| Baseball: Branjord gives back to Stillwater baseball
Stillwater senior Nick Branjord has been involved with the Scouts since second grade. His baseball career started even before that, so it seemed like a natural fit when he decided to complete a landscaping project at the Stillwater Area High School baseball field as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project.With help from friends, family and numerous area businesses, Branjord installed a retaining wall, planted some trees and added rocks under the bleachers to stop the erosion. In addition to being an eye sore, the floating cement slab featured many jagged edges and the area behind the bleachers also turned into a sloppy mess after it rained.The project also included the installation of two signs which showcase many of the top teams and players in the history of Stillwater baseball.Branjord, who received word on March 28 that he had become an Eagle Scout, completed the project last fall."Basically, when I got to that point in my scouting career I knew I wanted to do it for (Stillwater coach) Ricky Michel because of all the stuff he's given to the community," Branjord said.
A personal passion: Gardening allows individual expression
A frosted rose summarizes the gift of a garden in our lives. Each rose that blooms atop this plant carries a remembrance of the one who shared it, but the first frost of autumn is not the end. It is merely a season of rest and renewal. In a few months, the fragrance will be back, and with it, the memories of one long gone. (Linda Askey/Special to The Times) .
City Set to Endorse Water-Wise Landscaping
(KCPW News) Covering your yard in water-wise plants and decorative bark is technically against the law in Salt Lake City. Landscaping codes require yards to be covered in grass - but that no longer fits with the city's water conservation goals. The Salt Lake City Council is now on the verge of making xeriscaped yards legit. On April 17th, the City Council will hold a public hearing on changes to the law that will require only one-third of a yard to be filled with grass or other plants. The rest of the yard can be covered in mulch, gravel or rocks. But first, city water conservation coordinator Stephanie Duer says the city must calm the fears of those who think the change will give people an excuse to abandon their yards in favor of weeds and parked cars. Duer says the city has other laws to address those issues.
Member of city-paid lawn service arrested
A member of a lawn service that Jackson Mayor Frank Melton helped to organize was jailed today without bond at the Hinds County Detention Center.
Fredrica Jermaine Brunson, 22, was arrested on a charge of possession of a stolen automobile and contempt of court, Hinds County sheriffs officials said.
Jackson City Council members this year had questioned payments made to the Wood Street Lawn & Cleanup Service service and voiced concern about the citys usage of it.
Ward 6 Councilman Marshand Crisler pushed the issue, causing members of the administration to produce documents showing the service was insured.
Melton has said he assisted Brunson to organize the service as a way to give him and others a productive livelihood.
No other information was immediately available.
Taking the time to plan better
I attended my first James City County Planning Commission meeting recently to commend the commission on deferring the Williamsburg Pottery application. The previous Prime Outlets and Pottery plans were deferred. The commission challenged them to come up with a different way of doing business. Prime Outlets not only responded, but went above and beyond.
The new plan was a crystal ball into the future of responsible development in James City County. Benches will be placed among beautiful, landscaped promenades. Also, pavers - a different product than usual - will be used to reduce runoff, and the water that is collected will be used to water the landscaping. Proffers for sophisticated water drainage were included. Buildings will be constructed with historical touches and, more importantly, energy conservation in mind.
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