Vermont projects selected to receive $375,000 in funding for rural development
Two Vermont projects will receive a total of $375,000 in federal funds to support jobs and economic development in the Northeast Kingdom through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NRBC). Governor Jim Douglas joined Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Peter Welch in announcing $234,000 has been awarded for the Northern Vermont Fiber Optic Connection project and $141,150 has been awarded to the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.Vermont’s federal delegation ‘ Senator Leahy, Senator Sanders and Representative Welch ‘ were instrumental in creating the NBRC, including authorization of the commission in the 2008 Farm Bill. They secured an initial round of funding for the NBRC in the fiscal year 2011 budget. This $1.5 million appropriation supported the establishment of the commission and funded the grants announced today.The two Vermont projects were recommended by the Douglas Administration and accepted, along with projects in New York, New Hampshire and Maine, during an NBRC meeting today. The Commission consists of the Governor Douglas, Governor John Lynch, Governor David Paterson, Governor John Baldacci and NBRC Chairman Sanford Blitz.Douglas said, ‘Both projects will greatly benefit rural communities in northern Vermont, especially the Beecher Falls-Orleans region that experienced substantial job losses. Ensuring that the technological infrastructure is available in rural communities has been an important economic development priority of my administration and these funds will certainly help. Additionally, projects like the Northern Forest Canoe Trail will build critical infrastructure including signage and kiosks in communities that must leverage their distinct natural advantages by encouraging tourists to visit and spend money in the region.’Leahy said, ‘We created the commission as a means of responding in practical ways to the common economic challenges throughout the border regions of the Northeast. Building broadband infrastructure is one of the highest priorities in laying the groundwork for Vermont’s economic future, and stimulating tourism builds upon one of our ongoing strengths. These grants are right on target. Both will foster economic growth in Northern Vermont.’ In 2003 and 2004 Leahy secured the initial federal funding in the Senate Appropriations Committee that led to the transformation of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail from a concept to a real network of paddling sites.Sanders said, ‘Too often rural America has been left behind when it comes to economic development. These federal funds should go a long way in providing much-needed broadband access to Northeast Kingdom communities and offering greater opportunities for Vermonters and visitors alike to experience the natural beauty of our state.’Welch said, ‘These grants will provide a vital boost to parts of our state that need it most. By building out the Northeast Kingdom’s broadband infrastructure and developing northern Vermont’s tourism economy, this funding will create jobs and invest in our state’s future. I’m hopeful these grants are just the tip of the iceberg, and that the Commission will become a permanent force for economic development and job creation throughout northern Vermont.’The Northern Community Investment Corp. of St. Johnsbury will receive $234,000 for the Northern Vermont Fiber Optic Connection project. This project will help build out a fiber optic cable connection from Stanhope, Quebec to Norton, Vermont. This critical link will provide important technological infrastructure to the region to develop greater economic opportunities.Mike Welch, NEK Director of Economic Development, said, ‘These funds will help fill a critical link in bringing fiber to the Northeast Kingdom. In doing so, they will strengthen the economy and help create jobs to our region.’The Northern Forest Canoe Trail, based in Waitsfield, will receive $141,150 to develop infrastructure and tourism development, which includes signage, access infrastructure and online planning tools. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a 740 mile inland paddling trail tracing historic travel routes across New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine.Northern Forest Canoe Trail Executive Director Kate Williams said, ‘This project will not only create a tremendous opportunity for public recreation access, it will also help bring visitors to Northern New York and New England, which will strengthen the local economy.’The Northern Border Regional Commission was created to plan, address and directly invest federal resources for economic development and job creation in the northernmost counties of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York. The intergovernmental partnership across the four states and between the federal and state governments funds economic development initiatives in the most economically distressed areas of the region.Source: Governor’s office. 9.29.2010 ###
Gov. Wolf: 12 More Counties to Go Green on June 26 Press Release, Public Health Governor Tom Wolf today announced that 12 more counties will move to the green phase of reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 26. These counties include Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Susquehanna.Philadelphia County met the criteria and will move to the state’s green phase on June 26; however, local officials will maintain some additional restrictions until July 3. The Wolf Administration has supported specific county requests for more restrictions throughout the phased reopening process.“When these 12 counties move on June 26, we will have nearly every county in green,” Gov. Wolf said. “It’s a testament to the many residents and businesses that have sacrificed over the past three months to stay home and adhere to the guidance the state has provided to protect lives and livelihoods. As we begin to reopen, I urge everyone to stay alert and continue to follow social distancing to maintain the momentum of mitigation we have in place.”The only county not slated to move to green on June 26 is Lebanon County. Against the advice of public health experts and against orders from Gov. Wolf and Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine aimed at keeping Pennsylvanians healthy, Lebanon County commissioners voted 2 to 1 along party lines to prematurely reopen in late May. Now, the county is facing an uptick in cases, and is unable to move to green.“Lebanon County’s partisan, politically driven decision to ignore public health experts and reopen prematurely is having severe consequences for the health and safety of county residents,” Dr. Levine said. “Case counts have escalated and the county is not yet ready to be reopened. Lebanon County has hindered its progress by reopening too early. Because of this irresponsible decision, Lebanon County residents are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.”The data dashboard of county cases and criteria for reopening consideration can be found here.Gov. Wolf’s Process to Reopen Pennsylvania outlines remaining restrictions for counties in yellow or green. Effective today, there are 54 counties in green and 13 in yellow.As counties reopen, Pennsylvania continues to see a steady decline in cases, a positive indicator that its phased, measured reopening plan is working to balance public health with economic recovery.The CDC’s analysis of propriety state case data puts Pennsylvania among only three states with a 42-day steady decline in cases. The other two states are Hawaii and Montana.According to analysis by the New York Times, new COVID-19 cases are declining in less than half of all U.S. states and territories.“By participating in small actions recommended by the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can continue to break transmission links even while we resume our daily activities,” Gov. Wolf said. “Things like washing hands, bringing our own water to sports practice and, of course, wearing masks.”According to peer-reviewed studies in the New England Journal of Medicine and a recent study from Cambridge and Greenwich universities, mask-wearing prevents people from unknowingly giving COVID-19 to others and can be critical as we prepare for a possible resurgence of the virus in the fall.Yellow PhaseAs of June 19, these 13 counties are in the yellow phase: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and Susquehanna.Some restrictions on work and social interaction are eased in the yellow phase while others, such as closures of schools, gyms, and other indoor recreation centers, hair and nail salons, as well as limitations around large gatherings, remain in place.The purpose of this phase is to begin to power back up the economy while keeping a close eye on the public health data to ensure the spread of disease remains contained to the greatest extent possible.Work and Congregate Setting RestrictionsTelework Must Continue Where FeasibleBusinesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Business and Building Safety OrdersChild Care May Open Complying with GuidanceCongregate Care and Prison Restrictions in PlaceSchools may provide in-person instruction only in accordance with Department of Education guidanceSocial RestrictionsStay-at-Home Order Lifted for Aggressive MitigationLarge Gatherings of More than 25 ProhibitedMasks are Required When Entering a BusinessIn-Person Retail Allowable, Curbside and Delivery PreferableIndoor Recreation, Health and Wellness Facilities and Personal Care Services (such as gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons and other entities that provide massage therapy), and all Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters) Remain ClosedRestaurants and Bars May Open Outdoor Dining, in Addition to Carry-Out and DeliveryGreen PhaseAs of June 19, these 54 counties are in the green phase: Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Elk, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Juniata, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lycoming, Luzerne, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming, and York.After a county transitions to the yellow phase, it is closely monitored for increased risk, such as significant outbreaks. If overall risk remains mitigated for 14 days, the county will transition to the green phase.The green phase eases most restrictions by lifting the stay-at-home and business closure orders to allow the economy to strategically reopen while continuing to prioritize public health. Some restrictions, such as mask-wearing, do remain in place.It is important to continue to monitor public health indicators and adjust orders and restrictions as necessary to ensure the spread of disease remains at a minimum.Work and Congregate Settings RestrictionsContinued Telework Strongly EncouragedBusinesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Updated Business and Building Safety RequirementsAll Businesses Operating at 50% Occupancy in the Yellow Phase May Increase to 75% OccupancyChild Care May Open Complying with GuidanceCongregate Care Restrictions in PlacePrison and Hospital Restrictions Determined by Individual FacilitiesSchools Subject to CDC and Commonwealth GuidanceSocial RestrictionsLarge Gatherings of More Than 250 ProhibitedMasks are Required When Entering a BusinessRestaurants and Bars Open at 50% OccupancyPersonal Care Services (including hair salons and barbershops) Open at 50% Occupancy and by Appointment OnlyIndoor Recreation, Health and Wellness Facilities, and Personal Care Services (such as gyms and spas) Open at 50% Occupancy with Appointments Strongly EncouragedAll Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) Open at 50% OccupancyConstruction Activity May Return to Full Capacity with Continued Implementation of ProtocolsThe state continues to use risk-based metrics from Carnegie Mellon University and the Department of Health and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency data dashboard available here.The state continues to increase testing and ramp up contact-tracing efforts. As of June 18, there are a total of 518 contact tracers, and a total of 4,161 contacts being monitored.The Department of Health received a total of 89,350 test results in the past seven days, an average of 12,764 a day. The 30-day average of test results received is more than 13,934.There were 2,763 total cases added to investigations for the week of June 12 through 18.The latest business guidance, including outdoor recreation guidance, can be found here.Preliminary sports guidance can be found here.Ver esta página en español. June 19, 2020
SHARE Email Facebook Twitter
Interest in units is on the rise again according to Haesley Cush.A YEAR ago if I was calling auctions for apartments it would be me, the agent and my little yellow gavel.But last Saturday, with the wheel slowly starting to turn on the Brisbane apartment market, I conducted in-room auctions in Spring Hill and the room was packed!The story from the day was not the number of sales nor any record prices achieved. It was simply the number of bidders who turned up and bid. The Brisbane unit market was drowning in new units and it seems we are now starting to tread water as demand starts to slowly walk its way toward supply.What is behind this increase in activity is that it is simply good value.Prices have corrected over the last couple of years as buyers left the market. This caused motivated sellers to adjust their prices to entice the decreasing buying pool to investigate their property and then the race to the bottom followed.More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus17 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market17 hours agoIt seems we have hit that bottom and we have just started to bounce.The apartment market still represents strong value and I am yet to see any evidence of prices moving. One of the sales last weekend was for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit in O’Keefe St, Woolloongabba selling for $330,000.It was only a few kilometres from the CBD so it is easy to see why the interest is starting to build.Lending restrictions are still the main concern for this segment of the market.This week Westpac and St George increased their rates slightly, while other institutions have applied new lending criteria to borrowers.These little adjustments will likely temper any growth in the apartment market to a low heat at best.
McDermott International has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Aramco to expand and develop the company’s physical and human capital within Saudi Arabia.The MoU is a part of Aramco’s In-Kingdom Total Value Add (IKTVA) initiative.The company has committed to a nine-initiative plan to increase its contribution to the country’s localization efforts and aid Saudi Aramco in meeting its 2021 objectives. McDermott plans to increase the number of Saudi nationals in its Middle East workforce to 40 percent by 2030.David Dickson, president and chief executive officer of McDermott said: “As part of our global strategy to enhance our capabilities and deepen customer relationships, this MoU strengthens our long-term plans to transition our Middle East operations to Saudi Arabia, which we believe positions us competitively in the regional market.”McDermott’s nine-initiative plan expands the company’s local supply chain, develops full-scale fabrication and marine facilities and moves area operations to Saudi Arabia and provides career training and development opportunities for Saudi nationals.McDermott believes the potential value of the MoU is approximately $2.8 billion and will create up to 2,000 jobs over the next several years.
The Canal & River Trust announced today that the funding of over £320,000 has been confirmed to regenerate the historic Swansea Canal into a major visitor destination.The company’s department in Wales – the charity that cares for the canal – together with the Swansea Canal Society has secured Rural Community Development Funding (RCDF) with the support of the Rural Development Program teams in Neath Port Talbot Council and Swansea Council.RCDF is funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Program 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.Central to the project will be the dredging of almost a mile of the canal, between Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach and Trebanos, due to start in Autumn 2019. Over 6,700 cubic meters of silt will be removed from the channel which will enable Swansea Canal Society to operate a trip boat, in addition to improving the canoeing sessions that they already offer.The project will also deliver a program of conservation repairs to be undertaken by Swansea Canal Society.
Well-Safe Solutions has awarded two multi-million-pound contracts to continue the refurbishment of the Well-Safe Guardian, the decommissioning company’s first asset, into a bespoke plug and abandonment unit.Source: Global EnergyWell-Safe, which was launched in August 2017, agreed to acquire the Ocean Guardian semi-submersible drilling unit from Diamond Offshore back in April 2019. Well-Safe’s plan was to convert the rig into a plug and abandonment (P&A) unit.Global Energy Group and Rigfit7seas have been appointed to deliver the upgrade of the semi-submersible drilling rig, Well-Safe said on Thursday.Global Energy Group will provide quayside services and the paintwork scope while Rigfit7seas will provide accommodation upgrade services.Well-Safe is progressing with the refurbishment work on the asset which it acquired earlier this summer. As part of the upgrade, Well-Safe will be installing a dive system and the capability to deploy a SIL (subsea intervention lubricator).Phil Milton, Chief Executive Officer of Well-Safe Solutions, said: “The award of these contracts, within the timeframes we committed to, will ensure that this bespoke plug and abandonment asset will be available to the industry in 2020.”Global Energy Group, who has been supporting Well-Safe with marine operations and quayside services since April this year, following the acquisition of the asset, has secured the contract to support the upgrades and life extension works at the Port of Nigg.Stuart Paterson, Managing Director for Global Energy Group, Access & Coatings commented: “We are thrilled to have been awarded this contract to bring the flagship semi-submersible up to standard. Creating opportunity for additional employment, we expect to have in the region of 80 personnel engaged on various work scopes until the end of the year.“Working in partnership with Well-Safe, Global Energy Group will provide fully encapsulated scaffold access, blast and paint services along with the provision of rope access personnel, mobile cranes, plant and labor, workboats and onsite facilities for the duration of the rigs yard stay at our Nigg Energy Park facility.”Brian Knowles, Group Managing Director, Rigfit7seas said: “We are delighted that Well-Safe has chosen Rigfit7Seas to carry out this sizeable scope on their flagship project.”Knowles added: “The project award further enhances our already extensive offering in the international marketplace and, at peak, will secure around 50 jobs across our engineering and construction teams for approximately 100 days, starting immediately.”Milton added: “We believe we are now a key part of helping the industry achieve its 35% decommissioning cost reduction target. Joint well plug and abandonment campaigns, using our club approach will not only be more cost efficient, but also help build UK supply chain expertise in decommissioning.”Research has indicated there are over 33,000 wells worldwide to be decommissioned over the next twenty years. Well-Safe’s long-term goal is to export their model and advance from the UK into this global marketplace.Spotted a typo? Have something more to add to the story? Maybe a nice photo? Contact our editorial team via email. Also, if you’re interested in showcasing your company, product or technology on Offshore Energy Today, please contact us via our advertising form where you can also see our media kit.
NZ Herald 6 March 2015The number of child abuse complaints referred to Child Youth and Family in Tauranga is falling, but agencies in the area are debating the new figures.Information released by the Ministry of Social Development to the Bay of Plenty Times under the Official Information Act shows 444 children up to the age of 14 suffered emotional abuse, 172 suffered neglect, 149 suffered physical abuse and 29 were sexually abused in the 2013/2014 financial year.The figures showed the number of critical cases fell during a five-year period.In the 2009/2010 financial year 226 cases were assessed as critical while in the 2013/14 financial year the number was 181.A critical rating is applied when a child or young person is identified as having been severely abused or neglected.Bernadine Mackenzie, deputy chief executive of Child, Youth and Family, said when a concern was expressed to CYF a child or young person may be at risk of abuse or neglect, a notification was recorded.http://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=11412873
Court postpones Morsi death sentence confirmation The upholding of Mohamed Morsi’s death sentence, as well as the sentences against top Muslim Brotherhood members have put the future of the movement in doubt. Once a symbol of resilience and then in charge of the country, the Muslim Brotherhood has fallen far. CCTV’s Yasser Hakim reports Egyptian court upholds Morsi’s death sentence Related Muslim Brotherhood leader dies in Egypt prison
The last three games have been particularly disappointing, with Everton held to draws by Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Norwich. Martinez said: “It’s not the time to look at the table. We are disappointed with the amount of points we’ve dropped in the last three games, because that’s the way we see it. “You need to see through that and understand that we’ve been very consistent in the last six games we’ve played in the league. “You saw fantastic signs – some of our attacking play has been exceptional – and now is a period that we need the support of our fans and everyone at our football club to try to develop a little bit of knowhow in managing that outstanding attacking play that we’ve shown in order for it to be reflected in scorelines. “That’s what we have to do from now until the end of the season. If we do that, we’ll end up with the points that our football deserves.” Everton have been very good in front of goal, with their tally of 29 only bettered by Manchester City and Leicester. But the Toffees’ defence has been too leaky for Martinez’s liking, and it is the manner in which they are conceding that is frustrating the Spaniard. Against Bournemouth, Everton scored what appeared to be a winner in injury time only to concede again, while they failed to press home their first-half dominance against Norwich and paid the price. Martinez said: “We need to get through a period where we learn and we understand what’s needed. “One thing is becoming a real force of being able to break teams down and take the main role of the game and getting on the ball and being really dominant and positive. “The other aspect is managing the game and there are moments that you have to be able to get through without being punished too much and, at the moment, we’re being heavily punished. “We’ve conceded in situations where we should manage that a little bit better. That’s part of the process of becoming a strong team and becoming a winning team.” Far from fading after a flying start, Leicester appear to be getting stronger, with their key duo of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez both scoring in Monday’s 2-1 win against Chelsea that ultimately cost Jose Mourinho his job. Saturday’s match unsurprisingly is being billed as a clash between Vardy and Romelu Lukaku, who will be looking to score for a seventh consecutive game as he closes in on Vardy’s new record. Martinez is looking forward to seeing how his whole team match up, saying: ” Leicester are as good as they’ve been. “You’re looking at the way they played on Monday, the way they played in the previous game against Swansea, this is a team that has no fear, they know exactly what they’re doing, they’ve got an incredible spirit and the players that have to be on form in order to present a goalscoring threat, they are probably in the best moment of their careers. “So it’s the worst time to face them but I think we are ready to face those sort of footballing challenges. We really need that sort of game to test ourselves and see how far we can progress.” The Toffees are unbeaten in six Barclays Premier League games and have only lost three times all season, but eight draws mean they do not have the points haul they would have hoped for. Everton sat 10th going into the weekend, six points off the top four and 12 adrift of leaders and Saturday’s opponents Leicester. Roberto Martinez admits Everton are conceding goals too easily but is confident they will get the rewards their play deserves. Press Association
Ellsworth runners compete in virtual Boston Marathon – September 16, 2020 Bio Mike MandellMike Mandell is the sports editor at The Ellsworth American and Mount Desert Islander. He began working for The American in August 2016. You can reach him via email at mmandell@ellsworthamerican.com. Latest Posts MPA approves golf, XC, field hockey, soccer; football, volleyball moved to spring – September 10, 2020
BUCKSPORT — Keeping up with the Bucksport offense has rarely been an easy task for opposing football teams over the years. Last season, the Golden Bucks made that task borderline unfair.Few teams in Maine high school football history have posted the sorts of numbers Bucksport did in 2018, a season in which the Golden Bucks averaged 48.2 points and surpassed the 50-point mark in five of their 10 contests. Loaded at every offensive position, Bucksport went 8-2 and finished the year as the Class D North runner-up.This season, the Bucksport offense has some shuffling to do at the skill positions as three key players, running backs Carter Tolmasoff and Luke Wardwell and wide receiver Tyson Gray, have graduated. Yet even if there are some uncertainties as to how the Golden Bucks can replace those players, the team has one thing that can give any offense a leg up: size.Everywhere from the backfield to the offensive line, this Bucksport team has bulk that would make even some mega-school powerhouses in football-crazed Florida, Ohio and Texas jealous. From the experienced veterans all the way down to the young newcomers, the Golden Bucks are set to tower over Class D North defenses when the regular season starts next week.This is placeholder textThis is placeholder text“We have a lot of kids who are very big and very strong,” Bucksport head coach Joel Sankey said. “When you look at the team we have this year, I think that’s going to be one of our biggest advantages.”At running back, Bucksport boasts three players who tip the scales at more than 200 pounds. Freshman Jaxon Gross is the Golden Bucks’ largest player at the position at 215 pounds, though sophomores Ty Giberson and Josh Miller are close behind at 210 and 205, respectively.Hard-nosed backs who play their roles as bruisers, Gross, Giberson and Miller also boast the strength needed to bowl over opposing defensive linemen, linebackers and safeties. That will give Bucksport a different look at running back in comparison to last year’s team, which used the blazing speed of Tolmasoff and Wardwell to run past Little Ten Conference foes.“They all bench 200-plus [pounds] and squat 400-plus [pounds],” senior offensive lineman David Gross said of the team’s three running backs. “It’s insane to be that strong at such young ages.”Bucksport’s Brady Findlay (left) and Aden Trinity run an option play play during high school football practice Aug. 23 at Bucksport High School. Bucksport’s offense averaged 48.2 points per game last season. ELLSWORTH AMERICAN PHOTO BY MIKE MANDELLElsewhere, the Golden Bucks return much of the offensive line that paved the way for last year’s dominant rushing attack with Dawson Eaton joining 2018 starters Julian Shook, Owen Gaudreau, Gavin Billings and the elder Gross in the trenches. Gross (first-team offense) and Billings (second-team offense) were All-LTC selections last year, and Shook was a second-team selection at tackle in 2017.After an offseason of work in the weight room, Bucksport’s linemen are back even bigger and stronger than they were a year ago. Stifling the Golden Bucks on offense will require defenses to establish consistent penetration, and given the experience and stature of this offensive line, that might prove difficult.“We average like 250 pounds up front,” Gross said. “It’s crazy.”At tight end, Cameron Soper, the tallest player on offense at 6-foot-4, will add another dimension to the Golden Bucks’ blocking schemes. He’ll also be a weapon in the passing game for quarterback Brady Findlay, who has a full year as a starter under his belt after replacing Chase Carmichael, the LTC’s all-time leading passer, last season.“Brady’s looking very good,” Sankey said. “We’ve had success with quarterbacks here over the years, and he’s been one of those players for us. A lot of it comes down to timing patterns and the three-step drop, and Brady has really picked that up.”Bucksport’s first regular season game will be at home at 7 p.m. next Friday, Sept. 6, against Mattanawcook Academy. The two teams most recently met in the Class D North semifinals last season with the Golden Bucks exploding on offense in a 77-36 win.A showdown with Mattanawcook, another perennial threat in the LTC, will provide an ideal opening test for a Bucksport team looking to maintain momentum after three years of incremental improvements. It could also yield an early answer as to how much a dedicated offseason in the weight room has paid off for these Bucks.“We’ve had a lot of guys show up for us and buy in during the offseason, and our weights have gone up tremendously,” Gross said. “Football is finally here, and when you put in the work like we have not just in the summer but the spring, too, it just motivates you even more.” Hospice volunteers help families navigate grief and find hope – September 12, 2020 Latest posts by Mike Mandell (see all)