Wow, they look pretty excited about today.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Monday, January 8, 2018
"Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn announces retirement"
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Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn was in attendance for Attorney General Jeff Sessions' speech.(Photo: Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn
announced his retirement Monday, capping a turbulent period during his
tenure as the city’s top cop.
"It's time to say thank you, it's time to say goodbye," Flynn said at a 4 p.m. news conference.
The retirement is to be effective Feb. 16.
The embattled chief is in the middle of his third term, which was scheduled to expire Jan. 7, 2020.
Flynn,
69, made his announcement one day after the 10th anniversary of his
appointment as Milwaukee's police chief and several days before he was
scheduled to go before the city's Fire and Police Commission for a
performance evaluation.
After Flynn's announcement,
the commission said it will discuss how to move forward in its closed
sessionThursday. The commission will select an acting chief "from within
the department," it said in a news release.
James Harpole is the current assistant chief of the department.
Flynn was first appointed in 2008 and became the first chief to have his contract renewed
since Harold Breier, who left in 1984 after 20 years as chief. Before
that, chiefs were appointed for life. Flynn’s most recent appointment
letter said his annual salary was about $147,000.
I came of age in the Harold Brier era. Now those were some cops. I always kept my mouth shut around them. That turned out to be a wise policy..
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"Woman run over with her own car while trying to escape cat attack, troopers say"
Car left in reverse, rolled over woman
An attempted cat jacking! The cat got away to jack another day.
"1970 AMC Rebel Machine - Don't Mess With The Machine!"
When my then father-in-law retired, he needed a project to keep him occupied. He bought an old AMX and restored it. He had a hell of a time getting some parts. When he stomped on it, you could even smell the gasoline pouring into the carburetor. A beautiful car, restored by a perfectionist.
Then he sold it. Then, I think, his liver started really giving him trouble. I don't know much because his daughter had already left me.
"Moar Crazy Cat Ladies"
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"Robots Have Replaced Humans In 25% Of China's Ammunition Factories"
China has begun replacing the workers in its ammunition factories with robots... The move will reduce the number of accidents suffered by human workers, and has already increased the production of ammunition in the country."
China is one country leading the charge when it comes to embracing robotics and artificial intelligence. Last year, the country saw the first robot dentist successfully operate on a patient, and there are plans to build an unmanned, AI-powered police station in a capital city. Both developments show signs of China’s progress to becoming a global leader in AI by 2030.
To be a leader in AI, however, also means using such technology in the workforce as a replacement for human workers. Recently, China has done so in using automation to increase its supply of bombs and artillery shells.
Speaking with the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Xu Zhigang, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Shenyang Institute of Automation, said that nearly 25 percent of China’s ammunition factories have had their human workers replaced with “smart machines.” Interestingly enough, China didn’t turn to AI simply because it wants to lead AI adoption. It was instead because the factories were lacking in people who actually wanted to work in such dangerous environments.
“However high the salary offered, young people are simply not interested in working in an army ammunition plant nowadays,” said Xu. No one can really fault them for being wary of the job, though. According to SCMP, citing “research papers published in Chinese academic journals,” a significant number of accidents have occurred in recent years, with some leading to injured workers or even death.
So great were safety concerns that the 20-30 factories constructed over the last 60 years are in remote locations, or areas with much lower populations.
“One spark could lead to a huge explosion and reduce the plant to a crater,” said Xu. “The risk of fire was our biggest challenge. It hung over my head like a sword.”
Since introducing automation to the factories, the AI — equipped with “man-made ‘hands and eyes’ — have been almost 5 times more productive than human workers and can assemble various ammunition including artillery shells, guided bombs, and rockets with the kind of efficiency and perfection some human workers struggle with. They also don’t get tired, which is a plus for any industry looking to implement robotics. With productivity somewhat limited by the supply of raw materials, Xu said that the productivity boost would probably fall between 100 to 200 percent “at a minimum.”
Click to View Full Infographic
“The robots can free workers from risky, repetitive jobs in the bomb-making process,” Professor Huang Dexian, from Tsinghua University’s department of automation, told SCMP. “It will create new jobs such as control optimization, hardware maintenance and technical upgrades. It will give us a stronger, healthier, happier defense workforce.”
Despite the AI’s improvements to safety, it’s fair to have concerns about their inclusion in the ammunition making process. Though Xu noted that China’s was not in a situation where it was “gearing up for a war and filling its armouries at breakneck speed,” the country’s new production abilities could spur other countries to produce weaponry at a greater pace, or encourage them to speed up development on their own AI projects out of fear of being outmatched. Russia, for example, is reportedly building an AI-controlled missile, and has plans to add autonomy to its land and aerial vehicles. The U.S., meanwhile, wants to use AI to boost its intelligence gathering capabilities, and successfully tested an autonomous F-16 last April.
It’s true that automation can improve productivity and have positive impacts on society, but experts caution that we should also be wary about how far we take automation without proper plans. This is something Jon Wolfsthal, a non-resident fellow at Harvard University’s Managing the Atom project, suggested society be cautious of, saying, “the possible advantages … are endless, but so too are the risks.”
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-01-07/robots-have-replaced-humans-25-chinas-ammunition-factories
China is one country leading the charge when it comes to embracing robotics and artificial intelligence. Last year, the country saw the first robot dentist successfully operate on a patient, and there are plans to build an unmanned, AI-powered police station in a capital city. Both developments show signs of China’s progress to becoming a global leader in AI by 2030.
To be a leader in AI, however, also means using such technology in the workforce as a replacement for human workers. Recently, China has done so in using automation to increase its supply of bombs and artillery shells.
Speaking with the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Xu Zhigang, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Shenyang Institute of Automation, said that nearly 25 percent of China’s ammunition factories have had their human workers replaced with “smart machines.” Interestingly enough, China didn’t turn to AI simply because it wants to lead AI adoption. It was instead because the factories were lacking in people who actually wanted to work in such dangerous environments.
“However high the salary offered, young people are simply not interested in working in an army ammunition plant nowadays,” said Xu. No one can really fault them for being wary of the job, though. According to SCMP, citing “research papers published in Chinese academic journals,” a significant number of accidents have occurred in recent years, with some leading to injured workers or even death.
So great were safety concerns that the 20-30 factories constructed over the last 60 years are in remote locations, or areas with much lower populations.
“One spark could lead to a huge explosion and reduce the plant to a crater,” said Xu. “The risk of fire was our biggest challenge. It hung over my head like a sword.”
Improved Productivity and Efficiency
Even before the accidents were a factor, however, workers were exposed to harmful chemicals while assembling ammunition, requiring them to wear masks and gloves. Needless to say, it’s not the most inviting job, and one that’s likely better suited for automation.
Since introducing automation to the factories, the AI — equipped with “man-made ‘hands and eyes’ — have been almost 5 times more productive than human workers and can assemble various ammunition including artillery shells, guided bombs, and rockets with the kind of efficiency and perfection some human workers struggle with. They also don’t get tired, which is a plus for any industry looking to implement robotics. With productivity somewhat limited by the supply of raw materials, Xu said that the productivity boost would probably fall between 100 to 200 percent “at a minimum.”
Click to View Full Infographic
“The robots can free workers from risky, repetitive jobs in the bomb-making process,” Professor Huang Dexian, from Tsinghua University’s department of automation, told SCMP. “It will create new jobs such as control optimization, hardware maintenance and technical upgrades. It will give us a stronger, healthier, happier defense workforce.”
Despite the AI’s improvements to safety, it’s fair to have concerns about their inclusion in the ammunition making process. Though Xu noted that China’s was not in a situation where it was “gearing up for a war and filling its armouries at breakneck speed,” the country’s new production abilities could spur other countries to produce weaponry at a greater pace, or encourage them to speed up development on their own AI projects out of fear of being outmatched. Russia, for example, is reportedly building an AI-controlled missile, and has plans to add autonomy to its land and aerial vehicles. The U.S., meanwhile, wants to use AI to boost its intelligence gathering capabilities, and successfully tested an autonomous F-16 last April.
It’s true that automation can improve productivity and have positive impacts on society, but experts caution that we should also be wary about how far we take automation without proper plans. This is something Jon Wolfsthal, a non-resident fellow at Harvard University’s Managing the Atom project, suggested society be cautious of, saying, “the possible advantages … are endless, but so too are the risks.”
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-01-07/robots-have-replaced-humans-25-chinas-ammunition-factories
Sunday, January 7, 2018
"JetBlue Flight Returns To Logan Airport After Unusual Odor Detected"
How many times do we have to tell the co-pilot not to eat hard boiled eggs and drink cheap beer the night before a flight?
"More Cracks Appear In the MTP Foxconn Plan As Milwaukee County Demands an Investigation and Reopens ... "
Will Milwaukeeans Pay for Foxconn Power?
Yes, according to ATC spokesperson. Ald. Robert Bauman wants city to investigate issue.
The $4.1 billion Foxconn deal is reactivating old battle lines.
https://concernedracinecountyresidentsjustsaynotofoxconn.wordpress.com/2018/01/07/more-cracks-appear-in-the-mtp-foxconn-plan-as-milwaukee-county-demands-an-investigation-and-reopens-old-battle-lines/
"Sheriff Clarke To Face Trial After Airplane Incident Investigated By FBI"
Former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke Jr. will face the long
arm of the law stemming from a January 15, 2017 incident in which Clarke
allegedly ordered six sheriff’s deputies to take airplane passenger
Daniel Black aside for interrogation after Black reportedly shot Clarke a
disapproving look on the flight.
https://arrestrecordsofracinewipublicofficials.wordpress.com/?p=1636&preview=true
https://arrestrecordsofracinewipublicofficials.wordpress.com/?p=1636&preview=true
"Sheriff Clarke"
Former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke Jr. will face the long arm of the law stemming from a January 15, 2017 incident in which Clarke allegedly ordered six sheriff's deputies to take airplane passenger Daniel Black aside for interrogation after Black reportedly shot Clarke a disapproving look on the flight.
Black asked if Clarke was the notorious sheriff, which Clarke explained he was. Black moved towards the back of the plane shaking his head. Clarke asked Black if he had a problem and Black shook his head no. There was no further interaction on the plane. But after the two came off the plane, Black was taken into custody by six deputies waiting at the gate for him. -RawStoryWhile federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Wisconsin dropped the case due to "insufficient proof," Black has filed a civil suit against Clarke for calling him a "snowflake" on Facebook, along with several posts by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office social media accounts. Several of the charges were thrown out by a Judge on Friday, however it was decided that Clarke should face trial over whether or not his Social Media posts at the time were threats or retaliation against Black.
In a Facebook post after the incident, Clarke said "Next time he or anyone else pulls this stunt on a plane they may get knocked out. The Sheriff said he does not have to wait for some goof to assault him. He reserves the reasonable right to pre-empt a possible assault."
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-01-06/sheriff-clarke-face-trial-after-airplane-incident-investigated-fbi
In Late December, court documents revealed that the FBI executed a search warrant shortly after the incident on Clarke's "dclarke.cowboy@gmail.com" account shortly after the incident, along with the Milwaukee sheriff's department's social media accounts.
According to a court filing, the FBI received a packet of reports from the Forensic Audit Manager for the Milwaukee County Office of the Comptroller with Black's complaint. The Milwaukee investigator concluded, in part "Clarke used his official position as Sheriff of Milwaukee County in excess of his lawful authority to direct his deputies to stop and question Black without legal justification."
Shortly thereafter, the FBI obtained a warrant.
After several media outlets reported on the incident, Clarke lashed out - tweeting "When LYING LIB MEDIA makes up FAKE NEWS to smear me, the ANTIDOTE is go right at them. Punch them in the nose & MAKE THEM TASTE THEIR OWN BLOOD," along with several other angry tweets.
Which resulted in a temporary suspension from Twitter.
Clarke also tweeted a photo of a letter from the Department of Justice with their decision not to prosecute, saying "Lib media did a drive-by hit job on me today with a FAKE NEWS STORY that I am under investigation by the FBI. It s a LIE. Last MAY the US Atty s office found NO EVIDENCE of wrongdoing for doing police work. Lying Lib media took a story from LAST MAY & reports this today as new."
Saturday, January 6, 2018
"Post Updated"
Dear City of Racine Alderpersons,
The latest post has been updated.
See:
https://arrestrecordsofracinewipublicofficials.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/racine-county-eye-reports-that-the-city-of-racine-rda-has-been-granted-the-machinery-row-deeds-in-lieu-of-foreclosure/
Intelligent discourse is always welcome.
Ad hominem attacks - not so much.
Ad hominem (Latin for "to the man" or "to the person"), short for argumentum ad hominem, is an argumentative strategy whereby an argument is rebutted by attacking the character, motive, or other attribute of the person making the argument, or persons associated with the argument, rather than attacking the substance of the argument itself.
Tim & Cindy
"Machinery Row Deed In Lieu of Forclosure"
Dear City of Racine Alderpersons,
It simply looks like yet another bad deal for City of Racine Taxpayers and Residents.The Machinery Row properties purchased by a City of Racine Taxpayer loan of $4.5M are now only worth $3,885,260.00, according to WI DOR Property Transfer Records.
https://arrestrecordsofracinewipublicofficials.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/racine-county-eye-reports-that-the-city-of-racine-rda-has-been-granted-the-machinery-row-deeds-in-lieu-of-foreclosure/
Wishing you better luck in the future on your next risky real estate gambling "Casino" with taxpayer money.
Sincerely,
Tim & Cindy
"Enjoy the Depreciation"
In December 2014, the city made FDP a $4.5 million loan, from the
intergovernmental sewer agreement shared-revenue fund, so Blackwell
could buy out three property owners and show the state he controlled the
property. That allowed him to meet an end-of-year deadline and be
awarded $9 million in state historic tax credits.
The only physical work that was done at Machinery Row during Blackwell’s ownership was the demolition of the northernmost section of 900 Water St., the larger of the two buildings, and some site cleanup.
On Dec. 16, the city declared Blackwell in default on his loan. Until Wednesday evening, it was unclear what would happen with the Machinery Row plan since that occurrence.
https://arrestrecordsofracinewipublicofficials.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/racine-county-eye-reports-that-the-city-of-racine-rda-has-been-granted-the-machinery-row-deeds-in-lieu-of-foreclosure/
The only physical work that was done at Machinery Row during Blackwell’s ownership was the demolition of the northernmost section of 900 Water St., the larger of the two buildings, and some site cleanup.
On Dec. 16, the city declared Blackwell in default on his loan. Until Wednesday evening, it was unclear what would happen with the Machinery Row plan since that occurrence.
https://arrestrecordsofracinewipublicofficials.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/racine-county-eye-reports-that-the-city-of-racine-rda-has-been-granted-the-machinery-row-deeds-in-lieu-of-foreclosure/
"More Fallout From The Dickert Disaster"
Paul Curtin saved the
North Beach Oasis and turned it into a popular profit center for the
City. Lying' John coveted it - took it away from Mr. Curtin and gave it
to his friends!
NOW - with Lying' John gone - "the friends" don't want it anymore..... Hmmmmmm.....
Mar 27, 2017:
RACINE — Fans of Benjamin Beer Co., 507 Sixth St., are one step closer to enjoying its products under the summer sun on North Beach.
On Monday night, the city Finance and Personnel Committee unanimously approved a proposal, pending a fiscal note before the next City Council meeting, which would allow Benjamin Beer Co., Inc., to operate the concession services at the North Beach Bath House, known to many as the North Beach Oasis.
Kathryn Kasper, purchasing agent for the city of Racine, said the city put out two official bid notices and hadn’t heard any responses from anyone.
“It’s a bit of a tough concession to run, we understand that,” Kasper said adding Benjamin Beer Co. approached the city with an offer. “We felt that it was a fair proposal.”
If approved by the City Council, Kasper said the company is willing to pay the city 15 percent of its revenue made at the facility during the first year and 20 percent the second year.
In the past, contracts for vendors lasted five years but Kasper said as the city will be studying the best uses for North Beach as part of the “North Beach Master Plan,” this contract is for two years.
http://journaltimes.com/news/local/benjamin-beer-could-run-north-beach-oasis-starting-this-summer/article_7698e702-4771-5d3e-a0ae-37e69495e4ec.html
Friday, January 5, 2018
"You Do Something To Me" - Mario Lanza
Mario Lanza (born Alfredo Arnold Cocozza; January 31, 1921 – October 7, 1959) was an American tenor of Italian ancestry, and an actor and Hollywood film star of the late 1940s and the 1950s.
Lanza began studying to be a professional singer at the age of 16. After appearing at the Hollywood Bowl in 1947, Lanza signed a seven-year film contract with Louis B. Mayer, the head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, who saw his performance and was impressed by his singing. Prior to that, the adult Lanza had sung only two performances of an opera. The following year (1948), however, he sang the role of Pinkerton in Puccini's Madama Butterfly in New Orleans.[1]
His film début for MGM was in That Midnight Kiss (1949) with Kathryn Grayson and Ethel Barrymore. A year later, in The Toast of New Orleans, his featured popular song "Be My Love" became his first million-selling hit. In 1951, he played the role of tenor Enrico Caruso, his idol, in the biopic The Great Caruso, which produced another million-seller with "The Loveliest Night of the Year" (a song which used the melody of Sobre las Olas). The Great Caruso was the top-grossing film that year.[2]
The title song of his next film, Because You're Mine, was his final million-selling hit song. The song went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. After recording the soundtrack for his next film, The Student Prince, he embarked upon a protracted battle with studio head Dore Schary arising from artistic differences with director Curtis Bernhardt, and was eventually dismissed by MGM.[3]
Lanza was known to be "rebellious, tough, and ambitious."[4] During most of his film career, he suffered from addictions to overeating and alcohol which had a serious effect on his health and his relationships with directors, producers and, occasionally, other cast members. Hollywood columnist Hedda Hopper writes that "his smile, which was as big as his voice, was matched with the habits of a tiger cub, impossible to housebreak." She adds that he was the "last of the great romantic performers".[5] He made three more films before dying of an apparent pulmonary embolism at the age of 38. At the time of his death in 1959 he was still "the most famous tenor in the world".[6] Author Eleonora Kimmel concludes that Lanza "blazed like a meteor whose light lasts a brief moment in time".[7]
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Lanza
Four for Fridays!
I am so sorry that I am getting this posted so late I was up at 2am with Drew he had to go to work very early today. I went back to bed to just lay down and I fell asleep. Here are your questions.
1) When you go to bed does it take you a long time to fall asleep?
2) Do you feel like at night you just take naps or not?
3) Do you sleep straight through the night?
4) How many hours do sleep at night?
I hope you are staying warm and have a good weekend!
1) When you go to bed does it take you a long time to fall asleep?
2) Do you feel like at night you just take naps or not?
3) Do you sleep straight through the night?
4) How many hours do sleep at night?
I hope you are staying warm and have a good weekend!
Thursday, January 4, 2018
"More Fallout From The Dickert Disaster"
Paul Curtin saved the North Beach Oasis and turned it into a
popular profit center for the City. Lying' John coveted it - took it
away from Mr. Curtin and gave it to his friends!
NOW - with Lying' John gone - "the friends" don't want it anymore..... Hmmmmmm.....
Mar 27, 2017:
RACINE — Fans of Benjamin Beer Co.,
507 Sixth St., are one step closer to enjoying its products under the
summer sun on North Beach.
On Monday night, the city Finance and Personnel Committee unanimously approved a proposal, pending a fiscal note before the next City Council meeting, which would allow Benjamin Beer Co., Inc., to operate the concession services at the North Beach Bath House, known to many as the North Beach Oasis.
Kathryn Kasper, purchasing agent for the city of Racine, said the city put out two official bid notices and hadn’t heard any responses from anyone.
“It’s a bit of a tough concession to run, we understand that,” Kasper said adding Benjamin Beer Co. approached the city with an offer. “We felt that it was a fair proposal.”
If approved by the City Council, Kasper said the company is willing to pay the city 15 percent of its revenue made at the facility during the first year and 20 percent the second year.
In the past, contracts for vendors lasted five years but Kasper said as the city will be studying the best uses for North Beach as part of the “North Beach Master Plan,” this contract is for two years.
http://journaltimes.com/news/local/benjamin-beer-could-run-north-beach-oasis-starting-this-summer/article_7698e702-4771-5d3e-a0ae-37e69495e4ec.html
Norton and Me
I renewed my Norton back in June. I remember that as I removed the program from my computer, it stated I had 199 days left. Three weeks later, I go to reinstall my Norton and it says that my subscription has expired. Boy, I got on the telephone to them after that. And, no, my subscription has expired and did so back in June of last year. They claimed I had no Norton products installed on my computer. They say it's been 7 months since I had Norton. WHAT?
This is the (cheap) thing with Norton: they will try to squeeze every last penny out of you. After arguing on the telephone for two days, I told them to stick their fucking program up their asses. Bingo. My Norton products started working with the rest of my subscription showing.
Why in the fuck do they do that? I've been a customer for 20 years and often I have to fight them for my rights. I think what turned this one around was my statement to the customer service rep: "I can't make you do anything, but you and I both know that I have half a year of coverage coming. You know who else knows? God. When you die, God will ask you why you screwed me over a measly $40." Next day, I noticed my security was back up.
PayPal and Me
I got a letter stating that my PayPal account has been sold to some poor debt collector.
The same day, I got an email telling me that my new PayPal card has been mailed to me.
They must want the punishment.
The same day, I got an email telling me that my new PayPal card has been mailed to me.
They must want the punishment.
"Rick Esenberg sits down to discuss our challenge to Brown County’s sales tax"
On the importance of the Rule of Law!
A great big THANKS! to Rick ESENBERG and WILL for standing up for Wisconsin Taxpayers and Residents!
http://www.will-law.org/rick-esenberg-sits-discuss-challenge-brown-countys-sales-tax/
January 3, 2018 – Milwaukee, WI – Yesterday, the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed suit against Brown County in state court, alleging that the County’s new Sales and Use Tax violates state law. The lawsuit is on behalf of the Brown County Taxpayers Association and a resident of Brown County, and also names the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue as a Defendant.
On May 17, 2017, the Brown County Board of Supervisors enacted an ordinance creating a 0.5% sales and use tax intended to go into effect on January 1, 2018. The tax will fund $147 million in spending on projects like a new STEM center, library projects, road works, and museum exhibits. Based on the County’s 2018 budget, the tax will raise over $22 million and spend close to $18 million in 2018 alone.
Although Wisconsin law permits counties to impose a “sales and use tax” of 0.5%, such a tax may only be imposed to reduce the existing property tax levy imposed by the County. Brown County’s Sales Tax is not being used to reduce its property tax levy but is instead being used to evade the County’s levy limit and is therefore void and unenforceable.
“Brown County has enacted an illegal tax in violation of State law in order to fund projects that they could not otherwise fund,” said WILL’s President and General Counsel Rick Esenberg. “By doing so they will raise the price for all taxed products and services in Brown County, increase the cost of living, and place an additional burden on vendors and consumers. We have laws for a reason, and the reason for Wisconsin’s tax levy limits is to ensure political subdivisions like Brown County do not have unbounded authority to tax their residents.”
WILL’s complaint for the lawsuit can be found here.
WILL has been on the forefront of challenging illegal taxation and government spending in Wisconsin, including their successful effort to prevent Milwaukee from passing the utility costs of the Streetcar construction on to consumers and their ongoing challenge opposing the City of Eau Claire’s illegal creation and expansion of Tax Incremental Districts.
http://www.will-law.org/brown-county-illegal-sales-tax/
A great big THANKS! to Rick ESENBERG and WILL for standing up for Wisconsin Taxpayers and Residents!
http://www.will-law.org/rick-esenberg-sits-discuss-challenge-brown-countys-sales-tax/
County Not Using Tax to Lower Property Tax Levy as Required by State Law
January 3, 2018 – Milwaukee, WI – Yesterday, the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed suit against Brown County in state court, alleging that the County’s new Sales and Use Tax violates state law. The lawsuit is on behalf of the Brown County Taxpayers Association and a resident of Brown County, and also names the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue as a Defendant.
On May 17, 2017, the Brown County Board of Supervisors enacted an ordinance creating a 0.5% sales and use tax intended to go into effect on January 1, 2018. The tax will fund $147 million in spending on projects like a new STEM center, library projects, road works, and museum exhibits. Based on the County’s 2018 budget, the tax will raise over $22 million and spend close to $18 million in 2018 alone.
Although Wisconsin law permits counties to impose a “sales and use tax” of 0.5%, such a tax may only be imposed to reduce the existing property tax levy imposed by the County. Brown County’s Sales Tax is not being used to reduce its property tax levy but is instead being used to evade the County’s levy limit and is therefore void and unenforceable.
“Brown County has enacted an illegal tax in violation of State law in order to fund projects that they could not otherwise fund,” said WILL’s President and General Counsel Rick Esenberg. “By doing so they will raise the price for all taxed products and services in Brown County, increase the cost of living, and place an additional burden on vendors and consumers. We have laws for a reason, and the reason for Wisconsin’s tax levy limits is to ensure political subdivisions like Brown County do not have unbounded authority to tax their residents.”
WILL’s complaint for the lawsuit can be found here.
WILL has been on the forefront of challenging illegal taxation and government spending in Wisconsin, including their successful effort to prevent Milwaukee from passing the utility costs of the Streetcar construction on to consumers and their ongoing challenge opposing the City of Eau Claire’s illegal creation and expansion of Tax Incremental Districts.
http://www.will-law.org/brown-county-illegal-sales-tax/
"County Not Using Tax to Lower Property Tax Levy as Required by State Law"
Dear Village Board -
From Rick Esenberg & WILL - On the importance of the Rule of Law!
A great big THANKS! to Rick ESENBERG and WILL for standing up for Wisconsin Taxpayers and Residents!
http://www.will-law.org/rick-esenberg-sits-discuss-challenge-brown-countys-sales-tax/
January 3, 2018 – Milwaukee, WI – Yesterday, the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed suit against Brown County in state court, alleging that the County’s new Sales and Use Tax violates state law. The lawsuit is on behalf of the Brown County Taxpayers Association and a resident of Brown County, and also names the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue as a Defendant.
On May 17, 2017, the Brown County Board of Supervisors enacted an ordinance creating a 0.5% sales and use tax intended to go into effect on January 1, 2018. The tax will fund $147 million in spending on projects like a new STEM center, library projects, road works, and museum exhibits. Based on the County’s 2018 budget, the tax will raise over $22 million and spend close to $18 million in 2018 alone.
Although Wisconsin law permits counties to impose a “sales and use tax” of 0.5%, such a tax may only be imposed to reduce the existing property tax levy imposed by the County. Brown County’s Sales Tax is not being used to reduce its property tax levy but is instead being used to evade the County’s levy limit and is therefore void and unenforceable.
“Brown County has enacted an illegal tax in violation of State law in order to fund projects that they could not otherwise fund,” said WILL’s President and General Counsel Rick Esenberg. “By doing so they will raise the price for all taxed products and services in Brown County, increase the cost of living, and place an additional burden on vendors and consumers. We have laws for a reason, and the reason for Wisconsin’s tax levy limits is to ensure political subdivisions like Brown County do not have unbounded authority to tax their residents.”
WILL’s complaint for the lawsuit can be found here.
WILL has been on the forefront of challenging illegal taxation and government spending in Wisconsin, including their successful effort to prevent Milwaukee from passing the utility costs of the Streetcar construction on to consumers and their ongoing challenge opposing the City of Eau Claire’s illegal creation and expansion of Tax Incremental Districts.
Tread lightly and do no harm.From Rick Esenberg & WILL - On the importance of the Rule of Law!
A great big THANKS! to Rick ESENBERG and WILL for standing up for Wisconsin Taxpayers and Residents!
http://www.will-law.org/rick-esenberg-sits-discuss-challenge-brown-countys-sales-tax/
County Not Using Tax to Lower Property Tax Levy as Required by State Law
January 3, 2018 – Milwaukee, WI – Yesterday, the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed suit against Brown County in state court, alleging that the County’s new Sales and Use Tax violates state law. The lawsuit is on behalf of the Brown County Taxpayers Association and a resident of Brown County, and also names the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue as a Defendant.
On May 17, 2017, the Brown County Board of Supervisors enacted an ordinance creating a 0.5% sales and use tax intended to go into effect on January 1, 2018. The tax will fund $147 million in spending on projects like a new STEM center, library projects, road works, and museum exhibits. Based on the County’s 2018 budget, the tax will raise over $22 million and spend close to $18 million in 2018 alone.
Although Wisconsin law permits counties to impose a “sales and use tax” of 0.5%, such a tax may only be imposed to reduce the existing property tax levy imposed by the County. Brown County’s Sales Tax is not being used to reduce its property tax levy but is instead being used to evade the County’s levy limit and is therefore void and unenforceable.
“Brown County has enacted an illegal tax in violation of State law in order to fund projects that they could not otherwise fund,” said WILL’s President and General Counsel Rick Esenberg. “By doing so they will raise the price for all taxed products and services in Brown County, increase the cost of living, and place an additional burden on vendors and consumers. We have laws for a reason, and the reason for Wisconsin’s tax levy limits is to ensure political subdivisions like Brown County do not have unbounded authority to tax their residents.”
WILL’s complaint for the lawsuit can be found here.
WILL has been on the forefront of challenging illegal taxation and government spending in Wisconsin, including their successful effort to prevent Milwaukee from passing the utility costs of the Streetcar construction on to consumers and their ongoing challenge opposing the City of Eau Claire’s illegal creation and expansion of Tax Incremental Districts.
Please join Cindy and I is JUST SAYING NO to allowing Governor Scott
Walker, Representatives Robin Vos, Cory Mason & MTP President David
DeGroot to violate the Wisconsin Constitution (and their Oath of Office)
by granting special rights to Corporate interests, stealing people’s
property, destroying multi-generational Farms alongside an entire long
established Community, loosening environmental protections, permitting
heavy metals water pollution, instituting slave labor wages, providing
taxpayer subsidies to multi-billionaire Corporations, and politician
overreach.
"Unique and beloved Madison restaurant Ella's Deli is closing"
The full-size carousel at Ella's Deli
may have spun for the last time as the owners of the unique Madison
restaurant announced Wednesday it's closing at the end of the month
unless a buyer steps forward.
The
restaurant on a well-trafficked spot on E. Washington Ave. with the neon
hot air balloon sign beckoning the hungry and the curious for more than
four decades will serve its last bowl of chicken matzo ball soup and
french fried dill pickles on Jan. 31.
But owners Ken and Judy Balkin, who have owned the restaurant for 41 years, hope it doesn't come to that.
"There's
nothing to be sorry about," Ken Balkin said in a phone interview
Wednesday afternoon.
"We're optimistic someone in the community or from
around the state will want to carry on the tradition here."
Customers
don't just eat at Ella's Deli, they're entertained by the cool, retro
gizmos and decorations on every wall, the ceiling and even the
tables. Where else can diners eat burgers and slurp ice cream cones
beneath a giant smiling banana on legs, a life-size robot with
televisions in its stomach and Superman — cape flying — traveling on a
track on the ceiling?
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2018/01/03/unique-and-beloved-madison-restaurant-ellas-deli-closing/1000783001/
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Should Be Forgot, You Betcha
From the Shepherd Express:
But I will tell you’s I recall that at the beginning of this dying year I looked back at 2016 and said it had sucked, and my crystal ball told me to say that the future-2017 would also suck, but even more.
Cripes, I should’ve put my money where my mouth was ’cause if I had, I’d be living the luxury life on Easy Street and lighting my Pall Malls with $20 dollar bills, what the fock.
So yeah, the less said about 2017 the better and I’m sticking to it, this week anyways. But before I go, I got to say once again that if you’re out and about New Year’s Eve so’s to kick 2017 out the door, maybe I’ll see you over by the North Shore American Legion Post 331 up there in Shorewood on Wilson Drive just north of Capitol, 9 p.m. to midnight with the John Schneider Orchestra, Claire Morkin, MRS. FUN and some saxophone player, ring-a-ding-ding. It’s a suggested donation of $15, but as always, if you’d rather drop a grand or two at the door, there’d be no complaints.
December 26, 2017
4:16 PM
I’m Art Kumbalek and man oh manischewitz what a world,
ain’a? So listen, this old year, this time 2017, is practically expired
and again I’m thinking the less said about it the better.
But I will tell you’s I recall that at the beginning of this dying year I looked back at 2016 and said it had sucked, and my crystal ball told me to say that the future-2017 would also suck, but even more.
Cripes, I should’ve put my money where my mouth was ’cause if I had, I’d be living the luxury life on Easy Street and lighting my Pall Malls with $20 dollar bills, what the fock.
So yeah, the less said about 2017 the better and I’m sticking to it, this week anyways. But before I go, I got to say once again that if you’re out and about New Year’s Eve so’s to kick 2017 out the door, maybe I’ll see you over by the North Shore American Legion Post 331 up there in Shorewood on Wilson Drive just north of Capitol, 9 p.m. to midnight with the John Schneider Orchestra, Claire Morkin, MRS. FUN and some saxophone player, ring-a-ding-ding. It’s a suggested donation of $15, but as always, if you’d rather drop a grand or two at the door, there’d be no complaints.
So to the limit of my optimism, it bears repeating that I wish you
all a happy focking New Year, and good luck with that what the fock,
’cause I’m Art Kumbalek and I told you so.
From: https://shepherdexpress.com/around-milwaukee/art-kumbalek/should-be-forgot-you-betcha/
From: https://shepherdexpress.com/around-milwaukee/art-kumbalek/should-be-forgot-you-betcha/
Sounds like a case for WILL
Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty - http://www.will-law.org/
We are hoping to raise funds for legal expenses to fight the Village of Mount Pleasant's illegal use of eminent domain laws to take our brand-new home and give it to Foxconn for free.
On October 4th, 2017, we learned for the first time that Foxconn wanted to build its new LCD manufacturing plant on our property. Prior to the public announcement, we had not been contacted by anyone from the Village of Mount Pleasant, Racine County or Foxconn before the public announcement. David DeGroot and Jonathan Delagrave told the media that eminent domain would be used as a last resort. However, the very first notice we received from the Village was a letter from Claud Lois telling us they were going to take our property due to widening of the roadways. When I pointed out that we are no where near the roadways, they said they now intend to take our property under the Blight Elimination and Slum Clearance Act.
In 2006, the Wisconsin legislature signed into law 2005 Wisconsin Act 233 which prevents unblighted homes from being condemned for purposes of conveying that property to a private entity. The Village of Mount Pleasant and its high-priced lawyers are trying to find a way to ignore that law, even though they have offered our neighbors $50,000 - $82,000 per acre for their farmland. If they succeed, they will render that law meaningless, not just for us, but for all homeowners in Wisconsin.
They have said they will pay us fair market value. That amount will not allow us to rebuild. 1+ acre lots are selling for nearly double what we paid for ours nine years ago. Plus, new subdivisions require you to build bigger, more expensive homes. The taxes are much higher and they have HOA fees. All of those costs would require us to take out a larger mortgage, which we cannot afford, nor should we have to.
Please help us send a message to Racine County and the Village of Mount Pleasant that they cannot bully homeowners and take their property in order to give it to a multi-billion dollar company. If they or Foxconn want our property, they have to buy it at our price or leave us alone.
This has been an extremely stressful situation for me and my family. After nine years, we were able to build a beautiful home in a quiet rural area that we love, and which is close to work and family. We have not even spent one Christmas there and they want to just take it from us even though the laws say they cannot.
https://www.gofundme.com/eminent-domain-abuse-in-wisconsin
We are hoping to raise funds for legal expenses to fight the Village of Mount Pleasant's illegal use of eminent domain laws to take our brand-new home and give it to Foxconn for free.
On October 4th, 2017, we learned for the first time that Foxconn wanted to build its new LCD manufacturing plant on our property. Prior to the public announcement, we had not been contacted by anyone from the Village of Mount Pleasant, Racine County or Foxconn before the public announcement. David DeGroot and Jonathan Delagrave told the media that eminent domain would be used as a last resort. However, the very first notice we received from the Village was a letter from Claud Lois telling us they were going to take our property due to widening of the roadways. When I pointed out that we are no where near the roadways, they said they now intend to take our property under the Blight Elimination and Slum Clearance Act.
In 2006, the Wisconsin legislature signed into law 2005 Wisconsin Act 233 which prevents unblighted homes from being condemned for purposes of conveying that property to a private entity. The Village of Mount Pleasant and its high-priced lawyers are trying to find a way to ignore that law, even though they have offered our neighbors $50,000 - $82,000 per acre for their farmland. If they succeed, they will render that law meaningless, not just for us, but for all homeowners in Wisconsin.
They have said they will pay us fair market value. That amount will not allow us to rebuild. 1+ acre lots are selling for nearly double what we paid for ours nine years ago. Plus, new subdivisions require you to build bigger, more expensive homes. The taxes are much higher and they have HOA fees. All of those costs would require us to take out a larger mortgage, which we cannot afford, nor should we have to.
Please help us send a message to Racine County and the Village of Mount Pleasant that they cannot bully homeowners and take their property in order to give it to a multi-billion dollar company. If they or Foxconn want our property, they have to buy it at our price or leave us alone.
This has been an extremely stressful situation for me and my family. After nine years, we were able to build a beautiful home in a quiet rural area that we love, and which is close to work and family. We have not even spent one Christmas there and they want to just take it from us even though the laws say they cannot.
https://www.gofundme.com/eminent-domain-abuse-in-wisconsin
"Earth's Rotation Slowing"
Scientists have found strong evidence that 2018 will see a big uptick
in the number of large earthquakes globally. Earth's rotation, as with
many things, is cyclical, slowing down by a few milliseconds per day
then speeding up again.
You and I will never notice this very slight variation in the rotational speed of Earth. However, we will certainly notice the result, an increase in the number of severe earthquakes.
Geophysicists are able to measure the rotational speed of Earth extremely precisely, calculating slight variations on the order of milliseconds. Now, scientists believe a slowdown of the Earth's rotation is the link to an observed cyclical increase in earthquakes.
To start, the research team of geologists analyzed every earthquake to occur since 1900 at a magnitude above 7.0. They were looking for trends in the occurrence of large earthquakes. What they found is that roughly every 32 years there was an uptick in the number of significant earthquakes worldwide.
The team was puzzled as to the root cause of this cyclicity in earthquake rate. They compared it with a number of global historical datasets and found only one that showed a strong correlation with the uptick in earthquakes. That correlation was to the slowing down of Earth's rotation. Specifically, the team noted that around every 25-30 years Earth's rotation began to slow down and that slowdown happened just before the uptick in earthquakes. The slowing rotation historically has lasted for 5 years, with the last year triggering an increase in earthquakes.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2017/11/20/earths-rotation-is-mysteriously-slowing-down-experts-predict-uptick-in-2018-earthquakes/#73a7fb6b6f24
You and I will never notice this very slight variation in the rotational speed of Earth. However, we will certainly notice the result, an increase in the number of severe earthquakes.
Geophysicists are able to measure the rotational speed of Earth extremely precisely, calculating slight variations on the order of milliseconds. Now, scientists believe a slowdown of the Earth's rotation is the link to an observed cyclical increase in earthquakes.
To start, the research team of geologists analyzed every earthquake to occur since 1900 at a magnitude above 7.0. They were looking for trends in the occurrence of large earthquakes. What they found is that roughly every 32 years there was an uptick in the number of significant earthquakes worldwide.
The team was puzzled as to the root cause of this cyclicity in earthquake rate. They compared it with a number of global historical datasets and found only one that showed a strong correlation with the uptick in earthquakes. That correlation was to the slowing down of Earth's rotation. Specifically, the team noted that around every 25-30 years Earth's rotation began to slow down and that slowdown happened just before the uptick in earthquakes. The slowing rotation historically has lasted for 5 years, with the last year triggering an increase in earthquakes.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2017/11/20/earths-rotation-is-mysteriously-slowing-down-experts-predict-uptick-in-2018-earthquakes/#73a7fb6b6f24
Copy
Dear Village Board,
Is VP David DeGroot so pathetically obsessed - that the latest post doesn't even warrant the inclusion of an Honorable mention?
DOPE.
Dear Madame Zoltar
Did the state make a lotta money off of speeders and drunks/drugged this past weekend? I certainly hope so. As far as I'm concerned, they should let the lawbreakers pay for our highways. And let our prison population build them. We can go right back to the days of slavery.
How about the recent temperatures? I hope this entire winter is not as bitter as it has been. Lord, I loathe the deep cold. When it goes below zero night after night, it does something to my mind. Senor Zanza has referred to it as "the stupid stare," but I know he's only joking. I hope. Junior is finally bundling up a little. What is it with teenagers and their refusal to wear hats? And jackets. But they have plenty of underwear to show. And trip over.
My God, have you seen the one in which not only has the young man 90% of his underwear showing, but they're shit-stained. Does that imply some new meaning to the underwear? I really don't care about this, but you're often "trapped" into looking at someone's underwear. I think a generation ago, our parents would have pulled down the pants, but no more! Legalities cover more and more aspects of life. So we get to stare at stupidity like that.
Hey, how about da Foxconn, ya hey? This promises to be the greatest show on earth, in so many respects. It should provide amusement for years. And court proceedings for even longer. The people who are being forced to sell and move have my sympathies. Remember, we're a free country.
I'll bet you that every type of scam artist known on earth will make an appearance here. We need a "Foxconn cam" to document all of the convulsions and evolution. I'm kind of glad that I'm on the downside of my life cycle. I don't know if I could take the whole show.
Btw, thanks for nothing to lying John and his cronies. The lawsuits are starting to pile up and the taxpayers of Racine have to pay to defend this dirt. If we took him down, would that help?
You can help yourself to my heart anytime. I'm your Madame Zoltar. I love you all.
madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com
They say it might warm up a little as the week progresses. Should I get out the sun block?
__________________________
Please donate: paypal.me/jgmazelis
If you don't like PayPal, send me a note at madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com and I'll send you my street address so you can send a check or money order. Thank you
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
"'Not Just Murder' - Chicago Carjackings Surge To Highest Point In At Least A Decade"
While already the murder capital of America, it appears law and order is really losing control as The Daily Caller's Anders Hagstrom reports that Chicago residents suffered more carjackings in 2017 than in any other year since at least 2007, new statistics released by the Chicago Police Department (CPD) show.
The CPD reported 967 carjackings in 2017 through Dec. 27, a sharp 30 percent increase over 2016’s 682 total, the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday. The past three years have shown a stark upward trend in car thefts after eight consecutive years of decline since 2007, when 898 jackings were reported. The crime rate bottomed out at roughly 300 reports in 2014.
These incidents almost always include the use of force, with the passenger threatening the owner with a weapon before stepping driving off in the vehicle.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-01-02/not-just-murder-chicago-carjackings-surge-highest-point-least-decade
The CPD reported 967 carjackings in 2017 through Dec. 27, a sharp 30 percent increase over 2016’s 682 total, the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday. The past three years have shown a stark upward trend in car thefts after eight consecutive years of decline since 2007, when 898 jackings were reported. The crime rate bottomed out at roughly 300 reports in 2014.
“We constantly look at it, but to just give you a simple answer is difficult,” Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson told the Tribune. “Sometimes you can’t predict what these (carjackers) are going to do and how they’re going to do it.”The CPD have joined with the FBI to create a carjacking task force, however. They have reported that one of the most popular carjacking methods is the “bump and run,” where a driver will lightly rear-end another car only for his passenger to steal the vehicle when the owner gets out to inspect the damage.
These incidents almost always include the use of force, with the passenger threatening the owner with a weapon before stepping driving off in the vehicle.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-01-02/not-just-murder-chicago-carjackings-surge-highest-point-least-decade
"Powerful earthquakes to ravage Earth in 2018 as planet's rotation temporarily slows"
Maybe it's trying to shake all the People off of it!
Experts believe there is a correlation between the slowing of the Earth's rotation and more powerful earthquakes
http://www.mirror.co.uk/science/powerful-earthquakes-ravage-earth-2018-11785189
Experts believe there is a correlation between the slowing of the Earth's rotation and more powerful earthquakes
http://www.mirror.co.uk/science/powerful-earthquakes-ravage-earth-2018-11785189
"Randy Bryce for Congress | It Takes a Lot to Do a Little"
Six months ago, Randy Bryce took the State of Wisconsin and the nation
by storm when he announced his candidacy to run against Lyin' Paul Ryan
and launched one of the most amazing videos
in this cycle. It struck a chord with almost everybody because it
accurately portrayed Randy as an every day guy - a guy who is
struggling to meet the needs of his families but finding it harder and
harder to do so.
http://www.cogdis.me/2018/01/randy-bryce-it-takes-lot-to-do-little.html
http://www.cogdis.me/2018/01/randy-bryce-it-takes-lot-to-do-little.html
"City of Racine Lawsuit Filed - Uncovers Fraud - Kickbacks - Straw-man"
Talking
Racine discusses the complaint filed by Azarian and Olsen former owners
of property at the failed Machinery Row development. The complaint
uncovers fraud, kickbacks, secret accounts and calls developer Rodney
Blackwell the cities straw-man. We bring the perspective down to the
local level to discuss issues that affect our own city of Racine, WI.
https://youtu.be/fLIrpK3d_pY
https://youtu.be/fLIrpK3d_pY
Open Attachment:
Fagan Complaint.pdf
Open Attachment:
Olson Complaint.pdf
Monday, January 1, 2018
Copy
Dear County Board,
Foxconn CEO Terry Gou outfoxxed government officials in India - and left the taxpayers holding the bag.
Might
it happen to the (potentially) greater FOOLS in Wisconsin - Scott
Walker, Johnathan Delagrave, David DeGroot, Robin Vos and Cory Mason?
Only time will tell.
Please join Cindy and I in JUST SAYING NO to allowing Governor Scott
Walker, Representatives Robin Vos, Cory Mason & MTP President David
DeGroot to violate the Wisconsin Constitution (and their Oath of Office)
by granting special rights to Corporate interests, stealing people’s
property, destroying multi-generational Farms alongside an entire long
established Community, loosening environmental protections, permitting
heavy metals water pollution, instituting slave labor wages, providing
taxpayer subsidies to multi-billionaire Corporations, and politician
overreach.
Copy
Dear Village Board,
The
City of Racine is now facing at least 2 lawsuits over the Machinery Row
debacle. In the rush to force positive economic growth,
inept/incompetent/malfeasant Political Actors failed to act according
to Statutes, Ordinances, and basic human decency. Thus, the lawsuits and
economic woes are the only thing which continues to grow in Racine.Will the rush to welcome Foxconn cause the same problems in MTP? Cindy and I are certain that it will. Have you ever heard of Maharashtra, India? Well - google it if you will. Anyways - you will hear about it shortly.
Attached - for your perusal is a copy of the second Machinery Row Complaint. It is important that you view it and study it - as it is INSTRUCTIONAL - in why Bureaucrats MUST follow statutes, ordinances, and basic human decency.
Who knows? In the future - all the land emptied and confiscated by MTP to promote a dream of a manufacturing revival in SE WI might lead to another State Recreation Area - ala Bong Air Force Base. Cindy and I have decided that this will be the best purpose for this land - and it shall come to pass.
Once designated to be a jet fighter base, Richard Bong State Recreation
Area
is fittingly named after Major Richard I. Bong, a popular WI native who
was America's leading air ace during World War II. The air base was
abandoned three days before concrete was to be poured for a 12,500-foot
runway. Local citizens had the foresight to protect this open space for
future generations.A copy of the Olson Complaint is attached for your instruction/study.
https://arrestrecordsofracinewipublicofficials.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/racine-wi-once-again-face-down-in-the-gutter/
Open Attachment:
Olson Complaint.pdf
Sunday, December 31, 2017
"Second lawsuit over Machinery Row expenses filed against city"
RACINE
— A second lawsuit was filed against the City of Racine related to the
derailed Machinery Row development, seeking compensation for property
owners who were displaced because of the project.
The case, filed Thursday, has nine plaintiffs, most of which are businesses. They are suing the city and some of its representatives over the development plan once known as Machinery Row. The project, announced in 2014, was a $65 million riverfront development proposed by an Iowa developer. It was expected to be a commercial and residential development in a 20-acre area north of Water Street and east of Marquette Street, but it was never completed. Racine adopted a new plan for the area in November.
The Journal Times reported earlier this month that a tenant from one of the involved properties filed a lawsuit in circuit court against Racine seeking compensation for relocation expenses, among other alleged damages. A second lawsuit, this time filed in federal court, makes a variety of requests, including compensation for property, relocation expenses and damages.
The plaintiffs are: Richard Olson, Racine Indoor Motocross, Marquette Warehouse, Marquette Distribution Center, Urban Sustainable Aquaponics, Riverside Business Center, Sam Azarian & Sons Marina, Azar and Azarian Wrecking.
The city and its Redevelopment Authority are named as defendants, along with RDA Chairman James Spangenberg, City Development Assistant Director Matthew Sadowski, former City Administrator Tom Friedel and former Mayor John Dickert.
Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/second-lawsuit-over-machinery-row-expenses-filed-against-city/article_eef57956-50e6-5d63-9677-3a3352f6e031.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1
"Racine WI – Once Again, Face Down In The Gutter – Happy New Years 2018!"
Guess where former City of Racine Mayor John Dickert is once yet again?……
Besides making sure that after
https://arrestrecordsofracinewipublicofficials.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/racine-wi-once-again-face-down-in-the-gutter/
"Pot Industry Revitalizes Entire Canadian Town's Economy"
The marijuana industry is coming to the rescue of Smith Falls,
Ontario, an old factory town that is experiencing an unlikely
renaissance now that Canopy Growth Corp., Canada’s largest
publicly-traded cannabis producer, has become the town’s largest
private-sector employer.
This summer, Canada will become the second country after Uruguay to legalize marijuana at the federal level, which has driven a boom in the local cannabis industry, according to Bloomberg.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-12-29/pot-industry-revitalizes-canadian-factory-towns-economy
This summer, Canada will become the second country after Uruguay to legalize marijuana at the federal level, which has driven a boom in the local cannabis industry, according to Bloomberg.
Smiths Falls, Ontario - population 8,885 - is seeing a revival of fortunes since medical marijuana producer Tweed Inc. set up shop four years ago in an abandoned Hershey Co. chocolate factory. The company, since renamed Canopy Growth Corp., has become the world’s largest publicly traded cannabis producer and is the town’s largest private-sector employer.For Smith Falls, Canopy’s arrival heralded a boom in younger people moving to the town, located about 75 kilometers (47 miles) southwest of Ottawa. There are sometimes bidding wars on homes. New businesses are arriving. And commercial property is seeing renewed interest. Canopy, formerly known as Tweed Inc., took over an old Hershey factory to build a giant growing operation for medical marijuana. How’s that for symbolism?
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-12-29/pot-industry-revitalizes-canadian-factory-towns-economy
"The US Suffered 15 Billion-Dollar-Plus Weather Disasters In 2017'
In the year that President Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris
accord and downplayed global warming as a security threat, the US
received a harsh reminder of the perils of the rise in the planet’s
temperature: a destructive rash of hurricanes, fires and floods.
According to Bloomberg, the US recorded 15 weather events costing $1 billion or more each through early October, one short of the record 16 in 2011, according to the federal government’s National Centers for Environmental Information in Asheville, North Carolina. And that tally doesn’t include the recent wildfires in southern California, one of which grew to be the largest fire in state history, according to Bloomberg.
Among the most devastating events were hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and wildfires in northern California. The killer storms caused economic losses of more than $210 billion in the U.S. and across the Caribbean, and about $100 billion in insured damages, according to Mark Bove, a senior research scientist with Munich Reinsurance America in Princeton, New Jersey.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-12-29/us-recorded-15-billion-dollar-weather-disasters-2017
According to Bloomberg, the US recorded 15 weather events costing $1 billion or more each through early October, one short of the record 16 in 2011, according to the federal government’s National Centers for Environmental Information in Asheville, North Carolina. And that tally doesn’t include the recent wildfires in southern California, one of which grew to be the largest fire in state history, according to Bloomberg.
Among the most devastating events were hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and wildfires in northern California. The killer storms caused economic losses of more than $210 billion in the U.S. and across the Caribbean, and about $100 billion in insured damages, according to Mark Bove, a senior research scientist with Munich Reinsurance America in Princeton, New Jersey.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-12-29/us-recorded-15-billion-dollar-weather-disasters-2017
"Five Colorado deputies shot, one fatally, while responding to domestic call, authorities say"
Five sheriff’s deputies in Colorado were shot, one of them fatally, while responding to a call about a domestic disturbance on Sunday morning.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the deputies responded to a call from an apartment complex in Highlands Ranch, a few miles south of Denver, shortly after 5 a.m. Mountain time. The gunman opened fire, wounding two civilians. The gunman, whom authorities have not named, was later shot by deputies and is “believed to be dead,” the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities also have not named the deceased or injured officers, or the civilians. Deputy Jason Blanchard, spokesman for the sheriff’s office, said no other information will be released until a news conference at noon Mountain time.
Read and see more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/12/31/five-colorado-deputies-shot-one-fatally-while-responding-to-domestic-call-authorities-say/?utm_term=.1b1d495128d4
Saturday, December 30, 2017
"California set for New Year's buzz with recreational marijuana sales"
 |
 |
| Marijuana plants for sale are displayed at the California Heritage Market in Los Angeles, California July 11, 2014. REUTERS/David McNew |
By Steve Gorman
LOS
ANGELES (Reuters) - California adults not content to ring in the New
Year with the traditional fizz of champagne can look forward to
celebrating with the buzz of marijuana, purchased for the first time
from state-licensed retailers of recreational pot.
Dozens
of newly authorized marijuana stores are due to open for business
across California on Jan. 1, launching yet another chapter in America's
drug culture and the largest regulated commercial market for cannabis in
the United States - one valued at several billion dollars.
The
rollout is expected to be gradual and bumpy. The state only began
handing out licenses in mid-December, issued on a temporary basis
because implementing regulations were still under review.
Newly
permitted retailers will rely on a hodge-podge of marijuana producers
in the state's illicit "gray market" to stock their shelves for the next
six months, until state-licensed growers can harvest their first crops.
And
many jurisdictions, notably Los Angeles and San Francisco, will be
closed to business in the recreational pot sector for days or weeks
because of additional local approvals applicants must win.
Shops
in San Diego, San Jose, the Bay area-towns of Berkeley and Oakland, and
Eureka - the heart of Northern California's cannabis country - are
among those ready to go on Day One, said Alex Traverso, a spokesman for
the state Cannabis Control Board.
"The
market is going to be kind of rough getting started," said Jordan Lams,
chief executive of Moxie, a company based in the Los Angeles suburb of
Lynwood that specializes in making cannabis extracts, including oils
used in electronic vaporization, or "vape," devices.
He predicted supply shortages early on.
California
led the way in legalizing marijuana for medical purposes in 1996, and
more than 30 states have followed suit since then, though cannabis
remains classified as an illegal narcotic under U.S. law.
On
Monday, California will become the sixth U.S. state, and by far the
most populous, to legalize, regulate and tax sales of recreational
marijuana - a market catering to consumers wishing to buy the drug for
its mind- and mood-altering properties.
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