Category Archives: Ron Paul

PERHAPS YOUVE hit a milestonea new job, an anniversary, a first pregnancy. Perhaps youve stumbled upon a watch enthusiasts Instagram feed and are intrigued. Perhaps youve simply looked down at your naked wrist and thought, Somethings missing. Whatever the reason, youve resolved to buy a watch. A nice one. Not an Apple Watch or a Swatchnot that theres anything wrong with thembut something that requires a sizable budget and a commitment. But where to begin?

To make a bad watch joke, its more complicated than you might think.

There are so many facets to buying a watch, said Paul Boutros, head of Americas for watches at Phillips auction house. Whether you choose vintage or modern, it could seem like you have to figure out how to climb Mount Everest when youre starting.

Mr. Boutros recommends first deciding on a brand, then a modelboth choices that require serious research. Reliability is paramount, but understanding what each timepiece telegraphs is also key. If you project an implausible mix of outdoorsiness and sophisticationor wish you dida luxe dive or sports watch might be for you. If youre a glamorous type whos back on the gala circuit, a watch dripping in diamonds could prove most functional. If your personal brand is timeless chic, the Cartier Tank collection is up your alley. Omegas Speedmaster, meanwhile, kind of marks you as someone who likes watches, said Adam Craniotes, co-founder of RedBar, a watch-enthusiast platform, even if it doesnt carry the hype of a Rolex Daytona or Submariner. The Speedmaster was the watch worn on mans first trip to the moon, immortalized in Ron Howards 1995 film Apollo 13, and is now favored by President Biden. Ultimately, your watch will be a matter of individual preference, and the website Hodinkee, a popular watch-lovers platform, is a good place to glean essential information during your search.

But even if you select a timepiece from the tippy-top tier of heritage Swiss watch houseslike Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Omega, Vacheron Constantinyou cant always proceed without understanding the workings of the insular horologic world. For example, one cannot simply waltz into any authorized dealer (AD) and walk out with the most popular models, which include the Rolex Submariner and Daytona, the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. A combination of hype economy and Swiss supply machinations has made these stainless-steel sports watches the ultimate luxury flex, nearly impossible to get firsthand. Wait lists are epic and are reserved for those who have relationships with the house or the AD. If you dont have a history of purchasing with them, youre just putting your name down. Theyre not putting you on the list, said Mr. Craniotes. The demand for these enviable timepieces has spiked on the secondary (resale) market.

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Want to Buy a Luxury Watch? Read These 7 Pro Tips First - The Wall Street Journal

If the Facebook ads that incumbent Republican senators are running are any guide, next years midterm elections are set to be a showdown about Big Tech, former President Donald Trump and Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, as well as immigration.

Republicans up for reelection next year are already running digital ads to raise money and grow their mailing lists, and while there are unknown issues and political controversies that will yet shape the 2022 midterms, the topics incumbents chose to run on now act as a preview of the races to come. For now, its heavy on culture war issues, the border and fierce loyalty to Trump.

Heres a look at what issues Republicans are emphasizing based off ads from May and June, according to Facebooks ad library:

Lee whos facing primary challengers including former state Rep. Becky Edwards and former Gov. Gary Herberts deputy chief of staff and communications director Ally Isom has honed in on issues like the border, holding Big Tech companies accountable, and cancel culture. The Left continues to celebrate the cancel culture, reads one ad. We must fight back!

Hawley, an early leader in the Republican Big Tech backlash, has lately been tying his crusade directly to Trump. Trump is featured heavily in recent Hawley ads paid for the by National Republican Senatorial Committee, including some that literally advertised Trumps then-forthcoming social network. President Trump launching his own social media site, one ad reads. Would you join it?

Crapo has also run ads promoting Trumps social network, as well as ads asking supporters to help protect the borders by contributing to his campaign. DONATE TO STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, shouts one ad calling for donations.

Rubio aggressively criticized Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign, but the former president as well as the former presidents son have shown up quite a bit in Rubios recent digital ads. Rubio has run ads touting his endorsement from Donald Trump Jr., and other ads hit Democratic challenger Rep. Val Demings for her role in Trumps first impeachment. Rubio also accused President Joe Biden of not standing up to China.

There is perhaps no Republican running today whose ads have their finger on the pulse of the Republican culture wars more than DeSantis. Hes run ads about critical race theory, which the Florida Board of Education banned from public school classrooms last month, asked his supporters their opinion about transgender athletes in sports, and proclaimed, Dont Fauci My Florida in an ad promoting his less restrictive handling of the pandemic.

Paul has run ads asking supporters to donate $17.76 for America, and hes also gone all in criticizing Fauci, pairing his asks for donations with calls to fire or investigate the nations top infectious disease expert.

Grassleys ads stand apart from most of his Republican colleagues. Theyre mostly direct-to-camera videos that arent focused on the culture wars, though some of the ads copy does touch on the socialist Left, Bidens Border Crisis and Democrats radical agenda. In some videos, Grassley is frank about raising money so hell have a good showing in his quarterly Federal Election Commission report, and one ad even features an ask from his wife Barbara.

Scotts ads warn that the left is doing their best to cancel EVERYTHING conservative about America, and some suggest Scott is especially targeted because he doesnt fit the woke Lefts narrative as a Black Republican. Scott also highlights his support from Trump.

Johnsons YouTube account was temporarily suspended last month after violating the sites policies on spreading misinformation about COVID-19, and the Wisconsin Republican is using the news to tie himself to Trumps social media ban. Big Tech has censored both President Trump and Ron Johnson for sharing their perspectives, one ad reads. Johnson has also run ads asking supporters what they think about the job Biden is doing.

Kennedys ads call for supporters to chip in to fight Democrats socialist agenda and protect gun rights. Hes also run ads criticizing Fauci. Faucis flip flopped like a banked catfish answering questions about COVID, one ad reads.

Correction: A previous version stated that Utah GOP senatorial candidate Ally Isom was former Gov. Gary Herberts chief of staff. She was Herberts deputy chief of staff and communications director.

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What issues will guide the 2022 election? Check ads from GOP senators - Deseret News

The unvaccinated are perpetuating pandemic

On July 15, the number of patients infected with COVID-19 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital was 25, up from 5 just one monthago.

The seven-day average of positive COVID tests at the hospitalwas 7.5%, up from 1.6% last month.

State rates of COVID have also risen dramatically, almost entirely among the unvaccinated. Continuing this pandemicrequires unvaccinated persons.

Anyone has the right to experience the infection themselves, but these unvaccinated persons infect others before they even know they are ill and thus perpetuate the pandemic.

More: How to send a letter to the editor

It is time to stop being nice to those who choose to infect others. Theunvaccinated are the reason we all continue to experience the economic, social and physical consequences of COVID.

If you want to rid our society of all the negative consequences of the past year, get your shot and work on your friends and family who are reluctant to get theirs.

You can start by sending them this letter.

Bruce E. Robinson, MD, Sarasota

Irrational anti-vaxxers suspend disbelief

Florida COVID-19 infections surge. Gov. Ron DeSantis is asleep at the switch, while Florida is headed for a train wreck.

Why not get vaccinated? Does the reluctance by some to be COVID-vaccinated reveal a political concern? Do supporters of former President Donald Trumpfear giving credence to science and credit to President Joe Biden?

Or, are confidence men like Trump able to convince followers that his lies are truth because they so want to believe they are true?

Rational reasoning is suspended when emotion is overtaken during a time of political turmoil. Beware of demagogues who deliver nonsense to the gullible.

Will some Manatee and Sarasota county parents deny health and well-being to their school-age children come August and September due to their own unscientific predilections?

So many questions. Beliefs and actions that go unchallenged are not credible.

Paul Dain, Bradenton

Womens health not up to Manatee County

In regard to the Herald-Tribune Reader Question:I am writing on behalf of women throughout Manatee County who stand against the abortion clinic ban under consideration in Manatee County, similar to the Heartbeat Act signed into law in Texas in May (Manatee County to explore local abortion regulations, June 9).

There are numerous reasons why this should never come to pass in Manatee County, nor should it be up to the county commissioners to decide womens health choices and, in some cases, their fate.

There are no health clinics in Manatee County that offer abortions, thus the commissioners are wasting time and money on this useless effort. They should be focused on helping the community deal with the hyperaggressive Delta variant of COVID-19, family planning services, foster care services and nonpartisan, nontheologically based reproductive health clinics.

The commissionersshould be looking after our poverty-level and homeless citizens.

There are so many ways the county commissioners need to spend their time, particularly since a ban on local abortion clinics would have to be approved by the state Legislature, in addition to the County Commission.

Do not turn back womens rights by decades and decades. Move forward together, as a whole, Manatee.

Emily Kaufman, Bradenton

Abortion protesters: Do something useful

Responding to the Herald-Tribunes question about Manatee County considering an abortion ban: Many a day I drive by Planned Parenthood only to see some self-righteous, holier-than-thou, misguided protesters (many of them men) standing outside with signs, their presence there designed to intimidate and harass women entering the building.

My first question for these clueless zealots is, "Why dont you put yourself to good use and get involved with clubs, institutions and schools that get to the root of the problem, educating youths, promoting contraceptives and making them more accessible, and teaching personal responsibility, instead of trying to shame women for a deeply personal, difficult decision.

The men could mentor hormonally drivenboys and young men, who are the missing half of the sin."

My next question to these protesters is, How many of the unwanted children have youadopted and are you willing to pay more taxes and vote for more social programs and burgeoning foster care that subsidize kids?"

Women in every county should be free to seek medical care nearby andtomake decisions about their own bodies, decisions that should be made onlybetween the woman and her doctor, not in a back alley in Manatee County.

Jennifer Pace, Sarasota

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Sunday's letters: Blame unvaccinated for pandemic, women stand against abortion ban, more - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

A veteran banker recently concluded a career serving customers in Wilkes and adjoining counties.

Wilkes native Matthew Daye was city executive of Mount Airy-based Surrey Bank & Trust in North Wilkesboro and a vice president of its holding company, Surrey Bancorp, when he retired June 30. His experiences reflect much of the story of banking locally in the last four decades.

Daye, 64, was raised and still lives in Traphill. Unsure of what to do after graduating from North Wilkes High School in 1976, he got a seasonal job at Stone Mountain State Park due to his interest in hunting and fishing.

Daye was working in the park one day when a woman appeared, frantically saying her son had fallen at a waterfall. Daye and others responded but the teenager was dead.

That experience made me take stock of things and what I wanted for a career. I realized that I wasnt sure if I really wanted to go into something with wildlife, he said.

Partly because of his strong math skills, Dayes step-father, Bill Daye, arranged for him to talk with Joe Harris, president of Elkin-based Mutual Federal Savings & Loan, about a possible career in banking.

Mutual Federal had just started a consumer loan division and Joe hired me to work there and I did that for about a year and a half. Joe then asked me to go to Dobson to work for their credit officer, Van Coe, in commercial lending, said Daye.

So, I ran a drive-through window teller window and made consumer loans. I was interested in business loans and Van helped me learn this.

Daye completed the N.C. School of Banking at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1984 and 1985.

Daye was still with Mutual Federal when Paul Holbrook, Yadkin Valley Bank city executive, offered him a job at Yadkin Valleys new branch bank on D Street, North Wilkesboro, around 1986.

Paul had found out that I had commercial loan experience and he said he needed someone to analyze the finances of business loan applicants. This was before they had computer programs for doing that.

Daye accepted the job offer and worked at Yadkin Valley in North Wilkesboro through a period of tremendous growth. There were days when business loan applicants were lined up while waiting in the lobby.

Soon after Ron Shoemaker, Larry Farthing and others started Wilkes National Bank in 1992, Farthing asked Daye if he wanted to help start and manage a new Wilkes National Bank branch on N.C. 18 North in North Wilkesboro. Daye accepted and the new branch opened in June 1994.

Daye said this allowed him to gain knowledge about commercial lending underwriting from Greg Edwards, then manager of the main branch of Wilkes National Bank in Wilkesboro.

Daye remained at the Wilkesboro-based bank after it was acquired by Integrity Financial Corp. (parent company of Catawba Valley Bank) in 2002. Wilkes National was called Northwestern by then, reviving the name of a Wilkes-based institution that grew to become North Carolinas fourth largest bank.

Greg called me one day and asked what I thought about starting a bank. A group of us began meeting about it. This led to creation of Great State Bank in 2008. Daye said that due to financial obligations, he didnt go to work at Great State because it meant a pay cut.

Later in 2008, Yadkin Valley Bank hired Daye for the commercial loan officer position in North Wilkesboro vacated by Ron Pearson when he joined Great State. Daye stayed there until he retired in October 2015, in time to enjoy most of deer season.

In March 2015, Daye left retirement when he accepted the job of managing a Surrey Bank & Trust loan production office in Wilkes with the understanding that he would be city executive of the full-service bank the Mount Airy-based institution planned here. It opened in December 2017.

I convinced them (Surrey Bank & Trust leaders) to be in downtown North Wilkesboro instead of on U.S. 421. Its been good for Surrey, said Daye.

Weve run a tight ship and lost no money on loans, he added. I can thank Mr. Smoak for that, he said, referring to the influence of Jim Smoak of Wilkesboro, a director and CEO of Yadkin Valley Bank for many years.

Daye cited the influence of several other bankers, including Joe Harris, Ron Shoemaker, Paul Holbrook, Greg Edwards, Ed Marxen and Joe Johnson at Yadkin Valley and Ted Ashby, president of Surrey Bank & Trust.

He said his greatest pleasure as a banker has been helping people and added that he wants to continue this in retirement, especially by making a difference in the lives of young people. Daye plans to also pursue his passion for music as drummer for the Phillip Boyce Band, which primarily plays classic rock.

Daye has served on the boards of the Wilkes Family YMCA, Ruby Pardue Blackburn Adult Day Care, Communities in Schools, Wilkes Recovery Revolution and the Wilkes Economic Development Corp.

He and his wife, Betty Daye, have three children. Son Matthew and his wife, Carrie, are expecting a child in December. Son Mark and his fianc, Jenna, are to be married Nov. 7. Daughter Rebekah is married to Nick McGlamery.

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Daye looks back on over 40 years as local banker - Wilkes Journal Patriot

Is it too early to talk about a dynasty?Due to a quirk in the computer system picking the teams, the trio of Dan The Fish Poissant, Mike Soupie Supernault, and Leighton Deer Hunter were together again. These guys won last week, and by some miracle, they won again this week. This time The Fish led the squad with a +6, Deer was +4, and Soupie came in with a +1.5. Their +11.5 was 3 better than the second-place team.

Larry Harley Wilson must have felt like the Lone Ranger as he was +8.5, even though his team was -1. Harley was most over points, even with the distraction of playing with the negative Mero boys, who were a combined -10.5.

Gary Iron ManDeaette giving his driver some needed work.3 doubles on the front contributed to his -1.5 effort.

Speaking of dynasties...Chris Blue Gill made it two in a row on finishing on the last-place team. Not ready to challenge Paul Cold One Smith, but theres a lot of time left. The guy who really dragged this club down was Paul Hack Hatch, who checked in at -4.5. Stormin Normand Sarthou (-1) and Larry The Lyons (+1) rounded out the Dumpster Fire Team with a score of -5.

Who got the Crash and Burn? Bob Bone Mero invited his brother, Mike T-Bone Mero to play in the League this week. T-Bone didnt disappoint as he captured the coveted Crash and Burn Trophy for being most under points at -7.5. An experience T-Bone will always remember.

Roland ButterscotchDaudelin, Brent Smiley Lussier, Ron The Canuck Deschamps,and Paul Cold One Smith . This was before The Canuck accused Butterscotch of losing his phone,which was in his pocket. Smiley went on to birdie #18 while Cold One avoided a last place finish.

Phone detective.There have been many inquiries, well, actually only one, about the whereabouts of Roland Butterscotch Daudelin. Butterscotch cant even manage to be on the last-place team. Happy to report that Butterscotch has turned into a phone detective. Ron The Canuck Deschamps accused Butterscotch of being responsible for the loss of his phone, which happened to be in his pocket. According to The Canuck, he was looking for Butterscotchs ball near the pond on #5 when it fell out. Butterscotch led a search party out to the pond and found the phone. The Canuck thanked Butterscotch by eating his potato chips.

Closest to pin:Havent heard much from Terry Old Smoothie Edwards this year. He finally made the newsletter by winning closest to pin, 3 4 away. Brent Smiley Lussier won the 50-50.

The Mero boys, T-Bone and Bone, with Corkscrew Gates and Harley Wilson. Harley was wondering how he could be +8.5, yet the team was -3.

Ask Bone:"Bone was asked, I cant seem to drop a putt of more than 2 feet. Im deadly from 6 inches, but whats the secret of draining those 2 footers?

"I use a good fabric softener. The rash on my legs all but disappeared, and the sores in my mouth are healing. Nothing says putting machine like Downy.

Stormin Normand explained how to score under 100.I holed out from the trap on #16, then holed out from behind the green on #10. Its all about laying up to a number, then trusting your wedge. Of course, its the first time Ive done it this year.

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Golfing with Wynn: Could there be a dynasty forming in the Tuesday Men's League? - St. Albans Messenger

1. Dave Stauffer, George Mills, Millard Clower, Rusty Christian, 60; 2. Lee Benest, Finton Carpenter, Jerry Lewis, Quentin Maxwell, Earl Hall, 62; 3. Harry Bailey, Jim Herron, Bob Phillipe, Dave Shouse, 62; 4. Taylor Gaylor, Ken Gaylor, Bailey Jackson, Herman Henderson, 62; 5. Phil Geiger, Bob Warner, Dave Heatherly, Van Robinson, 63; 6. Dave Henderson, Tom Henderson, Ron Taber, Bob Henshaw, 64; 7. Lloyd Skinner, Todd Skinner, David Ostrander, Ken Rentz, 65; 8. Wayne Johnson, Bud Musser, Gail Musser, Leon Pritchard, 65; 9. Doug Manning, Cap Hurlbutt, Frank Wright, Bill Cruikshank, 66; 10. Joe Strain, Dean Wiehl, Mel Gilbertson, Keith Bacon, 66; 11. Will Cleveland, Paul Pearcy, Todd Pearcy, Harold Umholtz, 66; 12. Steve Carlile, Charlie Hostetter, Joe Eschler, Doyle Williams, 66; 13. Randy Rice, Jerry Bennett, Craig Crowder, Mr. Henton, 68

Waite Phillips Senior Club Championship

Championship Flight: 1. Andy Johnson, 75;--;149; 2. Joshua Walker, 79;--;153; T3. Keith Roberts, 79;--;157; T3. Brett Benton, 79;--;157; T3. Robby Coon, 83;--;157.

Cjeka Flight: 1. Ed Raschen, 68;--;140; 2. Scott Wagner, 69;--;141; 3. Jim Bailey, 74;--;145.

Goosen Flight: 1. Billy Hughes, 66;--;139; 2. Frank Hawkins, 69;--;140; 3. Tom Winters, 74;--;143.

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Sports for the Record: Wednesday, July 14, 2021 | Sports News | tulsaworld.com - Tulsa World

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NPR News: At Least 600 Tons Of Dead Fish Have Washed Up Along Tampa Bays Shore. For beachgoers in the Tampa Bay area, the last few weeks have been anything but normal. Discolored, soupy waters have been lapping the shore, and the beaches are laden with dead, rotting sea life.

WUFT News: Preserving History Or Protecting A Confederate Monument? Putnam County Workshop Draws Vocal Crowd. Putnam Board of County Commissioners workshops dont usually have a line out the door. But on Tuesday afternoon, roughly 100 members of the public showed up for the last item on the agenda: a veterans memorial protection ordinance.

WUFT News: Critical Section Of Northeast 100th Avenue Washed Out By Tropical Storm Elsa. Alachua County spokesperson Mark Sexton said similar flooding issues have occurred in the Fairbanks area when heavier storms came through. But because this community resides on private property, Sexton said there is little the county can do.

Miami Herald ($): Surfside search may be down to as few as five yet to be found. Toll stands at 95. After authorities announced that crews recovered one more victim Tuesday morning and five more victims were identified, it appears there may be fewer than five people remaining to be recovered from the rubble, according to numbers released by Miami-Dade County. Still, officials cautioned that theres no timeline for when the recovery effort is expected to conclude.

Palm Beach Post ($): Retrieving belongings from Surfside condo collapse: A ring, a statue, a childs artwork. Since shortly after a portion of the condominium complex collapsed on June 24, police officers, in conjunction with employees from the departments property and evidence department, have painstakingly collected, sorted, identified and labeled all sorts of items from clothing to kitchen utensils.

News Service of Florida: House Leader: Legislature May Examine Changes To Building Codes. Rep. Paul Renner, a Palm Coast Republican set to take over as House speaker following the 2022 elections, pointed to the inability of the Champlain Towers South condo association to quickly address safety and structural repairs needed for the once 12-story building.

Miami Herald ($): Is Cuban-Americans highway protest in Miami breaking Floridas new anti-riot law? Dozens of people supporting the growing anti-government protests in Cuba clogged one of Miamis busiest highways all afternoon and well into rush hour Tuesday, a show of solidarity that could put them in violation of a new law championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

WMFE: Nesting Sea Turtles In Florida Are Smaller. Researchers Dont Know Why. Researchers think juvenile turtles might be growing more slowly because they are having a harder time finding food as a result of habitat degradation or competition from other turtles.

WUFT News: FDEO and Enterprise Florida Inc. Award Over $30 Million In Grants To Small And Rural Florida Communities. Heres how the majority of the funding breaks down in our coverage area

Florida Politics: What is Disney World actually worth? Tax assessment battle heads to court. Disney is arguing its property tax assessments are too high for the Magic Kingdom and the other three Orlando theme parks, its hotels and other facilities that make up the companys sprawling Central Florida real estate portfolio, according to a dozen lawsuits Disney filed last month in Orange Circuit Court for the 2020 tax year.

WFLA-Tampa: Saharan dust helping keep tropics quiet. Although most of this current batch of dust will likely miss Florida, we could still see some enhanced sunrises and sunsets.

We focus our legal attention on these practice areas: Family Law Business law Estate Planning Probate Guardianship

Visitlawyergainesville.com or call 352-373-3334 today to learn more.

Politics: Senate Democrats Announce $3.5 Trillion Budget Agreement (via AP)

National: The Nations Courthouses Confront Massive Backlogs In Criminal Cases

Health: COVID Cases In Parts Of Missouri And Arkansas Surge To Levels Not Seen Since Winter

Sports: Why People Call Shohei Ohtani A Once In A Century Baseball Player

Education: The Pandemic Changed Medical Education In Potentially Lasting Ways

Books: Reporters Reveal Ugly Truth Of How Facebook Enables Hate Groups And Disinformation

Im Ethan Magoc, a news editor at WUFT. Originally from Pennsylvania, Ive found a home telling Florida stories. Im part of a team searching each morning for local and state stories that are important to you; please send feedback about todays edition or ideas for stories we may have missed to emagoc@wuft.org.

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The Point, July 14, 2021: 'The Bay Is Really Hurting': Red Tide Kills Thousands Of Fish In Tampa Bay - WUFT

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) The Minnesota Department of Health said that it will be closing COVID-19 community testing sites in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Bloomington by the end of the week due to declining demand.

The site in St. Paul will close on Thursday, while Bloomington and Minneapolis locations will close on Friday.

MDH says the sites are closing because more and more people are vaccinated and fewer people are seeking COVID-19 tests.

By mid-June, labs across the state were processing roughly 10,000 tests a day, down significantly compared to the height of the fall surge of the pandemic, when 50,000 to 60,000 tests were administered daily.

We are making great progress toward ending the pandemic and this is another sign of that as we focus on distributing vaccines and making progress getting 70% of the Minnesota population vaccinated, said Jesse Stock with MDH.

Trickling in every few minutes, people visited the Minneapolis Convention Center to get a COVID-19 test Wednesday, offering their saliva samples with ease.

Pretty quick and efficient, Shana Johnson of Minneapolis said.

The simplicity and familiarity of the process helped keep the Minnesota Department of Healths community testing sites busy from last fall through this spring.

This is my third or fourth time down here, Ron Latz of St. Louis Park said. Early on there were lines to get in. They really encouraged making appointments.

Recently, the tests were moved to a smaller room at the Convention Center, and it started closing on weekends.

By this Saturday itll close for good, along with testing at Creekside Community Center in Bloomington and Roy Wilkins Arena in St. Paul.

MDH says progress with vaccinations, a drop in COVID cases and fewer people needing these facilities led to the decision.

Im happy. Im happy things are getting back to normal, Johnson said. Things are opening back up. We can come outside.

But I am worried about the Delta variant and whether we need to continue sort of a regular testing regimen to make sure that that is not taking hold of Minnesota, Latz said.

Minnesotans are still able to walk in and get a free COVID-19 test at Walgreens or CVS locations.

If you still need to access a COVID-19 test, there are available sites across the state. Click here for more information.

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COVID Community Test Sites In Mpls., St. Paul, Bloomington To Close By End Of The Week - CBS Minnesota

Ballinger Rotary

The Ballinger Rotary Club installed their new officers for the 2021-2020 year at Main Street Soda Fountain. The president for 2021-2022 is Tyler Reasor. The president-elect for 2022-2023 is Brian Frieda. Gillian Lange was elected as the Secretary. John Pierik was elected to the board of directors. Those who will continue serving on the board of directors are: Ken Kvapil, Alvin Dunn, Bill Hancock and Antoinette Sehon. Ron Wood will continue as the Rotary Foundation representative.

Joyce Waterfill served as the president of the Rotary Club from 2020-2021. Waterfill, who recently moved to Kentucky, returned for the installation to hand the reins over to Reasor.

Waterfill also unveiled a plaque honoring long-time Rotarian David Cowart. The plaque will be hung at the Rotary's meeting location in Acapulco Restaurant. Cowart, a beloved figure in the community and Rotary, served as president as well as in many other capacities over his decades in Rotary. Cowart passed away suddenly earlier this year.

Paul Harris awards were presented to Roy Rose, Ballinger Memorial Hospital's Jamie Campbell, Lange Funeral Home's Larry Lange, and County Attorney Ben Clayton. This was Lange's 2nd Paul Harris Award.

Campbell was credited with saving the life of long-time Rotarian Byron Bauerlein at Ballinger Memorial Hospital after he was struck by a rattlesnake. Bauerlein, in a letter, said that Campbell kept him calm and talked to him through the entire process of his care. Bauerlein ended up needing 6 vials of antivenom. Campbell isn't a member of Rotary and joins a select list of non-Rotarians who have received a Paul Harris Award.

Waterfill was given a plaque by Reasor after handing over the presidency of the Rotary Club. Waterfill was a rock of dependability and saw Rotary through the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic, that impacted the life of every American, required Waterfill to continually make adjustments as she kept up the morale and momentum up for Rotary.

The Carnegie Library would like to thank all of the sponsors who donated to the 2021 golf tournament this year.

Double Platinum: Buddy's Plant Plus, Keystone Bank.

Platinum Plus: First National Bank.

Platinum: Beefmaster Steakhouse, Raymond James Financial/Steve Smith, Mueller, Inc.

Gold Sponsor: Bagwell Oil, Ballinger Home Health & Hospice, City Eye Care, Farmer's Insurance Conrad, Parson's Heating & Air, SKG Engineering, Sweetwater Steel, Toliver Bros., Willingham Insurance.

Silver Sponsor: Big County Realty, Brandon Killough, Brent Jones Plumbing, John W. McGregor, Lange Funeral Home, Surety Title, Travis Tax Service.'

Bronze: Ben Clayton, Curiosities, First Community CU, First State Bank-Paint Rock, Jim Woodruff Investments, Kit Body Shop, Shoppin' Baskit, Texas Pallets, West Texas Bank-Rowena, Quilt Shop.

Many other contributors helped with this tournament: Santa Fe Gold Course, Quicksand Gold Course, Mulligans, AEP, Alejandra's, Acapulco Restaurant, Apple N Spice, Ballinger Feed and Seed, Ballinger Lion's Club, Bearcat Nutrition, BYOB Water Store, Cason Mercantile, China Wok, The Doug Fuchs Family, Frametech Home Accents, Jerrolyn's, Debbie Hurt, Ara Harris, Lynnett Freeman, Elizabeth Wadsworth, Donna White, Golden Chick, Edward Jones, Lowake Steak House, Pizza Hut, B-Town Bar-B-Que, Sylvia's, Sklenariks Smoked Meats, Rangels, Tractor Supply, Grindstaff and Walmart.

Our hats go off to you all! Without your generous donation, the doors of the Library would be closed. The Board of the Carnegie Library ask you, the public, to thank the wonderful donors when you stop in to use their service. Shopping, volleyball and barbecue Over the weekend Ballinger merchants put on their Sidewalk shopping extravaganza. Vendors and merchants set up stands up and down the sidewalks on both sides of Hutchings Avenue. The event draws in customers from all over the Concho Valley. The weekend also saw the Hotter Than Hell barbecue cookoff. RVs and barbecue pits filled the local park as smoke drifted over the area, hinting at the deliciousness of the meats in the smokers. The list of winners hasn't been sent to the newspaper yet, but they will be in next week's edition, and online as soon as we receive them. There was also a Corn Hole tournament and volleyball tournament in the park over the busy weekend.

Over the weekend Ballinger merchants put on their popular Sidewalk Shopping Extravaganza. Vendors and merchants set up stands up and down the sidewalks on both sides of Hutchings Avenue. The event draws in customers from all over the Concho Valley.

The weekend also saw the Hotter Than Hell barbecue cook-off. RVs and barbecue pits filled the Ballinger city park as smoke drifted over the area, hinting at the deliciousness of the meats tucked inside the smokers. The list of winners hasn't been sent to the newspaper yet, but they will be in next week's edition. We will post them online as soon as we receive them.

There was also a Cornhole tournament and volleyball tournament in the park over the busy weekend.

The event had over 20 vendors, a silent auction, and a DJ to keep the music going on Friday night. There was also free swimming at the city swimming pool from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Officers were elected for the local Volkssport chapter and the application to the American Volkssport Association has been submitted. Once it is approved, the Health & Wellness Coalition of Runnels County will host volksmarches throughout the county. Plans include hosting volksmarches in Winters, Ballinger, and Miles. Other communities are also being considered.

The officers elected for the chapter are: President: Bill Hancock; Vice President: Dr. Brad Bundrant: Treasurer: Melanie Sharpes: Secretary; Candi Pfluger.

Once the Runnels County Volkssport chapter is ready, routes of 5k and 10k will be scouted and marked for the events. The routes meander through towns or other rural areas. They are covered by the American Volkssport Association. The marches and routes in towns will be coordinated with local municipal administrations.

The chapter is working on getting sponsors for medals to be given out to each participant.

Free medical screenings will be held in conjunction with the volksmarches.

The volksmarches are for people of all ages.There is no set pace. The routes are 5k or 10k, and you can either walk, jog, or run them. The decision is entirely up to you. The volksmarches are great tools to build community unity and get in some exercise with friends and family.

If you'd like more information on the HAWC, the Volksmarches, or sponsoring an event/march, you can email Candi Pfluger at cpfluger82@gmail.com, Dr. Brad Bundrant at drbundrant@bmhd.org, Melanie Sharpes at melanies@bmhd.org, or Bill Hancock at BHancock@gannett.com.

You can find out more about Volkssport at the following link or by Googling Volkssport Runnels County: https://www.runnelscountyregister.com/story/news/2021/06/07/volksmarches-coming-runnels-county/7589943002/

Read the original here:
Around the County - Runnels County Register

Phew, were still catching our breath after a non-stop events calendar over the last few days. Heres what people have been up to!

Crocs x Ron English party bus

In honor of the upcoming Foot Locker Inc. x Ron English Party Animals x Crocs collaboration, the trio came together to celebrate in New Yorks Union Square. Among those in attendance celebrating the collection (which incorporates three party-ready Crocs styles and 16 Party Animal Jibbitz) and snap pics on board the custom-wrapped party bus included Ron English, Venus X, Jerome LaMaar, Christina Paik, and Taylor Coward.

Re-opening of Ardor restaurant at The West Hollywood EDITION

Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, John Fraser, celebrated the return of Ardor at The West Hollywood EDITION over the weekend. From Friday evening until Sunday evening the jungle-like restaurants drew a slew of VIP guests from the worlds of art, fashion and gastronomy including Leomie Anderson, Slick Woods, Lily Kwong & Nick Kroll, Alex Prager, Fanny Singer, Dani Miller, Melissa King, Brooke Wise, and more.

New York, New York with Susanne Bartsch Pride edition!

Susanne Bartsch hosted New York, New York at Sony Hall, with a special nod to Pride for the blowout weekend that was in it. Nightlife lovers in attendance included Zachary Quinto, Brandon Flynn, Dorinda Medley, Margaret Josephs, Amanda Lepore, and members of the Ru Pauls Drag Race All-Stars cast, Eureka OHara, Scarlett Envy, Rajah OHara, Serena Chacha, and Yara Sofia. Also in attendance was Ru Pauls Drag Race season 13 winner, Symone.

A busy bee this weekend, Susanne Bartsch also hosted a special edition of her On Top! party, with Pride On Top! at LE BAIN at The Standard, High Line. Many of the citys most well-known nightlife icons and emerging TikTok creators, including Ru Paus Drag Race alums GottMik, Sonique, Vanessa Vanjie, and Kandy Muse as well as Linux, Ryan Burke, Remy Duran, Ian Padget, Serena Shahidi, Emely Moreno, and the Coyle Twins flocked to the raucous party.

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Originally posted here:
Pride Parties, Openings, And More FOMO-inducing Events From The Weekend! - Daily Front Row