Michigan To Appoint Emergency Fiscal Manager For Detroit

English: City seal of Detroit, Michigan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

DETROIT — Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan announced on Friday that the city of Detroit is so snarled in financial woes that the state must appoint an emergency manager to lead it out of disaster.

“There is probably no city that is more financially challenged in the entire United States.  If you look at the quality of services for citizens it’s ranked among the worst.  So we went from the top to the bottom over the last 50 or 60 years,” Mr. Snyder told Detroiters in a town-hall-style meeting that was broadcast live on local television stations across the city.

“It’s time to say we should stop going downhill,” he said.  “There have been many good people that have had many plans, many attempts to turn this around, they haven’t worked.  The way I view it, today is a day to call all hands on deck.”

The state-appointed manager, who could be selected later this month, would ultimately wield powers aimed at swiftly turning around the municipal government’s dire circumstances — powers to cut city spending, change contracts with labor unions, merge or eliminate city departments, urge the sale of city assets and even, if all else failed, to recommend bankruptcy proceedings.

Read more:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/02/us/michigan-appoints-emergency-manager-for-detroit.html?hp&_r=0

McDonald’s Getting Rid Of Items From Menu

English: The McDouble, a cheeseburger from McDonald’s. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

NEW YORK – McDonald’s is getting rid of its Chicken Selects and Fruit & Walnut Salad and is considering the removal of Angus burgers.

The changeup comes as the world’s biggest hamburger chain plans to step up the number of limited-time menu items in the year ahead.

Most recently, the chain introduced its Fish McBites.  It plans to introduce McWrap chicken sandwiches with lettuce, tomato and cucumber and a choice of three sauces later this year.

The McWrap sandwiches will be larger than the chain’s Snack Wraps.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20130301_ap_mcdonaldsgettingridofitemsfrommenu.html#ixzz2MJkAwVQN

Watch sports videos you won’t find anywhere else

Philadelphia Flower Show Opens Tomorrow

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Philadelphia County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You may not have even noticed, but after just three years, the Philadelphia International Flower Show is back to being the Philadelphia Flower Show.

The global moniker was always a stretch, but its quick demise was surprising, given the fanfare surrounding its debut.

“Calling something international doesn’t really mean anything, and ‘Philadelphia International Flower Show’ was a mouthful,” said Drew Becher, who became president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in mid-2010, after the new name had gone into effect.

Produced by PHS, the show runs Saturday through March 10, at the Convention Center, following sneak peeks this afternoon and Saturday morning for members. [Tickets run from $15 in advance for children to $32 for adults at the door.]

Officially, the new name is PHS Philadelphia Flower Show – and it’s all about branding.

Read more:  http://www.philly.com/philly/home/gardening/20130301_Flora_Fantastic.html

MOSAIC Community Land Trust & Genesis Housing Corporation Home Buying Basics

Tuesday, March 5th, 7pm-9pm
MOSAIC Community Land Trust, 10 S. Hanover Street, Pottstown
Real Estate Agreements & Types of Mortgages
Grants & First-Time Buyer Programs

Registration recommended as space is limited. Register online at http://www.genesishousing.org. Visit us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/genesishousing

Are You Looking To Lease Office Space For Your Business?

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Montgomery County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Our Business Incubator is a project to stimulate entrepreneurs in the successful creation of a new business or to expand an existing business.  The Micro-enterprise Resource Center  (MERC) provides administrative offices at well-below market rates in Montgomery County, PA.  Electricity, conference room, and parking provided at no extra cost.  Occupancy is available immediately.

Please contact Geraldine Savoy, MERC Director 610-277-6363 X 141 or gsavoy@cadcom.org

Spring Saving Craft Fair

Walnut Woods of Boyertown

Saturday, March 23, 11am-4pm

35 North Walnut Street, Boyertown

Vendors Needed!

Arts and crafts vendors wanted.  Direct sales vendors wanted (home party vendors).  No fee.  Please provide you own table.  Spots will be 6 feet.  Please call to reserve your spot.  Spots are limited.

Contact Jessica at 610-367-6616

Pottstown Regional Public Library To Host Celtic Concert

Pittsburgh Officials Keeping Search For Police Chief Under Wraps

A map of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with its neighborhoods labeled. For use primarily in the list of Pittsburgh neighborhoods. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Just as quietly as police brass have begun making changes at headquarters, city officials have begun their search for a new chief to head the bureau at the center of a federal investigation.

Few details have been released about the search for someone to succeed former Pittsburgh police Chief Nate Harper, who resigned under pressure last week after the mayor met with federal authorities.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and public safety director Mike Huss have said only that they prefer an outside candidate, they have “no plans” to hire an outside search firm and they plan to consult the police union.

Groups that conduct searches for police chiefs say the process, when done thoroughly, can take months and can be especially tricky for a bureau under intense scrutiny.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/pittsburgh-officials-keeping-search-for-police-chief-under-wraps-677360/#ixzz2MJE8FYGH

Pittsburgh Mayor Ravenstahl Won’t Seek Re-Election

English: Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) meets with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, whose chance political ascendancy made him one of the youngest heads of a major American city, announced this morning in a news conference that he would not seek reelection, just 11 days after formally announcing his run.

The mayor opened the press conference saying he was proud of what he and his staff have accomplished during his tenure.

He said that all had come at a cost.  “Those who have paid the greatest cost are those who are closest to me.

He said he’d decided the pressure of the job was too much and had made the decision not to seek re-election.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/region/mayor-expected-to-make-announcement-about-his-future-677437/#ixzz2MJBUrE95

ArtFusion 19464 Seeking Donations Of Military Uniforms For Exhibit

Pottstown, PA –  ArtFusion is in need of old military uniforms for an upcoming educational art exhibit. The uniforms will be used in an amazing interactive art project with local veterans.  They are able to use any size, condition or clothing item you may have (pants, shirts, etc.).  We are specifically looking for Vietnam era uniforms but will accept all types from any era.  Uniforms can be dropped off at their 254 E. High St. location during regular business hours: Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown.  The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages.  The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence.  ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists.  The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.  The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Carrero Pleads Guilty To Pottstown Murder

NORRISTOWN — A Pottstown man has admitted to strangling his girlfriend to death during a violent argument before hiding her body in the basement of her home and fleeing to Florida in the woman’s car.

Edwin Carrero II, 33, pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Court on Thursday to charges of third-degree murder, theft by unlawful taking and access device fraud in connection with the Feb. 2, 2012, strangulation death of 31-year-old Alicia Schmidt inside Schmidt’s 424 Cherry St. residence, where Carrero periodically resided.

“He strangled a defenseless woman in her bedroom with her children asleep in the house.  It doesn’t get any worse than this.  This is a murder case,” said Assistant District Attorney Wallis Brooks, who leads the district attorney’s domestic violence prosecution unit.

President Judge William J. Furber Jr. deferred sentencing so that court officials can complete a background investigative report about Carrero, who faces a possible maximum prison term of 30½ to 61 years.  Carrero, who also listed an address along Norris Hall Lane in West Norriton, bowed his head and did not respond to a reporter’s questions as sheriff’s deputies escorted him from the courtroom for the return to jail, where he remains pending sentencing.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130228/NEWS01/130229326/carrero-pleads-guilty-to-pottstown-murder-(video)#full_story