SinglePoint Inc has unveiled record revenue in its second quarter financial results showing the solar energy company reporting revenue of $4.5 million, nearly ten times higher than its revenue in the same quarter of 2021.

For the three-month period ending June 30, 2022, gross profit was $3.2 million, compared to $300,000 a year ago. 

“We are ecstatic with the execution of our entire team and the ensuing financial results,” CEO Wil Ralston said in a statement. “In our opinion, these stellar results validate everything our management, staff, and all our partners at each subsidiary have been working towards over the past year. The revenue growth is exceptional, and we expect to continue to see strong growth and further record revenues.”

READ: SinglePoint acquires Frontline Power Solutions, a multi-state, licensed energy services company

SinglePoint acquired Boston Solar, a leading residential, small commercial Solar EPC focused on customers in the greater Boston area, earlier this year.

During the quarter, Boston Solar was recognized as a top contractor for 2022, and BOX Pure Air was recognized as the preeminent provider of California EANS (emergency assistance to non-public schools) funding to improve indoor air quality in schools.

“Significantly, we want to point out these quarterly results are not representative of the full second quarter for Boston Solar as we closed this acquisition on April 21, 2022,” Ralston said. “On a full quarter basis, we would have recognized more than $5 million in revenue for the quarter.”

Looking ahead, the company expects throughput at Boston Solar to increase in the third quarter, as well as multiple school orders to improve indoor air quality.

“Combining with the expected orders for BOX Pure Air in (3Q), we expect 3Q to be yet another major growth milestone for the company,” he added. “Our companies are well positioned in their rapidly growing markets to accelerate the adoption of our services and meet the increased demand.”  

The company also noted the newly passed Inflation Reduction Act, noting that with “its generous tax credits for solar energy, we expect tailwinds to be in SinglePoint’s favor for years to come.”

Meanwhile, SinglePoint will be presenting at the Sidoti Micro-Cap Virtual Conference held this week. The company’s presentation is scheduled for 1 pm ET on Thursday.

Contact Andrew Kessel at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter @andrew_kessel

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Washington state wants to make homes for its most vulnerable residents greener and healthier.

It started with a needs assessment from the Department of Commerce on housing energy resilience to figure out what it will take.

Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin, policy and partnerships manager for Firelands Workers Action, a group in rural western Washington organizing on issues such as housing, said improving housing will not just make the house more energy resilient, but also remove health concerns lurking inside.

“People have been told by their doctor, ‘Hey, the bronchitis you have is caused by the mold in your house. You’ve got spots in your lungs that will never go away because of the indoor air quality of the place where you live,’ ” Schromen-Wawrin observed.

Schromen-Wawrin noted about 0.3% of houses in Washington are being weatherized or upgraded each year. The state’s goal is 10%. His organization has submitted an application to help the state scale up the program.

Schromen-Wawrin argued making home improvements would not only create healthier, more energy-efficient places to live, but also help the state tackle its growing housing crisis. He explained it is common for older Washingtonians who age in place to stop maintaining their housing out of lack of funds or resources.

“If we lose existing housing, then we’re just going to get further and further behind,” Schromen-Wawrin cautioned. “We can lose housing through people not being able to maintain their housing. You know, if your roof leaks, you’re basically rotting out the structure.”

On improvements to save energy, Schromen-Wawrin noted there are a number of options. Ductless heat pumps, for instance, will be important as summers in the Northwest warm up, since they can both heat and cool homes. He added it is important to get a wider perspective.

“Really, we have to think of housing, and the electrical grid as a whole, as something that we all collectively share,” Schromen-Wawrin emphasized.

get more stories like this via email

A federal court’s decision to require the Department of Interior to consider the potential health and climate impacts of coal mining on public lands could finally give sovereign tribes in Wyoming a seat at the table.

Connie Wilbert, director of the Sierra Club Wyoming Chapter, said until now, federal agencies just paid lip service to concerns raised by tribes about impacts to drinking water, air quality and their way of life.

“This is a big step towards requiring much more serious consideration and full disclosure of all of the impacts that coal leasing on federal land will have on tribes,” Wilbert contended.

Coal industry groups warned the decision would put a question mark on future plans. The ruling reinstates a moratorium on federal coal leasing established under the Obama administration, a pause intended to give agencies time to investigate the cumulative impacts of coal mining. The moratorium has been opposed by industry groups and state officials concerned about possible lost jobs and tax revenues.

Wilbert argued getting off coal will be far less expensive than the financial and human costs brought on by more frequent and intense wildfires, floods and prolonged drought. She believes the way to help workers and communities dependent on the fossil-fuel industry is not to pretend climate change is not happening.

“It’s to find ways to change our economy, our economic activity in this state and other states, in ways that aren’t so harmful to us all,” Wilbert asserted.

Coal operators hold enough leases to continue mining through the next decade, but according to a 2021 analysis, 90% of coal must remain in the ground in order to avert the worst-case projections of leading scientists.

Wilbert emphasized recent court rulings, along with passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in Congress to boost clean energy production, makes it obvious the age of coal is coming to an end.

“We have to stop using fossil fuels as an energy source as quickly as we can to avert the worst of climate change,” Wilbert stressed. “We don’t need to start 10 years from now, we need to start today.”

Disclosure: The Sierra Club’s Wyoming Chapter contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Endangered Species and Wildlife, and Energy Policy. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.

get more stories like this via email

Congress has passed legislation making the largest investment in clean energy in U.S. history.

It has grassroots organizations like Northern Plains Resource Council ecstatic.

Joanie Kresich, board chair of the Council, which represents family agriculture in Montana, said the Inflation Reduction Act is historic for the groups pushing for action on climate change.

“We’ve never wavered from a vision for a clean energy future, and we feel that vision is within reach now,” Kresich asserted. “It’s really exciting: Finally, after decades of hope, to have real legislation that’s going to help us do what we need to do.”

The bill the U.S. House passed over the weekend was slimmed down, compared to earlier versions of the legislation. But it still includes $370 billion for clean-energy programs and is estimated to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 40% by 2030. The bill passed along party lines, with Republicans saying it only expands the deficit and size of government.

Kresich noted the legislation also invests in farmers and ranchers. She pointed out they are on the front lines of climate change and depend on a reliable climate for their work.

“Now we’re going to get some really significant federal help, and that’s really exciting,” Kresich emphasized.

Kresich stressed the changing climate is affecting Montana, and pointed to the recent flooding on the Yellowstone River, which destroyed houses in places like Livingston.

“The kind of damage that happened is a reminder of why we’re doing this,” Kresich explained. “Why we’re trying to make this transition to a clean-energy future.”

Disclosure: The Northern Plains Resource Council contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Energy Policy, and Rural/Farming Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.

get more stories like this via email

In the wake of historic summer floods in the Midwest and Appalachia, there are calls for a new national plan to reduce risks from disasters.

The bipartisan National Climate Adaptation and Resilience Strategy Act would help reduce inefficiencies within the federal government in natural-disaster recovery and preparedness programs.

Mathew Sanders, senior manager of The Pew Charitable Trusts “Flood-Prepared Communities” project, explained it would create a White House Chief Resilience Officer who would help coordinate efforts between the federal, state and local levels.

“We have to have a larger volume and more high-quality and comprehensive plan that puts us in a better place with respect to all these disaster events, compared to where we are today,” said Sanders. “That would be a huge benefit, to Ohio and every other state.”

Currently, federal disaster-recovery programs are spread across at least 17 federal agencies. The National Climate Adaptation and Resilience Strategy Act was introduced in the U.S. House and Senate in January.

More than 15 states now have climate resilience planning initiatives, as do several cities. In Cincinnati, Councilwoman Meeka Owens chairs the Climate, Environment and Infrastructure Committee.

“The science and the data is telling us what’s happening,” said Owens. “And so cities like Cincinnati have to be prepared with storm-water mitigation, with resiliency around access to food, with how we are improving health metrics as a result.”

Owens contended that additional federal resources would be a catalyst for local efforts to address climate change.

“We really can’t afford not to act on a broad scale,” said Owens. “There is a cost to inaction and so, for every dollar that we can spend in mitigating an issue like this, we’ll also save money in the long run.”

A recent report suggests cities in Ohio will need to spend between $2 billion and $6 billion in the next half-century to address the effects of climate change.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

get more stories like this via email

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Gayne RobertsHey, neighbors! It’s Tuesday in Dunedin and I’m back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what’s happening in town. Here goes.

First, today’s weather:

A stray morning thundershower. High: 88 Low: 80.

Shoutout to the awesome local businesses who keep this newsletter running:

• Is mold in your home making you sick? If so, you need to call The Mold Girl. Owner Liz Keefer is a local Council-Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant with over 12 years of experience providing mold testing services. She will thoroughly assess your home for visible or hidden mold issues and create a comprehensive remediation & prevention plan to restore your indoor air quality. Call Liz at (727) 205-6020 to schedule your inspection for only $575 and mention Patch for $50 off.
• Want to support local artists in Dunedin? Studio 1212 Art Gallery was voted the best small art gallery cooperative for 2022 by Tampa Bay Magazine. Managed by award-winning area artists, this non-profit gallery features original artwork and prints, and has a popular boutique of fine hand-crafted gift items. Stop by 234 Monroe Street, 11am – 3pm Wednesday to Sunday or visit studio1212.org to shop and to see exhibition schedules. Support local artists by becoming a Patron of Studio 1212 here.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are the top three stories in Dunedin today:

1. In need of a staycation? There are a handful of resorts in Tampa Bay that offer day passes so you can enjoy their facilities without having to fork over the money for staying overnight. In addition to resorts in St. Pete and Tampa, we have resorts right here in Dunedin where you can spend the day at an affordable price. The Fenway Hotel offers day passes starting at just $20 for access to the pool, a reserved lounge chair, free wifi, and a complimentary towel. They also offer packages that include lunch, drinks, and bottomless brunch! (West Chase Wow | Fenway Hotel)
2. Have you checked out the new haunted trolley tour yet? If you haven’t heard, the Jolley Trolley now offers haunted tours each night around Clearwater, Dunedin, and other areas of Tampa Bay. Guests can join the tour to hear about the spooky history of our city and learn where you’re most likely to experience ghost sightings. Of course, this includes our very own Dunedin Cemetary! Tickets are $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for kids under twelve. (The Intelligencer | The Haunted Tour)
3. John Chic, owner of Koi in Dunedin and Tampa Bay Ponds, is the area’s g0-to guy for residential ponds and fountains. He’s best known for his “fire and water” koi ponds which he has designed and installed for several local celebrities, actors, and athletes. “The fire fountains are more art than science,” Chic told TBN Weekly. “You can put fire in just about anything.” Chic also specializes in raising and caring for the Japanese koi fish, ensuring his clients are set up with everything they need to keep their fish happy and healthy. (TBN Weekly)

Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

Full Moon | Submitted by Gayne Roberts

Thank you Gayne Roberts for submitting your photo of the full moon!

Want to see your Dunedin photo here? Submit it to [email protected] for consideration! Please confirm in the email that you own the rights to the photo, and that Patch has permission to republish it.

Today in Dunedin:

• Tuesday Movies at the Dunedin Public Library (2:00 PM)
• Greater Dunedin Little League Registration in Dunedin (6:00 PM)
• Dunedin Toastmasters Meeting at Unity Community Church (7:00 PM)
• Bonsai & Brews at Caledonia Brewing (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Dunedin celebrated City Hall Selfie Day with a photo in front of Dunedin City Hall. Did you know this building was home to the Dunedin Public Library from 1964 until 1976? It has been City Hall since then and currently houses the City Commission, the Communications team, and the City Manager’s team. Come this fall, nearly 100 city employees will be moving into the new City Hall building! (City of Dunedin Florida – Government via Facebook)
• Meet Brooks, who has been at the SPCA Tampa Bay shelter for 87 days! According to a shelter volunteer, he loves riding in cars, exploring nature, and getting booty scratches. Contact the SPCA to meet Brooks or any other pets up for adoption! (SPCA Tampa Bay via Facebook | SPCA Tampa Bay)
• Pinellas County Government asks that everyone help nesting turtles by respecting their nests. You can do so by keeping your distance from nests, removing your belongings from the beach at night as they block the movement of turtles, keeping outdoor lights off at night if you live along the beach, fill in holes people have dug in the sand, and properly dispose of garbage and fishing line. Report sick, injured, entangled, or dead sea turtles to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-3922. (Pinellas County Government via Facebook)
• The Dunedin Public Library is a Mail Ballot Return Location where you can drop off ballots between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM from now until August 20. You can find other drop-off locations at the link. (City of Dunedin via Facebook | Vote Pinellas)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (August 16)
• Topic: M and D Travel – Dream Vacations | Virgin Voyages Virtual Cruise Night – Wednesday, August 17 (August 17)
• Moonshiner’s Comedian Killer Beaz – “The Best Buzz in Town!” in St. Petersburg (August 19)
• 27th Year Celebration Benefit Auction (August 20)
• Smooth Jazz Sunday w/Blake Aaron, Tom Braxton & Rob Zinn! (August 28)
• Add your event

For sale:

You’re officially in the loop for today. I’ll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update!

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

AM Technical Solutions will sponsor Austin Wayne Self in his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen. Image from Jordan Anderson Racing.

Jordan Anderson Racing (JAR) Bommarito Autosport in a collaborative effort with AM Racing confirmed today that NASCAR Camping World Truck Series veteran Austin Wayne Self will attempt to make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in Saturday’s race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

Self, the brother-in-law to team owner Jordan Anderson will pilot a second entry for the Statesville, N.C.-based team in the penultimate Xfinity Series road course race of the season.

The former ARCA Menards Series Rookie of the Year will serve as a teammate to the organization’s full-time driver Myatt Snider aboard the No. 32 AM Technical Solutions Chevrolet Camaro in the August 20th race.

“I am very thankful for this opportunity with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport,” said Self. “Anyone that knows me how much I enjoy road course racing and to have the opportunity to attempt to make my Xfinity Series debut driving for my wife’s brother’s team is incredibly special.”

Self’s longtime Truck Series supporter AM Technical Solutions will serve as the primary marketing partner for the 22nd Xfinity Series race of the season.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, AM Technical Solutions (AMTS) was founded in 1994.

AM Technical Solutions is a Global Architecture, Engineering & Construction firm specializing in the high-tech markets. AMTS has managed over $20B of global capital projects for over 170 different customers in 24 countries and across five continents.

“It truly means a lot to not only have the support of AM Technical Solutions but all of my marketing partners from our NASCAR Camping World Truck Series program that have leaped aboard for Watkins Glen.

“From AMTS to GO TEXAN, Don’t mess with Texas program, Flying Circle, AIRBOX Air Purifiers and CForce – it’s incredibly humbling to have their extended support and to revive one of our older Truck Series paint schemes for Watkins Glen.”

In Self’s Truck Series debut at Watkins Glen last summer, he started 20th and finished on the lead lap in 16th in the lightning-shorten race in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

This weekend, Self, 26, hopes for similar results.

“We have to qualify for the race on speed, but I am confident with the car and crew we have put together for this race that we can have a successful debut with our No. 32 AM Technical Solutions Chevrolet Camaro,” added Self.

“Hopefully, we can see that checkered flag wave on Saturday afternoon and give us a little momentum to hold over until the Truck Series resumes action at Kansas Speedway next month.”

Should Self earn one of the 38 starting positions for the 82-lap race, it will be the first race this season that JAR Bommarito Autosport has fielded two entries in an Xfinity Series race.

Self’s current Truck Series crew chief Jamie Jones will serve as crew chief for the Xfinity Series endeavor.

“To have Austin attempt to make his Xfinity Series debut for JAR Bommarito Autosport at Watkins Glen in the No. 32 Chevrolet Camaro will be a special day for our race team and for our family,” stated JAR Bommarito Autosport president Jordan Anderson.

“Austin has really been working on his road course skills the last few years, and he has what it takes to make his first Xfinity Series start and the first start for the JAR Bommarito Autosport No. 32 team. Being former competitors on track in the Truck Series, this will be the first time we have worked closely together as a team.

“I’m excited to get to the track and get to work.”

In addition to the Xfinity Series race, Self will return to the ARCA Menards Series where he’ll also compete in Friday afternoon’s race at the 2.450-mile road course piloting the No. 32 AIRBOX Air Purifier | Janitronics Chevrolet in the General Tire Delivers 100.

Self will make his 51st ARCA Menards Series start on Friday, Aug. 19 and the first since last summer at WGI. In five career ARCA road course events, he has delivered four top-10 finishes and maintains a solid average finish of 11.2.

Additional Xfinity Series races for Self are forthcoming.

— Jordan Anderson Racing —

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Zimmetry Environmental provides water testing, monitoring and consulting services to identify and mitigate exposure risks from a wide range of contaminants.

Bayamon, Puerto Rico – WEBWIRE – Monday, August 15, 2022

Water quality is critical for the health and well-being of the islands’ residents and visitors, as well as the success of local businesses and institutions.

More than $78 million dollars in funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is slated to arrive this year in Puerto Rico for water infrastructure projects. The local government will be deciding how to best use the funds based on criteria outlined by the EPA’s Administrator.

In parts of the islands, access to potable water has been a challenge. The situation was made all the worse several years ago after Hurricane Maria destroyed wells and water infrastructure in some areas.

According to the EPA, drinking water may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, but some drinking water contaminants may be harmful if consumed at elevated levels. The agency provides general categories of drinking water contaminants, they include:

• Physical contaminants primarily impact the appearance or other physical properties of water. Examples include sediment or organic material suspended in water.
• Chemical contaminants are elements or compounds. These contaminants may be naturally occurring or manmade. Examples include nitrogen, bleach, salts, pesticides, metals, toxins produced by bacteria, and human or animal drugs.
• Biological contaminants are organisms in water. They are also referred to as microbes or microbiological contaminants. Examples include bacteria, viruses, protozoan and parasites.
• Radiological contaminants are chemical elements with an unbalanced number of protons and neutrons resulting in unstable atoms that can emit ionizing radiation. Examples include cesium, plutonium and uranium.

“Water quality is critical for the health and well-being of the islands’ residents and visitors, as well as the success of local businesses and institutions,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “This includes water provided by utilities and private wells. Even water that is provided by a water utility that is of good quality when it leaves its source can become contaminated on the way to the tap in a home or business. For example, pipes containing asbestos or lead can leach these substances into the water.”

In Puerto Rico and the surrounding region, the water quality experts at Zimmetry Environmental offer comprehensive water testing, monitoring and consulting services to help ensure the public’s health and safety. Several years ago, they even sponsored an educational video about drinking water contaminant categories that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/P5vJ_AkBjP0

To learn more about water quality or other environmental, occupational, industrial hygiene, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email [email protected] .

About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/12710/293005/293005-1.png )

Related Links
Zimmetry Environmental
Cochrane & Associates, LLC

WebWireID293005

 
Puerto Rico
Water Testing
Water Quality
Ehs
Aquatic Testing

Contact Information
Paul Cochrane
President
Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail

This news content may be integrated into any legitimate news gathering and publishing effort. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

MENDOCINO Co. 8/14/22 — There are no major wildfire incidents burning in Mendocino County, but skies may be smokey today due to drifting smoke from ongoing wildfires to the north and east.

You can check the current air quality at mendoair.org, as well as via the AirNow.gov Fires and Smoke Map, which also draws from Purple Air sensors throughout the country. According to the current display, smoke is primarily drifting from the numerous fires in the Willow Creek area across the North Coast and interior Northern California.

Cal Fire Mendocino has requested that residents refrain from calling emergency lines to report drift smoke — noting that calling 9-1-1 is appropriate when flames or a defined column of smoke is visible. Burn permits have been suspended since June due to wildfire risks.

Advertisements

Here’s some additional information about how to check the air quality near you, and tips for dealing with wildfire smoke:

Do you find this news service valuable?

Help maintain it by becoming a member.

Become a member!

Ok, did you enjoy this article but no others?

That’s fine, consider a one time contribution to keep local journalism going.

Contribute

Read more local news:

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Published: 8/14/2022 12:23:59 PM

Modified: 8/14/2022 12:21:05 PM

An alternative to gas, propane stoves

The new Mass Save incentives for induction stoves are a big win for the environment and perhaps more importantly for public health.

The harmful impact of gas stoves on indoor air quality is trending in mainstream media. I have read reports of studies that measure indoor air pollution at levels that would be illegal outdoors. Other reports demonstrate an association between gas stoves and chronic respiratory disease and a 45% increased risk of childhood asthma. Most recently, results of a Harvard School of Public Health study that took place in Massachusetts gave us something else to worry about when cooking with gas: benzene, a known carcinogen.

If you’re thinking it may be time to make the switch, induction stoves offer an exciting alternative to gas and propane, completely eliminating the pollutants linked to cancer and childhood asthma, cutting carbon emissions in half (or fully, if using renewable electricity!), and delivering the same precision and response time that we’ve come to love from an open flame.

Cooking with induction is cooking with magnets. A high frequency electric current passes through a copper coil beneath the cooking surface, which creates a magnetic current that excites the electrons in the bottom of the pan, and the dancing electrons generate heat. By heating only the pan, induction stoves are hyper-efficient and with surfaces that only warm up when in contact with a pan, there’s also reduced risk of burns or fires.

Earlier this year, Center for EcoTechnology launched induction cooktop lending programs with the municipal light plants in Ipswich and Shrewsbury, both members of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC). Lending kits, comprising countertop induction burners, compatible pots and pans, and informational materials are available at the public library in each town. Borrowing a kit is a great opportunity to test the technology before making the switch.

We hope that many Massachusetts residents will take advantage of the new incentives for induction stoves (or try a lending program in their city or town). They’re a relatively small investment compared to other key electrification measures (e.g., home heating and vehicles) and can be an important contribution to the state’s decarbonization goals and overall public health outcomes.

Ashley Muspratt

Florence

The writer is president of Center for EcoTechnology, based in Florence.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Should a police officer indicted for using excessive force serve as law enforcement regulator?

Here are your responses:

Editor’s note: Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed an indicted Austin police officer accused of using excessive force to the state’s regulatory law enforcement agency. Officer Justin Berry was among 19 Austin police officers indicted earlier this year on charges of using excessive force against people protesting the murder of George Floyd in 2020. This week we asked readers should an officer under indictment serve in such a state oversight capacity?

Abbott only appealing to his base

Abbott has just given up appealing to any voter that is not his base.

This move is just throwing red meat to his supporters in the hopes that it will be just enough for him to beat the Democrats at the polls.

How many people in his administration under are under indictment for breaking the law? Oh wait there is the attorney general of the State of Texas. That alone should tell you what he thinks of the rule of law.

M Blanchette, San Antonio

Abbott doesn’t stand for law and order

Gov. Abbott’s so-called party of law and order is a sham with Abbott’s appointment of an indicted officer and into the seventh year of Attorney General Ken Paxton’s felony indictments that have yet to go to court. Justice denied for Texans by Abbott and the republicans.

A few days ago the Statesman published a story from The Texas Tribune about Abbott redirecting funds meant for juvenile detention centers four times during the pandemic and the deplorable conditions those funds would help alleviate. Disregarding proper care for the incarcerated kids leads to more traumatizing, not rehabilitating. 

Republicans also call themselves the party of family values, another obvious misnomer. Greg Abbott is showing himself to be petty, mean spirited and disgraceful.

John Nugent, Georgetown

Is this the best Abbott could find for the job?

Texas has a population of over 29 million people and over 78,000 police officers. Certainly Greg Abbott could find a police officer who is not indicted to serve on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, which sets minimum licensing and training standards for police.  

We already have an indicted attorney general. Isn’t that enough? Pretty embarrassing. Just another reason to vote for Beto. 

Michele Missner, Austin

Editor’s note: Some readers weighed in on other topics. Here are some of their letters.

Texas abortion law puts women’s health at grave risk

I am fighting for the safety of my granddaughters who are facing their childbearing years. I have witnessed the erosion of their right to adequate reproductive healthcare at the hands of state legislators who should be protecting their rights and making this state a safe place in which to rear their children. The opposite is what I have seen transpire.

I am horrified that one of my granddaughters could potentially face the trauma of receiving inadequate care in the event of a pregnancy complication. My family has been in Texas since the mid-1800s and my preference is for all of us to remain here.

However, I recently advised my oldest granddaughter to move to a state where she could receive 21st century reproductive healthcare in the event of an unsustainable pregnancy. This is advice I should not have been required to give.

Sharon Reed-Miller, San Marcos

Mass shootings are driving teachers out of profession

As a former teacher, I’m not surprised by the escalating teacher shortage. And yes, I imagine that some teachers quit because of unruly students, low pay, burdensome paperwork or overreaching schoolboards. But I believe that the main reason is simply because those teachers read about the 27 school shootings so far this year. They’ve also learned that active shooter drills only terrify children and won’t stop a gunman with an AR-15 from shooting through doors, walls, windows or desks and then massacring a classroom full of little children. 

I’m afraid that teachers will continue to quit teaching until Republican lawmakers finally decide to ban military-style rifles and high-capacity magazines. Otherwise, not only will they have the blood of future children on their hands, but also history will likely hold them responsible for killing the entire teaching profession.

Sharon Austry, Fort Worth

EPA inquiry of TCEQ fully justified

Re: Aug. 5 article, “EPA to probe air quality in Permian Basin.”

In a recent article it was reported that Gov. Abbott is pushing back against Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to reduce pollution in the Permian Basin. Abbott is purposefully ignoring that fossil fuels come with a real price tag in the form of pollution that is environmentally damaging and harms our citizens’ health. While Abbott is quick to say the EPA is overstepping their bounds, the fact is that when Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is unwilling to do what’s right for Texans, the EPA must take action.

Ideally, having access to more resources like the EPA’s aircraft would be welcomed to help identify irresponsible producers to help us conserve resources for the future. The EPA is currently working to reinstate methane regulations that were rolled back under the Trump administration. I hope that they work quickly and decisively to reduce methane pollution in our state.

Michael Lewis, Environment Texas clean air and water advocate, Austin

Lets make sure our schoolchildren are fed

All across Texas, kids are headed back to school. Unfortunately, many kids are struggling with hunger as they re-enter the classroom, making it harder to start the school year ready to learn.

With inflation at a 40-year high, many families are finding it harder to buy food and pay the bills. School meal programs play a crucial role in ensuring kids get three meals a day and have the nutrition they need to thrive in and out of the classroom.

But this school year, school meals won’t be free for all students. Parents and caregivers may need to submit an application to determine their child’s eligibility for free or reduced price meals.

As you prepare for back-to-school, be sure to visit your local school or the district’s website to complete a school meal application. After all, nutritious school meals are as important to students’ learning as notebooks and pencils.

Mia Medina, No Kid Hungry Texas Program Manager, Austin

GOP’s unsubstantiated claims undermine FBI, elections

The Republicans are once again using the circular argument that was so handy when casting doubt on the 2020 elections.  The common claim was that the American public had real doubts about the integrity of the the 2020 elections. 

But why did the public supposedly have these doubts? It was because Trump supporting news outlets told the public that they should have doubts.  Now we seeing a repeat with Republicans claiming that the public has doubts about the integrity of the FBI. And again why do these doubts exist? Because conservative media are telling there viewers that there should be doubts.  In both cases, no factual claims are made. There was no factual discussion about any actual problems with the 2020 election, despite seemingly endless claims that evidence was forthcoming, and there are no factual claims about any overreach by the FBI.

David Belsheim, Austin

Democratic Party not perfect, but prioritizes ordinary Americans

I support the Democratic Party, but am the first to acknowledge its imperfections. Its policies are tainted by special interest money, which will be ingrained in our political system until Congress commits to a legitimate campaign finance reform bill.

However, the recent Senate-approved Inflation Reduction Act is proof that the Democratic Party advocates for consumers, senior citizens and ordinary Americans. Its most significant component addresses climate change, the effects of which are more likely to burden lower income Americans. It also addresses health care costs, which will be reduced by funding health care subsidies through 2025; a $2,000 cap will be placed on out-of-pocket Medicare drug expenses; Medicare will begin to negotiate some drug prices. The Act would also create a 15% tax for corporations with more than $1 billion in profits to address economic inequities.

What did the Republican Party contribute? They voted down a $35 cap on insulin for those with private insurance.

Robert C. Gibbons, Austin

Editor’s note: The letter about the Inflation Reduction Act was received and edited before the House voted on the Act, which was expected Friday.

Women flexed political muscle in Kansas abortion vote

Throughout America’s history, all her foundational documents have been created, enacted and enforced by white men.

Women were denied the vote until 1920.  

This male-dominated system was sidetracked on Aug. 2, when legislators in Kansas offered their voting public an amendment to the Kansas constitution that could have taken every Kansas woman’s right to personal control of her body.

And then the women of Kansas came out to vote. The outcome was an overwhelming defeat of the amendment and a humiliating lesson for the clever white males instigating the process. More significantly, it enforced women’s understanding of their own power. Many men voted with/for women, but this is not their story. America’s past has been white-male dominated. America’s future will not be. 

Billie Reaney, Georgetown

This week we’re asking readers: On Aug. 8, the FBI searched Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida seeking classified documents. The search triggered fierce reaction from many of the former president’s supporters who said it was politically motivated. Was the FBI’s search appropriate? Send letters of no more than 150 words to [email protected] by noon Thursday. We welcome your letters on all topics.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Realities can change dramatically. My parents sent me to camp in Maine when I was young. They loved Maine and wanted to settle here after World War II, but professional jobs were scarce and they settled in Upstate New York instead. When, in the early 1970s, I graduated from college I moved to western Maine and taught school.

Maine’s outdoors and Maine people are unmatched, but early on I was counseled that good times in Maine are fleeting. It seemed that Maine would always struggle to keep up with the nation in growth.

In 1982 I joined a company called Kennebec Tool & Die, now Kennebec Technologies, and moved with my family to this area in 1984 when I became owner of the company.

Things were happening in Augusta, but it wasn’t clear if each project was one off or part of a trend. The mills were closing and the city was dominated by state government. In the mid 1960s a group of city leaders — bank presidents, lawyers, an aggressive city manager and local contractors — started to look for ways to keep the mill jobs as long as possible and bring in new economic drivers. The cornerstone of these efforts was the creation of the University of Maine at Augusta. This was followed by the building of the Civic Center and bringing Digital Equipment to the area.

The Augusta Board of Trade was created to facilitate these projects. Leaders in city government, in the business community and in the nonprofit sector began to coalesce. They didn’t accept the status quo and they stuck with projects through to completion.

And so since the early 1980s we have seen a new City Hall built along the river; a new regional commercial center at the Mall at Augusta; a stunning third bridge over the Kennebec; a new Cony High School, with a million dollars raised in the community for improvements in a 30-day period; a new MaineGeneral hospital and cancer center; a beautiful and expanded Lithgow Library; a new county courthouse; a new YMCA along a new Rail Trail on the River; new housing at the old Cony High, Fieldstone development and more.

As this is written, a new Humane Society facility, expanded Children’s Center, The Colonial Theatre restoration and new police station are in progress.

This success has been from the bottom up. Every project faced skeptics, but a culture of competence and generosity has taken hold. Fundraising goals have been repeatedly exceeded and a never say never attitude has developed. Augusta is a model for what committed communities can accomplish. The characteristics of this civic culture include:

• Consistent good government over the long haul;
• Commitment to transparency, public engagement, and consensus, on the part of public and private sectors;
• Non-Partisan City Government where people work together for the common good regardless of party, and “pernicious partisans” are not tolerated;
• A lack of drama and a commitment to hard work;
• A default setting around public projects — together we’ll figure it out.

 Maine and Augusta have come far but it didn’t just happen. The city of Augusta is now a leader in Maine, and a center of business, health care, education, and government activity.

It is a also a great place to do business. My company, Kennebec Technologies, is now an employee-owned business. All 10 of our most senior employees and most of our employees were born, raised and educated within 20 miles of Augusta. This area and its schools continue to graduate young men and women who have the traditional Maine work ethic and talent. We compete in the global aerospace industry and we will match what we do and how we do it with anyone in the world.

Moving forward there is much opportunity, but nothing can be taken for granted, especially the things we value most. We have clean air, clean water, safe neighborhoods, and a positive civic culture. The base is strong but we must continue to invest — in new renewable of energy, more culture and artistic life, in the downtown and our schools.

Perhaps most of all though we need to keep Augusta livable and create a consensus about dramatically increasing affordable housing at all levels. This is the only way to bring everyone along, including new neighbors from away and far away. Prosperity and quality of life require teamwork and investment.

Over 50 years, successive generations of citizens have committed to keeping hope alive. Today we can truly say that Augusta represents to triumph of hope and perseverance.

Charles “Wick” Johnson is chairman of the board of Kennebec Technologies. This excerpt comes from remarks he made upon winning the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Related Stories

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

As we settle into the season known as “the dog days of summer,” this summer seems to be far warmer than usual.

The temperatures of sum­mer 2022 have really gone to the dogs, as historical weather data has pro­ven that the Boston area has recently experienced one of the hottest and driest months on record.

According to the Nation­al Weather Service, July 2022 had an average temperature of 77.5 degrees fahrenheit, making it the third hottest July in our area’s history.

This summer has also produced significantly less rain than normal, causing drought conditions for the entire state of Massachu­setts.

Currently, our area, along with the Worcester and the North Shore areas, are classified at a Level 3 Critical Drought Status.

Many communities throughout the Common­wealth are implementing measures to conserve wa­ter during this state of drought.

As of now, the Town of Tewksbury has not an­nounced a mandatory wa­ter ban or restriction, but the bordering town of Wil­mington has restricted yard and garden watering to one day per week, and the Town of Billerica has a restriction of two days of watering per week. (These restrictions apply only to public water supply use and not to the use of private wells or water supplies.)

Due to the lack of an ocean breeze, areas north and west of Boston, in­cluding the Merrimack Val­ley area, typically have temperatures that run higher than the temperatures recorded by the Na­tional Weather Service for Boston.

This July, the average temperature for the Town of Tewksbury was 88.4 de­grees fahrenheit, and so far, the month of August is promising to be just as hot with an average temperature of 92.8 degrees.

Because this summer has been unusually hot, it is important to recognize the symptoms of heat re­lated illnesses to avoid heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Mild heat exhaustion symptoms can be muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appe­tite or nausea.

More severe symptoms range from excessive or a lack of sweating, pale or clammy skin, elevated heart rate, confusion, fainting or seizures.

When overheating or heat exhaustion is suspected, soak the head and shirt of the person with cool water for a quicker cool down. Remover the person from heat to an air conditioned place, or shady spot if outdoors, and hydrate with water. If symptoms continue, call 911 for help.

The best way to treat heat exhaustion symptoms is to avoid them altogether.

New Englanders are fa­mous for preparing for winter blizzards and Nor’easters. The same type of preparation should be done for a pending heat wave.

When a heat wave is predicted, there are several things you can do to safely survive the upcoming hot temperatures.

Plan your work and lei­sure activities according to the temperature. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as yard work, hiking or jogging during extreme temperatures, or plan to do these activities during cooler parts of the day like early morning or dusk. Take several scheduled breaks to rest and hydrate. Always use the rule of thumb, the higher the temperature, the more often you need to stop for a break.

Dress in loose fitting, light colored, lightweight clothes and shield your face from the sun with a hat or an umbrella. Sun­screen should always be used during long exposure in the sun, but keep in mind sunscreen will not prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke symptoms.

During a heat wave, air conditioning can save lives. Many of the fatalities from heat related illness are due to a lack of air conditioning.

Those who do not have air conditioning in their homes should consider the small investment of a window air conditioner. Win­dow AC units start around $100, and can provide the much needed relief your body needs during prolonged periods of extreme temperatures.

If purchasing an air conditioner is not an option, have a plan of how you can access air condi­tioned areas. Experts say even a few hours a day of air conditioning can be beneficial during a heat wave.

Visit a friend or relative with air conditioning, or spend time in a public library or shopping mall.

Try to keep your home as well ventilated as possible. Fans can help as long as the indoor air is not too hot and stagnate. Blowing hot air around will not aid in the prevention of heat related illnesses.

Place fans where they are most likely to pull in cool air, like in front of a window that faces a shady part of your backyard, rather than a window that faces the hot street or driveway.

Avoid using the oven during a heat wave. Cook meals outside on the grill, or have cold salads and sandwiches.

Keep plenty of cool wa­ter on hand, and drink regularly, even if you are not thirsty.

Always remember, if it is too hot for you, it is also too hot for your pets! Keep pets cool and hy­drated, and watch for signs of overheating.

Avoid exercising your pet during the hottest parts of the day. Also avoid walks on hot pavement and asphalt, which can burn paw pads.

Plants also need extra attention during a heat wave. Water in the morning to give plants time to absorb the moisture be­fore it gets too hot. Put­ting mulch around in-ground plants will slow down evaporation, and potted plants should be moved to a shady spot for a few hours during a heat wave.

This hot summer has certainly proven to stretch the tolerance of everyone here in New England. Although the native New Englander is not used to long exposure to high temperatures like our southern countrymen, we are certainly used to surviving all that Mother Nature can dish out.

With a little Yankee ingenuity and careful planning, everyone can stay safe and the summer of 2022 could prove to be the best doggone summer yet. Keep in mind, in only a few short months we will be complaining about sho­veling snow.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here