April archived stories

The United States Postal Service Previews Simpsons Stamps

WASHINGTON - April 9, 2009

Sarasota

City Hall
1565 First Street
Sarasota, FL 34236

The City’s two At-Large Commissioners, Terry Turner and Suzanne Atwell, were sworn into office this afternoon. Following the ceremony, District 2 Commissioner Richard Clapp was selected unanimously by the Commission to serve as Mayor for the next year. District 3 Commissioner Kelly Kirschner was chosen to serve as Vice Mayor

CHILDREN’S FOUNTAIN CLOSES TEMPORARILY

Sarasota, FL: The Steigerwaldt-Jockey Children’s Fountain, located within Bayfront Park, is closed temporarily for chemical testing and possible maintenance.

A routine water quality test indicated the presence of fecal matter within the water sample. The City of Sarasota is working closely with the Sarasota County Health Department to ensure and protect safe water quality standards at the fountain.

It is anticipated the fountain will reopen next week. To check on the reopening, call the Children’s Fountain hotline: 941-954-4101 ext. 5254.

IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Lower Impact Fees Result in $2 Million Grant - The State of Florida has awarded the County $2 million in incentive funds in exchange for reducing our impact fees. The money will be distributed through our Housing Division and will be used for homeownership assistance for low to moderate income households, acquisition of foreclosed properties for resale to low to moderate income households, and foreclosure prevention.

Taking Care of Vets - Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, in partnership with County Human Services and Veteran Services, was recently awarded a $200,000 two year grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice. The Foundation awarded the grant to address the mental health and other social service needs of local military personnel, and their families, who have been affected by deployment in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

Water Restrictions - The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage for our region. This order includes additional water restrictions, such as a reduced establishment period for new plantings. Additionally, local governments and utilities are required to step up enforcement efforts, including the issuance of fines and citations for water restriction violations without first issuing a written warning. For more information on Phase III water restrictions, visit SWFWMD online at www.watermatters.org.

Charlotte Has Best Tasting Water - Charlotte County was pleased to recently host the annual Best Tasting Drinking Water Taste Test for Region 10 of the Florida Section American Water Works Association, which represents water utilities in five counties. All regional water utilities were invited to submit a sample for a blind taste test by five, impartial judges. Nine samples were submitted and Charlotte County Utilities was declared the winner. As the Region 10 winner, CCU will compete in the statewide competition in Tallahassee in April.

Pelosi Statement on Wiretapping Activities Under Bush Terrorist Surveillance Program

>WASHINGTON, April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today regarding wiretapping activities conducted under President Bush's Terrorist Surveillance Program, which was reported on today in the New York Times.

"These are disturbing allegations that deserve and are receiving the fullest attention of the appropriate committees of Congress. Congress expects to receive reports from the Inspectors General of key agencies regarding warrantless wiretapping activities, including those conducted under President Bush's Terrorist Surveillance Program. Should these reports or any further investigations by Congress prove these allegations true, those who directed these activities in the Bush Administration must be held accountable.

"Congress will continue to review national security programs to ensure that strong safeguards exist to protect privacy and civil liberties, that agencies comply with the law, and that agencies do not conduct indiscriminate surveillance or searches of American citizens."

Source: Office of the Speaker of the House

_{Wildfires burned along the South Carolina coastline on April 22-23, 2009, leaping over a highway and heading for a heavily populated area in North Myrtle Beach, according to The New York Times. By April 23, the fires had destroyed more than 40 homes and damaged another 100, and had forced more than 2,500 people to evacuate.
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this true-color image at 12:17 local time (16:17 UTC) on April 23, 2009.}

South Carolina April 24, 2009 - Fire chief says yard debris burn started massive fire that destroyed 70 homes

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:16:20 EDT - The National Guard continues to battle wildfires in South Carolina, where weather conditions will determine how the blaze is fought this weekend

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:17:13 - South Carolina National Guardsmen continue to battle the Myrtle Beach area wildfires.

Wounded Warriors Complete Boston Marathon on Hand Cycles

BOSTON, April 24, 2009 - Two Special Forces soldiers who are close friends have much in common. Both were wounded in combat -- one in Iraq, the other Afghanistan. Both are recipients of the Silver Star Medal for their actions in combat. Both are single-leg amputees. And both were official finishers of the 113th Boston Marathon on April 20.

CBP Advises of 'Phishing' E-Mails Being Distributed

CBP has been notified that malicious e-mails have been circulating

Thousands Honor Doolittle Raiders at the 67th Reunion

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2009 - Thousands of people, young and old, gathered to honor five of the nine surviving Doolittle Raiders at the 67th Reunion

NEWS QUICKIES

Jeff Gordon - Saturday night's Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway was "one of those crazy nights."

Coalition and Afghan forces killed eight militants and detained five in recent operations throughout Afghanistan, U.S. military officials reported.

U.S., Afghan, and French forces joined together in Afghanistan's Alasay Valley recently to provide medical care to more than 600 Afghans from local villages.

As the U.S. military winds down from Iraq and Afghanistan in the future, leaders must learn the lessons of past drawdowns, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.

Though the proposed fiscal 2010 defense budget reflects some shifts in emphasis, it is important for the United States to maintain its capabilities for conventional warfare dominance, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.

U.S. servicemembers' combat missions over the years -- in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq -- have earned them the support and thanks of a grateful nation, Vice President Joe Biden told troops at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the U.S. Geological Survey will fund $29.4 million in earthquake network upgrades nationwide through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, an investment that will significantly improve the timely delivery of information to high-hazard regions such as the Bay area.

Albuquerque, N.M. - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will join New Mexico Senators Jeff Bingaman and Senator Tom Udall for a tour of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History on Friday, April 17 at 1:15 p.m. MDT followed by remarks highlighting the recently enacted Omnibus Public Lands Act of 2009.

City Of Sarasota - The Steigerwaldt-Jockey Children’s Fountain, located within Bayfront Park, is closed temporarily for chemical testing and possible maintenance.

NASA's Kepler mission has taken its first images of the star-rich sky where it will soon begin hunting for planets like Earth.

Coalition forces in Iraq increasingly are working to develop the country's nonmilitary capabilities, such as its criminal justice and medical systems. In recent weeks, that has meant training the Iraqis in forensic science and medical practices.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart, a Virginia-based troop-support group, will join the city of Branson, Mo., in a special "Hand in Hand" weekend honoring Purple Heart veterans across the country.

Coalition and Afghan forces detained two suspected insurgents and discovered weapons in recent operations throughout Afghanistan, U.S. military officials reported.

Though suicide bombings continue to be a threat, the security situation in Iraq continues to improve, a senior Pentagon spokesman said.

Jamaica, N.Y. - On Saturday, Customs and Border Protection officers at JFK International Airport seized almost 1,200 carats in diamonds. The 28 rough diamonds originated from Sierra Leone and were seized because they did not have Kimberley Certificates which are required by the Clean Diamond Trade Act.

Homeland Defense Secretary Napolitano highlights major Department efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and cross-border trafficking. Alan Bersin has been appointed Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Special Representative for Border Affairs.

The Georgian Government has granted Chechen refugees the right to travel overseas for the first time, earning praise from the United Nation for honouring a commitment it made when signing the 1951 Refugee Convention.

During what has become an annual Rehearsal of Concept, or ROC, drill on hurricane relief operations, more than 150 participants from a wide variety of government agencies came together here for two days to rehearse the course of action they would take to deal with a hurricane emergency.

The number of National Guardsmen fighting rising water levels in North Dakota has more than doubled from last week.

Arkansas Air National Guard airmen restored clean water to a southwestern Arkansas community following a tornado that destroyed the town's water treatment plant

As the world prepares to mark Earth Day 2009 on April 22, the Pentagon has become the "greenest" of federal agencies, with military operations worldwide deriving a full 10 percent of their power from sources other than fossil fuels.

Somali pirates fired on a U.S.-flagged merchant vessel south of the Gulf of Aden, military officials reported.

Several ships carrying United Nations emergency relief supplies bound for Somalia have become the latest victims of piracy off the Horn of Africa, prompting the World Food Programme (WFP) to express concern that millions of people in the strife-torn region could go hungry.

Claiming that piracy off the coast of Somalia is wreaking global havoc, the top United Nations representative for the Horn of Africa country has called for an increase in efforts to fight what he calls an "international scourge."

The United Nations refugee agency has voiced concern that some 60,000 people uprooted by violence in Somalia have returned to its volatile capital since the beginning of the year.

New Rules Governing Internet Pharmacies Go Into Effect TODAY

Regulations Implement Ryan Haight Act

New Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations implementing the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 go into effect Monday, April 13. These regulations will help to prevent the illegal diversion of powerful medications that can cause harm to consumers for whom they were not intended, for the profit of those who are not licensed to handle them and who would exploit the uninformed. The Interim Final Rule was published in the Federal Register this week, and the public has 60 days from its publication to submit comments to the DEA.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday took a major step toward stabilizing their offensive line when left tackle Donald Penn signed his one-year tender as a restricted free agent. A team official confirmed the signing.

NASA's newest module for the International Space Station will get a new name on April 14.

Sustaining the Environment - Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22. Each year, the U.S. Army celebrates Earth Day at approximately 200 major commands, installations and organizations in the continental United States and around the world.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection operates the world’s largest civilian law enforcement air force, securing the nation’s land and sea borders as well as critical areas of the Caribbean and Pacific.

Coalition and Afghan forces have killed at least 52 insurgents and captured 17 others in four days of fighting in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said the recent NATO summit, in which allies pledged additional support to Afghanistan, exceeded his expectations

Even as some armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are being contained through peace pacts and military action, new fighting between other militias has driven more than 30,000 people from their homes, the United Nations refugee agency said today.

Some 30 Somalis escaping across the Gulf of Aden are feared dead after one boat capsized and another hit rough seas this weekend in two separate smuggling incidents, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported today.

Kenyan law enforcement agencies have systematically harassed and intimidated human rights defenders, a United Nations independent expert said, expressing outrage at threats made against those who have cooperated with the world body.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With a Bible and a Gun will mark their one-year anniversary by playing The Key Club in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 15 with guitar slinger extraordinaire Junior Brown

After a powerful earthquake killed dozens and left thousands homeless early Monday in central Italy, search and rescue teams are sifting through rubble looking for survivors.

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO) today announced the availability of Artist Pages, a revolutionary free consumer experience that aggregates the best music products, services, information, see full story

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SoftLayer Technologies announced it is the first hosting service provider to offer servers featuring new Intel® Xeon® 5500 processors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fox Reality Channel is set to begin production and casting for its newest original series, The Cindy Margolis Dating Project (working title). The dating show features Cindy Margolis

Sprint to Carry Live Telecast of 2009 NFL Draft

Fans can watch NFL Network’s live telecast of the draft on Sprint video-enabled phones, read player blogs and get text alerts as selections are made only from Sprint

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'Craigslist Killer'

Boston - Boston police arrested a 22-year-old Quincy Medical Student and charged him with last week's slaying of a woman in a luxury Boston hotel. Phillip Markoff, a BU medical student was arraignment Tuesday for the slaying of a Craigslist masseuse. Markoff had a gun in a hollowed-Out book in his apartment, Boston police said.

David Kellermann, Freddie Mac's acting chief financial officer and senior vice president, was found dead Wednesday morning in an apparent suicide, according to news reports. Kellermann's death is the latest blow to Freddie Mac, a government controlled company that owns or guarantees about 13 million home loans. Freddie Mac and sibling company Fannie Mae, which together own or back more than half of the home mortgages in the country, have been hobbled by skyrocketing loan defaults and have received about $60 billion in combined federal aid.

CAUSE OF HORSE DEATHS NOT YET FOUND

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson says very preliminary results received Tuesday afternoon of necropsies done on horses that collapsed and died at a Palm Beach polo tournament on Sunday have not identified a diagnosis. The necropsies found no remarkable signs that could indicate a specific cause of death.

New Samsung Instinct s30

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sprint (NYSE:S) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced the upcoming availability of Samsung Instinct® s30™, a successor to the iconic Samsung Instinct touch-screen phone that made its debut last summer exclusively from Sprint. Instinct s30 offers full touch screen functionality and the broadband speeds of America’s most dependable 3G network.*

DHS Releases Conficker/Downadup Computer Worm Detection Tool

March 30, 2009 - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today the release of a DHS-developed detection tool that can be used by the federal government, commercial vendors, state and local governments, and critical infrastructure owners and operators to scan their networks for the Conficker/Downadup computer worm.

NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR MOVES TO LAUNCH PAD FRIDAY

Endeavour will be at Launch Pad 39B in the unlikely event a rescue mission is needed during Atlantis' May flight to upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope. After Atlantis is cleared to land, Endeavour will move to Launch Pad 39A in late May for its upcoming STS-127 mission to the International Space Station.

Fiscal 2010 Budget to Reflect 'Fundamental Shift' in Defense

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will make budget decisions this weekend that will indicate a "fundamental shift in direction" for the department, the Pentagon press secretary said today.

Five Important Changes for Taxpayers

Here are a few tax law changes to note before filing your 2008 federal tax return

Free Massages on Tax Day

Hundreds of business owners across the nation unite to eliminate stress by offering free HydroMassage sessions on April 15th

Bataan Memorial Death March Honors World War II Soldiers

By Army Staff Sgt. Anna Doo

Special to American Forces Press Service

LAS CRUCES, N.M., April 2, 2009 – The resounding boom of cannon fire broke the sound of thousands of participants talking as they waited in anticipation March 29 for the start of the 2009 Bataan Memorial Death March.

ATF Arrests Million Dollar Cigarette Smugglers In Queens

Cigarettes Had A Street Value Of Over $3 Million

NY – Ronald B. Turk, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New York office today announced the arrests of two (2) individuals who purchased untaxed cigarettes from ATF while also selling ATF counterfeit New York State/City Tax Stamps.

Guang Ming Wang, age 58 and his son, Feishan Wang, age 30, both residents of Queens, were arrested by ATF Agents without incident today in Flushing. Guang Ming Wang arrived at a prearranged meet location with $312,000 in cash and over 200,000 counterfeit tax stamps. As the cash and stamps were exchanged for a shipment of 12,000 cigarettes, he was immediately taken into custody. Feishan Wang was arrested at the same time in front of 144-05 29th Road in Queens. Both Wang’s have been involved in this particular illicit operation since June 2008, which included 12 undercover deals involving the purchase of untaxed cigarettes and counterfeit tax stamps.

Navy's Rescue Mission 'Textbook,' But Piracy Still Looms, Gates Says

By John J. Kruzel

American Forces Press Service

QUANTICO, Va., April 13, 2009 - The U.S. military's rescue of a kidnapped American ship captain yesterday was "textbook,"

Hostage Captain Was in ‘Imminent Danger’ at Time of Rescue

By John J. Kruzel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2009 – The captain of the Maersk-Alabama cargo ship held hostage by pirates off the coast of Somalia was in “imminent danger” when U.S. military snipers shot and killed his three pirate captors, said a U.S. Navy commander.

Florida Gaming Corporation Announces Closing of Phase 1 of Casino Expansion Property

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-April 08, 2009 04:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time -Florida Gaming Corporation (OTCBB: FGMG) announced today that FGMG has completed Phase 1 of its two-phase acquisition of 10.962 acres of property from Miami-Dade County (“County”).

The Company previously announced the Agreement to acquire the property from the County in exchange for a right-of-way of .492 acres to be used by the Miami-Dade Metro Rail, an overhead light rail system. As part of this transaction, the County purchased an easement of .492 acres from FGMG for $1,014,300. Phase 1 acquisition consists of the purchase of approximately 2.283 acres from Miami-Dade County by Florida Gaming for $3,348,429.

The Company paid a down payment of $334,843 and the County financed the remaining balance of $3,013,586 for 15 years at a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. The parties will pursue a permanent closing of NW 37th Avenue which would connect the existing jai-alai property to the newly acquired property.

Closing of Phase 2 of the transaction for the remaining 8.679 acres is scheduled to take place prior to July 1, 2010.

Cordless Stick Vacuums Recalled by Electrolux Home Care Products Due to Bursting Batteries

The vacuum’s battery can expand and burst, posing a risk of injury to the user and bystanders.

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. This recall involves 2-in-1 cordless stick vacuums with a detachable hand vacuum and free-standing charger.

Units involved in the recall have 9.6-volts printed on a serial plate on the underside of the handheld unit, and the following serial numbers: 074000001 through 085100001 and 74000001 through 85100001

FORMER CHARLOTTE COUNTY CORRECTIONS OFFICER INDICTED

FORT MYERS, FL—United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton announced today the return of an indictment charging William Wilson, (age 25, of North Port) with Deprivation of Civil Rights Under Color of Law. If convicted, Wilson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

The indictment alleges that in May 2008, while employed as a corrections officer at the Charlotte County Correctional Institution, Wilson assaulted an inmate and gouged out the inmate's eye while the inmate was restrained. The victim subsequently lost the eye. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Chief Assistant United States Attorney Douglas Molloy.

MIAMI HIV/INFUSION CLINIC OWNER SENTENCED FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MEDICARE FRAUD AND MONEY LAUNDERING

April 1, 2009 - R. Alexander Acosta, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Jonathan I. Solomon, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, announced that on March 31, 2009, the Honorable Cecilia M. Altonaga sentenced defendant Otto Hevia, of Miami, to 46 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on charges of conspiracy to defraud Medicare and money laundering. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $267,719.

According to the Indictment and the factual proffer read in open court at the time of the plea, on May 27, 2005, Hevia became the registered agent and owner of Mitto Health Center, Inc. (Mitto), located in Miami. Mitto purportedly provided injection and infusion treatments necessary to administer specialized medications typically prescribed for patients with HIV/AIDS and other medical conditions. The defendant signed a Medicare provider application in which he attested that he would be responsible for all of the financial activities of the clinic.

From February 10, 2006 through June 29, 2006, Mitto submitted $1,143,903 in claims for infusion treatments, of which Medicare paid Mitto $267,719. Further investigation confirmed, however, that these services were not actually rendered and that more than 90 % of the patients for whom Mitto billed Medicare were not patients of the clinic. In addition, despite billing Medicare almost $1.2 million for infusion treatments, Mitto spent only approximately $3787 on the purchase of infusion-related medications.

Mr. Acosta commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Bernstein.

CHICAGO LATIN KING GANG LEADER SENTENCED

TO 20 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

Operation Broken Crown

Obama Praises U.S. Military Rescue of Maersk-Alabama Captain

By John J. Kruzel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2009 – President Barack Obama praised the U.S. military’s rescue of the kidnapped captain of the Maersk-Alabama cargo ship on the waters off the coast of Somalia.

CLOSING REMARKS by the President at the end of a press conference

Roosevelt Room 4 10 09 11:53 A.M. EDT - So we've still got a lot of work to do.

And over the next several weeks you will be seeing additional actions by the administration. What I just wanted to emphasize today, and I think that Ben Bernanke and Sheila Bair and our economic team as a whole would agree, we're starting to see progress. And if we stick with it, if we don't flinch in the face of some difficulties, then I feel absolutely convinced that we are going to get this economy back on track.

Presidents full speech to press on economy

Announcement of White House Easter Egg Roll and Public Ticket Process

The annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday, April 13, 2009, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the South Lawn of the White House.

For the first time, tickets for the Easter Egg Roll will be distributed online so that more children and families from across the United States have the opportunity to experience this event. Tickets will no longer be distributed on the Ellipse the weekend before the event. Tickets and more information about the ticketing process will be available through www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll beginning on Thursday, March 26th.

This year’s theme, ‘Let’s go play’, encourages America’s youth to lead healthy and active lives. The White House will open the South Lawn to children age ten and under, along with their families, to enjoy sports, cooking classes, live musical performances, storytelling and the traditional Easter egg roll.

All guests will enter the event from the Ellipse and will go through a security screening process. For the most up-to-date information on the Easter Egg Roll and other public events at the White House, please call the Visitors Office 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041. Media details will be released in the coming weeks.

NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS AT LAUNCH PAD FOR HUBBLE MISSION

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After safely reaching its launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis now awaits liftoff for its target May 12 STS-125 mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

Atlantis arrived at Launch Pad 39A at approximately 9:10 a.m. EDT Tuesday on top of a giant crawler-transporter. The crawler-transporter left Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building at 3:54 a.m., traveling less than 1 mph during the 3.4-mile journey. The shuttle was secured on the launch pad at 11:17 a.m.

Atlantis' 11-day mission is the final shuttle flight to Hubble. During five spacewalks, the shuttle's seven astronauts will install two new instruments, repair two inactive ones and replace other Hubble components.

_{Discovery Lift off 3/15/09 at 7:47 P.M. EDT as seen near I-75, Punta Gorda, Florida}

Download Video Space Shuttle Discovery Lands Safely

Pirate Hostage's Safe Return is Primary Concern, U.S. Officials Say

By Gerry J. Gilmore

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 9, 2009 - The safe return of the American maritime captain being held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia is of primary importance, senior U.S. officials said here today at the annual Australia-U.S. Ministerial.

Pentagon Official Mum on Pirate Hostage Details

By Gerry J. Gilmore

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2009 – A senior Pentagon spokesman today declined to provide details on the ongoing situation involving a U.S. maritime captain being held hostage by pirates in a small boat adrift off the coast of Somalia.

Pirate Attack Foiled by Ship's Crew

By Gerry J. Gilmore

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2009 - A ship taken by pirates off the coast of Somalia this morning is now presumed to be under the control of its crew again, Defense Department officials said.

Navy Crew Arrives to Assess Pirate Situation

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 9, 2009 – Pirates still hold the captain of the Maersk Alabama on the waters off Somalia, but the Navy destroyer USS Bainbridge has arrived on the scene, a Defense Department spokesman said.

HOUSTON -- Two members of the 18th crew to live and work aboard the International Space Station and a spaceflight participant returned to Earth at 2:16 a.m. CDT Wednesday. NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov and spaceflight participant Charles Simonyi safely landed their Soyuz spacecraft in the steppes of southern Kazakhstan.

Software

Free Theme Maker Program

Free zip program

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Safty tips on generator and chainsaw operation and a FEMA rumor dispelled, see 
Safty Tips

Tips For Storm Debris Removal

Tips on emergency water disinfection

Hypothermia

Beware Of Bogus Contractors,
Price Gouging

Recent Volcano Observatory Activity Reports

_{AVO has received no new reports of activity at Cleveland over the last week. Partly cloudy satellite views of the volcano show no activity.}

_{Activity Summary for past 24 hours: There were no significant changes. Lava from east rift zone vents flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.}

LONG VALLEY VOLCANIC CENTER VOLCANO

37.70°N 118.87°W, Summit Elevation 11122 ft (3390 m)

The automatic processing system detected six earthquakes in the Sierra Nevada south of Long Valley caldera since the last update at 8:39 AM on the April 2. Six were located in a cluster 0.5 miles north of Red Slate Mountain (~11 miles SE of Mammoth Lakes). The largest event in the cluster was a magnitude M=2.7. All others were below magnitude 2.0.

The 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano continues.

The eruption of Redoubt continues with varying intensity of ash and lava production from the summit crater. Additional significant explosive events with accompanying ash clouds, ash fall, and mudflows are possible and can occur with little or no warning. Visual, satellite, and seismic observations indicate that a lava dome is again forming in the summit crater. The character of current seismicity suggests that a sudden explosive eruption is not imminent. Present levels of activity are emitting only a very minor amount of ash that poses a hazard of limited aerial extent.

Previously

09:16 4/4/2009 EDT - Over the past several days, the intensity of ash-production has decreased while a lava dome is growing in the summit crater. Therefore, Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)lowered the alert level to WATCH and aviation color code to ORANGE this morning. AVO continues to monitor the situation closely and the observatory is staffed 24/7.

Following last Friday's update, Redoubt had seven more powerful ash explosions through Saturday evening, with the resulting plumes reaching between 25,000 to 50,000 feet above sea level. In total, AVO has observed 18 major explosive events since the start of the eruption.

The last major explosive event occurred at 19:23 AKDT on March 28 (03:23 UTC, March 29). Over the last few days, a diffuse cloud of volcanic gas, ash, and steam is rising to variable altitudes over the volcano, but mostly less than 15,000 feet above sea level. At times of more vigorous ash production, the cloud has risen as high as 25,000 feet.

Lightning has been detected several times in conjunction with ash emission this week. Trace amounts of ash fall (less than 0.8 mm or less than 1/32 inch) have been reported at Kenai and at Valdez.

The area in the immediate vicinity of the volcano is blanketed by a thin layer of ash visible in the AVO web cameras. The larger explosions produced lahars in the Drift River Valley and minor ash fall in areas across south-central Alaska including Anchorage. A broad layer of volcanic haze extended east of the volcano over the Kenai Peninsula, the Anchorage Bowl, and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley on March 31.

AVO overflights and photography have confirmed that a lava dome is actively growing in the summit crater. Occasional avalanches of hot blocks tumbling from the dome are traveling a short distance down the north flank of the volcano.

Seismicity at the volcano had been declining over the course of the week until around 8:00 AM AKDT Thursday morning. Since then small repetitive volcanic earthquakes have been visible on stations closest to the summit crater. These earthquakes have continued up to the time of this report.

Based on its past activity, the current Redoubt eruption is expected to continue for weeks to months. During this time, a cycle of relatively quiet periods of lava dome growth followed by explosive episodes of dome destruction will likely take place. Future explosions pose an ongoing threat of lahars in the Drift River Valley, trace to minor ash fall throughout south-central Alaska, and ash-related impacts to aviation.

Heavily ice-mantled Redoubt volcano is located on the western side of Cook Inlet, 170 km (106 mi) southwest of Anchorage and 82 km (51 mi) west of Kenai, within Lake Clark National Park.

Redoubt is a stratovolcano which rises to 10,197 feet above sea level. Recent eruptions occurred in 1902, 1966-68, and 1989-90. The 1989-90 eruption produced mudflows, or lahars, that traveled down the Drift River and partially flooded the Drift River Oil Terminal facility. The ash plumes produced by the 1989-90 eruption affected air traffic and resulted in minor or trace amounts of ash in the city of Anchorage and other nearby communities.

Air Guard Fighters Intercept Suspicious Aircraft

By Army Staff Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum

Special to American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON, Va., April 7, 2009 - Air National Guard fighter aircraft from two states intercepted a suspicious aircraft as it flew into U.S. airspace yesterday afternoon.

Obama Condemns North Korean Missile Launch

By Gerry J. Gilmore

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2009 - In Europe today, President Barack Obama strongly criticized last night's missile  launch by North Korea.

Obama: North Korean Missile Launch 'Creates Instability'

By Gerry J. Gilmore

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2009 - The North Koreans "have taken a provocative action," President Obama told reporters  in Prague today.

UN Leader Denounces North Korean Missile Launch

By Gerry J. Gilmore

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2009 - The UN's top official denounced last evening's missile launch by North Korea, according to a news release issued by the UN today.

Download Video - North Korean Rocket

NATO Council Formally Welcomes Albania, Croatia

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2009 - NATO today marked 60 years of operation by welcoming two new countries – Albania and Croatia – to the alliance during a ceremony in Strasbourg, France.

North Korea launched a three-stage missile that failed to achieve orbit and fell back into the Pacific Ocean without incident, according to a U.S. military news release.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed his regret that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has, against strong international appeals, proceeded with its planned rocket launch, urging the resumption of diplomatic talks.

Jeff Gordon has ended the longest winless drought of his career, beating Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson to finally win at Texas.

North Dakota Flood Relief Update - BISMARCK, N.D. -Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:09:45 -0500- As conditions continue to change across North Dakota, state and federal emergency managers have begun reallocating resources while planning for an expected second crest of the Red River later this month. The response is being coordinated by the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

After The Flood: Clean Up And Stay Safe - ST. PAUL, Minn. -Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:13:12 -0500- Individuals affected by the flooding that began on March 16, 2009, are urged to begin cleaning up their homes and personal property as soon as possible. Officials from Minnesota’s Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emphasize that it is not necessary to wait for an inspection before beginning this process.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS) became the red-light camera program vendor for Woodbridge Township, New Jersey following its approval by the New Jersey Department of Transportation to participate in the state’s five-year red-light running automated enforcement pilot program. The Township’s application to the state for approval cited that it had selected ATS pending permission to move forward with its program.

Lack Of Flood Insurance Puts Washington Residents At Risk - OLYMPIA, Wash. -Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:37:18 -0500- Flooding and Washington, unfortunately, seem to go hand-in-hand. Of the state's total of 43 Presidential disaster declarations, 31 have involved flooding. We don't need pictures of North Dakota to show us how devastating this can be.

BATON ROUGE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Phoenix Suns Center Shaquille O'Neal is teaming with international hunger relief organization Feed The Children and Healing Place Church for the “PB & Shaq”

Antarctica’s glaciers are melting more rapidly than previously known because of climate change, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey report prepared in close collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey.

Monday, April, 6, 2009. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will join New Jersey Governor John Corzine and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez on a tour of the New Jersey-Atlantic Wind Farm in Atlantic City where the Secretary will be briefed on the wind turbine system at the facility.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the InteriorKen Salazar will host regional public meetings in Atlantic City and New Orleans next week to gather information and public comment to help build a comprehensive energy strategy for the Outer Continental Shelf.

U.S. offshore areas hold enormous potential for wind energy development near the nation's highest areas of electricity demand - coastal metropolitan centers, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said today.

South Korea is a vital ally and firm friend of the United States, President Barack Obama said while attending the Group of 20 international economic conference in London.

NATO has added Albania and Croatia as its newest members, bringing the total number of allies in the security alliance to 28.

Barksdale Air Force Base, La., has been picked as the new home of the Air Force's Global Strike Command, which will oversee most of the military's nuclear bomber fleet and strategic ballistic missile operations, the Air Force announced.

ATLANTA—Manyu Ogale, 44, of Jacksonville, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story to 10 years in prison on a federal charge of mail fraud arising out of a so-called “Ponzi” scheme that defrauded investors out of more than $23 million, announced David E. Nahmias, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

NEW YORK—Lev L. Dassin, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the seizures yesterday of a multimillion dollar waterfront home in Palm Beach, Fla., and three vessels (the 55' yacht “Bull” in Broward County, Fla.; the 38' “Sitting Bull” in Montauk, N.Y., and a 24' motorboat and trailer), belonging to Bernard L. Madoff and Ruth Madoff. The property was seized pursuant to seizure orders issued in the Southern District of New York, upon application of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. The seizures were executed by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), which is responsible for seizing, managing, and selling property in forfeiture actions brought by the Department of Justice.

Ever imagine filling up the fuel tanks on a military aircraft with french fry grease? It's no April Fools' Day joke -- that's exactly what the Air Force could do someday if a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency research program proves successful.

Shriners in flood-stricken Fargo, N.D., temporarily have shifted their focus from helping children to helping National Guard members.

Defending the homeland by defeating al-Qaida is at the heart of the new Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy, the undersecretary of defense for policy told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has approved a policy change that, under strictly delineated conditions, allows media filming of dignified transfer operations of fallen servicemembers' remains at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

Although the U.S. government recognizes the differences between Afghanistan and Pakistan, it makes sense from a strategy standpoint to consider the two countries as one theater, the commander of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

What happens in Afghanistan affects all nations, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said during international talks, as she called for renewed, but patient, international support for the country.

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EFI™ (Nasdaq:EFII), the world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation, today unveiled its highest performance, next-generation Fiery® print server for the Xerox

Hearings at a United Nation-backed genocide tribunal have begun in the first trial of a suspect accused of crimes committed during the killing spree ordered by the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia in the late 1970s

Miley Cyrus: No more 'Hannah Montana' films, but Hollywood is in her future

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pushing deeper into his rock and country music roots, Billy Ray Cyrus is set to release Back to Tennessee, his newest CD for Walt Disney Records. The album features 12 new tracks,

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) call today for repairs and suspension of operations of Yamaha Rhino off-road recreational vehicles drew immediate praise

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The first lawsuit stemming from a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul was filed today against CW sprouts in the Tenth District Court of Nebraska, Douglas County.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile)* today announced that it is working with Yahoo®, Google™ and AccuWeather.com to introduce a new set of rich connected mobile

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Mondi™, the most advanced mobile WiMAX enabled handheld device in the U.S.

"NASA Breaking News"

CELEBRATE APOLLO: NASA COMMEMORATES THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY

WASHINGTON -- NASA is planning a number of activities and events in 2009 as America nears the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing on July 20. The events will celebrate the Apollo Program, its accomplishments, and the benefits to our lives today.

NASA will honor astronaut Thomas K. "Ken" Mattingly, II, with the presentation of an Ambassador of Exploration Award for his contributions to theU.S. space program.

NASA and industry engineers successfully completed the second drop test of a drogue parachute for the Ares I rocket. The test took place Feb. 28 at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground near Yuma, Ariz.

"NASA has awarded an interim letter contract to Oceaneering International Inc. of Houston to begin work on the design, development and production of a new spacesuit system for the Constellation Program. The system will protect astronauts during voyages to the International Space Station and exploration of the moon's surface.

The International Space Station's 335-foot-long truss, or backbone, is complete after astronauts aboard space shuttle Discovery and the station teamed with Mission Control to install the final 45-foot-long segment to the farthest starboard point of the station.

NASA and Google announce an update to Mars in Google Earth, a 3D Mapping tool for the Red Planet.

North Korean Satellite Launch May Violate U.N. Rule, Mullen Says

By John J. Kruzel

994

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2009 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff expressed concern over a possible North Korean satellite launch that could violate United Nations sanctions against nuclear testing by the government in Pyongyang.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said North Korea has threatened a launch as soon as next week, and added that U.S. ships moved from Japanese ports toward the Korean peninsula.

North Korea reportedly has placed a Taepodong 2 missile at a launch facility in preparation for a launch. Pyongyang has stated the long-range missile is equipped with a commercial satellite and poses no danger, according to reports.

But Mullen said the launch would contravene U.N. Resolution 1718, a unanimous decision the U.N. Security Council reached in 2006 to block attempts by North Korea to employ such technology.

He added that it’s unlikely the missile in question could reach U.S. territory, but it “works towards technology to do that,” the admiral said.

Appearing on CNN, Mullen showed imagery that he said depicts a North Korean missile with stacked boosters on a launch pad. He added that North Korean leader Kim Jong II has stated he is readying for a launch between April 4 and 8.

“There’s an expectation that even though the North Koreans say this is a satellite launch, what is of most concern to us is we believe it violates [Resolution 1718],” Mullen said. “[It] says very clearly that the technology supporting the development of ballistic missiles is against that resolution no matter what they’re packaging.”

Mullen said the engineering, guidance and engines involved in the primed missile are identical to the kind of capabilities required in manufacturing a ballistic missile.

“Potentially, with where this could go long-term, [Jong] can develop a system that could actually target us,” Mullen said, adding that any upcoming launch could be “very disturbing to the region.”

Mail Must be Addressed to Specific Servicemembers, Military Says

By Samantha L. Quigley

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2009 - A recent increase in mail addressed to "Any Servicemember" has prompted the Military Postal Service Agency to remind the general public not to send mail or care packages addressed in such a manner.

"Mail to 'Any Servicemember/Any Wounded-Recovering Warrior,' deposited into a collection box and erroneously accepted at a United States Postal Service post office will not be delivered," MPSA officials said in a news release. "This restriction applies to all classes and types of mail."

The Defense Department suspended the "Any Servicemember" and "Operation Dear Abby" programs in 2001 following the terrorist attacks. The policy was adopted as a way to bolster force protection.

"Even though these programs may provide an excellent means of support to deployed personnel and wounded-recovering warriors, they also provide an avenue to introduce hate mail and hazardous substances or materials into the mail system," MPSA officials said in the release.

The Dear Abby program, founded by the newspaper advice columnist, delivered mail to U.S. servicemembers overseas during the holiday season for 25 years. "Any Servicemember" mail grew out of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Since shortly after the start of recent operations in the Middle East, many grassroots organizations have made sure servicemembers know they're remembered. Those interested in writing to servicemembers can visit the Defense Department's Community Relations Web site and click the "Citizen Support" link on the right side of the page to find groups that support troops with letters.

Bismarck, N.D. -- A large-scale coordinated response of local, state, tribal and federal agencies is underway in North Dakota. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the national response of key federal agencies to support the flood fight and response activities.

Almost 500 Army and Air National Guard troops from North Dakota and Minnesota are working to help stem the flow of floodwaters from the Red River near Fargo, N.D.

The Department of Homeland Security is "still considering" the use of National Guard troops along the U.S.-Mexico border, along with several other initiatives, the DHS secretary said in a White House press briefing.

The threat of terrorist attacks from al-Qaida and their affiliates "is not a threat that's going away," President Barack Obama said at the White House. "We have to take it seriously."

The U.S. strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan must "put the Afghan people at the center," as the United States and coalition provide them the support they need to build their country.

The Iraqi security forces are performing high-level and fast-paced operations in Basra, making progress in other areas possible.

The force drawdown in Iraq, even in light of increased troop strength in Afghanistan, will enable the military to build more dwell time into deployment cycles.

Being assigned to Korea soon will be the same as being assigned to Japan or Europe, as tour normalization begins.

A New York-based troop support group is helping mark Women's History Month by sending support to deployed female troops.

President Barack Obama called his decision to add 17,000 troops to Afghanistan the toughest so far in his presidency, but told CBS' "60 Minutes" that the mission there is critical to protecting the United States and its interests.

"The more than 1,000 major facilities that make up the Defense Department's medical infrastructure are key strategic national assets, the department's top medical official told Congress.

Deterrence remains as central to America's national security as it was during the Cold War, U.S. Strategic Command's top officer said.

"Fifteen sailors suffered minor injuries when a U.S. Navy submarine and U.S. amphibious ship collided in the Strait of Hormuz, Navy officials said.

The price of the popular USGS 1:24,000 scale topographic quadrangle map - often called a "topo" or a "quad" - will go up $2 per sheet to $8 beginning today March 16, 2009. Larger format ("poster") maps will go up $3 per sheet to $10. These prices were last increased 7 years ago.

"UN News Centre - Middle East"

With the illiteracy rate among Iraqi women twice as high as that of men and women making up only 18 per cent of the country's labour force, a United Nations conference that opened in Baghdad today is seeking ways to improve the situation of women in the fledgling democracy.

The top United Nations envoy to Iraq is continuing consultations with authorities in the strife-torn nation over power-sharing in the disputed northern city of Kirkuk and development in parts of Nineveh and Diyala governorates.

The head of the Security Council committee monitoring sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme today updated the 15-member body on the panel's latest work, including the efforts of States to implement those measures.

Central Asia is set to become the Northern Hemisphere's first-ever nuclear-weapons-free zone tomorrow, with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcoming the entry into force of the pact underpinning the establishment of the zone.

431.......................

The U.S. Postal Service has approved a 2-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail stamp to 44 cents............

End to Stop Loss Announced

The Department of Defense announced today a comprehensive plan to eliminate the current use of Stop Loss, while retaining the authority for future use under extraordinary circumstances. This is an important step along the path in adapting the Army into an expeditionary force.

Obama Drops Proposal to Bill Insurance for Vets' Combat Injuries

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2009 - President Barack Obama has dropped a proposal to bill veterans' private health insurance for combat-related injuries, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said yesterday.

Navy Vessels Collide in Strait of Hormuz

American Forces Press Service

MANAMA, Bahrain, March 20, 2009 - A U.S. Navy submarine and U.S. amphibious ship collided in the Strait of Hormuz early this morning, Navy officials reported today.

The collision between the USS Hartford and USS New Orleans occurred at about 1 a.m. local time.

Fifteen sailors aboard the Hartford were slightly injured and returned to duty. No personnel aboard the New Orleans were injured.

Overall damage to both ships is being evaluated. The propulsion plant of the submarine was unaffected by this collision. A fuel tank ruptured on the New Orleans, which resulted in an oil spill of about 25,000 gallons of fuel. Both ships are currently operating under their own power.

The incident is under investigation

Both the submarine and the ship are on regularly scheduled deployments to the U.S. Navy Central Command area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations.

(From a U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet news release).

Stimulus Package to Fund New Hospital at Fort Hood

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2009 - The federal economic stimulus package will provide $621 million to build a new military hospital at Fort Hood, Texas, President Barack Obama said.

IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Fertilizer Ordinance Training

Commercial applicators must receive training and certification in a Charlotte County-approved Best Management Practices (BMP) Training Program to be in compliance with the ordinance. The Charlotte County Environmental & Extension Services is conducting a Green Industries Best Management Practices Training on Monday, March 30, 2009, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charlotte County Eastport Environmental Campus, 25550 Harbor View Road in Port Charlotte (west of I-75 exit 167).

There is a $25.00 fee for the class which includes light refreshments, lunch, up to five CEUs, a certificate of completion, and three decals representing certification for your business. Pre-registration is required by Friday, March 27 as seating is strictly limited. To pre-register for the class contact the Charlotte County Environmental & Extension Service at 941.764.4340.

Human Services – Transit Division

On March 30, the Transit Division of Human Services begins a four-week trial participating in a hybrid demonstration project through the Florida Department of Transportation – Transit Office in Tallahassee. Charlotte County is taking steps towards a greener future and the hybrid buses may launch a new age of cleaner and more economic transportation for the community. The Transit Division will be testing for miles per gallon of fuel, overall operating expense and passenger as well as operator satisfaction.

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