Coal Companies Mining on Federal Land Royalties: 60 Day Comment Period Dec. 19, 2014

Here's some information about coal companies in the US settling low royalties on coal sold to Asia from mines on federal land.

 

 

We have a 60-day comment period for this.

 http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/12/19/usa-coal-royalty-idUKL1N0U318420141219

By Patrick Rucker
Reuters
Dec. 19, 2014

WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (Reuters) - U.S. coal companies will no longer be able to settle royalties at low domestic prices when they make lucrative sales to Asia according to reforms proposed by the Interior Department on Friday.

American taxpayers by law are due a 12.5 percent royalty on the sales of millions of tons of coal pulled each year from federal land that mining companies lease.

In past years of strong global demand, U.S. miners have been able to avoid a royalty hit on lucrative exports by first selling to affiliated traders at low domestic prices.

The reforms proposed on Friday will update rules on how energy companies settle their royalty payments on coal, oil and gas pulled from federal land but the changes to the coal program may have the biggest impact.

"Coal produced on public lands is an important part of our domestic energy portfolio, but we have an obligation - and we are fully committed - to ensure that the American taxpayer receives a fair return for the production of domestic energy resources," Deputy Secretary of the Interior Mike Connor said in announcing the proposal.

The Interior Department has been investigating possible royalty shortfalls in the federal coal program since February 2012.

The plan is now open for public comment for 60 days.

Arch Coal Inc, Peabody Energy Corp and Cloud Peak Energy Inc are among the leaders in mining coal from federal land in the West. 

 

Larry Winslow

Communications Coordinator

Northern Plains Resource Council

220 South 27th Street, Suite A

Billings, MT 59101Phone: 406.248.1154 X 114

Fax:  406.248.2110

larry@northernplains.org

www.northernplains.org

 

Northern Plains Resource Council is a grassroots conservation and family agriculture group. We organize Montana citizens to protect our water quality, family farms and ranches, and unique quality of life. If you aren't a member, you should join!

Happy Thanksgiving! and updates about coal companies Thursday November 27, 2014

 Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

The First Thanksgiving Jean Louis Gerome Ferris (1863-1930)
Artwork between 1913 to 1915.http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_First_Thanksgiving_cph.3g04961.jpg
1 photomechanical print : halftone, color (postcard made from painting). Postcard published by The Foundation Press, Inc., 1932. Reproduction of oil painting from series: The Pageant of a Nation.
The scene depicted here is a romanticized (idealized) version and not historically accurate. The clothing worn by the Pilgrims is incorrect, the Wampanoag did not wear feathered war bonnets, nor would they have been sitting on the ground.^[1]

We can celebrate our heritage

and

keep our Earth clean and fresh for all.

 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEWednesday, November 26, 2014
Contact:
Meg Matthews, 206.291.5942 / meg.matthews@sierraclub.org
 Statement online: https://content.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2014/11/power-past-coal-statement-ambre-energy-selling-coal-export-projects

Power Past Coal Statement on Ambre Energy Selling off Coal Export Projects

Today Australian-based Ambre Energy announced that it is getting out of the troubled North American coal-export market. Ambre will sell its shares of Oregon and Washington projects to Resource Capital Funds, a Denver-based company known for seeking out high-risk volatile investments.

In response, Power Past Coal campaign director Cesia Kearns released the following statement:

"On Thanksgiving eve, we have a lot to be thankful for, and a lot to work towards. Among that thanks is the news about Ambre Energy, which is yet another sign that U.S. coal export proposals are a financial train wreck going nowhere. Resource Capital Funds has gotten the wrong end of the wishbone from this turkey and we suggest they find another industry to back where their investments have any chance of yielding profits, as well as benefiting the health, environment, and longevity of the communities they wish to operate in.

"From the recent carbon pollution agreement between China and the US to the freefalling coal export prices around the world, it's clear that coal exports are a losing proposition. Northwest families have known all along that dirty, dangerous coal is the wrong choice for our region. Communities from British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest, Gulf of Mexico and around the world will  continue to fight coal export companies until we protect our health and safety for good from these shortsighted projects. Resource Capital Funds, Millennium Bulk Logistics, Gateway Pacific and other companies may want to look at Ambre's own filing papers before they sink anymore money into these hapless proposals."

Spokane Riverfront Park Plans Deviate from Charm of Riverfront Park. 2014 November Ballots.

As editor of this blog, I was planning to vote for improved streets and parks. But, then on the news, I got a look at some of the plans for the park.
http://www.spokanejournal.com/local-news/riverfront-park-ideas-crystallize/

"The committee decided a new building to house the Looff Carrousel – one of the most beloved attractions in Riverfront Park – is needed, too. The outdated carrousel building lacks proper bathrooms and catering facilities. The committee pictured a much bigger building with glass walls so the carrousel is visible from the street. " http://m.spokesman.com/stories/2014/may/04/proposed-riverfront-park-changes-offer-promenade/

Well, we can already see the Carrousel from the street.
Frankly, the Carrousel is just fine the way it is now, with a charming view of the river.
There are many ways to add bathrooms without destroying the present building.

New plans include moving the carrousel, and putting it in an ugly glass/rock circle..
Frankly, the new proposed building looks like a huge tupperware container, with uncharming "Loof Carousel" misspelled in loopy red script.



In fact, all the new proposed buildings are the blunt-lined shed roofs, wtih metal and glass.
This architecture, while perhaps trendy, slashes into River Front Park's rustic city ambience.

Due to this trashing of our park, I, personally, am not voting for these "improvements."

Please Sign the Justice of Arfee Petition ASAP and Share! Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Police and City Complicit in Shooting and Killing an Innocent Dog, Leaving the Public in Danger of Trigger-Happy

Please Sign the Justice of Arfee Petition ASAP and Share! Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Police and City Complicit in Shooting and Killing an Innocent Dog, Leaving the Public in Danger of Trigger-Happy
http://www.care2.com/news/member/381237744/3813696


            

Petition: Justice For Arfee! Investigate His Case And Apply A Fair Punishment To The Officer That Destroyed Him! | PetitionHub.O Petition: Justice For Arfee! Investigate His Case And Apply A Fair Punishment To The Officer That Destroyed Him! | PetitionHub.O A police officer that destroyed a black lab inside a parked van back in July, got away with just a pay cut. Background Info: Justice for Arfee Protest: Today in Coeur d'Alene was Arfee's Day!!! http://washingtonstatespokanearea.blogspot.com/2014/09/today-in-coeur-dalene-was-arfees-day.html Coeur d'Alene Police Dept Press Lie about Cop Killing Innocent Dog July 10, 2014 http://washingtonstatespokanearea.blogspot.com/2014/07/coeur-dalene-police-dept-and-press-work.html "Most people are afraid to post comments here [on a previous website]and on Facebook for fear of what these CdA thugs may do. A very sad day all around. God bless those willing to stand and fight - and the witnesses willing to share their story on Facebook, knowing the CdA thugs are out there with guns itching to shoot. They are "monitoring" social media. Wouldn't it just be easier to not shoot dogs and follow the law? Lets see how the CDA Press responds... God is watching."

Wolves in the Pacific Northwest: News Release from WDFW officials to discuss wolf "management" on Oct. 14, 2014

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, which has been killing wolves instead of managing them, is asking for the public to discuss wolf management at a scheduled meeting on Oct. 14, 2014 at the Lynnwood Convention Center from 6 to 9 pm. Hopefully, this will be a real discussion, and not just another lecture from the WDFW. 

WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/
October 6, 2014
Contact: WDFW Wildlife Program, (360) 902-2515
WDFW officials to discuss wolf
management Oct. 14 in Lynnwood
OLYMPIA - The public will have an opportunity to discuss wolf management with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) leaders during a meeting Tuesday, Oct. 14, in Lynnwood.
The meeting will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. in Room 1EF of the Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. SW, Lynnwood.
WDFW officials will provide information on recent wolf attacks on livestock in the state, and on the packs involved in those incidents - the Huckleberry pack in Stevens County and the Profanity Peak pack in Ferry County.
WDFW's actions to protect sheep this summer from the Huckleberry pack are described in a question-and-answer document on the department's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/gray_wolf/huckleberry_faq.html .
WDFW officials also confirmed recently that wolves were responsible for killing a cow and calf at a cattle grazing site in Ferry County, within the range of the newly discovered Profanity Peak pack. WDFW wildlife conflict specialists continue to monitor that situation.
In 2011, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed gray wolves from the federal list of endangered species in the eastern third of the state, but the species is still protected under Washington state law. The state Wolf Conservation and Management Plan and state laws set the parameters for responding to wolf predation on livestock.
The department has also established a Wolf Advisory Group that provides input to the department on wolf plan implementation. More information on that group is available on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/advisory/wag/

---

This message has been sent to the Gray Wolf Pack Updates and Information mailing list.
Visit the WDFW News Release Archive at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, among others who want to seize or sell off our national parks and forests.

"U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) was an original co-sponsor of Rep. Chaffetz’s legislation to sell off more than 3 million acres of public lands to private interests."

Claire Moser is a Research and Advocacy Associate with the Public Lands Project at American Progress. Matt Lee-Ashley is a Senior Fellow and the Director of the Public Lands Project at American Progress.

Via Western Priorities:

"Voters aren’t the only ones expressing their displeasure with state efforts to seize public lands.  In fact, a series of recent newspaper editorials from across the West make it clear that national public lands belong to all Americans, not just those of a particular state:"

-  Billings Gazette, Montana:  “Federal lands belong to the American people — to folks in Missouri and Iowa, New York and Texas just as they do to Montanans and Wyomingites. Congress cannot simply give away the birthright of its citizens.”

http://www.westernpriorities.org/news/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/climateprogress/photos/a.322728031111462.95213.187005858017014/788681431182784/?type=1&theater

Today in Coeur d'Alene was Arfee's Day! Sunday, September 7, 2014. People Honor Innocent Dog Slaughtered by Police.

Today in Coeur d'Alene was Arfee's Day!

 

 

People who care about our laws and our families gathered in memory of Arfee, the innocent dog gunned down by a Coeur d'Alene police, and joined in the illegal and criminal action by other police officers and police and city administration.
People of all ages, with their children, some with their dogs, are holding the police and city responsible for the tragedy of a dead dog, a traumatized owner, and the public's loss of confidence in the police department and city hall, better at lying, footdragging, and hiding than at serving the public who pays them.
Here are photos from the gathering.
Many people carried dog collars, in memory of Arfee.
Many people driving by honked their horns, often pointing out the dogs in their cars, as if the dogs knew the gathering was to honor one of their own.
Lots of little kids carried signs and shouted "Justice for Arfee!."
The question remains why the Coeur 'd Alene police force and city hall are neglectful, even criminal, in their hiding of the truth of Arfee's death and in their hiding themselves from accountability.

 

 

 

 

 

More photos, links, and ways to help.

https://www.facebook.com/justiceforarfee 

 http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/idaho-justified-shooting-arfee-dog-report-article-1.1929575

Coeur d'Alene Police Dept Press Lie about Cop Killing Innocent Dog July 10, 2014

Arfee, the 2 year old Lab slaughtered by an out-of-control police officer in Coeur d'Alene.
We can call Coeur d'Alene city hall to demand justice.
We must stop the crimes of the police.
Coeur d'Alene police did not follow sop, and thus endangered not only the innocent dog, but the entire community.
Phone: 208.769.2300
8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday
We can also ask that the new Coeur d'Alene dog park be named for Alfee and his bravery in trying to defend his owner's vehicle against a gun-wielding assailant.
Telephone: Parks & Cemetery Information - (208) 769-2252
Urban Forestry - (208) 769-2266
Office Hours:
Monday thru Friday
8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
E-Mail: parks@cdaid.org

 Dog park dedication at 9:15 a.m. by Kootenai County Dog Park Association. Includes free photos with your dog.
[Hopefully none of the dogs or humans will be shot]
http://www.kcdogpark.com/contact
Story by Spokesman-Review
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/jul/11/arfee-dog-shot-by-cda-officer-was-a-labrador-not/
 

UPDATE: Public Gathering "Justice for Arfee"
Sunday, September 7, 2014
11:45

It's HERE! The JUSTICE FOR ARFEE RALLY!

Sunday, September 7 at 11:45am in PDT

JAVA on sherman in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

https://www.facebook.com/events/320255218152145/?ref=22
Visit the Justice for Arfee Facebook page.
We need to encourage anyone who attends the rally to remain on the public sidewalk area along Sherman Ave. That way we maintain our constitutional right to peaceable assembly without city harassment.
From JAVA we will make our way down to City Hall in the Park area.
 Please join us in Loving memory of Arfee!
Thank you all very much, and we look forward to seeing each and every one of you!
 NOTE: If you do not plan on patronizing JAVA Coffee Shop, do not use their parking lot for the Rally parking. Please use public parking along the neighborhood streets.
Thank You
As we would LOVE to see your furbabies, PLEASE bring only empty leashes, as not all dogs play well together. :-)
https://www.facebook.com/justiceforarfee

Links to Anonymous
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Njp-QC7KMQ
"Everyone please call 208-769-2320.
That is central dispatch for the CDA Police.
Let them know what you think about their violent behavior.
Light up the phone line with your calls. Let your voices be known. This is your Right and your Duty. The police are supposed to be 'Public Servants'. They work for you and I, we pay their salaries. Demand to be heard, demand justice.

The Sheriff is the highest law enforcement agency. Call them (446-1300) and load up their voice mails. Demand that Ben investigate the officer and charge him with at least I.C. 18-7001, 18-7034, 18-2403 & 18-2603. CDA Police won't investigate one of their own. I called and talked to Sgt. Case from the Sheriff's department and demanded that the Sheriff investigate this incident and his response was no, we will not investigate or charge a CDA police officer with anything. People can also call Barry McHugh, the county prosecutor or Wes Summerton, the city prosecutor to demand that they investigate these police brutalities. We the people can make a citizen's arrest, allege and charge these police officer's. If the police won't charge them they violate the law (I.C. 18-701). Police officers and sheriff's deputies are not above the law nor can they claim immunity when they act outside the scope of their authority."

Justice for Arfee - v2  

"Instead of an outside agency investigating the shooting, Coeur D'Alene police are investigating for themselves the shooting involving one of their officers killing of Arfee, together with city administrators, establishing a board to review the departments findings.
This is not acceptable. Anonymous nor the citizens of Idaho and the many others affected by this via internationally reported incident, will not stand by idly."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imHECMsqREk#t=42

 

http://www.boiseweekly.com/CityDesk/archives/2014/08/12/hacktivist-group-anonymous-steps-up-threats-against-coeur-dalene-police-department-over-fatal-dog-shooting

UPDATE POLL OPPORTUNITY Wednesday, July 16, 2014

http://www.cdapress.com/

If you ahbor the killing of this innocent dog and the continuing cover up by the Coeur d'Alene Police Chief, please go to the poll at http://www.cdapress.com/

Please answer the poll question

Are you satisfied with Coeur d'Alene's handling of the dog shooting?

"Coeur d'Alene police have not yet responded to a Mail Online request for comment."Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2688154/Pit-bull-shot-dead-van-police-actually-beloved-pet-Labrador-waiting-owner-return-coffee-shop.html#ixzz37De5eWQL
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Thursday, July 10, 2014 the British news outlet Daily Mail covers the story of the beloved dog, waiting in a vehicle, shot by Coeur d'Alene police.

"'Pit bull' shot dead in van by police was actually a beloved pet Labrador waiting for me to return, says devastated owner." By Jessica Jerreat

Published: 19:35 EST, 10 July 2014 | Updated: 03:17 EST, 11 July 2014

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2688154/Pit-bull-shot-dead-van-police-actually-beloved-pet-Labrador-waiting-owner-return-coffee-shop.html#ixzz37DdN9Bvl
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2688154/Pit-bull-shot-dead-van-police-actually-beloved-pet-Labrador-waiting-owner-return-coffee-shop.html


Thursday, July 10, 2013

Jeers and dishonor to the CDAP, the Coeur d'Alene Press and their masters, the CDA Police, who are still working to cover up the truth about the officer-invovled shooting of a frightened Lab, Arfie.
(May Arfie rest in peace. Apparently, he was barking and correct that the officer was a danger.)

As of 11:30 pm, well after the CDAP knew that the dog was a Lab, the headlines, or head lies, still report the cover-up "Officer Kills Pitt Bull."
"While investigating the van, as the officer approached along the driver's side, a vicious pit bull lunged from the open driver's side window toward the officer's face, according to a Coeur d'Alene Police press release."

As the story has gone viral, it's painfully clear that:
A, the dog was a lab, not a pit bull
B. the dog couldn't "lunge" at the officer, as the dog was in the car.
The bullet hole went through the car window.

With thoughts going to the Lab, just trying to bark and protect his master's van, thoughts also go to the pathetic liars in the Coeur d'Alene police force and in the Coeur d'Alene Press.
There are many good police officers and journalists in Coeur d'Alene.
But today, the lying bullies are shooting off their mouths, and at least one gun.
The officer who shot the dog had not even checked to see if there were other people, especially children, in the vehicle.

There are calls to boycott Coeur d'Alene, especially after a caller asking about how to keep her dog safe was told not to bring the dog to Coeur d'Alene. Then, people and tourists will take themselves, their family, their dog, and their MONEY to another town.

http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_bfdf5718-6f6a-515a-9a69-3fe6a39735cf.html
From the comment section
"In plain terms if the police are willing to miss state the facts when there are no witnesses for fear of public backlash and it involves a dog, what happens when the same set of circumstances occur and its a human being? .... the story reported by the officers involved was not accidental that should make everyone nervous"

Everyone PLEASE keep calling 208-769-2320.
That is central dispatch for the CdA police

Most people are afraid to post comments here and on Facebook for fear of what these CdA thugs may do. A very sad day all around.
God bless those willing to stand and fight - and the witnesses willing to share their story on Facebook, knowing the CdA thugs are out there with guns itching to shoot.
They are "monitoring" social media. Wouldn't it just be easier to not shoot dogs and follow the law?
Lets see how the CDA Press responds... God is watching.

I've been calling the police station and city hall all day - dispatch finally got tired of talking to me and said, "The officer was in fear of his life, he has a right to defend himself".
When I called back and asked what I can do, as a resident, to ensure my dogs don't put "fear into an officer", she said, QUOTE: "Don't bring your dogs to CdA then".

http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_bfdf5718-6f6a-515a-9a69-3fe6a39735cf.html


"When Arfie sensed the officer approaching, he jumped up against the window and started barking. The officer claimed he thought the lab was a “vicious” pit bull, and shot off a round of gunshots. Arfie later died from his injuries."
Read more at http://blog.petflow.com/cop-kills-vicious-pit-bull-that-turned-out-to-be-a-2-year-old-lab-puppy/#Ftt0zvTsXhWCK9Mp.99
http://blog.petflow.com/cop-kills-vicious-pit-bull-that-turned-out-to-be-a-2-year-old-lab-puppy/

"I would imagine that the police are lying about the circumstances, they said the dog was hanging out of the window, so why is there a bullet hole through the glass then?? "
https://www.facebook.com/CopBlock/posts/10152524741533189

"This cop left a hole in both that can't be fixed," Jones wrote on Facebook. "If it wasn't for my desire to face him in court and strip him of his badge, I would probably be at the bottom of the lake."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/idaho-shoots-kills-adorable-black-lab-named-arfee-article-1.1862334#ixzz378jzmI4D
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/idaho-shoots-kills-adorable-black-lab-named-arfee-article-1.1862334

http://www.policestateusa.com/2014/idaho-dog-shot-in-parked-van/


City of Coeur d'Alene
710 E. Mullan Ave
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: 208.769.2300
8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday
UPDATE:
Coeur d'Alene Press FINALLY adjusted their original head lie, to rewrite the story of a CDA police officer deviating from SOP and shooting a dog in cold blood. But the stubborn pride of the CDA police again interferes with truth, justice, and the American way. The dog-killer cop is still working for the CDA, and we consider him armed and dangerous.
Since the CDA police are hiding the officer's identify, though he is still working today, it's been up to citizens to begin this petition to release the officer's name. This is not to harass him, or his family, but to follow procedure.
https://www.change.org/petitions/coeur-d-alene-police-department-release-the-name-of-the-officer-involved-in-shooting-arfie

From the Comments:
"SCOTUS has ruled that a “tip” does not constitute reasonable suspicion or probable cause. Therefore, the officers actions to even “check out” the van in a manner with his gun drawn was illegal."
http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_263e02aa-23a0-5bbd-8115-4c51a938d72f.html

"Yeah, this story is being picked up world wide not only for the shear idiocy of the violence but the cover up fiasco and the total mismanagement of the purpose of the original call.  Good work guys - you've spit on your own badges and tarnished this community............. AGAIN!"
http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_263e02aa-23a0-5bbd-8115-4c51a938d72f.html

"The CDA Resort is promoting it self as dog friendly. They better tell their guests to leave the dogs in the room, locked up, and stay away from away from downtown."
http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_263e02aa-23a0-5bbd-8115-4c51a938d72f.html

"God bless you Craig Jones. RIP Arfee. Let me be the first to apologize to you on behalf of the residents of CdA....
FOR THE REST OF US - leave your dogs at home! Do not come to CdA! Dog killer is STILL ON THE LOOSE.
http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_263e02aa-23a0-5bbd-8115-4c51a938d72f.html

What we have is yet another shoot-em-up wild west show where the facts given to the public are twisted into a Green Beret tale of police heroism and the investigation is finger nail deep and totally hidden. And the local newspaper is little more than a megaphone for all of these lies. What a travesty. What a joke.
http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_263e02aa-23a0-5bbd-8115-4c51a938d72f.html

"Hey Coeur d'Alene police department thanks for ruining the rest of the tourist season by making national headlines with this. "
http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_263e02aa-23a0-5bbd-8115-4c51a938d72f.html

Eyewitness Account:
http://www.krem.com/news/Lab-shot-by-Coeur-dAlene-police-officer--266679891.html

· Spokane, Washington

PLEASE READ THIS!! Boycott Java On Sherman!!
Eye witness account,
https://m.facebook.com/story.php...  (pulled?)

Kim Mitchell Gustafson
If you go to Java on Sherman, please read this.

Let me tell yeah...this happened right in front of my house and the police AND the owners and workers at Java On Sherman tried to do what I would call a nice little "cover up" on this one. First off, after the cop shot the dog THROUGH the glass on the van (which means the dog was NOT hanging out the window as the cop tried to say) other officers arrived in a few other cara. They called animal control and all walked up to the van, opened the door and loaded the BLACK LAB into the animal control vehicle and then that vehicle left. My roomie was outside questioning and VERY upset at what happened and stated this clearly to one of the officers who CLEARLY, a...fter KNOWING it was a BLACK LAB still claimed it was a "vicious pit bull"!!!!! ALL LIES AND HE KNEW IT! After the officer heard enough of my roomie giving him a piece of his mind the officer returned to his "partners" and the owners and a couple of workers from Java. They talked for maybe two min and the workers went inside and ALL officers left. Now please note that we were shocked because the owner of the vehicle wasnt outside anywhere. Meaning...HELLO...since his van was parked IN THE PARKING LOT OF JAVA ON SHERMAN he is most likely inside, right? So I sat and waited 5 min before a man walked out of the establishment and towards the van. He didnt seen upsey of distraught so I was thinking he must not know. I crossed the street and walked up to him and asked if it was his van. He looked at it and then me and looked puzzled and said "Yes...why"??? My heart dropped as clearly NO ONE....not the owner, no workers, nor the police has bothered to go inside and inform him that his dog was just shot and killed by Cda Police officer through his van window and had been removed and taken away within a twenty or so min period. At this point I had no option but to point to his window to the bullet hole. Needless to say he panicked and asked where his dog was as he ran to the van. Im sure you can imagine the rest. ---- Now this is where it gets even better...ten min later as he is upset and the owners of the property and business are both outside watching from a distance a tow truck pulls up. The owner of the property tells the owner of the van that that it is there for HiS van. The guy pleads to not have this van towed for NO REASON. Mind you...a paying customer of Java simply Inside having breakfast and comes out to this. The owner of the property had the tow truck leave and instructed the owner of the van to leave the property right away. Weird, right? The guy pleads with the owner of the property and explains his dogs blood and brains are inside the van and he doesnt want to leave right away. He also explained he had a couple of beers inside and didn't want to drive. The man said he didnt care and he needed to leave IMMEDIATELY!!!!! The owner than turned to me and pleaded with me to drive him safely to where he was going so I asked the owner of the property to please give me ten min to get the guy and his van out of there. He told me NO WAY....he needed to leave NOW!!!! This is when I lost it and got lippy because of the sheer unjustice of the situation and the way this man was being treated FOR NO REASON!!! I told the man to have a heart and not make this customer sit in his van in the blood and such and also drive after drinking (at this point...not in these words...I was pissed) He grabbed his phone and threatened to call the cops and told us to both get off the property right away! At this point the driver of the van got in and drove away and I crossed the street to my house and shouted to him how cruel and cold hearted he was. --- Now again...why did no one locate him Inside and tell him? They all just removed his dead dog they had shot and killed and then left. And the owners tried to have the van towed right away? REALLY? They didnt want media attention apparently. Well screw that!!!! Please EVERYONE share, share, share this!!!!! Let the TRUTH speak to help prevent this from happening as if it is all okay!!!!

UPDATE
2014-1214 Arfee the Black Lab
Saturday, July 12, 2014 UPDATE the Java owner’s side
http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_6d926fa9-1900-50eb-b07e-56694cde7d0b.html?mode=print
Java owners discuss incident
KEITH COUSINS/kcousins@cdapress.com | Posted: Saturday, July 12, 2014 12:00 am
"The officer took my name, my birthday and my phone number and then instructed me to call the tow company if I wanted the car to be removed," David said. "He did not mention that they had discharged a weapon, killed a dog, and removed a dog from the vehicle. They did not mention that this is not the van that they were looking for. They just said that they were packing up and leaving, and basically let me deal with the ramifications of what would happen afterward."

From the comments

Dang it! My animal loving children will never let me have a Bowl of Soul again..... Anybody have the recipe?

“The cops killed a dog and a business with one shot. Sounds like two lawsuits.”

"... the police think they are the military, they think the public is the 'enemy', and whatever town they are in is the 'theater'. Rather than 'protect and serve' they now think their role is to keep us (the enemy) in line through intimidation fear. More and more people are realizing this, but we didn't all realize it at the same time.

Contact Info for Gov. Inslee for Water Quality Standards July 9, 2014

"The EPA has been telling the state of Washington for years that its standards are inadequate and fail to protect Washingtonians from toxic pollution. "

"Today, the Governor proposes to change our water quality standards that protect human health to allow those who eat fish from our rivers to have a cancer risk of 1 in 100,000 (it was 1 in one million)."

http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2014/statement-of-waterkeepers-washington-and-pacific-coast-federation-of-fishermen-s-associations-regarding

Write
Governor Jay Inslee
Office of the Governor
PO Box 40002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002

e-Message
Send Gov. Inslee an e-message

Call
360-902-4111
TTY/TDD users should contact the Washington Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-833-6388.

Fax
360-753-4110

http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/

Rest in Peace Russ Nobbs of Rings and Things June 27, 2014

Russ Nobbs, of Rings and Things, passed away, after years of service to Spokane, though Second City, recycling, river keeping, and other ways to make our city and area a wonderful place to live.

https://www.facebook.com/russ.nobbs

"Russ Nobbs, a college dropout with a passion for the environment who built a multimillion-dollar jewelry business in Spokane, died Friday. He was 70."
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/jun/29/russ-nobbs-founder-of-rings-things-dies-at-70/

From a Jan. 09, 1995 article in the Spokesman Review.

Russ Nobbs Once A Countercultural Icon, Owner Of Rings & Things Makes An Unlikely Capitalist

Rachel Konrad Staff writer

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/1995/jan/09/russ-nobbs-once-a-countercultural-icon-owner-of/

Chemtrails on Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Strawberry Seems Strange Fruit on Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Strawberries and summer go hand in hand. Yet, for at least one home-grown strawberry, purchased at a local store, the pretty heart-shaped strawberry never developed.

 

 

 

 

Wolves and Humans Getting Along by Kevin Bastarache

"I was shooting from my car. Both Alphas walked within 5 feet from the car and the Big Black one was in front of my bumper...We just have to keep up the hard work, and they are VERY important for the ecosystem."
Kevin Bastarache Wildlife and Nature Photography
Wolves and Humans Getting Along by Kevin Bastarache
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=666180433421239&fref=nf

This video shows about seven wolves peacefully trotting past the photographer. Rather than kill these magnificent animals, the relatives of the dogs that keep us company, filming them is a great way to interact. While many states want to allow people to shoot wolves and destroy the wolf families, keeping these animals wild and free not only helps the wolves, but helps us. While many game hunters come to the Pacific Northwest to slaughter wolf packs, it seems more visitors and residents would rather observe the wolves in nature, and help keep the wolves, humans, and farm animals safe.

Wolves and Humans Getting Along by Kevin Bastarache
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=666180433421239&fref=nf

Meanwhile, the slaughter of animals continues, with Butterball grinding up live baby turkeys.

New secret video reveals horrors at a Butterball factory farm. SHARE this if you think animals deserve better!

 

Watch: Secret Video Shows Baby Turkeys Ground Up Alive by Butterball

Hidden-camera video taken by an undercover investigator with Mercy For Animals at Butterball -- the world's largest producer of turkey meat -- shows...

youtube.com

SCRAPS Offers Doggies and Kitties for Inexpensive License Fee Till June 8, 2014

Buddy, a runaway dog, now part of our family.

To help a homeless animal and enjoy their love and devotion, it's possible to go to SCRAPS, which is offering the critters for only the cost of the license until June 8th, 2014, in preparation for the shelter's move.

SCRAPS (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services) gives this info:
"...cats and kittens will cost $15, and dogs and puppies will cost $25...That cost includes spaying/neutering, vaccinations, micro-chipping, a license and exams."

509.477.2532
"SCRAPS’ current shelter at 2521 N. Flora Road will close June 10 and 11 for the move. The organization’s new building at 6815 E. Trent Ave. will open for business at 10 a.m. on June 12."

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/may/28/dogs-cats-free-scraps-purchase-license/

Keep Exploding Oil Trains OUT of the Inland Northwest: People's Hearing May 21 5:30 to 6:30 Riverfront Park Rotary Fountain

The issue: Once again, a proposal for a crude oil project on the west side of the state has our communities in the crosshairs. So once again, we must speak up and demonstrate the risks we would be assuming if crude oil is shipped through Spokane Valley, Spokane and Cheney. This time, however, the agencies chose NOT to have an official hearing or meeting in Spokane. So we're doing one ourselves! Northwest Region Averaging Nine Freight Train Derailments Per Month Mapping freight train mishaps over the last two-and-a-half years. Eric de Place and John Abbotts on May 13, 2014 at 6:30 am http://daily.sightline.org/2014/05/13/northwest-region-averaging-nine-freight-train-derailments-per-month/ The recent oil train derailment and explosion in Lynchburg, VA is a stark reminder that a similar, maybe even more devastating, accident could occur here in the Inland Northwest. As of now, an average of one to two trains per day carry crude oil through the Inland Northwest.  Oil companies are hoping to increase that amount rapidly to as many as 15 trains per day, according to Department of Ecology.  These oil trains would pass right through Spokane Valley, Spokane and Cheney. Right now in Grays Harbor, there are proposals to receive crude oil that would travel through Washington by train. If approved, up to 23 trains per week, each up to 1.3 miles long, would cut through our communities. In response to a successful legal challenge brought last year by the Quinault Indian Nation and five conservation groups, these two proposals—Westway and Imperium—are currently receiving public comment on what should be reviewed as potential impacts.  But unlike previous regulatory processes' involving oil (and coal) projects in Washington state, no public meeting or hearing was scheduled for the Spokane area.  So we're doing one ourselves! Please join us as we make your voice heard! Attend the Spokane  People’s Hearing:        WHAT:   People’s Hearing on Grays Harbor proposals WHEN:   Wednesday, May 21 from 5:30-6:30 pm WHERE:  Riverfront Park at the Rotary Fountain               (W Spokane Falls Blvd and N Howard St) WHO:   Ben Stuckart, Spokane City Council President Reverend Dr. Todd Eklof of the Unitarian Universalist Church Susan Drumheller, Idaho Conservation League                         And more!RSVP to bart at cforjustice dot org or on the Facebook event page   Unable to attend the People’s Hearing?   Please submit your concerns to Department of Ecology and the City of Hoquiam today. http://bit.ly/GraysHarborComments.  Comment deadline is May 27.    Additional rail traffic in Spokane raises numerous concerns especially because the rail cars would carry dangerous crude oil and have been proven to be unsafe. In just the past ten months we’ve seen the horrors that come from transporting crude oil by rail in which derailments have led to explosions, fires, pollution, and in the sad case in Quebec, 47 deaths.  We as a community will continue to press for answers, to show concern, and demonstrate our unwavering determination to stop Spokane, Spokane Valley or Cheney from being entry on a list of rail disasters.  Just as the oil companies and BNSF have been steadfast in their push to turn our nation’s rail lines in to conveyances for dirty energy, corruption, greed and disasters, we will be steadfast in our push to create a safe, prosperous and clean Spokane. Thanks for all you do,  Bart Mihailovich  YOUR Spokane Riverkeeper    Connect & Share SHARE THIS EMAIL FOLLOW on TWITTER LIKE on FACEBOOK