sears craftsman riding lawn mower

Teenager mows her rivals down

2012-04-30T15:53:00.002-07:00

Torbanlea’s Paige Francis loves racing on her Rover Ranger lawnmower.
SHE can barely reach the pedals, yet rising lawnmower racing driver Paige Francis is having no trouble cutting down her rivals.
The fearless Torbanlea teenager recently made it a hat-trick of wins in the D-grade series, racing to victory at the Sunshine Coast round of the SEQ Ride-On Lawnmower Racing competition.

The victory means the Aldridge State High student has yet to be beaten since she first donned the helmet in February.
Paige and her mother Valerie are the only women in the Wide Bay area competing in the sport.
But that hasn't slowed the 14-year-old from quickly making her mark in the lawnmower racing scene.
"Every time we head out to the race meets, other drivers look at me and think I'm little," she said.
"But when I go out and beat them, they can't believe it."
Paige, whose bladeless machine of choice is a Rover Ranger, fitted with a 725cc Briggs and Stratton motor, grew up watching her parents race before she cut loose on the track.
Her father Fred said he was surprised by how quickly his daughter had mastered the sport.
"She'd been hounding us for months to have a go," he said.
"She's learnt pretty quickly.
"Her lines on the track make it hard for people to pass her.
"She's also confident and likes to go hard."
Paige, who races against up to 20 mowers on dirt, bump-ridden circuits, is lapping up her short time on the track.
"It's scary in a way," she admits.
"These things can throw you around, especially when you go into the corners sideways.
"Because I'm so light and I don't fit in the seat properly, I tend to bounce a lot when I go over a bump.
"But it's a huge adrenalin rush, I love it."
Fred said lawnmower racing was slowly growing in interest.
He cited the fact it was easy on the pocket as the main reason more people were joining the sport.

MaHyTec creates world’s first hydrogen-powered riding lawnmower

2012-04-30T15:52:00.001-07:00

MaHyTec creates world’s first hydrogen-powered riding lawnmower

Hydrogen lawnmower as an alternative to high-polluting models

MaHyTec, a developer and producer of hydrogen fuel tanks used for mobile applications, has unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-powered riding lawnmower. The lawnmower features a small, but powerful internal combustion engine that has been modified to run on hydrogen gas. The lawnmower features a storage tank that can provide the vehicle with enough fuel to run for hours on end. The company had decided to manufacture the riding lawnmower because it considered conventional lawnmowers to be too polluting and no longer viable given the availability of alternative energy systems.

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MaHyTec inspired by pollution cutting capabilities of hydrogen fuel

The company cites a report released by the California Air Resources Board, which indicates that the pollution that lawnmowers produce is 93 times higher than that produced by cars, per liter of gas. MaHyTec believes that battery-powered lawnmowers are not a viable alternative to conventional gas-powered lawnmowers because of issues concerning efficiency. The combustion engine used in the lawnmower makes use of hydrogen gas instead of gasoline, which produces no carbon emissions.

Company expects to commercialize lawnmower

MaHyTec currently has tentative plans to release the riding lawnmower to the commercial market. The company is currently acquiring financial support for the endeavor and working with partners to make changes to the lawnmower to make it more appealing to consumers. The first prototype of the lawnmower has already been sold to a professional gardening company in France. MaHyTec believes that this is the first sale of many to come in the future.

Adoption of hydrogen fuel may reduce the cost of fuel cells

The uses of hydrogen fuel are quite varied. Recent developments in fuel cell and storage technology have made it easier for companies to adopt hydrogen and develop systems based upon its use. MaHyTec is an example of such a company and believes that its creation of the world’s first hydrogen-powered riding lawnmower will serve as an example that other companies can follow. As the adoption of hydrogen energy expands, the cost of fuel cells is expected to drop. Cost has been one of the most significant detractors of hydrogen fuel and has been targeted as a serious issue to solve.

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Toddler accidentally run over by riding lawn mower

2012-04-30T15:50:00.001-07:00

Toddler accidentally run over by riding lawn mower

TOWN OF ERIN — A 22-month old girl suffered a partial amputation of one foot and had several toes amputated on the other after an accident involving a riding lawn mower in the Town of Erin.
69-year-old Karen Meyer called 911 just after 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 26th, to report she had accidentally run over her great granddaughter’s foot with the mower.
An investigation found the woman was mowing the lawn at her home while watching her great granddaughter. She began backing the riding mower up and did not notice the child had run up to her. The child’s feet got caught under the mower.
The woman called 911 from her car on the way to the hospital. An ambulance ended up meeting her in Slinger and took the child to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Officials say they do not think the injury is life-threatening.
FOX6 News talked with a long-time neighbor of Meyer. Gary Soike said, “Just a salt-of-the-earth lady, hard-working, God is she a hard-working lady at her age. She’ll do anything for you.”
The Washington County Sheriff’s Department is finishing up its reports on the case. But there are no plans to file charges.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 9,000 children are hurt every year in lawn mower accidents.

Anderson says its final goodbye to Sears

2012-04-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

Anderson says its final goodbye to Sears

With the store goes nearly 75 jobs

By Dani Palmer The Herald Bulletin

ANDERSON, Ind. — What was once called the “finest retail store in Madison County” by C.C. Hebling, operating assistant manager of the 1947 Sears, with a bright future for employees as a growing company, according to a grand opening booklet for the ’47 store, is now gone.

In late December, Sears Holding Corp. announced it would close 100 to 120 under-performing stores due to lackluster holiday sales, including the Anderson location in Mounds Mall.

Sunday was its last day and, by early evening, the store was already cleared out; as empty as the store hours sign on the door. A sign thanking customers for their patronage hung on the glass inside the mall, where many people stopped to read and glance inside.

“We’ve come (to Sears) ever since they opened shop out here (at Mounds Mall) for Craftsman tools,” customer Jane Cline, of Anderson, said. “It’s too sad they closed.”

Cline said she and her husband came out around 2 p.m. to pay a bill, but by that time, employees were already locking up and told them to pay at Kmart.

She said her husband always bought his tools — the popular Craftsman line — from Sears and also enjoyed some of the lawn equipment the store had.

It’s so sad to see Sears go, she said, because many don’t want to see another store leave Anderson.

Sears has a long history in the city. It first opened in downtown Anderson in 1928, moving to where Anderson Public Library now stands in 1947 and then to Mounds Mall in 1983.

Cline added that she knows a few people who have worked at the store since it opened at the mall and that it’s sad so many are losing their jobs.

Sears was Mounds Mall’s largest retailer and with the anchor now lifted, nearly 75 jobs have gone away.

And, the future of the space left behind is still unknown.

“(The residents of Anderson) want to keep the mall open,” Cline added. “That’s just another added negative for the mall.”

Keith and Kimberly Carpenter, of Anderson, came out “just to see what they had left over,” Kimberly said.

But they were surprised to walk in around 5 p.m. and find it bare, Keith said.

They weren’t the only ones as some customers walked up to the doors just to find them locked and then turned around to walk back out to their cars; Sears’ final day was their reason for making the trip to the mall.

Keith Carpenter said he didn’t expect it to close as early as it did and that he shopped at Sears “every once in awhile” for the tools he could put into layaway. It was also one of the main reasons they came to the mall, Kimberly Carpenter added.

She said she’s a little disappointed to see it go.

“But I hope they’ll bring in something bigger to attract more customers,” she added.

Find Dani Palmer on Facebook and @DaniPalmer_THB on Twitter, or call 640-4847.

Sears Holdings Corporation : Sandra by Sandra Lee Collection to Launch At Sears and Kmart Stores Spring 2012

2012-04-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

Sears Holdings Corporation : Sandra by Sandra Lee Collection to Launch At Sears and Kmart Stores Spring 2012

04/30/2012 | 04:36pm

Apr 30, 2012
NEW YORK, April 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This spring, TV star, entrepreneur and best-selling author Sandra Lee will be launching her exclusive collection of home products, Sandra by Sandra Lee, at Sears and Kmart stores nationwide. The collection - available in stores mid-April - will include cookware, utensils, gadgets, bakeware, small kitchen appliances, tabletop items and storage solutions.
"The launch of the Sandra by Sandra Lee Collection underscores our commitment to quality and value," said Nick Grayston, SVP and President, Footwear and Home, Sears Holdings. "Both Sandra's down-to-earth style and sense of practicality shine through in this innovative collection, which is aspirational, affordable and attainable."
Acclaimed for her warmth and approachability, as well as her talent for offering easy solutions for everyday living, Sandra Lee is anticipating a product line and a collaborative effort with Sears and Kmart that will help customers focus most on what's important to them.
"Launching my collection of home products with Sears and Kmart is a wonderful opportunity to continue helping over-extended homemakers and busy professionals live their lives beautifully and simply," said Sandra Lee. "What is equally exciting is that the 'Sandra by Sandra Lee' collection will be offered at down-to-earth prices while maintaining the fun, fashionable flair my brand is known for."
"Sandra's philosophy of implementing easy ideas that create dramatic results is achieved by a 'keep it simple, keep it smart, keep it sweet' approach that resonates with our customers," added Grayston. "We are happy to be able to offer the new collection exclusively in our stores and online."
The Sandra by Sandra Lee license agreement with Sears Holdings was entered into by Sandra Lee in association with Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICON). The collection retails at a price range from $2.99 to $79.99 at Kmart, and from $4.99 to $139.99 at Sears.
About Sandra Lee
Sandra Lee has a passion for simple solutions that create dramatic results in all areas of home life. She is the host of two highly rated television shows on Food Network (the multi-Emmy-nominated "Semi-Homemade Cooking With Sandra Lee" and "Sandra's Money Saving Meals") and the host of "Sandra Lee Celebrates," a series of prime-time specials on HGTV. Sandra Lee is also a New York Times bestselling author of 25 books, including the 2011 spring release: Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Bake Sale Cookbook. An internationally-acclaimed home and food expert, Sandra has revolutionized the way people think about traditional, time-consuming, "from-scratch" methods. With her trademark "70/30 Semi-Homemade" philosophy, which combines 70 percent ready-made products with 30 percent fresh touches, Sandra creates delicious meals and aspirational home environments that are affordable and attainable.
About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with over 4,000 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, consumer electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation.www.searsholdings.com.
About Iconix Brand Group
Iconix Brand Group, Inc. owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE'S (R), BONGO (R), BADGLEY MISCHKA (R), JOE BOXER (R), RAMPAGE (R), MUDD (R), LONDON FOG (R), MOSSIMO (R), OCEAN PACIFIC (R), DANSKIN (R) ROCA WEAR (R), CANNON (R), ROYAL VELVET (R), FIELDCREST (R), CHARISMA (R), STARTER (R), ZOO YORK (R), WAVERLY (R) and SHARPER IMAGE (R). In addition, Iconix owns an interest in the ARTFUL DODGER (R), ED HARDY (R), ECKO (R), MARC ECKO (R), MATERIAL GIRL (TM), TRUTH OR DARE (TM) and PEANUTS (R) brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.
SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation

Police briefs

2012-04-27T16:26:00.002-07:00

Police briefs

7 days ago | 1743 views | 0 | 2 | |

• Shane Everett McMillian, 20, of 175 Belton Road, was arrested Wednesday on outstanding warrants for charges of breaking and entering, injury to real property and trespassing. The listed complainants are Tommy Haskell McMillian of South View Street and Harry Thompson Jr., whose address was not given, but details concerning the alleged violations were not provided. The younger McMillian was confined in the Surry County Jail under a $6,500 secured bond and is to appear in District Court on May 18.

• A break-in and larceny involving a motor vehicle occurred Wednesday at Rainbow Child Care Center on Piedmont Triad West Drive. The victim of the crime is Donna Michelle Clark of Dover Church Road, who reported that a burgundy makeup bag containing four types of prescription medication was removed from her 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Also taken was a small sum of cash, with no total-loss figure listed.

• Kimberly Darlene Epperson, 35, of 161 Wards Gap Road, Cana, Va., was served Tuesday with an outstanding order for arrest on a first-degree trespassing violation issued on May 6, which stemmed from an incident at Walmart. Epperson is free on a written promise to appear in Surry District Court on May 15.

• Angela Marie Ezekiel, 20, of 195 Deerfield Lane, was arrested Monday on a felony charge of common-law robbery. Details surrounding the alleged violation were not listed. Ezekiel was confined in the Surry County Jail under a $2,500 secured bond and is to be in District Court on June 6.

• The larceny of a Craftsman riding lawn mower, black and gray with a 36-inch cut, occurred Saturday at the home of Michael Shane Foran at 1511 Forrest Drive.

• Carol Diane Fox Stines, 48, of 173 Ashburn Park Lane, was cited for larceny last Friday after allegedly taking merchandise at Walmart. She is facing a May 15 District Court appearance.

• Amanda Christine Maxwell, a Hay Street resident, reported on April 10 that the 42-inch metal deck of a Husqvarna lawn mower was stolen from the sidewalk at her residence.

Sears expanding successful Scrubology "store-within-a-store" concept to 91 stores nationwid

2012-04-27T16:25:00.003-07:00

Sears expanding successful Scrubology "store-within-a-store" concept to 91 stores nationwide
Sears performance boosted by new and innovative concept aimed at growing healthcare sector
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By Work 'N Gear - Scrubology

Published: Wednesday, Apr. 25, 2012 - 12:12 pm

QUINCY, Mass., April 25, 2012 --/PRNewswire/ -- Scrubology, an innovative new "store-within-a-store" concept, is expanding into a total of 91 Sears and Kmart stores nationwide. Scrubology was developed in conjunction withWork 'N Gear, the largest retail chain in the U.S. specializing in work apparel and uniforms for professionals in industrial, service and healthcare fields. In collaboration with Sears and Kmart, 39Scrubology "stores" in total had been opened to date. The concept has proven to be popular with customers so Sears and Work 'N Gear have teamed up to launch an additional 52 stores in Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco andWashington D.C.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please visit:http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55931-sears-kmart-scrubology-expanding-nationwide-work-n-gear

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120425/MM93023 )

The Scrubology concept is attracting a young and affluent demographic. In the key fourth quarter, Scrubology results met or exceeded expectations. The brand has also generated a significant following online through social media, especially on Scrubology's Facebook page which has demonstrated continual growth since November.

"Sears Holdings is pleased thus far with the performance of the Scrubology concept. This venture with Work 'N Gear and the development of this unique 'store-within-a-store' concept has allowed us to provide additional value to our customers," said Dave Schuvie, vice president, Licensed Businesses for Sears Holdings.

Highlighting the success of the relationship, Work 'N Gear CEO Anthony DiPaolo added, "We're very proud of the tremendous results Scrubology has generated for not only Work 'N Gear but alsoSears Holdings. We're looking forward to expanding this successful concept to these new markets."

Each Scrubology "store-within-a-store" is located within select Sears and Kmart stores. Scrubologyis designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare professionals with new and stylish brands such as Cherokee, Dickies, Carhartt, Med Couture, Koi and their own fashion-forward Scrubology brand, allowing customers to express their own individual styles.

The expansion of 52 new Scrubology locations inside select Sears and Kmart locations will occur by May.

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears, Roebuck and Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a leading broadline retailer providing merchandise and related services. Sears, Roebuckoffers its wide range of home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through more than 2,300 Sears-branded and affiliated stores in the United States and Canada, which includes approximately 929 full-line and approximately 1,200 specialty stores in the U.S. Sears,Roebuck also offers a variety of merchandise and services through sears.com, landsend.com, and specialty catalogs. Sears, Roebuck offers consumers leading proprietary brands including Kenmore, Craftsman, DieHard and Lands' End — among the most trusted and preferred brands in the U.S. The company is the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually. For more information, visit the Sears, Roebuck website at www.sears.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com.

About Work 'N Gear

Work 'N Gear is the largest retail chain in the United States specializing in the work apparel and footwear industry, Work 'N Gear serves customers with the widest selection of apparel and footwear designed for use in service, industrial and healthcare environments. Work 'N Gearoperates more than 42 retail stores throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Work 'N Gear has been a leader in the sale of apparel for healthcare professionals for more than 20 years.

SOURCE Work 'N Gear - Scrubology

Lawn mowers targeted in Lincoln thefts

2012-04-27T16:24:00.004-07:00

Lawn mowers targeted in Lincoln thefts

By Meghan Cooke
macooke@charlotteobserver.com

Posted: Thursday, Apr. 26, 2012

Lawn mowers and power tools have been targeted in a string of break-ins and thefts across western Lincoln County, according to authorities.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said officers have received a number of reports of stolen riding lawn mowers since April 1. The majority of the thefts happened during daylight hours while the residents were away from home, authorities said. The thieves are also targeting weed eaters, backpack leaf blowers and other power equipment.

On Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office asked for the public’s help to find the culprits. Anyone who gives information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Authorities ask that people call 911 if they see suspicious activity at neighboring homes or businesses. The Sheriff’s Office also recommended that residents record the serial numbers on their valuables. If an item is stolen, and its owner can provide the serial number, authorities enter the item in a national crime information database.

“In several recent thefts of riding mowers and power equipment, the owners have provided the serial numbers and that has given detectives a step ahead in attempting to locate the equipment,” Lt. Tim Johnson said in a statement.

Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 704-736-8856 or Crime Stoppers at 704-736-8909.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/26/3201303/lawn-mowers-targeted-in-lincoln.html#storylink=cpy

Toddler accidentally run over by riding lawn mower

2012-04-27T16:24:00.002-07:00

TOWN OF ERIN — A 22-month old girl suffered a partial amputation of one foot and had several toes amputated on the other after an accident involving a riding lawn mower in the Town of Erin.

69-year-old Karen Meyer called 911 just after 3:30 p.m. on Thursday to report she had accidentally run over her great granddaughter’s foot with the mower.

An investigation found the woman was mowing the lawn at her home while watching her great granddaughter. She began backing the riding mower up and did not notice the child had run up to her. The child’s feet got caught under the mower.

The woman called 911 from her car on the way to the hospital. An ambulance ended up meeting her in Slinger and took the child to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Officials say they do not think the injury is life-threatening.

FOX6 News talked with a long-time neighbor of Meyer. Gary Soike said, “Just a salt-of-the-earth lady, hard-working, God is she a hard-working lady at her age. She’ll do anything for you.”

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department is finishing up its reports on the case. But there are no plans to file charges.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 9,000 children are hurt every year in lawn mower accidents.

OFF THE BLOTTER: LINCOLN PARK

2012-04-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

OFF THE BLOTTER: LINCOLN PARK

Published: Friday, March 30, 2012
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Someone tried to steal a 1995 Mercury Sable out of the 600 block of Riverbank Drive between 6:30 p.m. March 27 and 4:45 a.m. March 28. The owner noticed the ignition was punched and the car was rifled through when he woke up for work.

A 1999 Oldsmobile was stolen out of the 3000 block of River Drive between 6 p.m. March 27 and 7:30 a.m. March 28.

A mountain bike was stolen after it was left unlocked in front of Family Dollar, 2027 McKinley Ave., between 10:30 and 10:40 a.m. March 27.

A man's hip bag was stolen while he was riding his bicycle past Lincoln Park High School, 1701 Champaign St., at about 1 a.m. As he was riding west on Champaign, a man walking east grabbed his bag, causing him to fall off the bike.

The men struggled for a minute and the strap on the bag broke. The man who took it ran south through the parking lot toward the football field. He is described as black, 25 to 30 years old, 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet tall, weighing about 200 pounds and with braided hair. He was wearing a white FUBU hooded sweatshirt and black baggy jeans.

A flatscreen television, an Xbox video game system and a laptop computer were stolen out of a house in the 1900 block of Moran Avenue between 2 p.m. March 23 and 3:15 p.m. March 26.

Four air conditioning units were stolen at Church of Christ, 2957 Fort St., between 10 p.m. March 24 and 10 a.m. March 25. The units were in a fenced-in area of the property and the chain on the fence was cut.

A large industrial tool and a Craftsman lawn mower were stolen out of a garage in the 2400 block of River Drive between 9 p.m. March 23 and 3:30 a.m. March 24.

Two windows were smashed out at Paun Elementary School, 2821 Bailey St., between 2 and 5 p.m. March 25.

South Side Neighborhood Watch

2012-04-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

South Side Neighborhood Watch

COVENTRY: Summit County sheriff’s deputies investigated an incident of aggravated menacing at a Jasmine Avenue residence March 28, when a woman reported her neighbor was standing out in his front yard brandishing a handgun in an attempt to scare her. The neighbor confirmed that he was standing in the front yard, but he denied having a firearm. Due to conflicting information, no charges were filed.

A Fairview Avenue woman reported March 28 that suspects stole a $500 lawnmower and other large metal items from her yard.

On March 29, a State Street man reported he came home to find an unfamiliar vehicle in his driveway and the front door of his residence open. As he approached, the door slammed shut. He entered his house and heard the vehicle leaving, but he was unable to see the occupants. Some items in the home had been disturbed and some were missing. Deputies found his checkbook stuck in the doorjamb, and the victim determined some checks were missing.

Deputies on Carson Avenue March 31 stopped a driver for a traffic violation, arrested a passenger in the vehicle and released the Akron man to the Barberton Police Department on a warrant.

An employee of a Manchester Road business reported April 1 he arrived at work at 9 a.m. and discovered the front door was open. It was not known whether someone gained entry to the business or whether anything was missing.

A Proehl Drive woman dialed 9-1-1 and made unreasonable requests April 1. Deputies arrived at her home and she continued to make unreasonable requests. Officers determined she was extremely intoxicated and they contacted EMS, who transported the woman to a detoxification center.

Deputies arrested an Akron man at a Cormany Road location April 2 and released him to the Akron Police Department on a warrant.

On April 2, deputies responded to a report of a woman screaming for help at a Judy Avenue residence. A male opened the door, admitted officers to the home and told them the woman was in a back bedroom. Another male was seated on the sofa. The woman said one of the men threw her to the ground. Officers observed a working methamphetamine lab in the residence and called the county drug unit to dismantle it. One male was arrested for domestic violence and all three people were charged with illegal manufacture of methamphetamine and taken to the Summit County Jail.

An Akron man located at a Portage Lakes Drive address was arrested on a warrant for felonious assault April 2. The charge stemmed from an incident on North Turkeyfoot Lake Road in February, when the suspect reportedly argued with another male in a vehicle and stopped the vehicle at the location. According to detectives’ reports, the two males exited, and the suspect punched the other male, knocking him to the pavement. The victim was transported to Akron General Medical Center, where he was treated for fractured facial and nasal bones and a broken arm.

— Compiled by Maggie DeMellier

GREEN: Summit County sheriff’s deputies are seeking the person who stole an electric meter from the side of a Milman Avenue residence March 29.

The owner of a West Turkeyfoot Lake Road sporting business reported March 29 that someone stole golf clubs worth $1,399.

Akron-Canton Airport officials reported March 29 that an Alliance woman was trespassing in a prohibited, secured area of the airport. Deputies interviewed the woman, who said she walked through an open gate and into the area unknowingly. Deputies escorted her out of the airport, and no charges were filed.

An East Park Drive man reported March 30 that someone used his name and Social Security number to file a fictitious federal income tax return.

The manager of an Arlington Ridge Road clothing store reported March 31 that a male grabbed five pairs of jeans, fled the store and left in a gold Pontiac Grand Am, which drove north on South Arlington Road.

On April 2, the owner of a Boettler Oaks Drive business reported someone contacted him posing as a representative of a trucking company, and he provided information that enabled the person to use the company’s fuel credit account. He also mailed a fuel credit card to the person at an address he provided. After several purchases, the victim realized it was a scam.

Following a traffic stop on Interstate 77 April 2, deputies arrested a Canton man for possession of marijuana and two drug pipes. He was additionally charged with obstruction of official business after deputies found an Ohio identification card in his pocket and determined he lied about his identity.

An Imrek Drive man reported April 2 that a neighbor piled dirt in his yard to divert water into the victim’s yard. Deputies instructed the neighbor to remove the dirt and refrain from diverting water into the neighbor’s yard.

Someone shattered the front door of a school on Greensburg Road the evening of April 3.

Employees of a South Main Street pharmacy reported April 4 that a woman concealed items in a black bag and attempted to leave the pharmacy without paying. The items were recovered before she fled in a vehicle. Deputies stopped the vehicle and arrested her for theft and driving under suspension.

An Akron woman was arrested for theft April 4 after she loaded a grocery cart with merchandise totaling $225 and pushed it past all points of purchase at a Manchester Road grocery store. She was released with a court summons.

— Compiled by Maggie DeMellier

LAKEMORE: A Wirth Avenue woman reported April 4 that her car window was shot out with a pellet gun while she was working at a Canton Road bank.

Police are reviewing video surveillance tapes after a Ravenna man reported he was assaulted at a Lake Road bar April 5. Police could not find anyone at the bar to cooperate with the investigation, and asked for the tapes from the bar owner.

On April 6, an employee of a Canton Road retail store reported $300 in clothing was stolen by a black man who was described as 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing 160 to 180 pounds. The man was seen leaving in a 2000 silver Ford Taurus, and police are checking the license plate for more information.

— Compiled by Maria Lindsay

NEW FRANKLIN: An Eastern Road man was arrested March 31 due to a BAC of .17 after being stopped for a traffic violation on Swigart Road.

A Berne Street woman was arrested on Manchester Road April 6 for possession of drugs and falsification after being stopped for a traffic violation. The woman reportedly could not produce her driver’s license and provided a false name. During a vehicle inventory, a bag with a vegetable-like substance was found inside her glove box along with her proper identification.

Two license plates were found on Manchester and Renninger roads April 7, but police were unable to contact the owners.

— Compiled by Joyce Rainey Long

SPRINGFIELD: A Pamer Drive woman reported March 28 that a Cleveland Avenue man used her debit card information to withdraw $90 from her bank account without her permission.

A Linwood Drive woman reported March 30 that her adult son living at her home took her checks and forged her signature to withdraw money from her account and also stole her laptop computer to pawn it.

A vehicle parked on Delaware Avenue was entered March 30 and a GPS, CDs and $3 were stolen.

On March 31, a Canfield Road man reported a Fortuna Drive man and a Bowmanville Street man stayed overnight at his place, and in the morning he discovered they had left and taken a video game system and games valued at $1,250.

A car on Rhoadesdale Court was entered March 31 and a credit card, game system and $200 were stolen.

Police charged a Bisson Avenue woman with theft after she allegedly stole $14 in deodorant from a South Arlington Road store April 1.

A $600 Craftsman riding mower was reported stolen from a detached garage on Abington Road April 1.

Also on that day, a juvenile male and female, both from South Akron, were charged with curfew violations and released to their parents after a traffic stop.

On April 2, a Buchtel Avenue woman was charged with theft after reportedly taking 14 cell phones, 24 video games and 100 DVDs from an Orchard Lane man and selling them to a pawnshop.

After stopping a Lockwood Street man for having only one working headlight April 4, police found a green leafy substance wrapped in paper on the car’s visor and charged the man with possession of drugs.

On April 4, two people were charged with having a dog at large, including an Abington Road woman who also was advised to get her pit bull licensed and insured after it chased a deputy, and a Pawnee Boulevard man after his large dog was found unconfined and off his property.

A vehicle on Samuel Road was entered and a CD player and 10 CDs were stolen April 5.

Police charged a 14-year-old Springfield male with possession of drugs April 5. The youth reportedly arrived to school late and smelling of marijuana, and after officials checked his locker, they reportedly found a baggie of marijuana.

A 14-year-old Springfield female was charged with theft April 5 after she allegedly took an iPod from a juvenile friend and deleted all the data.

A Louisville man was charged with possession of drugs and paraphernalia after police found a green leafy substance and rolling papers on his person when they stopped to question him in a parking lot April 6.

Three Springfield juvenile males were charged with curfew violations and one was additionally charged with tobacco violations after police stopped their car April 6 at 1:19 a.m. for having no working license plate light.

On April 7, a Massillon man working at a South Arlington Road store reported someone stole a $500 cell phone from the pocket of his coat, which was in the employee workroom.

Police charged an intoxicated Frank Street man with disorderly conduct after he was kicked out of a Mohawk Trail bar April 8 but later returned. He also was charged with possession of drugs and paraphernalia after a green leafy substance and rolling papers were found on him.

On April 9, an Ewart Road woman was charged with theft after allegedly stealing $90 in food from an East Waterloo Road store. She was additionally charged with criminal trespass for being on the property despite being banned from it.

— Compiled by Maria Lindsay

Editor’s note: The reports provided here are a sampling of those filed with area police departments and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. For questions related to the reports we’ve included or others we have not, call the South Side News Leader at 330-665-9595 or toll-free at 888-945-9595. To provide information on an alleged criminal act noted in this week’s report, call the appropriate police department.

Sears' top craftsman gets $9.9 million

2012-04-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sears' top craftsman gets $9.9 million

Sears Holdings Corp. paid its chief executive $9.9 million last year, including incentives the ailing department store operator offered to lure the former technology executive, according to an Associated Press analysis of a regulatory filing.

Lou D'Ambrosio, who became Sears' CEO in February 2011, received a signing bonus of $150,000 plus a base salary of $930,769 and $8 million in stock awards, according to a filing the company made Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

D'Ambrosio got another $852,037 in perks, including $803,856 for charter and commercial airfare and ground transportation to commute from greater Philadelphia, where he lives, to Hoffman Estates, Ill., where Sears is based. And he received $29,985 for temporary housing in Hoffman Estates. Sears paid part of the income taxes due on those benefits.

Sears Holdings operates stores and websites under the Sears, Roebuck and Kmart brands, as well as the Lands' End catalogue and online retailer.

It is also the parent company of Sears Canada Inc. (TSX:SCC) which earlier this month announced plans to close three department stores in Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa and sell back its leases to Cadillac Fairview for $170 million.

Over the past few months Sears Canada has laid off about 470 employees in an attempt to cut costs.

D'Ambrosio is a former CEO of communications company Avaya Inc., and he held several positions at IBM Corp. in 16 years with the company.

His hiring ended a three-year search that began after Sears' last chief executive resigned as its sales and profit fell seemingly relentlessly amid stiffening competition from stores of all stripes, from Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to Home Depot Inc. Interim CEO Bruce Johnson was paid a total of $5.3 million for 2010.

Since fiscal 2006, Sears' annual revenue has fallen 20 per cent, and its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization has dropped 92 per cent, according to Credit Suisse analyst Gary Balter. For its fiscal year that ended Jan. 28, Sears had a net loss of $3.14 billion on revenue of $41.5 billion.

The company, whose board is led by billionaire investor Edward Lampert, engineer of the 2005 combination of Sears and Kmart, has announced numerous cuts in recent years. It plans to sell 11 of its stores to the real estate company General Growth Properties for $270 million, and it said it will cut its inventory by $580 million.

In a separate deal, Sears said last month that it will spin off of its smaller Hometown and Outlet stores as well as some hardware stores in a deal expected to raise $400 million to $500 million. And it said in December that it will close 100 to 120 of its roughly 4,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada, including Kmart and full-service Sears, Roebuck stores. It also has spun off the California hardware chain Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corp.

Sears sued over Craftsman wet/dry vacs

2012-04-13T09:41:00.003-07:00

Sears sued over Craftsman wet/dry vacs

9:30 a.m. CDT, April 5, 2012

California resident Kenneth Thompson bought a Craftsman wet/dry vacuum at a local Sears store to use at home. He was impressed by the horsepower and tank capacity mentioned on the box.

But now Thompson is claiming that the product's firepower doesn't come as advertised.

He has sued Hoffman Estates-based Sears Holdings Corp. in a U.S. District Court in Chicago, claiming that the retailer misrepresented the horsepower and tank capacity of Craftsman wet/dry vacs.

Thompson said he hired an independent laboratory to conduct tests on the Craftsman appliances, which are made and sold by Sears.

The appliances can generate, in some instances, only 38 percent of the advertised horsepower, and the tanks were less than two-thirds as large as advertised, claimed the lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday and is seeking class-action status. Only when the motor assemblies are removed from the tanks is the actual capacity as high as that stated, the suit said. That "would be akin to measuring the headroom in a convertible with the top down," it said.

Sears said it doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

The suit's allegations include violating the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act and California's false advertising and unfair competitions laws. It's asking the court to force Sears to, among other things, stop marketing the products with the alleged false representations, and issue cash refunds.

The lawsuit estimates that there are more than 100 members of the class and more than $5 million at stake.

Plaintiffs' lawyers include Lite Depalma Greenberg LLC in Chicago.

byerak@tribune.com
Twitter: @beckyyerak

Sears Holdings Corporation Wins 2011 Distinguished Project Award from PMI®

2012-04-13T09:39:00.003-07:00

Sears Holdings Corporation Wins 2011 Distinguished Project Award from PMI®

One of the Nation’s Largest Broadline Retailers Achieves Transformation in Collaboration with Métier

April 12, 2012 08:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Métier, The PPM Company, is extremely honored to announce that Sears Holdings is the recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Project Award from the Project Management Institute (PMI®). PMI is the leading global membership organization for project managers. The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor successful projects that have promoted project management concepts, techniques, practices or theories through the effective application of project management principles. This is only the third Distinguished Project Award given to recognize a successful PPM software implementation initiative in PMI history, and only the 11th award distributed since 2006.

“We are extremely proud of Sears Holdings for achieving this recognition by the world’s leading experts in project management”

.The Business Management System (BMS) V2.0 Transformation program is a remarkable achievement for Sears Holdings and Métier. The company established the BMS V2.0 Transformation program in March 2010. The program was led by the Enterprise Project Management Office (ePMO) at Sears Holdings with Métier PPM consultants. The primary objectives of the program were to complete a successful migration from one PPM tool to Métier’s software solution and increase the maturity of project, program and portfolio management across the Sears Holdings enterprise.

The intensive, year-long program enabled Sears Holdings to transform the organization to become more agile and to achieve higher levels of portfolio, program and project management maturity based on PMI standards. The program was executed within cost, on schedule and with more scope than originally planned. Much of the success of the project was attributed to the strong commitment and execution of communications management across the enterprise.

“We are extremely proud of Sears Holdings for achieving this recognition by the world’s leading experts in project management,” said Métier’s Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Clark. “At the outset of this program, the goal was to transform project portfolio management for the organization. One year later, Sears Holdings is a model for private sector organizations who want to mature their processes, become more agile and reap the benefits of PPM across their entire enterprise. It has been an honor working together.”

The award was presented at a ceremony yesterday at the PMI Chicago chapter. Douglas Clark, chief executive officer of Métier was in attendance in support of the Sears Holdings Métier collaboration.

For more information about this award winning program, visit www.pmi.org.

About Métier
Métier, The PPM Company, offers cutting edge project portfolio management (PPM) solutions. Ranked as a PPM leader by third party industry analysts, Métier's software and services can mature any organization, regardless of size. Métier is the thought leader in the PPM industry, and holds an extensive portfolio of industry-enhancing patents. In addition to numerous awards for innovative corporate culture, Métier has been consistently ranked as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine. For more information about how your organization can workforward®, please visit www.metier.com or call 1.877.965.9501.

About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: SHLD) is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2010 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. It is the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation.

About Project Management Institute

PMI is the world's largest project management member association, representing more than half a million practitioners in over 185 countries. As a global thought leader and knowledge resource, PMI advances the profession through its global standards and credentials, collaborative chapters and virtual communities and academic research. When organizations invest in project management, supported by PMI, executives have confidence their important initiatives deliver expected results, greater business value and competitive advantage. Learn more at www.pmi.org.

Contacts

Métier, Ltd.

Sara Thompson, 707-546-9300

Sara.Thompson@metier.com

A Lawn Mower Crashed Into my Car; Why Isn't That Covered?

2012-04-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

A Lawn Mower Crashed Into my Car; Why Isn't That Covered?

Question: I was driving my husband's car when a man on a riding lawn mower came in the road and hit the car. We have full coverage while the man riding the lawn mower has no insurance. I thought this could go under my uninsured motorist coverage, but my insurer is saying that North Carolina law states that a riding lawn mower is not covered by this. Why not, if the mower has a motor in it?

Answer: Riding lawn mowers are not street-legal vehicles and shouldn't be on the roadway and thus aren't required to carry any type of motor vehicle insurance on them. Lawn mowers may have some limited coverage under the person's homeowner's policy, but this usually only covers incidents that take place on the person's property when it is being used as intended, not if the person driving it on the street. (See "You crashed a what?!" on Insure.com.)

While the mower has a motor, it's not considered a motor vehicle by most definitions, and so being hit by one isn't covered under your uninsured motorist coverage. Your insurer is right that North Carolina law does back up their decision.

North Carolina General Statutes section 20-4.01(23) defines a motor vehicle as “every vehicle self-propelled and every vehicle designed to run upon the highways which is pulled by a self-propelled vehicle.” A highway is defined (by Statute 20-40.01(13)) as property that is used for the “purposes of vehicular traffic.” Highway and street are synonymous.

The riding lawn mower thus isn't considered a motor vehicle and instead would probably fall under the definition of farm tractor, which under Statute 20-4.01(11) specifically names “mowing machines.”

This leads to the North Carolina Statute that defines uninsured motorist coverage, in particular 20-279.21(b)(3), that says, in part, "uninsured motor vehicles shall not include…a farm-type tractor or equipment designed for use principally off public roads.”

Basically, what the laws and your insurer are saying is that since the man that hit you wasn't required to have insurance for his riding lawn mower, he wouldn't be considered to be an uninsured motorist for not carrying it. The intention of uninsured motorist coverage is to protect you when an at-fault party doesn't carry the mandated motor vehicle insurance, and, unfortunately, your situation doesn't fall under your stated coverages.

This doesn't mean that the man driving the mower won't be held responsible for his damages to your car; your car insurance company will go after him after they pay out for the repairs to your car. While you can't use your uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage to get your car repaired, you said you also had full coverage, so you can make a claim under your collision coverage.

With your collision coverage, you do have a deductible to pay out, but your car insurance company should subrogate with the at-fault driver of the lawn mower for not only the money they are out for repairs but also for your deductible amount. If they don't, then you personally should be able to pursue the man for your deductible amount.

The original article can be found at CarInsurance.com:

A lawn mower crashed into my car; why isn't that covered?

Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/04/04/lawn-mower-crashed-into-my-car-why-isnt-that-covered/#ixzz1rwHUTByR

MUSCATINE, Iowa (WTW)

2012-04-13T09:33:00.002-07:00

MUSCATINE, Iowa (WTW) — Tom Keller got more than he bargained for when he bought a piece of property in 1989 on Muscatine's west side.

He became the guardian of a little piece of Muscatine history, found in one of the buildings located there. Keller's son, Loren Keller, took his friend Greg Shoppa to look over the new property where the teens discovered an old lawn tractor. After a little tinkering, they got it running, said Keller, and Keller let Shoppa keep it.

Two decades later, a relative of Shoppa's recognized the garden tractor as a product of the 1950s Muscatine company Rider Mower. After learning of its history, Keller asked Shoppa if he could take the mower home and get it running again.

"Greg agreed on the condition that I'd one day return it to him when I was ready to part with it," said Keller. "Sounded like a deal to me."

Keller restored the mower by doing some minor repairs and giving it a good cleaning and paint job. He shared the story of the mower with a friend who happened to have a 1958 sales book from Rider Mowers of Muscatine. He gave it to Keller.

According to the manual, the model, called a Yard Cruiser, has a 3-horsepower motor and sold for $299.99 in 1958. According to the Consumer Price Index, that mower would cost $2,363.20 today.

"I'm hoping to pass this on to the next generation and keep this part of local history alive," said Keller.

Keller, 68, has learned that the mower was built in a small factory on Lucas Street, which was established by Dave Kelly of Muscatine. He has also researched the history of lawn and garden tractors, which Keller said became very popular after World War II when people began managing large yards and gardens.

In 1947, Cecil Pond began making riding mowers in a garage in South Bend, Ind. In 1956, he established the Wheel Horse Co. Keller said Pond sold Wheel Horse to American Motors in 1975, who in turn sold it to Toro in 1986. According to Lawn and Garden Tractor magazine, Cecil Pond died on Dec. 30, 2011, at age 87.

Keller has vintage riding mowers manufactured by Wheel Horse as well as a host of other companies, including Jacobsen, Cub, Ford, Allis Chalmer, Massey Ferguson, Case and Sears.

His collection has grown to 25, and is stored in a large shed he built on his Muscatine property.

Keller and his daughter, Jayna Froehlich of Glen Carbon, Ill., looked over the collection earlier this month.

"I honestly didn't know he had this many," said Froehlich, who was very familiar with one model.

"I remember riding that blue one all the time," she said, referring to the Ford mower Keller purchased new in 1975 for practical use.

Keller stays in touch with other collectors through clubs such as the Little Gs of Dyersville and enjoys consulting with people who come across vintage lawn and garden tractors.

He doesn't have a favorite mower.

"They're kinda like kids," said Keller, who with his wife Janice has three children, including daughter Joni Wolf of Bettendorf. "Each one is unique."

Keller said he tells his five grandchildren that if their grandmother asks how many garden and lawn tractors he has they can say that "Grandpa doesn't have enough," Keller said. "Because grandma doesn't know."

Seriously, Keller said: Janice doesn't complain about his collection because she knows it brings him joy.

Information from: Muscatine Journal, muscatinejournal.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Toddler receives 911 award for helping mom

2012-04-13T09:31:00.001-07:00

Toddler receives 911 award for helping mom
By Nicki Cruickshank QMI Agency

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For his incredible courage during a dramatic event young Ryker Manenhout age three received the 911 Youth Award Thursday during the Simcoe County 9-1-1 Management Board Public Safety Communications Awards held at the Simcoe County Museum. (MARKWANZEL/QMI AGENCY)

BARRIE, Ont. — Ryker Maenhout is a little hero, especially to his mother, Lisa Quist.

Just two-years-old at the time, Ryker was his mother’s lifeline when she became pinned between a tree and a riding lawnmower at the family’s home last June.

“I saved my mom,” the three-year-old said Thursday when he received a 911 Youth Award.

“He’s amazing and he was so logical about it the whole time. I was the one freaking out,” Quist said, smiling down at her son.

“He knows he did a good job that day, and he’s really proud of this (award),” Quist said.

Quist said the riding lawnmower stalled and started rolling down a hill. She tried to jump off, but got caught and was dragged down. She was caught between the tree and the lawnmower while Ryker watched. She yelled at him to call 911, which he did.

“He kept telling me I would be OK and rubbing my arm, and when I heard the sirens, I told him to run up and bring the people down to get me.” Quist said, noting that she spent two months in hospital and rehab after breaking her left arm and one rib, her pelvis and right femur.

As it happened: Bob Brown resigns as Greens leader

2012-04-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

As it happened: Bob Brown resigns as Greens leader

Video: Brown resigns as Greens leader (7pm TV News NSW)

Map: Australia

Bob Brown has announced he is quitting politics, after a career which saw him grow the Greens party from nothing to become the third force in the Senate.

The 67-year-old called a snap meeting of his party room colleagues this morning to tell them it was time for him to go after 16 years in the Parliament.

He told them he was quitting as party leader and would also leave the Senate by June.

"I am 67. I am aware that one should always make room for renewal in politics. A democracy is the healthier for the turnover of the depth of talent there is in its community," he told reporters at a press conference in Canberra.

Senator Brown leaves the Greens in historically high numbers in the parliament, with a total if 10 members in the House of Representatives and Senate.

The party wasted little time in elevating Senator Brown's deputy Christine Milne to the leadership, with Lower House MP Adam Bandt later voted in as deputy.

Here's how the story unfolded on our live blog:

1:34pm: PM Julia Gillard has issued a statement thanking Bob Brown for his: "Remarkable contribution to state and federal politics over the last three decades."

Throughout his time in elected office, Bob Brown has been a figure of integrity with a deep love for this country and its environment.

Bob has served in a number of roles throughout his political career including as the Member for Denison in the Tasmanian Parliament from 1983, as Federal Senator since 1996 and as parliamentary leader of the Australian Greens since 2005.

As a former director of the Tasmanian Wilderness Society, Bob’s career has been driven by a passion for our environment, having famously led a protest against the construction of the Franklin Dam.

It was this passion that saw him lead his party through historic negotiations with the Government and Independents Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott and Andrew Wilkie, to ensure the passage of our Clean Energy Future Package.

Bob has also been an active voice on the rights of same sex couples, having bravely used his own experiences to campaign for change.

I wish him well for his life beyond politics.

I congratulate Christine Milne on her election as the Leader of the Australian Greens Party.

PM Julia Gillard

1:27pm: Tasmanian state Greens leader Nick McKim will hold a press conference at 3:00pm. Bob Brown says the Tasmanian party leader has already ruled out a move to Canberra.

1:26pm: You can read Bob Brown's resignation letter here.

1:04pm: On ABC News 24, political correspondent Lyndal Curtis says it "seemed to me during that media conference that it did seem that he had a weight lifted from his shoulders.

"He looked a little relaxed. He kind of had been showing the stresses and strains of it all over the last year or so."

1:03pm: You can watch the video of Bob Brown's statements to the press conference here.

1:00pm: Bob Brown's resignation ends a trailblazing career in federal politics which saw him become Australia's first openly gay member of Parliament. Read more here.

12:55pm: Watch video of Christine Milne at this lunchtime's press conference.

Sorry, this video cannot be played. You may need to install the latest version of Adobe Flash

Video: New Greens leader Christine Milne pays tribute to Bob Brown (ABC News)
12:40pm: Press conference over. The key points:

No change in the agreement with the Government.

Christine Milne to extend an olive branch to the bush while taking the fight to "rapacious" miners.

Bob Brown says he's confident the party will flourish in his absence.

"The Greens are on trajectory to become a future government. Our job isn't to make the so-and-sos honest - it's to replace them," Brown predicted.

12:37pm: Bob Brown rejects a suggestion that the Greens could "go the way of the Democrats" in his absence: "No, there's a difference, which is very clear, in the vision that the Greens are putting forward and our ambition to replace, not be a check on, other people in this Parliament.

"In fact - this is my honest feeling - that predominant leadership, and I've been a strong leader, can suppress the talents of the people that you work with. And this is a very talented bunch. So quite the contrary."

12:35pm: Life after politics:

@annabelcrabb: [Bob Brown's partner] Paul says he is "looking forward to testing Bob's athleticism on the mountains of Tasmania" and getting him to do the washing-up more.

12:30pm: There will be a party room meeting later today to decide who gets to be Greens deputy leader. And meanwhile, Brown compares today's fight against big business to the fight against "vested interest" of slavery in the 19th century. Says inspired by visit by tales of struggle on visit to old slave port in Senegal earlier this month. "The world needs Florence Nightingales and [William] Wilberforces," he says.

12:27pm: Brown says "we're in a very big downturn where the mining corporations - look at those ads in today's paper - can't be matched by non-government organisations, and we're seeing a roll over of community which is purchased democracy, a la America."

12:25pm: So, who gets Bob Brown's Senate seat?

@annabelcrabb: "Bob Brown says he has spoken with Tassie Greens leader Nick McKim and McKim is not interested in the Senate seat."

12:23pm: Christine Milne is giving it to the miners. "What we're seeing is actually a bigger play about the old vested interests of the resource-based economy trying to hold on to their vested interests for as long as they possibly can, and the proponents of the new economy being lukewarm and not as out there as they might have been in proposing the benefits of the new economy.

"It is something Machiavelli recognised in the 15th century, and it is being played out in this Parliament."

12:22pm: From @annabelcrabb: "Milne says that business in Australia is now "not heterogeneous"... Says she intends to distinguish between businesses who get the new economy and those who don't."

12:19pm: Christine Milne says: "I think the Greens and the bush have misunderstood ourselves, if you like, for some time. I'm going to try and put that right."

12:16pm: Where will this leave the Greens' deal with the Gillard Government?

@latikambourke: "Bob Brown - no change to the Greens agreement with Labor to support the Gillard Minority Govt. Says Milne also signatory."

12:14pm: Questions from the floor: Brown says he told the G-G, Julia Gillard, and Tony Abbott of his decision in advance.

12:10pm: New Greens leader Christine Milne is speaking now: "When you reflect on his career, and I've worked with him for a quarter of a century now, he has contributed enormously to the thinking of this country and, in particular, to highlighting the compassion that exists in this country and confronting people with the reality of the need for a more caring, inclusive society."

12:07pm: Bob Brown signing off: "I will be Green until the day I die, if not for a long time after. I am well aware of the size of this decision, but it is, I think, the best wisdom I can muster to have resigned this morning."

"This is a brilliant country. We have a big role to play in both looking after ourselves and making sure our grand-kids have the beautiful heritage that we have now. We have a role to play in a world which seeks peace, democracy and fair go for everyone."

12:05pm: Bob Brown says he's looking forward to heading off for a bushwalk with his partner Paul, to the "snowy tops" of Tasmania's Hartz range. Also on the cards; more photography and writing.

12:03pm: Brown: "I'm 67 and I'm aware that one should always make room for renewal in politics. A democracy is the healthier for the turnover of the depth of talent there is in its community."

12:02pm: Bob Brown says he has been mulling over his decision since the election and decided to step down at the Greens conference in Senegal a fortnight ago.

12:00am: Watch Greens founder Bob Brown announce his retirement.
11:57am: The news broke as Tony Abbott was giving a press conference.

The Opposition Leader said Senator Brown had been a "strong force" in Australian politics.

"I would say too strong a force in Australian politics in recent years ... I think he's had a role in respect of the Greens a little bit like Don Chipp with the Democrats, and I think these will be turbulent times for the Greens if and when he departs."

11:53am: Christine Milne on Twitter: "Bob has been an inspiration to so many. He's been a mentor and a friend to me for 25yrs. I thank him from the bottom of my heart."

"I'm honoured & excited to have been elected leader of the @GreensMPs to build on the great legacy of @SenatorBobBrown, who is retiring today

"A big thank you to my wonderful colleagues @GreensMPs for their unanimous support. I will work hard to honour their trust."

11.48am: Bob Brown, who is 67, made the announcement to his party room colleagues this morning.

Christine Milne will take over the leadership of the party.

"I am sad to leave but happy to go. It is good knowing that the Greens have such a depth of talent and experience lined up for leadership - I could only dream about that a decade ago," Senator Brown said in a statement this morning.

"It is prime time to hand over the reins.

"I offer a huge 'Thank you' to the 1.7 million Australian voters who elected our Green team, and to my nine colleagues."

Topics: greens, government-and-politics, federal-government, australia, tas
First posted April 13, 2012 11:47:43

Court told cocaine was imported in lawn mowers

2012-04-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Court told cocaine was imported in lawn mowers

Two men have pleaded guilty to importing more than 200 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a shipment of ride-on lawn mowers.

Last year, Australian Customs in Melbourne uncovered 217 parcels of the drug in a large shipping container from Brazil.

Court documents reveal Australian Federal Police replaced the cocaine and then used telephone bugs and undercover officers to catch those responsible.

Chinese national, Pak Lau, 34, pleaded guilty in Melbourne Magistrates Court to importing a commercial quantity of cocaine.

His co-accused, Yiu Chi Yim, 36, has also admitted to charges over the importation.

As it happened: Bob Brown resigns as Greens leader

Bob Brown has announced he is quitting politics, after a career which saw him grow the Greens party from nothing to become the third force in the Senate.

The 67-year-old called a snap meeting of his party room colleagues this morning to tell them it was time for him to go after 16 years in the Parliament.

He told them he was quitting as party leader and would also leave the Senate by June.

"I am 67. I am aware that one should always make room for renewal in politics. A democracy is the healthier for the turnover of the depth of talent there is in its community," he told reporters at a press conference in Canberra.

Senator Brown leaves the Greens in historically high numbers in the parliament, with a total if 10 members in the House of Representatives and Senate.

The party wasted little time in elevating Senator Brown's deputy Christine Milne to the leadership, with Lower House MP Adam Bandt later voted in as deputy.

Here's how the story unfolded on our live blog:

1:34pm: PM Julia Gillard has issued a statement thanking Bob Brown for his: "Remarkable contribution to state and federal politics over the last three decades."

Throughout his time in elected office, Bob Brown has been a figure of integrity with a deep love for this country and its environment.

Bob has served in a number of roles throughout his political career including as the Member for Denison in the Tasmanian Parliament from 1983, as Federal Senator since 1996 and as parliamentary leader of the Australian Greens since 2005.

As a former director of the Tasmanian Wilderness Society, Bob’s career has been driven by a passion for our environment, having famously led a protest against the construction of the Franklin Dam.

It was this passion that saw him lead his party through historic negotiations with the Government and Independents Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott and Andrew Wilkie, to ensure the passage of our Clean Energy Future Package.

Bob has also been an active voice on the rights of same sex couples, having bravely used his own experiences to campaign for change.

I wish him well for his life beyond politics.

I congratulate Christine Milne on her election as the Leader of the Australian Greens Party.

PM Julia Gillard

1:27pm: Tasmanian state Greens leader Nick McKim will hold a press conference at 3:00pm. Bob Brown says the Tasmanian party leader has already ruled out a move to Canberra.

1:26pm: You can read Bob Brown's resignation letter here.

1:04pm: On ABC News 24, political correspondent Lyndal Curtis says it "seemed to me during that media conference that it did seem that he had a weight lifted from his shoulders.

"He looked a little relaxed. He kind of had been showing the stresses and strains of it all over the last year or so."

1:03pm: You can watch the video of Bob Brown's statements to the press conference here.

1:00pm: Bob Brown's resignation ends a trailblazing career in federal politics which saw him become Australia's first openly gay member of Parliament. Read more here.

12:55pm: Watch video of Christine Milne at this lunchtime's press conference.

Sorry, this video cannot be played. You may need to install the latest version of Adobe Flash

Video: New Greens leader Christine Milne pays tribute to Bob Brown (ABC News)

12:40pm: Press conference over. The key points:

No change in the agreement with the Government.

Christine Milne to extend an olive branch to the bush while taking the fight to "rapacious" miners.

Bob Brown says he's confident the party will flourish in his absence.

"The Greens are on trajectory to become a future government. Our job isn't to make the so-and-sos honest - it's to replace them," Brown predicted.

12:37pm: Bob Brown rejects a suggestion that the Greens could "go the way of the Democrats" in his absence: "No, there's a difference, which is very clear, in the vision that the Greens are putting forward and our ambition to replace, not be a check on, other people in this Parliament.

"In fact - this is my honest feeling - that predominant leadership, and I've been a strong leader, can suppress the talents of the people that you work with. And this is a very talented bunch. So quite the contrary."

12:35pm: Life after politics:

@annabelcrabb: [Bob Brown's partner] Paul says he is "looking forward to testing Bob's athleticism on the mountains of Tasmania" and getting him to do the washing-up more.

12:30pm: There will be a party room meeting later today to decide who gets to be Greens deputy leader. And meanwhile, Brown compares today's fight against big business to the fight against "vested interest" of slavery in the 19th century. Says inspired by visit by tales of struggle on visit to old slave port in Senegal earlier this month. "The world needs Florence Nightingales and [William] Wilberforces," he says.

12:27pm: Brown says "we're in a very big downturn where the mining corporations - look at those ads in today's paper - can't be matched by non-government organisations, and we're seeing a roll over of community which is purchased democracy, a la America."

12:25pm: So, who gets Bob Brown's Senate seat?

@annabelcrabb: "Bob Brown says he has spoken with Tassie Greens leader Nick McKim and McKim is not interested in the Senate seat."

12:23pm: Christine Milne is giving it to the miners. "What we're seeing is actually a bigger play about the old vested interests of the resource-based economy trying to hold on to their vested interests for as long as they possibly can, and the proponents of the new economy being lukewarm and not as out there as they might have been in proposing the benefits of the new economy.

"It is something Machiavelli recognised in the 15th century, and it is being played out in this Parliament."

12:22pm: From @annabelcrabb: "Milne says that business in Australia is now "not heterogeneous"... Says she intends to distinguish between businesses who get the new economy and those who don't."

12:19pm: Christine Milne says: "I think the Greens and the bush have misunderstood ourselves, if you like, for some time. I'm going to try and put that right."

12:16pm: Where will this leave the Greens' deal with the Gillard Government?

@latikambourke: "Bob Brown - no change to the Greens agreement with Labor to support the Gillard Minority Govt. Says Milne also signatory."

12:14pm: Questions from the floor: Brown says he told the G-G, Julia Gillard, and Tony Abbott of his decision in advance.

12:10pm: New Greens leader Christine Milne is speaking now: "When you reflect on his career, and I've worked with him for a quarter of a century now, he has contributed enormously to the thinking of this country and, in particular, to highlighting the compassion that exists in this country and confronting people with the reality of the need for a more caring, inclusive society."

12:07pm: Bob Brown signing off: "I will be Green until the day I die, if not for a long time after. I am well aware of the size of this decision, but it is, I think, the best wisdom I can muster to have resigned this morning."

"This is a brilliant country. We have a big role to play in both looking after ourselves and making sure our grand-kids have the beautiful heritage that we have now. We have a role to play in a world which seeks peace, democracy and fair go for everyone."

12:05pm: Bob Brown says he's looking forward to heading off for a bushwalk with his partner Paul, to the "snowy tops" of Tasmania's Hartz range. Also on the cards; more photography and writing.

12:03pm: Brown: "I'm 67 and I'm aware that one should always make room for renewal in politics. A democracy is the healthier for the turnover of the depth of talent there is in its community."

12:02pm: Bob Brown says he has been mulling over his decision since the election and decided to step down at the Greens conference in Senegal a fortnight ago.

12:00am: Watch Greens founder Bob Brown announce his retirement.

Sorry, this video cannot be played. You may need to install the latest version of Adobe Flash

Video: Bob Brown announces he is resigning as Greens leader (ABC News)

11:57am: The news broke as Tony Abbott was giving a press conference.

The Opposition Leader said Senator Brown had been a "strong force" in Australian politics.

"I would say too strong a force in Australian politics in recent years ... I think he's had a role in respect of the Greens a little bit like Don Chipp with the Democrats, and I think these will be turbulent times for the Greens if and when he departs."

11:53am: Christine Milne on Twitter: "Bob has been an inspiration to so many. He's been a mentor and a friend to me for 25yrs. I thank him from the bottom of my heart."

"I'm honoured & excited to have been elected leader of the @GreensMPs to build on the great legacy of @SenatorBobBrown, who is retiring today

"A big thank you to my wonderful colleagues @GreensMPs for their unanimous support. I will work hard to honour their trust."

11.48am: Bob Brown, who is 67, made the announcement to his party room colleagues this morning.

Christine Milne will take over the leadership of the party.

"I am sad to leave but happy to go. It is good knowing that the Greens have such a depth of talent and experience lined up for leadership - I could only dream about that a decade ago," Senator Brown said in a statement this morning.

"It is prime time to hand over the reins.

"I offer a huge 'Thank you' to the 1.7 million Australian voters who elected our Green team, and to my nine colleagues."

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2010-01-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

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