"Second lawsuit over Machinery Row expenses filed against city"

RACINE — A second lawsuit was filed against the City of Racine related to the derailed Machinery Row development, seeking compensation for property owners who were displaced because of the project.

The case, filed Thursday, has nine plaintiffs, most of which are businesses. They are suing the city and some of its representatives over the development plan once known as Machinery Row. The project, announced in 2014, was a $65 million riverfront development proposed by an Iowa developer. It was expected to be a commercial and residential development in a 20-acre area north of Water Street and east of Marquette Street, but it was never completed. Racine adopted a new plan for the area in November.

The Journal Times reported earlier this month that a tenant from one of the involved properties filed a lawsuit in circuit court against Racine seeking compensation for relocation expenses, among other alleged damages. A second lawsuit, this time filed in federal court, makes a variety of requests, including compensation for property, relocation expenses and damages.

The plaintiffs are: Richard Olson, Racine Indoor Motocross, Marquette Warehouse, Marquette Distribution Center, Urban Sustainable Aquaponics, Riverside Business Center, Sam Azarian & Sons Marina, Azar and Azarian Wrecking.

The city and its Redevelopment Authority are named as defendants, along with RDA Chairman James Spangenberg, City Development Assistant Director Matthew Sadowski, former City Administrator Tom Friedel and former Mayor John Dickert.

Read more: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/second-lawsuit-over-machinery-row-expenses-filed-against-city/article_eef57956-50e6-5d63-9677-3a3352f6e031.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1

"Racine WI – Once Again, Face Down In The Gutter – Happy New Years 2018!"

Guess where former City of Racine Mayor John Dickert is once yet again?……

Besides making sure that after abandoning  resigning the City of Racine Mayoral position he has held since 2009 that the torch would be passed to  local Representative  Cory Mason  so John could take a job with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities initiative  to silence any opposition to the heavy metals water pollution and excessive usage of Lake Michigan water which would be incurred by the proposed  massively taxpayer subsidized Foxconn Mega-Manufacturing facility on Mount Pleasant WI.

 https://arrestrecordsofracinewipublicofficials.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/racine-wi-once-again-face-down-in-the-gutter/

"Pot Industry Revitalizes Entire Canadian Town's Economy"

The marijuana industry is coming to the rescue of Smith Falls, Ontario, an old factory town that is experiencing an unlikely renaissance now that Canopy Growth Corp., Canada’s largest publicly-traded cannabis producer, has become the town’s largest private-sector employer.

This summer, Canada will become the second country after Uruguay to legalize marijuana at the federal level, which has driven a boom in the local cannabis industry, according to Bloomberg.

Smiths Falls, Ontario - population 8,885 - is seeing a revival of fortunes since medical marijuana producer Tweed Inc. set up shop four years ago in an abandoned Hershey Co. chocolate factory. The company, since renamed Canopy Growth Corp., has become the world’s largest publicly traded cannabis producer and is the town’s largest private-sector employer.

For Smith Falls, Canopy’s arrival heralded a boom in younger people moving to the town, located about 75 kilometers (47 miles) southwest of Ottawa. There are sometimes bidding wars on homes. New businesses are arriving. And commercial property is seeing renewed interest. Canopy, formerly known as Tweed Inc., took over an old Hershey factory to build a giant growing operation for medical marijuana. How’s that for symbolism?

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-12-29/pot-industry-revitalizes-canadian-factory-towns-economy

"The US Suffered 15 Billion-Dollar-Plus Weather Disasters In 2017'

In the year that President Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris accord and downplayed global warming as a security threat, the US received a harsh reminder of the perils of the rise in the planet’s temperature: a destructive rash of hurricanes, fires and floods.

According to Bloomberg, the US recorded 15 weather events costing $1 billion or more each through early October, one short of the record 16 in 2011, according to the federal government’s National Centers for Environmental Information in Asheville, North Carolina. And that tally doesn’t include the recent wildfires in southern California, one of which grew to be the largest fire in state history, according to Bloomberg.

Among the most devastating events were hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and wildfires in northern California. The killer storms caused economic losses of more than $210 billion in the U.S. and across the Caribbean, and about $100 billion in insured damages, according to Mark Bove, a senior research scientist with Munich Reinsurance America in Princeton, New Jersey.

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-12-29/us-recorded-15-billion-dollar-weather-disasters-2017

"Five Colorado deputies shot, one fatally, while responding to domestic call, authorities say"

by Kristine Phillips December 31 at 1:57 PM

   
 Five sheriff’s deputies in Colorado were shot, one of them fatally, while responding to a call about a domestic disturbance on Sunday morning.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the deputies responded to a call from an apartment complex in Highlands Ranch, a few miles south of Denver, shortly after 5 a.m. Mountain time. The gunman opened fire, wounding two civilians. The gunman, whom authorities have not named, was later shot by deputies and is “believed to be dead,” the sheriff’s office said.

 Authorities also have not named the deceased or injured officers, or the civilians. Deputy Jason Blanchard, spokesman for the sheriff’s office, said no other information will be released until a news conference at noon Mountain time.

Read and see more:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/12/31/five-colorado-deputies-shot-one-fatally-while-responding-to-domestic-call-authorities-say/?utm_term=.1b1d495128d4

Open Blog - New Years Eve

I'm not staying up till midnight.

"California set for New Year's buzz with recreational marijuana sales"

A billboard advertising marijuana in advance of the upcoming legalization of recreational marijuana in San Francisco, California, U.S. December 29, 2017. REUTERS/Jim Christie

Marijuana plants for sale are displayed at the California Heritage Market in Los Angeles, California July 11, 2014. REUTERS/David McNew

By Steve Gorman

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - California adults not content to ring in the New Year with the traditional fizz of champagne can look forward to celebrating with the buzz of marijuana, purchased for the first time from state-licensed retailers of recreational pot.

Dozens of newly authorized marijuana stores are due to open for business across California on Jan. 1, launching yet another chapter in America's drug culture and the largest regulated commercial market for cannabis in the United States - one valued at several billion dollars.

The rollout is expected to be gradual and bumpy. The state only began handing out licenses in mid-December, issued on a temporary basis because implementing regulations were still under review.

Newly permitted retailers will rely on a hodge-podge of marijuana producers in the state's illicit "gray market" to stock their shelves for the next six months, until state-licensed growers can harvest their first crops.

And many jurisdictions, notably Los Angeles and San Francisco, will be closed to business in the recreational pot sector for days or weeks because of additional local approvals applicants must win.

Shops in San Diego, San Jose, the Bay area-towns of Berkeley and Oakland, and Eureka - the heart of Northern California's cannabis country - are among those ready to go on Day One, said Alex Traverso, a spokesman for the state Cannabis Control Board.

"The market is going to be kind of rough getting started," said Jordan Lams, chief executive of Moxie, a company based in the Los Angeles suburb of Lynwood that specializes in making cannabis extracts, including oils used in electronic vaporization, or "vape," devices.

He predicted supply shortages early on.

California led the way in legalizing marijuana for medical purposes in 1996, and more than 30 states have followed suit since then, though cannabis remains classified as an illegal narcotic under U.S. law.

On Monday, California will become the sixth U.S. state, and by far the most populous, to legalize, regulate and tax sales of recreational marijuana - a market catering to consumers wishing to buy the drug for its mind- and mood-altering properties.

Read more:  https://www.yahoo.com/news/california-set-years-buzz-recreational-marijuana-sales-113506321.html

"Suspect arrested following deadly gaming prank"

"Racine County Sheriff's Office reports increase in 2017 OWI arrests"

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

RACINE COUNTY — The Racine County Sheriff’s Office has reported an increase in the number of drunken-driving arrests made by deputies in 2017.

While many people plan to hit the town celebrating the new year this weekend, the Sheriff’s Office is reminding area drivers to drive safe and sober.

“The choice to drive while impaired can have tragic and lasting consequences,” Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said.

Since Jan. 1, the Sheriff’s Office has made 325 operating while intoxicated arrests, according to information released Friday.

That is a 12.8 percent increase from the 288 OWI arrests made in 2016, and a 21.7 increase from the 267 OWI arrests made by the Sheriff’s Office in 2015.

Combined with the nine other Racine County law enforcement agencies, the Sheriff’s Office estimates that approximately 750 OWI arrests will have been made in the county in 2017.

The Sheriff’s Office continues to take an aggressive stance toward keeping our streets safe, Schmaling said. New Year’s weekend will be no different.

Residents and visitors should enjoy Racine County establishments in a safe and responsible manner, Schmaling said. The Sheriff’s Office suggests the following tips to travel safely during New Year’s weekend:

Plan ahead — If planning to drink while out, make an advance plan with a sober designated driver or make arrangements for other forms of transportation, such as a taxi, Uber, Lyft or SafeRide.

Be responsible — If hosting a gathering, offer guests plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and don’t let impaired guests get behind the wheel.

Buckle up and drive defensively — “Every trip, every time,” Schmaling said.

“Please be safe and smart. Use good common sense, know your limits and plan ahead,” Schmaling said. “If you’re driving impaired, you will be arrested.”

There will be extra enforcement patrols by the Racine County Sheriff’s Office on the roads this week, and the Sheriff’s Office encourages drivers to accept their role in keeping their families and roads safer.

Those hitting the road this weekend are urged to immediately report dangerous and impaired drivers by calling 911.

“Let’s wrap up 2017 safely,” Schmaling said. “Collectively, we can bring in the new year with no alcohol or drug-related crashes.”

http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/racine-county-sheriff-s-office-reports-increase-in-owi-arrests/article_6337117d-b105-5bde-af9e-48803a8e8daf.html

Open Blog - Weekend

Have a good one.

"LOOKING FOR AN ETHICAL HACKER FOR HIRE?"

"A new website called Hacker’s List was recently covered by The New York Times, and it has been hit with some downtime due to all the traffic undoubtedly pummeling the site right now. When it’s live, however, it serves as a portal where anyone can create a listing that seeks the services of a hacker for hire.

"More than 500 calls for hackers had been made as of Thursday. One example is a post by an Australian man willing to pay as much as $2,000 to a hacker who could get him a list of his competitor’s clients by hacking into their database."

From: http://bgr.com/2015/01/16/how-to-hire-a-hacker/ 


I would love to be a hacker, but I don't have the know-how.

Four for Fridays!

Good morning everyone! Tender Heart is making breakfast and handed this list of questions that she wants me to type up-(since I'm hogging the computer-LOL). Here's your questions....

1) Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?

2) Do you stay up to ring in the New Year?

3) Do you spend the New Year with friends and/or family?

4) What do you do to bring in the New Year?

Enjoy your New Year, may 2018 be a better year for you! 

Open Blog - Friday

Alltime10s Thursdays

"TransBarbie"

http://knuckledraggin.com/2017/12/transbarbie/

First Place, The Mighty Bears!

Happy Birthday, Lizardmom

Pick your poison!  Happy Birthday, Lizardmom!

"Should Be Forgot, You Betcha"

From the Shepherd Express:

by Art Kumbalek

December 26, 2017

4:16 PM

I’m Art Kumbalek and man oh manischewitz what a world, ain’a? So listen, this old year, this time 2017, is practically expired and again I’m thinking the less said about it the better.

But I will tell you’s I recall that at the beginning of this dying year I looked back at 2016 and said it had sucked, and my crystal ball told me to say that the future-2017 would also suck, but even more. Cripes, I should’ve put my money where my mouth was ’cause if I had, I’d be living the luxury life on Easy Street and lighting my Pall Malls with $20 dollar bills, what the fock.

So yeah, the less said about 2017 the better and I’m sticking to it, this week anyways. But before I go, I got to say once again that if you’re out and about New Year’s Eve so’s to kick 2017 out the door, maybe I’ll see you over by the North Shore American Legion Post 331 up there in Shorewood on Wilson Drive just north of Capitol, 9 p.m. to midnight with the John Schneider Orchestra, Claire Morkin, MRS. FUN and some saxophone player, ring-a-ding-ding. It’s a suggested donation of $15, but as always, if you’d rather drop a grand or two at the door, there’d be no complaints.

So to the limit of my optimism, it bears repeating that I wish you all a happy focking New Year, and good luck with that what the fock, ’cause I’m Art Kumbalek and I told you so.

From: https://shepherdexpress.com/around-milwaukee/art-kumbalek/should-be-forgot-you-betcha/

Open Blog - Thursday

Happy caffeine!

Foxconn

https://concernedracinecountyresidentsjustsaynotofoxconn.wordpress.com/2017/12/26/crony-capitalism-foxconn-the-most-expensive-taxpayer-funded-jobs-program-in-history/

"Alderpersons"

Dear City of Racine Alderpersons, President Donald Trump has proven - again and again - that Bankruptcy is the way to preserve wealth and ensure future growth. So far, it is a strategy that the functionally bankrupt City of Racine has failed to explore/implement. Fourth Time's A Charm: How Donald Trump Made Bankruptcy Work For HimHere at FORBES, we've been tracking Donald Trump's wealth since the inaugural Forbes 400 rich list in 1982. Today, we value him at $2.7 billion, although he claims he's worth far more. One question we're often asked when talk turns to Trump's fortune: how can a man who has been bankrupt so many times remain a multi-billionaire? How is he worth more now, post-bankruptcies? We spoke to bankruptcy lawyers and casino industry experts -- some of whom have had firsthand involvement in Chapter 11 cases connected to Trump -- in an attempt to explain how he has survived corporate bankruptcies and thrived in the aftermath. https://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2011/04/29/fourth-times-a-charm-how-donald-trump-made-bankruptcy-work-for-him/#5a9842337ffa With the RDA operating at a loss on borrowed money, multiple lawsuits coming your way, and the City of Racine burning through it's reserves at an unsustainable rate -  per the City of Racine 2016 Audited Financial Report - the option of declaring Bankruptcy needs to be considered. If special legislation is required - don't worry - the Walker Administration will do it. https://arrestrecordsofracinewipublicofficials.wordpress.com/2017/12/25/according-to-the-2016-audited-financial-report-the-city-of-racines-rda-is-operating-at-a-loss-plus-a-new-lawsuit/ The City of Racine is operating at a loss of  $22,000,000 + dolllars - and this is not sustainable. Sincerely, Tim & Cindy

"A Cool Toilet"