https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A56A7EAB-A04D-4BA3-ACC1-7D0AA9D20223
While there’s no one solution to the epidemic of gun violence, it’s past time for Congress to take common sense steps to strengthen critical safeguards and stem the tide of rising gun violence plaguing our communities.”
(Washington, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) joined a number of her colleagues today to introduce the Assault Weapons Ban of 2017, a bill to ban the sale, transfer, manufacture and importation of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.
“From last month’s horrific scene on the Las Vegas strip to the heart-wrenching stories coming out of Sutherland Springs, TX, too often we’ve had to reach for our thoughts and prayers to make sense of the unthinkable gun violence that continues to claim innocent lives, devastate families and ravage communities across Washington state and nationwide,” said Senator Murray. “But we need more than thoughts and prayers. We need action. No one should ever have to worry whether their child or loved one will come home safe, and as we’ve seen time and again, no community is immune to the tragedy of gun violence—even right here in Washington state. While there’s no one solution to the epidemic of gun violence, it’s past time for Congress to take common sense steps to strengthen critical safeguards and stem the tide of rising gun violence plaguing our communities. Banning weapons designed for war is one of those steps.”
Led by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the bill would:
Ban the sale, manufacture, transfer and importation of 205 military-style assault weapons by name. Owners can keep existing weapons
Ban any assault weapon that accepts a detachable ammunition magazine and has one or more military characteristics, including a pistol grip, a forward grip, a barrel shroud, a threaded barrel or a folding or telescoping stock. Owners can keep existing weapons
Ban magazines and other ammunition feeding devices that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition, which allow shooters to quickly fire many rounds without needing to reload. Owners can keep existing magazines
Require a background check on any future sale, trade or gifting of an assault weapon covered by the bill
Require that grandfathered assault weapons are stored using a secure gun storage or safety device like a trigger lock
Prohibit the transfer of high-capacity ammunition magazines
Ban bump-fire stocks and other devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire at fully automatic rates
As a voice for Washington state in the United States Senate, Senator Murray has long championed common sense efforts to address the gun violence epidemic, including sponsoring legislation to close a loophole that allows semi-automatic weapons to be easily modified to fire at the rate of automatic weapons, working to expand background checks to prevent people on the government’s terrorist watch list from purchasing guns, and requesting new government research on the effectiveness of the nation’s firearm storage awareness programs.
Related story: Pastor may demolish Texas church where massacre took place
AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - The pastor of a rural Texas church sprayed with gunfire in a shooting rampage that killed 26 people is considering demolishing the building and putting a memorial in its place, a Southern Baptist Convention official said on Thursday.
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WEEKLY AGRICULTURAL REPORT
NEWS FROM THE USDA
Secretary Perdue Launches Veteran Resources at USDA
Press release issued 11/ 9/ 17
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2017/11/09/secretary-perdue-launches-veteran-resources-usda
(Washington, D.C., November 9, 2017) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the launch of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) resources to provide comprehensive and timely support to veterans interested in opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness, and in rural America. The resources include a new website and a USDA-wide AgLearn curriculum to allow all employees to understand the unique opportunities offered to our nation’s veterans.
“From the beginning of this Administration, USDA has focused on how to best serve our veterans,” said Secretary Perdue. “These men and women of the United States military have kept America free and deserve the utmost respect. Across the country, these veterans are beginning to fill roles that preserve rural communities while providing for their livelihood. Through these resources, USDA is committed to helping veterans in agricultural areas so we can strengthen the American economy and provide assistance for those who have served. Veterans and agriculture are just a great fit.”
USDA BLOG: USDA Offers Opportunities to America’s Veterans as they Seek Careers in Agriculture
Blog posted on 11/ 9/ 17
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/09/usda-offers-opportunities-americas-veterans-they-seek-careers-agriculture
Thousands of veterans leave the military every year, but there’s a new “service” they can provide. Over the next few decades, the world will need to increase its food production to keep up with a growing population. Career options available to American vets in the agriculture sector include owning/operating your own farm, or working in one of the many areas that supports the nation’s rural fabric.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assists beginning farmers and ranchers, including veterans, in several ways. These include microloans, operating loans and other loan programs that help in buying or leasing farm land. Recently, USDA partnered with SCORE to provide mentorship to veterans and other beginning farmers who need business or other guidance as they prepare for their new careers.
“Its endless possibilities where you could go as a career in agricultural farming and you just feel responsible to present good product to consumers and feel compelled to take care of the land,” said Lenny Miles Jr., Navy veteran and farmer in Chestertown, Maryland. Miles helps his father and grandfather run the family farm. Although Miles returned to an established farm, it is possible to start from scratch.
Tom and Anita Roberson both served in the Army a combined 34 years and started Botanical Bites and Provisions in Fredericksburg. They didn’t come from a farm background. Both worked in the medical field in the Army. After retiring, Tom worked in his private practice for several years before attending farming classes with his wife. Their son, Julian, helped with a business plan and Anita stressed having a business plan is extremely important. “If you want to get into farming, the only excuse that you have is yourself because the resources are there” said Anita. “USDA has plenty of resources.”
Not long after the Roberson’s finished school, they were operating their own farm growing and selling tomatoes, watermelons, squash, blueberries, other produce and also raising bees for honey.
These veterans heard the calling to enter farming. You can, too. To learn more about the USDA’s programs to help you get started or if you have questions, visit https://www.usda.gov/veterans.
USDA Awards Help Veterans, Beginning Farmers
Blog posted on 11/ 9/ 17
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/09/usda-awards-help-veterans-beginning-farmers
With the catastrophic hurricanes and wildfires this year, the need for risk management education for farmers and ranchers couldn’t be clearer. Earlier this year USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced funding for cooperative agreements that better prepare producers for natural disasters and extreme weather.
For the past few years, I have led a team that coordinates these cooperative agreements, which help producers, especially those traditionally underserved or with limited resources, manage risk, production, and finances. These agreements also provide crop insurance education in states where there is historically a low level of crop insurance participation.
As an Air Force veteran, I am particularly proud that many of this year’s recipients have done much to support our veterans, a priority for USDA. The department has made a huge push to assist vets pursuing agricultural careers, culminating in the launch of a great website - https://www.usda.gov/veterans.
More than $1.4 million in risk management awards will go to universities and entities that are active in veteran outreach. The impact of these awards on veterans range from quality workshops to job training. For example, The National Immigrant Farming Institute will use their USDA award to assist six former service-members to begin farming with the help of a project team.
Our country’s agricultural sector not only needs trained, disciplined, and skilled decision makers, but farmers and ranchers who understand the need to prepare for every scenario. Those of us who have served understand the critical value of contingency planning. That is why my team feels a great deal of satisfaction facilitating funding that gives veterans and transitioning service-members the tools to succeed and weather any storm.
In total USDA’s Risk Management Agency awarded 76 cooperative agreements for projects including those that address crop insurance, whole-farm revenue protection, pasture, rangeland, forage, livestock and dairy products, cover crops, irrigation, record keeping, and prevented planting. Read more at https://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/agreements/.
Skills Sown in Military Service Grow at USDA
Blog posted at 11/ 9/ 17
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/09/skills-sown-military-service-grow-usda
A rising sun chases away the darkness across the landscape while the hard working men and women start another day to accomplish the tasks that keep America strong. Whether on the battlefield or in the corn field, these dedicated individuals approach life and work in similar ways. That’s why USDA is committed to hiring and retaining military veterans and active military personnel.
The notion of returning veterans working in agriculture might conjure up images of rugged men and women toiling the land or raising livestock in a rustic setting. But not all service members who make their living in agriculture are on the agricultural front lines working the land. Many use the skills they developed in the military to continue serving their country by supporting those in the heartland who bring food to American families.
At USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), there are more than 300 employees who have served in the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, or serve in a military reserve component. If you look around AMS, you will find veterans serving as contracting officers, economists, graders, information technology specialists, inspectors, scientists, market news reporters, marketing specialists, public affairs specialists, and veterinarians. Today, their mission is to create opportunities for American farmers and businesses while bearing in mind the words of Secretary Sonny Perdue, a former Air Force veterinarian: "Do right and feed everyone.”
I count myself among those who have transitioned from a career in the Marines (Semper Fi!) to a new career at AMS. Our leadership recognized that the skills gained as part of my military service transfers to an agricultural career for a number of reasons.
For example, veterans develop skills like decisiveness, flexibility, and a problem-solving work ethic; skills that are perfected outside the classroom. In the Marines we call that “Semper Gumby,” named after Gumby, the flexible green character that you may remember from childhood. “Semper Gumby” captures the idea that no matter how prepared we are, the reality is that every plan is subject to the whims of nature and available resources.
Have A Food-Safe Holiday Season
Blog Posted on 11/ 8/ 17
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/08/have-food-safe-holiday-season
Last year, more than 46 million turkeys were carved and eaten at Thanksgiving. Turkey is typically accompanied by a host of side dishes and desserts, making the Thanksgiving meal by far one of the largest meals most people will cook this year.
This year, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has created an online Thanksgiving toolkit, available at www.fsis.usda.gov/toolkits, with information you can use to promote a food-safe holiday meal. The toolkit offers those working in public health, agriculture and those that just want to educate their family and friends a one-stop shop for holiday food safety information. It provides articles on brining, stuffing turkeys, deep frying a turkey, properly storing leftovers and preparing a bacteria-free Thanksgiving. Videos on why it’s not safe to wash a turkey are also available along with radio interviews, consumer fact sheets and information on how to order free publications, including the Let’s Talk Turkey brochure.
In case the holiday meal becomes overwhelming, USDA has a toll-free hotline open on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET, with live food safety experts available to help in English and Spanish. Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). The hotline is open regularly from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
Have questions about keeping leftovers safe? Check out our convenient FoodKeeper app. Available on Android and Apple devices, the app provides storage timelines for the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry, for more than 500 products, including various types of baby food, dairy products and eggs, meat, poultry, produce, and seafood. Users can view instructional videos on proper handling and storage of food and can also select to receive recall information. The app is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Speaking of leftovers, you can find a variety of healthy, quick and affordable recipes on USDA’s What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl, at whatscooking.fns.usda.gov, to ensure your leftovers don’t go to waste. MyPlate’s Food 5 Ways infographics are a great way to teach kids about the five food groups. The protein foods infographic features leftover turkey in five different recipes. Find the 5 Ways infographics and more at www.ChooseMyPlate.gov/infographics.
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LOCAL MEETINGS AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION MEETINGS
CLALLAM WORK SESSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
1) Notice of proposed levies for the general purpose property tax and the road fund property tax will be adopted by Resolution on November 28
2) Shoreline Master Program Update Action Items
3) Notice that the following Budget Reduction will be adopted by Resolution on November 28
Public Works - Carlsborg Sewer Operations - Carlsborg Sewer System did not commence operations as early in 2017 as budgeted and revenue was overestimated/$80,175
See full agenda
Regular County Commission meeting (CANCELED)
OTHER LOCAL AND REGIONAL MEETINGS...
CLALLAM PUD MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT:
Resolution 2094-17 Conservation Targets
The Commissioners will consider a resolution establishing a 10-year energy savings potential, and 2-year energy savings target for the District for the 2018/19 compliance period relating to Washington State’s Energy Independence Act (Revised Code of Washington Chapter 19.285).
Staff recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2094-17 Establishing Energy Independence Act (EIA) 2018 - 2027 Achievable Cost-Effective Conservation Potential and 2018 - 2019 Biennial Acquisition Target For Cost-Effective Conservation
See full agenda
https://www.clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Commissioners-Preagenda-November-13-2017.pdf
City of Sequim meeting agenda highlight: Letter of Agreement with Washington State University - Small Business Development Center
See full agenda
http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1741
CITY OF FORKS MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: 2018 Property tax levy
See full agenda
http://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/agenda111317.pdf
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA
Ordinance 3188 Fixing and Adopting 2018 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of Zero Percent (0.00%) and for the Emergency Medical Services Levy an Increase of Approximately Three and 0/10 Percent (3.00%) (Includes Banked Capacity) and a Voter-Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of $.10050 per $1,000 of Assessed Property Value (Continued from November 6th)
Action: Move to approve Ordinance 3188 Fixing and Adopting 2018 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of Zero Percent (0.00%) and for the Emergency Medical Services Levy an Increase of Approximately Three and 0/10 Percent (3.00%) (Includes Banked Capacity) and a Voter-Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of $.10050 per $1,000 of Assessed Property Value.
See full agenda
http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1212
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT:
AGREEMENT, Supplemental No. 2 re: Olympic Discovery Trail Project, South Discovery Bay, Segment 1-Phase 1&2; An Additional Amount of $4,000 for a Project Total of $75,276.97; Jefferson County Public Works; Parametrix
http://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/WebLinkExternal/0/edoc/1733448/A111317.pdf
NEWS REPORT COMMENTARY
From the PDN article posted on Friday: A measure to allow for an expanded community pool in Port Angeles was passing with more than two-thirds support Tuesday.
The William Shore Memorial Pool District's proposed debt capacity increase had 3,699 yes votes and 1,806 no votes — a 67.2 percent to 32.8 percent margin when the Clallam County Auditor's Office processed the first batch of general election ballots.
The latest vote count as of Nov 9th on pool expansion measure according to the County election results:
METROPOLITAN PARK 1 DEBT TO RENOVATE AND EXPAND THE COMMUNITY POOL Proposition No. 1 DEBT TO RENOVATE AND EXPAND THE COMMUNITY POOL Measure
Approved 6,152 69.98%
Rejected 2,639 30.02%
Total Votes (not including write-ins) 8,791 Precinct Results
See link: http://results.vote.wa.gov/results/current/clallam/
Editorial Comment: I am glad this measure was approved of, the pool plays an important role in our community, especially for those who are disabled, and the elderly, who are limited in mobility.
WORLD AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM REUTERS...
Trump says he trusts Putin's denials of election meddling
DANANG, Vietnam (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed President Vladimir Putin when he denied accusations that Russia meddled in last year’s U.S. election after the two met briefly at a summit in Vietnam on Saturday and agreed a statement on Syria.
North Korea says Trump begged for a war during his Asia trip
SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea said on Saturday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s first trip to Asia showed he was a “destroyer” and he had begged for war on the Korean peninsula.
Los Angeles police investigating allegation of drug planting
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Los Angeles Police Department will investigate allegations of misconduct against at least one officer, the department said on Friday, after an attorney said video captured police putting cocaine in his client’s wallet before arresting him.
Investigators probe Trump knowledge of campaign's Russia dealings: sources
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Special counsel Robert Mueller’s team has questioned Sam Clovis, co-chairman of President Donald Trump’s election campaign, to determine if Trump or top aides knew of the extent of the campaign team’s contacts with Russia, two sources familiar with the investigation said on Friday.
Daily Bible Verse: [ Do Not Love the World ] Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
1 John 2:15-16 NKJV
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http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
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