Those Fumes You Smell is the Stink of Lost Jobs

Thermo Fisher closing Two Rivers plant. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 10/6/2011)

Excerpt:    A Two Rivers company that makes laboratory equipment is closing one of its two plants in the city and transferring at least some of the work to Mexico, resulting in the loss of up to 140 jobs, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development said Thursday.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, in Two Rivers more than 130 years, is closing its factory that makes exhaust fume hoods. Job losses are scheduled to begin Dec. 5 and will be completed in about two months, according to a layoff notice.

Most of the affected employees are represented by Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 1533. Other employees are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 10, in Milwaukee.

Retiring Guy Not Affected by This Legislative Proposal

Pension 'double-dipping' could come to an end. (Racine Journal-Times, 10/6/2011)

Excerpt: State Rep. Duey Stroebel, R-Saukville, has proposed a law that would end the practice of retired government employees receiving a pension through the Wisconsin Retirement System while working a full-time job with a government employer that participates in the same pension system. His proposal doesn't affect employees such as Wahlen who are already retired or future retirees who want to get private sector or part-time government jobs. But it would affect future retirees wanting to go back to work for more than 1,044 hours per year, which is 26.1 weeks.

Not sure what all the fuss is about, though. A pension is an earned benefit.

Telcos Continue to Get in the Way of Longmont's Future

Longmont Fiber Ring Referendum. (Community Broadband Networks, 10/3/2011)

Excerpt: Residents in Longmont, Colorado are preparing for a municipal referendum to utilize an existing fiber optic network.

The referendum is set for Tuesday, November 1, 2011.

At issue is how the city can use a ring of fiber-optic cables it built around the city in the late 90's as part of its electrical infrastructure. Much of the capacity on the ring remains unused but the city requires approval of the voters in a referendum before it can offer services to local businesses -- which will encourage economic development by creating more telecommunications choices in the community for businesses and residents.

LINK