HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC — About 1,300 gallons of waste from portable toilets spilled onto the road when a truck carrying them crashed, according to The State.
South Carolina health officials say the sewage did not leak into the nearby Chechessee River because a runoff drain was blocked with sediment and debris, the story stated.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control likely will not issue a fine for the spill because it did not contaminate anything and can be cleaned up, the story noted.
Eyewitnesses told investigators the driver was speeding and driving erratically before the crash, the story added.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Employee steals over $87,000 from maintenance company
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN — A woman in charge of handling payroll for a building maintenance company is charged with embezzling over $87,000, according to the Pioneer Press.
Dorothy Wessel, who worked for Carlson Building Maintenance, stole $37,172 in 2007 and $42,245 in 2008 by generating 127 fraudulent payroll checks for terminated employees and pocketing the money, the story stated.
Wessel is already on probation for two counts of felony theft stemming from a 2003 incident in which she still owes $281,000 in restitution to a former employer, the story noted.
Wessel earned a gross salary of $50,000 from Carlson Building Maintenance, the story added.
Dorothy Wessel, who worked for Carlson Building Maintenance, stole $37,172 in 2007 and $42,245 in 2008 by generating 127 fraudulent payroll checks for terminated employees and pocketing the money, the story stated.
Wessel is already on probation for two counts of felony theft stemming from a 2003 incident in which she still owes $281,000 in restitution to a former employer, the story noted.
Wessel earned a gross salary of $50,000 from Carlson Building Maintenance, the story added.
Dallas jails fail inspection seventh straight time
DALLAS — After spending millions of dollars and several years improving the jail system, the state deemed the Dallas County jails unacceptable for a seventh straight time, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Inspectors noted broken toilets, dirty and "severely clogged" air vents, remote-controlled doors that wouldn't open or close properly, broken intercoms, a slow response to fire drills, inadequate smoke detection and removal systems, inadequate staffing, improper mixing of high- and low-security inmates and numerous plumbing problems, the story stated.
Sheriff Lupe Valdez said: "It is important to note that our staff continues to work tirelessly each and every day to provide the best service to the community. We accept responsibility for areas that we can improve upon."
The Dallas County jail system is the seventh largest in the nation and hasn't passed a state inspection since 2003; in addition, the jails remain under a federal court order to improve medical and mental health care, sanitation and fire safety systems, the story noted.
If the violations are serious enough, the state jail commission can shut down the facility and force the county to spend millions of dollars to send its prisoners elsewhere, the story added.
According to the story, the county has 30 days to submit a written response regarding the problems, and when the Texas Commission on Jail Standards holds a regular meeting in May, Dallas County officials will be expected to appear with an update.
Inspectors noted broken toilets, dirty and "severely clogged" air vents, remote-controlled doors that wouldn't open or close properly, broken intercoms, a slow response to fire drills, inadequate smoke detection and removal systems, inadequate staffing, improper mixing of high- and low-security inmates and numerous plumbing problems, the story stated.
Sheriff Lupe Valdez said: "It is important to note that our staff continues to work tirelessly each and every day to provide the best service to the community. We accept responsibility for areas that we can improve upon."
The Dallas County jail system is the seventh largest in the nation and hasn't passed a state inspection since 2003; in addition, the jails remain under a federal court order to improve medical and mental health care, sanitation and fire safety systems, the story noted.
If the violations are serious enough, the state jail commission can shut down the facility and force the county to spend millions of dollars to send its prisoners elsewhere, the story added.
According to the story, the county has 30 days to submit a written response regarding the problems, and when the Texas Commission on Jail Standards holds a regular meeting in May, Dallas County officials will be expected to appear with an update.
Georgia-Pacific sues Proctor & Gamble for false advertising
ATLANTA — Brawny paper towel marketer Georgia-Pacific Corporation is suing Proctor & Gamble for falsely advertising "25 percent thicker quilts" on its Bounty paper towels, according to Advertising Age.
According to Georgia-Pacific, the quilts on Bounty's paper towels may be thicker, but the paper towels themselves are at most 5 percent thicker, and in some cases, thinner than before.
A complaint was filed against Proctor & Gamble March 18 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the story stated.
Georgia-Pacific said: "Proctor & Gamble's motivation for knowingly misleading the public, namely the single-minded effort to obtain greater sales and market share at any cost, is reflected in a long history of unfair competition and deceptive trade practices."
Georgia-Pacific is seeking a preliminary injunction to halt the Bounty ads and is asking for a nationwide recall of packaging bearing the "25 percent thicker quilts" claim, the story noted.
Georgia-Pacific is also seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for profits Proctor & Gamble has made from the product, and triple damages due to "the willful nature of Proctor & Gamble's false advertising," the story added.
According to Georgia-Pacific, the quilts on Bounty's paper towels may be thicker, but the paper towels themselves are at most 5 percent thicker, and in some cases, thinner than before.
A complaint was filed against Proctor & Gamble March 18 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the story stated.
Georgia-Pacific said: "Proctor & Gamble's motivation for knowingly misleading the public, namely the single-minded effort to obtain greater sales and market share at any cost, is reflected in a long history of unfair competition and deceptive trade practices."
Georgia-Pacific is seeking a preliminary injunction to halt the Bounty ads and is asking for a nationwide recall of packaging bearing the "25 percent thicker quilts" claim, the story noted.
Georgia-Pacific is also seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for profits Proctor & Gamble has made from the product, and triple damages due to "the willful nature of Proctor & Gamble's false advertising," the story added.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Uncle Sam declines outsourcing janitorial services
WEST POINT, NY — After flirting with the idea for nearly three years, the U.S. Army has decided not to outsource its janitorial services, according to the Boston Herald.
The decision from the Army’s Mission & Installation Contracting Command follows a years-long study on the cost-effectiveness of privatizing roughly 100 janitorial service positions, the story stated.
A similar study did, however, determine that it would be more cost-effective to outsource more than 300 maintenance positions including grounds care, the story noted.
The decisions face a 20-day review period, after which time an ultimate decision will be made, the story added.
According to the story, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is considering an appeal of the proposed maintenance privatization.
The decision from the Army’s Mission & Installation Contracting Command follows a years-long study on the cost-effectiveness of privatizing roughly 100 janitorial service positions, the story stated.
A similar study did, however, determine that it would be more cost-effective to outsource more than 300 maintenance positions including grounds care, the story noted.
The decisions face a 20-day review period, after which time an ultimate decision will be made, the story added.
According to the story, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is considering an appeal of the proposed maintenance privatization.
Electrolux vacuum recall
BLOOMINGTON, IL — Electrolux is voluntarily recalling its cordless stick vacuum because of a faulty battery, according to WLS-TV.
Ergorapido, Pronto and Precision vacuum owners are urged to immediately unplug and stop using the recalled vacuums and contact Electrolux for a free replacement of the handheld portion which contains the batteries, the story stated.
The battery on these models can expand and burst, posing a risk of injury to the user and bystanders, the story noted.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says Electrolux has received 34 reports of incidents in the U.S. involving damage to the vacuum and surrounding property.
There have been two reports of minor injuries, including swollen hands and irritation to the eyes from contact with battery powder, the story added.
Ergorapido, Pronto and Precision vacuum owners are urged to immediately unplug and stop using the recalled vacuums and contact Electrolux for a free replacement of the handheld portion which contains the batteries, the story stated.
The battery on these models can expand and burst, posing a risk of injury to the user and bystanders, the story noted.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says Electrolux has received 34 reports of incidents in the U.S. involving damage to the vacuum and surrounding property.
There have been two reports of minor injuries, including swollen hands and irritation to the eyes from contact with battery powder, the story added.
AH&LA and IEHA team up to green America's hotels
WESTERVILLE, OH — The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) and the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) have joined forces to advance the greening of more than 48,000 U.S. hotels, according to a press release.
IEHA members are encouraged to adopt AH&LA’s 11 Minimum Environmental Guidelines in hotel housekeeping departments which are part of more than 60 overall guidelines that encourage hotels to measure performance in energy, water and waste reduction, the release stated.
Beth Risinger, CEO of IEHA, said: "The housekeeping department affects the hotel property, environment, employees, and guests in profound ways: From the levels of dust in the indoor air, to the VOC impact of cleaning products and fragrances used in guestrooms, to the protection of guest health and safety when proper sanitation techniques are used, to reduction of energy used in facilities when room attendants monitor and control room thermostats. By proactively integrating green housekeeping practices with the overarching goals of the Minimum Environmental Guidelines, we are encouraging hotels associated with IEHA to help transform the way things are done to affect the triple bottom line — people, planet and profits — in a huge way."
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute recently updated Managing Housekeeping Operations, 3rd Revised Edition, with information on environmental and energy management, the release noted.
Joseph A. McInerney, president and CEO of AH&LA, said: "The green initiatives AH&LA is creating with a variety of partner organizations such as the IEHA will be a resource for hotels committed to becoming more eco-friendly.
These will provide hotel owners and employees with a variety of options in which to create an environmentally-sustainable hotel that also protects employee and guest health."
IEHA members are encouraged to adopt AH&LA’s 11 Minimum Environmental Guidelines in hotel housekeeping departments which are part of more than 60 overall guidelines that encourage hotels to measure performance in energy, water and waste reduction, the release stated.
Beth Risinger, CEO of IEHA, said: "The housekeeping department affects the hotel property, environment, employees, and guests in profound ways: From the levels of dust in the indoor air, to the VOC impact of cleaning products and fragrances used in guestrooms, to the protection of guest health and safety when proper sanitation techniques are used, to reduction of energy used in facilities when room attendants monitor and control room thermostats. By proactively integrating green housekeeping practices with the overarching goals of the Minimum Environmental Guidelines, we are encouraging hotels associated with IEHA to help transform the way things are done to affect the triple bottom line — people, planet and profits — in a huge way."
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute recently updated Managing Housekeeping Operations, 3rd Revised Edition, with information on environmental and energy management, the release noted.
Joseph A. McInerney, president and CEO of AH&LA, said: "The green initiatives AH&LA is creating with a variety of partner organizations such as the IEHA will be a resource for hotels committed to becoming more eco-friendly.
These will provide hotel owners and employees with a variety of options in which to create an environmentally-sustainable hotel that also protects employee and guest health."
Study: Chemicals harming patients and workers
LOWELL, MA — A pilot study from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell showed that common products used at six hospitals contained hazardous chemicals that can potentially harm the health of workers and patients, according to a Press Association article hosted by Google.com.
Some of the chemicals found include ammonium chlorides, glycol ethers, ethanolamine and benzyl alcohol, all of which irritate either the skin or lungs, the story stated.
Anila Bello from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, said: "Because the severity of cleaning exposures is affected by both product formulation and cleaning technique, a combination of product evaluation and workplace exposure data is needed to develop strategies that protect people from cleaning hazards."
The most hazardous situations occurred when cleaning tasks were performed in small and poorly ventilated spaces, notably bathrooms, the story noted.
According to the story, exposure to cleaning agents was recently identified as one of the leading causes of occupational asthma among health care workers.
Hospital cleaners are at particular risk because of the wide range of products they handle due to the increased focus on cleanliness in lieu of recent increases of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), the story added.
Some of the chemicals found include ammonium chlorides, glycol ethers, ethanolamine and benzyl alcohol, all of which irritate either the skin or lungs, the story stated.
Anila Bello from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, said: "Because the severity of cleaning exposures is affected by both product formulation and cleaning technique, a combination of product evaluation and workplace exposure data is needed to develop strategies that protect people from cleaning hazards."
The most hazardous situations occurred when cleaning tasks were performed in small and poorly ventilated spaces, notably bathrooms, the story noted.
According to the story, exposure to cleaning agents was recently identified as one of the leading causes of occupational asthma among health care workers.
Hospital cleaners are at particular risk because of the wide range of products they handle due to the increased focus on cleanliness in lieu of recent increases of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), the story added.
Aetna Building Maintenance receives top safety award
COLUMBUS, OH — The Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) awarded Aetna Building Maintenance, a regional, one-stop source for full-service building maintenance, its top safety award at the 2009 BSCAI Annual Convention & Trade Show, according to a press release.
The award is part of BSCAI’s ongoing effort to promote industry safety and is given to organizations with excellent safety records, the release stated.
Aetna Building Maintenance won in the category of 1,038,961–2,598,960 hours worked, the release noted.
BSCAI has a worldwide network of more than 2,000 member companies from across the U.S. and 30 other countries, the release added.
The award is part of BSCAI’s ongoing effort to promote industry safety and is given to organizations with excellent safety records, the release stated.
Aetna Building Maintenance won in the category of 1,038,961–2,598,960 hours worked, the release noted.
BSCAI has a worldwide network of more than 2,000 member companies from across the U.S. and 30 other countries, the release added.
A new subclass in polyester carpet fiber
CALHOUN, GA — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recognized that PTT fiber, the fiber used in Mohawk Industries' SmartStrand® carpets and that DuPont sells under the brand name Sorona® is worthy of its own subclass called triexta, according to FloorBiz.com.
With its extreme durability, unrivaled stain resistance and unmatched softness, triexta has been determined to be superior to standard polyester and shares little more than a similar chemical structure, the story stated.
Jeff Lorberbaum, Mohawk’s Chairman and CEO, said: "We petitioned the FTC for reclassification because our retail partners told us that the current generic name was misleading to consumers and that retailers found it difficult to clearly communicate the benefits of this different and superior product when it fell into the same category as traditional polyester products. We are thrilled with the FTC’s ruling, particularly because of the business benefits it brings to our retailers. Carpets with triexta offer a true performance advantage to consumers."
The creation of the triexta subclass gives retailers the ability to emphasize and focus on the outstanding features and benefits of the product, instead of defending the negative perceptions sometimes accompanied with the word polyester, the story noted.
According to the story, Mohawk Industries and DuPont jointly petitioned the FTC in 2006 to establish a new fiber subclass within the existing classification of polyester.
This is the first extension that the FTC has approved for textiles in five years and the first extension for residential carpeting since nylon in June of 1959, the story added.
With its extreme durability, unrivaled stain resistance and unmatched softness, triexta has been determined to be superior to standard polyester and shares little more than a similar chemical structure, the story stated.
Jeff Lorberbaum, Mohawk’s Chairman and CEO, said: "We petitioned the FTC for reclassification because our retail partners told us that the current generic name was misleading to consumers and that retailers found it difficult to clearly communicate the benefits of this different and superior product when it fell into the same category as traditional polyester products. We are thrilled with the FTC’s ruling, particularly because of the business benefits it brings to our retailers. Carpets with triexta offer a true performance advantage to consumers."
The creation of the triexta subclass gives retailers the ability to emphasize and focus on the outstanding features and benefits of the product, instead of defending the negative perceptions sometimes accompanied with the word polyester, the story noted.
According to the story, Mohawk Industries and DuPont jointly petitioned the FTC in 2006 to establish a new fiber subclass within the existing classification of polyester.
This is the first extension that the FTC has approved for textiles in five years and the first extension for residential carpeting since nylon in June of 1959, the story added.
First EPA Energy Star-certified hospital
MUSKOGEE, OK — The first hospital in Oklahoma built to Green Guide for Health Care criteria to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards is now open, according to The Journal Record.
The Muskogee Community Hospital is a physician-owned hospital sitting on 22 acres and cost $55 million to construct, the story stated.
According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), meeting LEED standards requires compliance in: Sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environment quality.
The Muskogee Community Hospital is the first in the nation to incorporate ground-source geothermal heating and cooling, reducing cooling costs by 45 percent and heating costs by 90 percent, the story noted.
Mark Roberts, president of the Muskogee Community Hospital, said: "A lot of the stuff is not cheap. But if it’s better for the patient, we made the decision to go with it because it’s the right thing."
All of the green practices implemented helped the hospital receive the first EPA Energy Star certification for any hospital or health care facility in the nation, the story added.
The Muskogee Community Hospital is a physician-owned hospital sitting on 22 acres and cost $55 million to construct, the story stated.
According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), meeting LEED standards requires compliance in: Sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environment quality.
The Muskogee Community Hospital is the first in the nation to incorporate ground-source geothermal heating and cooling, reducing cooling costs by 45 percent and heating costs by 90 percent, the story noted.
Mark Roberts, president of the Muskogee Community Hospital, said: "A lot of the stuff is not cheap. But if it’s better for the patient, we made the decision to go with it because it’s the right thing."
All of the green practices implemented helped the hospital receive the first EPA Energy Star certification for any hospital or health care facility in the nation, the story added.
Revolutionary corn-based toilet paper
CLERMONT, IN — The winners of this year's Purdue Corn Innovation Contest successfully developed usable toilet paper from the cellulose of corn, according to HoosierAgToday.com.
The winning team, Nature’s Silk, consists of Dave Jaroch, Jessamine Osborne and Janie Stine, the story stated.
Stine says: "We actually use waste cellulose from the fields that’s not being used for anything else. It’s not going to be used for food product, or fabric or anything else."
This environmentally preferable toilet paper could revolutionize the restroom care market and has great potential for widespread use in the near future, the story noted.
According to the story, the team won the $10,000 grand prize from the Indiana Corn Marketing Council.
Osborne said: "Right now, toilet paper is made from wood. You have to use virgin lumber and the world is becoming more environmentally friendly. The gasoline to carry the trees from the forest to the plants is becoming more of an issue. What we have here is 74 million tons of waste not used every year. We can take that waste and farmers can give it to factories that are already present and use it to make our product."
The team’s adviser was Jenna Rickus, professor of agricultural and biological engineering at Purdue University, the story added.
According to the story, the team's experiments left them with a form of rayon that degrades rapidly in water but is incredibly soft, strong and absorbent while it is intact; there is one application for paper products that’s perfect for that, toilet paper.
The winning team, Nature’s Silk, consists of Dave Jaroch, Jessamine Osborne and Janie Stine, the story stated.
Stine says: "We actually use waste cellulose from the fields that’s not being used for anything else. It’s not going to be used for food product, or fabric or anything else."
This environmentally preferable toilet paper could revolutionize the restroom care market and has great potential for widespread use in the near future, the story noted.
According to the story, the team won the $10,000 grand prize from the Indiana Corn Marketing Council.
Osborne said: "Right now, toilet paper is made from wood. You have to use virgin lumber and the world is becoming more environmentally friendly. The gasoline to carry the trees from the forest to the plants is becoming more of an issue. What we have here is 74 million tons of waste not used every year. We can take that waste and farmers can give it to factories that are already present and use it to make our product."
The team’s adviser was Jenna Rickus, professor of agricultural and biological engineering at Purdue University, the story added.
According to the story, the team's experiments left them with a form of rayon that degrades rapidly in water but is incredibly soft, strong and absorbent while it is intact; there is one application for paper products that’s perfect for that, toilet paper.
Distributor employee pawns several high-end vacuums
EAU CLAIRE, WI — A man working for a distributor is accused of stealing $12,000 worth of vacuum cleaners, according to WQOW-TV.
Aaron Whitley, who faces felony charges if convicted, allegedly stole the high-end vacuum cleaners from Upland Distributing, his place of employment, the story stated.
Whitley's boss was tipped off by another employee who noticed the $3,000 vacuums were being sold on e-Bay by a local pawnshop, the story noted.
According to the story, Whitley's boss noticed four of the vacuums were missing.
After the pawnshop records were checked by police, it was determined that Whitley was the one who pawned them, the story added.
Police say Whitley admits to pawning an additional two vacuums and selling another to an acquaintance.
Aaron Whitley, who faces felony charges if convicted, allegedly stole the high-end vacuum cleaners from Upland Distributing, his place of employment, the story stated.
Whitley's boss was tipped off by another employee who noticed the $3,000 vacuums were being sold on e-Bay by a local pawnshop, the story noted.
According to the story, Whitley's boss noticed four of the vacuums were missing.
After the pawnshop records were checked by police, it was determined that Whitley was the one who pawned them, the story added.
Police say Whitley admits to pawning an additional two vacuums and selling another to an acquaintance.
Florida Marlins to receive LEED-certified stadium
MIAMI — Construction will soon begin on a new $640 million stadium for the Florida Marlins baseball team, according to the South Florida Business Journal.
Upwards of $4.5 million is being allocated to ensure that the stadium meets or exceeds Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the story stated.
The Florida Marlins, which have won two World Series championships since their 1993 debut, currently share a stadium with the Miami Dolphins football team, the story noted.
The project is planned to be completed by the start of the 2012 season, at which time the team's name will be changed to the Miami Marlins, the story added.
Upwards of $4.5 million is being allocated to ensure that the stadium meets or exceeds Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the story stated.
The Florida Marlins, which have won two World Series championships since their 1993 debut, currently share a stadium with the Miami Dolphins football team, the story noted.
The project is planned to be completed by the start of the 2012 season, at which time the team's name will be changed to the Miami Marlins, the story added.
Custodian saves school money and student from choking
SALEM, OR — The head custodian at Kennedy Elementary School has saved the school money, paper products and now a students' life, according to the Statesman Journal.
David DeMastus, a 14-year veteran with the Salem-Keizer School District, successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on third-grader Ernesto Lua Diaz after the student began choking on a piece of hamburger, the story stated.
DeMastus said: "I pulled the Heimlich maneuver on him, and the first time I did it, I did it real soft because he's a little third-grader. It didn't work, so the next time, I gave him the full thing, and up comes a piece of hamburger."
According to the story, DeMastus was awarded the Bob Wickman Life Saving Award for the act of heroism by the Keizer Fire District.
On top of saving lives, DeMastus also saved the school hundreds of dollars by fixing a large piece of playground that was too rickety and was to be scrapped; he fixed it with $3 worth of bolts, the story noted.
DeMastus saved the school paper by changing paper towel dispensers from those with a crank to those with a knob; he enacted the change based on an experiment he did in the restrooms, placing a pump and crank paper towel dispenser side by side in the boys and girls bathrooms and noticed all of the paper towel dispensers with cranks were empty while the pump dispensers still held half a roll, the story added.
David DeMastus, a 14-year veteran with the Salem-Keizer School District, successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on third-grader Ernesto Lua Diaz after the student began choking on a piece of hamburger, the story stated.
DeMastus said: "I pulled the Heimlich maneuver on him, and the first time I did it, I did it real soft because he's a little third-grader. It didn't work, so the next time, I gave him the full thing, and up comes a piece of hamburger."
According to the story, DeMastus was awarded the Bob Wickman Life Saving Award for the act of heroism by the Keizer Fire District.
On top of saving lives, DeMastus also saved the school hundreds of dollars by fixing a large piece of playground that was too rickety and was to be scrapped; he fixed it with $3 worth of bolts, the story noted.
DeMastus saved the school paper by changing paper towel dispensers from those with a crank to those with a knob; he enacted the change based on an experiment he did in the restrooms, placing a pump and crank paper towel dispenser side by side in the boys and girls bathrooms and noticed all of the paper towel dispensers with cranks were empty while the pump dispensers still held half a roll, the story added.
C. diff outbreak linked to 13 deaths
EASTBOURNE, ES, United Kingdom — A particularly strong strain of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) has been linked to the deaths of 13 patients while another 17 are being treated for the infection at Eastbourne District General Hospital, according to the Telegraph.
This new 027 strain of Clostridium difficile, referred to as "Super" C. diff, can produce 20 times as much toxin as other strains, is known to cause a higher mortality rate and is resistant to several drugs used to combat the infection, the story stated.
According to the story, there have been 62 cases of Clostridium difficile since the beginning of the year at Eastbourne District General Hospital, and the Health Protection Agency has been called in to assist in containing the infection.
The infection is usually spread by health care workers who fail to properly wash their hands with soap and water; its spores can contaminate floors, bedpans and door handles where they can survive for several days, the story noted.
A spokesperson for the hospital said: "The recent outbreak is thought to be due to the very high number of patients admitted over the winter with severe respiratory infections which have required antibiotic therapy which, in turn, increases peoples' susceptibility to the infection, particularly in the frail and elderly. It has been confirmed that many of these cases were linked to the 027 strain which is known to have a 60 percent mortality rate."
Infected patients have been moved to a dedicated isolation ward and managers have spent £100,000 ($145, 690) on new equipment to eradicate the bacteria from contaminated surfaces within the hospital, the story added.
This new 027 strain of Clostridium difficile, referred to as "Super" C. diff, can produce 20 times as much toxin as other strains, is known to cause a higher mortality rate and is resistant to several drugs used to combat the infection, the story stated.
According to the story, there have been 62 cases of Clostridium difficile since the beginning of the year at Eastbourne District General Hospital, and the Health Protection Agency has been called in to assist in containing the infection.
The infection is usually spread by health care workers who fail to properly wash their hands with soap and water; its spores can contaminate floors, bedpans and door handles where they can survive for several days, the story noted.
A spokesperson for the hospital said: "The recent outbreak is thought to be due to the very high number of patients admitted over the winter with severe respiratory infections which have required antibiotic therapy which, in turn, increases peoples' susceptibility to the infection, particularly in the frail and elderly. It has been confirmed that many of these cases were linked to the 027 strain which is known to have a 60 percent mortality rate."
Infected patients have been moved to a dedicated isolation ward and managers have spent £100,000 ($145, 690) on new equipment to eradicate the bacteria from contaminated surfaces within the hospital, the story added.
First LEED-certified hotel in Midwest
HOLLAND, MI — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification to the City Flats Hotel, according to Environmental Leader.
City Flats is the first hotel in the Midwest to be constructed to meet the stringent standards of LEED Gold certification, the story stated.
The hotel incorporated many sustainable elements, including using rapidly renewable resources like cotton and bamboo for indoor decor and using 30 percent less water than comparable hotels, the story noted.
Most of the items used for the hotel were shipped to Holland and assembled locally, the story added.
City Flats is the first hotel in the Midwest to be constructed to meet the stringent standards of LEED Gold certification, the story stated.
The hotel incorporated many sustainable elements, including using rapidly renewable resources like cotton and bamboo for indoor decor and using 30 percent less water than comparable hotels, the story noted.
Most of the items used for the hotel were shipped to Holland and assembled locally, the story added.
JohnsonDiversey launches Daylight Cleaning™ program
STURTEVANT, WI — JohnsonDiversey announced the launch of Daylight Cleaning™, a new component of the company’s comprehensive Sustainable Facility Care program, through a partnership with DCS Global Enterprises LP, a leading provider of daylight cleaning consulting services, according to a press release.
Daylight Cleaning can reduce lighting, heating and cooling at night, and improves customer satisfaction by making cleaning staff available during peak working hours, providing building occupants with the service they request when they request it, the release stated.
JohnsonDiversey President and CEO Ed Lonergan said: “Our goal is to not only practice sustainability in all we do, but to help our customers become more sustainable in their operations. Daylight Cleaning will help our customers achieve significant, measurable reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions."
DCS has been successfully converting buildings to Daylight Cleaning since 2003, resulting in energy savings, reducing cleaning staff turnover, increasing building security and decreasing light pollution, the release noted.
By switching to Daylight Cleaning, JohnsonDiversey expects to reduce building energy usage by 25,000 kilowatts per month and reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 25.6 metric tons per year, the release added.
Daylight Cleaning can reduce lighting, heating and cooling at night, and improves customer satisfaction by making cleaning staff available during peak working hours, providing building occupants with the service they request when they request it, the release stated.
JohnsonDiversey President and CEO Ed Lonergan said: “Our goal is to not only practice sustainability in all we do, but to help our customers become more sustainable in their operations. Daylight Cleaning will help our customers achieve significant, measurable reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions."
DCS has been successfully converting buildings to Daylight Cleaning since 2003, resulting in energy savings, reducing cleaning staff turnover, increasing building security and decreasing light pollution, the release noted.
By switching to Daylight Cleaning, JohnsonDiversey expects to reduce building energy usage by 25,000 kilowatts per month and reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 25.6 metric tons per year, the release added.
Citrus- and pine-scented cleaners produce formaldehyde
BERKELEY, CA — Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley conducted a study that found terpenes in pine oils and citrus oils react with ozone to produce formaldehyde, according to the San Jose Health Examiner.
Formaldehyde is a strong eye, nose, throat and lung irritant and is also an asthma trigger and a carcinogen, the story stated.
The researchers found cleaning a small bathroom with citrus or pine-scented cleaners for 15 minutes can lead to excessive formaldehyde exposure, the story noted.
According to the EPA, formaldehyde can cause red watery eyes, sore throats, skin rashes and sinus infections.
The best way to decrease formaldehyde exposure is to open windows and ventilate the area, especially after using pine or citrus cleaners in warm weather when ozone is highest, the story added.
Formaldehyde is a strong eye, nose, throat and lung irritant and is also an asthma trigger and a carcinogen, the story stated.
The researchers found cleaning a small bathroom with citrus or pine-scented cleaners for 15 minutes can lead to excessive formaldehyde exposure, the story noted.
According to the EPA, formaldehyde can cause red watery eyes, sore throats, skin rashes and sinus infections.
The best way to decrease formaldehyde exposure is to open windows and ventilate the area, especially after using pine or citrus cleaners in warm weather when ozone is highest, the story added.
Disgruntled cleaner shoots boss
MILWAUKEE, WI — The owner of Perry's Cleaning Company was shot three times and killed by one of his employees who was upset about not receiving a paycheck, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Maurice Jones, who will receive life in prison if convicted, faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide, possession of a firearm by a felon, armed robbery and two counts of attempted robbery, the story stated.
According to the complaint filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Jones showed up at the business wearing a mask and carrying a gun after calling in search of the business owner, Kenneth Perry, earlier in the morning.
After some arguing and demanding money from Perry, Jones removed his mask and, according to accounts from other employees present at the time, appeared very agitated and began pacing, the story noted.
Jones shot Perry after roughly 10 seconds of silence; as Perry fell forward, Jones shot him again before fleeing the building, the story added.
According to the story, Jones was paid in cash but may not have been paid at all because the company was having some financial problems; employees hadn't received pay checks since February 15, 2008.
According to employees, Perry had instructed his staff to hire Jones for odd jobs around the office a couple of months earlier because he was down on his luck.
Maurice Jones, who will receive life in prison if convicted, faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide, possession of a firearm by a felon, armed robbery and two counts of attempted robbery, the story stated.
According to the complaint filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Jones showed up at the business wearing a mask and carrying a gun after calling in search of the business owner, Kenneth Perry, earlier in the morning.
After some arguing and demanding money from Perry, Jones removed his mask and, according to accounts from other employees present at the time, appeared very agitated and began pacing, the story noted.
Jones shot Perry after roughly 10 seconds of silence; as Perry fell forward, Jones shot him again before fleeing the building, the story added.
According to the story, Jones was paid in cash but may not have been paid at all because the company was having some financial problems; employees hadn't received pay checks since February 15, 2008.
According to employees, Perry had instructed his staff to hire Jones for odd jobs around the office a couple of months earlier because he was down on his luck.
HSBC headquarters named Green Development of the Year
METTAWA, IL — The 550,000-square-foot Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified North American headquarters of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) has been chosen as the Green Development of the Year by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), according to Consulting Specifying Engineer.
The recognition is part of NAIOP’s 21st annual Awards for Excellence program, the story stated.
The eco-friendly features of the building include a water system that reduces wastewater generation by 82 percent, the story noted.
A green roof and an underfloor air distribution system also help reduce energy costs and add to the building's sustainability, the story added.
The recognition is part of NAIOP’s 21st annual Awards for Excellence program, the story stated.
The eco-friendly features of the building include a water system that reduces wastewater generation by 82 percent, the story noted.
A green roof and an underfloor air distribution system also help reduce energy costs and add to the building's sustainability, the story added.
The growing green lodging trend
TALLAHASSEE, FL — A total of 395 properties statewide have been designated as green by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Green Lodging program, according to the Miami Herald.
Many hospitality employees have noticed an increase in the number of guests inquiring about their property's environmentally friendly policies before making reservations, the story stated.
Nikki Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitor's Bureau, said: "We have noticed more meeting groups and even some leisure travelers are weighing in on their concern for our environment. Green lodging is a big trend in the industry, no question about it."
According to the story, the rush for the Green Lodging program's seal of approval started in mid-2007 when Governor Charlie Crist signed an executive order mandating that all state-sponsored meetings and conferences be held in Florida Department of Environmental Protection-certified green facilities whenever possible.
Many of the hotels meeting the criteria utilize energy efficient lighting and low-flow toilets, shower heads and faucets and have on-site recycling programs, the story noted.
There are currently 80 more lodging properties slated to receive Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Green Lodging program certification, the story added.
Many hospitality employees have noticed an increase in the number of guests inquiring about their property's environmentally friendly policies before making reservations, the story stated.
Nikki Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitor's Bureau, said: "We have noticed more meeting groups and even some leisure travelers are weighing in on their concern for our environment. Green lodging is a big trend in the industry, no question about it."
According to the story, the rush for the Green Lodging program's seal of approval started in mid-2007 when Governor Charlie Crist signed an executive order mandating that all state-sponsored meetings and conferences be held in Florida Department of Environmental Protection-certified green facilities whenever possible.
Many of the hotels meeting the criteria utilize energy efficient lighting and low-flow toilets, shower heads and faucets and have on-site recycling programs, the story noted.
There are currently 80 more lodging properties slated to receive Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Green Lodging program certification, the story added.
27-year prison sentence for boss-killing cleaner
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A cleaner was given a 27-year prison sentence and five years' probation for the 2006 slaying of his boss, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Jose Valdes pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree arson for killing his boss and setting the man's vehicle on fire with his body inside, the story stated.
The cause of death was determined as blunt force trauma to the head, the story noted.
According to Florida state law, the minimum portion of a sentence an inmate must serve is 85 percent, meaning Valdes must serve at least 23 years for his crimes, the story added.
Jose Valdes pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree arson for killing his boss and setting the man's vehicle on fire with his body inside, the story stated.
The cause of death was determined as blunt force trauma to the head, the story noted.
According to Florida state law, the minimum portion of a sentence an inmate must serve is 85 percent, meaning Valdes must serve at least 23 years for his crimes, the story added.
New studies attempt to beat MRSA
SAN DIEGO, CA — Three studies presented to the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) at their annual meeting suggest that Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) can be beaten, according to the U.S. News and World Report.
In the first report, Dr. Philip Polgreen, an assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Iowa, spoke of a wireless computerized system that monitors staff to ensure that they wash their hands before entering an intensive care unit, the story stated.
Polgreen said: "Hand washing is one of the most important actions health care workers can take to protect patients from developing hospital-acquired infections. Yet hand hygiene compliance among physicians, nurses and other health care workers remains unacceptably low."
In the second report, a team led by Rupak Datta, an M.D./Ph.D. candidate at the University of California at Irvine, found that 40 percent of MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections are transmitted by touching nearby surfaces, and that cleaning with disinfectant-saturated cloths rather than spray bottles is more effective, the story noted.
Datta said: "This suggests that cleaning measures over and above national standards can be important in reducing the transmission of multi-drug-resistant organisms, such as MRSA and VRE in high-risk patient care areas, such as the ICU."
In the third report, Dr. Susan S. Huang, director of epidemiology and infection prevention at the University of California at Irvine School of Medicine, suggests that transfering patients from one room to another increases the risk of spreading HAIs to other parts of the facility, the story added.
Huang said: "We found that 22 percent of patients will be rehospitalized within a year of discharge. Most are readmitted to different hospitals than the one where they were initially treated. In an average month, each hospital exposed other hospitals to 10 of their patients."
In the first report, Dr. Philip Polgreen, an assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Iowa, spoke of a wireless computerized system that monitors staff to ensure that they wash their hands before entering an intensive care unit, the story stated.
Polgreen said: "Hand washing is one of the most important actions health care workers can take to protect patients from developing hospital-acquired infections. Yet hand hygiene compliance among physicians, nurses and other health care workers remains unacceptably low."
In the second report, a team led by Rupak Datta, an M.D./Ph.D. candidate at the University of California at Irvine, found that 40 percent of MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections are transmitted by touching nearby surfaces, and that cleaning with disinfectant-saturated cloths rather than spray bottles is more effective, the story noted.
Datta said: "This suggests that cleaning measures over and above national standards can be important in reducing the transmission of multi-drug-resistant organisms, such as MRSA and VRE in high-risk patient care areas, such as the ICU."
In the third report, Dr. Susan S. Huang, director of epidemiology and infection prevention at the University of California at Irvine School of Medicine, suggests that transfering patients from one room to another increases the risk of spreading HAIs to other parts of the facility, the story added.
Huang said: "We found that 22 percent of patients will be rehospitalized within a year of discharge. Most are readmitted to different hospitals than the one where they were initially treated. In an average month, each hospital exposed other hospitals to 10 of their patients."
Catholic schools clean green
DURHAM, ON, Canada — The Durham Catholic District School Board is one of four districts in Ontario participating in a green cleaning pilot project, according to the Durham Region News.
Among those recruited to develop a green cleaning training guide to provide best practices and directions on establishing a sustainable green program in schools is The Ashkin Group, the story stated.
The pilot program began during the March break and will run for six weeks, the story noted.
Following the six-week pilot, evaluations will be conducted to measure product effectiveness, costs, student and staff absenteeism, indoor air quality, odors and dust, the story added.
Among those recruited to develop a green cleaning training guide to provide best practices and directions on establishing a sustainable green program in schools is The Ashkin Group, the story stated.
The pilot program began during the March break and will run for six weeks, the story noted.
Following the six-week pilot, evaluations will be conducted to measure product effectiveness, costs, student and staff absenteeism, indoor air quality, odors and dust, the story added.
Georgia-Pacific plant closing indefinitely
WHITEVILLE, NC — A Georgia-Pacific plant, once the fifth largest employer in Columbus County, will be closing its doors in May, according to WWAY-TV.
The plant attempted to salvage as many positions as it could, but despite several rounds of layoffs, there is no other choice but to close the operation, the story stated.
Charles Garrett of the Columbus County Job Link Career Center said: "They were one of the better paying employers, and those wages will be sorely missed."
The plant at one time employed upwards of 450 individuals; as of now, only 90 positions remain, the story noted.
Georgia-Pacific, who says the end is inevitable unless there is a miraculous turn around in the market, will pay their employees and honor their benefits through May 31, the story added.
The plant attempted to salvage as many positions as it could, but despite several rounds of layoffs, there is no other choice but to close the operation, the story stated.
Charles Garrett of the Columbus County Job Link Career Center said: "They were one of the better paying employers, and those wages will be sorely missed."
The plant at one time employed upwards of 450 individuals; as of now, only 90 positions remain, the story noted.
Georgia-Pacific, who says the end is inevitable unless there is a miraculous turn around in the market, will pay their employees and honor their benefits through May 31, the story added.
Janitors protest layoffs and "corporate excess"
SAN JOSE, CA — Janitors gathered outside the headquarters of Cisco Systems Inc. to protest the layoff of roughly half of the custodial staff in recent months, according to KPIX-TV.
The protest is part of a nation-wide movement organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to fight what they call "corporate excess," the story stated.
The political director for SEIU Local 1877, the union representing the 75 laid-off janitors, said: "It's not like Cisco is closing whole buildings. The janitors still have the same amount of work, but now with half the workforce, and they just can't do the same quality job."
The janitors working in the Cisco Systems facility are employees of American Building Maintenance Industries Inc. (ABM) and are contracted to work for Cisco, the story noted.
Cisco's janitors receive wages and health care benefits below what janitors at most major Silicon Valley technology companies receive, the story added.
The protest is part of a nation-wide movement organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to fight what they call "corporate excess," the story stated.
The political director for SEIU Local 1877, the union representing the 75 laid-off janitors, said: "It's not like Cisco is closing whole buildings. The janitors still have the same amount of work, but now with half the workforce, and they just can't do the same quality job."
The janitors working in the Cisco Systems facility are employees of American Building Maintenance Industries Inc. (ABM) and are contracted to work for Cisco, the story noted.
Cisco's janitors receive wages and health care benefits below what janitors at most major Silicon Valley technology companies receive, the story added.
Paper mill faces $320,500 in OSHA fines
SPRAGUE, CT — Accusations of safety violations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) leave the owner of a paper mill facing $320,500 in fines, according to the Norwich Bulletin.
OSHA cited a total of 52 serious and repeat violations at the Inland Road mill that was acquired by Cascades Inc. in 2005, the story stated.
A January 30 press release from OSHA said that its investigation was prompted by "employee complaints" and uncovered a "broad cross section of chemical, electrical, mechanical, fire and fall hazards," and that "extensive" rust, corrosion and physical damage compromised the building’s structural stability.
Some employees, who feel that OSHA's findings are exaggerated, see the company’s troubles rooted in a "power struggle" between management and an on-site union, the story noted.
Both OSHA and Cascades would like to swiftly settle the matter and avoid costly litigation; a settlement could be reached as early as the end of April, the story added.
According to a spokesperson for Cascades, the situation is "presently under evaluation."
OSHA cited a total of 52 serious and repeat violations at the Inland Road mill that was acquired by Cascades Inc. in 2005, the story stated.
A January 30 press release from OSHA said that its investigation was prompted by "employee complaints" and uncovered a "broad cross section of chemical, electrical, mechanical, fire and fall hazards," and that "extensive" rust, corrosion and physical damage compromised the building’s structural stability.
Some employees, who feel that OSHA's findings are exaggerated, see the company’s troubles rooted in a "power struggle" between management and an on-site union, the story noted.
Both OSHA and Cascades would like to swiftly settle the matter and avoid costly litigation; a settlement could be reached as early as the end of April, the story added.
According to a spokesperson for Cascades, the situation is "presently under evaluation."
The new LEED for 2009
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced that Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 2009 will officially launch on April 27, 2009, according to GreenBuilding.com.
April 27 will also be the date for the transition of LEED project registration and certification to the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), the third party that administers the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) certification, the story stated.
According to the story, projects may be registered under either the new or the old LEED rating system until June 27, 2009, from which point all projects must be registered for LEED 2009.
Several versions of previous LEED AP exams will be retired and new versions will be introduced and made mandatory, the story noted.
The LEED 2009 credentials are more strict and offer extended levels of accreditation, the story added.
April 27 will also be the date for the transition of LEED project registration and certification to the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), the third party that administers the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) certification, the story stated.
According to the story, projects may be registered under either the new or the old LEED rating system until June 27, 2009, from which point all projects must be registered for LEED 2009.
Several versions of previous LEED AP exams will be retired and new versions will be introduced and made mandatory, the story noted.
The LEED 2009 credentials are more strict and offer extended levels of accreditation, the story added.
Hospital-acquired infections kill two infants
MIAMI — Details remain blurry regarding an incident where hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) claimed the lives of two infants in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care unit of the Miami Children's Hospital, according to MMIX-TV.
Specimens of the bacteria have been sent to the Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee for testing, the story stated.
Dr. Vincent Conte of the Miami-Dade County Health Department said: "As far as elaborating on the type of bacteria that's causing the infection, we prefer not to say at this point because again we've heard word of mouth but haven't seen anything in writing."
It is not uncommon for infants to die because of an infection at a hospital; it is uncommon, however, for two infants to die at the same facility in consecutive days, the story noted.
Doctors are keeping a close watch on a third infant who was also affected by the infection but is still alive, the story added.
According to the story, the Health Department continues to back the nationally ranked Neo-Natal Intensive Care unit of the Miami Children's Hospital, calling it "safe and reputable."
Specimens of the bacteria have been sent to the Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee for testing, the story stated.
Dr. Vincent Conte of the Miami-Dade County Health Department said: "As far as elaborating on the type of bacteria that's causing the infection, we prefer not to say at this point because again we've heard word of mouth but haven't seen anything in writing."
It is not uncommon for infants to die because of an infection at a hospital; it is uncommon, however, for two infants to die at the same facility in consecutive days, the story noted.
Doctors are keeping a close watch on a third infant who was also affected by the infection but is still alive, the story added.
According to the story, the Health Department continues to back the nationally ranked Neo-Natal Intensive Care unit of the Miami Children's Hospital, calling it "safe and reputable."
Georgia-Pacific job cuts
DEBUQUE, IA — Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific Corporation is reducing the workforce at its Debuque plant by "about a dozen," according to the Telegraph Herald.
The plant, located on Kerper Boulevard, employs a total of 90 people, the story stated.
Georgia-Pacific spokeswoman Julie Davis said: "It’s just the current market situation, obviously business is slowing in a lot of areas."
The paper and packaging company says the layoffs will occur throughout the week, the story noted.
The plant, located on Kerper Boulevard, employs a total of 90 people, the story stated.
Georgia-Pacific spokeswoman Julie Davis said: "It’s just the current market situation, obviously business is slowing in a lot of areas."
The paper and packaging company says the layoffs will occur throughout the week, the story noted.
Tenant awarded $1 million in mold suit
TEWKSBURY, MA — After four years of litigation, a tenant who was sickened by mold was awarded $1 million for her sufferings, according to WCVB-TV.
Helen Herman, formally of 56 River Road, claims that her complaints of mold in the house she was renting was making her ill were ignored by her landlords, the story stated.
According to the story, severe asthma was triggered by mold exposure and is among the things that permanently disabled Herman, forcing her to leave her Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) job of 20 years.
All of Herman's possessions became contaminated and she was forced to throw everything she owned away, the story noted.
Attorney Robert Doyle said: "[The landlords] just kept turning it over after slapping on a new coat of paint."
Under the Consumer Protection Act, the judge could double or even triple the jury's verdict due to negligence on the part of the landlords, the story added.
Helen Herman, formally of 56 River Road, claims that her complaints of mold in the house she was renting was making her ill were ignored by her landlords, the story stated.
According to the story, severe asthma was triggered by mold exposure and is among the things that permanently disabled Herman, forcing her to leave her Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) job of 20 years.
All of Herman's possessions became contaminated and she was forced to throw everything she owned away, the story noted.
Attorney Robert Doyle said: "[The landlords] just kept turning it over after slapping on a new coat of paint."
Under the Consumer Protection Act, the judge could double or even triple the jury's verdict due to negligence on the part of the landlords, the story added.
MRSA found at elementary school
STREETSBORO, OH — A visitor who was recently at Wait Primary School was diagnosed with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), according to The Gateway News.
Parents were notified about the potential risk of contamination from the individual and school officials want to make sure students are washing their hands regularly and taking showers or baths, the story stated.
The custodial staff has been spending extra time cleaning areas where the individual had been, and “specialized chemicals” will be used in those areas over the weekend to make sure they are "double clean," the story noted.
Superintendent Linda T. Keller said the individual was not a student, but declined to provide more details about the situation, the story added.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MRSA is a bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and is usually a skin infection with symptoms of abscesses, boils and pus-filled lesions. It is normally contracted by people with weakened immune systems in hospitals and health care facilities, but can also be spread by skin-to-skin contact or by items that have come in skin contact with an infection.
Parents were notified about the potential risk of contamination from the individual and school officials want to make sure students are washing their hands regularly and taking showers or baths, the story stated.
The custodial staff has been spending extra time cleaning areas where the individual had been, and “specialized chemicals” will be used in those areas over the weekend to make sure they are "double clean," the story noted.
Superintendent Linda T. Keller said the individual was not a student, but declined to provide more details about the situation, the story added.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MRSA is a bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and is usually a skin infection with symptoms of abscesses, boils and pus-filled lesions. It is normally contracted by people with weakened immune systems in hospitals and health care facilities, but can also be spread by skin-to-skin contact or by items that have come in skin contact with an infection.
Janitor involved in petty crime ring
BATON ROUGE, LA — A janitor contracted to clean schools in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System and the Ascension Parish School System has been arrested for her role in what investigators believe is a petty crime ring, according to WBRZ-TV.
Marnia Marie Parks, a contract cleaner from Jani-Care Commercial Cleaning Inc., was involved in the thefts of purses, wallets and cell phones from employees at nine public schools in the Parishes of Ascension and East Baton Rouge, the story stated.
According to the story, Parks was booked on seven counts of simple burglary, three counts of attempted theft and six counts of unauthorized use of a credit card.
It is believed that Parks had three accomplices whom she helped gain access into the buildings through the clearance granted by her janitorial position, the story noted.
The incidents in East Baton Rouge occurred between March 2 and March 6, while the Ascension incidents took place on February 9, the story added.
Chris Trahan, a spokesman with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, said that the school system has a contract with Aramark Corporation for its janitorial services and that Aramark subcontracts with Jani-Care.
Marnia Marie Parks, a contract cleaner from Jani-Care Commercial Cleaning Inc., was involved in the thefts of purses, wallets and cell phones from employees at nine public schools in the Parishes of Ascension and East Baton Rouge, the story stated.
According to the story, Parks was booked on seven counts of simple burglary, three counts of attempted theft and six counts of unauthorized use of a credit card.
It is believed that Parks had three accomplices whom she helped gain access into the buildings through the clearance granted by her janitorial position, the story noted.
The incidents in East Baton Rouge occurred between March 2 and March 6, while the Ascension incidents took place on February 9, the story added.
Chris Trahan, a spokesman with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, said that the school system has a contract with Aramark Corporation for its janitorial services and that Aramark subcontracts with Jani-Care.
Sedwick County warns of Shigella outbreak
WICHITA, KS — Sedgwick County warns it is experiencing an outbreak of Shigella as 23 cases have been reported in the first two and a half months of 2009, more than all of last year's 20 total cases, according to KSCW-TV.
The bacteria is passed through fecal matter, so proper hand washing is crucial in defense against its spread, the story stated.
According to the story, the Shigella bacteria causes diarrhea, fever, vomiting and cramps and can persist for as long as a week.
While the children at the Wichita State Child Development Center sleep during nap time, the staff makes sure to clean high-touch areas of the classroom with disinfectant wipes, the story noted.
The Wichita State Child Development Center is particularly prone to an outbreak of this sort as many of the toddlers are not fully toilet trained, the story added.
The bacteria is passed through fecal matter, so proper hand washing is crucial in defense against its spread, the story stated.
According to the story, the Shigella bacteria causes diarrhea, fever, vomiting and cramps and can persist for as long as a week.
While the children at the Wichita State Child Development Center sleep during nap time, the staff makes sure to clean high-touch areas of the classroom with disinfectant wipes, the story noted.
The Wichita State Child Development Center is particularly prone to an outbreak of this sort as many of the toddlers are not fully toilet trained, the story added.
Janitors at Microsoft protest their workload
REDMOND, WA — Employees of SBM Site Services that are contracted to provide janitorial services at Microsoft Corporation are protesting, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal.
The janitors are protesting cutbacks by a subcontractor, claiming their workload has increased as a result of recent layoffs, the story stated.
SBM insists that the layoffs are necessary and that the increased workload will have to be handled due to tough economic times, the story noted.
The workers, members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 6, staged an initial protest on March 13 and are holding follow-up events on the Microsoft campus this week, the story added.
The janitors are protesting cutbacks by a subcontractor, claiming their workload has increased as a result of recent layoffs, the story stated.
SBM insists that the layoffs are necessary and that the increased workload will have to be handled due to tough economic times, the story noted.
The workers, members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 6, staged an initial protest on March 13 and are holding follow-up events on the Microsoft campus this week, the story added.
Norovirus sickens 59 at assisted-living facility
LYNBROOK, NY — An outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal infection whose eradication requires extensive cleaning of surfaces, sickened 59 individuals at the Atria Tanglewood assisted-living facility, according to WCBS-TV.
Due to the nature of the virus to easily spread, the facility imposed a three-week quarantine on itself to ensure its containment, the story stated.
It is not uncommon for such illnesses as norovirus to sicken people living in close proximity, especially those susceptible to illness like the elderly, the story noted.
Noroviruses are also sometimes known as "winter vomiting viruses" or "Norwalk-like viruses," and symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the story added.
Due to the nature of the virus to easily spread, the facility imposed a three-week quarantine on itself to ensure its containment, the story stated.
It is not uncommon for such illnesses as norovirus to sicken people living in close proximity, especially those susceptible to illness like the elderly, the story noted.
Noroviruses are also sometimes known as "winter vomiting viruses" or "Norwalk-like viruses," and symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the story added.
DuPont lays off 29 in Western New York
TONAWANDA, NY — DuPont has cut 29 jobs from their Tonawanda plant, less than the 55 estimated job cuts the company announced in December, according to The Buffalo News.
A total of 27 employees received severance packages, while two employees were transferred within the company, the story stated.
Gary Guralny, president of United Steelworkers of America Local 6992, said: "I think the company worked with us real well to not put anybody out the gate that wasn’t prepared to leave."
Fifteen of the laid-off employees were members of United Steelworkers of America Local 6992, the story noted.
According to the story, DuPont, in a cost-saving measure, has enlisted its own employees take over some work, such as maintenance duties, that contractors were performing.
With the intent to generate greater productivity, the plant wants to implement a “high-performance work system” that rewards employees with higher wages in exchange for receiving training in a larger number of tasks, the story added.
A total of 27 employees received severance packages, while two employees were transferred within the company, the story stated.
Gary Guralny, president of United Steelworkers of America Local 6992, said: "I think the company worked with us real well to not put anybody out the gate that wasn’t prepared to leave."
Fifteen of the laid-off employees were members of United Steelworkers of America Local 6992, the story noted.
According to the story, DuPont, in a cost-saving measure, has enlisted its own employees take over some work, such as maintenance duties, that contractors were performing.
With the intent to generate greater productivity, the plant wants to implement a “high-performance work system” that rewards employees with higher wages in exchange for receiving training in a larger number of tasks, the story added.
Custodian allegedly stole $100,000
NEW YORK — An Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School custodian is accused of organizing a payroll scheme that allowed him to steal nearly $100,000 from the New York City Department of Education, according to WNYC-AM.
Philip Portelli allegedly clocked two fellow custodians for overtime and lunch breaks they did not earn between 2006 and 2008, the story stated.
The Special Commissioner of Investigations for the city schools Richard Condon claims Portelli had a friend who was not employed as a custodian submit W2s; the friend received paychecks and even paid taxes, the story noted.
According to the story, New York District Attorney Robert Morgenthau's office is reviewing the case.
Portelli has been reassigned to a different school to avoid complications during the investigation; he has not yet been formally charged, the story added.
Philip Portelli allegedly clocked two fellow custodians for overtime and lunch breaks they did not earn between 2006 and 2008, the story stated.
The Special Commissioner of Investigations for the city schools Richard Condon claims Portelli had a friend who was not employed as a custodian submit W2s; the friend received paychecks and even paid taxes, the story noted.
According to the story, New York District Attorney Robert Morgenthau's office is reviewing the case.
Portelli has been reassigned to a different school to avoid complications during the investigation; he has not yet been formally charged, the story added.
Bob Dylan's odorous outhouse
MALIBU, CA — Neighbors of singer-songwriter Bob Dylan are complaining of a stench wafting from an outhouse behind his ocean-view estate, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Neighbors claim that the nighttime sea breeze sends a noxious odor from a portable toilet on Dylan’s property into their homes; the stench has made members of one family physically ill and forced them to abandon their bedrooms on warm nights, the story stated.
According to the story, David Emminger, whose home is directly behind the porta-potty that is apparently intended for use by employees of the entertainer, installed five industrial-size fans in his front yard in an attempt to blow the odor back at Dylan, but the fans are no match for the ocean breeze.
In January, an inspector reported that a city code enforcement officer was turned away by Dylan’s security staff and was told that he was trespassing, the story noted.
Malibu municipal officials are investigating the porta-potty complaints that have been ignored by Dylan for over six months, the story added.
Neighbors claim that the nighttime sea breeze sends a noxious odor from a portable toilet on Dylan’s property into their homes; the stench has made members of one family physically ill and forced them to abandon their bedrooms on warm nights, the story stated.
According to the story, David Emminger, whose home is directly behind the porta-potty that is apparently intended for use by employees of the entertainer, installed five industrial-size fans in his front yard in an attempt to blow the odor back at Dylan, but the fans are no match for the ocean breeze.
In January, an inspector reported that a city code enforcement officer was turned away by Dylan’s security staff and was told that he was trespassing, the story noted.
Malibu municipal officials are investigating the porta-potty complaints that have been ignored by Dylan for over six months, the story added.
Pro-Link's office is 100 percent wind-powered
CANTON, MA — The office of Pro-Link, a JanSan-focused marketing and buying group, are now 100 percent wind-powered, according to a press release.
The company has purchased Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to help promote renewable, low-carbon and no carbon energy technologies and sources such as wind power, the release stated.
Mike Nelson, vice president of marketing for Pro-Link, said: "In addition to Pro-Link’s efforts to promote Green cleaning, we are also trying to reduce our company’s overall environmental footprint. Our [office’s] use of wind power instead of electricity from conventional sources is similar to planting 284 mature trees or not driving 64,026 miles."
Pro-Link hopes their move toward full sustainability will be a guide for other companies to follow, the release noted.
In the United States, there are two main markets purchasing RECs for renewable energy sources: Compliance markets, such as government offices, which are required to derive a certain percentage of their electricity from RECs and voluntary markets, such as Pro-Link, desire to go green and be more environmentally responsible, the release added.
The company has purchased Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to help promote renewable, low-carbon and no carbon energy technologies and sources such as wind power, the release stated.
Mike Nelson, vice president of marketing for Pro-Link, said: "In addition to Pro-Link’s efforts to promote Green cleaning, we are also trying to reduce our company’s overall environmental footprint. Our [office’s] use of wind power instead of electricity from conventional sources is similar to planting 284 mature trees or not driving 64,026 miles."
Pro-Link hopes their move toward full sustainability will be a guide for other companies to follow, the release noted.
In the United States, there are two main markets purchasing RECs for renewable energy sources: Compliance markets, such as government offices, which are required to derive a certain percentage of their electricity from RECs and voluntary markets, such as Pro-Link, desire to go green and be more environmentally responsible, the release added.
Cleaning company proprietor killed
MILWAUKEE — The owner of a cleaning company was shot and killed yesterday at his place of business, according to TMJ-TV.
Kenny Perry, who had started his company from scratch, was shot near the intersection of North 76th Street and Silver Spring Drive, the story stated.
There were several witnesses to the homicide, and though the suspect is not yet in custody, police say they know who they are looking for, the story noted.
At the scene, one of Perry's sons ran through the police tape, which led police, who didn't know who the man was at that point, to quickly take him down and put him in handcuffs, the story added.
Kenny Perry, who had started his company from scratch, was shot near the intersection of North 76th Street and Silver Spring Drive, the story stated.
There were several witnesses to the homicide, and though the suspect is not yet in custody, police say they know who they are looking for, the story noted.
At the scene, one of Perry's sons ran through the police tape, which led police, who didn't know who the man was at that point, to quickly take him down and put him in handcuffs, the story added.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Proctor & Gamble cuts ad spending
CINCINNATI — Proctor & Gamble, the nation's largest advertiser, cut its ad spending by more than 19 percent last year, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
The company spent $2.85 billion on advertising in 2008, compared to $3.35 billion in 2007, the story stated.
Proctor & Gamble was able to maintain the number of people its advertisements reach by negotiating better deals for its television, radio and print ads, the story noted.
P&G spokeswoman Martha Depenbrock said: "We're trying to reach consumers as efficiently as possible."
The company spent $2.85 billion on advertising in 2008, compared to $3.35 billion in 2007, the story stated.
Proctor & Gamble was able to maintain the number of people its advertisements reach by negotiating better deals for its television, radio and print ads, the story noted.
P&G spokeswoman Martha Depenbrock said: "We're trying to reach consumers as efficiently as possible."
Kimberly-Clark named 2009 Energy Star Partner
DALLAS — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Kimberly-Clark Corporation as an Energy Star Partner of the Year for 2009, according to the Daily Business News.
The award recognizes Kimberly-Clark's ongoing efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its operations, the story stated.
Drew Barfoot, Kimberly-Clark's vice president of environment, energy, safety, quality and sustainability, said: "In these challenging economic times, our focus on energy efficiency is generating real cost savings for our businesses, while helping us improve sustainability, reduce our environmental impact and preserve resources for the future. This recognition as an EPA Energy Star Partner of the Year underscores our commitment to weaving sustainability through every aspect of our business."
There will be an awards ceremony in Washington, DC, on March 31 to honor the company that increased its worldwide energy efficiency by 3.2 percent in one year, the story added.
For the fourth consecutive year, Kimberly-Clark ranked No. 1 among personal products companies in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, which is based on the long-term economic, environmental and social performance of leading global companies across 57 industries, the story noted.
The award recognizes Kimberly-Clark's ongoing efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its operations, the story stated.
Drew Barfoot, Kimberly-Clark's vice president of environment, energy, safety, quality and sustainability, said: "In these challenging economic times, our focus on energy efficiency is generating real cost savings for our businesses, while helping us improve sustainability, reduce our environmental impact and preserve resources for the future. This recognition as an EPA Energy Star Partner of the Year underscores our commitment to weaving sustainability through every aspect of our business."
There will be an awards ceremony in Washington, DC, on March 31 to honor the company that increased its worldwide energy efficiency by 3.2 percent in one year, the story added.
For the fourth consecutive year, Kimberly-Clark ranked No. 1 among personal products companies in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, which is based on the long-term economic, environmental and social performance of leading global companies across 57 industries, the story noted.
First-ever LEED certified pizzeria
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Pizza Fusion recently acheived Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold and Silver certification for two of its restaurants in Palm Beach Gardens and Weston, Florida, respectively, according to MarketWatch.
Sustainable elements in the LEED certified pizza shops include: Countertops made of re-used glass bottles; bamboo flooring; non-volatile organic compound (VOC) paints; insulation made from recycled blue jeans; and more, the story stated.
Mike Gordon, vice president of store development and co-founder of Pizza Fusion, said: "It's very rewarding to see our first two LEED projects officially comply with the strict specifications of the USGBC's building and operational standards. These certifications represent our commitment to building all our restaurants to this standard."
Pizza Fusion's LEED certified restaurants reduce water waste by 40 percent and electricity consumption by 20 percent annually, the story noted.
This recognition makes Pizza Fusion the only LEED certified pizzeria in the world, the story added.
Sustainable elements in the LEED certified pizza shops include: Countertops made of re-used glass bottles; bamboo flooring; non-volatile organic compound (VOC) paints; insulation made from recycled blue jeans; and more, the story stated.
Mike Gordon, vice president of store development and co-founder of Pizza Fusion, said: "It's very rewarding to see our first two LEED projects officially comply with the strict specifications of the USGBC's building and operational standards. These certifications represent our commitment to building all our restaurants to this standard."
Pizza Fusion's LEED certified restaurants reduce water waste by 40 percent and electricity consumption by 20 percent annually, the story noted.
This recognition makes Pizza Fusion the only LEED certified pizzeria in the world, the story added.
Torah-stealing janitor gets one year in jail
QUEENS, NY — A live-in janitor from a Kew Gardens synagogue who stole eight Torahs last summer received a one-year prison sentence for misdemeanor attempted grand larceny, according to The Queens Courier.
Eric Giraldo pleaded guilty to the lesser misdemeanor charge; he was originally charged with a felony that carried a 15-year prison sentence, the story stated.
Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said: "This case is particularly troublesome because a trusted employee with access to valuable and important materials chose to break that trust for possible financial gain. The sentence is both justified and necessary."
Giraldo admitted stealing the Torahs with intent to sell them and confessed taking them to the home of a friend, the story noted.
According to the story, police searched the home of Giraldo's friend and recovered the eight Torahs and their silver adornments.
An order of protection was issued, barring Giraldo from visiting the Temple where he had lived while employed as a janitor for eight years, the story added.
Eric Giraldo pleaded guilty to the lesser misdemeanor charge; he was originally charged with a felony that carried a 15-year prison sentence, the story stated.
Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said: "This case is particularly troublesome because a trusted employee with access to valuable and important materials chose to break that trust for possible financial gain. The sentence is both justified and necessary."
Giraldo admitted stealing the Torahs with intent to sell them and confessed taking them to the home of a friend, the story noted.
According to the story, police searched the home of Giraldo's friend and recovered the eight Torahs and their silver adornments.
An order of protection was issued, barring Giraldo from visiting the Temple where he had lived while employed as a janitor for eight years, the story added.
Janitor charged with theft of Haleigh Cummings reward cash
SATSUMA, FL — A janitor who cleaned the Baker County School District's bus garage is charged with stealing reward money for information in the disappearance of Haleigh Cummings, a five-year-old who went missing February 9, according to The Florida Times-Union.
Jeremy Leonard was charged with grand theft after being confronted about the missing $670, the story stated.
Leonard told the Times-Union that he found the money and denies stealing anything.
According to the police report, the only person who had access to the building before the money was found missing was Leonard, a substitute janitor who works on an on-call basis. Deputies confronted Leonard and recovered $600 from his home.
Leonard claims he found the unmarked envelope on the floor while cleaning and called his boss to report the discovery but could not reach her, the story noted.
As a result of the incident, and regardless of his innocence or guilt, Leonard no longer works for the school system, the story added.
Jeremy Leonard was charged with grand theft after being confronted about the missing $670, the story stated.
Leonard told the Times-Union that he found the money and denies stealing anything.
According to the police report, the only person who had access to the building before the money was found missing was Leonard, a substitute janitor who works on an on-call basis. Deputies confronted Leonard and recovered $600 from his home.
Leonard claims he found the unmarked envelope on the floor while cleaning and called his boss to report the discovery but could not reach her, the story noted.
As a result of the incident, and regardless of his innocence or guilt, Leonard no longer works for the school system, the story added.
Acidic soap closes several rest stops
BAY MINETTE, AL — The I-10 West Welcome Center on the Alabama-Florida state line is closed due to an "acidic odor" an employee noted coming from a soap dispenser in the men's restroom, according to WWLP-TV.
Similar instances have been noted at rest stops in Chilton County, Alabama, and in Marion County, Florida, the story stated.
Trucker Lee Godfrey said: "You don't know if it's a truck driver or some crazy person. I mean, why do people snatch kids? People are sick."
Little is known about the substances other than that they are foreign to the ingredients of the bulk soap used in the dispensers, the story noted.
Both the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the Florida Division of Emergency Management are testing the soaps, the story added.
According to the story, no injuries have been reported so far.
Similar instances have been noted at rest stops in Chilton County, Alabama, and in Marion County, Florida, the story stated.
Trucker Lee Godfrey said: "You don't know if it's a truck driver or some crazy person. I mean, why do people snatch kids? People are sick."
Little is known about the substances other than that they are foreign to the ingredients of the bulk soap used in the dispensers, the story noted.
Both the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the Florida Division of Emergency Management are testing the soaps, the story added.
According to the story, no injuries have been reported so far.
Custodian teaches literacy and social responsibility
BURNABY, BC, Canada — A custodian at Capitol Hill Elementary School started a club three years ago to promote literacy and teach students social responsibility, according to the Burnaby News-Leader.
Fran DeTracie, a 21-year veteran custodian whose job begins when students leave for the day, started the Junior Custodian Club as a way to liven her quiet evenings cleaning the desolate school, the story stated.
According to the story, she began leaving notes on the blackboards and desks praising students for cleaning up their areas; sometimes the notes would have spelling or grammatical errors for them to correct. On some occasions, when she was stripping wax off the floor, she would write questions into the old wax and students would write the answer back the next day before she’d clean it off.
DeTracie's janitorial closet is painted with notes from the students who reply to her overnight messages; there are so many that soon she’ll have to begin pasting them to the ceiling, the story noted.
DeTracie said: "These walls are quite an inspiration to me. Some of this work gets pretty monotonous and all I have to do is look up and get inspiration. The neat thing is to watch their literacy skills develop over the years."
Although most kids take the janitor for granted because they don’t see the work involved, her notes teach them about doing the right thing and taking more responsibility for their own situation, the story added.
According to Principal Susan Masson, she knew DeTracie and her club were a hit one day when a little boy came rushing up to her and said proudly, “I came to tell you there’s a mess in the washroom that needs to be cleaned up. I’m a junior custodian, you know.”
Fran DeTracie, a 21-year veteran custodian whose job begins when students leave for the day, started the Junior Custodian Club as a way to liven her quiet evenings cleaning the desolate school, the story stated.
According to the story, she began leaving notes on the blackboards and desks praising students for cleaning up their areas; sometimes the notes would have spelling or grammatical errors for them to correct. On some occasions, when she was stripping wax off the floor, she would write questions into the old wax and students would write the answer back the next day before she’d clean it off.
DeTracie's janitorial closet is painted with notes from the students who reply to her overnight messages; there are so many that soon she’ll have to begin pasting them to the ceiling, the story noted.
DeTracie said: "These walls are quite an inspiration to me. Some of this work gets pretty monotonous and all I have to do is look up and get inspiration. The neat thing is to watch their literacy skills develop over the years."
Although most kids take the janitor for granted because they don’t see the work involved, her notes teach them about doing the right thing and taking more responsibility for their own situation, the story added.
According to Principal Susan Masson, she knew DeTracie and her club were a hit one day when a little boy came rushing up to her and said proudly, “I came to tell you there’s a mess in the washroom that needs to be cleaned up. I’m a junior custodian, you know.”
Proctor & Gamble's Susan Arnold retires
CINCINNATI — Susan Arnold, 29-year veteran and president of Proctor & Gamble's global business units, announced her retirement on Monday, according to Reuters.
Arnold, who turned 55 on Sunday, had long planned to retire once she reached that age, the story stated.
Arnold will remain with Proctor & Gamble and serve on a "special assignment" until her retirement becomes official on September 1, the story noted.
The company has decided not to fill Arnold's vacant role for the time being, the story added.
According to the story, three vice chairmen who reported to Arnold will now report directly to A.G. Lafley, Proctor & Gamble's CEO.
Arnold, who turned 55 on Sunday, had long planned to retire once she reached that age, the story stated.
Arnold will remain with Proctor & Gamble and serve on a "special assignment" until her retirement becomes official on September 1, the story noted.
The company has decided not to fill Arnold's vacant role for the time being, the story added.
According to the story, three vice chairmen who reported to Arnold will now report directly to A.G. Lafley, Proctor & Gamble's CEO.
San José City Hall receives LEED-EB Platinum certification
SAN JOSÉ, CA — They city today announced that City Hall has been Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certified, according to the Silicon Beat.
The certification falls under the United States Green Building Council's LEED-EB classification for existing buildings, the story stated.
The LEED-EB Platinum certification was achieved through energy conservation, reduced water use, a reduction and diversion of waste, a healthier indoor environment and the purchasing of green cleaning products and office supplies, the story noted.
The City of San José has a total of 700,000 square feet of green building space, something that Mayor Reed would like to increase to 50 million square feet by 2022, the story added.
The certification falls under the United States Green Building Council's LEED-EB classification for existing buildings, the story stated.
The LEED-EB Platinum certification was achieved through energy conservation, reduced water use, a reduction and diversion of waste, a healthier indoor environment and the purchasing of green cleaning products and office supplies, the story noted.
The City of San José has a total of 700,000 square feet of green building space, something that Mayor Reed would like to increase to 50 million square feet by 2022, the story added.
Core Products Company featured on television show
CANTON, TX — Core Products Company proudly announces their partnership with Planet Green, a subsidiary of The Discovery Network, and specifically with the television show Wa$ted!, reality series that makes shrinking your ecological footprint appealing and virtually effortless, according to a press release.
Core’s signature Green Seal-certified product, Hydroxi Pro® Concentrate, was used during a recent green makeover of a New Jersey fire station as a viable, green alternative to a traditional, caustic product, the release stated.
Core’s President Brent Crawford said: "When you hear the words, ‘environmental, ecological or green,’ we normally think of energy, water conservation and transportation consumption. There are many layers of ‘being green’ and the green cleaning concept is sometimes lost. I am thrilled to part of and support the program Wa$ted!, which educates the public about ways to sustain lifestyles in consideration of the future and incorporates green cleaning as a viable part of the green movement."
The specific episode where Hydroxi Pro Concentrate is used will be aired May 6, 2009, the release noted.
Check out www.planetgreen.com for more about the show.
To find out what channel in your area carries Wa$ted!, go to http://planetgreen.channelfinder.net.
Core’s signature Green Seal-certified product, Hydroxi Pro® Concentrate, was used during a recent green makeover of a New Jersey fire station as a viable, green alternative to a traditional, caustic product, the release stated.
Core’s President Brent Crawford said: "When you hear the words, ‘environmental, ecological or green,’ we normally think of energy, water conservation and transportation consumption. There are many layers of ‘being green’ and the green cleaning concept is sometimes lost. I am thrilled to part of and support the program Wa$ted!, which educates the public about ways to sustain lifestyles in consideration of the future and incorporates green cleaning as a viable part of the green movement."
The specific episode where Hydroxi Pro Concentrate is used will be aired May 6, 2009, the release noted.
Check out www.planetgreen.com for more about the show.
To find out what channel in your area carries Wa$ted!, go to http://planetgreen.channelfinder.net.
Dow and Rohm & Haas reach agreement again
MIDLAND, MI — After more than a month-long stall in deliberations, Dow Chemical Company has once again agreed to acquire specialty chemical manufacturer Rohm & Haas for the original price of $15.3 billion in cash, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The agreement was reached after Haas trusts in Philadelphia and hedge-fund operator John Paulson, the two largest shareholders in Rohm & Haas, put up $3 billion to help close the deal, the story stated.
The settlement says the merger must close April 1, and also settles the lawsuit Rohm & Haas filed in Delaware's Court of Chancery in late January seeking to force Dow Chemical to honor its July merger agreement, the story noted.
Dow chief executive Andrew Liveris said: "The next three weeks will have to drive how we put this together. [We are] relooking at how we put this model together because of the new reality [of a bad economy]."
Dow announced that it would cut an additional 3,500 jobs from the combined corporate entity and close research labs and plants, the story added.
The agreement was reached after Haas trusts in Philadelphia and hedge-fund operator John Paulson, the two largest shareholders in Rohm & Haas, put up $3 billion to help close the deal, the story stated.
The settlement says the merger must close April 1, and also settles the lawsuit Rohm & Haas filed in Delaware's Court of Chancery in late January seeking to force Dow Chemical to honor its July merger agreement, the story noted.
Dow chief executive Andrew Liveris said: "The next three weeks will have to drive how we put this together. [We are] relooking at how we put this model together because of the new reality [of a bad economy]."
Dow announced that it would cut an additional 3,500 jobs from the combined corporate entity and close research labs and plants, the story added.
BSCAI and ISSA will co-locate trade shows starting in 2010
LINCOLNWOOD, IL — The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) and its alliance partner, the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) announced this past weekend that the two organizations have entered into an agreement in which the BSCAI convention will co-locate with ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America, starting in 2010, according to a press release.
The co-location agreement was made during BSCAI's 2009 tradeshow, held in Chicago, IL, and is another step in the ongoing alliance between the two associations, the release stated.
ISSA President Bob Stahurski said: "This day has been a long time coming for both our associations, and we welcome this opportunity to work with BSCAI as we strive to bring together all channel partners of the global cleaning community. The co-location of both our events will facilitate better supply-chain relationships for all who attend."
In 2010, ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America will be held Tuesday through Friday, November 9-12, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, while BSCAI will co-locate its annual convention, Thursday through Sunday, November 11-14, the release noted.
BSCAI members will be eligible to attend the ISSA/INTERCLEAN event at member rates and BSCAI will no longer host an independent exhibition; however, it will continue to offer sponsorship and other vendor-partner programs, the release added.
According to the release, both organizations have made it clear that the co-location agreement impacts only the events in question and that ISSA and BSCAI will remain independent associations, serving the needs of their respective members in ways that are unique to each.
BSCAI President Stan Doobin said: "BSCAI and ISSA formed this alliance in order to capitalize on the strengths of our respective organizations. Our leadership and staff have met in recent weeks and months to formalize an agreement and develop a working model that will enhance the networking, educational, and professional services provided to our respective membership and business partners."
The co-location agreement was made during BSCAI's 2009 tradeshow, held in Chicago, IL, and is another step in the ongoing alliance between the two associations, the release stated.
ISSA President Bob Stahurski said: "This day has been a long time coming for both our associations, and we welcome this opportunity to work with BSCAI as we strive to bring together all channel partners of the global cleaning community. The co-location of both our events will facilitate better supply-chain relationships for all who attend."
In 2010, ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America will be held Tuesday through Friday, November 9-12, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, while BSCAI will co-locate its annual convention, Thursday through Sunday, November 11-14, the release noted.
BSCAI members will be eligible to attend the ISSA/INTERCLEAN event at member rates and BSCAI will no longer host an independent exhibition; however, it will continue to offer sponsorship and other vendor-partner programs, the release added.
According to the release, both organizations have made it clear that the co-location agreement impacts only the events in question and that ISSA and BSCAI will remain independent associations, serving the needs of their respective members in ways that are unique to each.
BSCAI President Stan Doobin said: "BSCAI and ISSA formed this alliance in order to capitalize on the strengths of our respective organizations. Our leadership and staff have met in recent weeks and months to formalize an agreement and develop a working model that will enhance the networking, educational, and professional services provided to our respective membership and business partners."
Putnam County Schools eliminate custodial staff
COOKEVILLE, TN — In an effort to lessen the nearly $750,000 deficit by the end of the fiscal year, Putnam County Schools officials have cut the custodial staff, according to WTVF-TV.
Last week, all employees except teachers were forced to take a two-day furlough without pay, while some 30 custodians were laid off, the story stated.
Steve Maxwell, a 33-year veteran custodian at Northeast Elementary School, said: "It's like a home away from home, do you know what I'm saying? You know, to be laid off, put out of work with no insurance just hurt, you know? When I took this job I thought this job will always be there because there are always kids, but you get fooled."
The district, realizing that cleaning the schools is a necessity, has contracted GCA Services Group Inc. to provide janitorial services, the story noted.
GCA has voiced their intention to hire as many of the old district custodians as possible, the story added.
Last week, all employees except teachers were forced to take a two-day furlough without pay, while some 30 custodians were laid off, the story stated.
Steve Maxwell, a 33-year veteran custodian at Northeast Elementary School, said: "It's like a home away from home, do you know what I'm saying? You know, to be laid off, put out of work with no insurance just hurt, you know? When I took this job I thought this job will always be there because there are always kids, but you get fooled."
The district, realizing that cleaning the schools is a necessity, has contracted GCA Services Group Inc. to provide janitorial services, the story noted.
GCA has voiced their intention to hire as many of the old district custodians as possible, the story added.
Revolutionary toilet helps eliminate prison drug use
COQUITLAM, BC, Canada — Some Canadian prisons are using a new toilet manufactured by Eastfield Ltd. to help prevent guards from being exposed to harmful bacteria and make good on their "zero tolerance" for prison drug use, according to the Globe and Mail.
The Drugloo, in essence a toilet mounted on top of a fish tank, is a $40,000 toilet that washes, sanitizes and automatically recovers contraband while eliminating the need for prison guards to rifle through excrement or perform body cavity searches, the story stated.
According to the story, the Drugloo's recovery unit is a transparent tank at the base of the machine which a guard operates from behind laminated glass, using heavy-duty rubber gloves embedded into the machinery.
Sprayers uncover the evidence, and then an anti-microbial-concentrate dosing unit cleans up the drug package, killing any lingering bacterial spores, hepatitis or HIV, the story noted.
According to the Drugloo's promotional literature, the evidence comes down a chute and plops right into a sealed evidence bag to be presented at a future hearing. Plausible deniability is destroyed along with the germs.
The Correctional Service of Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency are both patrons of the Drugloo, which also comes in a scaled-down version called the Drug Buggy Compact that fits in the trunk of a car and can be wheeled from location to location, the story added.
The Drugloo, in essence a toilet mounted on top of a fish tank, is a $40,000 toilet that washes, sanitizes and automatically recovers contraband while eliminating the need for prison guards to rifle through excrement or perform body cavity searches, the story stated.
According to the story, the Drugloo's recovery unit is a transparent tank at the base of the machine which a guard operates from behind laminated glass, using heavy-duty rubber gloves embedded into the machinery.
Sprayers uncover the evidence, and then an anti-microbial-concentrate dosing unit cleans up the drug package, killing any lingering bacterial spores, hepatitis or HIV, the story noted.
According to the Drugloo's promotional literature, the evidence comes down a chute and plops right into a sealed evidence bag to be presented at a future hearing. Plausible deniability is destroyed along with the germs.
The Correctional Service of Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency are both patrons of the Drugloo, which also comes in a scaled-down version called the Drug Buggy Compact that fits in the trunk of a car and can be wheeled from location to location, the story added.
Janitorial arested for Grocery scheme
SAUSALITO, CA — A janitor and an accomplice have been arrested for allegedly stealing $10,000 in groceries, according to the Contra Costa Times.
Jose Luis Bichao, who worked for a janitorial service that cleaned a Mollie Stone's Market at 100 Harbor Drive, and Lucila Suarez were detained on suspicion of burglary and conspiracy for their alleged role in the grocery stealing, the story stated.
According to Sergeant Steve Veveiros of the Sausalito Police Department, a private in-store detective who was investigating grocery losses found surveillance videotapes showing a night janitor, another man and a woman loading up shopping bags during his shift.
The tapes show approximately $1,000 in groceries being stolen on nine separate nights, the story noted.
Bichao was fired and was arrested when he showed up at the store Tuesday to pick up his last paycheck; Suarez, who was waiting outside, was also arrested, the story added.
According to the story, both Bichao and Suarez are being held on $15,000 bail; the third suspect has not been identified.
Jose Luis Bichao, who worked for a janitorial service that cleaned a Mollie Stone's Market at 100 Harbor Drive, and Lucila Suarez were detained on suspicion of burglary and conspiracy for their alleged role in the grocery stealing, the story stated.
According to Sergeant Steve Veveiros of the Sausalito Police Department, a private in-store detective who was investigating grocery losses found surveillance videotapes showing a night janitor, another man and a woman loading up shopping bags during his shift.
The tapes show approximately $1,000 in groceries being stolen on nine separate nights, the story noted.
Bichao was fired and was arrested when he showed up at the store Tuesday to pick up his last paycheck; Suarez, who was waiting outside, was also arrested, the story added.
According to the story, both Bichao and Suarez are being held on $15,000 bail; the third suspect has not been identified.
W.W. Grainger sees 10 percent sales decrease
LAKE FOREST, IL — JanSan distributor W.W. Grainger reported a 10 percent decrease in sales for February when compared to the year-ago month, according to an Associated Press story hosted by Forbes.com.
Sales were hurt by about 2 percentage points due to declining foreign exchange rates, the story stated.
Sales were also affected because February 2009 had one less selling day than February 2008, the story noted.
The company expects severance charges of $15 million to $20 million from the layoff of about 400 employees to affect the fiscal first-half's bottom line, the story added.
Sales were hurt by about 2 percentage points due to declining foreign exchange rates, the story stated.
Sales were also affected because February 2009 had one less selling day than February 2008, the story noted.
The company expects severance charges of $15 million to $20 million from the layoff of about 400 employees to affect the fiscal first-half's bottom line, the story added.
Janitor brings gun to church
VISTA, CA — A janitor at Del Oro Hills Church has been arrested on weapons-related charges after he brought a gun with him to his place of employment and prompted a standoff with police, according to KGTV-TV.
Jeffrey Paul Jarvie, who gained access to the building with the keys given to him for his janitorial job, was alone in the church and, according to police, appeared "very agitated," the story stated.
Jarvie's wife alerted police around 6:45 p.m. that her husband had gone to the church and had taken a revolver with him, the story noted.
According to the story, about an hour into the standoff, Jarvie reached into his waistband and pulled out the gun; a police officer noticed and fired a non-lethal rubber projectile at him.
The shot missed, but caused Jarvie to throw down his pistol and lay on the ground; he was arrested without further incident, the story added.
According to Sergeant Kelan Poorman, after his arrest, Jarvie told his pastor, who had arrived during the standoff, that he had wanted to meet with him so he could ask if he would go to hell if he killed himself.
Jeffrey Paul Jarvie, who gained access to the building with the keys given to him for his janitorial job, was alone in the church and, according to police, appeared "very agitated," the story stated.
Jarvie's wife alerted police around 6:45 p.m. that her husband had gone to the church and had taken a revolver with him, the story noted.
According to the story, about an hour into the standoff, Jarvie reached into his waistband and pulled out the gun; a police officer noticed and fired a non-lethal rubber projectile at him.
The shot missed, but caused Jarvie to throw down his pistol and lay on the ground; he was arrested without further incident, the story added.
According to Sergeant Kelan Poorman, after his arrest, Jarvie told his pastor, who had arrived during the standoff, that he had wanted to meet with him so he could ask if he would go to hell if he killed himself.
Friday, March 13, 2009
10 drink windshield wiper fluid at Ark. day care
Follow the link here: http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=104&sid=1623589.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Norovirus nips nursing homes
MAUI, HI — Two nursing homes on the island of Maui have been hit with an outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious stomach virus with symptoms similar to that of the flu and whose eradication requires extensive cleaning of surfaces, according to KGMB-TV.
The virus first appeared at the Hale Makua nursing homes in Kahului and Wailuku three weeks ago, the story stated.
According to the story, an infected patient vomited at a party and spread the virus to some in attendance.
A total of eighty residents and staff were infected during the outbreak; all parties concerned have recovered and are no longer showing symptoms, the story noted.
Hale Makua staff member Tony Krieg said: "The problem with nursing homes and hospitals is they are public facilities that can't be evacuated. Another thing is that you can spread the virus without symptoms, so it's very hard to know where it comes from."
Hale Makua staff used a bleach cleaning solution to wipe down surfaces in both facilities to rid the virus that kills an estimated 300 people in the United States each year, the story added.
The virus first appeared at the Hale Makua nursing homes in Kahului and Wailuku three weeks ago, the story stated.
According to the story, an infected patient vomited at a party and spread the virus to some in attendance.
A total of eighty residents and staff were infected during the outbreak; all parties concerned have recovered and are no longer showing symptoms, the story noted.
Hale Makua staff member Tony Krieg said: "The problem with nursing homes and hospitals is they are public facilities that can't be evacuated. Another thing is that you can spread the virus without symptoms, so it's very hard to know where it comes from."
Hale Makua staff used a bleach cleaning solution to wipe down surfaces in both facilities to rid the virus that kills an estimated 300 people in the United States each year, the story added.
First all-encompassing LEED certified university
MERCED, CA — The University of California at Merced has become the first university in the United States to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for every building on campus, according to Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine.
For the fourth time since 2007, another building on campus was awarded LEED Gold certification, the story stated.
Thomas Lollini, associate vice chancellor for physical planning, design and construction, said: "Earning Gold certification for a structure as complex as the Science & Engineering Building is a major achievement for the design and construction team. With four of our first five buildings earning Gold certification, we now believe we can raise our previous minimum standard from Silver to Gold."
Each campus building meets the requirements of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) in the fields of water and energy usage, natural lighting, air quality, waste diversion and recycling, the story noted.
The only facility on campus that is not LEED Gold certified is the Valley Terraces and Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Commons, which was awarded LEED Silver certification, the story added.
For the fourth time since 2007, another building on campus was awarded LEED Gold certification, the story stated.
Thomas Lollini, associate vice chancellor for physical planning, design and construction, said: "Earning Gold certification for a structure as complex as the Science & Engineering Building is a major achievement for the design and construction team. With four of our first five buildings earning Gold certification, we now believe we can raise our previous minimum standard from Silver to Gold."
Each campus building meets the requirements of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) in the fields of water and energy usage, natural lighting, air quality, waste diversion and recycling, the story noted.
The only facility on campus that is not LEED Gold certified is the Valley Terraces and Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Commons, which was awarded LEED Silver certification, the story added.
Custodian position receives nearly 700 applications
MASSILLON, OH — A full-time custodian position at Edison Junior High School has received more applications than school officials ever imagined, according to WKYC-TV.
As of this morning, 667 applications have been submitted for the $15.37 an hour plus benefits position, the story stated.
Berry Mason, director of business operations at Perry Local Schools, said: "Six hundred and sixty seven applications at the close of business on Friday. At that rate, we're thinking that what comes in over the weekend and Monday that we're on pace to be between 700 and 800 applications. As I walk through the reception area and see some of the individuals coming in and out of our office, it struck me that a number of folks were in their late 40s, to even 50s and 60s that were coming in and applying for this position."
The job opening was advertised in local Stark County newspapers, an area that is suffering through a 10.4 percent unemployment rate, the story noted.
The school, depending on how long it takes to read through the already-received applications and those not yet submitted, hopes to have the custodian position filled within a few weeks, the story added.
As of this morning, 667 applications have been submitted for the $15.37 an hour plus benefits position, the story stated.
Berry Mason, director of business operations at Perry Local Schools, said: "Six hundred and sixty seven applications at the close of business on Friday. At that rate, we're thinking that what comes in over the weekend and Monday that we're on pace to be between 700 and 800 applications. As I walk through the reception area and see some of the individuals coming in and out of our office, it struck me that a number of folks were in their late 40s, to even 50s and 60s that were coming in and applying for this position."
The job opening was advertised in local Stark County newspapers, an area that is suffering through a 10.4 percent unemployment rate, the story noted.
The school, depending on how long it takes to read through the already-received applications and those not yet submitted, hopes to have the custodian position filled within a few weeks, the story added.
School budget cuts force elimination of paper products
ORLANDO, FL — Facing a budget shortfall and needing to make some drastic cuts, one Central Florida school decided to nix paper products, according to WTVY-TV.
Orange County Middle School is not going the usual route of outsourcing custodial services or not ordering new textbooks; rather, they are cutting costs by no longer supplying toilet paper and paper towels in restrooms, the story stated.
After the news reached the greater Orlando area, compassion took a hold and the community came to the rescue, the story noted.
Several surrounding schools have pooled their resources together to provide the much needed supplies, the story added.
According to the story, local churches are also taking the initiative and providing the school with much-needed donations.
Orange County Middle School is not going the usual route of outsourcing custodial services or not ordering new textbooks; rather, they are cutting costs by no longer supplying toilet paper and paper towels in restrooms, the story stated.
After the news reached the greater Orlando area, compassion took a hold and the community came to the rescue, the story noted.
Several surrounding schools have pooled their resources together to provide the much needed supplies, the story added.
According to the story, local churches are also taking the initiative and providing the school with much-needed donations.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Ecolab pays $118,000 to Army veteran
ST. PAUL, MN — JanSan chemical manufacturer Ecolab Inc. has agreed to pay $118,000 to an Army veteran they did not rehire after he returned from a tour of duty in Iraq, according to the St. Paul Business Journal.
Ecolab violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) of 1994 by not rehiring Stephen Alasin when he returned from a three-year tour of duty in 2006, the story stated.
Alasin was a senior service specialist at Ecolab when he enlisted in the Army in 2003, the story noted.
Ecolab and Alasin engaged in a consent agreement to settle the complaint, the story added.
The USERRA requires that civilian employers of people who leave their jobs to serve in the military be rehired in the same or comparable position when they return.
According to the story, Ecolab considers this “an isolated and regrettable incident” and changes have been made to ensure such incidents won’t happen in the future.
Ecolab violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) of 1994 by not rehiring Stephen Alasin when he returned from a three-year tour of duty in 2006, the story stated.
Alasin was a senior service specialist at Ecolab when he enlisted in the Army in 2003, the story noted.
Ecolab and Alasin engaged in a consent agreement to settle the complaint, the story added.
The USERRA requires that civilian employers of people who leave their jobs to serve in the military be rehired in the same or comparable position when they return.
According to the story, Ecolab considers this “an isolated and regrettable incident” and changes have been made to ensure such incidents won’t happen in the future.
Norovirus outbreak at Idaho prison
BOISE, ID — Visitors and volunteers are being kept away from the Idaho State Correctional Institution due to an outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal infection whose eradication requires extensive cleaning of surfaces, according to KTRV-TV.
There have been four confirmed cases of norovirus and several more suspected cases, the story stated.
In an effort to curb any further spread of the virus, workers have been using bleach to clean high-touch surfaces around the prison, the story noted.
The visitation and volunteer ban could extend as far as next week, depending on whether or not cleaning efforts effectively stop the spread of the virus, the story added.
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, head and stomach ache and fatigue.
There have been four confirmed cases of norovirus and several more suspected cases, the story stated.
In an effort to curb any further spread of the virus, workers have been using bleach to clean high-touch surfaces around the prison, the story noted.
The visitation and volunteer ban could extend as far as next week, depending on whether or not cleaning efforts effectively stop the spread of the virus, the story added.
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, head and stomach ache and fatigue.
Janitorial services could be outsourced to inmates
MARYVILLE, MO — Plans are in the works to have janitorial services in Nodaway County outsourced to inmates, according to the Maryville Daily Forum.
Last week, Sheriff Darren White revealed plans to use inmates to perform janitorial, lawn care and other cleaning and maintenance services inside and out of county buildings, the story stated.
Sheriff White said: "If I went in the jail and asked if those guys wanted to go outside and work, they'd all be for that just for the opportunity to go outside. Obviously, there are some inmates we wouldn't offer this to, but a lot of them could."
Aside from the opportunity to go outside, inmates will be offered other perks like sodas and smoke time; the Sheriff is also looking into using the program to help inmates pay off court fees, the story noted.
According to the story, Sheriff White believes inmates could help make county buildings look nicer, especially after last year when a few county residents complained about weeds growing and the courthouse lawn not being maintained.
Plans for the program are not finalized, but the Sheriff hopes to have inmates working outside and in county buildings by this spring, the story added.
Last week, Sheriff Darren White revealed plans to use inmates to perform janitorial, lawn care and other cleaning and maintenance services inside and out of county buildings, the story stated.
Sheriff White said: "If I went in the jail and asked if those guys wanted to go outside and work, they'd all be for that just for the opportunity to go outside. Obviously, there are some inmates we wouldn't offer this to, but a lot of them could."
Aside from the opportunity to go outside, inmates will be offered other perks like sodas and smoke time; the Sheriff is also looking into using the program to help inmates pay off court fees, the story noted.
According to the story, Sheriff White believes inmates could help make county buildings look nicer, especially after last year when a few county residents complained about weeds growing and the courthouse lawn not being maintained.
Plans for the program are not finalized, but the Sheriff hopes to have inmates working outside and in county buildings by this spring, the story added.
Restroom's price tag: More than $300,000
YORK, PA — The 750-acre Rocky Ridge County Park is slated to receive a $334,994 restroom, according to the York Daily Record.
The project, which was approved in January, and whose cost was factored into the county's 2009 budget, received more than 25 bids from local businesses, the story stated.
According to county President Commissioner Steve Chronister, the project could serve as a local economic stimulus move that will preserve jobs in the county.
County commissioners see the project as a wise investment because the park generated over $170,000 for the county last year, the story noted.
The new restroom facility, which measures 26 feet by 37 feet and will be open year-round, will replace two outdated seasonal restrooms that have stood since they were built in the late 1960s, the story added.
The project, which was approved in January, and whose cost was factored into the county's 2009 budget, received more than 25 bids from local businesses, the story stated.
According to county President Commissioner Steve Chronister, the project could serve as a local economic stimulus move that will preserve jobs in the county.
County commissioners see the project as a wise investment because the park generated over $170,000 for the county last year, the story noted.
The new restroom facility, which measures 26 feet by 37 feet and will be open year-round, will replace two outdated seasonal restrooms that have stood since they were built in the late 1960s, the story added.
Cleaning chemicals cause car explosion
MEMPHIS, TN — A cleaning supervisor is recovering from injuries sustained when her car exploded after fumes from cleaning chemicals in her trunk ignited when she attempted to light a cigarette, according to WLMT-TV.
Monique Hicks, who suffered first and second degree burns on her face and arms, was able to walk out of the hospital hours after being treated, the story stated.
Hicks was attempting to leave an office park to go clean another office building but was having problems starting her car. That is when she tried lighting a cigarette, triggering the explosion that eyewitnesses say "sounded like a bomb going off," the story noted.
According to the story, police initially did not know what had caused the explosion so they called in the bomb squad with its special robot to check out the car. After evacuating the nearby office building, the FBI questioned employees in the parking lot who helped in determining the cleaning chemical connection to the explosion.
Monique is a workaholic and is planning to be back on the job in a couple of days, the story added.
Janice Hicks, Monique's mother-in-law, said: "We can always replace a car, and that's no problem. We won't be hauling chemicals in cars anymore."
Monique Hicks, who suffered first and second degree burns on her face and arms, was able to walk out of the hospital hours after being treated, the story stated.
Hicks was attempting to leave an office park to go clean another office building but was having problems starting her car. That is when she tried lighting a cigarette, triggering the explosion that eyewitnesses say "sounded like a bomb going off," the story noted.
According to the story, police initially did not know what had caused the explosion so they called in the bomb squad with its special robot to check out the car. After evacuating the nearby office building, the FBI questioned employees in the parking lot who helped in determining the cleaning chemical connection to the explosion.
Monique is a workaholic and is planning to be back on the job in a couple of days, the story added.
Janice Hicks, Monique's mother-in-law, said: "We can always replace a car, and that's no problem. We won't be hauling chemicals in cars anymore."
Ecolab donates $500,000 to food charities
ST. PAUL, MN — Ecolab Inc. is one of three Twin Cities-area business that have pledged donations to food charities, according to the St. Paul Business Journal.
Ecolab plans to raise $500,000 through a matching program with employees and retirees, the story stated.
Second Harvest Heartland, Neighborhood House and The Dorothy Day Center are the recipients of the donations exceeding $1 million from Ecolab Inc., Medtronic Inc. and Target Corporation, the story noted.
The generosity of these companies will provide more than 1.8 million meals for needy and hungry Minnesota families in 2009, the story added.
Ecolab plans to raise $500,000 through a matching program with employees and retirees, the story stated.
Second Harvest Heartland, Neighborhood House and The Dorothy Day Center are the recipients of the donations exceeding $1 million from Ecolab Inc., Medtronic Inc. and Target Corporation, the story noted.
The generosity of these companies will provide more than 1.8 million meals for needy and hungry Minnesota families in 2009, the story added.
Staples earns LEED Gold certification
MIAMI — Office supplies retailer Staples Inc. has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for its 20,000-square-foot store on Biscayne Blvd., according to a press release.
The company originally intended to achieve LEED Silver certification, but exceeded the initial expectations, the release stated.
Some of the sustainable elements in the construction include: Rainwater collection, water-efficient fixtures, utilizing recycled building materials and on-site recycling, the release noted.
Additional factors that led to LEED Gold certification are the building's proximity to public transportation, bike racks to promote self-powered transportation and the diversion of construction waste from landfills, the release added.
The company originally intended to achieve LEED Silver certification, but exceeded the initial expectations, the release stated.
Some of the sustainable elements in the construction include: Rainwater collection, water-efficient fixtures, utilizing recycled building materials and on-site recycling, the release noted.
Additional factors that led to LEED Gold certification are the building's proximity to public transportation, bike racks to promote self-powered transportation and the diversion of construction waste from landfills, the release added.
Hotel Saves 140 Tons of Waste by Recycling and Composting
COLLEGE PARK, MD — Through a recycling and composting program that was implemented in February 2008, a Marriott hotel at the University of Maryland has diverted about 140 tons of waste from landfills, according to Earth911.com.
According to estimations, the amount of waste generated by the hotel fell by nine tons each month, accounting for a $6,000 a year savings, the story stated.
Ten percent of the waste generated by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified hotel is recyclable, the story noted.
The programs were put together with the help of composting vendor Envirelation Inc. and recycling vendor Pinnacle Waste Inc., the story added.
According to estimations, the amount of waste generated by the hotel fell by nine tons each month, accounting for a $6,000 a year savings, the story stated.
Ten percent of the waste generated by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified hotel is recyclable, the story noted.
The programs were put together with the help of composting vendor Envirelation Inc. and recycling vendor Pinnacle Waste Inc., the story added.
The Fortune 500 janitor
GLENDALE, AZ — After being laid off from his $70,000 a year job at a Fortune 500 company last June, Mark Cooper took a job as a janitor making $12 an hour, according to KNXV-TV.
The hardest part in the adjustment phase for Cooper is not the pay decrease, but rather overcoming the stigma attached with being a janitor, the story stated.
Cooper said: "They realize you're a janitor and it's almost like you don't count and that is so wrong."
The job provides good benefits and Cooper is grateful to have any job at all, the story noted.
Cooper told KNXV-TV: "The pay isn't anything outstanding but it helps meet our bills and has benefits for us. [My wife and I] are spending more time together. We're closer and stronger and our faith has grown immensely."
This trend of taking any job available simply to survive is being seen more and more often in today's uncertain and struggling job market.
The hardest part in the adjustment phase for Cooper is not the pay decrease, but rather overcoming the stigma attached with being a janitor, the story stated.
Cooper said: "They realize you're a janitor and it's almost like you don't count and that is so wrong."
The job provides good benefits and Cooper is grateful to have any job at all, the story noted.
Cooper told KNXV-TV: "The pay isn't anything outstanding but it helps meet our bills and has benefits for us. [My wife and I] are spending more time together. We're closer and stronger and our faith has grown immensely."
This trend of taking any job available simply to survive is being seen more and more often in today's uncertain and struggling job market.
Ex-township official assaulted school custodian
LONG VALLEY, NJ — Former Washington township planning board chairman Greg Jones was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated assault on an elementary school custodian, according to the Daily Record.
Custodian David Murphy and Jones were fighting in the parking lot of Flocktown-Kossmann Elementary School over an "old personal issue that lingers between the two men," the story stated.
When police responded to the scene, they found Murphy bleeding from wounds to his mouth, nose and forehead, the story noted.
Jones had fled the scene before police arrived, but later turned himself in and was released on his own recognizance after being charged, the story added.
According to the story, the Washington Township School District was closed Monday for a snow day, but custodians were on-site for snow removal efforts.
Custodian David Murphy and Jones were fighting in the parking lot of Flocktown-Kossmann Elementary School over an "old personal issue that lingers between the two men," the story stated.
When police responded to the scene, they found Murphy bleeding from wounds to his mouth, nose and forehead, the story noted.
Jones had fled the scene before police arrived, but later turned himself in and was released on his own recognizance after being charged, the story added.
According to the story, the Washington Township School District was closed Monday for a snow day, but custodians were on-site for snow removal efforts.
SEIU Mocks Employee Free Choice Act Foes
WASHINGTON — The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is lobbying in favor of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), according to The Exception magazine.
In a recently released video, SEIU pokes fun at and mocks what they believe to be scare tactics used by organized labor opponents, the story stated.
As it now stands, to win government recognition from the National Labor Relations Board, union organizers must solicit signatures from at least 30 percent of workers. Then, after navigating appeals from management, they must successfully win support during a secret ballot, the story noted.
According to the story, the EFCA would allow unions to form if organizers can gain support and have cards signed by at least 50 percent of employees.
Opponents of the EFCA argue the bill is undemocratic because union organizers can effectively bully workers into signing cards, the story added.
According to SEIU claims, the Employee Free Choice Act is a bipartisan, common sense economic recovery for working families that will pump billions of dollars into our nation's economy.
In a recently released video, SEIU pokes fun at and mocks what they believe to be scare tactics used by organized labor opponents, the story stated.
As it now stands, to win government recognition from the National Labor Relations Board, union organizers must solicit signatures from at least 30 percent of workers. Then, after navigating appeals from management, they must successfully win support during a secret ballot, the story noted.
According to the story, the EFCA would allow unions to form if organizers can gain support and have cards signed by at least 50 percent of employees.
Opponents of the EFCA argue the bill is undemocratic because union organizers can effectively bully workers into signing cards, the story added.
According to SEIU claims, the Employee Free Choice Act is a bipartisan, common sense economic recovery for working families that will pump billions of dollars into our nation's economy.
PROCYON products first to meet new GS-37 standard
WASHINGTON — Green Seal, the premier independent ecolabel in the United States, is excited to announce that Plus Manufacturing’s soap-free PROCYON® products are the first to meet the new criteria of GS-37, Green Seal’s Environmental Standard for Institutional and Industrial Cleaners, according to a press release.
The fourth edition of GS-37, released August of 2008, tightened the restrictions regarding reproductive toxins and volatile organic compounds as well as prohibited phthalates, and chemicals known to cause asthma; products certified under the new GS-37 standard are among the greenest cleaning products available on the market, the release stated.
Founder of Plus Manufacturing, Ivan Day, said: "Soap-free, odor-free cleaning is not going anywhere; in fact, we have seen this concept changing the world. We see thousands of schools, colleges, health care facilities and professionals, who stand with us in changing the way the world thinks about soap-free cleaning today. One day the detergents will disappear in this industry. I still believe in the next three years that everyone in this industry will be soap-free/detergent-free, odor-free and green."
Plus Manufacturing Inc. is proud to acknowledge that over the past 30-years they have not changed a single thing about their PROCYON products, the release noted.
The fourth edition of GS-37, released August of 2008, tightened the restrictions regarding reproductive toxins and volatile organic compounds as well as prohibited phthalates, and chemicals known to cause asthma; products certified under the new GS-37 standard are among the greenest cleaning products available on the market, the release stated.
Founder of Plus Manufacturing, Ivan Day, said: "Soap-free, odor-free cleaning is not going anywhere; in fact, we have seen this concept changing the world. We see thousands of schools, colleges, health care facilities and professionals, who stand with us in changing the way the world thinks about soap-free cleaning today. One day the detergents will disappear in this industry. I still believe in the next three years that everyone in this industry will be soap-free/detergent-free, odor-free and green."
Plus Manufacturing Inc. is proud to acknowledge that over the past 30-years they have not changed a single thing about their PROCYON products, the release noted.
ServiceMaster slices 155 positions
MEMPHIS, TN — ServiceMaster Company announced it will lay off 155 employees, according to the Memphis Daily News.
ServiceMaster informed the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development that the employees will be laid off between March 21 and July 31, the story stated.
ServiceMaster spokesperson Gina Kamler said: "We are proud that our company has performed well under some of the toughest economic challenges in decades, but we recognize that we must have plans in place to continue building on the strong market-leading positions of each of our brands over the next few years."
ServiceMaster is providing severance and outplacement support to the displaced employees and have been assured they will get no fewer than 60 days’ notice before their jobs are cut, the story noted.
The layoffs stem from the decision of ServiceMaster to outsource some of its information technology services to IBM, the story added.
ServiceMaster informed the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development that the employees will be laid off between March 21 and July 31, the story stated.
ServiceMaster spokesperson Gina Kamler said: "We are proud that our company has performed well under some of the toughest economic challenges in decades, but we recognize that we must have plans in place to continue building on the strong market-leading positions of each of our brands over the next few years."
ServiceMaster is providing severance and outplacement support to the displaced employees and have been assured they will get no fewer than 60 days’ notice before their jobs are cut, the story noted.
The layoffs stem from the decision of ServiceMaster to outsource some of its information technology services to IBM, the story added.
RIA Convention & Exhibition begins next week
COLUMBIA, MD — The Restoration Industry Association’s 64th Annual Convention & Exhibition from March 10-14 will be held at the Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel & Palm Springs Convention Center, and attendees will have access to almost 80 hours of continuing education over the four-day period, according to a press release.
The convention provides numerous networking opportunities for attendees with events throughout the convention such as the Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening. Industry leaders will be recognized at the annual awards ceremony and certificants will receive their Certified RestorerSM, Water Loss SpecialistSM, Certified Mold ProfessionalSM and Certified Rug SpecialistSM certifications during the Induction Ceremony Thursday evening, the release stated.
RIA President Rusty Amarante said: "The value of networking with your peers from around the world cannot be underestimated. The RIA Convention is geared to encourage this type of peer-to-peer exchange."
There are pre-convention workshops offered on Wednesday, March 11, convention workshops offered during the event and post-convention workshops on Saturday, March 14, the release noted.
For those who like to see products in person before buying, or who want more information than can be found on a company website, there will be 160 booths featuring a variety of exhibitors showcasing the industry’s latest tools and equipment, the release added.
To register for the 64th Annual RIA Convention, look for full details on RIA’s website, www.restorationindustry.org, or call (443) 878-1000.
The convention provides numerous networking opportunities for attendees with events throughout the convention such as the Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening. Industry leaders will be recognized at the annual awards ceremony and certificants will receive their Certified RestorerSM, Water Loss SpecialistSM, Certified Mold ProfessionalSM and Certified Rug SpecialistSM certifications during the Induction Ceremony Thursday evening, the release stated.
RIA President Rusty Amarante said: "The value of networking with your peers from around the world cannot be underestimated. The RIA Convention is geared to encourage this type of peer-to-peer exchange."
There are pre-convention workshops offered on Wednesday, March 11, convention workshops offered during the event and post-convention workshops on Saturday, March 14, the release noted.
For those who like to see products in person before buying, or who want more information than can be found on a company website, there will be 160 booths featuring a variety of exhibitors showcasing the industry’s latest tools and equipment, the release added.
To register for the 64th Annual RIA Convention, look for full details on RIA’s website, www.restorationindustry.org, or call (443) 878-1000.
Dow's dioxin decontamination debacle
SAGINAW, MI — In an appeal to stop a class-action lawsuit by residents of the Tittabawassee River flood plain, Dow Chemical has promised to develop a plan to clean up a park contaminated with dioxin, a byproduct of a chemical manufacturing process that disrupts hormones and causes cancer, according to the Michigan Messenger.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dioxin levels almost six times the federal limit have been detected in soil at West Michigan Park.
The contamination stems from decades-long production of products such as Saran Wrap, Agent Orange and pesticides at Dow’s Midland plant, from which dioxin has spread into the Tittabawassee River and at least 50 miles downstream through the Saginaw River watershed, the story stated.
Repeated flooding of the river has spread dioxin-contaminated sediments into nearby low-lying areas, including the park which borders the river, the story noted.
According to Sonny Grunwell, director of Saginaw Township Public Services, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has installed hand-washing stations and posted signs recommending people use them after contact with the soil.
Dow will come up with a plan to remove soil from the park, replace some concrete with asphalt and stabilize the river bank. The company has also proposed to remove the playground equipment and have it cleaned, the story added.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dioxin levels almost six times the federal limit have been detected in soil at West Michigan Park.
The contamination stems from decades-long production of products such as Saran Wrap, Agent Orange and pesticides at Dow’s Midland plant, from which dioxin has spread into the Tittabawassee River and at least 50 miles downstream through the Saginaw River watershed, the story stated.
Repeated flooding of the river has spread dioxin-contaminated sediments into nearby low-lying areas, including the park which borders the river, the story noted.
According to Sonny Grunwell, director of Saginaw Township Public Services, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has installed hand-washing stations and posted signs recommending people use them after contact with the soil.
Dow will come up with a plan to remove soil from the park, replace some concrete with asphalt and stabilize the river bank. The company has also proposed to remove the playground equipment and have it cleaned, the story added.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Movement pushes for environmentally-safe toilet paper
NEW YORK — Environmentalists are now taking on the toilet paper industry and pushing for paper made from recycled materials, the New York Times reported.
The Feb. 25 story said millions of trees are harvested in North America and Latin American countries to make the paper which can also waste water and require the use of polluting chlorine-based bleach.
The environmental group Greenpeace has issued a national guide which lists and rates toilet tissue brands. Spokespeople for Georgia Pacific and Procter & Gamble were interviewed for the article, defending their company's alleged negative environmental impact.
James Malone, a spokesman for Georgia Pacific, which makes Quilted Northern, said in the story that customers “demand soft and comfortable. Recycled fiber cannot do it.”
Lisa Jester, a spokeswoman for Procter & Gamble which makes Charmin, said they have not switched to recycled material because recycled fibers are shorter than those that come from "standing trees" and longer fibers can be fluffed to make for softer tissue paper.
However, Tim Spring, the cheif executive of Marcal, the nation's oldest recycled-paper maker, said the company will be introducing a new toilet tissue this April, around Earth Day, and will spend around $30 million on a national ad campaign regarding the tissue's environmental friendliness. Spring said in the story, “Our idea is that you don’t have to spend extra money to save the Earth. And people want to know what happens to the paper they recycle. This will give them closure."
The Feb. 25 story said millions of trees are harvested in North America and Latin American countries to make the paper which can also waste water and require the use of polluting chlorine-based bleach.
The environmental group Greenpeace has issued a national guide which lists and rates toilet tissue brands. Spokespeople for Georgia Pacific and Procter & Gamble were interviewed for the article, defending their company's alleged negative environmental impact.
James Malone, a spokesman for Georgia Pacific, which makes Quilted Northern, said in the story that customers “demand soft and comfortable. Recycled fiber cannot do it.”
Lisa Jester, a spokeswoman for Procter & Gamble which makes Charmin, said they have not switched to recycled material because recycled fibers are shorter than those that come from "standing trees" and longer fibers can be fluffed to make for softer tissue paper.
However, Tim Spring, the cheif executive of Marcal, the nation's oldest recycled-paper maker, said the company will be introducing a new toilet tissue this April, around Earth Day, and will spend around $30 million on a national ad campaign regarding the tissue's environmental friendliness. Spring said in the story, “Our idea is that you don’t have to spend extra money to save the Earth. And people want to know what happens to the paper they recycle. This will give them closure."
Teen drinks carpet cleaner to get out of classes
CENTER, MO — A 14-year-old middle school girl was hospitalized after drinking carpet cleaner to try and get out of having to go to her classes, a Fox4KC story reported.
The Feb. 27 story said the incident, which took place Feb. 26 occured at the Mark Twain Junion High School.
Middle School Principal Jake Moss apparently stripped the cleaner bottle from the girl's hand and is credited for keeping her from ingesting even more liquid.
According to police, the girl, who is expected to recover, also made several thefts to harm herself.
The Feb. 27 story said the incident, which took place Feb. 26 occured at the Mark Twain Junion High School.
Middle School Principal Jake Moss apparently stripped the cleaner bottle from the girl's hand and is credited for keeping her from ingesting even more liquid.
According to police, the girl, who is expected to recover, also made several thefts to harm herself.
Syracuse University seeks LEED certification
SYRACUSE, NY — Syracuse University is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for a new building that will house a bookstore, a fitness center and retail space, according to The Daily Orange.
Spread out on four floors, the new recreation space will consist of two levels of exercise rooms and dance studios, one floor of 10,000 to 12,000 square feet of cardiovascular machines, and another similarly sized floor consisting of weight machines, the story stated.
According to previous coverage from The Daily Orange, Cameron Group LLC, a commercial development, management and leasing organization, will front the money for the building, and the university would pay it back over time from the university's operating budget.
The total cost of the 123,768 square foot building is unknown as a final agreement between the Cameron Group and the university has yet to be reached, the story noted.
Spread out on four floors, the new recreation space will consist of two levels of exercise rooms and dance studios, one floor of 10,000 to 12,000 square feet of cardiovascular machines, and another similarly sized floor consisting of weight machines, the story stated.
According to previous coverage from The Daily Orange, Cameron Group LLC, a commercial development, management and leasing organization, will front the money for the building, and the university would pay it back over time from the university's operating budget.
The total cost of the 123,768 square foot building is unknown as a final agreement between the Cameron Group and the university has yet to be reached, the story noted.
Utah's four-day workweek draws attention
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's decision to adopt a four-day workweek for municipal employees is paying dividends and attracting attention from other states, according to an Associated Press article hosted by Google.com.
Utah switched to a four-day week last year primarily to save money on electricity, gasoline and other energy expenses; the change affected 17,000 state employees who now work 10 hours a day, four days a week, the story stated.
Danielle Downey, a compliance specialist for the state's insect programs, said: "I don't have kids, so it doesn't complicate my personal life. It actually frees up my weekend, and I like that more. This way I've got that extra day to do things at home and then I have two recreation days."
An interim report released earlier this month by Governor Jon Huntsman shows that the initiative will cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 12,000 metric tons, reduce gasoline consumption among commuting employees by 744,000 gallons annually and pump as much as $3 million into the economy from workers who have to spend less money on gas, the story noted.
Governor Huntsman, who introduced the initiative with little-to-no input from state workers, residents or lawmakers, is urging patience, the story added.
According to the story, observations from officials in Washington mirror those of officials in Utah, where overtime and absenteeism have been cut by about nine percent since the four-day workweek was adopted.
Utah switched to a four-day week last year primarily to save money on electricity, gasoline and other energy expenses; the change affected 17,000 state employees who now work 10 hours a day, four days a week, the story stated.
Danielle Downey, a compliance specialist for the state's insect programs, said: "I don't have kids, so it doesn't complicate my personal life. It actually frees up my weekend, and I like that more. This way I've got that extra day to do things at home and then I have two recreation days."
An interim report released earlier this month by Governor Jon Huntsman shows that the initiative will cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 12,000 metric tons, reduce gasoline consumption among commuting employees by 744,000 gallons annually and pump as much as $3 million into the economy from workers who have to spend less money on gas, the story noted.
Governor Huntsman, who introduced the initiative with little-to-no input from state workers, residents or lawmakers, is urging patience, the story added.
According to the story, observations from officials in Washington mirror those of officials in Utah, where overtime and absenteeism have been cut by about nine percent since the four-day workweek was adopted.
unclean conditions at McLaurin High School
FLORENCE, MS — Parents with children who attend McLaurin High School claim the school is not a safe and clean learning environment and that something needs to be done, according to WLBT-TV.
Parents claim the Rankin County School District is spending millions on new facilities for administrators while ignoring needed repairs, something the district adamantly denies, the story stated.
Parent Mary Aycock said: "The restrooms are unacceptable. The gymnasium windows are knocked out. Some of the windows inside the classroom are knocked out. They have to put cardboard in the windows. We just want to know how the Rankin County School Board can justify building a $7 million dollar building when the conditions at the high school are unacceptable."
Mary and her sister-in-law Christine Aycock have drafted a letter alerting other parents about the deplorable conditions that exist at the school; they plan on presenting the letter and signatures to the school board during its March 11 meeting, the story noted.
A spokesperson for the school said that they have a professional cleaning crew who cleans the entire building each night, and a faculty and staff who are dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe, clean learning environment for our students, the story added.
Parents claim the Rankin County School District is spending millions on new facilities for administrators while ignoring needed repairs, something the district adamantly denies, the story stated.
Parent Mary Aycock said: "The restrooms are unacceptable. The gymnasium windows are knocked out. Some of the windows inside the classroom are knocked out. They have to put cardboard in the windows. We just want to know how the Rankin County School Board can justify building a $7 million dollar building when the conditions at the high school are unacceptable."
Mary and her sister-in-law Christine Aycock have drafted a letter alerting other parents about the deplorable conditions that exist at the school; they plan on presenting the letter and signatures to the school board during its March 11 meeting, the story noted.
A spokesperson for the school said that they have a professional cleaning crew who cleans the entire building each night, and a faculty and staff who are dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe, clean learning environment for our students, the story added.
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