SPRING BRANCH Deanna and Jasper Brown bought their 1.1-acre property in Mystic Shores right before the start of the pandemic. At the time, the backyard was little more than a narrow patch of ground dropping off steeply to a creek bed far below. It was almost entirely unusable.

The front yard was mostly dirt and rock, broken up by a handful of scraggly cedar trees and some cactus.

Wanting to expand their outdoor entertaining options, the couple, who both work for the city of Austin, tackled the backyard first in the spring of 2020 and then the front yard this summer. The result is a low-water landscape that looks native to the area with plenty of hardscape to create areas for entertaining.

I have a large, Hispanic family, including our three adult children and six grandkids, Deanna said. When they come, we take up the inside of the house and all the backyard, too. Well have music out here and show movies on the back wall of the house.

The new landscape features several types of gravel, limestone pavers, large stones and even larger boulders. But thanks to the mixing of textures and colors, the judicious use of native, flowering plants and the way the landscape designer took advantage of the lots natural elevation changes, the result is a warm and inviting yard.

On ExpressNews.com:Full renovation of this midcentury ranch home in San Antonios Northwood brought down walls and brought in charm

There are now multiple seating areas, including a fire pit area, a dining table, an area for bird watching and the porch off the back of the house. Much of the ground is covered in Mexican flagstone pavers set in winding courses with small bluish-black gravel, sometimes called shadow stone, filling the space between them.

We chose Mexican flagstone because it has a smoother surface and a cleaner look than the more jagged and rustic of Texas limestone, said the designer Cooper Henk, owner of Skyline Landscaping in New Braunfels. They also contrast nicely with the dark shadow stone.

The yard has several elevation changes, and Henk built thick, heavy stair steps using limestone waterfall rocks, which have an attractive rippled texture created by eons of water coursing over them. To help channel rainwater, he laid down 3- to 5-inch river rock in various shades of brown as a border along the concrete driveway and as flower bed edging.

The landscape of Deanna and Jasper Browns Spring Branch home is dominated by hardscape. But thanks to the mixing of stone textures and colors, and the judicious use of native, flowering plants, the home is warm and welcoming.

Each phase took Henk about three weeks to complete and all told used 150 tons of stone and cost about $44,000 all worth it, the Browns said.

On ExpressNews.com: Historic San Antonio Alta Vista home renovated with new kitchen, artificial turf and new bathroom before arrival of new baby

Deanna said that lighting installed in the large oak trees that surround the backyard cast a soft, enchanting glow over everything. Its beautiful, like a full moon, she said.

But before any of the design work could start, Henk had to build up the backyard elevation by as much as 8 feet. The new yard now extends out from the house by about 25 feet.

Ive been doing this kind of landscaping for about six years, and I love this type of job, he said. We brought in clean fill rocks, dirt and aggregate to raise the ground level and got to do some beautiful work.

While most of the hardscape had to be brought in, Henk made use of the multitude of rocks already on the lot for several low rock walls on the slope for erosion control and used larger boulders in retaining walls and as walkway edging.

The fire pit surrounded by chairs is one of the many outdoor seating areas in the back of this Spring Branch Home.

You see that one there? he asked, pointing to a boulder measuring about 5 feet high and 4 feet wide. Moving something that large on a hillside, youre afraid its going to get away from you. Made things very interesting.

In the front of the house, he used large swaths of different colored stone, with long, sweeping borders between them, to dramatic effect. We wanted something as pretty in the front as it is in the back, Deanna said. And we didnt want it to look like something everyone else in the neighborhood had.

On ExpressNews.com: Century-old Fredericksburg house gets updated with two-story great room, attached guest house, even an elevator

Still, when Henk first suggested the design, Deanna had her doubts. I thought, mixing different colored rocks? Yikes, thats crazy, she said.

Henk said, I rarely say to a client, Trust me. But thats what I did.

The yard fronting the street is covered in 1 -inch washed limestone gravel, the white tying the landscape to the house while also contrasting nicely with the river rock browns and the bluish shadow stone Henk also used. These, in turn, highlight the wide strip of green grass that runs directly in front of the house.

When it rains the white rocks turn a different color, more grays, Deanna said. Its very pretty. I love it.

Several of the original mountain cedars, trimmed to look like trees, provide some vertical interest while still allowing the house be visible from the street. And the front yard is planted with a variety of native, drought-tolerant greenery, including red yucca, agave, muhly grass, several varieties of cactus, Texas sage, some succulents, garlic, rosemary and salvia.

Were seeing lots of hummingbirds and butterflies and all the birds you can name, Brown said. Its phenomenal. Were extremely happy.

rmarini@express-news.net | Twitter: @RichardMarini

More here:
Spring Branch homes total Texas Hill Country xeriscape landscape renovation created many outdoor entertainment areas - San Antonio Express-News

KENNEBUNK Homeowners, motorists and others will have noticed some work at the sea wall between Boothby Road and Narragansett Point began a week ago.

Large boulders are being replaced with bigger boulders part of the project to repair damage caused by storms.

The project involves of replacement of 1,065 feet of stone revetment and associated restoration of the sidewalk and road.

Director of Community Development and town engineer Chris Osterrieder told the select board Jan. 26 that the work schedule is driven by tide cycles, and is expected to continue until late April.

A portion of Beach Avenue in the area is reduced to one lane and is controlled by traffic signals.

The select board on Nov. 10 approved a bid by BREX Corp. of Kennebunk for $820,000, the bulk of which will be paid by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Kennebunks portion of the project is $82,000. The state picks up $123,000 of the tab.

BREX Corp. delivered the lowest of eight bids for the project. The most expensive bid came in at $2.1 million.

Another project, at Goochs Beach, is targeted to start in mid-February, Osterrieder said.

The $1.4 million Goochs Beach project involves replacement of 620 feet of timber sea wall with a steel sheet pile wall and associated restoration of the sidewalk and roadway. The town is responsible for about 10 percent of the cost.

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Middle Beach retaining wall project is underway - Portland Press Herald - pressherald.com

Wednesday, February 03, 2021

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KINGSTON, Jamaica Cabinet gave approval for the award of a contract in the amount of $187,662,532 to N F Barnes Construction and Equipment Company Limited for the construction of a retaining wall along Gordon Town Road, St Andrew.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information Fayval Williams made the disclosure at a Post-Cabinet Press Briefing today.

The roadway collapsed during heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Eta in November 2020, which left many residents marooned.

While touring the area shortly after the heavy rains, the Prime Minister indicated that it would cost the Government $200 million to effect repairs to the road, Minister Williams said.

The approval of this contract means that work will begin post haste and once complete, residents will be able to utilise the corridor, she noted.

Cabinet also sanctioned the award of a contract to Health Brands Limited in the amount of $331,603,157 for the provision of X-ray films and chemicals to the National Health Fund (NHF) for a period of two years on an as-needed basis.

Approval was also given for the provision of laboratory services within the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) for a period of three years to Lasco Distributors Limited, in the amount of US$3,719,297.46 and a contract to GraceKennedy Payment Services Limited for the provision of coin collection services, on behalf of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), for a period of one year beginning February 1, 2021, in the amount of $63,344,875.

Cabinet further agreed to the variation of contract in the amount of US$540,000, by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), to Finn Partners for the provision of global public relations services for a six-month period from October 2020 to March 2021.

Meanwhile, staff at the National Water Commission (NWC) will receive new uniforms following Cabinet's award of a contact in the amount of $96, 042,348 to Designs by Marc Limited, for supply and delivery.

Cabinet also gave approval for the work on the Barron Hill to Samuel Prospect Transmission Main replacement, in the amount of $200,596,875 to Bacchus Engineering Works Limited.

The project falls under phase one of the Dornoch and Greater Dornoch Water Supply Rehabilitation and Upgrading Project Trelawny/St Ann.

Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime, anywhere. The Jamaica Observer ePaper is available to you at home or at work, and is the same edition as the printed copy available at http://bit.ly/epaper-login

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Contract approved for construction of retaining wall along Gordon Town Road - Jamaica Observer

ANDERSON, S.C. (WSPA) The South Carolina Law Enforcement Divisions investigative report on a deputy-involved shooting in Anderson provides more details about the experiences of the deputies and teenager involved.

A 16-year-old girl was shot by deputies five times on August 11, 2020, according to her attorneys, but survived. The man she was with, Bryan Hamilton Jr., died after shooting himself in the head, the coroner determined.

Investigators used surveillance video, medical records, probation files, crime scene evidence and interviews to determine what happened on the night of August 11.

The teen told SLED investigators she was in the car with Hamilton, who had recently made a sale of marijuana when he began to flee from law enforcement. She said after they crashed, he yanked her from the car and threatened to kill her if she didnt go with him. She said he grabbed a backpack containing marijuana and a revolver and ran.

Deputies and a K9 searched for them in a wooded area by the Lowes parking lot.

Once the dog indicated they were close, his handler braced himself as if he were entering combat. He told investigators he pulled out his gun as he came around the retaining wall up the steep hill. He said through his military and SWAT training, he knew that the subjects higher advantage point would put him and his colleagues at a great disadvantage.

The teen said she and Hamilton hid in the woods in silence and were lying on their backs when the dog bit her.

Body cam time logs in the SLED report showed seconds later, a shot was heard. Deputies said they believed they were being ambushed and returned fire, with one of the deputies shooting multiple rounds one handed while trying to control the dog leash with the other.

The teen was handcuffed before being treated for her injuries, the report said.

The 16-year-old described Hamilton as psychotic and not afraid to die. Medical records obtained by SLED showed Hamilton struggled with mental health issues.

Records also revealed Hamilton had been facing the possibility of going back to prison at the time, related to his probation for assault and battery and property damage. According to SLED, records showed he had been previously been charged with possession of marijuana, domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct with a minor, assault and battery, probation violation, and burglary.

Based on the SLED investigation, the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office found the deputies use of force at the time was appropriate to the situation.

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of that teen. A statement from one of the law firms representing her said they feel strongly that the SLED investigation is consistent with their arguments.

Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride said in a statement they look forward to having the entirety of the evidence provided and heard in a court setting.

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SLED report reveals new details about deputy-involved shooting that injured teen, led to K9s death - WSPA 7News

Department of Public Works Deputy Mayor FitzgeraldIn regards to DPW, it has been a very busy couple of days due to the snow storm. Id like to quickly walk through a timeline of the storm over the last 48 hours.

At 9 PM Sunday night, DPW crews pre-treated the roads. Around 2 AM Monday morning when snow levels reached 4 inches, the DPW crews started plowing. At 4 AM, the full operation of plowing through the night began. At 7 AM we started picking up garbage and recycling as scheduled. Plowing continued all the way through 4 AM this morning so the full operation was going for a minimum of 24 hours; inclusive of the pre-treating, we are looking at somewhere in the neighborhood of 36 hours. This morning, once again, as scheduled we picked up garbage and recycling.

At 8 AM, the team started to do clean-ups of the intersections. It was a tremendous job. The Mayor, myself, Superintendent Ginnane, were out last night looking at all of the work. At 9 PM last night, there was still a lot of work to get done. This morning you could see the difference that was made. I would just like to point out that it is not just the roads that the Village is responsible for. It is also all of the properties, the sidewalks around the properties, the pocket parks, the Library and obviously the Firehouses, which are very important spots.

I think this storm as I was out driving around last night, that one of the biggest differences I noticed was there were hardly if any, cars on the street. That made a really big difference for the teams that are plowing, and that will make a bigger difference if there is another storm behind this storm. They were able to open up the roads to allow the residents to transverse the roads but more importantly the emergency vehicles.

There is still plenty of work to be done. They called it night a little while ago. They will be out there tomorrow morning. I really want to give a sincere thank you to the entire department for working the last 36 hours for getting the Village to where it is now. And especially a big thank you to DPW Superintendent Kevin Ginnane for orchestrating the entire operation great job. Thank you.

Recreation Department Trustee PombonyoWith February comes the start of our Winter Session II Youth, Adult and Senior Recreation Programs. Get fit and have fun with indoor, outdoor and virtual classes aerobics, yoga, zumba and tennis, to name a few. Register on February 10th and 11th at the Rec Center. See the flyer that comes in your mail or on the Village of Floral Park, Recreation Department website. For information and assistance, call 326-6336.

Conservation Society Trustee PombonyoSave the dates for the global Great Backyard Bird Count right here in our very own Centennial Gardens on Friday, February 12th, noon to 4 pm; Saturday, Feb. 13, noon to 1 pm; and Sunday, February 14th, 1 to 2 pm.

Come to the main gate on Floral Parkway and join your neighbors and friends to see and hear local ornithology expert and enthusiast Don Haug tell the fascinating stories of the many species of birds who call Centennial Gardens home or stop there during their travels. If youre a child or teen, bring your camera and enter your favorite bird photo in our Great Backyard Bird Count contest. To learn more about this very special event, check the beautiful Floral Park Centennial Gardens Facebook page, the Conservation Society website at fpgarden.org and the global website at birdcount.org for fabulous facts and photos.

Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce and Our Businesses Trustee PombonyoRegarding the September 27th fire follow-up, please refer to the Village of Floral Park website Village News for a January 27th Building Department summary of recent fire restoration activity. As of now, the asbestos abatement has been completed. Mondays snowstorm may delay debris clean-up until the contractors once again have safe access to the buildings. As the interior debris is fully removed, the property owners architects will continue to work with Renee Marcus, our Building Department Superintendent, to develop plans for the future use of the property, the details of which remain uncertain until the viability of the remaining parts of the structure is fully assessed.

And, today, as we all get back to normal after the big snowstorm and thank our Village DPW staff for spending over thirty-six hours clearing snow from our streets, visit our local businesses. You wont have to drive very far to SHOP, DINE AND TAKE OUT LOCAL. Enjoy winter in the Village of Floral Park, its beautiful!

Fire Department Trustee ChengThank you to DPW for the snow removal at all of the Village Firehouse. The Fire Department calls for the month of January were Rescue-92; rest of Department-24. As a reminder, if there is a fire hydrant in front of your house, please clear snow in a three (3) foot radius of the hydrant and create a path from the street to the hydrant. Every second counts in responding to a fire. The officer and the chauffeur may not know the location of the nearest hydrant and even if they do, members have to waste valuable time to dig out the hydrant. If the nearest hydrant on your block has not been dug out, please adopt that hydrant and do the job your neighbor couldnt or wouldnt. This act might save you or your neighbors.

Third Track & LIRR Trustee ChengBird netting will be installed underneath the newly modified Plainfield Avenue Bridge this month. Intermittent lane closures will be necessary to facilitate this work. Crews are continuing the process of testing the new Floral Park Station elevators to ensure complete functionality and that safety requirements are met. The elevators are expected to be open for public use this winter.Retaining wall construction is underway along the Hempstead Branch, from Tunnel Street heading east into the sump along the north side of the tracks. This retaining wall is being installed to support new railroad switches on the Hempstead Branch and will allow trains to move from track to track more easily. Throughout the month of February, crews will continue to set steel posts, pour concrete, and set wall panels along the right-of-way. Retaining wall construction is beginning along the right-of-way, on the south side of the tracks, from Carnation Avenue to Childs Avenue. As a result, Atlantic Avenue, between Carnation Avenue and Childs Avenue, will be limited to local traffic only for the duration of this activity. Permanent wooden utility poles have been installed along the railroad right-of-way throughout the Village of Floral Park. Crews will safely relocate cables from temporary poles to permanent poles. Once utility lines have been relocated, temporary utility poles will begin to be removed throughout the Village. Intermittent lane closures may be necessary in order to facilitate this work and heavy construction equipment including cranes, bucket trucks, and more will be utilized.I am very thankful for our creative library staff for their continued efforts, constantly offering new activities to our community during these times. They are really showing their talents and abilities, by keeping connected to our community, encouraging us to stay active and vibrant. Continue to check the Library website http://www.floralparklibrary.org and Facebook page for current events and programs.

Police Department Trustee ChiaraOur Police Department continues to increase traffic enforcement efforts to keep our streets safe and to help with a reduction of vehicle accident. Recently the Department conducted a Truck Safety Inspection where 75 summonses were issued. Hopefully this will send a strong message that unsafe trucks will not be tolerated in our Village.

Last year Governor Cuomo directed all Police Departments in New York State to conduct an inclusive process as part of the New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative. We here in the Village of Floral Park formed a committee, a cross sections of individuals who are representative of our community. The committee, with the assistance of guidelines issued by the State, has met a number of times. During these meetings the members discussed the Floral Park Police Departments current policies and practices relative to how they meet the needs of our community. A draft document is being created that will eventually be ratified and adopted by our local government, then submitted to the State.

Most importantly, BEFORE, being ratified and submitted to the State, this draft document will be distributed to our residents for review and input. Our residents will have the opportunity to make comments, recommendations, and ask questions concerning the Villages Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative. Residents who wish to participate will be able to do so by sending in their comments, suggestions or questions to the committee via an established email address. There will also be a meeting scheduled for an open forum to discuss the presented document.

I would like to encourage all residents to take some time to read this draft document and participate in the process. It is a good opportunity to learn about how our Police Department is currently performing their duties and how they interact with our community. All recommendations, questions and comments are welcome.

Library Trustee ChiaraThe library is encouraging all its patrons to continually check their Library homepage for updates on their offered programs. New and exciting program are scheduled throughout the month. The Library will be closed on Presidents Day, February 15, 2021.

Mayors Report Mayor LongobardiMayor Longobardi thanked the Floral Park Department of Public Works, Fire Department, Police Department and Village staff for their outstanding efforts during the storm. This coordinated response kept the residents safe and sound, the roads open, and the ability to provide emergency response up to par. Accomplishing this is no easy feat and takes a lot of effort and tireless dedication by all officers and employees involved. It is still snowing as I speak, and again thank you to everyone for an amazing job. Thank you and stay safe.

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Floral Park Board of Trustees reports Feb. 2 - The Island Now

District 47 - West TN NorthernDYER COUNTY, SR-3 (US-51): The repair of bridges on US 51 (SR 3) over SR 211 in Dyersburg will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project. *Speed limit has been reduced to 55 MPH.

DYER COUNTY, SR-3 (US-51): The repair of bridges on US 51 (SR 3) over the South Fork Forked Deer River will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project. *Speed limit has been reduced to 55/45 MPH.Restrictions: Beginning January 25, 2021, Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction with a 12 6 lane restriction.

DYER COUNTY, SR-20: The repair of bridge on US 412 (SR 20) over Hogwallow Road will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project. *Speed limit has been reduced to 55 MPH

GIBSON COUNTY, SR-43 (Non-TDOT work):Wednesday, February 3, 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: There will be a temporary lane closure to cut asphalt, remove and replace with 33c crushed stone temporary based (left overnight).

Thursday, February 4, 7:00 a.m.4:00 p. m.: There will be a temporary lane closure to excavate for the point repair and complete repair, backfill with TDOT No. 57 crushed stone and 33c base (left overnight)

Friday, February 5, 11:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.: There will be a possible temporary lane closure for asphalt repair.

HENDERSON COUNTY (New Lexington By-Pass): The grading, drainage, construction of bridges and retaining walls, signals and paving on US 412 (SR 459) from US 412 (SR 20) west of Lexington to near SR 22 south of Lexington. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway.

HENRY COUNTY, SR-54: The grading, drainage, construction of bridges, retaining wall and paving on SR 54 from near Rison Street to near Smith Road. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway. *Speed limit has been reduced to 35 MPH.

OBION COUNTY, Future I-69 (Phase 3): Grading, drainage, construction of bridges and paving on future I-69 from west of SR 21 to US 51 (SR 3) will cause possible lane closures throughout the project.

Tuesday, October 13, 2020: Bethlehem Road north from Clifford Rives Road to Lindenwood Road will be closed. Claude Tucker Road north from Cloys Road to Section Line Road will be closed. Detour routes are posted.

WEAKLEY COUNTY, US 45E (SR-43): The repair of bridge on US 45E (SR 43) over the North Fork Obion River and Overflow will cause possible temporary lane closures throughout the project.

TDOT District 47 MAINTENANCE:

Wednesday, February 3 through Wednesday, February 10, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be possible lane closures at various locations in Region IV in order to repair pavement on an as needed basis.

District 48 - West TN Middle/Southern

CROCKETT COUNTY, SR-20 (US 412) (Non-TDOT work):

Wednesday, February 3 through Wednesday, February 10, 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: There will be possible lane closures on SR 20 (US 412) east and westbound in Bells, TN at SR 88, for the installation of a turning lane in the median and shoulder upgrades.

DECATUR COUNTY, I-40: Wednesday, February 3, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: There will be lane closures on I-40 east and westbound in Henderson and Decatur counties MM 95-126 for pothole repair.

HARDIN COUNTY, SR-69: The construction of a Bulb Tee bridge over Doe Creek along with grading, drainage, and paving may cause temporary lane closures on SR 69 at LM 10.06. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway.

HARDIN COUNTY, SR-128: The grading, drainage and paving on SR 128 from south of Pyburns Drive (LM 3.11) to north of SR 226 (Airport Road) (LM 6.54). Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway.

HAYWOOD COUNTY, SR-19 (Brownsville Bypass): The construction of an I-Beam bridge along with grading, drainage, and paving may cause temporary lane closures on SR 19 (Brownsville Bypass) from east of SR 87 to west of Windrow Rd. One lane will remain. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway. Speed limit is reduced to 45 MPH within the project limits. Shaw Chapel and King Road are closed at SR 19 and a detour put in place. Haralson St (Old SR19) will be closed at SR19 Bypass beginning Wednesday 11-4-2020 and a detour put in place.

HENDERSON COUNTY, S.R. 22: The repair of the bridges on S.R. 22 over Big Beaver Creek (L.M. 19.51) and Little Beaver Creek (L.M. 20.01). Restrictions: Beginning February 1, 2020 there will be a 12 width restriction put in place. Motorists should watch for crews and equipment in the roadways. One lane will remain open in both directions.

HENDERSON COUNTY, I-40: Wednesday, February 3, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: There will be lane closures on I-40 east and westbound in Henderson and Decatur counties MM 95.0-126.0 for pothole repair.

MADISON COUNTY, I-40: Thursday, February 4, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: There will be lane closures on I-40 east and westbound in Madison county MM 67.0-95.0 for pothole repair.

MADISON COUNTY, I-40: The widening of I-40 east of US 45 (SR 5) MM 82.0 to east of US 70

(SR 1) MM 87.0 in Jackson, including bridges, retaining walls and installation of TDOT Smartway Intelligent Transportation System.

Wednesday, February 3 through Wednesday, February 10, 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: Campbell St. will be down to one lane in each direction over I-40 for Phase 1 bridge construction activities.

Wednesday, February 3, and Thursday. February 4, 7:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: I-40 east and westbound will have intermittent left and right lane closures from Exit 79 to Exit 82 for hydro blasting and placing of barrier rail.

Sunday, February 7 through Tuesday, February 9, 7:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: I-40 east and westbound will have intermittent left and right lane closures from Exit 79 to Exit 82 for hydro blasting and placing of barrier rail.

Closed until Summer of 2021: Old Henderson Rd. Bridge over I-40 will be closed to thru traffic for Phase 1 bridge demolition activities. Detours will be posted for traffic.

Closed until Summer of 2021: Watson Rd. Bridge over I-40 will be closed to thru traffic for Phase 1 bridge demolition activities. Detours will be posted for traffic.

LOOK AHEAD

Wednesday, February 10 through Wednesday, February 17, 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: Campbell St. will be down to one lane in each direction over I-40 for Phase 1 bridge construction activities.

MADISON COUNTY, SR-186 (US 45 Bypass) and I-40: Interchange improvements on SR 186 (US 45) north and southbound from the I-40 ramps to Old Hickory Blvd for paving and construction of retaining walls. Widening of I-40 from just east of Exit 79 to just east of Exit 82.

Thursday, February 4 and Friday, February 5, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for signal installation activities.

Monday, February 8 through Wednesday, February 10, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for signal installation activities.

LOOK AHEAD

Thursday, February 11 and Friday, February 12, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for signal installation activities.

Monday, February 15 through Wednesday, February 17, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for signal installation activities.

Monday, February 15 through Wednesday, February 17, 8:00 p.m.6:00 a.m.: I-40 east and westbound will have intermittent left and right lane closures from mile marker 79 to mile marker 82 for overhead sign installation.

MADISON COUNTY, SR-198 (East Chester) (Non-TDOT work):

Wednesday, February 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.: There will be a temporary lane closure on SR 198 eastbound between Belmont Avenue and Lenoir Street for sewer work.

TDOT District 48 MAINTENANCE:

Wednesday, February 3 through Wednesday, February 10, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be possible lane closures at various locations in Region IV in order to repair pavement on an as needed basis.

HQ BRIDGE REPAIR AND INSPECTION:

Wednesday, February 3, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: There will be temporary closures on SR-1 (US 70) east and west bound for deck sounding at LM 26.89.

District 49 - West TN Southwest

FAYETTE COUNTY, I-40:

February 4, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: There will be a temporary lane closure I-40 eastbound near

SR-196 for bridge deck repair.

FAYETTE COUNTY, SR-196: The repair of bridge over Shaw Creek will cause a lane closure with temporary traffic signal near MM 7.0.

SHELBY COUNTY, I-40 & I-240: ITS Preventative Maintenance Contract lane and ramp closures to install overhead signs.

LOOK AHEAD:

Friday, February 12, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be nighttime ramp closures in Shelby County to install overhead signs at the I-240 northbound EXIT 31 to I-40 westbound and the I-240 northbound EXIT 31 On ramp from Madison Ave to I-40 westbound. Traffic will be detoured via Exit 2 to Chelsea Ave during operation.Weather Permitting.

Friday, February 12, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be intermittent lane closures on I-40 east and westbound between MM 1.0 and MM 2.0 for installing overhead signs. Traffic will be reduced to one lane westbound. Weather Permitting.

SHELBY COUNTY, SR-14: The grading, drainage, construction of concrete Bulb-Tee and I-beam bridges, signals and paving on SR 14 from east of Old Covington Pike to SR 385 will cause possible lane closures throughout the project. *Speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH.

SHELBY COUNTY, SR-14: Construction on SR 14 for a widening project from SR 385 to east of Kerrville Rosemark Rd. There will be possible temporary lane closures throughout the project. Access to SR 14 from McCalla Rd West will be permanently detoured to Donnell Rd. *Speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH.

SHELBY COUNTY, SR-205: The addition of turn lanes on SR 205 (Airline Rd) from Brooks River Drive to south of I 40 will have lane closures throughout the project.

Thursday, February 4 through Wednesday, February 10, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be intermittent lane closures on SR 205 north and southbound from Brooks River Drive (LM 15.75) to just south of I-40 (LM 16.07) to perform temporary road widening work. There will be one lane traffic with flaggers present at times. *Speed limit has been reduced to 35 MPH. Weather Permitting.

TIPTON COUNTY, SR-59: The Emergency Slide Repair of SR 59 near MM 1.0 will cause a road closure with full detour signed.

TDOT District 49 On-Call Guardrail/Concrete Barrier Rail Repair

Thursday, February 4 through Wednesday, February 10, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: There will be daytime lane closures at various locations on SR 195, MM 3.0-MM 3.4 (Fayette County) and SR 206, MM 2.3 (Tipton County.) One lane will be closed. Flagmen will be used to direct traffic. Weather Permitting.

Wednesday, February 3 through Tuesday, February 9, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be night time lane closures at various locations on SR 3 (Shelby County), SR 385 (Shelby County), SR 14 (Shelby County), SR 15 (Shelby County), I-40 (Fayette and Shelby Counties), I-269 (Shelby and Fayette Counties), I-55 and I-240. One lane will be CLOSED to repair damaged guardrail. THP will assist with traffic control. Weather Permitting.

Wednesday, February 3 through Tuesday, February 9, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be nighttime ramp closures in Shelby County at the I-55 southbound EXIT 6B to I-240 northbound,

I-240 westbound EXIT 25A to I-55 southbound, and the SR 385 westbound On ramp from Hacks Cross. Weather Permitting.

LOOK AHEAD:

Wednesday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 16, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be nighttime ramp closures in Shelby County at the I-55 southbound EXIT 6B to I-240 northbound,

I-240 westbound EXIT 25A to I-55 southbound, and the SR 385 westbound On ramp from Hacks Cross. Weather Permitting.

TDOT District 49 MAINTENANCEThursday, February 4 through Wednesday, February 10, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be possible lane closures on all interstates and state routes in District 49 for routine maintenance activities on an as needed basis.

TDOT District 49 On-Call Sweeping and Drain Cleaning

Monday, February 8 through Thursday, February 11, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be nighttime lane closures on I-240 north and southbound from I-40 (MM 13.0 to MM 26.0) and I-40 east and westbound from Summer Avenue (MM 11.0) to Germantown Parkway (MM 16.0) for the purpose of drain cleaning. Weather Permitting.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at http://www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel or for West Tennessee follow https://twitter.com/NicLawrenceTDOT.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

In 2016, the Tennessee Department of Transportation lost three workers in the line of duty. All three were struck by passing motorists. Those tragedies bring the total number of TDOT lives lost to 112. We dont want to lose another member of our TDOT family. Were asking you to WORK WITH US. Click on the WORK WITH US logo to learn more.

Read the rest here:
West Tennessee Weekly Construction February 3-10, 2021 - tn.gov

ANDERSON, S.C. (WSPA) The South Carolina Law Enforcement Divisions investigative report on a deputy-involved shooting in Anderson provides more details about the experiences of the deputies and teenager involved.

A 16-year-old girl was shot by deputies five times on August 11, 2020, according to her attorneys, but survived. The man she was with, Bryan Hamilton Jr., died after shooting himself in the head, the coroner determined.

Investigators used surveillance video, medical records, probation files, crime scene evidence and interviews to determine what happened on the night of August 11.

The teen told SLED investigators she was in the car with Hamilton, who had recently made a sale of marijuana when he began to flee from law enforcement. She said after they crashed, he yanked her from the car and threatened to kill her if she didnt go with him. She said he grabbed a backpack containing marijuana and a revolver and ran.

Deputies and a K9 searched for them in a wooded area by the Lowes parking lot.

Once the dog indicated they were close, his handler braced himself as if he were entering combat. He told investigators he pulled out his gun as he came around the retaining wall up the steep hill. He said through his military and SWAT training, he knew that the subjects higher advantage point would put him and his colleagues at a great disadvantage.

The teen said she and Hamilton hid in the woods in silence and were lying on their backs when the dog bit her.

Body cam time logs in the SLED report showed seconds later, a shot was heard. Deputies said they believed they were being ambushed and returned fire, with one of the deputies shooting multiple rounds one handed while trying to control the dog leash with the other.

The teen was handcuffed before being treated for her injuries, the report said.

The 16-year-old described Hamilton as psychotic and not afraid to die. Medical records obtained by SLED showed Hamilton struggled with mental health issues.

Records also revealed Hamilton had been facing the possibility of going back to prison at the time, related to his probation for assault and battery and property damage. According to SLED, records showed he had been previously been charged with possession of marijuana, domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct with a minor, assault and battery, probation violation, and burglary.

Based on the SLED investigation, the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office found the deputies use of force at the time was appropriate to the situation.

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of that teen. A statement from one of the law firms representing her said they feel strongly that the SLED investigation is consistent with their arguments.

Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride said in a statement they look forward to having the entirety of the evidence provided and heard in a court setting.

More:
SLED investigative report reveals new details about deputy-involved shooting that injured teen and led to K9s death - WSPA 7News

A new initiative supports Black artists and racial equity.

Art is a means to an end, says Marshall Shorts. While many remember the Harlem Renaissance for its poetry and portraiture, Shorts recalls the artistic movement as a direct response to the brutality Blacks faced in the U.S. Whenever there is turbulence, Black people have historically responded with culture, says Shorts, a Columbus-based artist.

To that end, during a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global protests ignited by the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Shorts conceived the Deliver Black Dreams initiative to foster creativity and support Black artists. In response to despairing times, Shorts says, art can give the community hope. Its not just, lets make something pretty, lets tell these stories. Our art is a call to action, says Shorts, the lead artist of Deliver Black Dreams, which is spearheaded by the Maroon Arts Group and supported by the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the city of Columbus.

Deliver Black Dreams amplifies several art projects created by Black artists in Central Ohio. This includes the preservation of Art Unites Cbus murals, art painted on plywood that protected Downtown buildings during the racial justice protests in the spring and summer of 2020. In addition, at least three large-scale murals highlighting the initiative will be directed and painted by Black artists from the community.

Conversation is one of the most important roles that public art plays in our community, says Jami Goldstein, vice president of marketing, communications and events for GCAC. Weve long positioned ourselves as a convener, collaborator and connector in the community. A huge part of that is financially through grants, but also by giving voice to artists as they seek to be a catalyst for change and dialogue.

The initiatives first project was completed in Novembera 5,000-square-foot mural with the words Deliver Black Dreams, Its for All of Us amid a bouquet of rainbow-colored fists. Funding by Deliver Black Dreams allowed for six Black artists to be paid at scale for the project, located on a Fifth Avenue retaining wall leading into the Milo-Grogan neighborhood. Artist LisaMcLymont, who designed the mural and led the mural team, says that the Black art community is broad and talented, but rarely gets opportunities to do large, highly visible projects.

I would like to see Black art coveted in the larger community as much as art by others,McLymontsays. That is shifting for me and a few others, but Id really like to see this happening for more Black artists of all ages and interests.

Though Black artists are being commissioned in response to the events of 2020, the art world is still mostly composed of white voices. Eighty-five percent of the art hanging in the nations top museums is by white artists, according to a 2019 study by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Association of Art Museum Directors. Shorts says Deliver Black Dreams will offer programs and opportunities that create a pipeline of Black talent.

I would love to see a line item on the city budget called Deliver Black Dreams, Shorts says. The logic is if you free the least amongst us, everybody in the broad spectrum is liberated, too. But its something that all of us have to take part in, not just Black people.

Excerpt from:
Replacing the Columbus Statue: Deliver Black Dreams' Call to Action - Columbus Monthly

By Jack Mayne

City Public Works Director Maiya Andrews updated the Burien City Council Monday night (Feb. 1, 2021) on a Seahurst landslide which started about seven years ago, and now is beginning to undermine the sidewalk. Andrews said Seattle public utilities have a sewer facility and a water facility in the slide area.

We had requested that SPU (Seattle Public Utilities) either take the lead or a good financial portion of the construction of the project. She told Council that never happened, we went back and forth with them for several months.

Fix retaining wallThe Seattle utilities have their own geologists who decided the slide was not an immediate hazard, but Andrews said the slide does need to be fixed in order to maintain access to the park. Andrews said the city is continuing to look at some more natural options but likely the cheapest fix will be a retaining wall using filter tiles.

She said she has asked Seattle utilities to check the slide again but has not heard from them and hopefully well hear from them in the next few weeks.

Right now, its open, we shifted the sidewalk traffic into the street a little bit, we are going to try to fix that up a little more, Andrews said.

Andrews said she hopes to further inform the Council soon.

Private storm drainsShe mentioned another issue that of two homes that we are aware of in the general vacuity of South 124th and 12th Avenue South that have flooded in the last couple of seasons, Andrews told Council. Storm drains in the area are primarily a private system on private property and it has historically existed at that location. The system is private and is to be maintained in that way.

Councilmember Nancy Tosta asked how much of the drainage system is privately owned and Andrews said, actually quite a bit, and the city is evaluating probably a half dozen flooding events. She said three or four of those events maybe even more were related from water flowing through the center of a block or are on private property that we dont have rights to. She added that thats not unusual because the way areas that were once rural are now part of cities.

Once unincorporated, now thrivingSuch events have cropped up in what were formerly unincorporated areas that are now thriving portions of expanding metropolitans.

Its how things developed sometimes, and neighbors are not forced to maintain those sort of things and Andrews said this one is sort of harder than some and has a lot of complexities. Sometimes septic and sewer systems are also involved, she said.

Councilmember Nancy Tosta said the city would be keeping track of such anomalies and get people to work together on these problem. Government Is not going to be able to pay for all of this sort of thing.

Councilmember Cydney Moore asks if the city could assist with some of these problem.

Id be careful said Andrews.

City Attorney Garmon Newsom II said to be wary of getting involved in relationships with private property owners issues.

Its not maybe practical to expect for (city) staff to now, in additional to its actual work, starting to manage the relationships between individuals and he added that frequently residents dont want to hear from us. They just want to do what they want to do.

He suggested the residents dont want to hear from city staff, and that more likely suggestions should come from councilmembers. There have been threats that no one is coming to my property, or else.

Photos of recent flooding in Boulevard Park from Deputy Mayor Krystal Marx Facebook page

Black History MonthThe Burien Council has proclaimed February as Black History Month.

The proclamation said, Black and African American community members in Burien own small businesses, work as educators, and contribute to all essential activities that contribute to Buriens prosperity and quality of life.

Promoted city employees

Continue reading here:
Burien Council hears of Seahurst landslide and of flooding problems due to rainy winter - The B-Town Blog

The reclaimed nature of land, faulty land filling, and lack of basic infrastructure continue to plague the majority of the plots identified for the rehabilitation of families evicted for rail-road connectivity of the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal.

In a preliminary report following an inspection of four out of the seven rehabilitation sites in 2017, an assistant executive engineer of PWD Building Sub Division had admitted to it. Things, alleges Moolampilly Coordination Committee that has been anchoring the cause of evictees, remain more or less same almost four years later.

The report found the plots at Moolampilly were devoid of basic infrastructure like a proper connecting road and that the existing road was too steep for vehicle movement. It also called for strong foundation for any construction on the plots.

The finding was almost similar for the plots at Mulavukad too. Basic infrastructure like road, water, power, and drains were found missing with strong foundation recommended for constructions owing to the reclaimed nature of land. Lack of basic infrastructure ailed the plots at Kothad as well.

The officer also recommended coconut wood piling and granite reinforcement considering the loose nature of land for the construction of a retaining wall for a plot of one of the evictees in Vaduthala.

In Mulavukad, none of the allotted 13 families have so far constructed house for fear of making investments in a lost cause, said Francis Kalathungal, general convener of Moolampilly Coordination Committee. While six out of the 13 families have constructed houses on the plots at Moolampilly, two houses have developed cracks.

Two out of 106 families alone have constructed houses on one of the rehabilitation plots at Thuthiyoor. One of the two houses constructed at another site at Thuthiyoor has developed a crack while the other has tilted discouraging the other 52 families there to undertake construction.

The rehabilitation site at Vaduthala was by far the best among the plots where 42 of the 98 families have constructed houses. In Cheranalloor, three out of the six families and in Kothad, four out of the 15 families have built houses.

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Rehabilitation plots on reclaimed land lack basic infrastructure - The Hindu