Saturday, July 28, 2012
Why doesn't Muskegon eat its vegetables? Community discussion aims to find out
Why doesn't Muskegon eat its vegetables? Community discussion aims to find out | MLive.com
Two public meetings in Muskegon Heights and Muskegon on July 31 are going to try to answer that question by asking residents what stops them from eating a balanced diet if they want to do so.
Two public meetings in Muskegon Heights and Muskegon on July 31 are going to try to answer that question by asking residents what stops them from eating a balanced diet if they want to do so.
Air Force's Mega-Bunker-Buster Bomb Is Finally Ready
Air Force's Mega-Bunker-Buster Bomb Is Finally Ready | Danger Room | Wired.com
That would be the Massive Ordnance Penetrator — all 30,000 destructive pounds of it.
It’s an absolutely ginormous bomb designed to convince rogue regimes that there is no redoubt for the manufacture of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons buried deep enough to escape the U.S. Air Force.
That would be the Massive Ordnance Penetrator — all 30,000 destructive pounds of it.
It’s an absolutely ginormous bomb designed to convince rogue regimes that there is no redoubt for the manufacture of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons buried deep enough to escape the U.S. Air Force.
The Tolerance Enforcers
The Tolerance Enforcers - Mark Steyn - National Review Online
Until the president’s recent “evolution,” the Obama administration held the same position on gay marriage as Chick-fil-A.
Until the president’s recent “evolution,” the Obama administration held the same position on gay marriage as Chick-fil-A.
8 Ways Blacks Perpetuate Racism and the Only Way to Thwart It
PJ Lifestyle » 8 Ways Blacks Perpetuate Racism and the Only Way to Thwart It:
The tolerance of racist ideas openly expressed by blacks and the larger civil rights establishment is informed by sloppy thinking regarding both race and the role of government in society.
True reconciliation requires confronting these ideas with reason.
Here are eight ways in which blacks are perpetuating racism, and the one true way to effectively thwart it.
The tolerance of racist ideas openly expressed by blacks and the larger civil rights establishment is informed by sloppy thinking regarding both race and the role of government in society.
True reconciliation requires confronting these ideas with reason.
Here are eight ways in which blacks are perpetuating racism, and the one true way to effectively thwart it.
British Embassy Confirms Krauthammer Right, White House Wrong: Churchill Bust Returned in 2009
The British Embassy has confirmed that Washington Post columnist Charles Krauthammer was correct when he wrote that a bust of Winston Churchill was removed from the White House when Barack Obama took office.
An Obama administration spokesperson slammed Krauthammer on Friday in a fact-checking post on the White House’s blog which claimed the columnist was advancing a “ridiculous” rumor that the Obama administration had ever returned the bust.
However, the British Embassy has confirmed that it did receive the original bust in 2009 and it currently resides in the U.K. Ambassador’s residence.
An Obama administration spokesperson slammed Krauthammer on Friday in a fact-checking post on the White House’s blog which claimed the columnist was advancing a “ridiculous” rumor that the Obama administration had ever returned the bust.
However, the British Embassy has confirmed that it did receive the original bust in 2009 and it currently resides in the U.K. Ambassador’s residence.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Muskegon City Commission picks new generation of leadership with Lea Markowski selection
Muskegon City Commission picks new generation of leadership with Lea Markowski selection | MLive.com
“I had the encouragement of some people in the community who wanted me to step forward,” Markowski said.
She has been involved with local environmental issues working with the Muskegon Sustainability Coalition and as secretary to the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership.
Markowski said she has a lot to learn about city government and being a commissioner but she will particularly concentrate on bringing sustainable development to the community.
“I want to focus on the best use for our lands,” she said
“I had the encouragement of some people in the community who wanted me to step forward,” Markowski said.
She has been involved with local environmental issues working with the Muskegon Sustainability Coalition and as secretary to the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership.
Markowski said she has a lot to learn about city government and being a commissioner but she will particularly concentrate on bringing sustainable development to the community.
“I want to focus on the best use for our lands,” she said
Election officials warn 6 ballot measures in jeopardy if Supreme Court accepts type-size argument in emergency manager case
Election officials warn 6 ballot measures in jeopardy if Supreme Court accepts type-size argument in emergency manager case | MLive.com
Six other statewide ballot measures could be disqualified if the state Supreme Court accepts a legal argument to be pushed Wednesday by opponents of allowing a referendum on Michigan's toughened emergency financial manager law, top election officials warn.
Six other statewide ballot measures could be disqualified if the state Supreme Court accepts a legal argument to be pushed Wednesday by opponents of allowing a referendum on Michigan's toughened emergency financial manager law, top election officials warn.
Norton Shores rejects Muskegon Heights' 'final' water offer, expects talks to continue
Norton Shores rejects Muskegon Heights' 'final' water offer, expects talks to continue | MLive.com
Norton Shores and Fruitport Township currently buy water from Muskegon Heights. Fruitport Township gave notice that it intended to leave the Muskegon Heights system in April 2011.
Norton Shores and Fruitport Township currently buy water from Muskegon Heights. Fruitport Township gave notice that it intended to leave the Muskegon Heights system in April 2011.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Olympic Female Beach Volleyballers to Cover Up to Appease Muslims - Long-Sleeved Shirts
Olympic Female Beach Volleyballers to Cover Up to Appease Muslims – Long-Sleeved Shirts
Now, the IOC has announced that women will probably have to cover up and wear long sleeves over their bikinis, using the excuse that it’s “cold” in London.
Don’t believe it.
This move is, yet again, to appease Muslims.
Now, the IOC has announced that women will probably have to cover up and wear long sleeves over their bikinis, using the excuse that it’s “cold” in London.
Don’t believe it.
This move is, yet again, to appease Muslims.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Local protestors organize bus to Supreme Court hearing on emergency manager law
Local protestors organize bus to Supreme Court hearing on emergency manager law | MLive.com
Harris-Darnell said the Muskegon Heights school system needed help, but should not have been “dismantled.”
“It if happens in Muskegon Heights, it’s going to happen in other places,” she said. “And we have to stop it.”
Harris-Darnell said the Muskegon Heights school system needed help, but should not have been “dismantled.”
“It if happens in Muskegon Heights, it’s going to happen in other places,” she said. “And we have to stop it.”
Grand Haven's Harbor Transit nabs $482,200 federal grant to replace aging buses
Grand Haven's Harbor Transit nabs $482,200 federal grant to replace aging buses | MLive.com
Harbor Transit nabbed a slice of the "State of Good Repair" grant pie, one of three programs through which funds were awarded.
The service operates an 18-bus fleet; half are 26-foot buses, and the other half are 23-foot buses.
Harbor Transit nabbed a slice of the "State of Good Repair" grant pie, one of three programs through which funds were awarded.
The service operates an 18-bus fleet; half are 26-foot buses, and the other half are 23-foot buses.
You ask the questions: What do Muskegon City Commission candidates need to answer?
You ask the questions: What do Muskegon City Commission candidates need to answer? | MLive.com
The commission interviews begin at 5:30 p.m. in the city commission chambers of City Hall, 933 Terrace.
A final selection of a new commissioner is expected at Tuesday’s meeting, also at 5:30 p.m. Both meetings are open to the public.
The commission interviews begin at 5:30 p.m. in the city commission chambers of City Hall, 933 Terrace.
A final selection of a new commissioner is expected at Tuesday’s meeting, also at 5:30 p.m. Both meetings are open to the public.
Art fair turnout in Hackley Park disappoints vendors
Art fair turnout in Hackley Park disappoints vendors | MLive.com
The turnout at the art fair in Hackley Park this weekend was something less than what the vendors had hoped for.
“It’s the worst arts and crafts show we’ve ever done, and we’ve done a lot of them,” Duane Morton, of Twin Lake, said.
The turnout at the art fair in Hackley Park this weekend was something less than what the vendors had hoped for.
“It’s the worst arts and crafts show we’ve ever done, and we’ve done a lot of them,” Duane Morton, of Twin Lake, said.
Emergency manager: Muskegon Heights substitute teacher costs 'out of line' at nearly $80,000
Emergency manager: Muskegon Heights substitute teacher costs 'out of line' at nearly $80,000 | MLive.com
Muskegon Heights Public Schools spent nearly $80,000 on substitutes to cover for employee sick and personal days during the final 4 1/2 months of the school year.
Emergency Manager Donald Weatherspoon said he became alarmed by the amount the district was paying for substitutes and ordered an analysis of sick, bereavement and personal days taken by 120 teachers and paraprofessional employees.
Muskegon Heights Public Schools spent nearly $80,000 on substitutes to cover for employee sick and personal days during the final 4 1/2 months of the school year.
Emergency Manager Donald Weatherspoon said he became alarmed by the amount the district was paying for substitutes and ordered an analysis of sick, bereavement and personal days taken by 120 teachers and paraprofessional employees.
Earnings Show Recession May Be 'Fast Approaching'
Earnings Show Recession May Be 'Fast Approaching' - US Business News - CNBC
While this quarter's earnings reports have crossed a substantially lowered profit bar, future expectations through the year indicate a recession could be on the way.
Estimates for the third and fourth quarters have been dropped to levels not seen since the days of the 2008 financial crisis, below even the muted 2 percent expected level of inflation.
While this quarter's earnings reports have crossed a substantially lowered profit bar, future expectations through the year indicate a recession could be on the way.
Estimates for the third and fourth quarters have been dropped to levels not seen since the days of the 2008 financial crisis, below even the muted 2 percent expected level of inflation.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Muskegon, Norton Shores join forces for chance at federal funding
Muskegon, Norton Shores join forces for chance at federal funding | MLive.com
Details on how the money could be used were unclear, but Meyers said some possible uses are down payment assistance for low-income people and financing for low-income housing developments.
The city had to decide before Monday to meet the federal deadline, he said.
Details on how the money could be used were unclear, but Meyers said some possible uses are down payment assistance for low-income people and financing for low-income housing developments.
The city had to decide before Monday to meet the federal deadline, he said.
Reeths-Puffer officials approve $1 million deficit budget, hope for savings through negotiations
Reeths-Puffer officials approve $1 million deficit budget, hope for savings through negotiations | MLive.com
Even with $1 million in spending cuts, Reeths-Puffer Schools is planning to spend $1.1 million more than it takes in for the coming school year.
Negotiations with teachers are ongoing, and any concessions could help the district’s bottom line.
But as it stands now, the fund balance at the end of next year will drop to $1.8 million.
“We are not comfortable with that amount,” said Reeths-Puffer Superintendent Steve Edwards.
About 82 percent of expenses in the 2012-13 budget approved by the Reeths-Puffer Board of Education are staff salary and benefits, Edwards said.
Even with $1 million in spending cuts, Reeths-Puffer Schools is planning to spend $1.1 million more than it takes in for the coming school year.
Negotiations with teachers are ongoing, and any concessions could help the district’s bottom line.
But as it stands now, the fund balance at the end of next year will drop to $1.8 million.
“We are not comfortable with that amount,” said Reeths-Puffer Superintendent Steve Edwards.
About 82 percent of expenses in the 2012-13 budget approved by the Reeths-Puffer Board of Education are staff salary and benefits, Edwards said.
Muskegon Heights audit shows deficit wiped out, positive general fund balance
Muskegon Heights audit shows deficit wiped out, positive general fund balance | MLive.com
For the first time in four years, Muskegon Heights finished a fiscal year with a positive general fund balance.
The city, which faced a large budget deficit a few years ago, showed $676,000 in the savings with its general operating fund when the 2011 fiscal year ended Dec. 31.
The completed audit, which showed that positive fund balance, was presented this week during a City Council work session.
For the first time in four years, Muskegon Heights finished a fiscal year with a positive general fund balance.
The city, which faced a large budget deficit a few years ago, showed $676,000 in the savings with its general operating fund when the 2011 fiscal year ended Dec. 31.
The completed audit, which showed that positive fund balance, was presented this week during a City Council work session.
Fruitland Township to hold candidate forum for county elections
Fruitland Township to hold candidate forum for county elections | MLive.com
FRUITLAND TOWNSHIP, MI – Candidates for four Muskegon County offices will gather to meet voters and answer questions July 26 in Fruitland Township.
The forum will start at 7 p.m. July 26 at Fruitland Township Hall, 4545 Nestrom. Candidates for the four offices were given a questionnaire in advance so they could give well thought-out answers.
The candidates for prosecutor are current prosecutor D.J. Hilson and former assistant prosecutors Marc Curtis and Stephen Corwin, all of whom are running as Democrats.
The candidates for sheriff are current Sheriff Dean Roesler, retired sheriff's deputy John Jurkas and former Zilwaukee police officer Joel Dobis, all Democrats.
The candidates for county clerk are Democrat Nancy Waters, who is the incumbent, and Democrat Manda Mitteer and Republican Cindy Fairfield.
The candidates for county commissioner are incumbent John Snider, a Republican, Democrat Terry Sabo and Democrat Chuck Woods, who is a member of the North Muskegon City Council.
FRUITLAND TOWNSHIP, MI – Candidates for four Muskegon County offices will gather to meet voters and answer questions July 26 in Fruitland Township.
The forum will start at 7 p.m. July 26 at Fruitland Township Hall, 4545 Nestrom. Candidates for the four offices were given a questionnaire in advance so they could give well thought-out answers.
The candidates for prosecutor are current prosecutor D.J. Hilson and former assistant prosecutors Marc Curtis and Stephen Corwin, all of whom are running as Democrats.
The candidates for sheriff are current Sheriff Dean Roesler, retired sheriff's deputy John Jurkas and former Zilwaukee police officer Joel Dobis, all Democrats.
The candidates for county clerk are Democrat Nancy Waters, who is the incumbent, and Democrat Manda Mitteer and Republican Cindy Fairfield.
The candidates for county commissioner are incumbent John Snider, a Republican, Democrat Terry Sabo and Democrat Chuck Woods, who is a member of the North Muskegon City Council.
Many Michigan urban high schools outperform suburban neighbors in Mackinac Center study
Many Michigan urban high schools outperform suburban neighbors in Mackinac Center study | MLive.com
Many of Michigan’s urban high schools are outperforming their suburban neighbors when their students’ socioeconomic issues are taken into consideration, according to a Mackinac Center study.
Many of Michigan’s urban high schools are outperforming their suburban neighbors when their students’ socioeconomic issues are taken into consideration, according to a Mackinac Center study.
Muskegon Heights school debt includes $1.4 million owed to employees
Muskegon Heights school debt includes $1.4 million owed to employees | MLive.com
The district also owes $6.3 million on a state loan.
The state has been garnishing the district’s per-pupil funding for payments on the loan and will take all of the district’s August payment.
Weatherspoon plans to pay off the school district’s debt with proceeds from an 18-mill nonhomestead property tax levied on businesses and homes that aren’t the owner’s principal residence, such as rental homes.
That plan depends on voters in November agreeing to renew the property tax, which Demetriou said raises about $1.2 million per year, though that number has been dropping.
Voters will be asked to approve a five-year renewal.
The district also owes $6.3 million on a state loan.
The state has been garnishing the district’s per-pupil funding for payments on the loan and will take all of the district’s August payment.
Weatherspoon plans to pay off the school district’s debt with proceeds from an 18-mill nonhomestead property tax levied on businesses and homes that aren’t the owner’s principal residence, such as rental homes.
That plan depends on voters in November agreeing to renew the property tax, which Demetriou said raises about $1.2 million per year, though that number has been dropping.
Voters will be asked to approve a five-year renewal.
Mayor Steve Warmington gives county comissioners 'tough love' message, praises foundation
Mayor Steve Warmington gives county comissioners 'tough love' message, praises foundation | MLive.com
As he said local communities in the Muskegon area protect their territory like it was a Friday night high school football game, Warmington gave a direct challenge to the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners.
“I challenge the county board to become leaders in Muskegon County,” he said.
“I don’t think we have had one county commissioner who was serving all of the citizens of Muskegon County.
We need to change the attitude of the county commission.”
Specifically, Warmington said he is still miffed that when the community was at the verge of bringing back cross-lake ferry service to Milwaukee in 2003, the city of Muskegon – not Muskegon County government – took the leadership and financial role to secure a ferry terminal and dock on Muskegon Lake.
On other issues of governmental cooperation and consolidation, Warmington indicated it will take the county board’s leadership to break down the walls between cities and townships in the Muskegon area.
Muskegon County Board Chairman Ken Mahoney said he did not hear Warmington’s outgoing address to the community but has had conversations of similar ideas with the Muskegon mayor over the years.
“In some senses, I don’t know what he wants from us,” Mahoney said. “We don’t have the authority to do a lot and we need the approvals of the local communities.”
As he said local communities in the Muskegon area protect their territory like it was a Friday night high school football game, Warmington gave a direct challenge to the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners.
“I challenge the county board to become leaders in Muskegon County,” he said.
“I don’t think we have had one county commissioner who was serving all of the citizens of Muskegon County.
We need to change the attitude of the county commission.”
Specifically, Warmington said he is still miffed that when the community was at the verge of bringing back cross-lake ferry service to Milwaukee in 2003, the city of Muskegon – not Muskegon County government – took the leadership and financial role to secure a ferry terminal and dock on Muskegon Lake.
On other issues of governmental cooperation and consolidation, Warmington indicated it will take the county board’s leadership to break down the walls between cities and townships in the Muskegon area.
Muskegon County Board Chairman Ken Mahoney said he did not hear Warmington’s outgoing address to the community but has had conversations of similar ideas with the Muskegon mayor over the years.
“In some senses, I don’t know what he wants from us,” Mahoney said. “We don’t have the authority to do a lot and we need the approvals of the local communities.”
Egelston firefighters will move temporarily for construction of new station
Egelston firefighters will move temporarily for construction of new station | MLive.com
But Holter said the township had indicated to voters that the station would be built on the current site, and that that needs to be honored.
While the ballot language did not specify a site for the new station, some pamphlets that were circulated prior to the election indicated that it would be.
Holter said a committee that recommended seeking a bond for a new station also had thought the station should be built on site.
“The station is staying on the township campus because that’s what the people voted for,” Holter said.
But Holter said the township had indicated to voters that the station would be built on the current site, and that that needs to be honored.
While the ballot language did not specify a site for the new station, some pamphlets that were circulated prior to the election indicated that it would be.
Holter said a committee that recommended seeking a bond for a new station also had thought the station should be built on site.
“The station is staying on the township campus because that’s what the people voted for,” Holter said.
Muskegon County wind-farm investigation begins with $110,000 payment from Gamesa
Muskegon County wind-farm investigation begins with $110,000 payment from Gamesa | MLive.com
County and Gamesa Energy officials signed a lease in May that gives the wind farm developer and wind turbine manufacturer the exclusive rights to investigate erecting commercial-scale wind turbines on the wastewater site.
If all goes as planned and the upcoming studies produce favorable results, a 150-megawatt wind farm built could be producing energy in late 2014.
County and Gamesa Energy officials signed a lease in May that gives the wind farm developer and wind turbine manufacturer the exclusive rights to investigate erecting commercial-scale wind turbines on the wastewater site.
If all goes as planned and the upcoming studies produce favorable results, a 150-megawatt wind farm built could be producing energy in late 2014.
Report: Muskegon High School achievement tops in the area when socio-economic status considered
Report: Muskegon High School achievement tops in the area when socio-economic status considered | MLive.com
Muskegon’s free and reduced price lunch rate is 87 percent, one of the highest in the state, said Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Jon Felske.
“It’s nice that there are studies done that take in the accountability factors of the diversity of the population that our teachers serve and our district represents,” Felske said. “Part of public education is you can’t pick and choose those who live in your district, but you serve those who choose to live in the district.”
Muskegon Heights High school ranked 581st, near the bottom of the list, and received an F on the report card.
Muskegon’s free and reduced price lunch rate is 87 percent, one of the highest in the state, said Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Jon Felske.
“It’s nice that there are studies done that take in the accountability factors of the diversity of the population that our teachers serve and our district represents,” Felske said. “Part of public education is you can’t pick and choose those who live in your district, but you serve those who choose to live in the district.”
Muskegon Heights High school ranked 581st, near the bottom of the list, and received an F on the report card.
Readers debate constitutional amendment opposed by Steve Gunn
Readers debate constitutional amendment opposed by Steve Gunn | MLive.com
pragmatic543 points out big business isn't much better than the unions:
"Those who live in glass houses Mr. Gunn....
Take a look at the too big to fail banks lately and their behavior?
Manipulating the LIBOR, giving artificially low rate home loans to those in power, manipulating currency, etc...
Please take a personal inventory of ones own heroes before casting others under the bus.
Want to know the motivation...follow the buck.
This is life 101, did you skip that day?
pragmatic543 points out big business isn't much better than the unions:
"Those who live in glass houses Mr. Gunn....
Take a look at the too big to fail banks lately and their behavior?
Manipulating the LIBOR, giving artificially low rate home loans to those in power, manipulating currency, etc...
Please take a personal inventory of ones own heroes before casting others under the bus.
Want to know the motivation...follow the buck.
This is life 101, did you skip that day?
Long-term water agreement in place for several Muskegon-area municipalities; More to come?
Long-term water agreement in place for several Muskegon-area municipalities; More to come? | MLive.com
Warner said several factors, including the total water pumped, will go into the water rate, but he is hopeful it will decrease for some residents.
“I think it’s safe to say at the very best it will be less and at the very worst it will be neutral,” Warner said.
Warner said several factors, including the total water pumped, will go into the water rate, but he is hopeful it will decrease for some residents.
“I think it’s safe to say at the very best it will be less and at the very worst it will be neutral,” Warner said.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Eaton County Dumps Prevailing Wage Law
Eaton County Dumps Prevailing Wage Law [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Prevailing wage laws mandate that union-scale wages be paid on construction work funded by taxpayer dollars regardless of whether the company's workers belong to a union.
Local governments can do nothing about federal and state prevailing wage laws, but they do have control over their own.
Eaton County's action in repealing its prevailing wage law was the second time a Michigan community has done so this year. In January, Bay City repealed its prevailing wage law.
Prevailing wage laws mandate that union-scale wages be paid on construction work funded by taxpayer dollars regardless of whether the company's workers belong to a union.
Local governments can do nothing about federal and state prevailing wage laws, but they do have control over their own.
Eaton County's action in repealing its prevailing wage law was the second time a Michigan community has done so this year. In January, Bay City repealed its prevailing wage law.
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