MEC&F Expert Engineers : 03/03/17

Friday, March 3, 2017

More than 8,000 gallons of fuel leaked from a tanker truck when it turned over at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.



















Tanker flips at Florida's Port Everglades, spilling fuel

March 3, 2017

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities in Florida are cleaning up after a tanker truck loaded with gasoline and diesel fuel flipped over at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

Broward Sheriff's officials tweeted that more than 8,000 gallons of fuel leaked from the truck when it turned over late Thursday night. The driver of the truck suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital.


Fire crews laid down foam to soak up the spill. Video footage on local television stations showed the foam over a large area at the port.

Local news outlets report the U.S. Coast Guard is helping to absorb fuel.

Terminal 18 is closed, causing the Celebrity Equinox cruise ship to dock at Terminal 25 on Friday morning. Officials say anyone coming to the port should use the Interstate 595 entrance.

An Amerigas employee suffered second degree burns after a LP propane gas line exploded at the Padaria Brasil restaurant in Deerfield Beach, Florida during refilling








The worker was attempting to refill the two 250 gallon tanks of propane in the back of the Padaria Brasil restaurant at the shopping center when part of the tank exploded.

 Worker injured in gas explosion, fire at Deerfield Beach restaurant




Nicole Linsalata

DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue crews is on the scene of a fire in Deerfield Beach where an Amerigas employee was injured after a gas line ignited at a restaurant.

Crews are in the processes of wrapping things up after being on the scene for several hours at a shopping center on the 800 block of West Sample Road, Thursday.

According to reports, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue crews treated the burn victim at the shopping center, who suffered second degree burns to the upper part of his body. He was transported to Broward Health North in Pompano Beach. His injuries were not life-threatening.

“You have propane that’s leaking. Not only is it leaking, it’s on fire,” said Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesperson Mike Jachles. “We need to mitigate that. Obviously, our concern is for the safety of everybody here. To evacuate everybody, make sure everybody is safe.”



Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue evacuated about two dozen businesses in the shopping center.

As of 4:30 p.m., officials said they believe most of the gas had burned off.

A spokesperson from Amerigas confirmed that one its employees was hurt in the propane explosion and fire, which happened at about 1:35 p.m.

“This individual remains in the hospital at this time,” said the spokesperson. “We are grateful to the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue and all emergency responders for their tremendous assistance and effort. We continue to work cooperatively with these public safety officials to investigate the cause of this incident.”

The worker was attempting to refill the two 250 gallon tanks of propane in the back of the Padaria Brasil restaurant at the shopping center when part of the tank exploded. It engulfed both that tank and the one next to it.

The restaurant and a neighboring bakery were open at the time of the explosion. According to one of the customers, someone ran in and screamed “fire” but those inside the business heard the explosion soon after.

“We were just wrapping up eating. We just sat down,” said restaurant customer Gil Luis. “It was a delicious lunch, and as we were turning our back, we heard this big gas explosion. We were able to make it out, and there was a couple more explosions, and we all fled down to this area.”

Restaurant manager Marcus Baroso said he’s unsure how this situation escalated so quickly. “The guy was filling the propane tank, and somehow it exploded on him,” he said. “I don’t know what caused that.”

Northwest Ninth Avenue/Military Trail is closed north of Sample Road. Sample Road is open, but lanes are restricted.

Everyone inside the shopping plaza was able to get out safely. The building does not look as if it sustained much flame damage.

INSURANCE FRAUD: Antonio Dequank Applewhite, 39, charged with insurance fraud, attempting to obtain property by false pretense and filing a false police report


Antonio Dequank Applewhite, 39, of 1710 Dartmore Drive

 Wilson man charged with insurance fraud
Posted Thursday, March 2, 2017 8:30 pm



From staff reports A Wilson man is accused of faking involvement in a car crash in an attempt to swindle an insurance company.

Antonio Dequank Applewhite, 39, of 1710 Dartmore Drive, was arrested last month on one count each of insurance fraud, attempting to obtain property by false pretense and filing a false police report, the N.C. Department of Insurance said Thursday.

Investigators say Applewhite told Allstate Insurance Co. and law enforcement officers he was in a car that was involved in a wreck in an attempt to obtain a medical payment.

Applewhite was not involved in the wreck, Department of Insurance officials allege.

In a Tuesday speech to Wilson business leaders, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said fighting fraud is a top priority for his department, which employs 22 sworn law enforcement officers who investigate suspected insurance fraud.

“Insurance fraud adds 10 to 15 percent to the cost of our insurance,” Causey said at a Wilson Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

The Republican insurance commissioner said he plans to ask lawmakers for more funding so he can hire additional criminal investigators.

Applewhite was arrested on the charges Feb. 20 and jailed under a $10,000 secured bond.

He has a criminal record dating to 1994 and has been convicted of common-law robbery, drug offenses, attempted misdemeanor breaking or entering, malicious conduct by a prisoner, driving while impaired and various traffic violations.

YOU LIE, YOU LOSE: Rickie Nelson Brinkley, 27, is charged with one count of insurance fraud after fraudulently claiming the damage to his vehicle happened after he purchased coverage with Progressive Auto Insurance


Rocky Mount Man Accused of Insurance Fraud

RALEIGH, NC -- Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Rickie Nelson Brinkley, 27, of 825 Tobacco Road, Rocky Mount; he is charged with one count of insurance fraud.

Department of Insurance criminal investigators accuse Brinkley of fraudulently claiming the damage to his vehicle happened after he purchased coverage with Progressive Auto Insurance on Dec. 21, 2016. Investigators allege Brinkley claimed the damage occurred on Dec. 22, 2016, but determined pictures of the damage were taken on Dec. 21, 2016.

Brinkley was arrested on Feb. 13 in Edgecombe County and released under a signed promise to appear in court.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.

ARSON, INSURANCE FRAUD: Scott B. Young, 39, of Southington, the Jewish proprietor of Rooster Wines & Liquors at 113 South Main Street, falsely claimed that two male robbers started a fire within the store and sprayed anti-Semitic graffiti



The Lying Jew, Scott B. Young


Arson and Insurance Fraud: Eighth Charge Added In Package Store Incident, After a Jew Claimed he was Attacked by Jew-Haters.
Published: March 2, 2017
Andrew Gorosko


DANBURY, CT — In state Superior Court on March 2, prosecutors added an eighth charge of insurance fraud, which is a felony, to the seven criminal charges pending against the proprietor of a South Main Street package store, whom police allege falsely told them that an armed robbery had occurred there on the night of January 21.

Police further allege that Scott B. Young, 39, of Southington, the proprietor of Rooster Wines & Liquors at 113 South Main Street, falsely claimed that two male robbers started a fire within the store and sprayed anti-Semitic graffiti on the building’s exterior after committing robbery.

Through their investigation, police determined that no robbery occurred and that Mr Young started that fire and sprayed the graffiti, according to a court affidavit.

On January 24, Mr Young filed a claim with his insurance company, Select Insurance, concerning the January 21 incident, after which the insurance firm assigned a fire investigator to review the case, according to court papers.

Mr Young and his attorney Jerry Attanasio of Waterbury were at the Danbury Courthouse on March 2 before the court session started. Mr Attanasio conferred with a prosecutor on the case. The attorney and his client were not present later in Courtroom 2 when Judge Kevin Russo called Mr Young’s case.

State’s Attorney Stephen J. Sedensky III told Judge Russo that Mr Young is pleading not guilty to all criminal charges against him. Mr Young’s next scheduled court appearance is April 6. The defendant is free on $100,000 bail.

Contacted later on March 2, Mr Attanasio said that he is seeking various documents through the court’s “discovery” process, so that he can study the pending criminal case and prepare a defense for his client. There is much evidence that needs to be reviewed, Mr Attanasio said.

On February 16, Newtown police charged Mr Young on a warrant with seven crimes in connection with the January 21 incident. Police arrested him on charges of first-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, making a false statement, interfering with police, and three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment.

First-degree arson is a Class A felony, which carries a lengthy prison term in a conviction. There were no injuries in the fire to which all five local volunteer fire companies responded.

Police have said they filed three separate counts of first-degree reckless endangerment against Young because three people — a father, a mother, and a child — were inside their apartment, which is located on the second story of 113 South Main Street, when Young allegedly set the fire inside the ground-floor package store.

According to an arrest warrant application, police explain that they grew suspicious of what Mr Young had told them about the incident as they investigated it, finding certain inconsistencies in his story as he told and retold them what had occurred.

Police also found inconsistencies between certain physical evidence at the scene and the story that Young had provided about the incident.

Detective Jason Frank applied for the arrest warrant.




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First Degree Arson Arrest: Police Allege Package Store Owner Faked Crime
Published: February 21, 2017
Andrew Gorosko

Newtown police allege that the 39-year-old proprietor of Rooster Wines & Liquors at 113 South Main Street falsely reported to them that an armed robbery occurred there on the night of Saturday, January 21. Police further allege that Scott B. Young of Southington falsely claimed that two robbers started a fire within the store, and also sprayed anti-Semitic graffiti on the building’s exterior after committing robbery.

Through their investigation, police determined that no robbery occurred and that Young started that fire and sprayed the graffiti, according to a court affidavit.

Court Affidavit Scott B. Young

As a result, police sought and received an arrest warrant for Young from state Superior Court in Danbury, charging him on February 16 with seven crimes in connection with the January 21 incident.

On his discharge as a patient from MidState Medical Center in Meriden, police arrested Young, charging him with first-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, making a false statement, interfering with police, and three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment. Young’s hospital stay was not related to the January 21 incident, police said.

First-degree arson is a Class A felony, which carries a lengthy prison term in a conviction. The were no injuries in the fire to which all five local volunteer fire companies responded.

Following arrest processing on February 16, police released Young on $100,000 bail for a court arraignment on the charges on March 2. Police said their investigation into the package store incident is continuing.

Police said they filed three separate counts of reckless endangerment against Young because three people — a father, a mother, and a child — were inside their apartment, which is located on the second story of 113 South Main Street, when Young allegedly set the fire inside the ground-floor package store.

Inconsistencies Noted

According to a 12-page arrest warrant application, police explain that they grew suspicious of what Young had told them about the incident as they investigated it, listing certain inconsistencies in his story as he retold them what had occurred. Detective Jason Frank applied for the arrest warrant. Police also question whether certain physical evidence at the scene matches the story that Young had provided about the incident.

According to an initial public statement issued by police after the incident occurred, at about 8:28 pm on January 21, police responded to the package store after receiving a report that a robbery had just occurred there.

Young told police that two men with beards, who were dressed in black, entered the store and then robbed him. One of the men presented a handgun in the incident, Young had told police. The proprietor further alleged that the men started a fire in the rear section of the package store and also sprayed anti-Semitic graffiti on a rear door before leaving the premises.

Telling police that he feared for his safety, Young said he used a chair to break open the store’s large front window to allow him to exit the building quickly as the fire burned within. Police, however, detected some inconsistencies between Young’s story and physical evidence at the scene. Young told police that he had been able to exit the building through the broken window, the court papers state.

According to the court documents, “When asked if he [Young] climbed through the window, he said ‘Yes.’ There was jagged glass and items on the sill that were undisturbed, and Young said he went right through the window without touching anything and without sustaining any cuts or injury.”

Also, in the court papers, police noted that “There was a used can of black spray paint which was under [the store’s] front counter. The words ‘Burn The Jew’ were sprayed in black spray paint on the exterior of a rear door.” Police asked Young why the used can of spray paint was under the counter and he could not explain why it was there, according to the documents.

The investigation at the scene uncovered evidence that showed that the two robbers could not have left the premises through the rear door of the package store, as was claimed by Young, according to police.

“Investigators were able to clearly see what appeared to be “overspray” located in the inner jam of the back door. This is where the words ‘Burn The Jew’ was located. This tells investigators that the door was open when the words were sprayed with the black spray paint… The door was then locked using the slide bolt locks,” according to the court affidavit.

Police also found it unusual that in describing the two men who had entered the store to rob him, Young could not provide any physical details to differentiate the two men, stating that they were both white, both about six feet tall, both had full beards, both were dressed in all black garb.

“It was unusual how Young described both suspects as looking exactly the same and did not provide any distinguishable features between one or the other. When asked about several suspect features including beard, hat, and build, Young would respond ‘like me’ or ‘like mine’ and point out his own beard, own knit cap, and own husky build. Young did not provide any distinguishable features even though he allegedly had a face-to-face conversation with at least one of them prior to the robbery,” states the affidavit.

‘A Disturbing Crime’

As part of their probe, police initially obtained four search-and-seizure warrants for evidence collection. The evidence collection involved financial records for Rooster Wines & Liquors; DNA test swabs for Young; Young’s cellphone records; and evidence seized at the crime scene, as well as from Young’s vehicle.

On January 24, Young filed a claim with his insurance company concerning the January 21 incident, after which the firm assigned a fire investigator to review the case, police state in the court papers.

Police also obtained a search and seizure warrant on February 2 to review bank records from Bank of America for S Young LLC, a business name that is used by Young.

Through their probe, police learned that Scott B. Young also has gone by the names Scott B. Phillips, and Scott B. Sterns. Under the name Scott B. Phillips, he filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in US Bankruptcy Court in New Haven, police said. At that time, he was the owner of Brookside Liquors in Meriden, police said. Multiple liens were pending against him in that bankruptcy, which was granted in December 2008, according to police.

Newtown police, state police from Troops A and L, state police specialists in fire/explosion investigations, and the Newtown fire marshal’s office participated in the investigation.

Police Chief James Viadero termed the January 21 incident “a disturbing crime.”

“The fact that Mr Young used racial epithets and symbolism to cover up a crime was extremely disturbing to not only the community, but all the [emergency services] agencies involved. Such an incident unnerves the community and we are thankful we could bring the incident to a successful resolution and put everyone’s concerns at ease,” he said.

A large twistlock bolt likely flew off of a flatbread trailer, hit an SUV driver in the neck and killed him along State Highway 146 in La Porte, Texas



twistbolts fly off of container trucks on a regular basis in the Houston area




A driver was killed along State Highway 146 on Thursday afternoon after "major road debris" crashed through his windshield. (KTRK)

LA PORTE, TX (KTRK) -- A large bolt likely flew off of a flatbread trailer, hit a motorist in the neck and killed him along State Highway 146, police say.

The accident happened on the southbound lanes of State Highway 146 at Wharton Weems just after 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 2. According to police, Paul Hoffman, 60, was found unresponsive in a 2016 Ford Edge SUV stopped against the guardrail.

Investigators believe the debris that struck Hoffman was a retaining pin used to attach containers to flatbed trailers. The bolt likely flew off of a truck traveling northbound near the area where Hoffman crashed.

Bystanders and emergency personnel attempted to resuscitate Hoffman, who was pronounced dead upon arrival at Clear Lake Regional Hospital.

Anybody who witnessed the incident is asked to contact the La Porte Police Department at 281-471-2141 and reference case number.




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After a Pasadena man was killed by flying road debris on Thursday, La Porte police are looking for witnesses who may have seen the container truck the debris seems to have fallen from.

At about 3 p.m. on March 2, 60-year-old Paul Hoffman was traveling southbound on Highway 146 near Wharton Weems Boulevard when his vehicle was struck by a twistlock, a bolt that holds shipping containers onto the flatbed trailers that are common on Houston freeways.


The twistlock flew through Hoffman's windshield, bending his steering wheel backward before striking him in the neck, La Porte Police Sgt. John Krueger said.

First responders found Hoffman's blue Ford Edge SUV against the guard rail on the freeway, and Hoffman unconscious inside. Bystanders and emergency crews attempted to resuscitate him at the scene, Krueger said.

Hoffman, in critical condition at the scene, was transported to Clear Lake regional, where he was pronounced dead. Hoffman's Pasadena address is near Kirby Road in the Taylor Lake Village area.

Krueger said a twistbolt is about the size of a softball. This type of equipment becomes worn over time, and twistbolts fly off of container trucks on a regular basis in the Houston area, he said.

Police believe the flying bolt that struck Hoffman came from a truck that was headed northbound near the same address.

Anyone with information on this case may contact the La Porte Police Department at 281-471-2141 and reference Case No. 1700837.

Bridge maintenance worker with Saffo Contractors, Inc. injured after he fell 25 feet from the Rainbow Bridge in Orange County, Texas










SOUTHEAST TEXAS — First responders were at the Rainbow Bridge after a worker fell about 25 feet. He didnt' fall into the water.

Sarah Dupre with TxDOT tells KFDM they're checking into what happened.

Acadian Ambulance responded with a crew and supervisor, according to Denise Richter with Acadian. It appears the worker has been transported because our reporter at the scene says there are no first responders visible, only workers on the bridge.

A maintenance project has been underway on the bridge since January 2015, according to Dupre, She says the work should be finished by the end of this month or early April. The bridge is usually closed for maintenance from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.





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A worker who fell 25 feet from the Rainbow Bridge was not seriously injured, Orange County Sheriff Capt. Dennis Marlow said.

"Essentially, he unhooked his harness and slipped," Marlow said. "He fell about 25 feet. He was sore but they took him to the hospital just to be checked out."

"By the time our deputy got out there, they were already transporting him to be checked out," he said.


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At the July 31 Texas Transportation Commission meeting, the Commission approved more than $26 million for maintenance to be performed on the Rainbow Bridge between Port Arthur and Bridge City. Saffo Contractors, Inc. was awarded the project.

“This type of maintenance must be done to keep our bridges in safe working order,” said Tucker Ferguson, district engineer for the Beaumont District of TxDOT. “When completed, the bridge will have been cleaned, repainted and any repairs will have been made.”

The project is expected to begin by the end of the year and last approximately two years. While maintenance is taking place, the bridge will be down to one lane of traffic.




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Texas Historic Rainbow Bridge Gets Facelift
The bridge carries close to 27,000 cars and trucks with heavy loads on a daily basis.



The Rainbow Bridge, a cantilever structure that was built in 1938 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, is now undergoing a two-year re-painting via a $26.6 million contract awarded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDO




The Rainbow Bridge, a cantilever structure that was built in 1938 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, is now undergoing a two-year re-painting via a $26.6 million contract awarded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to Wilmington, N.C.-based Saffo Contractors Inc.

This two-lane bridge allows for state Highway 87 and state Highway 73 to connect Port Arthur in Jefferson County on the southwest bank of the Neches River with Bridge City in Orange County on the northeast bank.

Until the construction of the two-lane Veterans Memorial Bridge (cable-stayed) in 1990, the Rainbow Bridge carried traffic in both directions. Today the bridge carries close to 27,000 cars and trucks with heavy loads on a daily basis.

“We’re completely repainting the bridge and doing all the repairs that need to be made,” said Harriet Sarah Dupre, public relations office of the beaumont district of TXDOT. “It’s a very well-known bridge and a symbol of the area. It meant a lot when it was built and it was a huge accomplishment. Some people have said that has enough steel to build a battleship, so it is a huge bridge.

“We did a complete renovation of the bridge in the early 1990s,” she added, “and the work that will be done this time will concentrate on the nuts, bolts, and any of the beams that need to be replaced. These types of repairs are done about every 20 years.”

TXDOT takes bridge maintenance seriously and all of its bridges are inspected every two years.

“The Rainbow Bridge is inspected every year,” said Dupre. “It’s an important bridge and it carries a lot of traffic because we have a lot of chemical plants in our area and a lot of people live in Bridge City and work in Port Arthur.”

As the work continues, TXDOT will keep one lane closed and DOT inspectors will be monitoring the work on a constant basis.

“We want to make sure that everything is done correctly — that the bridge is safe and that drivers are going to have a safe drive every day when the renovation is completed,” said Dupre.

Saffo Contractors operates in many states, specializing in industrial painting (plants, chemical, pulp and paper, etc.) and bridge maintenance and rehabilitation. Nick Saffo, the owner and president of the firm, points out that 85 percent of the work force on the site is based in Texas.

“This project calls for the total removal of the bridge’s paint system and the installation of a new three-coat paint system,” said Saffo, “and we have several line items for bolt repair and rivet replacement and structural steel repair. Our crews arrived last December and we have just begun the process of rigging the bridge. The major challenge is the rigging — it is extremely difficult because of the bits — the legs that are holding up the bridge, and the other challenge is the weather conditions in Texas — high humidity, rain, and wind.”


The first step for Saffo will be to remove the paint — not an easy task.

“There are different spans and sections and some are easier then others,” said Saffo. “The approach spans, which account for 28 spans on the north and south sides, should be blasted and painted within two to three months. As you get into the truss spans — there are six of them, because they are deeper, you have to rig at different levels for accessibility. Safety is key issue on this job.

Successful painting requires good conditions on a multi-day basis to account for various coats and drying times between them.

“The first coat [primer coat] is a zinc-based paint and normally you can get back on it within 24 to 48 hours,” said Saffo. “Then you apply your intermediate coat, the striped coat, and finally the top coat. You can paint 24/7, but it depends upon the conditions. In the summertime, your conditions may be more favorable in the evening because of the heat and in winter they may be more favorable in the day because of the cooler conditions.

“We maximize every hour to get the job done,” he added.

TXDOT inspections of the bridge have created a list of rivets and nuts to be replaced and repaired, but as the paint is removed, Saffo anticipates that additional sections of the structure will require repairs. When possible additions are found, TXDOT inspectors are brought to the location to determine whether they need to be added to the list.

Re-painting begins after the section of bridge super-structure is dealt with. When the work on the bridge peaks, Saffo expects to have between 40 and 50 workers on site (Saffo and subcontractors). At the moment, there are about 25 people on site setting up the rigging.

Approximately 375 tons (340 t) of paint will be removed from the bridge, and with the lead paint having been removed in the 1990s, it is not considered to be hazardous. Saffo expects that 10,000 to 12,000 gal. (37,854 to 45,425 L) of primer will be used, with similar amounts for the intermediate coats and the top coats.

The firm has an office/yard and laydown area in The Groves, nearly 10 mi. (16 km) from the job site. Mechanics are brought on site when needed.

“Aside from routine maintenance,” said Saffo, “the main repairs will likely be for compressors that malfunction, and we have several vendors close by that are helping us.”

Daily inspections by operators are key to maintaining the equipment and vehicles. Electronic monitoring also is crucial.

“Everything that happens on the job via the equipment is sent electronically through a share file system,” said Saffo, “so we’ll know all about here at the home office, at the field office, and obviously, the superintendents know about any problems immediately.

“We’ve had this system for five years and I have some very innovative staff that put all this technology together, including the schedules, safety reports, contract documents, contingency documents, and plans,” he added, “so if you’re in the field and you need to take a look at a blueprint, you can open up a share file on your laptop or ipad. TXDOT and other DOTs also are going electronic for reports to keep with the work that is performed daily and to help resolve issues rapidly when they come up.”


Saffo added that electronic monitoring of equipment and vehicles is helping to reduce maintenance costs and extend lifespans via timely and efficient replacement of oils and hydraulics, and alarms that serve as reminders for oil changes and potential equipment breakdowns.

Each piece of equipment has a file that covers its history and repairs.

“One of our most valuable assets is our equipment and maintaining it properly is a must for us to deliver our projects on time,” said Saffo.

TXDOT has recognized Saffo Contractors as a prequalified contractor. Nick Saffo and his team take pre-planning for projects and the choice of project seriously.

“We studied the whole market of all the states, including projects coming out of TXDOT and reviewed them to see if we wanted to be involved with them,” said Saffo. “Even though we are prequalified, you still have to be the lowest bid in any kind of state or federal project. For the Rainbow Bridge, we did a field trip and it fit. We put in a successful bid and we’re now involved in a very interesting and challenging project where we will hone our skills and put best practices into action.”

I. M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter products as a "likely source" of the e-coli outbreak






Federal and state health officials are investigating an outbreak of 12 cases of E. coli reported in several states.

Information collected to date indicates I. M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter products as a "likely source" of the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control said in a statement today.

The CDC warned against consuming the products or serving them to others.

The CDC believes the products may contain a type of E. coli called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which can cause symptoms including severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

"Very young children and the elderly are more likely to develop severe illness," including kidney failure in extreme cases, the CDC said. "But even healthy older children and young adults can become seriously ill."

STEC infections are estimated to cause 265,000 illnesses each year in the United States, with more than 3,600 hospitalizations and 30 deaths, according to the CDC.

Food Safety News reported that the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene posted a consumer warning about the I.M. Healthy brand soy nut butter today.

The CDC did not name other states affected by the outbreak but said it would publish more detailed information on its website tomorrow.



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Mystery E Coli Cases Linked to Soy Nut Butter; Recall Begins
March 03, 2017


By: Candess Zona-Mendola

On March 2, 2017, the Illinois-based SoyNut Butter Company recalled its I.M. Healthy Original Creamy SoyNut Butter. The company decided to recall its soy nut butter after the FDA alerted it to “a possible link between our product and illnesses regarding E. coli.” The recall comes after the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene warned consumers not to eat I.M Healthy branded soy nut butter “because of possible contamination with E. Coli O157 bacteria.”

Notification

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) represented this week that they were investigating a multi-state outbreak cluster of individuals who were infected with E. Coli. The CDC informed the general public that the source was a mystery. It intended to work with local and state governments to interview the E. Coli victims in hopes of finding a potential source. According to the CDC representatives,

“This investigation is ongoing, and we will update the public when more information becomes available. CDC and state and local public health partners are continuing laboratory surveillance through PulseNet to identify additional ill people and to interview those people about foods they ate before they got sick.”

Today, they found their link – soy nut butter from The SoyNut Butter Company under the I.M. Healthy brand. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (MDHMH) was the first of the local state health departments to confirm the link and warn its citizens to immediately stop eating the product or any other soy nut butter-containing products made by The SoyNut Butter Company.

CDC, FDA, and State Health Department Investigations

Several governmental agencies, including the CDC, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state local health departments, including MDHMH, are working together to investigate this outbreak. The investigation is still pending, but what we do know is that a Maryland victim was confirmed to have consumed I.M. Healthy soy nut butter prior to their illness. The agencies have utilized the national PulseNet system, a database that keeps track of the DNA maps of bacteria related to outbreaks, to determine the cases involved in the cluster. Early findings indicate that the bacteria samples provided by the victims are closely related in genetic make-up, which means they are most likely from a shared source. In this instance, the victims all have a similar strain of E. Coli O157. The CDC informed the media that there are victims from three other yet-to-be-named states. Furthermore, the investigation and interviews are still ongoing to confirm these victims also ingested I.M. Healthy soy nut butter. Thus far, the agencies have identified 10 people related to the cluster.

The SoyNut Butter Company

The Illinois-based SoyNut Butter Company markets its soy butter products as an alternative to peanut butter for children with food allergies. The company claims that its SoyNut Butter addresses “the specific needs of individuals and institutions concerned with food allergies. I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter [is] peanut, tree nut, gluten, egg and dairy free; and [is] certified Kosher.”

According to the SoyNut Butter Company’s website, its I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter “is served nationwide in thousands of pre-school facilities, Head Start programs, camps and schools – and kids love it!”

According to the company’s website, its SoyNut Butter is served to “over 2 million children a month.” The company claims that, “In everything from schools to daycare facilities, camps and Head Start programs, the remarkably similar taste and texture of our SoyNut Butter is a hit with kids of all ages. And the nutritional value has made our products the peanut butter alternative.”

The SoyNut Butter Company sells its products in supermarkets nationwide, in health and natural foods stores, and online. Therefore, there is a possibility that more than four states may be affected.

At the time, the Spokeswoman for the company, who told the media her name was “Marsha,” claimed that the CDC and other agencies have yet to reach out to the company to inform them of any outbreak or potential link of the E. Coli cases to their products. According to Marsha, “We would be the first to know if there was a problem. The CDC would call us first.”

The company’s detachment was short-lived. By that evening, the company initiated a recall of its products. It took to social media to make its announcement. The notice on its Facebook page reads:

“The SoyNut Butter Co. has announced a voluntary recall of our of I.M. Healthy Original Creamy SoyNut Butter with the Best By date of 08-30-18 or 08-31-18. The voluntary recall is in response to the FDA alerting us of a possible link between our product and illnesses regarding E.coli. While we are taking the necessary investigative steps in getting the product in question and the supply chain tested, we decided to issue the recall for the sake of food safety. We take our products integrity seriously and will update all our customers as we receive more information.

Consumers who have purchased I.M. Healthy Original Creamy SoyNut Butter should not consume the product. The recall does not effect any other I.M. Healthy products except for the I.M. Healthy Original Creamy with the Best By date of 08-30-18 or 08-31-18. For questions or concerns, please call our office at 800-288-1012.”

It is unknown if more products may be affected with this outbreak and subsequent recall.

What is E. Coli O157?

E. Coli O157 is a Shiga toxin producing E. Coli (STEC). It is one of the more dangerous foodborne pathogens, and cause severe future problems or even death. The initial symptoms of E. Coli food poisoning are typically expressed within 3-4 days after the person eats the infected food. However, the latency period can range anywhere from 1-9 days before the onset of symptoms, depending on the amount of contamination or the health of the victim. It takes only a very small dose of E. Coli cells in the food to cause illness. Scientists who study the disease believe that as few as 10-100 E. Coli cells are capable of causing an infection in humans.

The acute symptoms of E. Coli O157 are referred to as Hemorrhagic Colitis. The bacteria typically induces severe diarrhea, usually bloody, and abdominal pain in in its victims. For normal, healthy adults and those who do not develop complications, recovery is usually anywhere from 2-9 days. In severe cases, E. Coli O157 can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a sometimes fatal condition characterized by the sudden onset of gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia from the destruction of red blood cells, low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia), bloody urine and, in the worst cases, acute kidney failure (uremia). HUS is the result red blood cells being destroyed in the body. Essentially, the kidney’s filtration system is overwhelmed and blocked by the dead cells. Approximately 3-5% of people who progress to the stage of HUS die as a result. Those with severe cases that survive may require long-term medical treatment and possibly organ transplants.

Thus, it is imperative that people who suspect they may have contracted an E. Coli infection seek immediate medical attention. The sooner the E. Coli food poisoning is detected, the better chance medical providers have of preventing the patient from progressing to the HUS stage and potentially dying.

E. Coli O157 is often associated with beef, especially hamburger meat. While this is a common source of outbreaks. E. Coli O157 can also be carried on vegetables and legumes, like soybeans, often because they have been exposed to feces contaminated fertilizers or irrigation and not properly processed afterwards. Outbreaks of E. Coli O157 have resulted from peanuts used to make peanut butter (much like the soy butter in this case), spinach, lettuce, and radishes.

How Can I Protect My Family Now?

While the investigation is ongoing, the agencies urge the public to stop eating any soy nut butter-containing products from The SoyNut Butter Company. As these products have a long shelf life, they are most likely still in peoples’ homes and pantries. The agencies also urge the public to check their homes to be safe.

What is especially concerning about this outbreak is that soy butter is primarily eaten by children. Children, along with the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, are the most likely populations to develop HUS and further severe complications as a result of eating E. Coli O157 contaminated food. No matter the age, if someone has eaten SoyNut Butter Company or I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter and is showing any of the signs or symptoms of E. Coli food poisoning, they should seek medical attention and get the necessary stool testing to determine if they have an infection immediately.



Sources:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-nut-butter-contamination-20170302-story.html

http://dhmh.maryland.gov/newsroom/Pages/Marylanders-discouraged-from-eating-I-M–Healthy-Soynut-Butter-products-due-to-possible-E–coli-O157-contamination.aspx

http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/pages/ecoli.aspx

https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/

http://abcnews.go.com/US/federal-health-officials-investigating-multi-state-coli-outbreak/story?id=45874630

http://www.soynutbutter.com/Section/Shop/Peanut_Butter_Substitute/index.html?PHPSESSID=8f36f6105ed33914abf22faaabe32621

http://www.soynutbutter.com/Section/About_Us/index.html

Twelve people were injured after a SEPTA bus and a Philadelphia Water Department truck collided in North Philadelphia.

Friday, March 03, 2017 12:21AM
NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Twelve people were injured after a SEPTA bus and a Philadelphia Water Department truck collided in North Philadelphia.

It happened around 4:30 p.m. Thursday at 13th and Allegheny Avenue.

Fire officials say the injured were taken to Einstein Medical Center and Temple University Hospital.

None of the injuries appear to be life-threatening.

3-ALARM FIRE DESTROYS THE OLD PARK VIEW INN IN OCEAN GROVE, NEW JERSEY; LA PIERRE CONDOS AND TWO HOMES ALSO BURN









 

OCEAN GROVE, New Jersey (WABC) -- At least three buildings have been destroyed in a three-alarm fire in New Jersey.

The fire broke out at 5:15 a.m. and burned through the old Park View Inn on Seaview Avenue, which appears to be a closed hotel.


The fire has also spread to the top of the La Pierre Condominiums and at least two homes.

The fire is a block from the beach and the intersection of Seaview and Beach avenues.

No injuries are reported.