Muskegon saves jobs by dipping into savings
"That draw could have been significantly less -- about $350,000 -- if the board chose to eliminate the five jobs, which include a teacher and aide in a specialized kindergarten program for struggling students, a science para-professional who helps teachers throughout the district prepare science lessons and 'student specialists' who work on behavior and other students issues at McLaughlin Elementary and Steele Middle School.
'The area is so depressed, we need to try to save those jobs,' said board Treasurer Billie Bruce. 'Those are people who live in the city, pay taxes and have children in the district.'"
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Democrats call for nationalizing refineries!
Breaking News
"the Democrats called for the government to own refineries so it could better control the flow of the oil supply."
My God.....they are nuts!
"the Democrats called for the government to own refineries so it could better control the flow of the oil supply."
My God.....they are nuts!
More moolah to firefighters!
Muskegon Chronicle - MLive.com: "Norton Shores firefighters have a new five-year contract that includes pay raises and a clause that requires participation in a wellness program.
The Norton Shores City Council Tuesday approved the contract, which has been ratified by the firefighters' union.
According to the contract, which covers 13 full-time firefighters, a 2.5 percent wage increase will be given the first two years and 2.75 for the third, fourth and fifth years."
The Norton Shores City Council Tuesday approved the contract, which has been ratified by the firefighters' union.
According to the contract, which covers 13 full-time firefighters, a 2.5 percent wage increase will be given the first two years and 2.75 for the third, fourth and fifth years."
Group wants dime deposit on bottled water, juice
Group wants dime deposit on bottled water, juice
"A group is reviving efforts to expand Michigan's 10-cent deposit law to include bottled water and juice containers."
"A group is reviving efforts to expand Michigan's 10-cent deposit law to include bottled water and juice containers."
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Barack Obama: The Undistinguished Gentleman [Karl]
Barack Obama: The Undistinguished Gentleman [Karl]: "In his first race for the state Senate in 1996, Obama employed Chicago rules to invalidate the voting petition signatures of three of his challengers, thus running unopposed on the Democratic ticket in a heavily Democrat district:
“That was Chicago politics,” said John Kass, a veteran Chicago Tribune columnist. “Knock out your opposition, challenge their petitions, destroy your enemy, right? It is how Barack Obama destroyed his enemies back in 1996 that conflicts with his message today. He may have gotten his start registering thousands of voters. But in that first race, he made sure voters had just one choice.”
Nothing illegal about it, but nothing particularly inspiring about it, either."
“That was Chicago politics,” said John Kass, a veteran Chicago Tribune columnist. “Knock out your opposition, challenge their petitions, destroy your enemy, right? It is how Barack Obama destroyed his enemies back in 1996 that conflicts with his message today. He may have gotten his start registering thousands of voters. But in that first race, he made sure voters had just one choice.”
Nothing illegal about it, but nothing particularly inspiring about it, either."
Judge OKs $11M settlement in Va Tech shootings
Judge OKs $11M settlement in Va Tech shootings
"A judge on Tuesday approved an $11 million state settlement with families of most of the victims in last year's Virginia Tech slayings that will avoid a court battle over whether anyone but the gunman was to blame."
A monster invades a university...... and the taxpayers must pay?
"A judge on Tuesday approved an $11 million state settlement with families of most of the victims in last year's Virginia Tech slayings that will avoid a court battle over whether anyone but the gunman was to blame."
A monster invades a university...... and the taxpayers must pay?
America's Homegrown Troop Killers
America's Homegrown Troop Killers
"a new congressional report finds that the U.S. government has no 'coordinated strategy' to deal with grass-roots jihadists who more and more are meeting, training and conspiring to kill troops over the Internet."
"a new congressional report finds that the U.S. government has no 'coordinated strategy' to deal with grass-roots jihadists who more and more are meeting, training and conspiring to kill troops over the Internet."
Charter Power
Charter Power
"But charters may actually be a greater long-run threat to union power because they empower groups of teachers to run their own schools collegially, without the need for collective bargaining.
If these schools really work for the students, they may be unstoppable. So do they work? In L.A. at least, a new study says they do."
"But charters may actually be a greater long-run threat to union power because they empower groups of teachers to run their own schools collegially, without the need for collective bargaining.
If these schools really work for the students, they may be unstoppable. So do they work? In L.A. at least, a new study says they do."
Obama's Red Roots
Obama's Red Roots
"Obama should come clean on why he sought these radicals' support and, better still, disclose just how he intends to pay them back."
Interesting.
If you're gonna vote, worth a bit of research.
"Obama should come clean on why he sought these radicals' support and, better still, disclose just how he intends to pay them back."
Interesting.
If you're gonna vote, worth a bit of research.
Buying Michigan foods helps keep money in state
Buying Michigan foods helps keep money in state
"As jobs disappear from Michigan, with workers being forced to take big pay and benefit cuts and as gasoline prices and home foreclosures hit record levels, we look around for anything we can do to combat the helplessness."
Interesting article that acknowledges cuts in worker pay and benefits..... anyone know of any cuts in the public sector pay and benefits?
It is the enormous growth in pay and benefits at every level in Michigan, state/county/city/township/village/schools/etc that is killing our future.
Just like the unions and their greed destroyed the American auto industry.
Will we never learn?
"As jobs disappear from Michigan, with workers being forced to take big pay and benefit cuts and as gasoline prices and home foreclosures hit record levels, we look around for anything we can do to combat the helplessness."
Interesting article that acknowledges cuts in worker pay and benefits..... anyone know of any cuts in the public sector pay and benefits?
It is the enormous growth in pay and benefits at every level in Michigan, state/county/city/township/village/schools/etc that is killing our future.
Just like the unions and their greed destroyed the American auto industry.
Will we never learn?
Al Dente: Tater Tots for Adults
Al Dente: Tater Tots for Adults: "Pity those who went to grade school before 1954.
In the same year that 'under God' was added to the Pledge of Allegiance, Tater Tots were added to supermarkets, school lunches, and our nation's gastronomic heritage. Americans now eat 70 million pounds of Ore-Ida's french fry by-product.
For those who think Tater Tots are just for kids, think again. Tots have popped up everywhere from Burger King to your local bar and the interwebs are full of recipes for more grown-up versions of this popular cafeteria staple."
In the same year that 'under God' was added to the Pledge of Allegiance, Tater Tots were added to supermarkets, school lunches, and our nation's gastronomic heritage. Americans now eat 70 million pounds of Ore-Ida's french fry by-product.
For those who think Tater Tots are just for kids, think again. Tots have popped up everywhere from Burger King to your local bar and the interwebs are full of recipes for more grown-up versions of this popular cafeteria staple."
Ummmm, tater tots that taste EVEN better!!!!!
Obama advisers say bin Laden can appeal to U.S. courts
Obama advisers say bin Laden can appeal to U.S. courts
"Barack Obama's foreign policy advisers said Tuesday that Osama bin Laden, if captured, should be allowed to appeal his case to U.S. civilian courts, a privilege opposed by John McCain."
Well, BHussein IS promising "change".....
"Barack Obama's foreign policy advisers said Tuesday that Osama bin Laden, if captured, should be allowed to appeal his case to U.S. civilian courts, a privilege opposed by John McCain."
Well, BHussein IS promising "change".....
"You are NOT robbing this bank!"
Man Who Pulled Gun on Bank Robber
"Fawzi, who spent six years in the Lebanese army, took matters into his own hands.
He tells WXYZ.com he pulled out a .9 mm handgun (for which he had a CCW permit), racked a bullet in the chamber, pointed it at the man and announced, 'You are not robbing this bank!'
The startled Washtenaw County man countered with, 'but, I have a bomb' -- but Fawzi wasn't impressed. 'I don't care. You are not robbing this bank!' was the reply from the other side of the gun. He then forced the would-be robber into chair and held him at gunpoint until police arrived."
YES!
"Fawzi, who spent six years in the Lebanese army, took matters into his own hands.
He tells WXYZ.com he pulled out a .9 mm handgun (for which he had a CCW permit), racked a bullet in the chamber, pointed it at the man and announced, 'You are not robbing this bank!'
The startled Washtenaw County man countered with, 'but, I have a bomb' -- but Fawzi wasn't impressed. 'I don't care. You are not robbing this bank!' was the reply from the other side of the gun. He then forced the would-be robber into chair and held him at gunpoint until police arrived."
YES!
Off the hook for 'monkeys' remark
Off the hook for 'monkeys' remark
"She's said she told the boys to get out of a small tree because she was concerned about their safety and tree damage. The delegate says she told the boys they shouldn't climb in the tree like monkeys. Afterward, one boy's mother called police."
"She's said she told the boys to get out of a small tree because she was concerned about their safety and tree damage. The delegate says she told the boys they shouldn't climb in the tree like monkeys. Afterward, one boy's mother called police."
State may ban free parking
State may ban free parking
"In its latest drive to curb the use of cars, Norway's government is considering forcing shopping centers to charge customers for parking in the centers' lots or garages"
"In its latest drive to curb the use of cars, Norway's government is considering forcing shopping centers to charge customers for parking in the centers' lots or garages"
Fear our lib/enviro loonies who think this is a great idea!
District must cut spending or jobs
District must cut spending or jobs
"Save money or save jobs -- that's the decision facing Muskegon school board members as they plan for the next school year.
Five jobs are on the line, which, if eliminated, would hurt children's education, said Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Colin Armstrong"
Interesting.
Armstrong admits his move will "hurt children's education" but refuses to explore reducing the increases in teacher pay and benefits in order to save those jobs.
Maybe he's just not serious?
"Save money or save jobs -- that's the decision facing Muskegon school board members as they plan for the next school year.
Five jobs are on the line, which, if eliminated, would hurt children's education, said Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Colin Armstrong"
Interesting.
Armstrong admits his move will "hurt children's education" but refuses to explore reducing the increases in teacher pay and benefits in order to save those jobs.
Maybe he's just not serious?
Heights hires new DDA chief
Heights hires new DDA chief
"A longtime Muskegon-area economic development official -- Norm Cunningham -- has been picked as the new director of Muskegon Heights' Downtown Development Authority.
Cunningham, 57, was selected by the city's DDA board last month. He started his new job last week. His $40,000 salary will be paid for through DDA funds.
'I'm excited about working with the DDA and city of Muskegon Heights,' Cunningham said. 'The potential here is unlimited."
"A longtime Muskegon-area economic development official -- Norm Cunningham -- has been picked as the new director of Muskegon Heights' Downtown Development Authority.
Cunningham, 57, was selected by the city's DDA board last month. He started his new job last week. His $40,000 salary will be paid for through DDA funds.
'I'm excited about working with the DDA and city of Muskegon Heights,' Cunningham said. 'The potential here is unlimited."
Norton taxpayers to foot bill for Henry St. bridge
Norton taxpayers to foot bill for Henry St. bridge"Norton Shores will not be getting help paying for repairs to a portion of Henry Street that eroded earlier this year after a storm drain burst and forced closure of a portion of the Merrill S. Bailey Bridge."
Gordo has a few questions:
1. This potential problem must have been foreseen. Who is/was responsible to check, occasionally, to see if the drain was free from debris?
2. Was there a policy in place to check drains and culverts for blockage?
3. Is there now a policy to check for drain/culvert blockage?
4. Who is now responsible for guaranteeing that this type of disaster will not reoccur?
Gordo has a few questions:
1. This potential problem must have been foreseen. Who is/was responsible to check, occasionally, to see if the drain was free from debris?
2. Was there a policy in place to check drains and culverts for blockage?
3. Is there now a policy to check for drain/culvert blockage?
4. Who is now responsible for guaranteeing that this type of disaster will not reoccur?
$1 million grant focuses on patient care
$1 million grant focuses on patient care
"If you're black and live in West Michigan, your risk of losing a leg to diabetes is five times greater than for white residents.
That statistic, released today, points out a glaring inequity in the area's medical system, a gap a national foundation and local leaders hope to fill with a new program aimed at improving health care for all area residents."
"If you're black and live in West Michigan, your risk of losing a leg to diabetes is five times greater than for white residents.
That statistic, released today, points out a glaring inequity in the area's medical system, a gap a national foundation and local leaders hope to fill with a new program aimed at improving health care for all area residents."
Construction decline hits municipalities
Construction decline hits municipalities
"Whitehall Township Supervisor Dennis Babcock said he wonders if the department needs to cut back on some of its costs, since the downturn is becoming a trend. He doesn't want this to become an annual payment."
What a concept!
"Whitehall Township Supervisor Dennis Babcock said he wonders if the department needs to cut back on some of its costs, since the downturn is becoming a trend. He doesn't want this to become an annual payment."
What a concept!
County to hire coordinator to cut jail crowds
County to hire coordinator to cut jail crowds
"Muskegon County commissioners kicked off a major effort to reduce chronic jail overcrowding Tuesday when they agreed to allow the county sheriff to create the position of 'jail population coordinator.'
And more help in the same area could be on its way soon, when the federal government releases more than $300,000 for the county to hire a special inmate screening staff that will work with the new coordinator to determine who belongs in jail and who doesn't."
Stupid Gordo!
I thought judges and juries made that decision.....
"Muskegon County commissioners kicked off a major effort to reduce chronic jail overcrowding Tuesday when they agreed to allow the county sheriff to create the position of 'jail population coordinator.'
And more help in the same area could be on its way soon, when the federal government releases more than $300,000 for the county to hire a special inmate screening staff that will work with the new coordinator to determine who belongs in jail and who doesn't."
Stupid Gordo!
I thought judges and juries made that decision.....
Standing Tall
Standing Tall
"'We are in a time, in Muskegon, of creating new things that will last for the ages,' said Chris McGuigan, president of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. 'We know today we are likely dedicating Muskegon's iconic structure, what the arch is to St. Louis or the Calder is to Grand Rapids.'"
The people who are spending Muskegon into bankruptcy are delusional!
"'We are in a time, in Muskegon, of creating new things that will last for the ages,' said Chris McGuigan, president of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. 'We know today we are likely dedicating Muskegon's iconic structure, what the arch is to St. Louis or the Calder is to Grand Rapids.'"
The people who are spending Muskegon into bankruptcy are delusional!
City bypasses bidding policy on road work
City bypasses bidding policy on road work
"The Muskegon City Commission this week bypassed its bidding policy, rejecting the lowest bidder -- and even the second-lowest bidder -- to give a street-paving project to Muskegon-based Jackson-Merkey Contractors."
The fix is in!
"The Muskegon City Commission this week bypassed its bidding policy, rejecting the lowest bidder -- and even the second-lowest bidder -- to give a street-paving project to Muskegon-based Jackson-Merkey Contractors."
The fix is in!
County buying land for man-made marsh
County buying land for man-made marsh
"The county is buying the property for $87,000 from David and Angela Eklund, who are expected to remain on the land for the next year, according to John Warner, the county's deputy director of public works.
It was the seventh parcel along the 8500, 8600 and 8700 blocks of Apple to be bought by the county for the wetland project. All the parcels have houses on them. Some will be demolished, while others will be sold and moved to other sites, Warner said.
The county has spent approximately $722,000 on land for the marsh thus far, and several more parcels will be needed, according to Warner. The money for the land is coming from the county's solid waste fund, he said."
The county is broke..... they say we need more taxes...... they tell us the budget is too lean for any more cuts......
"The county is buying the property for $87,000 from David and Angela Eklund, who are expected to remain on the land for the next year, according to John Warner, the county's deputy director of public works.
It was the seventh parcel along the 8500, 8600 and 8700 blocks of Apple to be bought by the county for the wetland project. All the parcels have houses on them. Some will be demolished, while others will be sold and moved to other sites, Warner said.
The county has spent approximately $722,000 on land for the marsh thus far, and several more parcels will be needed, according to Warner. The money for the land is coming from the county's solid waste fund, he said."
The county is broke..... they say we need more taxes...... they tell us the budget is too lean for any more cuts......
Multiple sites offer free meals for kids
Multiple sites offer free meals for kids
"There are no income guidelines for meal recipients of the Summer Feeding Program. Free breakfast and lunch are available to children 18 and under, or persons up to age 26 who are determined by the state or a local public agency to be mentally or physically handicapped."
Take a look at the enormous list of free food sites.
Why aren't we providing free dinners for the tots?
gimmee a break.....
"There are no income guidelines for meal recipients of the Summer Feeding Program. Free breakfast and lunch are available to children 18 and under, or persons up to age 26 who are determined by the state or a local public agency to be mentally or physically handicapped."
Take a look at the enormous list of free food sites.
Why aren't we providing free dinners for the tots?
gimmee a break.....
Montague school board to weigh proposed budget cuts
Montague school board to weigh proposed budget cuts
"Sipka is expected to recommend to the school board today some $420,000 in budget cuts, including teacher and paraprofessional positions. The proposed cuts are part of administrators' plan to eliminate a $750,000 shortfall from the 2006-07 budget."
Why are automatic increases in teacher pay and benefits not even discussed?
"Sipka is expected to recommend to the school board today some $420,000 in budget cuts, including teacher and paraprofessional positions. The proposed cuts are part of administrators' plan to eliminate a $750,000 shortfall from the 2006-07 budget."
Why are automatic increases in teacher pay and benefits not even discussed?
GH council supports study of transit system linking West Michigan cities
GH council supports study of transit system linking West Michigan cities
"The Grand Haven City Council is on board with a study of a regional transit system that would link Grand Haven, Muskegon, Grand Rapids and Holland.
The $110,000 West Michigan Transit Linkage Study, which will be paid through a Michigan Department of Transportation grant, is expected to begin this summer and be completed by fall."
Our state is broke....... and "studies" like this are a major reason.
"The Grand Haven City Council is on board with a study of a regional transit system that would link Grand Haven, Muskegon, Grand Rapids and Holland.
The $110,000 West Michigan Transit Linkage Study, which will be paid through a Michigan Department of Transportation grant, is expected to begin this summer and be completed by fall."
Our state is broke....... and "studies" like this are a major reason.
Monday, June 16, 2008
A U.N. Khan Job
A U.N. Khan Job: "Blueprints for a nuclear weapon compatible with the ballistic missiles of Iran, North Korea and other rogue states were found on computers of the notorious Khan smuggling ring. Will a complacent world wake up?"
Culpable Congress
Culpable Congress
"Prices: The big jump in the consumer price index on Friday scared a lot of people. But the sad fact is, much of inflation's recent rise is due to the upward spiral of energy prices. And guess whose fault that is?"
"Prices: The big jump in the consumer price index on Friday scared a lot of people. But the sad fact is, much of inflation's recent rise is due to the upward spiral of energy prices. And guess whose fault that is?"
Pre-war memory lapse.....
Instapundit.com -: "If Democrats wish to contend they were 'misled' into war, they should vent their spleen at the CIA.
In 2003, top Senate Democrats -- not just Rockefeller but also Carl Levin, Clinton, Kerry and others -- sounded just as alarmist."
click to see the video facts.
In 2003, top Senate Democrats -- not just Rockefeller but also Carl Levin, Clinton, Kerry and others -- sounded just as alarmist."
click to see the video facts.
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