings if the type of mold in the home spreads to textiles.

There are more than 100 types of mold that commonly grow in homes. Some are mild and easy to clean, while others are aggressive, tenacious, and can be deadly. Aggressive types of mold can be more expensive to remove, as they cover a wider area and may not respond as readily to traditional mold killers. So what kills mold in the home? Toxic molds require heavy chemicals, expert application, and protective gear for the workers performing the removal, so those removal costs will be higher. The costs of labor and testing in the homeowners area will also affect the overall expense based on the type of mold: Black mold treatment may require a technician who specializes in black mold removal to ensure that the mold is removed completely and isnt spread throughout the rest of the home.

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Alternaria is one of the most common types of outdoor mold. When it becomes airborne or travels inside on the sole of a shoe, it spreads explosively, and in homes with high humidity, it can grow underneath carpets and wallpaper. The price range of removal can be anywhere from $700 to $6,000 depending on how widespread it is.

One of the most common indoor molds, aspergillus is the mold upon which penicillin is based, and its made up of more than 250 identified species. It is easily spotted, as it starts out as a furry white fungus and then changes color as it grows. While it does grow well in low humidity and can spread to fabrics and textiles, it is usually easier to clean because its visible presence is immediately noticeable. Removal costs range from $700 to $6,000.

Black mold is considered the most toxic household mold. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult molds to remove. The mold, which usually looks black or dark green and slightly slimy, stains surfaces as it grows, and it is resistant to removal. In addition, it grows in fiberboard, paper, and gypsum board, where it may be difficult to detect. The importance of complete removal and the toxicity of the spores combine to make removal more expensive: $800 to $7,000 is the average cost.

Victor Coppola, senior building biologist and founder of GreenWorks Environmental, LLC, advises, If it is properly remediated and the source(s) of moisture intrusion are corrected, then you can be pretty confident that black mold wont regrow. But as we are dealing with opportunistic organisms, you always need to be monitoring your environment to ensure conditions dont return that would invite regrowth of the organism.

The musty smell, blue-green color, and brown football-shaped spores are the hallmarks of chaetomium, which is a mold often left behind after severe water damage or long-term dampness in a home. It tends to grow in hard-to-see spaces, under carpets, and in air ducts and walls. Some species are carcinogenic. Its fairly easy to clean when the growth is small (costing in the region of $600), but larger problems can run up to $5,000.

Common and widespread, cladosporium can grow on almost all household surfaces. It doesnt usually cause serious reactions in most people, although some may experience some minor allergy symptoms. Removal costs between $700 and $6,000 on average.

Fusarium is another fast-spreading mold that exists on nearly every surface. It can cause infections of the nails or corneas even in healthy individuals, and it can cause systemic septic infections if spores enter the bloodstream. Fusarium is often found near water leaks, and its removal is one of the more expensive projects; expect to pay between $800 and $8,000.

Green mold is actually several different molds classed together by color. While green mold can often be seen on foods such as bread or fruit, it can also include cladosporium and aspergillus. Chronic exposure can trigger respiratory problems or asthma attacks. Remediation costs range between $700 and $6,000 on average.

A particularly tenacious type of mold, Serpula lacrymans draws water from sources other than where it lives, so it grows best on dried wood. Also referred to as dry rot, it is easily identified by its yellow color. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to remove and can cause terrible and widespread damage as it continues to grow. It is not harmful to humans, but it can be extremely harmful to the wood and construction materials in homes. Remediation costs typically range between $800 and $7,000 but can push much higher, depending on the degree of structural damage.

Most commonly a symptom of severe water damage, Ulocladium needs a lot of moisture to grow. Ulocladium spreads very quickly and can usually be found among several other mold varieties. It can be identified by its brown or gray color and suede-like texture. Homeowners will likely pay between $600 and $6,000 for Ulocladium remediation.

Also a group of different molds gathered by coloration, white molds are dangerous because of their ability to blend in with their host materials, thus spreading farther before being discovered. Because they can be harder to locate early on, the problem is usually wider-spread than with most molds by the time they are discovered, and costs tend to skew toward the higher end of the $700 to $6,000 average range.

Mold is sneaky. While ideally, it would present itself as an obvious fuzzy growth every time, thats not how it works; mold prefers dark, damp places to grow that make it difficult to spot early on. When is mold remediation required? There are some warning signs to consider. Once its clear that theres a problem, its time to decide between hiring professional help or tackling the job independently. Unlike many decisions about whether to hire help or not, mold remediation has some clear-cut guidelines on when to do so.

Mold doesn't go away on its own

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Indicators that mold is growing in a home can be subtle or obvious. Being aware of the subtle signs will make it harder to accidentally dismiss them and allow a homeowner to get to the root of the problem faster.

For homeowners who already know they are allergic or sensitive to mold, any hint of musty smell or physical symptoms should set off an alarm bell. The allergens produced by mold can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe when theyre touched or inhaled, and symptoms may be delayed. Mold can also be a trigger for people with asthma. If its difficult to pinpoint another source of the smell or symptoms, its time for a mold assessment. Those who know theyre sensitive shouldnt attempt even a small removal on their own in case it spreads the spores during the removal process. Some more toxic molds can negatively affect residents health even if they are not allergic. Coppola explains some of the symptoms of mold exposure: More heightened allergenic-type responses like itchy eyes, runny nose, [and a] dry cough can be very common. But memory [problems], central nervous system disorders, rapid weight gain or weight loss, or hair loss are the issues, then the more toxic organisms are usually at work.

While most homeowners run across a small patch of mold from time to time and handle it with mold killer or bleach, the EPA suggests that anything larger than about 10 square feet should be professionally evaluated.

HVAC systems are particularly prone to mold growth. By their nature, they move air and moisture from place to place in the home through dark, twisty ductwork with lots of crevices. Its almost impossible for a homeowner to clean the breadth of their homes ductwork on their own. Keeping the system clean through regular maintenance and cleanings will help prevent mold growth, but once the mold is present there, its important to remove it as quickly and thoroughly as possible before the system spreads it to other areas of the home.

When mold has spread broadly enough to damage building materials or to require removal of carpeting or flooring, professional remediation is recommended. Pulling up a carpet with mold growth in it is likely to spread the spores everywhere and create starting points for new colonies. Mold that has grown deep into walls may require additional treatment of the studs and framing behind the walls; this helps ensure that the problem is remediated before the homeowner replaces materials and can help prevent immediate regrowth.

For homes with less than 10 square feet of mold, the EPA advises that this is a small enough area for a homeowner to tackle. A notable caveat, however, is if the mold was caused by contaminated water or the homeowner has allergies. In that case, a homeowner will want to contact a professional mold remediation service to take care of the problem.

In the case of a mold infestation covering more than 10 square feet, or if the homeowner can smell mold but cant see it, a professional can address the mold problem promptly and thoroughly. Theres a strong chance that the problem runs deeper than expected, and the chances of the homeowner creating a bigger problem by hunting for and disturbing unseen mold colonies is even greater. Professionals are trained to follow subtle clues to locate mold and will find it in places most homeowners wouldnt even think to look. For example, mold growth in an HVAC system could be spreading allergens throughout the home completely unseen. A professional is also more likely to be able to find the source of the moisture, and they will have protective equipment for themselves and scrubbers for the homes air that are more efficient and effective than any available at a home improvement store. Because there are so many varieties of mold that have such a wide range of physical effects on both people and building materials, this is a situation where its really worth the cost of hiring qualified technicians to fully remove the mold and repair any resulting damage.

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The most critical factor in saving money on mold remediation is to act immediately. Homeowners who put off mold remediation will likely end up paying more once they finally get a professional in since the chances are good that the mold has spread. The problem with mold is that even if it isnt a big deal right now, it will be, and sometimes within only days if immediate action isnt taken. A small growth is manageable; a large growth can be devastating, both financially and healthwise. If any signs of mold are present, homeowners will want to act immediately. There are several other ways to save money on mold remediation cost.

Its important to get answers to several questions before hiring a professional remediation company. First, its a good idea to choose a company that specializes in mold remediation. The initial costs may appear higher than those of professionals who do other construction or home improvement work, but a company that specializes in mold remediation is also more likely to have the expertise to protect its workers more effectively, and it may have a more realistic initial estimate because it knows what to anticipate during the job. Have these questions at hand before searching mold remediation near me:

Discovering mold can be shocking, especially if the extent of the problem isnt evident. Having concerns and questions regarding health effects, the options and choices that need to be made about how to deal with the problem, and the financial impact of the work that needs to be done are understandable. These are some of the first questions that many people have when they discover mold in their home, along with the answers to allay some initial fears.

No. Mold is everywherein the air, on surfaces, and in fabric. Its critical to the environment because it digests and removes decaying material. We coexist with all kinds of mold every day, most of which is relatively harmless. This is why the tests available at the hardware store arent the most useful; they will always show that mold is present rather than helping determine if too much mold or a specific, dangerous mold is present. The concern and need for remediation occurs when a larger growth of mold has taken hold in a particular area, creating a concentration of spores and developing into a colony that produces more spores, which will eventually affect the building structures and residents health.

Most of the time, yes, but it depends on the scope of the remediation. A professional mold remediation company will seal off the area to prevent spores from drifting to other areas of the home, and the technicians should run air cleaners and scrubbers before unsealing the area and safely disposing of materials. If the growth is in more than one area or its in a main area of the home, it may be more convenient to stay somewhere else during the process. Noise can be a factor in this decision, as can the time of year; if its winter and the constant ventilation will make the home cold, it may be worth it to stay elsewhere for a few days.

If the mold growth is less than 10 square feet, is visible, has a clear source of moisture that is easy to correct, and is accessible, most homeowners can use a commercial mold removal spray to kill and remove the mold, according to EPA guidelines. Proper protective gear including a respirator, goggles, and gloves are recommended, both for protection from the mold and also from the harsh chemicals in the remover product.

The short answer is yes. While not all molds are harmful, the spores produced by some varieties can be toxic to humans. This can include respiratory symptoms like coughing or trouble breathing, or it can also present as skin rashes and hay fever. These symptoms tend to be worse in people with compromised immune systems, allergies, or asthma.

Sometimes mold is obviousvisible growth on walls or ceilings or a distinct musty smell can give it away. But other times mold is more elusive. Its most common to find mold in houses where there has been water damage or extreme humidity. Even if mold is not visible, if the home has water damage or residents are experiencing symptoms of mold exposure, its worth the cost of mold inspection to determine whether there is mold growth anywhere in the home.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi, Fixr

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See original here:
How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost? - Bob Vila

Even without watching the footage of most of his animals getting washed away, Wilson was still emotional simply recalling the catastrophic damage caught on camera cars, trees, buildings being washed downriver, an astonishing display of the destruction water can unleash. Wilson said that simply hearing the sounds of crashing trees and twisted metal associated with the disaster were enough to stir up some emotions.

Thatll bring you tears, he said.

Wilson said that the flood hit just a couple of months after hed finally finished extensive renovations on his once dilapidated mountain home that sits nestled in the woods just across the river from the Laurel Bank Campground, where several lives were lost during the flood. Wilson said he had gotten some video of the raging river to post on social media and when he went out to his porch to upload it, the water surged; he saw a wall he said looked about four-feet tall. As Wilson watched large debris including trees larger than the one he was in pass by, he was afraid his might not hold and even had moments where he anticipated hed not make it.

While Wilson didnt recall the fateful day in too great of detail, he remembered the one concern that ran through his mind on a loop as the water rushed beneath him.

I thought I was gone, he said. I was worried if the kids would find the will. I saw the building left with my file cabinets and that panicked me. I asked myself will that be in the cloud? Did I put it in the cloud? Is it even valuable in the cloud? Its not notarized, but it still has to be good, right?

By the time the water receded in early evening and he returned to the muddied ground below, he became aware of the widespread devastation.

What has followed has been a long string of repairs followed by new repairs as more issues are discovered all of which have been hard to complete with a lack of resources and reliable contractors.

One of the first items on the list was mold remediation.

That was pretty horrible, Wilson said. It sat so long, and we had to wait for the adjuster. It took him a week or two just to release the property because around the same time, Louisiana got hit, and then New York and he was MIA. The mold was just up the walls. They eventually treated it twice with those expensive chemicals, and because I had to stay out, I just slept on the porch.

Wilson will tell anyone that he feels fortunate to still have his life, but recovering has been a massive task that has required a ton of focus and more out-of-pocket money than he ever thought hed have to spend.

Now, as he puts his home and his life back together, there are constant reminders of the continuous struggle from exposed electrical outlets to sparse furniture to floors that have been replaced but still not sanded or oiled.

Its clear upon meeting Wilson that he clings to optimism in any given situation.

He said that as he held onto that tree, he achieved sudden clarity. In the grand scheme of things, so many things we get wrapped up in a high electric bill, a partner forgetting to pick up some groceries, someone taking a good parking spot those things suddenly wash away, and whats left is a sudden appreciation. That feeling was only confirmed by the outpouring of support Wilson experienced in the last year.

Although Wilsons home is still far from returning to how it was before the flood, theres a deeper sense of joy he has found that was perhaps not even possible without the disaster people can still love one another, they can still help a stranger in need. Along with receiving aid from fellow Cruso residents over the last year, Wilson has had Haywood County residents hes never even met bring him everything he could need and want, from food and beer to simple companionship.

Wilson mentioned a few specifically. First, he spoke about Robert Riker and his family. Riker and Wilsons friendship had only existed on social media prior to the flood.

He walked up in his flip flips through the woods carrying three days worth of food for everybody, Wilson said.

Wilson also spoke about his former neighbors, Natasha and Kile Bright (see After the Flood, pg. 9), who even amid their own struggles coming to grips with losing their home, rolled up their sleeves and helped him get his home back to livable condition.

Wilson mentioned Rodney and Kara Rogers, who would show up with their kids ready to help him whenever they could.

They were here every day, and that guy works 60 hours a week and has kids in school, Wilson said. He would come in after working at the mill. Sometimes, he would work until dark with flood lights. He cleaned, and he buried animals for me. He just did all kinds of stuff.

With all the help Wilson received, theres one person who he was immediately drawn to Tasha Tafelski. Tafelski would bring Wilson vegetables, as well as coffee from his favorite spot, the Coffee Cup Container. What began as a warm acquaintanceship blossomed into a valuable friendship and eventually a romance.

Id call her and complain, and she just put up with my incessant babbling and then I was hooked, he said. I was always excited to see her, and then in January we got more flirty. At first, I just considered her my buddy I could call up when I was feeling off or just to talk about mundane things, but then we became more.

Prior to the last flood, which changed the very path of the East Fork, there were large berms along the banks to keep the river at bay during storms. Those berms were washed away last year, which combined with the leftover debris has become a concern for Wilson and others still traumatized by last years disaster. Just a few months ago in May, amid more heavy rains, Wilsons land flooded again.

While neighbors fearing another catastrophe went elsewhere earlier that day in anticipation of potential flooding, Wilson wasnt aware the river had come up as much as it did until he returned home that afternoon with Tafelski and her five-year-old son after picking him up from school. Normally, he would take his UTV across the river, but the water was too high and swift. Wilson took a risk and decided to test the waters. Once he determined it was passable on foot, he put Tafelskis son on his shoulders and they all crossed.

After arriving on the other side, they decided to get clothes and essentials, crossed back over, and stayed in a small cottage on the other side that Wilson rents out as an Air BNB. Although they felt safer on the other side, anxiety percolated among all of them.

Now that the berm is gone, the river just runs right up through here, Wilson said.

We were up every hour that night checking the river, Tafelski said.

While the water level that night was threatening and Wilson saw large debris getting carried downstream, it ultimately paled in comparison to last years devastation. As scary as it was though, Wilson still had a reason to smile as he relayed the harrowing story. Several members of the Cruso Fire Department came to check on Wilson, Tafelski and her son, who they believed were still inside Wilsons home, and didnt leave until they were certain the trio was safe.

How freaking awesome are these people? he said of the first responders. It gives me chills just talking about it. They said they were trying to figure out how to get us out if they needed to.

Following that flood and its disastrous predecessor, Wilson said theres still no shortage of cleanup needed even beyond whats needed to get his house in working order.

Its still a mess, he said. My son and I are still cleaning under the porch and finding debris, and wed already cleaned that once. Since that berms not fixed, well just keep having water run under the house.

But Wilson remains undeterred in the face of adversity and the sluggish recovery many have lamented since the flood. In the near future, Wilson, who has become a local social media sensation with tantalizing posts of his culinary creations, hopes to build a full outdoor kitchen. But for now, its one step at a time.

When asked what hed want to say to local folks about his ordeal and what hes learned, his answer came quick.

Ive been through floods; Ive been through three hurricanes, he said. And Ive never seen a community come together like this. Im thankful to be where I am in a place where people will genuinely give you the shirt off their back. Theyll do anything if it means you can be dry and warm. I have never seen anything like that ever. It makes me proud, and I dont think I could ever be anywhere else.

Excerpt from:
Delivered through the storm: Cruso man's struggle to rebuild eased by community's compassion - Smoky Mountain News

Not a day goes by that I am not asked about the SCOURGE of inaccurate call labeling that is plaguing Americas businesses.

Since call labeling was tolerated by the FCC starting in 2018, it is virtually impossible to make lawful and truthful communication via the cellular phone network without being WRONGFULLY labeled as a scammer or a spammer. This has lead to massive reductions in connect rates and damaged American businesses (and consumers) tremendously.

Mercifully, US Telecom has put together a redress list that will help YOU to get the nasty flags and labels off your DIDs.

THANK GOODNESS..

Lets hope these folks have 24 hour staffing and an army of people available to redress this situation, which seems to be impacting EVERYBODY.

Per US Telecoms website:

Providers and their analytics partners have established mechanisms for callers to seek redress to fix any inadvertent call labeling or blocking concerns, as well as to register their numbers in the first instance.

AlticeCall Labels:Fraudulent Call or CNAM prepend of Spam? or Robo?Contact:robocallmitigation@alticeusa.com

AT&T/HiyaCall Labels:Spam Risk or Fraud RiskContact:www.att.com/reviewmycalllabel

Big RiverContact:855-244-7483

Comcasts Xfinity Voice ServiceCall Labels:Blocked High Spam Risk or CNAM prepend of Spam?Contact:www.xfinity.com/support/articles/report-call-blocking-errorsor 844-963-0215

C Spire/TNSCall Label:Potential SpamContact:askus@cspire.comandcommunications@tnsi.com

FidelityCall Labels:Fraudulent Call or CNAM prepend of Spam?:Contact:www.fidelitycommunications.com/phone/robocallmitigation/correctionform

Frontier/NomoroboCall Label:RobocallerContact:nospam@ftr.comorwww.nomorobo.com/contactand choose Report a number

Lumen/NomoroboCall Label:RobocallerContact:www.nomorobo.com/contactand choose Report a number

MidcoContact:robocalling@midco.com

RoboKillerContact:inquiries@robokiller.com

Spectrum/TNSCall Label:Spam LikelyContact:https://reportspam.spectrum.com/charter/

TelzioCall Label:Fraudulent CallContact:support@telzio.comor 888-998-9080

T-Mobile/First OrionCall Label:Scam LikelyContact:https://callreporting.t-mobile.com/

TruecallerCall Label:SpamContact:support@truecaller.com

US Cellular/TNSCall Label:Potential SpamContact:communications@tnsi.com

Verizon/TNSCall Label:Potential SpamContact:www.voicespamfeedback.comorcommunications@tnsi.com

WindstreamCall Label:Fraudulent Call or CNAM prepend of Spam?Contact:WINDSTREAM.NetworkAbuse@windstream.com

Registering Numbers with Analytics Providers

First OrionContact:www.calltransparency.com

Free Caller Registry (First Orion, Hiya and TNS)Contact:www.freecallerregistry.com

HiyaContact:www.hiya.com/manageyourcallerid

NeustarContact:www.home.neustar/supportand refer to the contact information under Communications, Robocall Mitigation

TNSContact:www.reportarobocall.com/trf/

Let me know how these things work! If you have problems call the Czar. Thanks and happy weekend TCPA World!

Also the folks at Contact Center Compliance reminded me:

I wanted to share with you behind the scenes with CCCs new Caller ID Remediation engine that our brilliant team has created that should near eliminate the mislabeling. We tried creating the product using the sites you listed but the issue with that is that simple registration wasnt enough as the carriers arent fully incentivized yet to remove the mislabeling. Another issue is that it certainly does helps with the spam likely rates, but the numbers just go right back to being mislabeled after about 30 days.

Our team created a pretty robust engine and an entire program for continuous remediation (rolling out next week) that has so far taken a couple test clients from 50-70% spam likely rate down to 0.5% spam likely (Took only 20-45 days to accomplish these percentages). Its a pretty darn cool platform, and we are keeping the pricing for this fairly reasonable for this platform as well.

I know the Caller ID Reputation folks also have a pretty vast honeypot they use to detect these sorts of labeling issues and Convoso has a fairly comprehensive solution they use along with their dialer. And of course there is always Numeracle (hi Rebekah!).

Crazy when you think about how many businesses exist designed to help other businesses navigate the TERRIBLY inaccurate call blocking and labeling environment right now. Im really shocked there havent been any lawsuits sounding in either defamation, libel, business interference, andof course good old fashion Communications Act violations.

Soon, probably.

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FINALLY!: TIRED OF THOSE INACCURATE SCAM/SPAM LIKELY REPORTS?: Theres Finally a Way to Fix ThemHeres How - TCPAWorld.com

Ace Mold Remediation Irving, is a Texas restoration company that brings many years of experience to every mold removal project that it takes on. Thats why the veteran mold removal technicians at the company realize that the key to executing a successful mold remediation project is doing a thorough inspection to start the process. This is because the same conditions that are causing the mold growth in one home may be completely different than what is causing a mold issue in another. That means each mold remediation job has to be custom planned around the particular circumstances regarding the mold growth in each home. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to mold removal. A proper inspection helps the company come up with a mold remediation plan that will not only eliminate even the most stubborn mold growth in a home but also ensure the homeowner that the mold problem will not come back.

A company representative went on to talk about how they go about doing mold remediation inspections. He stated that once they get a call asking for help, they will go to a customers home and first identify the areas in a home where mold growth is taking place. Their techs are experienced enough to find any mold thats growing in plain sight and also that which is hiding in less obvious places. The company representative also stated that you cant have mold growth in a home unless there is a moisture problem. Thats why the second step in the mold inspection process is to identify the moisture source that is contributing to any mold growth around a home. The moisture source may be as obvious as a flooding incident or a big leak or something much more subtle such as some rooms in a home having too high of a humidity level. He added that their mold removal techs are excellent at not only identifying areas of a home where mold growth is taking place but also pinpointing the moisture source and guiding the homeowner on the steps to take to eliminate it. Once the mold inspection is complete, Ace Mold Remediations tech will then go over with the customer the results of the inspection and then get back to that customer with a cleanup plan and an estimate for the mold removal task. Reviews left on the companys Google Maps Business Listing at https://www.google.com/maps?cid=7673566344472554918 attest to how well the techs at Ace Mold Remediation Irving are when it comes to doing thorough mold inspections and then using those inspections to design a successful mold remediation plan.

According to the company representative, its also very important to be proactive in getting any mold growth problem in a home handled right away. He says, Mold can be hazardous to your health, so you should get an inspection ASAP if you suspect mold or smell something funny in your home! Protect your familys health and safety. It can be especially troublesome to those in a home that are allergy sufferers, have asthma or other upper respiratory problems, and you certainly dont want young children breathing in mold spores over a long period. It was also pointed out that while most people recognize mold as being an allergen, some forms of mold are pathogenic and can become the source of both mild and serious infections. The company representative also pointed out that in addition to the health problems caused by mold, nuisance fungi growth can also cause much damage around a home that can lead to expensive repairs and item replacements. The long-term presence of mold on such surfaces as wood and drywall often necessitates complete replacement and mold also can ruin fabrics & upholstery and the items that are found inside any boxes that it is present on.

Customers that have taken advantage of Ace Mold Removal Irvings experienced mold remediation services have written reviews that have expressed a high level of satisfaction with the results. Brian John stated, This mold removing company did a great job eliminating decades of moldy insulation from the attic. They went above and beyond to ensure that the areas were cleaner, and the quality test that came back was cleared of mold. I Would recommend them. The many glowing reviews the company has received were also the subject of a recent press release that can be seen here at https://www.pressadvantage.com/i_story/48745-ace-mold-remedation-company-in-irving-tx-gets-excellent-reviews. More information on the companys prompt and efficient mold removal services can be obtained by calling them, sending them an email, or by visiting their website.

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For more information about Ace Mold Remediation Irving, contact the company here:

Ace Mold Remediation Irving

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Proper Mold Inspections in Irving TX Leading to Many Successful Mold Removal Projects - Digital Journal

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In 2001, John Tardy found himself without a job. Despite 15 years of construction expertise and experience supervising over 700 workers over three companies, his boss closed his business.

I was offered other jobs, but I told my wife, Jeanine, I didnt want to work for anyone else. I wanted to work for us, recalled John.

So Jeanine decided to open JVN Restoration Inc., a Women Business Enterprise (WBE), named after the couples three sons, John, Vincent and Nicholas.

I went through 10 different credit cards. Nobody would give me a loan, because I wasnt even in business long enough, added Jeanine. So, obviously, if I didnt have a house, I wouldnt have the business. We would have risked everything.

When JVN Restoration Inc. opened in February 2002, the business started small: a desk, computer and phone in the Tardy garage, plus a rented space in a warehouse.

The new business specialized in fire and water damage removal, mold remediation, asbestos and lead paint removal, and complete home construction. It was an easy transition for John, who tapped into his vast construction experience. Jeanine, however, put her nursing background aside and learned about the behind-the-scenes intricacies of a completely new field rife with rules, regulations and paperwork. In addition, she pursued all the licenses needed to work in the field.

My kids were going back to school, and now I had to put 100% effort into making the company succeed, said Jeanine, the owner. I had to learn to do it all, from estimating the job, to filing it, and all of the field operations that go along with each project. So, I just called people and asked a lot of questions.

While the new business had the experience, the next step was to secure work. The duo contacted connections, worked off referrals, and spent time making cold calls.

We would do anything from soup to nuts. We took anything that we could get, and thats what built up the company. To this day, we will do a small minor project to a multi-year project, said John, the senior project manager.

The duo recalled how they received an overnight call after a storm damaged the glass storefront from the JC Penney at the Quaker Bridge Mall in Trenton, N.J. Without hesitation, Jeanine told John to load the truck with plywood and board up the windows. Stemming from that act alone, the couple said that JVN Restoration Inc. still receives projects from the retailer for other locations in the area.

Its just about building relationships and working hard at it. A lot of our clients tell us, The reason why we call you all the time is because I know I can go home at night, I know my job will get done, and I dont have to worry about it, said John.

Jeanine laughed, adding: But its a lot of work. Its been many years now, but we dont stop working. Even when we go away, were working. Were always on the phone. I guess thats good for the success of the business.

Its those connections and quality workmanship that put the company on the brink of its 20th anniversary next month. The Tottenville business handles between 400 and 600 projects annually, but some noteworthy local jobs include: Gerald Peters and Pandora, both located inside the Staten Island Mall in New Springville; The Boulevard shopping center, New Dorp; South Beach Psychiatric Center, and Staten Island University Hospitals Ocean Breeze campus.

When exploring the borough, its hard not to encounter a JVN Restoration project. That especially holds true on the East Shore, which suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Sandy.

After Hurricane Sandy, we probably helped over 150 people get back into their house. We also helped a lot of those businesses get back on their feet, said John.

Jeanine added: Its wonderful that we can do that. Hopefully, thats what were there to do, which is to help. And thank God that were able to help people. You want to do something. You cant just sit back. We were out of commission here, too. Our whole warehouse flooded. So, we took the business, we moved operations to the house, and we worked off a generator.

For their accomplishments, Jeanine and John Tardy are being honored with a Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award, which they will receive in the Established Businessperson category. The awards which are presented by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the Staten Island Advance honor the memory of Louis R. Miller, a businessman and West Brighton resident who was also a community leader.

JVNs portfolio of work is tremendous, but many will say that the heart and soul of Jeanine and John are just as big, if not bigger. The duo will often make donations whether its labor, services, or contributions to worthy people, organizations and causes around the borough.

For example, the business was one of several construction companies that assisted in the renovations at the Kruser-Finley House, a Dutch farmhouse in Historic Richmond Town that was built in 1790 and damaged by fire in 2014.

When the historic St. George Theatre was undergoing repairs, JVN was tasked with the project. Coincidentally, Jeanine danced at Mrs. Rosemarys Dance Studio for the late Rosemary Cappozalo, the founder of the studio and theater. The landmark theater was so grateful for the assistance, it honored the Tardys during its annual Laughs on the Links: Golf, Tennis, & Bocce Outing in 2018.

We became more involved with them. After that, we became more proactive in going to the theater. It makes you start doing some things that you normally wouldnt have done on a regular basis, said Jeanine.

The duo was also honored in 2019 by the JCC of Staten Island for the support of that organization and the Sunrise Day Camp, which is operated by The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island. The camp is the worlds first full-summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings, provided completely free of charge.

Along with Michael Caridi, we helped the JCC receive new computers during the pandemic. We donated money toward that. Over the years, weve helped them out a lot, said John.

With nearly 20 years in business, creating an all-encompassing list of those who have benefitted locally from their generosity is difficult.

We overspend our donations. That much I can tell you. Our budget is blown off the roof, laughed Jeanine. John is worse than me in that he cant say no. I tell him we need to go over this because he just says yes to everything.

John explained: Its all about giving back to the community. I believe in karma. If I can do it, Ill do it. Even if I couldnt, Id still try and do something. And thats how we are.

Many will say a key to a long marriage is believing in and trusting your spouse. But, for Jeanine and John Tardy, they prove the same can be said for a solid and successful business.

Its that admiration and respect for each other that could explain why the couple has been married for 34 years and is ready to celebrate 20 years together at JVN Restoration Inc.

I wouldnt be here today if it werent for her, said John.

Jeanine added: We work well together. We argue and fight here, but we dont take it home. Thats why weve lasted so long. If it wasnt for all of my hard-working, dedicated employees and great teamwork, JVN Restoration Inc. would not be celebrating our 20th year anniversary.

********************

Recipients of the Louis R. Miller Awards are recognized as effective business leaders and for their outstanding contributions to the local community. Awards are given out in four categories: Emerging, Established, Master, and Not-For-Profit. The honorees will be recognized during the annual Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, Feb. 16. For tickets, visit http://www.sichamber.com or call the Chamber at 718-727-1900.

********************

Current occupation and title: Jeanine Tardy, owner of JVN Restoration Inc.; John Tardy, senior project manager of JVN Restoration Inc.

Hometown: Pleasant Plains

Community involvement: The Environmental Contractors Association; the Bucks Business Network; Staten Island Economic Development Corp.; Staten Island Chamber of Commerce; Jewish Community Center; Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund; YMCA; Northwell Health

Some of my life goals include: To be young enough to retire to enjoy life together and travel with family and friends.

The best part of my job: Helping everyone in a favorable way.

The most difficult part of my job: When disaster strikes and people are devastated, trying to convince them that things will get better.

My life philosophy: It is what it is, stay positive and deal with it.

I am most proud of: Our family and the growth of JVN Restoration Inc., one of the largest WBE environmental companies in New York.

The quality I like best about myself: Always trying to find the positive side of people.

Personal interests and hobbies: Playing golf together and traveling.

I laugh at: When my family gets together and how the grandchildren bring out the best in them.

I am really good at: Trying to find solutions to everyday problems.

I admire: When people can actually communicate verbally and not be stuck in their phone.

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John and Jeanine Tardy honored for their hard work and generosity - SILive.com

Mold & Fungus Air Quality Remediation Service market report contains detailed information on factors influencing demand, growth, opportunities, challenges, and restraints. It provides detailed information about the structure and prospects for global and regional industries. In addition, the report includes data on research & development, new product launches, product responses from the global and local markets by leading players. The structured analysis offers a graphical representation and a diagrammatic breakdown of the Mold & Fungus Air Quality Remediation Service market by region.

Mold & Fungus Air Quality Remediation Service market and global economic environment, we forecast that the global market size of Mold & Fungus Air Quality Remediation Service will reach (2026 Market size $$) million $ in 2026 with a CAGR of % from 2021-2026.

A release on June 8th, 2021, by the Bureau and Economic Analysis and U.S. Census Bureau reports the recovering of the U.S. market. The report also described the recovery of U.S. International Trade in July 2021.In April 2021, exports in the country reached $300 billion, an increase of $13.4 billion. In April 2021, imports amounted to $294.5 billion, increasing by $17.4 billion. COVID19 is still a significant issue for economies around the globe, as evidenced by the year-over-year decline in exports in the U.S. between April 2020 and April 2021 and the increase in imports over that same period of time. The market is clearly trying to recover. Despite this, it means there will be a direct impact on the Healthcare/ICT/Chemical industries, resulting in a large market for Mold & Fungus Air Quality Remediation Service.

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According to Statista, as of 2022 data, the United States held over ~36% of the global market share for information and communication technology (ICT). With a market share of 16%, the EU ranked second, followed by 12%, China ranked third. In addition, according to forecasts, the ICT market will reach more than US$ 6 trillion in 2021 and almost US$ 7 trillion by 2030. In todays society, continuous growth is another reminder of how ubiquitous and crucial technology has become. Over the next few years, traditional tech spending will be driven mainly by big data and analytics, mobile, social, and cloud computing.

This report analyzes the global primary production, consumption, and fastest-growing countries in the Information and Communications Technology(ICT) market. Also included in the report are prominent and prominent players in the global Information and Communications Technology Market (ICT).

Market Overview

In the past few years, the Mold & Fungus Air Quality Remediation Service market experienced a huge change under the influence of COVID-19, the global market size of Mold & Fungus Air Quality Remediation Service reached (2021 Market size $$) million $ in 2021 from (2016 Market size $$) in 2016 with a CAGR of 15% from 2016-2021 is. As of now, the global COVID-19 Coronavirus Cases have exceeded 200 million, and the global epidemic has been basically under control, therefore, the World Bank has estimated the global economic growth in 2021 and 2022. The World Bank predicts that the global economic output is expected to expand 4 percent in 2021 while 3.8 percent in 2022. According to our research on Mold & Fungus Air Quality Remediation Service market and global economic environment, we forecast that the global market size of Mold & Fungus Air Quality Remediation Service will reach (2026 Market size $$) million $ in 2026 with a CAGR of % from 2021-2026.

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to World Bank statistics, global GDP has shrunk by about 3.5% in 2020. Entering 2021, Economic activity in many countries has started to recover and partially adapted to pandemic restrictions. The research and development of vaccines has made breakthrough progress, and many governments have also issued various policies to stimulate economic recovery, particularly in the United States, is likely to provide a strong boost to economic activity but prospects for sustainable growth vary widely between countries and sectors. Although the global economy is recovering from the great depression caused by COVID-19, it will remain below pre-pandemic trends for a prolonged period. The pandemic has exacerbated the risks associated with the decade-long wave of global debt accumulation. It is also likely to steepen the long-expected slowdown in potential growth over the next decade.

The world has entered the COVID-19 epidemic recovery period. In this complex economic environment, we published the Global Mold & Fungus Air Quality Remediation Service Market Status, Trends and COVID-19 Impact Report 2021, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the global Mold & Fungus Air Quality Remediation Service market , This Report covers the manufacturer data, including: sales volume, price, revenue, gross margin, business distribution etc., these data help the consumer know about the competitors better. This report also covers all the regions and countries of the world, which shows the regional development status, including market size, volume and value, as well as price data. Besides, the report also covers segment data, including: type wise, industry wise, channel wise etc. all the data period is from 2015-2021E, this report also provide forecast data from 2021-2026.

Manufacturer DetailInnovative Environmental Industrial ServicesWaco, Inc.1Source Safety & Health, Inc.Interior Maintenance Co., Inc.Shive-Hattery Inc.Phoenix RestorationTek Environmental & Consulting Services, Inc.Advanced Indoor Air Quality CarePorterville Carpet CleanersFpec-IncTerracon Consultants, IncPure-R Space, Inc

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Region SegmentationNorth America (United States, Canada, Mexico)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Other)Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, Korea, Southeast Asia)Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy)Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa)

Product Type SegmentationCleaningDecontaminationRestoration

Application SegmentationResidentialCommercialIndustrial

What is the goal of the report?

The market report presents the estimated size of the ICT market at the end of the forecast period. The report also examines historical and current market sizes. During the forecast period, the report analyzes the growth rate, market size, and market valuation. The report presents current trends in the industry and the future potential of the North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa markets. The report offers a comprehensive view of the market based on geographic scope, market segmentation, and key player financial performance.

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Mold & Fungus Air Quality Remediation Service Market Scope and overview, To Witness Rapid Growth Due To Increase High Demand In Developing...

State health regulators will shut down a Minneapolis nursing home due to structural and health concerns, including mold in the ceiling, a leaky roof and carpeting that is held together by duct tape.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDG), in a rare move, took over control of Twin City Gardens in October of 2021 after uncovering financial concerns that could negatively impact residents' care. The plan at the time was for MDH to stabilize the Northeast Minneapolis nursing home's operations during this temporary period of receivership.

Read more [Oct. 25]:In rare move, MDH takes control of Minneapolis nursing home

But the situation was apparently more dire than first thought.

MDH Thursday announced it will close Twin City Gardens because of "significant structural deficiencies" at the facility.

With a leaking roof, mold and other extensive repairs needed to the building, the best and safest option at this point is to move residents to new homes, said MDH Health Regulation Division Director Martha Burton Santibez in the announcement.

The building needs a brand new roof, remediation work to address mold in the ceiling, and "extensive" carpet repair or replacement. (Duct tape is holding the carpet together in some places, MDH said.)

Under the law, the State of Minnesota isn't allowed to take on these capital projects that require major alterations to the nursing home's physical structure, according to the health department. So instead, the state will shutter the facility.

We try to avoid facility closure during receivership situations, but the condition of the building limited our options," Santibez said.

Twin City Gardens currently has 28 residents. They and their families were notified of the plan on Jan. 5, MDH said. The goal is to relocate every resident as soon as possible, ideally within 60 days, at which point the nursing home will close. However, the exact timeline could change depending on how long it takes to ensure residents are transferred somewhere that can meet their needs.

ProPublica's nursing home inspection database shows serious concerns at Twin City Gardens over the years. In the most recent review (May 26, 2021) Medicare inspectors noted "immediatejeopardy to resident health orsafety," saying the facility failed to address wounds. One resident developed an infection at the site of a recent surgical amputation, requiring immediate hospitalization and another procedure.

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MDH finds mold, leaky roof at Twin Cities nursing home, plans to shut it down - Bring Me The News

Critical violations are those factors leading to foodborne illness and must be corrected immediately. Noncritical violations relate to maintenance of food operations and cleanliness.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Dec. 27

Colton's Steakhouse

642 E. Millsap Road, Fayetteville

Critical violations: Sanitizer spray bottle not labeled with contents.

Noncritical violations: Cardboard boxes of food items being stored directly on floor of dry storage area and walk-in cooler. Missing and loose tiles on main service line. Loose tile spaces holding water. Light shields not properly installed over expo area.

Domino's

1814 N. Crossover Road, Suite 1, Fayetteville

Critical violations: None

Noncritical violations: No CFM documentation available at time of inspection.

Lomok I

709 W. Emma Ave., Springdale

Critical violations: in refrigerator, packaged raw beef items are stored above packaged ready-to-eat food.

Noncritical violations: Food Manager Certification through an accredited program has not been attained. There is not verifiable document about employee has been informed about their responsibility to report health issues. Cleanup procedures for a bodily fluid event is not available at time of the inspection. Frozen chicken at room temperature. Refrigerator does not have a thermometer. At time of the inspection, cooks are frying on a stove, ventilation system is not available. Food permit is not posted in view of customers.

The Galley

3932 S. Thompson St., Springdale

Critical violations: Small steam table has meat balls at 119 degrees and chili beans at 112 degrees.

Noncritical violations: Clean up procedures for bodily fluid event is not available at time of the inspection. Food Manager Certification through an accredited program has not been attained. Test strips not available.

Dec. 28

Andy's Frozen Custard

1523 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., Fayetteville

Critical violations: None

Noncritical violations: No Certified Food Manager at the facility. Facility did not have a bodily fluid event cleanup procedure in place for employees. There is an accumulation of mold-like substance inside the ice machine. The facility is washing and reusing strawberry containers for storing other foods. The facility lacks an irreversible registering temperature indicator for the hot water sanitizing dish machine. Permit is valid but is not posted.

Arby's

1263 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., Fayetteville

Critical violations: The permit has expired 11/30/21.

Noncritical violations: There is an accumulation of dust on the air vents about the prep line. There is accumulation of grease on the wall and vent hood fixtures around the fryers.

Capi's

1891 Reed Ave., Springdale

Critical violations: None

Noncritical violations: Food Manager Certification through an accredited program has not been attained. Food permit expired in 2019.

E-Z Mart

1417 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., Fayetteville

Critical violations: There are no handwashing signs for the bathrooms or the front hand sink. There were boxes of eggs being stored over drinks. The creamer cold hold unit measured 59 degrees. Opened packages of hot dogs were not date marked.

Noncritical violations: There is an accumulation of dark mold-like substance inside the fountain drink nozzles. The boxes of single use cups were being stored on the floor in the back storage room. Facility lacks sanitizing test strips.

Foghorns

1545 W. 15th St., Suite 1, Fayetteville

Critical violations: A storage container of pineapple date marked 9/10/21 in the walk-in refrigerator has molded.

Noncritical violations: Handwashing sink drain pipe is leaking in food preparation area. One of the bar hand sinks and the food preparation handwashing sink lack employee handwashing notices posted. Back door to the food preparation area is propped open. The storage container for wrapped bread is cracked in the corner and duct taped. Circular floor fan lacks cleaning.

Green Submarine Sub Shop

1641 W. 15th St., Suite 1-3, Fayetteville

Critical violations: None

Noncritical violations: Employee manager lacks Food Manager Certification. Retail Food Permit expired 11/30/2021.

Mong Dynasty North

3101 N. College Ave., Fayetteville

Critical violations: Packaged raw eggs are stored above packaged tofu, container with raw chicken is stored above packaged carrots. Surfaces of shelves are not clean.

Noncritical violations: Food Manager Certification through an accredited program has not been attained. Cleanup procedures for bodily fluid event is not available.

Ohana Poke

1135 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., Fayetteville

Critical violations: The paper towel dispenser in the men's restroom was empty.

Noncritical violations: There is no Certified Food Manager at the facility. Facility lacks bodily fluid cleanup procedures. The rice spatulas are being stored in a bowl of water at room temperature and are only changed out every 24 hours. There are boxes of single-use items being stored on the floor.

Staybridge Inn and Suites

1577 W. 15th St.,

Critical violations: Food Fayetteville employee donning disposable gloves handled personal drink bottle and half-eaten cookie and then handled ready-to-eat leaf lettuce.

Noncritical violations: Three personal drinks in plastic bottles are stored in the bulk ice maker used for drinks. Food employee is wearing a wristwatch.

Wendy's

1473 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., Fayetteville

Critical violations: There were no handwashing signs posted in the bathrooms. There were no paper towels for the back hand washing sink.

Noncritical violations: There is accumulation of dark mold-like substance inside the ice machine and around the opening of the soft serve dispenser. Facility lacks refrigerator thermometer for the under-counter fridge, and the thermometer for the drive-through fridge is broken. The sanitizer test strips have become discolored and are no longer accurate. The permit is valid but is not posted.

Dec. 29

Graduate Hotel

70 N. East Ave., Fayetteville

Critical violations: Mechanical warewasher is not chlorine residual is at 0 ppm.

Noncritical violations: One of the two handwashing sinks in the food preparation area lacks employee handwashing notice posted.

Little Bread Company

116 N. Block, Fayetteville

Critical violations: None

Noncritical violations: Unable to verify Certified Food Manager employee. Handwashing sink in back food preparation area cold faucet handle is stripped. Food employee is wearing a bracelet. East side wall finish is damaged and lacks repair in food preparation/mechanical warewashing areas. Posted Retail Food Permit expired 10/31/2020.

On The Mark

2588 N. Gregg, Fayetteville

Critical violations: Tomatoes at 52 degrees and sliced cheese at 53 degrees in the prep table. Blue cheese dressing at 46 degrees in the prep table refrigerator.

Noncritical violations: At least one employee that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service shall be a certified food protection manager. One of the kitchen hand washing sinks does not have hot water. Restrooms lack handwashing signage. Several items in both freezer are not covered. The food slicer has a buildup of debris from the previous day. Bottles of cleaners were not labeled. Facility lacks refrigerator thermometer and prep table refrigerator thermometer. Ice scoop stored on top of the ice machine. A bowl was stored in the seasoning and a cup was stored in the breading. Dumpster lids were open upon arrival at facility.

Powerhouse Seafood and Grill

112 N. University Ave., Fayetteville

Critical violations: None

Noncritical violations: No documentation of a Certified Food Protection Manager. The tea station counter is missing the protective cover around the sink. The wood is flaking. Posted permit expired on 9/30/2021.

Sushi

522 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville

Critical violations: None

Noncritical violations: Rice dispensing utensils are stored in unheated containers between use. A cleanup procedure for bodily fluid events is not available. A three-compartment sink for manual warewashing, rinsing and sanitizing is not installed.

The Event Group Inc.

2418 N. Gregg, Suite 5, Fayetteville

Critical violations: None

Noncritical violations: Food Manager Certification through an accredited program has not been attained. Cleanup procedures for bodily fluid event is not available at time of the inspection. Floor around dishwashing machine lacks repair, it is not smooth and easy to clean. Wall and floor around dishwashing machine is not clean.

Dec. 30

Taqueria Mi Hacienda

1501 W. Sunset Ave., Suite B, Springdale

Critical violations: The handwashing sink drain is broken, and a bucket is being used to collect the water. No hand soap is available to wash hands in the handwashing sink. Foods in the reach in cooler lack covers.

Noncritical violations: At least one employee that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service shall be a certified food protection manager. A retail food establishment shall have procedures for employees to follow when responding to bodily fluid release events. The back of house area has a buildup of food residues on surfaces.

The following establishments had no violations this reporting period:

Dec. 27 -- Chili's, 772 E. Millsap Road, Fayetteville

Dec. 29 -- Crisis Brewing, LLC, 210 S. Archibald Yell Blvd., Fayetteville; Harp's Deli-Bakery, 1308 N. Thompson St., Springdale; Onyx Coffee Lab, 2418 N. Gregg, Fayetteville; Pearl's Books-Retail, 28 E. Center St., Suite 120, Fayetteville; Sunset Grill and BBQ, 3418 W. Sunset, Suite A, Springdale; Taqueria Bien Salsa, 1902 W. Huntsville Ave., Suite A, Springdale

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Washington County restaurant inspections - Arkansas Online

Last year was the deadliest in New York Citys jails since 2013, with 16 people dying after being held in custody. Their deaths came amid a sharp rise in absenteeism among correction officers which began in 2020 and has continued into this year. At a Board of Correction hearing on Tuesday, a staff member for Mr. Molina, who was appointed the citys Correction Commissioner in December, said that 2,300 of the close to 9,000 staff members are currently out sick.

The morale of our staff is at an all-time low, Mr. Molina said.

Christopher Boyle, a lawyer with the New York County Defender Services who represents some of the incarcerated people who are currently protesting, said in an interview that the situation at Rikers Island had deteriorated since last year.

This is an emergency situation, he said.

Michael Tatum, 51, said that he had already been in several fights since being arrested in October on a charge of third-degree burglary. Like a number of others interviewed, he expressed concern about Covid-19, which has surged at Rikers in recent weeks. Like other detainees, Mr. Tatum said that the beds in his dormitory were only a foot away from one another and that it was impossible to remain hygienic.

A number of those interviewed complained about the cold. Arian Medina, 26, said that he was wearing as many thermals, hats and other articles of clothing as he could to stave it off.

People are going crazy in here, Mr. Medina said. Theyre losing their minds.

Raheem Ford, 62, said that he had missed multiple court dates, and there were not enough staff members working to escort detainees to essential appointments. He described unsanitary conditions including black mold in the bathrooms and mildew on the carts that were used to serve food.

It should be taken over by another agency, he said.

Read more here:
Hundreds at Rikers Protest Conditions, Citing Covid and the Cold - The New York Times

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Hemp,or Cannabis sativa L, was legalized for commercial production by theU.S. Farm Bill of 2018. To comply with federal law, the hemp musttest below .3 percent THC and must be cultivated by licensed growers.Since then, hemp production has exploded across the nation, as haveconversations about hemps usefulness in industrial applicationsand environmental remediation.

Infact, some argue that hemp can save the planet through carbonsequestration, phytoremediation of contaminated soils, biofuelproductionand the creation of earth-friendly consumer, industrialandfood products. Hemp is also used to produce cannabidiol or CBD, whichoffers many health benefits and will be discussed here in the comingweeks.

CarbonSequestration

Carbonsequestration refers to the process of capturing and storing carbondioxide from the atmosphere. Because carbon dioxide absorbs and emitsinfrared radiation, it is deemed to play a significant role in theEarths surface temperature. Simply put, more carbon dioxide in theatmosphere would lead to higher temperatures here on the third rock.Without politicizing the issue, it seems that reasonable people,based on this information alone, would want less carbon in theatmosphere.

Hempcan help. A lot. While it is estimated that a hectare of pine treescan absorb approximately 10 tons of carbon dioxide per year, thesame size hemp field can absorb up to 15 tons. In certain regionstwo hemp crops can be grown a year, thus doubling this figure. Inaddition, trees take a number of years before they begin capturingsignificant amounts of atmospheric carbon, while the hemp growthcycle is just 120 days.

Phytoremediation

Phytoremediationrefers to the use of plants to absorb contaminants in soil andgroundwater. Industrial activity, oil & gas spills, agriculturalchemicalsand buried waste materials contribute to soil andgroundwater contamination. Heavymetals, pharmaceutical compounds and other toxins are now a majorthreat to both soil and water quality around the world. Certainplants, called hyperaccumulators, can grow in contaminated soil orwater. They absorb the pollutants through their root system andcontaminants then concentrate in plant tissue over time. This processcleanses the soil and allows abandoned lands to be reclaimed forproductive use.

Phytoremediationhas been somewhat inefficient in the past as many hyperaccumulatorshave shallow roots and are smaller in size, thus limiting how manytoxins could be extracted and accumulated in the plants tissue.Hemp plants, on the other hand, have a deep taproot and can grow verylarge, allowing for much greater environmental benefits. Afterharvest, the contaminatedhemp biomass can be used in biofuel production, helping toovercome the economic constraint hampering the adoption ofphytoremediation more broadly.

Hemp,in the eyes of many, is a more environmentally responsible solutionto the very serious and increasing problem of soil and groundwatercontamination. Proponents argue that hemp cultivation is preferredover traditional methods of remediating contaminated land such asexcavation, incineration, or the use of chemical additives tostabilize contaminants. Additionally, hemp fields are known forbiodiversity friendliness.

Biofuel

Itis no mystery that fossil fuels are problematic. Resource wars,pollution and potential climate impacts are areas of controversy andheated debate. The hemp seed contains approximately 30 percent oil,and this oil can be transformed into biodiesel. Hemp can also be usedto produce methanol, ethanol and biogas. The hemp seed renders moreoil than other crops like soybean, sunflower or peanuts, making itsuse far more efficient as a source of biofuel. Hempbiodiesel is said to outperform conventional diesel in nearly allperformance areas.

IndustrialProducts

Hempfiber has been used for thousands of years and has been traced backto 8,000 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia where researchers found hempcloth. The long, straight hemp fibers have incredible strength andare currently used for paper products, textiles, insulation andcordage like twine, yarn, rope and string.

Interestingly,a waste product from hemp fiber production is hemp shives. Shiveswhen combined with lime and a binding agent form hempcrete, anon-load-bearing substitute for concrete. Hempcrete is strong, weighs90 percent less than concrete, is flame- and mold-resistant, andinsulates incredibly well. Hemp cellulose can be formed intobiodegradable plastics and high-strength plastics which are currentlybeing explored by automakers Porsche, BMW and others.

Food

Hempis also healthy for ones diet. Hemp seeds contain between 25-35percent fatty acid-rich oil and 20-25 percent protein.Theyare also high in fiber, magnesium and other nutrients. Hemp seed isprocessed into oil or milk or consumed as hemp hearts and added tothings like salad. Hemp oil is often used as a supplement and isinfused into beauty products, while hemp milk is non-dairy andreportedly non-allergenic.

Challenges

Likemost things, hemp production has a couple of downsides. While hempcan be grown with less water, nutrients, and pesticides than othercommercial crops, farming it at scale will put some strain on naturalresources. That said, hemp production is said to be carbon negative,meaning the crop will sequester or absorb more carbon than emitted bythe equipment used to grow, process, and transport it. A more naturalor regenerative approach to hemp farming would be advised to furtherbenefit the environment.

Additionally,infrastructure in terms of processing plants would need to beconstructed to allow the mass commercialization of hemp. As we know,commercial developments are generally disruptive to the naturalenvironment. The hope would be that over time, the environmentalbenefits of more sustainable products would outweigh the initialenvironmental costs.

Hempfarming has also created enforcement issues as some hemp farms are afacade masking enormous illicit cannabis grows. As we know from ourneighbors to the north, many of Oregons hemp operations arebeing raided by law enforcement as they are actually growing high THCvarietals destined for the unregulated market. Because CBD hemp looksessentially like traditional cannabis, illicit operators aresubstituting THC plants for their hemp in attempts to score big.

Finally,hemp crops subject traditional cannabis operations tocross-pollination risk. Hemp pollen can travel many miles and seedout neighboring gardens. Given such risks, Humboldt County banned itsproduction altogether and I support that move for our region.

Despitehaving some hurdles to overcome, industrial and environmental hempapplications offer both economic and ecological promise. I expect thecoming years to show further developments and advancements in theworld of hemp. While not a panacea for all evils, perhaps hemp can bepart of a broader solution to save the world we live in.

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Jesse Duncan is a lifelong Humboldt County resident, a father of six, a retired financial advisor, and a full-time commercial cannabis grower. He is also the creator of NorCal Financial and Cannabis Consulting, a no-cost platform that helps small farmers improve their cultivation, business, and financial skills. Pleasecheck out his blogat, his Instagram at jesse_duncann, and connect with him on Linkedin.

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THE CANNABIS CONVERSATION: Can Industrial Hemp Save the Planet? - Lost Coast Outpost