- National Weather Service: Increasing Clouds, Precipitation Wednesday Night *
- FCC: Net Neutrality - Mozilla v. FCC; SPRINT Faces Allegations Re: Lifeline *
- FDA: Potential Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities For Connected Medical Devices *
- HHS: Medicare Fraud Charged In One Of Largest Schemes Ever *
- Not Strictly Toledo: Hazo Hut & Swap Shack *
- Today: Toledo Community Library, Yoga at St Marys *
- Thursday: Gallery 505 Opening Night, Toledo Thursday Market *
- Future-Tripping: Feeds, Fundraisers, Forms, Fun & More *
White Pass Ski Area: Looking forward to mornings like these!
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National Weather Service Seattle: Wednesday Morning Lows
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Zip 98591:
- Wednesday - Increasing clouds, with a high near 62. Light and variable wind becoming south southwest 6 to 11 mph in the afternoon.
- Wednesday Night - A chance of rain before 11pm, then a chance of showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. South southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
- Thursday - Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Fall 2019 Spotter Training Classes: Spotter training is always available online.
Click here to learn more about the SKYWARN program.
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FCC: Port-Out Fraud Targets Your Private Accounts
What’s your most important financial number? Is it your Social Security number? The number on your bank account?
How about your mobile phone number?
Text messages are often used by banks, businesses and payment services to verify your identity when you request updates to your account. Savvy scammers know that by hijacking your mobile phone number they can assume your identity, intercept security protocols sent to your phone, and gain access to your financial and social media accounts.
The Porting-Out Scam: How It’s Done
One way to hijack your phone number is through a porting-out scam. Mobile phone numbers can legally be ported from one provider to the next when you switch your phone service. Phone companies have established safeguards to protect this process, such as having account holders set up a PIN or a password they must provide when calling about their account. But scammers with enough of your personal information can interfere, hijacking your phone number and with it your identity.
Scammers go after their target’s personal information, such as their name, address, birth date, PINs or passwords, and the last four digits of their Social Security number. Scammers may try to get this information by calling their target and impersonating a trusted business or institution, then asking a series of questions to gather as much data as possible. In some cases, the information may already be stolen and available on the dark web.
When scammers initiate a porting request, they con the victim’s phone company into believing the request is from the authorized account holder. If the scam is successful, the phone number will be ported to a different mobile device or service account set up by the scammer. This typically begins a race where the scammer, by receiving the victim’s private texts and calls, tries to reset the access credentials for as many of the victim’s financial and social media accounts as possible before the victim realizes they have lost service on their device. Once the scammer has access, they attempt to drain the victim’s bank accounts. In another variation, they attempt to sell or ransom back to the victim access to their social media accounts.
More…
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FCC: COMMISSIONER GEOFFREY STARKS CALLS FOR WITHDRAWAL OF DRAFT SPRINT/T-MOBILE MERGER ORDER BASED ON SERIOUS MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS
Unprecedented scale of apparent Lifeline violations raises questions about the future of proposed merger
Washington, DC - September 24, 2019 - Today, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced an
investigation into Sprint’s alleged misappropriation of Lifeline support for 885,000 ineligible accounts. The following statement can be attributed to Commissioner Geoffrey Starks of the Federal Communications Commission:
“The misconduct alleged today, if true, amounts to corporate malfeasance. A single company apparently misappropriated funds for nearly 10 percent of the entire Lifeline program. I am outraged. Our universal service dollars are precious. Every dollar must get to its intended recipient. This is particularly true for our Lifeline program, which makes communications services affordable for the most vulnerable communities. Addressing internet inequality is one of the FCC’s most pressing and important responsibilities, and Lifeline and our other universal service programs are our most powerful tools to do so, particularly for Americans in rural areas and communities of color.”
Excerpt: “I’m outraged that Sprint appears to have unlawfully obtained at least tens of millions of dollars that should have gone to our lowest income communities…” “Moreover, this announcement directly impacts our review of the proposed merger between Sprint and T-Mobile, one of the largest wireless transactions in FCC history…”
More…
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FCC: COMMISSIONER GEOFFREY STARKS STATEMENT ON NET NEUTRALITY DECISION
Statement: WASHINGTON, October 1, 2019—Today, in Mozilla v. FCC, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision on FCC action to eliminate open internet rules.
The following statement can be attributed to Commissioner Geoffrey Starks:
“At its best, the internet is a democratizing, empowering force. A truly free and open internet enables everyday people, regardless of their means or status, to elevate their ideas, access boundless information, and drive our economy to innovate without undue external influence. This must be protected to the last inch.
“Above all else, today’s decision breathes new life into the fight for an open internet. It
confirms that states can continue to step into the void left by this FCC. To that end, it is a
validation of those states that have already sought to protect consumers, and a challenge to those that haven’t yet acted to think hard about how to protect their citizens. More pointedly, the decision affirms that the FCC ignored key aspects of its mission with regard to public safety and broadband deployment. And the decision admonishes this Commission for its failure to consider the impact of its action in this context on Lifeline, a critical program that makes broadband more affordable for low-income consumers.
“The power remains with the people. Be loud. I’m sure that people across the country who have been invested in this process will continue to demand action from state and federal legislators and will weigh in with the Commission when we consider the Court’s guidance in the near future. I hear you, and know that I will be raising my voice with you.”
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Governor Inslee: Inslee, Ferguson statement on appeals court decision on net neutrality
October 1, 2019 - Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued a joint statement today on the ruling in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia regarding the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) decision to rescind net neutrality and vacate the FCC’s order preempting state open internet laws:
“Today’s ruling says that the FCC does not have blanket authority to stop states like Washington from passing open internet laws to protect consumers. Washingtonians will continue to have access to a fair, free and open internet, thanks to our first-in-the-nation open internet access law. This is an important victory for our state.”
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FDA: NEWS RELEASE - FDA informs patients, providers and manufacturers about potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities for connected medical devices and health care networks that use certain communication software
October 1, 2019 - Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is informing patients, health care professionals, IT staff in health care facilities and manufacturers of a set of cybersecurity vulnerabilities, referred to as “URGENT/11,” that—if exploited by a remote attacker—may introduce risks for medical devices and hospital networks. URGENT/11 affects several operating systems that may then impact certain medical devices connected to a communications network, such as wi-fi and public or home Internet, as well as other connected equipment such as routers, connected phones and other critical infrastructure equipment. These cybersecurity vulnerabilities may allow a remote user to take control of a medical device and change its function, cause denial of service, or cause information leaks or logical flaws, which may prevent a device from functioning properly or at all.
To date, the FDA has not received any adverse event reports associated with these vulnerabilities...
More...
*Note: When posting FDA Food, Drug & Pet Food Recalls, The Other Toledo omits those announcements that do not affect Washington State & the region.
For up-to-date info on all recalls, visit FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts page. Link here: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm
For other food-related alerts, visit USDA’s FSIS (Food Safety & Inspection Service) page.
Link here: http://tinyurl.com/yy4cdes9
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Health & Human Services: Medicare Fraud Charged In One Of Largest Schemes Ever
A federal law enforcement action involving fraudulent genetic cancer testing has resulted in charges against 35 defendants for their alleged participation in one of the largest health care fraud schemes ever charged: go.usa.gov/xVwhz
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Excerpt: The coordinated federal investigation targeted an alleged scheme involving the payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes by CGx laboratories in exchange for the referral of Medicare beneficiaries by medical professionals working with fraudulent telemedicine companies for expensive cancer genetic tests that were medically unnecessary.
Full DOJ News Release link here.
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October is Domestic Violence Action Month or #DVAM. And (Tuesday was) #day1. So, to start taking action we have a question.
Do you know someone who is being hurt? Or someone who is causing harm? Are you worried about what might be happening in a loved one’s relationship? You are not alone—we are here to help!
We have a guide that can help you support someone who is struggling in their relationship—and to take care of yourself while you’re doing it. People are more likely to turn to their community (friends, family, YOU) than they are to professionals. This guide will help you support someone who is struggling in their relationship—and to take care of yourself while you’re doing it. People are more likely to turn to their community (friends, family, YOU) than they are to professionals. So let’s take action. Because everyone deserves healthy relationships.
WSCADV.org/DVAM #dvam2019 #1thing #unacosa #huddleup #enddv #bethechange
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TES PTO: Your Fall Leaves Welcome At TES Kid’s Garden
Fall is here...Our Toledo Elementary School Garden welcomes your raked and bagged leaves. The leaves will be used to put our beds to sleep during the winter then for composting in the spring. They can be taken to the school and placed inside the garden fenced area. Thank you in advance!!
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Not Strictly Toledo: Lewis County Solid Waste Utility
Heads up for Wednesday! The Hazo Hut at the Central Transfer Station in Centralia undergoing repairs. Customers will be redirected to the recycling area to drop off their unwanted household chemicals.
Hazo Hut and the Swap Shack at the Central Transfer Station in Centralia are open today until 4 p.m. to accept your leftover or unwanted household hazardous waste and burned out fluorescent lights. The Swap Shack is the place you can pick up good re-usable paint or cleaning products. Both facilities are open every Wednesday and the first and third Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Today: Toledo Community Library offers a quiet sanctuary amid the Back-To-School bustle. Enjoy a fresh-brewed cup of your favorite hot beverage and grab a comfortable chair, peruse the on-going Book (& DVD & game) Sale - now by donation - while appreciating WiFi access.
Toledo Community Library open until 6 PM Wednesday, 5 PM Thursday & Saturday.
And tell Charlie I sent you.
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Today: Dancing Moon Yoga has room for a few more yoga enthusiasts 2 - 3 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays at Tribal Housing, St Mary’s.
These are gentle sessions aimed toward seniors/elders, donations accepted but not required as The Cowlitz Tribe is sponsoring the class for the community.
What a great share!
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Thursday: Around Town
Toledo Thursday Market open 3 - 7 PM behind Steamboat Landing on Ramsey Way.
Gallery 505 Opening Night 1 - 7 PM - September Exhibit: Sticks & Stones
Toledo Indians Sports Schedule
Football:
Oct 4th @ Toutle Lake 7:00 bus @ 4:30
Oct 11th vs. Kalama 7:00
Oct 18th vs. Wahkiakum 7:00
Oct 25th @ Winlock 7:00
JV Football:
Oct 7th @ Onalaska 4:00
Oct 14th @ Kalama 6:00
Oct 21st @ Castle Rock 6:00
Oct 28th vs.PeEll 6:00
Soccer:
Oct 2nd vs. Ocosta 6:00
Oct 7th @ Life Christian 6:00
Oct 9th @ Adna 4:00/6:00
Oct 14th vs. Onalaska 6:00
Oct 16th @ Napavine 6:00
Oct 21st vs. Ilwaco 4:00/6:00
Oct 23rd @ Toutle Lake 4:00/6:00
Oct 28th vs. Winlock 6:00
Volleyball:
Oct 3rd @ Napavine 5:45/7:00
Oct 8th vs. MWP 5:45/7:00
Oct 10th @ Toutle Lake 5:45/7:00
Oct 15th vs. Mossyrock 5:45/7:00
Oct 17th @ Wahkiakum 5:45/7:00
Oct 22nd vs. Adna 5:45/7:00
Cross Country:
Oct 5 Harvest Classic Longview 8:45am bus @ 7:00am
Oct 15 @ Adna 3:30 bus @ 2:00
Oct 22 League Meet @ Rainier 11:00am bus @ 9:30
Nov 2 District Meet @ Onalaska 11:00 bus @ 9:30 am
Nov 9 State @ Pasco Sun Willows Golf Course
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Future-Tripping: Feeds, Fundraisers, Fun & More
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TES PTO posted: Box Tops App help raise funds for Toledo Elementary!
Here is the Box Tops email you can send your online receipts to when you do online shopping: receipts@boxtops4education.com
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Lewis County Water Alliance - We are a citizens group in Randle, WA fighting to keep Crystal Geyser from bottling and exporting our water. Our goal is to protect our water and environment for our families, our farms, our fish, and our future.
Update: Lewis County Water Alliance has received so much support from other towns & regions seeking to halt commercial water interests that Washington Water Alliance has been created.
*Special thanks to Deanna Busdieker, who condensed posts & threads into a shared folder: Link here.
Updated several times daily. The Other Toledo is committed to supporting our upriver neighbors in their challenge to preserve this precious natural resource. After all, we all live downstream.
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Joe Notch reminds everyone: Vessel Safety Checks
You can request a free courtesy vessel exam by going to the Coast Guard Auxiliary website, the Coast Guard App or by calling our local vessel examiner, Bob Mccready at (360) 425-2468. More information at this Link: https://cgaux.org/vsc/
*PS They’ll come right to you for that courtesy vessel inspection. Joe Notch said so!
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Wendy Carolan: Lewis County Kinship Support Group
There are many of us out here raising grandkids or other family members.
Join us as we share support and resources.
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TES PTO invited: ISO Girl Scout Leaders
Toledo is looking for Girl Scout leaders. One person doesn’t need to be in charge, multiple people can lead a troop and split responsibilities. Let myself (Tina Lyon) or Kelly Schey know if you are interested or have questions.
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The Cat's Meow Spay, Neuter & Adoption Project: Drive For New Clinic
We want to do more for the community!
Fixing 120 cats a month is not enough...we want to do 120 a week!
We NEED a spay/neuter facility in Lewis County.
If every person whose life we've touched would donate just $5 a month...or sign up with smile.Amazon and igive.com, we could have one up and running by this time next year!
Here's how: www.catsmeowsnap.org/join-us
Thank you for helping us help kittens & cats of SW Washington and the people who care for and love them!
Q: Is the Cat's Meow a 501(c)(3)?
A: yes, since 2011!
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Visiting Hooves Miniature Therapy Horses & Bunnies:
*GoFundMe: Therapy animal Nonprofit devastated by hardships
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!!NEW!! October 3 - 4: Fall Truckload Meat Sale @ Toledo Market Fresh
Its our Semi-Annual Truckload Meat Sale! Huge Savings on Bulk Meat! Cut for free!
October 5: Sucker Punched Live @ Donna's Place (Fundraiser for #RyleeStrong)
October 12: Toledo Community Library Event - Bean & Seed Art
October 19: 20th Annual Cowlitz Indian Pow Wow @ Cowlitz Event Center
November 7: Farming with Fungi by Nature Nurture Farmacy and Camp Singing Wind
November 11: Veteran's Day Ceremony @ Kemp Olson Park
November 23-24: Holiday Artists’ Market @ Morgan Arts Centre
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Toledo Builds a High School
Information regarding the building of a new high school in Toledo, WA beginning in November, 2018. Regular updates.
https://chris-rust.blogspot.com/
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Toledo Thursday Market 2019 TTM Vendor Application.
Toledo Thursday Market 2019 Application PDF link here.
Tax-deductible GoFundMe page here.
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Check out Latest Earthquakes at USGS.
Pacific Northwest Seismic Network has a new Tremor Map: https://tinyurl.com/y2pcbust
Check out US Tsunami Warnings at NOAA/Weather.
Air Quality Forecast at https://airquality.weather.gov
Cliff Mass Weather & Climate Blog: https://cliffmass.blogspot.com/
Visualize wildfire smoke with NASAWorldview - https://go.nasa.gov/2T7olog
Emergency Alerts: https://www.ready.gov/alerts (concise list with links)
Lewis County Burn Restrictions lifted 09.18.2019. Check here for changes.
Keep abreast of burn bans statewide: WA Burn Bans
WDFW: Dangerous wildlife
To report poaching in progress and emergency dangerous wildlife complaints, dial 911.
For non-emergency poaching or violation reporting, or non-emergency dangerous wildlife complaints, call 877-933-9847, or submit an online report. You can also text your poaching/violation tip to 847411 (TIP411).
Dangerous wildlife incident reports
Review wolf, cougar, and grizzly bear incidents in Washington state.
Response to dangerous wildlife complaints
WDFW policy directs agency employees to respond appropriately to dangerous wildlife incidents.
Cougar Management Removal Permit Program
Cougar removals may be conducted if warranted by a human-cougar interactions or a livestock or pet depredation.
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