PA POST OFFICE NOT QUITE ACCESSIBLE
Inspector General Contact info:
https://www.uspsoig.gov/uspsoig-contact
By, Peter Ripley, Publisher.
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| PA POST OFFICE on Front Street Port Angeles built in 1978, |
The Post office in Port Angeles isn't the only building which hasn't discovered accessible door openers. Many of the banks of town has failed to install electric door openers, like the post office they have the disability parking, and ramps leading to the door, but no ADA doors. These two businesses, don't mind taking our money, funny they seem to ignore the finer points of accessibility.
In other news...
Senator Murray Slams President Trump’s Plan to Prop Up Coal While Moving U.S. Backward on Efforts to Combat Climate Change.
Press release issued 8/ 21/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8ADC98E7-1C15-4C58-AA34-25A238008B06
(SEATTLE) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement on President Trump’s announcement to replace President Obama’s Clean Power Plan with a version that will do little to reduce emissions or transition to renewable energy sources in order to address climate change, while simply continuing business as usual at coal plants.
“Once again, President Trump is putting profits for his well-connected friends ahead of the health and well-being of the millions of Americans he once vowed to fight for. This news is particularly insulting for families and fire crews in Washington state, where right now the skies are filled with smoke from yet another brutal wildfire season, just one of the many effects of climate change that our communities are experiencing in real time.
“President Trump’s shortsighted, reckless plan also sends a dangerous message to the rest of the world about our country’s inability under President Trump to lead or even be a good partner on combatting climate change, one of the most critical issues of our time. I stand with the many people in Washington state—especially the young people who have been sounding the alarm—who refuse to be silent as the Trump Administration continues to wipe out common sense Obama-era policies that put our country on the right path. We cannot afford to stand down.”
Senator Murray’s Statement on Manafort Conviction & Cohen Guilty Plea
Press release issued 8/ 21/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=46865D10-7A61-4CC8-AFA4-87701E98B04C
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued a statement following new developments in two separate criminal cases involving President Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort and former personal lawyer Michael Cohen.
“Today’s news is another sad and stark reminder of the growing cloud of corruption and criminal activities surrounding President Trump. No matter what the President and his Republican allies will say or do to try to undermine the Mueller investigation in the coming hours or days, here are the facts: Not only did a jury convict the President’s former campaign chairman of fraud today, President Trump’s long-time personal attorney and fixer pleaded guilty to violating campaign finance laws by making illegal payments at the direction of President Trump in order to influence the election. These developments are real, they are serious, and they underscore the importance of allowing Robert Mueller to continue to follow the facts, wherever they may lead, to get the answers Americans deserve.”
🌎WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
From the UN news center & other sources:
UN PRESS RELEASE: Amid Recent Violence, ‘Dangerously Short Supply’ of Fuel, Medicine in Gaza, Donors Must Scale Up Aid Deliveries, Under-Secretary-General Tells Security Council
Warning that fuel and medicine are in “dangerously short supply” in the Gaza Strip, the senior United Nations political affairs official urged international donors today to boost their aid deliveries, while calling on Israelis and Palestinians to exercise maximum restraint amid the recent spate of violence.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13460.doc.htm
UNICEF warns of ‘lost generation’ of Rohingya youth, one year after Myanmar exodus
The refugee crisis in Bangladesh sparked by the mass exodus of people from Myanmar almost a year ago risks creating a “lost generation” of Rohingya children who lack the life skills they will need in future, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017632
UN remembers Kofi Annan: A leader who put people at the centre of the Organization’s work
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan was remembered on Wednesday as the embodiment of the global Organization that works to improve the lives of men and women worldwide.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017592
Humanitarian aid in Middle East should not be held hostage to politics – UN political chief
Recurring cycles of violence in the Middle East highlight the need for international efforts to prevent hostilities, provide humanitarian aid and support Palestinian reconciliation, the UN’s political chief told the Security Council on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017602
‘Stop and listen’ to victims of terrorism, UN chief urges in message marking international day
Recognizing the impact of terrorism on the lives of ordinary people worldwide is the focus of the first observance of an international day that honours victims and survivors.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017562
PAGE 2
Senator Murray: Release Kavanaugh Documents, Don’t Let Trump’s Supreme Court Nominee Hide Full Extent of His Opposition to Women’s Health and Rights
Press release issued 8/ 21/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8096C2FD-47A5-4E9B-A589-EEDFDC7B6AB5
(Washington, D.C.) – Yesterday, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee and the highest-ranking woman in the United States Senate, sent a letter to Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressing her concern about Judge Kavanaugh’s views on women’s health and reproductive rights, the Chairman’s refusal to release all available documents to allow Senators and the public a full understanding of Judge Kavanaugh’s views, and the Chairman’s plans to start confirmation hearings on Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination before Senators and the public have been able to adequately review his record.
The letter comes as Chairman Grassley plans to begin confirmation hearings on Judge Kavanaugh on September 4th, despite just two percent of Kavanaugh’s available White House documents having been made public. Senator Murray emphasized the importance of letting Senators and the public review the full record to clearly understand Kavanaugh’s views on women’s health and reproductive rights—especially as documents provided so far indicate he was a key voice on these issues in the Bush White House. Since his nomination, Senator Murray has raised her concerns about Judge Kavanaugh’s views on women’s health and reproductive rights and President Trump’s promise to nominate Supreme Court candidates who would overturn Roe v. Wade. In a floor speech last month she outlined Judge Kavanaugh’s alarming record on these issues and made the stakes of his nomination clear.
“I write today regarding Judge Kavanaugh’s troubling views on women’s reproductive rights, including the constitutional right to safe, legal abortion, and the importance of making sure all Senators are given the opportunity and sufficient time to review all the documents relevant to his views on these incredibly important topics. I’m deeply concerned by your plans to hold hearings starting on September 4 on Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination to be Associate Justice for the Supreme Court of the United States. Failing to release all available documents on Judge Kavanaugh will deny the Senate the ability to fully and adequately review his record. Women and men across the country know how important women’s reproductive rights are for them and their families. They absolutely want us to have a clear understanding of Judge Kavanaugh’s views as we consider him for a lifetime appointment, where he will make decisions that will impact the lives of people across the country for generations to come,” wrote Senator Murray.
More world news headlines...
‘Finding global solutions for global problems’ focus of UN-civil society forum
The 67th United Nations Department of Public Information/Non-Governmental Organization (DPI/NGO) Conference kicked off today at UN Headquarters in New York, with speeches affirming the importance of multilateralism, closer partnerships between the UN and civil society, and the role that young people have to play.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017622
‘Greater support needed’ for refugees and migrants from Venezuela – UN
As hundreds of Venezuelans continue to pour into neighbouring countries due social and political upheaval at home, the Heads of the United Nations refugee and migration agencies called for greater international support to meet the most basic needs of the displaced.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017642
US MISSION TO THE UN:
Statement of the United States, the United Kingdom and France on the Fifth Anniversary of the Chemical Weapons Attack in Ghouta, Syria
On the fifth anniversary of the horrific Ghouta Sarin attack, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France reiterate their condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime. Since 2012, the regime has resorted to the use of chemical weapons during military offensives, not only in Ghouta but also in Khan Sheikhoun, Ltamenah, Saraqib, and Douma, killing and injuring thousands of people. As Permanent Members of the Security Council, we reaffirm our shared resolve to preventing the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime, and for holding them accountable for any such use.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8553
US STATE DEPT: U.S.-UK Relationship
Spokesperson Nauert (Aug. 22): "Secretary Pompeo met today with UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. They discussed a number of global issues, including the ongoing threat posed by Russia’s dangerous and destabilizing activity and Iran’s malign behavior, the defeat ISIS campaign, as well as the humanitarian situation in Yemen."
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met today with UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. They discussed a number of global issues, including the ongoing threat posed by Russia’s dangerous and destabilizing activity and Iran’s malign behavior, the defeat ISIS campaign, as well as the humanitarian situation in Yemen. As close allies, the two committed to deepening cooperation on security and foreign policy issues and welcomed the prospect of a future free trade agreement. After their meeting, Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Secretary Hunt expressed their gratitude to U.S. diplomats expelled by Russia in the wake of our joint response to Russia’s use of a chemical weapon in an attempted murder in the United Kingdom.
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/08/285330.htm
Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Macedonian Foreign Minister Dimitrov
Spokesperson Nauert (Aug. 22): "The Secretary expressed his support for the Prespa Agreement, the implementation of which will allow the country to join NATO as North Macedonia and facilitate the opening of accession negotiations with the European Union.
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/08/285340.htm
PAGE 3
Cantwell Continues Push for Coding Education, Focuses on Rural, Underserved Areas
Press release issued 8/ 21/ 18
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-continues-push-for-coding-education-focuses-on-rural-underserved-areas
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Republican Bill Cassidy (LA) introduced an amendment to the Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education budget calling for more funding to support the development and implementation of K-12 computer coding education programs.
“Every student in the United States should have the opportunity to learn about the internet, and algorithms, and apps. This is a skills gap we have to close,” Cantwell said in a Senate speech about the importance of coding education last month.
The amendment also requests that the Secretary of Education prioritize coding program grant applications from rural or underserved areas.
“Ninety percent of parents want their children to study computer science, and we should be giving more opportunities,” Cantwell said. “Students in cities and suburbs and rural communities all should have access to computer science programs.”
Learning to write and read code is important to creating and innovating in cyberspace, preparing students for the jobs of the future, and helping to bolster the national security and economic competitiveness of the United States.
In her speech, Cantwell pointed to the impact tech and internet companies have on the economy. In Washington state alone, 13,000 companies provide more than 250,000 jobs.
And yet, the state’s workforce has struggled to keep up with the demand for new coding jobs. In 2015, only 1,212 Washington students graduated from college with computer science degrees, leaving more than 16,200 computing jobs in the state unfilled.
Cantwell said that in many cases the barriers to coding education are the costs of developing a computer science curriculum and getting the program up and running in a school.
In June of this year, Cantwell and Cassidy introduced bipartisan legislation to create a new grant program to help high schools throughout the country establish or expand coding education programs.
“By giving local communities the resources they need, schools and teachers can develop and implement good computer science curriculum that make the most sense for those communities.”
In late July, a provision sponsored by Cantwell to give schools around the country access to existing grant money to develop and implement coding curriculums was signed into law by President Donald Trump.
“This is a great example of what we can do in working together in a bipartisan manner. It is the first of an important step to make sure that every student understands some level of what our economy is going to be built on in the future,” said Cantwell.
🗽NATIONAL HEADLINES
THE WHITE HOUSE: WTAS: Support for the Trump Administration’s Proposal to Replace the Costly and Overreaching Clean Power Plan
Press release issued: 8/ 22/ 18
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/wtas-support-trump-administrations-proposal-replace-costly-overreaching-clean-power-plan/
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI): “Today, the Trump administration has laid out a path to responsible energy production that is good for jobs and household budgets. This sets us up to be competitive for years to come. Congress will continue to work with the administration to connect America’s energy boom to consumers and communities.”
DOD: Afghanistan Peace Process Shows Promise, Resolute Support Commander Says
WASHINGTON --
The peace process in Afghanistan has shown progress since the first cease-fire in 17 years took place in June, the commander of NATO’s Resolute Support mission and U.S. forces in Afghanistan told Pentagon reporters today.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1609763/afghanistan-peace-process-shows-promise-resolute-support-commander-says/
Justice Department Secures Denaturalization of Convicted War Criminal Who Fraudulently Obtained Refugee Status and U.S. Citizenship
Defendant Concealed that He Had Murdered Civilians and Prisoners of War During the 1990s Balkans Conflict
On August 15, Judge Thomas F. Hogan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia entered an order that revoked the naturalized U.S. citizenship of a convicted war criminal. The court held that defendant Edin Dzeko, a native of the former Yugoslavia, procured his U.S. citizenship illegally and by concealment of material facts and willful misrepresentation. The court’s order was based, in part, on Dzeko’s admission that he misrepresented and concealed his military service on immigration forms and lied while under oath at his naturalization interview.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-secures-denaturalization-convicted-war-criminal-who-fraudulently-obtained
US DEPT. OF EDUCATION BLOG:
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Should I stay or should I go? This is the very question I’ve asked myself every year, with guilt, after successfully concluding each school year for the past seven years. The question is one that is not easy to answer because there are just too many reasons stemming from the question, “Why should I stay?”
https://blog.ed.gov/2018/08/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go/
CDC Releases 2018 Breastfeeding Report Card
Of the approximately 4 million babies born in 2015, most (83.2 percent) started out breastfeeding – but many stop earlier than recommended, according to the 2018 Breastfeeding Report Card released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018//p0820-breastfeeding-report-card.html
PAGE 4
Cantwell & Pallone Question FERC Chairman Over Chief of Staff’s Recent Concerning Comments
Press release issued 8/ 22/ 18
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-and-pallone-question-ferc-chairman-over-chief-of-staffs-recent-concerning-comments
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and House Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Chairman Kevin McIntyre requesting an explanation for recent statements made by his Chief of Staff Anthony Pugliese. In the letter the lawmakers express concern that Pugliese’s recent statements indicate FERC is working with Trump administration officials at the Department of Energy and National Security Council on a plan to interfere with the operation of the nation’s wholesale electric markets.
Congress established FERC as an independent regulatory entity to ensure the Commission’s independence from political influence and to safeguard FERC’s autonomous authority to regulate energy rates.
“We are deeply troubled by recent statements attributed to your Chief of Staff, Anthony Pugliese, that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is working with Trump administration officials at the Department of Energy and National Security Council on an ill-conceived plan to interfere with the operation of the nation’s wholesale electric markets,” Cantwell and Pallone wrote to FERC Chairman McIntyre.
“We believe this action would violate the requirement that FERC remain a neutral and unbiased decisionmaker. We are equally concerned by highly partisan political remarks reportedly made by Mr. Pugliese in the media and at a recent industry conference that are highly inappropriate and undermine the Commission’s independence,” continue the lawmakers.
Earlier this month, Mr. Pugliese made a series of statements that raised the top Democrats’ concerns. On August 7, 2018, Mr. Pugliese reportedly made remarks at a nuclear industry conference stating that FERC is actively looking for ways to "value resilience" and ensure that "baseload" 24-hour-a-day generators are kept in business. Given that FERC unanimously rejected the Trump administration’s 2017 proposal to subsidize coal and nuclear plants in competitive electric markets this January; these remarks are inappropriate and call into question Pugliese’s impartiality.
“We are deeply concerned that your chief of staff, for whom you bear special responsibility, has been making public statements that call into question his impartiality and independence from political pressure. Left unchecked, we believe such statements must ultimately call into question the impartiality and independence of the Commission itself,” the lawmakers write. “Moreover, we believe that you have the responsibility, as Chairman, to safeguard the Commission’s independence, its neutrality, and its impartiality, and to uphold the professional conduct of the Commission’s employees, and most especially those on your own personal staff.”
In light of Pugliese’s troubling remarks and Chairman McIntyre’s statutory responsibility as the Commission’s Chairman, Pallone and Cantwell are requesting answers to a series of questions, including:
Do Pugliese’s remarks represent the views of the Commission or any of its members?
What policies, protocols and procedures does the Commission have in place to ensure that its staff does not engage in partisan political activity in violation of the Hatch Act?
What, if any, contact has the Commission or its staff had with the Department of Energy officials or any other executive branch officials in connection with the Administration’s widely reported consideration of emergency orders to require public utilities to give preference or advantage?
More national headlines....
HUD LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO BOOST LANDLORD ACCEPTANCE OF HOUSING VOUCHERS
New task force aimed at boosting landlord participation in Housing Choice Voucher Program
WASHINGTON – U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today announced a Department-wide task force as part of a larger campaign to encourage more landlords to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. HUD’s HCV Program is the nation’s largest rental subsidy program assisting more than two million low-income households each year. However, two new studies find most landlords do not accept voucher-holders, and those who do complain about the program’s administrative requirements and housing authorities which manage the program at the local level.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_18_086
FOLLOWING COURT RULING, HUD MOVING FORWARD ON AMENDING AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING REGULATIONS
WASHINGTON – In the wake of a federal court decision upholding the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s approach to rulemaking, HUD Secretary Ben Carson today announced that HUD intends to move forward in amending its 2015 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) regulations.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_18_088
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING - About EPA's New Affordable Clean Energy Rule
Senator Mitch McConnell (KY), Senate Majority Leader – “The Obama Administration’s so-called ‘Clean Power Plan’ offered a typical story from that era. An innocent-seeming name. A pleasant-sounding objective. But underneath, an intrusive regulatory regime -- built not on effective policy, but on far-left ideology. That’s why I am so grateful that, today, the Trump Administration is unveiling its plan to pare back this unfair, unworkable, and likely illegal policy… My colleagues and I have been at this for some time. That’s why the president’s actions today are so encouraging. Today’s proposed rule is the first step in the process. I look forward to engaging in this process as it moves forward toward a better outcome for Kentucky and the entire country.”
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/what-they-are-saying-about-epas-new-affordable-clean-energy-rule
Companies cease sales of e-liquids with labeling or advertising that resembled kid-friendly foods following FDA, FTC warnings
Warning letters for products that looked like juice boxes, cookies and candy part of efforts to protect youth from dangers of nicotine and tobacco products
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm618169.htm
Statement by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on new steps to advance the development of evidence-based, indication-specific guidelines to help guide appropriate prescribing of opioid analgesics
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm617908.htm
PAGE 5
💸IRS to introduce new tax transcript to better protect taxpayer data
Press release issued 8/ 22/ 18
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-introduce-new-tax-transcript-to-better-protect-taxpayer-data
WASHINGTON — Moving to better protect taxpayer data, the Internal Revenue Service today announced a new format for individual tax transcripts that will redact personally identifiable information from the Form 1040 series.
This new transcript replaces the previous format and will be the default format available via Get Transcript Online, Get Transcript by Mail or the Transcript Delivery System for tax professionals as of September 23. Financial entries will remain visible, which will give taxpayers and third-parties the data they need for tax preparation or income verification.
Additionally, based on stakeholder feedback, the IRS also has created a new Customer File Number that lenders, colleges and other third parties that order transcripts for non-tax purposes can use as an identifying number instead of the taxpayer’s SSN.
“Since the IRS joined in partnership with the states and tax industry in 2015, we’ve made great progress in our effort to combat stolen identity refund fraud. Our numbers are going in the right direction,” said Acting IRS Commissioner David Kautter. “To maintain our progress, we continue to evaluate our policies and procedures on an ongoing basis. One area that we identified as in need of change was the individual tax transcript area. We believe the change we are announcing today will better protect taxpayer data from unauthorized disclosure and theft.”
As the IRS has made inroads, criminals need more taxpayer details to better impersonate their victims, making the tax transcript a sought-after document. Criminals attempt to pose as taxpayers accessing their own account or as tax preparers or third parties requesting client information.
The following information will be provided on the new transcript:
Last 4 digits of any SSN listed on the transcript: XXX-XX-1234
Last 4 digits of any EIN listed on the transcript: XX-XXX-1234
Last 4 digits of any account or telephone number
First 4 characters of the last name for any individual
First 4 characters of a business name
First 6 characters of the street address, including spaces
All money amounts, including balance due, interest and penalties
On September 23, the IRS also will post an updated Form 4506-T and Form 4506T-EZ, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, that will have a new Line 5b for a 10-digit Customer File Number. Legitimate third parties with a need for income verification or tax data often request taxpayers complete a Form 4506-T.
As of September 23, third parties or taxpayers can create any 10-digit number, except for the taxpayer’s SSN, for use as an identifier. The Customer File Number listed on the 4506-T automatically will be posted and visible on the requested tax transcript, allowing the third party to match the document to the taxpayer. A Customer File Number can be, for example, a loan account number
Line 5b is an optional line, intended for those third parties that request high volumes of transcripts.
There is no change in the process for students seeking income verification through Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or disaster victims seeking FEMA assistance. Nor will business tax transcripts change.
MORE BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS:
Tax Security 101: Security Summit urges tax professionals to educate all employees about data security, computing safeguards
WASHINGTON — The IRS and its Security Summit partners today called on tax professionals to step up security education for all office employees, including themselves, to better protect taxpayer data and help prevent fraudulent return filings.
The warning from the IRS, state tax agencies and the nation's tax industry follows an increase this year in reports of data thefts from tax professionals. The Security Summit partners remind professionals that their clients’ data and their businesses are only as secure as their least informed employee.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-security-101-security-summit-urges-tax-professionals-to-educate-all-employees-about-data-security-computing-safeguards
DOJ: Former Swiss Bank Executive Pleads Guilty to Role in Billion-Dollar International Money Laundering Scheme Involving Funds Embezzled from Venezuelan State-Owned Oil Company
The former managing director and vice chairman of a Swiss bank pleaded guilty today for his role in a billion-dollar international scheme to launder funds embezzled from Venezuelan state-owned oil company Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA).
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-swiss-bank-executive-pleads-guilty-role-billion-dollar-international-money-laundering
USDA BLOG: Copper May be the Key to ‘Growing’ More Land and Feeding the World
You know what they say about land – they’re not making any more of it.
In fact, when it comes to agriculture, the amount of available farmland is shrinking. When you couple that with a world population of nearly 10 billion by 2050, it’s not unusual to ask if there will be enough food to eat.
To answer that question, two Cornell University scientists are working with wheat in a way that may both improve crop yield and increase the amount of productive land farmers have to work with. USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is supporting this research with a $500,000 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative grant.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/08/23/copper-may-be-key-growing-more-land-and-feeding-world
FTC Approves Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.’s Application for Sale of Two Retail Fuel Stations in Minnesota
The Federal Trade Commission has approved an application by Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., or ACT, to divest two retail fuel stations in Minnesota. The divestitures are required under the FTC’s Feb. 15, 2018 final order settling charges that ACT’s proposed acquisition of Holiday Companies would violate federal antitrust law.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/08/ftc-approves-alimentation-couche-tard-incs-application-sale-two
U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR ACOSTA AND U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR MCMAHON DISCUSS PRESIDENT TRUMP’S SUPPORT FOR AMERICAN JOB CREATORS
CHICAGO, IL - U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and U.S. Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon discussed President Trump’s strong support for America’s small business job creators during a visit today to Superior Graphite, a small business manufacturer in Chicago.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20180822
PAGE 6
DNR Transfers 10 Engines to Washington Firefighting Agencies
Press release issued 8/ 21/ 18
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/dnr-fire-engines-get-second-life-protecting-rural-communities
As part of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) ongoing efforts to strengthen rural fire districts in wildfire-prone areas, the agency has announced the 10 districts and communities that will receive an additional fire engine at no cost this year.
“Local fire districts are invaluable to successful initial attack efforts,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “Transferring engines directly to our communities increases the chance of getting wildfires out while they’re still small, thereby reducing the likelihood of the large, costly fires.”
Washington’s fire districts and departments are eligible for DNR’s surplus engines if their county falls under the state average median household income.
In 2017, Washington State Legislature authorized DNR to begin transferring ownership of the agency’s older surplus engines to rural fire districts in wildfire-prone areas. Last year, DNR shared 19 of its engines with local districts and departments.
Local Communities Receiving DNR Engines in 2018
Fire District/Fire Department
County
Goldendale Fire Department
Klickitat
Klickitat County Fire District 11
Klickitat
Pacific County Fire District 3
Pacific
Okanogan Fire District 7
Okanogan
Okanogan Fire District 12
Okanogan
Okanogan Fire District 16
Okanogan
Stevens County Fire District 4
Stevens
Stevens County Fire District 11
Stevens
Stevens County Fire District 13
Stevens
Ferry-Stevens 3 and 8
Stevens
DNR’s Fire District Assistance Program
DNR’s fire district assistance program provides local and rural fire districts in Washington state opportunities to establish, develop, improve, and maintain their wildland firefighting capabilities. The programs make several types of training, equipment and other assistance more affordable to local fire districts. For more information on the program, visit our website: www.dnr.wa.gov/FireDistrictAssistance.
DNR Wildfire and Agency Leadership
The Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz, oversees the Department of Natural Resources and its responsibility to prevent and fight wildfires on 13 million acres of private, state and tribal-owned forestlands. This includes supervising the state’s largest wildfire department, which participates in Washington's coordinated interagency approach to firefighting, as well as managing 3 million acres of state trust lands, 2.6 million acres of state aquatic lands, 92 state natural areas, rule administration across 12 million acres of Washington forestlands, and the Washington State Geology Survey.
In other state related news...
DNR Partners With Navy To Protect Hood Canal
Easement on public aquatic lands safeguards Navy operations and protects Hood Canal’s coastline from development
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/dnr-partners-navy-protect-hood-canal
AG RECOVERS $500K DONATED BY WASHINGTONIANS TO BANKRUPT SHAM CHARITY
Department of Health will use money to pay for breast cancer screenings for underinsured women, as donors originally intended
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-recovers-500k-donated-washingtonians-bankrupt-sham-charity
State Tourism Marketing Authority Board of Directors Meeting Slated for Aug. 30 at SeaTac Airport Conference Center
A new Washington State Tourism Marketing Authority (TMA) was established by the legislature (ESSB 5251) to contract for statewide marketing services that promote tourism on behalf of the citizens of the state, and for managing the authority’s financial resources.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/state-tourism-marketing-authority-board-of-directors-meeting-slated-for-aug-30-at-seatac-airport-conference-center/
Clean Energy Fund Recipient Snohomish County PUD Breaks Ground on Microgrid and Clean Energy Technology Center
Arlington, WA – Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) this week broke ground on an innovative Microgrid and Clean Energy Technology Center, located east of the Arlington Airport. It will demonstrate multiple new energy technologies, including energy storage paired with a solar array. The system will be able to be “islanded” and run independently from the electrical grid.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/clean-energy-fund-recipient-snohomish-county-pud-breaks-ground-on-microgrid-and-clean-energy-technology-center/
Inslee statement regarding federal proposal to purchase firearms for educators in classrooms
Gov. Jay Inslee today issued the following statement regarding the news today that President Donald Trump’s Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, is considering using federal education funds to purchase guns and provide firearm training for educators who work in the classroom.
“I cannot believe we’ve reached a point in time where our national leaders’ response to the deadly scourge of gun violence in America is to put more guns in schools and ask our hard-working educators to take on the additional roles of security guard and SWAT officer.
“Education funding should be used for education. Most of our schools are already under-resourced, and pitting the need for new textbooks, classroom supplies and improved STEM programs against the purchase of new pistols is a debate that doesn’t deserve a minute of our time.
“If this administration is serious about improving school safety, I invite them to meet with the teachers and students who say there’s so much more we can do to provide additional mental health supports, provide better social-emotional learning and, as importantly, muster the courage to enact common-sense gun safety regulations that we know save lives. Our teachers should be focused on teaching, our students should be focused on learning, and our elected leaders should be focused on fixing gun violence — not escalating it. I call on Secretary DeVos to abandon this wildly dangerous proposal immediately.”
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-regarding-federal-proposal-purchase-firearms-educators-classrooms
LOCAL & REGIONAL MEETING AGENDAS HIGHLIGHTS.
Clallam County meetings:
County Commission work session agenda for 8/ 27/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1121
Agenda highlights:
Clallam County regular meeting for 8/ 28/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=390
Agenda highlights:
- Resolution adopting the following Supplemental Appropriations:
Health and Human Services Environmental Health – Funding is received to administer the Medicine Takeback Program/$9,170
Sheriff – Operations – Receipt of State Funding from FY2018-2019 registered sex offender address and residency verification program that will be spend in FY2018/$42,514
Enhanced Nine-One-One – Receipt of reimbursement from E911 County Coordinator Professional Development contract #E19-011 to be expended in FY2018/$24,025
- EXECUTIVE SESSION - Friday, August 31 at 8:30 a.m.
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has requested an Executive Session with the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, the Director of Community Development, the Director of Human Resources/Risk Department, outside legal counsel and the WCRP Claims Manager.
The purpose of this session is to discuss with the BoCC the most recent correspondence (dated August 14, 2018) from land use counsel for Judy Lee. The parties remain in negotiations to determine who will serve as the neutral third party reviewer, what that reviewer will, in fact, review and the County’s role during the third-party review. The County decision-makers have to decide how the County will respond to the August 14th letter. Note that applicant Judy Lee has proposed a 32,000+ square feet structure. Lee asserts her application is for a bed and breakfast within a single family residence while the County has determined the application is for a hotel. There is also a federal court lawsuit against Clallam County and Director Winborn under cause #3:17-cv-06065.
Discussing such matters in executive session is appropriate because public knowledge of the discussion would reveal the County’s legal strategies and likely result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency. RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i) expressly authorizes a governing body to convene an executive session for the above-described purposes, specifically actual litigation against the County.
Port to hold special meeting on the 28th starting at 8:AM- 12:PM, meeting agenda.
https://portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08282018-320
Agenda highlight: Strategic Plan Review for Budget Guidance
During 2015 the Commission worked with The Beckett Group to develop a strategic plan and made slight revisions to the plan in 2016 and in 2017.
The Target, Goals and Initiatives in the Strategic Plan may need to be adjusted as progress is made, new opportunities arise and/or changes occur in our community and markets. In late 2019, we will consider conducting a significant review to include engaging the public.
The best practice in achieving excellence is to focus on 3 to 5 initiatives. The Strategic
Plan currently has 18 initiatives. Please rank your top 5 initiatives with 1 being the most important to you and 5 being the least important to you. The benefit of limiting the number of priorities is to focus resources and create a proactive approach to increase the likelihood of success. While we have identified the top 5 priorities, we may need to focus most of our attention on the top 3 or 4 priorities. The individual Commissioner rankings will be combined and discussed at a follow-on Commission meeting to identify the final top 5.
Attached are the current strategic plan ‘one-pager’ and a table that breaks down each goal and its associated initiatives.
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING FOR 8/ 27/18
https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=de82483f-e8e1-4c86-83af-d357c175fa06&prefilter=845,5958
Agenda highlight: AGREEMENT re: County Road Administrative Board (CRAB) Rural Arterial Program Grant Funding Application Upper Hoh Road Emergency Repair, M.P. 0.00 to M.P. 12.04, State Legislative Road No. 91420; In the Amount of $1,976,000; Jefferson County Public Works; Washington State County Road Administrative Board (CRAB)
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🕂He's in your corner
WEEKLY BIBLE VERSE: Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.---Psalm 119:165 NIV
Weekly Bible Study
"Count Your Blessings": Our Need for Gratitude
Frequently people become discouraged and depressed because of problems they face in life. We are so upset by our difficulties that we fail to appreciate the good things God has given us. Let us stop a moment and "count our blessings."---Gospel Way
Free bible studies (WBS)
Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
👲Riddle Genie
last week's question: A boy is walking around in a carnival and he sees a single man in a booth. He walks up to the man and asks what the booth is for. "Well," says the man, "I can write your exact weight on this slip of paper. If I get it wrong, I pay you $20. If I get it right, you pay me $20." The boy looks around, and seeing no scales, agrees. 5 minutes later, the man has gotten $20 from the boy. How?
Last week's answer: The man wrote "your exact weight" on a piece of paper.
New Question: A small defenseless animal lays on the ground in the heat of the sun. Suddenly, it is pulled up and beaten with sticks. The animal’s body is broken, but no one is punished for the crime. Why not?
Answer next week!
