Doesnt it always happen that way? Just as Shamyla and Anthony Lando started to enjoy their freshly renovated dream home on a bluff above the Minnesota River, a new job is forcing the family to move from the leafily enchanting Eden Prairie neighborhood that some call Narnia, the fantasy world created by author C.S. Lewis.

Shamyla, an innovative leader in information technology, has already begun working as chief technology officer at Duke Health in Durham, N.C. Husband Anthony, a private banker, will soon follow. In the meantime, hes savoring the sunrises and sweeping panoramic views of the river valley from his bedroom, the deck off the owners suite, the bank of windows on the south side of the house and from as many spots as he can in the 5,184-square-foot house.

In the fall, the views are magnificent as the treetops become this amazing blaze of color, Anthony said, describing images that could have been painted by Monet or Van Gogh. There are not many places like this the amenities, the natural light, the privacy and the spectacular views. To be honest, we kind of want to hold onto it.

There are other houses with views of the river, a flyway for abundant wildlife such as cranes and eagles. But few look out only onto water and trees, not industrial plants or even Valley Fair amusement park.

Our view is all nature no factories or other houses or even people, Shamyla said. Even in the winter, you feel like youre on a ski slope or mountain somewhere. Youre elevated, and its just you and the valley down there.

The house on E. Riverview Drive in Eden Prairie isnt visible from the street. All you see is the long driveway that leads to the 1.64-acre lot. The sense of solitude extends to the siting of the four-bedroom, five-bathroom house that was built in harmony with the trees and is enhanced by the deer, turkeys, foxes, eagles and other fauna that regularly show up.

The Landos bought the house in a short sale nearly five years ago. The previous owners had run into a rough patch, leaving the place in need of serious repair. The new owners replaced the garage floors, redesigned a wall and upgraded all the windows to offer better views of the valley.

They also installed rot-resistant, maintenance-free siding.

The garage has three stalls, but two of them are extra deep, which means that the garage can accommodate five cars or a combination of boat and cars. There also is additional storage under the garage.

The 1987 structure was well-built, the Landos said, with three inches of concrete under the sunroom and steel beams across the house to support the main level.

In engineering and architectural terms, its solid, Anthony said.

Listing agent John Prins, RE/MAX, said that both house and site have made him gaga.

Ive been in this business since 1979, and you dont ever want to fall in love with the inventory but Wow! Prins said. The lot by itself is so spectacular, and then you put a house like this on it.

The only challenge the Landos had at first came from the creatures they liked so much. Deer demolished their hostas and other flora. So they planted deer- and rabbit-resistant foliage. And then they hoped to be able to enjoy their home for a lifetime.

Sitting in the sunroom and looking at the view outside is very calming, Shamyla said. Watching the kids just playing in the yard or sitting around the firepit in the evenings its such a great spot.

Before they bought the house, their extended family had reunions that moved around the country. But that all changed once they visited Minnesota. Everybody always wanted to come here, Anthony said. Theres lots of room for everybody, they love the privacy and the views, and you create some great memories.

John Prins, 612-845-0412, RE/MAX, has the listing.

Read more from the original source:
$1.195M estate in Eden Prairie sits on a bluff with incredible views of the Minnesota River - Minneapolis Star Tribune

New Delhi: The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked the Pakistan naval headquarters not to push for the conclusion of a water-sharing agreement with Afghanistan at present as a dialogue on the topic with the present Afghan government led by President Ashraf Ghani would be detrimental to Islamabads interests as it would open up contentious issues. The ministry has advised the naval headquarters to withhold the matter till the formation of a new political dispensation in Afghanistan.

The foreign ministrys recommendation has also mentioned that the topic (of water sharing) should be avoided as Pakistan is already receiving double the share of its water from Kabul river that originally flows from the Chitral river.

These recommendations, sent to the Pakistan naval headquarters last month, and accessed by The Sunday Guardian, have not identified the new political dispensation that the Pakistan Foreign Ministry is so sure of siding with Pakistans cause in the near future, but it is not rocket science that the Foreign Office is most likely alluding to a Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, which ISI has been pushing for even since the US-Taliban peace deal was signed.

On 7 March, The Sunday Guardian had written that the Taliban, in collaboration with Pakistans ISI, was working on the ground with an objective to remove the present political dispensation (Taliban eye replacing pro-India Ghani in Kabul).

The Foreign Office of Pakistan has also asked the naval office to reconvene the inter-ministerial group, which was constituted in March 2017 to strategize Pakistans national interest in light of Indian projects in Afghanistan, at the earliest to deliberate on the developments.

Strategic observers, who are following the issues, believe that these developments are possible signs of ISI and Taliban making a move to remove the present Afghanistan government in the near future, as India, one of closest allies of Afghanistan, both figuratively and literally, is facing challenges of its own with regards to China.

PAKISTAN COPYING CHINAS SALAMI-SLICING

Pakistan has also resorted to encroaching on territory belonging to Afghanistan along the Durand Line, leading to a war-like situation among the two countries.

The Foreign Ministry of Afghanistan recently lodged a strong protest with Pakistan after it found that 600 square metres of its territory, including a cemetery, has been encroached upon by the Pakistan army, which has now installed barbed wires there to stop Afghans from reclaiming it. This technique of clipping away small pieces of land and announcing it as its own is what China too has been doing for long now.

The Afghanistan government recently found that Pakistan military personnel have encroached on about 500 to 600 square metres of Afghan territory in the area of Sonzi and Warzhala in Tani district of Khost province and have installed barbed wire fencing around the encroached upon area.

With the installation of the barbed wire in the Sonzi area, even the cemetery belonging to the village of Sonzi and the tribes of Tani district of Khost province, has now gone to the other side (Pakistan side) of the Durand Line, The Sunday Guardian has learnt through official documents.

This encroachment, according to official reports, has caused a lot of anger amongst the locals. There was a fear that a conflict would break out in these areas, but this has now been disputed.

MORE TROUBLES FOR KABUL

Signs that troubling times lie ahead for Afghanistan can be gauged from the statement issued by Ambassadors of the European Union in Kabul last week on the escalating violence in the country.

The EU Delegation in agreement with EU Heads of Mission based in Kabul believe the situation has further deteriorated since 29 May when the EU Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers declared the level of violence as unacceptable, the statement reads.

The attacks by the Taliban against Afghan National Defence and Security Forces are undermining the prospect for intra-Afghan negotiations; this must end and a full-fledged ceasefire enter into force. Violence against civilians has also continued. It is a violation of international humanitarian law, which profoundly undermines the confidence and trust necessary for peace negotiations. It appears to be a deliberate attempt to stifle debate in advance of peace negotiations. These crimes need to be investigated and the responsible brought to justice, it further stated.

Here is the original post:
Pak hoping to topple Ghani, install puppet in Kabul - The Sunday Guardian

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. One of the benefits of long summer days around your home is the opportunity to soak up the sun, enjoy the outdoors, cool off in the pool and master one's grilling techniques. The Army Public Health Centers Safety Officer Tim Sank has a few tips to make sure you stay healthy, happy and safe while still having fun in the sun.With COVID-19 concerns keeping some area and community pools closed, more people than ever are buying inflatable pools or installing above-ground or in-ground pools for their homes. According to Marketwatch.com, Amazon sales of inflatable pools and accessories has doubled over 2019 numbers. This can be a great way to beat the heat, but Sank has some critical pool safety tips.If you have a built-in or above-ground pool or hot tub, make certain that the children cant get to it, said Sank. Set water safety rules for your family. Install safety fences between the home and the water feature, and install locks on doors and windows high enough so that a child cant disable them.Sank recommends draining inflatable or wading pools promptly after each use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional deaths in the United States.All it takes is one inch of water for a child to drown, said Sank.Sank recommends taking CPR training, if not certified already, and keeping a phone and first aid kit near the pool.With Independence Day just around the corner, many families may plan to celebrate with some fireworks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates about 9,100 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2018. About 62 percent of those injuries occurred between June 22 and July 22.More than 50,000 fires are caused by fireworks every year, said Sank. Take the proper precautions when operating fireworks. Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks. Dont point sparklers or fireworks at yourself or others, especially while theyre being lit.Before spending a fortune on your personal celebration to independence, ensure fireworks are legal to possess and use in your city and state. The National Council on Fireworks Safetys website is a good source of information on state fireworks laws. You should also always ask your local fire or police department if fireworks are legal in your area.Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire resistant, said Sank. Dont attempt to light multiple devices at the same time, and never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.Sank said sparklers can also cause serious burns because their materials burn at very high temperatures. He recommends keeping a portable fire extinguisher close by, as well as a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.If fireworks malfunction, dont relight them! Douse and soak them with water then throw them away, said Sank.Although fireworks may be legal in your state, there may be reasons, such as a burn ban due to dry weather, why their use is prohibited in some areas. For more information, visit http://www.fireworkssafety.org.Another summer staple for many homeowners is firing up the outdoor grill or barbecue. Sank also has some tips to keep your grilling safe.July is one of the peak months for grilling fires, said Sank. Check gas grill hoses for cracks, holes and leaks, and keep children away from grills. Gas leaks, blocked tubes, and propane tanks can be a cause of grill fires and explosions.According to the National Fire Prevention Association, 10,600 fires are started by home grills every year. They also report 19,700 patients went to the emergency room because of grilling injuries, including 9,500 thermal burns.Sank says never grill indoors, in the garage, in any enclosed area or on a surface that might catch fire. Also, keep the grill at least two feet away from decks, siding, branches and any outdoor equipment that can catch fire quickly. The NFPA has a number of grilling safety tips and videos on their website.The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is also an excellent resource for more home safety information, said Sank.The bottom line is everyone should take time to enjoy the summer and get out of their houses, but following these tips will keep them happy and healthy.

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Army Public Health Center Safety Officer offers tips to keep your home, family safe this summer - United States Army

TOMS RIVER As summer holidays hit, and the coronavirus regulations are eased, the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention is urging everyone to have a safe summer by issuing easy-to-follow tips.

The first topic they wanted to tackle is fireworks. The message is easy: Leave it to the professionals!

State law allows the sale and use of non-aerial fireworks such as hand-held sparklers, smoke devices, and ground-based sparklers. However, even these can be dangerous. The temperature of a small sparkler after ignition is nearly 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, they said.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200 people go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. A third of those who are injured are younger than 15.

The following are tips on using fireworks safely:

State law prohibits the sale and use of any aerial explosives such as bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles.

Grilling Safety

Barbecues are back on the menu, especially since outdoor gatherings are safer these days.

Here are some tips to keep yourself safe:

Water Activity Safety

While were talking safety, this is the time of year for boatingand boating accidents.

Here are some tips for safety near the water:

Here is the original post:
How To Stay Safe Using Fireworks And Grills - Micromedia Publications

A couple just bought this $385,000 Haliburton cottage. Why? The pandemic delayed their wedding

By Jonathan Forani | Photography By Caylen Patience and Matthew Calvin | July 6, 2020

By Jonathan Forani | Photography By Caylen Patience and Matthew Calvin | 07/06/2020

Address: 1152 Spring Valley RdTownship: Minden HillsAgent: Susanne Worona, Blue Cat Realty Inc.Previously sold for: $86,000, in 2014, prior to renovations

A 1,200-square-foot cottage near Haliburton. The two-bed, one-bath bungalow has a recently renovated interior and 100 feet of fishable riverfront.

Caylen Patience, a 34-year-old project manager at Clinton Design; Matt Calvin, a 34-year-old insurance broker at PROLINK:

In 2014, an outdoorsman who builds log homes and runs adventure tours in Northern Ontario bought the property for $86,000. The place was rundown, old-fashioned and in need of an upgrade. So he added a new septic system, installed a fireplace for winter and overhauled the interior. The sellers sister, a Muskoka-based interior designer, suggested he put in pine ceilings and white beadboard walls to give the space a beachy, Cape Cod vibe. In the fall of 2019, he hired an agent and listed the cottage for $399,000, but they were unable to drum up any offers. They took it off the market in January 2020, then built a stone walkway and a new dock once the snow melted, hoping to make it more appealing for buyers.

In early 2020, Matt and Caylen, who own a condo in Regent Park, were preparing for their summer wedding in cottage country. They had a 100-person celebration slated for mid-July, at the Northridge Inn in Sundridge. After two years of saving, they had banked $38,000 to pay for the weekend festivities, which included a welcome bonfire and a brunch for guests. They had already spent $3,000 on save-the-date cards and wedding invitations, with plans to start shopping for suits and rings, when Covid-19 swept across the province.

On March 16, the province prohibited gatherings of more than 50. At the time, Matt and Caylen thought a mid-July wedding for 100 people might still be possible. But as the lockdown tightened, it became clear their wedding would be compromised. Before they officially cancelled the nuptials, Matt suggested they re-invest the money earmarked for the wedding into a cottage. They had discussed getting a cottage to escape the city on weekends as part of their five-year post-wedding plan, and the uncertainty surrounding their wedding gave them a chance to expedite the timeline. But the pandemic had unsteadied the real estate market. They werent sure if the market would crash, or if their jobs were secure enough to see them through the pandemic, which still has no end in sight. It was also unclear whether non-residents were even welcome in cottage country.

In May, despite their doubts, Matt and Caylen decided to start looking at cottages, assuming the wedding would get cancelled. They set a budget of around $400,000 and scanned a range of properties online, from Muskoka to Kawartha Lakes. When they found the listing for the bungalow, they liked the recently renovated interior, particularly the exposed beams in the living room. So, they decided to drive up and check it out. The couple wore masks and gloves while they looked at the place.

Matt grew up cottaging on a lake near Parry Sound, so he was initially hesitant about buying a riverfront property, because it didnt jibe with the typical cottage lifestyle of speedboats and water sports. But boating is permitted on the river, which connects to Gull and Minden Lake. It also cuts through the town of Minden, making it possible to boat into town to get groceries. They took 24 hours to think about it and submitted an offer for $375,000, conditional on a home inspection and financing. The seller countered with $385,000 and they agreed.

Matt and Caylen initially planned to spend weekdays working from home at the property, but have since decided they want to preserve it as a weekend retreat. Eventually, theyd like to buy an aluminum boat with a small motor, to shuttle in and out of town. And they still plan to get married, maybe next year, but might have to scale down the celebration.

Heres the new granite patio. Thats the buyers six-year-old shorkie (shih tzu yorkie mix) named Gus:

The seller painted the original cedar siding grey and built the pressure-treated wood deck, which is about 13 feet by 30 feet:

The deck overlooks the river:

There are laminate floors and white-washed pine ceilings throughout the cottage:

The seller hired contractors to install the propane fireplace. He built the surrounding pine mantel to match the ceilings:

Heres a better look at the the 11-foot ceilings in the open-concept living area:

There are quartz-style laminate counters and pine cabinets in the kitchen:

The kitchen connects to a sunroom, where the buyers plan to add a patio set and propane heater for winter:

Theres beadboard wall panelling throughout:

Heres the master bedroom, which has sliding glass doors that lead to a second deck:

This is the guest room, where the buyers added a desk:

The seller installed a new shower in the bathroom:

After listing the property, the seller added the dock, which is built on metal stands above the water. That way, it doesnt need to be removed in winter when the river freezes.

The seller added new sand to the beach area next to the dock, in order to smoothen out the path. It could function as a boat ramp, too:

Read the original here:
A couple just bought this $385,000 Haliburton cottage. Why? The pandemic delayed their wedding - Toronto Life

A big thank you to first respondersWe are so blessed to live in this community! I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks to the law officers and the firemen of our county, some who helped us some time ago and some who helped us recently.

Some time ago, when we were out of town, a man decided he would camp on our property. We called the Albany County Detention Center to report it. They advised us not to go over there. An officer came to investigate and took him to the center. The man had fashioned a sort of tent out of black plastic. And he had cut 79 branches off our Colorado Blue Spruce Trees (which we had planted when they were 5-7 inches tall). He hung metal cans all around his tent, apparently so he could hear if anyone approached. The inside of the tent was a real mess. We were not in a position (I was in a wheelchair) to clean things up. Subsequently, a law officer came with plastic bags and had the man clean up. This kind officer got the man a ticket and put him on a bus so he could go to a destination he wanted.

And our wonderful firemen! Heartfelt thanks go to them, also! They were/are so vital in our lives! Our 911 calls were answered in minutes! At a crucial time in my life, they came. The law officer remained with me until he knew I was alright. I believe we owe all these wonderful people a debt of gratitude for their service to all the people of Albany County.

Lydia Kercher

Laramie

LPD acted inappropriately in arresting protestersTo the Editor:

I am writing to express my extreme displeasure with the recent strong-arm tactics committed by the Laramie Police Department against peaceful protesters.

First and foremost, the police force was mask-free, and some were not wearing gloves. Yet they were literally in the face of protesters as they grabbed arms and made arrests. No law enforcement officer has a right to potentially expose anyone to COVID-19 or any other disease. The police department must set a good example for the rest of the community and cover their faces any time they interact with the public. Its the only way were going to get a handle on this pandemic.

Furthermore, any short-term inconvenience to people in Laramie driving Grand Avenue is nothing compared to the 400+ years of genocide and racism against non-white people in our nation. We can give these peaceful demonstrators more than a little leeway in expressing their desire to change abusive police forces into the public safety forces they need to become in these times.

Randy Shaw

Cheyenne

Downtown regs would have negative impact on downtownDear Editor:

Many thanks to the Boomerangs Daniel Bendtsen for reporting on the proposed zoning changes ones that could seriously impact downtown Laramie which were forwarded to council by the Planning and Zoning Commission this week. Had he not done so, downtown residents, businesses and property owners might not have been informed before it was too late to oppose them.

These changes would have severe negative impacts on downtown. They would make the faades of a substantial percentage of downtown buildings nonconforming, meaning theyd have to undergo needless, costly changes if a new business moved in. They would prohibit, among other things, walls that were suitable for murals, such as the one on the 100 block of Grand. They would force buildings and storefronts to be drab, making our downtown look rundown and uninteresting.

They would not only fail to require adequate parking in an area with a critical parking shortage but actually outlaw it. Theyd allow developers to scrape off existing structures to build incongruous skyscrapers taller than any existing building depriving neighbors of sunlight, leaving solar collectors in shadow, and blocking line-of-sight wireless Internet connections.

They would even micromanage buildings percentage of window space, hobbling many uses. All this during the COVID-19 pandemic, when businesses can ill afford to be burdened with new regulations.

The process by which the changes were adopted is also suspect. They were tabled earlier this year, then stealthily resurrected in a manner reminiscent of the opening chapter of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy at a meeting where the Chairman was absent. No affected member of the public was sent a notice warning that this was happening.

The fact that this proposal has come this far flying beneath the radar without proper public notice or input demonstrates that Laramies city government must be more open and transparent.

Fortunately, in this case, there is still time to set things right.

All those who support a vibrant, prosperous downtown should show up at the July 7 meeting of the Laramie City Council to oppose these harmful changes to downtown zoning.

Brett Glass

Laramie

County should be careful in considering wind energy developmentLike all counties in Wyoming, Albany County has a comprehensive plan which guides policymakers where growth and various land uses should take place, consistent with the vision and values defined with extensive input from the public and stakeholders. The overarching theme that emerged from this process is that county residents want to keep the county rural, conserving its traditions and character, supporting agriculture, wildlife, habitat, and scenic vistas.

The plan mentions over and over the importance of assuring agricultural and rural identities remain intact by preserving and protecting open landscapes. It declares Albany Countys natural beauty and landscape are its prized assets and claims its rich physical landscapes with their visual amenities and natural resources as highly valued by both residents and visitors. It acknowledges degradation of these resources as a leading negative consequence of development, potentially dissuading the location of new businesses. It recognizes the increasingly rare and unique amenity of dark night skies and the importance of preserving the countys cultural resources. The countys observatories and recognized cultural resources are located in the southern part of the county, along with 80% to 90% of the countys rural population. It mentions the threat to existing scenic vistas on highway corridors, particularly mentioning those front door corridors in southern Albany County as being encroached.

The plan also specifically acknowledges the challenges to growth in the southern part of the county, and the need to pay particular attention to development there. Indeed, it is different from the north half where three industrial wind farms will occupy over 100,000 acres, on single ranches as large as 55,000 acres.

The introduction to the plan presents the huge challenge for policymakers in assuring development is in accordance with the wishes of its residents when it states, each persons decision on how to use their property potentially affects the properties and quality of life of others, and sometimes many others..thus the pattern of development you approve influences quality of life, health, safety and welfare, and cost to the public in the present and in the future. Please guide us prudently during deliberations on wind siting.

Ruth Sommers

Tie Siding

Commissioners should reject wind development in countyThe city and county commissioners are enamored by the proposed wind turbine project. We could solve all of these wind turbine issues by building the turbines in the city and/or within a two-mile range. We can put them along the river walk trail, in city parks, university property, Ninth Street, etc. Its a win for everyone.

I just read in the editorial the other day, people in the city dont expect to have a view and are happy without one and that wind turbines are benign. Locating these turbines in the city and surrounding area will save the 287 corridor from carnage; the wind turbines will no longer intrude and harm our local ecosystem. Being within arms reach of the city limits would go a long way to save insects, birds and animals the turbines cause harm and death . If I kill an eagle, I get a big fine along with other severe consequences, wind turbine can kill eagles all day long (our national symbol) and nothing happens to them. Its so bad that the government had to give wind turbines special exemptions on environmental laws. Altamont Pass Ca. turbine killed 2,900 golden eagles. BUT- before you erect these monsters, be aware that these wind turbines create more of a carbon foot print then existing energy sources, much more. Wind turbines create more carbon dioxide emissions in their manufacture, installation and operational life, than their operational life can ever recover.

These hideous land tumors will create at a minimum 242 tons of CO2 each. Ask yourself, what am I getting out of this? Absolutely nothing! The county is sniveling about not having enough money. Welcome to the real world. Do what the rest of us do. Learn to manage your money better. The good news is that its election time and we can vote in people that care about community and our ecosystem more than lining their own pockets. The commissioners are by law supposed to be unbiased. Clearly, they are not.

Carson Aanenson

Laramie

People of hospice express gratitudeWe would like to take this opportunity to recognize the generosity and resilience of this Laramie Community. Hospice of Laramie recently hosted the Annual Community Memorial Service for those whose loved ones passed away over the course of the past year. It is Hospice of Laramies intention to support and nurture those in mourning through the grief process. This memorial service and the generosity expressed toward it, serve as a foundation of hope, meaning, and community.

This service would not have been possible without the generosity of Killian Florist, Altitude Chophouse and Brewery, Caleb and Adam from Whitewater Christian Church and the many volunteers that gave their time to this important event.

We are very grateful for the depth of support from this beautiful community as we strive to serve it.

Thank you,

Hospice of Laramie

Wearing a mask is the right thing to doThis is the Cowboy State. The cowboy could be recognized by his boots, chaps, hat and bandanna. None of these were fashion statements--they were all functional. He wore the bandanna to keep from breathing in trail dust.

A lot of people dont believe in wearing functional protective gear these days. No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service is fine but they go ballistic if asked to wear a facial mask to slow the spread of coronavirus--to protect their own health, that of others.

This is a public health issue. We are all in this together, and working together will get us out of this quicker than the current chaotic response. If our water was contaminated, wed boil it. If there were a large fire, wed wear masks to protect our breathing. Why is this different? The only difference is that Trump has politicized it--to him, wearing a mask means someone is not loyal to him, not that they are taking the response recommended by medical and public health experts. Face it, to Trump, everything is about him, not the good of the American people. Nero had his fiddle; Trump has his golf clubs.

Some people dont want to believe the science or common sense in this situation. They believe in science when it gives them goodies like electricity, indoor plumbing, vehicles, devices, etc. but not when it comes to protecting health. Id bet you dollars to donuts theyll become believers if they contract the virus and are sucking for air; theyll want those scientifically developed ventilators and medical treatments in a heartbeat. Theyll lose that defiant bravo.

Start using common sense. Believe science. Do your part to stop this disease as soon as possible. Cowboy up and wear your bandanna or mask and do social distancing.

Carol Smith

Laramie

Senate candidate responds to letterWyoming faces a potential $2.8 billion budget deficit fueled by the COVID-19 crisis and significant revenue shortfall from oil and gas royalties on public lands. As your state senator for District 10, let me be clear: I will not cut education spending and will not raise taxes in Wyoming because its not possible to tax the state out of debt. Wyomingites need legislators that are not looking to that the position, volunteer for a budget cutting committee and be served lunch in the process because this is nothing more than adult daycare.

Wyoming needs a candidate with two decades of experience working in the global private sector for a $416 billion technology company that all Wyomingites use and is known as a Visa card. I retired from Visa at age 50, received my pension and their investment in over $3 million in global business training. There are companies out there in our nation that cannot currently run at their full potential because of the unrest in the location of their company headquarters and need to be offered a solution to move here.

Fifteen minutes after I take the oath of office as your state senator, I will be on a plan to Seattle to speak to the CEOs in person with delegates from the Laramie hotel and real estate segments. I will offer CEOs of Seattle-based companies a way forward to join the Wyoming economy.

My goal as your senator is to bring new jobs to all segments of the Wyoming economy. In closing, I would just like to respond to Mr. Buchanan and my opponents by saying that you all forgot Cowboy Code principle no. 1: Live each day with courage.

Craig Malmstrom

Laramie

Its time for Albany County to update wind energy regsSeveral letters to this paper regarding industrial wind regulations recently have mentioned that no one is entitled to preserve the view at anothers expense. This is generally true (some states require wind farms to avoid despoiling the view, using setbacks and other tools). Since the view is a way of expressing how beautiful a community is, the view is something we all should have an interest in protecting.

But although the degradation of the view is a problem it is not the issue here. Not at present, anyway. What is at issue is that Albany County should adopt regulations appropriate to protect residents against the impact of a modern industrial wind facility that may be placed in their neighborhoods. Wind technology has changed a great deal in the more than 10 years since Albany Countys regulations were written, and a great deal more is known about the damage these facilities do to those unfortunate enough to live near them. It is important to remember that developers are not the only people with property rights that need protecting.

Regulations (zoning) are used to separate uses that are incompatible. Zoning also is used to prevent new development from interfering with existing uses and/or to preserve the character of a community. Albany Countys outdated wind zoning needs to reflect these goals.

Its not hard to be taken in by inflated promises of free money, jobs, and future tax revenues, so its important to be aware of the problems brought on by modern industrial wind developments before decisions are made about where and how they should be sited. A brief Internet search will acquaint you with these problems and the various remedies that other places have used to deal with them. Albany Countys zoning is in sore need of an update if the homeowners and businesses in the county are to be protected from the many known adverse impacts resulting from these developments.

Sincerely,

Mary F. Moore

Tie Siding

Quick shout out

to all the great

tenants in LaramieA few days ago I found myself in a tight spot. Forget the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 disruption. Forget some of the tenants leasing my properties fell ill but were not sick enough nor old enough to get a test. Forget their job losses and the subsequent drop in revenue for my family.

Do mind this: in November (2019) a young man approached me about leasing a property this summer. He reached out, was proactive, a true gentleman. I dont know much about him personally, but his actions speak louder than words. If you are a landlord in Laramie you no doubt appreciate a situation like this: tenant approaches you with time to build a rapport helping coordinate the smooth exit of an existing tenant (whom also possesses the same integrity as this young man who approached me last November).

Fast forward to now.

I had to tell the young gentleman who reached out early that we had to cancel his take over of the lease because the current resident is stuck with nowhere else to go. Incidentally that tenant is slated to join the Marine Corps, but even the Marines arent moving too fast in this COVID-19 Disruption.

And you know what? The young gentleman accepted my decision to cancel our plans with utmost respect and understanding-even though he was getting the short end of the stick, and believe you me, I am working with this young gentleman to find a good spot in the great Laramie community.

So, thank you. Thank you to all the great tenants in Laramie (especially all you students out there bettering yourself through education so you may better the world). #GOWYO!

Marko Ruble

Cody

Kudos to council for work on policingEditor:

I write to applaud the thoughtful commitment of the Laramie City Council as they grapple with the community policing issues highlighted by recent events in Minneapolis and too many other cities across the country.

Yes, we must demand a better response to our concerns than, Thank you very much for your comments; well get back to you in 50 years. And that takes sustained pressure.

At the same time, What?, Weve been protesting for three weeks now and you still havent rolled back 400 years of systemic racism! is a pretty tall order.

We can all see that policing should be more about community service than a show of brute force. Where improvement is necessary, let us identify and vigorously pursue opportunities for better police recruitment, training and accountability (and find the money to make that happen).

Citizens of Laramie should appreciate that this is as progressive a council as weve had in decades. The opportunity for constructive engagement has rarely been better. Let us cultivate that opportunity rather than venting our indignation.

And as we celebrate the birth of our country this Fourth of July, let us embrace the political activism that got us here. Thank goodness the Founders recognized that protest is patriotic. We honor their legacy by holding ourselves and our representatives to high standards.

Strive on,

Bern Hinckley

Laramie

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July 5: Letters to the Editor | Letters To Editor | laramieboomerang.com - Laramie Boomerang

Wildfire season is not going to wait for the COVID-19 pandemic to subside. After a winter of lackluster rainfall, Northern California is facing a worse-than-average outlook.

Preparing for these inevitable fires is extra important right now. First responders and emergency managers this year will not only have to cope with the already difficult task of addressing wildfires that have burned increasingly out of control in the age of climate change, but also do it in the midst of a public health emergency the nation has not seen the likes of in 100 years

In a sign of the increasing difficulty that fire protection now poses, Cal Fire is asking people to self-certify their compliance with defensible space requirements. "With COVID-19 restrictions limiting Cal Fires ability to conduct annual defensible space inspections this year, property owners are urged to conduct a Defensible Space Self-Assessment," the agency said in a press release.

Anthony Gossner, chief of the Santa Rosa Fire Department, during a virtual town hall stressed the importance of self-sufficiency. He said that during emergencies residents should not assume local governments can handle all their needs, because there's just not enough of us to do it. So we really rely on folks to be in a position to help their neighbors and help themselves... ."

Fire preparedness is multifaceted. Here are some guidelines and advice to get you ready.

Prepare the Outside of Your Home

If you live in a fire-prone area, sometimes called the wildland urban interface, creating whats called defensible space is an important way to slow the spread of fires, increasing the chance of your homes survival. Think of defensible space as a buffer zone, free of anything likely to catch fire.

Cal Fire asks homeowners to think about two zones of defensible space. The first extends 30 feet from homes, outbuildings and decks:

Zone 2 extends from the end of Zone 1 to 100 feet out from your home, structures and deck:

Find detailed instructions at Readyforwildfire.org.

One thing people don't think about a lot is to make sure their home address is clearly visible. You should; that way, if you call for emergency help, responders can find you.

Harden Your Home Against Wildfire

Many homes that burn in a wildfire are never in the path of flames but ignite from flying embers and firebrands that can accumulate in eaves or drift into vents. Hardening homes against fire can be as inexpensive as installing screens over vents and as pricey as installing new windows, roofing or siding.

Find detailed information here, including a low-cost retrofit list.

Proposed legislation from Assemblyman Jim Wood, D-Santa Rosa, aims to provide financial assistance for home hardening by establishing a $1 billion fund to distribute rebates and low-cost loans to Californians for home retrofits. But Gov. Gavin Newsom has not committed to the measure.

Have a Go Bag Ready

There are three reasons people tend to put off preparing for a disaster, says Karen Baker, co-chair of the Listos California Emergency Preparedness Campaign. "They either find it scary, expensive, and/or time consuming," she said.

Listos tries to overcome those qualms with a simple readiness guide, available in English and Spanish.

The organization recommends packing up some items in advance so you can get out of the house quickly if you need to. If cost is a concern, you can assemble the kits over time.

Recommended items to pack beforehand:

To grab on your way out the door:

Create a plan for your household in the event of a wildfire emergency. (See CalFire's wildfire action plan checklist.) And be sure youre signed up to receive emergency alerts for your area. You can sign up here.

Expect Smoky Days

With fire comes smoke. That's a special concern this year as air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of death from COVID-19.

You can get smoke advisories, forecasts and current fire conditions through the federal governments AirNow website.

How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke:

These devices can be a few hundred dollars and hard to obtain during bad fires, so think about buying one in advance of fire season. In California, few resources exist to help low-income people afford these devices, other than an asthma intervention program in Fresno, which provides enrollees with air cleaners for a year. In years past, some counties have set up clean air shelters during smoky days, and this year those have to take into account social distancing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidance for clean air shelters with the prevention of COVID-19 transmission in mind, but youll probably find it easiest if you can shelter at home.

People Power

One theme running through the advice of fire and emergency officials this year: Your social network is one of your most important safety tools. "Really, when it comes down to a no-notice' event, like a fast-running wildland fire through your neighborhood, it really is neighbor helping neighbor, said Santa Rosa Fire Chief Gossner.

211CA.orgDial 211 for evacuation routes, shelters.

CalAlerts.orgSign up to get your Countys alerts.

Earthquake.ca.govGet MyShake earthquake warning app.

Response.ca.govReal-time wildfire & shelter news.

Ready.govResources to prepare for any disaster.

That means its time to think about who in your neighborhood might need help getting ready for fire season. Maybe they're elderly and could use some help trimming vegetation. During an evacuation order, who will you check on and who will check on you? Write down their names and contact information, pack the list in your go bag, and share it with others for back up. At least one person on your list should live outside your area to ensure youre not relying on someone who also might be affected by the fire.

Even if this feels overwhelming or scary, the time to do it is now. Every step you can take toward preparedness makes you, your family, and your community a little bit safer.

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And Now Fire Season. This Year, It's Especially Important to Prepare. Here's How - KQED

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's police arrested five senior officials of the main opposition party on Friday after they attempted to enter the party's Harare headquarters, which is being occupied by a rival faction.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has been divided since Zimbabwe's Supreme Court ruled on March 30 that Nelson Chamisa was not its legitimate leader and installed Thokozani Khupe, head of one faction inside the party, to lead it in the interim.

Most MDC members still regard Chamisa as their leader and accuse President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government of siding with Khupe's faction in the battle for control of the movement.

Supporters of Khupe seized control of the party's offices at Harvest House late on Thursday while police watched, a video of the incident circulated by the MDC showed. Anti-riot police on Friday cordoned off the building, which has stood as a symbol of the MDC's fight against Mnangagwa's ruling ZANU-PF party for the past two decades.

Some MDC officials, led by party vice president and former finance minister Tendai Biti, then tried to enter Harvest House.

"We are the rightful owners of the building and you have had no court order to stop us from entering," Biti told the police officers blocking their way.

He and four other MDC officials were arrested and transported to a police station in a lorry. It was not immediately clear what charges they would face.

Police spokesman Paul Nyathi said he had no details of the arrests.

Chamisa says his party is different from Khupe's outfit after it contested elections in 2018 under the name MDC Alliance while Khupe's ran as the MDC-T party.

Chamisa, 42, narrowly lost those elections to Mnangagwa. He says he is being persecuted for refusing to recognise the president's disputed victory while Khupe accepted the results.

Chamisa's MDC accuses Mnangagwa's government of eroding political rights under the cover of Zimbabwe's coronavirus lockdown, which includes a ban on political protests.

(Reporting by Philimon Bulawayo; Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Gareth Jones)

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Zimbabwe police arrest opposition officials in dispute over party HQ - KFGO News

Vinyl has been the most common siding material used in new home construction for the last 25 years. That means there are tens of millions of existing homes with vinyl siding out there, and many more being built each year. If you're a homeowner with vinyl siding, or considering a vinyl siding replacement or installation, here's what you need to know.

Vinyl is cheap, but not always the cheapest.

Affordability is one of vinyl siding's chief selling points, and it can be very cost-effective. But as with all siding materials, vinyl price goes up with quality. For example, a premium vinyl siding will cost about $16,000 to install, according to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, while a mid-level fiber cement siding will cost around $12,000. So, if you're looking to reside your home on a budget, consider vinyl but don't rule out other materials.

Vinyl is known to yield a high return on investment.

Even with the price variability, vinyl siding has been known to deliver tremendous value, with a return on investment (or ROI) of around 75 percent, according to Remodeling magazine's 2020 Cost vs. Value study. That's because it combines competitive pricing and performance with constantly improving looks, thanks to a wide variety of colors and styles, from beaded seam to board and batten.

It's not right for all climates.

Even with the continued improvements to latest-generation vinyl, it's not the best choice for all regions. For example, the material tends to fade over time, so if you live in a hot, sunny climate, you're probably better off with stucco. Vinyl is also prone to damage from wind and cold-weather impact, so if your home takes a lot hits in the winter, wood or fiber cement siding are better options.

Proper installation is critical.

While vinyl is relatively easy to install, shoddy work can lead to buckling and warping, and it could also allow moisture to find its way into your home. Unless you're a highly experienced DIYer, this project is best left to the pros. For good measure, look for pros who are certified by the Vinyl Siding Institute.

Think twice about working with a pro who recommends applying a new layer of vinyl siding over the existing one on your home. While this is technically possible, it's best to remove the old siding so that you can start fresh and also deal with any underlying issues, such as termite damage or rotted sheathing.

Low-maintenance doesn't mean no-maintenance

Yes, vinyl siding is easy to care for no periodic painting required, as with wood siding, or the repointing that's needed with a brick facade. But you will have to pay some attention to your vinyl siding, namely by keeping it clean. A simple garden hose will take of dirt and dust. Mildew stains can be removed with soapy water and a scrub brush. A pressure washer will also blast away heavy build-up. Just be sure to use a low-power setting to avoid spraying water and grime up between the siding and the wall, where it can cause mold and rot.

HomeAdvisor is an online marketplace connecting homeowners with trusted service professionals to complete home projects. Visit HomeAdvisor.com.

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Things you need to know about vinyl siding - The Providence Journal

GRANGEVILLE A construction project in Grangeville could require you put in new sidewalks, but in not all cases are they warranted or possible. Your lot may slope into a ditch, have no adjoining properties with sidewalks to tie into, or an installation may necessitate you cut down one or more trees.

So, you get a waiver, approved by the city council, a municipally approved delay, that if or when conditions change, youll then be required to put in a sidewalk.

We have a whole list of these waivers, said city administrator Tonya Kennedy, dating back to 1995. In all these years, we havent made anyone go back and put one in.

At the May 18 Grangeville City Council meeting, discussion hashed out problems with the sidewalk rule and how it could be changed. With ideas raised, Mayor Wes Lester scheduled the matter for a September meeting for further determination.

For background, Kennedy explained what triggers the sidewalk ordinance is when a building permit is taken out for a project more than $5,000, then installation is required; exemptions are for installation of windows, roofing or siding. A deposit, based on $2 per foot of frontage, is charged, and the permittee has nine months to finish the sidewalk.

Persons can request the city issue a waiver for sidewalk installation, which is reviewed by the public works department and a recommendation on whether to approve or deny is forwarded to the council for determination.

We need to do something other than collecting waivers after waivers, said public works director Bob Mager, who commented on rule changes to consider that would benefit city streets.

Our streets need curbs and gutters. In a lot of places, the gutter pan has worn away where it meets the asphalt, he said. An option to a waiver could be requiring curbs and gutters, instead of sidewalks, or offering a twofer such as a curb and sidewalk. Theres a lot of different ways to play with it.

Another issue to consider is durability: His department fields many calls through the year on washouts along the curb line, which they fix with asphalt. That washes out; it wont hold. Concrete is the only thing that holds up from erosion along the curb line.

In my mind, said councilor Beryl Grant, Id rather fix what we have. We have a lot of bad sidewalks. Lets go back and get those fixed before we move forward.

On a home project he priced out, councilor Scott Winkler was quoted around $12,000 to complete a curb and gutter project on 112 linear feet.

I want to do curb and gutters, but I dont want to pay that money for that, he said.

Lester said in a rule change, more consideration may need to be given, such as for individuals on corner or as in Winklers case -- three-sided U-lots. The city may need to offer more time for completion, and consider increasing the value to be triggered by new home development or a major remodeling project. One option he doesnt see likely to happen anytime soon is an LID (Local Improvement District), which allows neighborhoods to fund infrastructure projects on a long-term payment plan.

I dont think youd pass an LID in Grangeville. I dont think you ever will, he said. With the federal rules we have continually, and well have bonds to pass for water and sewer, I dont think people can do it all. So, tell them to pass an LID to do curbs, gutters and sidewalks, and you overlay a $12 million water bond and a $15 million sewer bond, youre not going to get them passed.

We do need to make a decision on this, Lester continued, because Tonya is right: This has been going on since 1995 and we keep giving waivers. Its not working. Its just making her list longer.

In other council business:

Benefitting both the city and organizers, council approved classifying the proposed Pioneer Park band shell project as private.

According to Kennedy, running the project as classified doesnt cede municipal control; the project would still have to meet set criteria, plans would require city approval, and it would still require a performance bond and use of a public works contractor. However, as private, the project would not have to go through required bidding requirements, as would a public project, and so reduce costs in areas of planning and construction. Project bills would also be paid directly by project organizers and not be run through the city.

Council approved refinancing $2,130,000 remaining on the citys water bond through the Idaho Bond Bank.

Certainly, we do have a good bird in the hand, so to speak, said Christian Anderson, Zions Bank, in recommendations for the city to refinance at a time when interest rates are at an all-time low. The council was presented the city could realize savings of $239,000 on its bond, Anderson said with rates continuing to drop lower each day, today, thats closer to $284,000.

The $3.9 million revenue bond was originally passed in 2003 to fund water line repairs, system renovations and construction of a 500,000-gallon reservoir.

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Waivers to nowhere Council discusses need to change rule for projects requiring sidewalk installation - Idaho County Free Press