- National Weather Service: Fog & Stagnant Air Advisories *
- FTC: FTC Brings First Case Against Developers of “Stalking” Apps *
- FDA: Mann Packing Recalls Vegetable Products; King Arthur Flour Updates *
- 2020Census.gov: Avoiding Fraud and Scams *
- Cowlitz Indian Tribe: November Proclaimed Native American Heritage Month *
- Not Strictly Toledo: BOCC Weekly Legislative Meeting *
- Today: Yoga @ St Mary’s, City Council Meeting *
- Tuesday: Election Day *
- Future-Tripping: Feeds, Fundraisers, Forms, Fun & More *
Way to go on a great season to all 25 of our cross country athletes!
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Toledo High School: Paint Night December 7
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Accuweather: Dense Fog Advisory for Southwest Washington Monday Morning
Southwest Interior - Dense Fog Advisory
Dense Fog Advisory in effect until 10:00 AM PST. Source: U.S. National Weather Service
...DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING...
The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Dense Fog
Advisory, which is in effect until 10 AM PST this morning.
* VISIBILITY...1/4 mile or less.
* TIMING...through 10 AM.
* IMPACTS...Visibility in portions of the south interior and the southern portion of Puget Sound, including the Interstate 5 corridor between Olympia and the Washington/Oregon border, will become reduced at times and will result in dangerous driving conditions.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Dense Fog Advisory means visibilities will frequently be reduced to less than one quarter mile. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.
*Tuesday morning forecast includes more fog...
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National Weather Service Seattle: Stagnant Air Advisory
Zip 98591:
- Monday - Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 57. Light north wind becoming north northwest 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
- Monday Night - Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Light north wind.
- Tuesday - Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 56. Northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.
- Tuesday Night - Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 35. North northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.
- Wednesday - Partly sunny, with a high near 56.
Fall 2019 Spotter Training Classes: Spotter training is always available online.
Click here to learn more about the SKYWARN program.
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FTC: FTC Brings First Case Against Developers of “Stalking” Apps
Settlement resolves charges that Retina-X’s products created security vulnerability and violated consumers’ privacy
October 22, 2019 - The Federal Trade Commission has barred the developers of three “stalking” apps from selling apps that monitor consumers’ mobile devices unless they take certain steps to ensure the apps will only be used for legitimate purposes. The settlement resolves allegations that these apps compromised the privacy and security of the consumer devices on which they were installed.
The FTC’s proposed settlement also requires Retina-X Studios, LLC and its owner, James N. Johns, Jr., to delete the data they collected from the stalking apps. The settlement prohibits Retina-X and Johns from promoting, selling, or distributing any monitoring app that requires users to circumvent a device’s security protections to install it, absent reasonable steps to ensure that the app is being used for legitimate purposes.
“This is our first action against a so-called ‘stalking app,’” said Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Although there may be legitimate reasons to track a phone, these apps were designed to run surreptitiously in the background and are uniquely suited to illegal and dangerous uses. Under these circumstances, we will seek to hold app developers accountable for designing and marketing a dangerous product.”
The FTC alleges that Retina-X and Johns developed three mobile device apps that allowed purchasers to monitor the mobile devices on which they were installed, without the knowledge or permission of the device’s user. Retina-X and Johns marketed one of the apps, called MobileSpy, to monitor employees and children. Retina-X promoted two other apps, called PhoneSheriff and TeenShield, to monitor mobile devices used by children. Retina-X sold more than 15,000 subscriptions to all three stalking apps before the company stopped selling them in 2018.
More...
…
FTC Sues Multi-Level Marketer Neora, formerly known as Nerium, Alleging it Operates as an Illegal Pyramid Scheme
Nerium also falsely promotes brain health supplements, agency says
November 1, 2019 - The Federal Trade Commission sued the multi-level marketer Neora, LLC, formerly known as Nerium International, LLC, and its Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Olson, alleging that the company operates as an illegal pyramid scheme and falsely promises recruits they will achieve financial independence if they join the scheme. The lawsuit also alleges that defendants deceptively promote “EHT” supplements as an antidote to concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy caused by repetitive brain trauma, as well as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The FTC is seeking to permanently stop the defendants’ deceptive practices and return money to consumers.
...
Nerium is a multi-level marketing company that sells supplements, skin creams, and other products through a network of “brand partners.” According to the FTC, Nerium actually operates an illegal pyramid scheme that pushes distributors or brand partners to focus on recruiting new distributors, rather than retail sales to customers.
More...
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CDC: Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Ground Beef
Investigation Notice
November 1, 2019 - CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Dublin infections linked to ground beef.
A single, common supplier of ground beef has not been identified. This investigation is ongoing and CDC will update the public as more information becomes available.
Investigation details
November 1, 2019 - CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Dublin infections linked to ground beef.
...
Illnesses started on dates ranging from August 8, 2019, to September 22, 2019…. Of nine ill people with information available, eight (89%) were hospitalized, which is much higher than we would expect for Salmonella infections. The hospitalization rate is usually about 20%. One death has been reported in California.
...
Illnesses might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when someone becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks.
...
Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicates that ground beef might be contaminated with Salmonella Dublin and is making people sick. At this time, the investigation has not identified a single, common supplier of ground beef.
More...
*None of the cases under investigation are in Washington or Oregon.
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FDA: Mann Packing Co., Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Vegetable Products Sold in the United States and Canada Due to Potential Health Risks
November 3, 2019 - Mann Packing Co., Inc. announced today the voluntary recall of a series of vegetable products sold to select retailers in the United States and Canada. The voluntary recall is a response to a notification by the Food and Drug Administration and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. To date, public health officials have not reported any illness associated with these products.
Mann Packing is issuing this recall out of an abundance of caution. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Mann Packing will continue to work closely with the authorities to investigate the issue.
The recalled products have “Best If Enjoyed By” date of October 11, 2019 to November 16, 2019. The full list of products and all corresponding product images are available at https://mannpackingproductlist11-2019.us
*It’s a comprehensive list, dozens of products & pictures.
More…
...
King Arthur Flour Updates Three Lot Codes of Voluntarily Recalled Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (5 lb.)
November 1, 2019 - King Arthur Flour, Inc. was notified by ADM Milling Co. that three additional product lot codes of Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 5 lb. were omitted from the original data they provided for the press release on October 3, 2019. The additional lot codes and their corresponding “Best Used By” dates are listed below:
Best Used by Date 12/09/19: Lot codes L18A09A & L18A09C
Best Used by Date 01/08/20: Lot code A19A08A
This new information only applies to “Best Used By” dates already disclosed in the prior release. No additional Best Used By dates are introduced as a result of these three updated lot codes.
As stated in the prior release, we have undertaken this voluntary recall because of the potential presence of E. coli 026.
King Arthur Flour has not received any confirmed reports of illnesses to date related to this product.
More…
…
FDA: Statement on new testing results, including low levels of impurities in ranitidine drugs
November 1, 2019 - FDA Statement
Excerpt: Although many of these levels of NDMA observed through FDA testing are much lower than the levels some third-party scientists first claimed, some levels still exceed what the FDA considers acceptable for these medicines… If we or the manufacturers find NDMA levels above the acceptable limits (96 nanograms per day or 0.32 ppm), we’re now asking companies to voluntarily recall ranitidine. We would also ask manufacturers to voluntarily recall nizatidine, commonly known as Axid, if they found NDMA above the acceptable daily intake level because it is chemically similar to ranitidine.
...
In the meantime, our recommendations for consumers and patients have not changed. Consumers taking OTC ranitidine or nizatidine can consider using other OTC products approved for their condition. So far, the FDA and industry testing of medicines in the histamine-2 (H2) blocker and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) classes has identified NDMA only in ranitidine and nizatidine. The FDA’s tests of samples of alternatives such as Pepcid (famotidine), Tagamet (cimetidine), Nexium (esomeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole) and Prilosec (omeprazole) show no NDMA impurities in the medicines.
More...
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2020Census.gov: Avoiding Fraud and Scams
The U.S. Census Bureau is committed to making the 2020 Census quick, easy, and safe for all participants.
The Census is focused on response online this year but will not be using email to contact people. Your notice will be sent via the US Postal Service "snail mail."
Phishing is a criminal act in which someone tries to get your information by pretending to be an entity that you trust. These types of emails often direct you to a website that looks real but is fake—and may be infected with malware.
REPEAT, the Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request your participation in the 2020 Census.
Further, during the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask for:
Your Social Security number;
Your bank account or credit card numbers;
Money or donations; and
Will not contact you on behalf of a political party.
More...
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Cowlitz Indian Tribe: November Proclaimed Native American Heritage Month
The State of Washington has designated the Friday immediately following the fourth Thursday in November, a state legal and school holiday, known as Native American Heritage Day.
Washington joins other states across the nation in celebrating Native American Heritage Month, honoring the unique heritage of this continent's First People, and reaffirming the commitment to respect each tribe's sovereignty and cultural identity.
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Toledo Presbyterian Church: Annual Bake Sale November 9
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Toledo Food Bank: November, December Holiday Schedule
November: 8th & 22nd plus Wednesday evening the 20th.
December: 13th & 20th plus Wednesday evening the 18th.
Debbie says: Walk n Knock will be fast approaching - Saturday December 7th - as well as the Toy Drive. Needed mostly are gifts for teenage girls and boys up to 16yrs of age.
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Not Strictly Toledo: Lewis County Commissioners
The Lewis County Commissioners meet 10:00 a.m. Mondays in BOCC Hearing Room – 2nd floor, Historic Courthouse, 351 NW North Street, Chehalis, Washington.
BOCC Legislative Agenda for Monday, November 4, 2019.
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Today: Yoga at St Marys - 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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Tonight: Toledo City Council meets 6 PM first and third Mondays monthly. The public is welcome & invited to attend. Dates may change if scheduled on or near a federal holiday.
Visit www.toledowa.us or call (360)864-4564.
Workshops & Special Meetings: Occasionally the council will hold a workshop or special meeting. Dates and times will be announced prior to meetings. Generally they are held the same night of council meetings.
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Toledo Fire Department meets 7 PM Mondays for training & drills.
To Become a Volunteer Firefighter: Download an application.
Submit to Main Station during business hours (10 AM - 4 PM Monday - Friday).
16 - 17 year olds may serve as Junior Firefighters.
This week’s class: Reading Smoke / Building Construction
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Tuesday: Election Day - Ballot Drop Box in Toledo
Located behind City Hall, adjacent to Toledo Senior Center.
*You can register to vote in person at the Lewis County Elections Department through Tuesday. Click link for details.
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Looking Ahead: November 7 - Farming with Fungi hosted by Nature Nurture Farmacy
Please join Nature Nurture Farmacy & Fungi Perfecti at Camp Singing Wind in Toledo for an incredible event on Farming with Fungi!!! Suggested donation of $10 to support the efforts of Nature Nurture Farmacy and all we are doing in the local community! No one turned away for lack of funds, so please donate what you are able. See link below to register and donate.
Farming with Fungi: This talk is an overview and exploration of a variety of ways that mushrooms can be incorporated into a sustainable farming practice. From benefiting soil structure, to increasing bloom production and supporting the health of your animals, fungi are your farms newest old friend. Come take in some knowledge, ask questions and buy mushrooms!
Class is taught by Sami Kempf a customer service representative at Fungi Perfecti and our culture and grain spawn specialist. She graduated from Evergreen in 2012 with a BA in Fine Arts with an emphasis on sociology and food systems. She has been working on farms and landscaping ever since. When not talking fungi she enjoys working in her garden, crafting, fermenting and roaming the woods with her furry companion.
Tix: www.naturenurturefarmacy.org
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Toledo Indians Sports Schedule
Football:
Nov 8th Crossover
Soccer:
Nov 5th & 9th District Playoffs
Nov 14th &15th First Round Playoffs
Nov 22nd Semi Finals
Nov 23rd State Final
Volleyball:
Nov 6th & 9th Districts
Nov 14th,15th & 16th State in Yakima
Cross Country:
Nov 9 State @ Pasco Sun Willows Golf Course
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Future-Tripping: Feeds, Fundraisers, Fun & More
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Toledo Fire Department Surplus - 1997 Ford Northstar Ambulance
(Photos @ https://www.toledofire2.com/)
The fire department is surplusing: 1997 Ford NorthStar Ambulance
7.3 Turbo Diesel 160,718 Miles Sold AS IS. Starting Bid: $2,800.00
Sealed Bids Due 4 PM November 14
Return Bids to: Lewis Fire District #2 ~PO BOX 309 ~Toledo, WA 98591
tolfire2@toledotel.com
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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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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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Bateaux Cellars: Fall Events
We’ve still got our summer hours until the time changes this weekend: Friday’s 2-6pm and Saturday’s and Sunday’s 12-6pm. And we’ve got events galore to keep you entertained all fall and winter long.
Mark your calendars now and look out for sign up info for some of these events soon:
- Game Day, Saturday 11/9 from 12-5pm. Board and card games all day!
- 2020 Intention Setting Workshop, Sunday 11/10 2-4pm, $25. Link in bio for info.
- Malbecs From Around the World. Saturday 11/16, 6pm. Tickets released soon.
- Sunday 12/8, 1-5pm, Shop Local Holiday Bazaar at Bateaux!
All the events, all fall and winter!
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November 7: Bath Bombs, Soaks & Scrubs @ Toledo Community Library
November 7: Farming with Fungi by Nature Nurture Farmacy and Camp Singing Wind
November 9: Toledo FCCLA Comedy Night @ Donna's Place
November 9: Babysitting Service (during FCCLA Comedy Night) @ THS - Facebook
November 11: Veteran's Day Ceremony @ Kemp Olson Park
November 11: Veterans Day = Free National Park Day (Mt Rainier included)
November 13: Camino Trail with Caleys @ Toledo Community Library
November 16: Annual Thanksgiving Dinner @ Toledo Senior Center - RSVP 360.864.2112
November 23-24: Holiday Artists’ Market @ Morgan Arts Centre
December 7: Christmas Time In Toledo @ Toledo High School - Toledo Senior Center
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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.
***
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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