Construction
City's Nordic Kaffepause on Dec 8 vs 5-Year Construction Event
2024-12-09
On Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, an extraordinary Nordic Coffee Hour awaits at St. John’s Lutheran Church located at 500 3rd St West, Northfield, MN. This event is a must-attend for families looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and immerse themselves in the rich flavors and cultural experiences of the Nordic region.

Indulge in Nordic Delights at St. John's

Section 1: The Coffee Extravaganza

Imagine a bottomless sea of coffee, ready to be sipped and savored. At the Nordic Kaffepause, you'll be greeted with an endless supply of the finest coffee, brewed to perfection. Whether you prefer a strong espresso or a smooth latte, there's a coffee for every palate. Let the rich aroma fill the air as you relax and enjoy this coffee lover's paradise.

The coffee at the Nordic Kaffepause is not just any ordinary coffee. It is sourced from the Nordic countries, known for their exceptional coffee beans. Each cup is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship that goes into making Nordic coffee. So, come and indulge in a cup of Nordic coffee and experience the true essence of this beloved beverage.

Section 2: Norwegian Delights

Treat your taste buds to the heavenly combination of Norwegian heart-shaped waffles with an array of toppings. These waffles are a true delight, with their crispy exterior and soft interior. Choose from an assortment of toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fresh berries, and more. It's a treat that will leave you craving for more.

In addition to the waffles, you'll also find an assortment of Norwegian and Swedish cookies. These cookies are made with traditional recipes and are bursting with flavor. From the buttery goodness of the butter cookies to the rich chocolatey taste of the chocolate cookies, there's a cookie for every cookie lover. Savor the flavors of the Nordic countries with these delicious treats.

Section 3: Nordic Puddings and More

Don't miss out on the delicious Rommegrot, a Norwegian pudding that is both creamy and flavorful. This pudding is made with milk, cream, and sugar, and is often flavored with cardamom or other spices. It's a comforting dessert that will warm your heart on a cold winter day.

Alongside the pudding, you'll also find Lefse, a traditional Norwegian flatbread. Lefse is made with potatoes and flour and is often served with butter and sugar or with various fillings. It's a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Pair it with the cranberry juice for a truly authentic Nordic experience.

Opponents Seek Judge's Halt on Gross Dam Expansion Due to Catastrophic Impact
2024-12-09
Denver Water's ambitious $531 million Gross Dam expansion in Boulder County has become a hotly contested legal matter. Opponents have been fighting against this project for years, and now the situation has reached a critical stage. With negotiations failing to reach a remedy for the illegal permit and both sides presenting their proposed solutions to the federal judge, the future of this controversial dam expansion hangs in the balance.

The Battle for Boulder County's Water Future

Opponents' Stance and Demands

Save the Colorado and an environmental coalition have been at the forefront of efforts to halt Denver Water's expansion. They believe that the project violates various environmental laws and has significant negative impacts on the local ecosystem. In their Friday remedy brief, they argue that the mitigations agreed upon during negotiations should continue, but construction of the dam itself should be halted. They claim that the glaring errors in the Army Corps' permitting processes, such as a flawed project purpose and an inadequate look at climate change, are serious defects that cannot be ignored. Environmental damage, they warn, would be "catastrophic," with the massive construction project killing 500,000 trees, destroying recreation areas and hiking trails, and displacing wildlife.

They emphasize that these irreversible harms are of immense magnitude and that an injunction is necessary to give effect to the court's findings. "By definition, these harms are irreparable, and Petitioners are entitled to an injunction," they state.

Denver Water's Perspective and Concerns

Denver Water, on the other hand, argues that the district court has no jurisdiction over the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which has ordered Denver to finish the dam and its mitigations by 2027. They claim that failure to comply with the FERC order could result in license loss, civil penalties, or criminal prosecution.

While the dam expansion is currently 60% complete, halting construction could stress temporary bolting and other measures used to hold back rock during the construction of the stronger and larger dam. Denver Water also emphasizes that they have been working for decades to obtain permits for this construction, arguing that new storage is needed in Boulder County to serve northern metro communities and balance their system.

The Impact on the Local Environment

Neighbors of Gross Reservoir have witnessed major changes to their local forests due to both tree thinning and shore-clearing for the impending rise in water as the dam is raised. Areas that have been previously thinned with prescribed fires are now visible from the Forsythe Canyon Trail in Nederland.

The higher dam will more than double the holding capacity of Gross Reservoir, but at the cost of flooding surrounding forest land. This has raised concerns among local residents and environmental groups about the long-term environmental impacts of the project.

The Legal Battle and Next Steps

The judge had given the parties until Friday night to privately negotiate mitigation for the illegal permit, and will now consider each side's proposed remedies. Save the Colorado said negotiations "may" continue while the judge takes the next steps. Denver Water declined to comment.

As the legal battle continues, the fate of Denver Water's Gross Dam expansion remains uncertain. The outcome will have significant implications for the local environment, communities, and the balance of water resources in the region.

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Graycor Appoints 33-Year Veteran Dave Wing as New CEO
2024-12-09
Graycor, based in Oakland Terrace, Illinois, has made a significant leadership change. A Dec. 3 news release announced that Dave Wing has been tapped as the company's new CEO. Prior to this appointment, Wing served as the president and chief operating officer for five years.

Graycor's New CEO - A Milestone in Company History

Wing's Early Days at Graycor

Dave Wing first started working with Graycor in 1991 as a project engineer. Over the course of his 33-year tenure, he was promoted several times. His journey within the company showcases his dedication and growth. He began at the grassroots level and worked his way up through the ranks, demonstrating his capabilities and earning the trust of the organization.During his early years, Wing was exposed to various aspects of the construction business. He gained valuable hands-on experience that laid the foundation for his future success. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident from the start, setting him apart from his peers.

Wing's Recent Role and Achievements

In his most recent position as COO, Wing focused on short- and long-term strategic planning. He understood the importance of having a clear vision for the company's future and worked tirelessly to develop strategies that would drive growth and success. His efforts in developing a talent pipeline were crucial in ensuring the company's continued success. By identifying and nurturing young talent, Graycor is well-positioned for the future.Wing also introduced strategies to improve management practices and introduce efficiencies. His focus on operational excellence led to significant improvements in the company's processes and bottom line. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in Graycor's growth and development.

The Significance of Wing's Appointment

Wing's appointment as CEO carries a historically significant milestone for Graycor. He is the first CEO who is not a member of the Gray family, which founded the company in 1921. This marks a new era for Graycor, one that is focused on innovation and growth.Under Wing's leadership, Graycor is aiming to reach $1 billion in revenue. This is a bold goal, but one that is within reach with his leadership and the team's expertise. His appointment is a sign of the company's confidence in his abilities and his vision for the future.Graycor provides construction-manager at-risk, self-perform, and design-build services across various sectors, including education, healthcare, manufacturing, gas infrastructure, and corporate builds. With Wing at the helm, the company is well-positioned to continue to expand and succeed in these markets.Graycor was ranked No. 231 on Engineering News-Record's list of the top 400 contractors in the nation by revenue. In 2023, it reported $538.3 million in revenue, a testament to the company's success under previous leadership. With Wing's leadership, the company is poised to take the next step in its growth journey.
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