Category Archives: Idaho

Idaho, Influenza

U.S. Influenza update, 17 February 2013: Human flu cases seem steady. Dog flu spreading! Get ready for the newest deadly version of bird flu!

New Mexico reporting one 2 years old girl, and one 15 years old boy, died due to flu. Since October 2012, 89 people have died from flu related complications.

Fresno, California, reporting high incidence of flu cases: “We’re still seeing a lot of calls, a lot of visits, a lot of emergency room visits.”-Dee Lacy, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center-Fresno

In Texas, druggists say it looks like the latest influenza is getting out-o-town quick: “It is considerably down from a couple of weeks ago. We were dispensing 25 to 30 prescriptions of Tamiflu a day about a month ago. We’re down to a couple a day.”-Louis Morgan, Shawn Sams pharmacy

However, officials with Texas Department of Health Services says flu cases are still up: “Statewide, we’re still seeing a high level of flu activity, though the proportion of people showing up at the doctor for flu-like illness is less than it was in the final week of 2012, according to the providers who report that information to us.”-Chris Van Deusen

Indiana reporting 56 deaths since the flu season officially began in December 2012: “Tragically, we are continuing to lose lives due to flu-related illnesses in the state. We still have months left in this flu season.”-William VanNess, Health Commissioner

Two South Carolina prisons report flu outbreaks.  A maximum security men’s prison, and a minimum security women’s prison have been put in lock down as a result.

South Dakota reporting the deadliest flu season in the past eight years.  30 people have died.

Nebraska reporting at least 12 deaths.

Oklahoma reporting 25 deaths, two in the past week.

Idaho State Department of Health and Welfare reporting at least 23 people have died.  21 were more than 50 years of age, the others were children. The number of people who’ve died this flu season is approaching the high set ten years ago.

Washington reporting more than 40 flu deaths.  38 have been confirmed as flu caused: “People shouldn’t confuse flu season peaking with flu season ending. There are a lot of people still getting sick. And there will be a lot more flu illnesses occurring in the community over the next six to eight weeks.”-Jeff Duchin, Public Health Seattle & King County

The new flu that’s taking down dogs (Canine Influenza/H3N8) has hit the state of Oregon. Several dogs in a Salem shelter are sick, the shelter even shut down for one day. Its now identified in 22 U.S. states. As I’ve reported before: “Canine Influenza is a very rare and unusual disease that’s new to dogs. It’s only been since 2005, 2006 that there’s been any cases known in the United States.”-Joan Towers, Willamette Humane Society

Influenza is making the rounds globally; in United Kingdom deaths are being reported (at least 18 in Scotland), as in India (from swine flu).

Indian health officials report new versions of H1N1 (aka swine flu), H3N2 and flu B.

Cases of H5N1 (aka bird flu) are popping up in Egypt, Cambodia and China.  So far for Gregorian year 2013 there are ten confirmed human cases, eight of those infected died.  That’s an 80% kill rate for this year’s H5N1 bird flu.

Bird flu does not spread easily to humans, but when it does it’s usually deadly.  This years bird flu strain has the Philippine Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Health, on alert. They’re even warning about another version of bird flu, H7N3.

H7N3 hit Mexico hard in 2012. By January 2013, 20 million chickens were killed (by the virus or by culling), and at least 66 million were vaccinated.   Interestingly officials declared the outbreak over in October 2012, but cases are still being reported (the most recent involves an outbreak at seven farms just this past week).

On 17 February 2013, a farm in Germany (east of Berlin) had to cull 14,000 ducks after lab tests showed they were infected with the H5N1 version of bird flu.

 

 

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 25 January 2013. No more Classic Custom Car cruise spot for Chubbuck! Expect even fewer toys and games for Xmas! More hospitals letting employees go because of Obama/Romney Care! God is shutting down more of His (Hers/Its?) schools! I need to see your ID if you want to buy that ice cream.

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25 January 2013

Toy and game maker Hasbro announced 550 layoffs! Company officials blame weaker than expected holiday sales at the end of 2012 (gee, remember the main stream media talking up how good sales were?).  Hasbro says retail stores have drastically cut back on orders.

Abrasives maker, Glit/Microtron, will shut down its Wrens, Georgia operation.  120 people out-o-work!  Company officials claim that no matter what they did, and no matter how the local community tried to help, the 35 year old factory never “made” money!

Abercrombie and Fitch clothing store in the Augusta Mall, Georgia, closed down.

In Plymouth, Indiana, Whitley Products shut down operations and laid off 110 people, without notice!!!  Company officials ignored local media inquiries.  It appears the company went under and is now being liquidated.

Medical records manager, Athenahealth, laying off 36 people in Birmingham, Alabama. No reason was made public.

In New York, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic laying off 58 people: “Like many hospitals across the State of New York, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic is preparing for the Affordable Care Act.”-Lewis Zulick, President & CEO of the hospital

In Fresno, California, Saint Agnes Medical Center laying off 75 employees. Hospital officials said it was necessary to stay within operating costs.

The California based maker of PlayStation’s All-Stars Battle Royale, SuperBot, laid off 20 employees.  That’s according to a game designer.

Another California based video game maker is dead altogether. THQ is being liquidated. Not only is about 100 people out-o-work, but they won’t be getting final pay either (I’ve experienced that, the wonders of bankruptcy for companies)!

UBM Tech, a division of UBM (formerly known as United Business Media), laid off several vice presidents.  UBM first started in 1918 as United Newspapers.  A company statement revealed that the layoffs were in anticipation of a declining economy: “This was about re-aligning resources with market opportunity and planning for the coming year.”

Based in New York City, and in London, England, Group Commerce laid off 31 employees.

Ongoing construction is being blamed for the demise of Gio’s Cafe and New York Deli, in Dallas, Texas: “This construction just did us in. The guys who fund this place aren’t restaurant guys and they are tired of funneling money in.”-Mark Walls, manager

Rumors that Vermont Law School will shut down.  The school already laid off two people, and bought out the contracts of ten others.  A new report revealed that only 48.3% of its 2012 graduates found full time/long term work.  Who wants to shell out $43,500 USD per year (!) to attend the law school, only to end up unemployed!

In Tennessee, the Catholic Church is closing down its Bishop Byrne High School in Whitehaven. Church officials blame declining enrollment.

A Gainesville, Florida, women’s shelter closing down. Officials with the 30 year old non-profit Arbor House say that since 2010 their funding has crashed.  Catholic Charities took over operations in 2012, but has decided to shut it down.

The Stir Crazy Fresh Asian Grill restaurant chain now bankrupt. The company claims it has $10 million in assets, but $50 million in debts.

In Ohio, the Parker Hannifin foundry in Youngstown shutting down. 63 people unemployed.  Work is being moved to other foundries.

A Talbots clothing store shut down in Connecticut.  Reports say the property owner wants to split it into three smaller stores.

Nassau’s Furniture closing another store in Connecticut. This time it’s their store in Avon. They closed a store in 2012, and now have only one location in the Constitution State.

In Hopkins, Minnesota, a Boston Gardens restaurant closed down. After 30 years of operations, the location will now become a pizza joint.

As I’ve reported in my Sears/Kmart updates, a Irmo, South Carolina, Kmart will close down.

In Oregon, Pepsi is shutting down its Salem warehouse. This is another example of corporate America getting ready for even more bad economic times: “This difficult decision was not made lightly and was necessary for the long-term health of our business.”

In Arizona, investment firm GenSpring Family Offices (owned by parent SunTrust Bank in Florida), closing its Phoenix location. Most of their clients are wealthy elites (“…high and ultra-high net worth clients”). Just a few days ago they lost their battle against a lawsuit, and it will cost them $4.3 million! As I’ve said before; no pity for investment firms.  The lawsuit said GenSpring was flat out lying to its rich customers: “Prior to the 2008 financial crisis, GenSpring represented the hedge funds as a ‘substitute for bonds,’ claiming that they had the same risk as bonds but with higher returns….it appears that this was a systemic approach that GenSpring used with virtually all of its clients as a means of attracting business….”-Ed Dovin, securities attorney

Jim Beam closing down vodka and rum factory in Maine, moving it to Kentucky. 160 jobs lost for Maine!

In Scottsdale, Arizona, the only alcohol filled ice cream parlor, Lee’s Cream Liqueur, shut down. The owner is going wholesale only, contracting with a California company to make the ID required ice cream.

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

Economic Recovery? WinCo about to close Store number 5 in Pocatello! Blame massive company expansion! Proof that employees know how to run a company better than elites!

13 February 2013, a visit to your local Pocatello, Idaho, WinCo grocery store will reveal shelves that are fast becoming bare.  All orders for Store number 5 have been stopped, the store will cease operations sometime in March.

The Pocatello store was the fifth store to open in Idaho, after Ralph Ward and Bud Williams started the grocery operation back in 1967.  Various stores were called Waremart Food Centers, or Cub Foods until 1999.

The official WinCo web site says the current name stands for Winning Company, but I swear I remember being told, by WinCo employees I knew during the name change, that WinCo was the creation of a school kid who won a contest for coming up with the new name. Supposedly WinCo actually stands for the U.S. states that the grocery chain operated in at that time: Washington, Idaho, Nevada, California and Oregon.

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In 1985 the employees of the company became majority owners in the business.

Since the name change WinCo has been expanding.  That expansion has picked up pace ever since the downfall of competitor Albertsons (once a Idaho based grocery store chain, but not anymore).

Since 2006 Albertsons has been passed around to several new owners (despite the website making it look like it’s still owned by the Albertsons family):  A Minnesota based company called Supervalue, an affiliate of evil Cerberus Capital Management called AB Acquisition, and CVS.  Finally in January 2013 evil Cerberus Capital Management became sole owner (I wouldn’t be surprised if they liquidate).

According to Albertsons’ website they are down to 450 stores across the country (WinCo has a ways to go, with only 85 stores and 14,000+ employees).  But employee owned WinCo is exploding.  In the past ten years they’ve built a giant distribution center south of Boise, added new stores and another distribution center in California, and expanded into Utah. Now Pocatello will get what many loyal WinCo shoppers have been demanding, a giant new WinCo.

But wait, there’s more.  WinCo has announced a new store for Bellingham, Washington, in the Old Joe’s Sporting Goods building (at a cost of $7 million).  WinCo just spent $5.1 million buying land in Gilbert, Arizona. The property is currently a car dealership, but will become WinCo’s fourth store in the Grand Canyon State.

There are some concerns for WinCo, like a lawsuit in Vallejo, California, which is trying to stop the building of a new store based on environmental reasons.  Also, some of WinCo’s new HQ management jumped over from the sinking ship known as Alberstons, which causes many WinCo employees to worry.

I’ve known some WinCo employees who had a tough time dealing with WinCo’s employee policies (which are very strict compared to publicly held companies), but it’s hard to challenge those policies since they are supposedly approved by fellow employees.

Also in California, a mom and pop grocery store in Merced is shutting down, they blame Walmart and WinCo: “Things are changing in the industry. It’s getting harder and harder every year to compete, especially family-owned types of businesses such as ours.”-Gary Lowe, General Manager

In today’s economy an employee owned company is as close as you can get to a family owned operation, and there’s less of a chance the company will be sold off just for the value of its assets (like Sears and Kmart), so my money’s on WinCo (too bad you can’t buy stock in privately held WinCo, lucky employees, and besides I don’t really have any money to invest).

Pocatello’s new WinCo store number 117 was built on the Old Fred Meyer building site (aka Alameda Plaza) right next to a former Albertsons (on the land I used to do property management, for JP Reality who then sold out to General Growth Properties).  Number 117 is at least twice as big as the Old Fred Meyer building.

The New Fred Meyer building is located where the Old Pocatello Mall used to be.  So now Store number 5 will be called the Old WinCo, and the Old Fred Meyer will now be called the New WinCo, and everyone will forget there was an Old Fred Meyer just like they’ve forgotten about the Old Pocatello Mall.

That’s progress!

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

2nd U.S. civil war, Got Ammo? East Idaho running out of bullets!

“Idaho will push back. A question that is rolling around in most Idahoan’s heads right now is, what part of ‘shall not be infringed’ don’t they get?”-Scott Bedke, Idaho Speaker of the House

The threat being made against our Constitutional right to defend ourselves with whatever is the weapon of choice by today’s military/police (it ain’t about hunting or collecting or any of that BS) is creating a severe shortage of ammunition.

“People are getting what they can while they can still do it before those rights are stripped away.”-Mike Visser, instructor at gun store in Wyoming

Here in eastern Idaho, Walmarts started rationing bullets back in January, and now they’ve run out!

Many anti-gun rights (and therefore anti-American, anti-Constitution) activists are calling for ammo control laws, like background checks, and serial numbers for bullets!

There’s also federal bills being proposed to go after internet ammo sales.

In Idaho people and businesses are fighting back.

This past weekend in Boise, Cabelas sporting goods store gave $25.00 gift cards to anyone who joined the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Recently the Red Coat British media reported on a group of Idahoans who bought 20 acres (8 hectares) and plan to build a city where it’s mandatory for everyone to own “…an AR-15 rifle, 1,000 rounds of ammunition and enough supplies to withstand a collapse of society.”  The Citadel will eventually have 3,000 acres (1214 hectares)!

Then there’s Mormon Glenn Beck (with connections to east Idaho), who said “…Glenn believes that he can bring the heart and the spirit of Walt’s early Disneyland ideas into reality. Independence, USA wouldn’t be about rides and merchandise, but would be about community and freedom. The Marketplace would be a place where craftmen and artisan could open and run real small businesses and stores. The owners and tradesmen could hold apprenticeships and teach young people the skills and entrepreneurial spirit that has been lost…”-Glenn Beck website

Even law enforcement in Idaho is pro-gun rights: “We, the sheriffs of the State of Idaho support the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms and we oppose any intrusion upon those rights.”-Idaho Sheriff’s Association (ISA) statement

However, the ISA also said it was up to courts to determine if a law was unconstitutional or not.  They also want to see improvements in mental health services, at a time when lawmakers are slashing and burning such services.

School District 25, in Bannock County, recently approved the installation of gun safes, so school cops can bring their rifles to work.  It’s not the only school district in Idaho to due so.

To hear what President Barack Obama said in his State of the Union, on 12 February 2013, it’s clear that the United States is more divided now than when Obama gave his first State of the Union address four years ago.

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 22 January 2013. Dish Network to close 300 Blockbuster stores, 3,000 people unemployed!

Dish Network announced they will shut down 300 Blockbuster video stores across the country.  3,000 people out-o-work!!!  Dish Network bought Blockbuster in 2011.

AT&T eliminating 66 jobs at their Greensboro, North Carolina, call center.  They call it “business reduction”.

The Food Lion grocery store chain announced it will shut down eight stores in North Carolina.

Amy’s Hallmark closing down in Shelby, North Carolina.  It’s a corporate owned store, and Hallmark blames the bad economy: “…I can confirm that it is scheduled to close on February 24, due to declining sales.”-Toni Ferro, spokeswoman for Hallmark

International Paper announced it will end operations of their number 2 paper machine at their Augusta, Georgia, factory.  75 jobs lost.  The number 2 paper machine had been in operation since 1965.

The independent owner of a Pella women’s clothing store out-o-business in Buckhead, Georgia.  The owner said the bad economy was more than her 37 years old business could handle: “The economy is not the same….Independents are struggling.”-unnamed owner

In Texas a relatively new state toll road agency is already in trouble.  The Alamo Regional Mobile Authority (ARMA) says it has to layoff staff just to make it to 2016.  There have been many problems with the new agency, including projects getting way behind schedule (ARMA blames it on federal environmental impact studies). However, county officials would like to see the ARMA disappear:  “What we’ve asked them to do is downsize their staff to zero. Why would you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to do nothing?”-Kevin Wolff, Bexar County

After 54 years in business, Texas HVAC company Avery Air now bankrupt and liquidated.  More than 45 people out-o-work. Investors claim they tried to save the company, but previously unknown expresses and debts forced them to shut the company down.

Southern Air is moving its HQ from Connecticut to Kentucky.  It means 120 out-o-work in Connecticut: “…it has become apparent that a relocation of our headquarters is warranted for both strategic and financial reasons.”-Dan McHugh, CEO

A controversial brain injury treatment center now bankrupt. The Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation is wracked with problems, from investigations over patient abuse (one claim says caregivers forced patients to fight each other, just like in those for profit corporate prisons) to tens of millions of U.S. dollars in unpaid debt.

The Grant Family Farms out-o-business.  The Colorado family blamed crop damage and the bad economy, but swore to come back: “We have farmed here in Colorado for 61 years; we will figure out a way.”-Andy Grant

Envi, a specialty re-sale store in Old Colorado City, Colorado, giving up the ghost because of the bad economy: “It’s just been a roller coaster ride and it’s time to get off. I don’t feel like it was great when I started, and I don’t feel like it’s getting any better, to be honest.”-Marci Austin, owner

The owner of several women’s clothing store chains, Big M, now bankrupt.  The New Jersey based corporation owns 150 stores in the United States.  The company says it has $50 million in assets, but owes more than $100 million in debt.

In Idaho, the Ann Taylor women’s clothing store in the GGP owned Boise Towne Square mall, gone for good. 14 employees out-o-work.

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As I’ve stated in my updated reports on Kmart & Sears closings, the Milwaukie Kmart in Oregon being shut down.  At least 61 people out-o-work.

In California, the 50 years old restaurant, Hof’s Marina, shutting down in Long Beach.  No info about the other five Hof’s restaurants.

In Minnesota, a Work Out World in Rochester shut down with little notice: “There was a semi-truck hauling out equipment and a terse sign about it closing on the door. I couldn’t believe it.”-Victoria Nyari, customer

In Queensbury, New York, the Sokol’s Market closed down after 40 years of operation.  “Everybody has been affected by the economy. We could have held on and made the best of it, but we have an opportunity to end on a good note.”-Matt Sokol

In Pearl River, New York, Hadeler Hardware up for sale. The owner of the store first started in 1905, wants to retire.

Business/Economics, Idaho, International, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? Idaho Heinz operation cutting 80 jobs! Par for the course for the city of Pocatello! T.G.I. Fridays going down?

“Following the discontinuation of its T.G.I. Friday’s frozen meals, Heinz conducted a thorough evaluation of the production needs at its Pocatello, Idaho factory. To ensure the number of employees is in line with production needs, Heinz has made the difficult but necessary decision to lay off 80 full-time, hourly team members, effective March 4, 2013.”-Heinz Frozen Food statement

On 05 February 2013, Heinz Frozen Food (a division of H.J. Heinz) announced that 80 of their Pocatello, Idaho, employees will be out-o-work by March.

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Heinz finally decided to put the T.G.I. Friday’s frozen food brand meals out of its misery. The company famous for ketchup will focus on T.G.I. Friday’s frozen snacks, as opposed to full meals.

Frozen foods have not been selling well in the United States. A report last month said that frozen meal (aka entree) sales have been falling for the past five years.  It’s not just Heinz that’s struggling, but other frozen entree makers like Con-Agra and Nestle.  These companies are coming up with new plans for their frozen food operations, including laying employees off.

It’s these plans that might have prompted Warren Buffet to buy into Heinz.  That’s right, investors like when companies layoff employees.  Heinz began shutting down T.G.I. Friday’s frozen single serve entree lines, as well as multi-serve entrees, in February 2012, so, this shutting down of the Pocatello, Idaho, production line is just par for the course.

What about the T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant chain? In 2011 sales were down, by only 1.5%, and company officials say 2012 sales are looking to be even better.  And the restaurant is doing fantastic in the United Kingdom.

Reports out of Britain say that business is so good that TGI Friday’s (they don’t use periods after the TGI in Merry Olde England) is about to hire 600 new employees by opening six new restaurants!

Despite the upbeat attitude of company officials, just last month a T.G.I. Friday’s was closed in Oakley Hyde Park Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio.  The reason was that the owners were not going to renew the lease. (this has become the new official reason for unAmerican Corporate America to close down stores)

 

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? Another Kmart going down, nearly 100 people out-o-work! Idaho Kmart for sale? New York Kmart gone! Sears being forced out of Colorado?

06 February 2013, a just released Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) report revealed that 98 people working at a Kmart in Naperville will soon be unemployed.

Ever since the Kmart bankruptcy, this pad site for sale sign has been seen in the Pocatello, Idaho, Big Kmart parking lot. The Kmart is the only building on the lot.

Also, in New York, a Kmart in Depew will cease to exist by April. 68 people out-o-work.  The reason is the new mantra for shutting down retail businesses: “This store is being closed because the lease was not renewed.”-Howard Riefs,  Kmart spokesman

In Fort Collins, Colorado, the new mall owner wants everyone out, including Sears.  Sears Holdings owns the building and land where their store is, and they’ve said they want that store to remain in business.  However, Alberta Development Partners say the store has to go, as part of their plans to tear everything down and build a new shopping plaza.  Stay tuned.

Here’s my updated list of store closings since the end of 2011:

Arizona: Scottsdale Sears/Great Indoors, Chandler Sears/Great Indoors.

Alabama: Gadsden Kmart (50 jobs lost), Mobile Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Auburn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Anniston Kmart (no word yet on how many jobs lost).

California:   El Monte Sears (at least 40 jobs lost. Damien Arrula, El Monte’s economic development director, said the store manager had lied about what was going on: “The general manager of the store had just indicated to me that they were remodeling.”), two San Diego Sears (at least 80 jobs lost), Pleasant Hill Kmart (more than 50 jobs lost).

Colorado:  Broomfield Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Glenwood Springs Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lone Tree Sears/Great Indoors, Longmont Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Pueblos’ South Side Kmart (52 jobs lost),  Denver Kmart (number of jobs lost have not been made public at this time, but could be at least 40).

Georgia: Macon Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Buford Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Douglasville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Atlanta Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Columbus Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Jonesboro Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Cartersville Kmart (74 jobs lost).

Guam:  Sears Hometown Store.

Florida: Fernandina Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Callaway Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Orange City Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost),  Deland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Stuart Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), West Palm Beach Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Port St. Lucie Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Crystal River Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), New Smyrna Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint Augustine Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Pompano Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost),  Jacksonville Kmart on 5751 Beach Boulevard (71 jobs lost), second Kmart in Jacksonville on 4645 Blanding Boulevard (83 jobs lost), Ocoee Sears (102 jobs lost), Pensacola Kmart on Airport Boulevard closed in 2011, Pensacola Kmart on Mobile Highway closed on 03 February 2013 (69 jobs lost), Hialeah Kmart (67 jobs lost).


Hawaii: Honolulu Sears (owned by GGP).

Idaho: Lewiston Sears (at least 60 jobs lost).

Indiana:  Anderson Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint John Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Indianapolis Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost).

Illinois:  Alton Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Melrose Park Sears parts and repair center (50 jobs lost), Zion Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Lawn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), McHenry Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Peru Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lombard Sears/Great Indoors (at least 40 jobs lost), Fairview Heights Kmart (81 jobs lost), Freeport Kmart (45 jobs lost), Pontiac Kmart (more than 47 jobs lost), Homer Glen Kmart (82 jobs lost), Streator Kmart (45 jobs lost), Lombard Kmart (70 jobs lost).  Recently revealed Naperville Kmart (98 jobs lost). By the way, Illinois elected officials gave Sears Holdings/Hoffman Estates a $150 million USD tax break to keep their headquarters in the state.  The tax break was not tied to any promise not to close stores.

Iowa:  Cedar Rapids Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Davenport Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Burlington Kmart (50 jobs lost), Coralville Sears (94 jobs lost, this is a store sold to GGP earlier in the year).

Kansas: Lawrence Sears (at least 40 jobs lost).

Kentucky: Middlesboro Sears (in September 2012 the Sears store re-opened under independent ownership, official grand re-opening scheduled for November), Winchester Kmart (back in May, Rankin Paynter bought out what was left of the inventory and gave it to charity), Hazard Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost).

Maine: Lewiston Sears (60 to 70 jobs lost).

Maryland: Ellicott Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Gaithersburg Sears/Great Indoors.

Michigan: Novi Sears/Great Indoors, Brighton Sears Grand/Essentials,  Harper Woods Sears Full line, Monroe Sears Full line, Adrian Sears Full line, Washington Township Kmart, Chesterfield Kmart, Woodhaven Kmart, Flint Kmart (46 jobs lost).

Minnesota: Willmar Kmart, Duluth Kmart, New Hope Kmart, White Bear Lake Kmart.

Mississippi: Jackson Sears Full line, McComb Sears Full line, Columbus Sears Full line.

Missouri: Lee’s Summit Sears Grand/Essentials, Saint Louis Sears Full line.

Montana: Missoula Kmart (50 jobs lost).

New Hampshire: Nashau Sears Grand/Essentials, Keene Sears Grand/Essentials.

North Carolina: High Point Sears, Moorehead Sears, Rocky Mount Sears, Statesville Sears, Durham Kmart (79 jobs lost), Asheville Kmart (53 jobs lost),  West Smithfield Kmart (59 jobs lost), Winston-Salem Kmart (69 jobs lost).

New Jersey:  Lawnside Kmart (about 80 jobs lost).

New Mexico: Las Cruces Kmart (58 jobs lost).

New York: Recently revealed Depew Kmart (68 jobs lost).

Ohio: Chagrin Falls Kmart, Springfield Kmart, two Toledo Kmarts, Medina Kmart, Columbus Kmart, Columbus Sears/Great Indoors, Zanesville Sears (67 jobs lost), Trotwood Kmart (71 jobs lost).   Also, Van Wert Sears franchise bought out by Kirk Berryman, owner of Computer & Networking Technologies (CNT), who plans on moving the store to a new location.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Sears (98 jobs lost, GGP owned).

Oregon: Roseburg Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Tualatin Kmart Center (new property owner from California is tearing everything down for new shopping center, so far no indication the Kmart will be part of the new shopping center), Milwaukie Kmart (61 jobs lost).

Pennsylvania: Upper Darby Sears Full line, Pottstown Sears Full line, Pittsburgh Kmart, Wilkins Sears, Warminster Kmart (85 jobs lost).

South Carolina: Sumter Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Orangeburg Sears (57 jobs lost), Columbia Kmart on Fort Jackson Boulevard in 2012, Columbia Kmart on Bush River Road in 2009, Irmo Kmart (no info on how many jobs lost).

Tennessee: Antioch Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Cleveland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Ridge Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Hendersonville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Morristown Sears (about 70 jobs lost).

Texas: Two Sears parts and repair centers closing in The Woodlands (117 jobs lost), rebuild center in Garland (58 jobs lost), Farmers Branch Sears/Great Indoors, Houston Sears Great/Indoors.

Virginia: Norfolk Sears (at least 40 jobs lost),  Midlothian Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Richmond Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lynchburg Sears (84 jobs lost).

Washington: Walla Walla Sears Full line (in August 2012, it was reported that an independent owner of Sears Hometown stores will open a store in Walla Walla), Lacey Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Kelso Sears (47 jobs lost), Lakewood Kmart (59 jobs lost), Bellingham Sears (92 jobs lost),  Seattle Kmart (85 jobs lost).

West Virginia: Oak Hill Kmart (59 jobs lost).

Wisconsin: West Baraboo Sears (at least 40 jobs lost, local village officials say the store generated 3% of local tax collections), Rice Lake Kmart (about 71 jobs lost).

On top of that, Sears Holdings sold stores to General Growth Properties (GGP), of which it has been reported that most of those stores will be closed.

Here’s the list of 11 Sears stores now owned by GGP:

Iowa: Coral Ridge Mall (it’s official the Sears is closing, see above), and Mall of the Bluffs

Texas: The Woodlands Mall (this does not involve the two repair centers being closed by Sears)

Florida: West Oaks Mall

Utah: Fashion Place, and Provo Towne Centre (note the evil British empire way of spelling town & center. Due to a favorable lease agreement the GGP owned Provo Sears will continue to stay open under Sears Holdings management)

Oklahoma: Quail Springs Mall (it’s official, the Sears will be closed, see above)

Hawaii: Ala Moana Center (will be closed, see above)

Washington: Bellis Fair Mall (Bellingham store, see above)

Minnesota: Apache Mall

Illinois: Market Place Shopping Center

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 19 January 2013. Idaho dollar stores goin’ down! Video game makers goin’ down! Colleges cutting back on programs that U.S. industry leaders say are lacking!

In Idaho, and with almost no notice, Boise based Honk’s $1.00 filed chapter 11 bankruptcy around 16 January 2013.  However, and despite what Boise media reported, they started closing down stores weeks earlier, like the one in Pocatello.  It’s reported that the dollar store corporation just can’t sell enough of the crap they have, and in Utah they owe tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid sales taxes and rent!

A Minnesota steel frame manufacturer will layoff 17 employees. Crenlo blames the bad economy.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is consolidating 13 offices.  State officials claim the move will save $2 million per year, and they will somehow not lay off any affected employee.  Famous last words.

Ohio’s Bowling Green State University will layoff 100 of its employees by Fall 2013!  University officials gave no explanation as to why so many people will be let go.

Another college feeling the pinch.  University of Hartford, in Connecticut, will layoff more than a dozen employees to try and keep their tuition costs for students down. Work hours for some other employees will be reduced.

The Long Beach City College to layoff 18 employees. They laid off employees last year as well.  The California college is dealing with a $6.4 million USD deficit. College officials also cut programs that are ironically what U.S. manufacturers say are lacking in this country, such as aviation maintenance, welding, automotive technology, HAVC and diesel mechanics among others. A few weeks later the college president said “…at no time have I been more confident about our direction and ability to meet the demands before us.”-Eloy Oakley

The Build A Bear store in Santa Rosa, California, closing down.  It’s part of the company’s plan to close down 60 stores across the United States over the next two years.

Also in Santa Rosa, a Gap Kids clothing store is closing down.

Women’s magazine publisher, Merideth, ended 60 jobs, mostly in New York, some in Iowa and other locations. The company says they are integrating operations.  They publish Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Fitness, and own Allrecipes.com, EveryDay with Rachael Ray and FamilyFun brands.  The cuts come at a time when the company recently increased quarterly dividends to stockholders, by 6.5%.

New York Blower cut 12 people, blaming crashing sales.

By the end of March 250 contracted employees will be out-o-work at the Letterkenny Army Depot in Pennsylvania.  Depot officials said most were short term contracts that are ending.

The Bottom Dollar Food stores in Montgomeryville and Chalfont, Pennsylvania, closing down.  They’re owned by the same European company that is shutting down grocery stores in North Carolina, Florida and Virginia.

In Washington, reports say the “vast majority of Gas Powered Games‘ staff” were laid off. The video game maker spent all their cash on their last game, called Wildman.  Company officials say they literally bet their company on its success or failure.

Also in the Evergreen State, the city of Spokane laid off two employees, and more could be in the works. Last year they eliminated 80 positions. They blame it on not enough revenue for the city.

Floyd Central Thriftway food store in Kentucky closing down.  20 employees out-o-work.  Older customers liked their delivery service.  The owner was talking about opening another store, but the reality was that sales kept going down and operating costs kept going up.

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 18 January 2013. Thousands more laid off in Texas!!! GM impacts entire community with mass layoffs! More colleges hit by declining enrollment! Hate Verizon even more! Have some more cheese with that whine, corporate America?

Meat packing company, Cargill, announced 2,000 layoffs for operations in Texas!!!  Two packing plants will be closed due to a lack of regional cattle for beef, and company officials blame that on the ongoing drought.  Get ready for beef prices to go up even more!

Gerber baby food maker moves production from Michigan to Arkansas. 44 people in Michigan out-o-work.

General Motors to close down its Weld Tool Center in Michigan. 343 GM employees out-o-work! The closure will also affect dozens of independent operations that rely on orders from GM.  Other local businesses said as much as 90% of their sales went to GM Weld Tool Center employees.

Standard Insurance company to cut at least 100 jobs across the United States.  Basically the company is expecting to lose money this year, and is trying to stay ahead of the curve.

The Pewter Rose restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina, shut down just short of its 25th anniversary.  Sales were down, and water damage to the building was the final straw.

One month ago Hatteras Yachts announced layoffs for 150 employees at their North Carolina operation.  Now, local media reports say another 40 people were let go. It’s part of the plans of parent company Brunswick to sell off their Hatteras and CABO Yachts brands.

Also in North Carolina, mortgage insurance company United Guaranty laid off an undisclosed number of people.  Company officials say they’re trying to anticipate near term “business needs”, meaning they think things are going to get worse!

In South Carolina, the Hippodrome Theater is closing down.  The owner says ticket sales are good, but he wants to focus on his law business.

Boise, Idaho, lost another retailer. California based See Jane Run women’s sports wear closed their only store outside of the Golden State.

The Washington Township Health Care District says it has no choice but to layoff 200 employees at Fremont hospital in California! They blame reduced reimbursement rates from state and federal health programs and private insurance.

Directory Distributing Associates shut down its Merced, California, operation and laid off 42 people.

Avon closing down its Pasadena, California, distribution center. 170 jobs lost! The center was opened in 1946. Avon will also close a distribution center in Atlanta, Georgia.  250 jobs lost there! Operations will move to Ohio.  Avon officials say they need to reduce costs by $400 million per year!

Little Dipper restaurant in Dalton, Georgia, closed down. It was famous for chocolate cobbler. The family that owned it would not give details about why they closed the popular restaurant, but said it was time to move one, and that another restaurant was moving in.

In Alaska, the Anchorage school board revealed they are short $25 million USD!  They will have to layoff school employees, although they have yet to pick who becomes unemployed.

In Louisiana, the Jefferson Parish School Board will layoff 20 employees at two alternative schools. They blame lower enrollment due to fewer troubled students (I guess that’s a good thing).

Despite making profits, Massachusetts based custodial bank State Street will layoff 630 employees around the world, 260 just in the Bay State!

Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital in Massachusetts to shut down its detox unit. About 24 staff affected. Hospital officials say they’re changing the way they handle certain types of addictions, which will render the detox unit unnecessary.

In Arkansas, the architecture and engineering company, Benchmark Group, laid off at least 23 people.   Company officials blamed the bad economy.

More reason to hate Verizon.  The New York based telecommunications company will layoff 201 people around the country!  Company officials say there is no need for those employees as a result of technical upgrades.  However, a union rep said that was BS: “These layoffs are not needed. We have enough work to cover every one of them.”-Ed Cocliff, Local 827 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Broadway Brew Pub & Grill in Troy, New York, closing down.  Apparently pub owners were threatened by city officials, after several incidents of violence in the pub.

The Vermont Law School has laid off two people, and bought out the contracts of ten others. School officials blame declining enrollment.

Virginia based Computer Sciences Corporations confirmed they will layoff an undisclosed amount of employees.  They say they need to become more efficient. I worked for CSC in the early 1980s, no comment other than even in the 1980s they were highly inefficient, but that’s par for the course for companies dependent upon government contracts.

Pennsylvania based TE Connectivity laying off 137 workers across its medical products division! The company blamed it on a $0.5 billion drop in sales.  Want some cheese with that whine?  They only had $13.3 billion in sales during fiscal 2012!

Investment company Legg Mason to layoff an undisclosed amount of employees, due to the merger of two of its divisions.  (no pity for investment companies)

Illinois based metal and plastics distributor, A.M. Castle, will layoff 180 people!  It’s all about increasing their profits even more!

In Skokie, Illinois, a Best Buy is shutting down. 58 employees out-o-work.

Busey Bank will close four branches in Illinois. Bank officials say it’s part of their plan to transition to mobile and electronic banking.

Laurel Hill Healthcare closing its nursing home in Connecticut. It’s part of the growing nursing home closings due to parent company Spectrum Healthcare’s bankruptcy.

A Catholic school in New Albany, Indiana, shutting down.  Saint Mary’s Academy will close for good in May, due to more than $1 million of debt!

Massachusetts based Hologic, maker of medical diagnostic tools, to close its Indiana factory. 140 people out-o-work!

Idaho, U.S.

2nd U.S. Civil War: Pew poll says the Federal Government is your biggest enemy! State of Idaho to become testing ground for domestic drone use!

“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”-Benjamin Franklin, a founder of the United States

A new Pew Research Center poll shows that more and more citizens of the United States of America see the federal government as the enemy: “For the first time since we have been asking this question, we have a majority, 53%, saying that their rights are personally threatened by the government.”-Andy Kohut, Pew Research Center

“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”-2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

The Pew poll shows that 73% of U.S. citizens now distrust the federal government, almost three of every four people!   That lack of trust is shared among Democrats and independents as well as Republicans.

The growing use of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicle, drone) against U.S. citizens is just one of dozens of reason people are seeing their government as their number one enemy.

In response to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to establish six drone testing sites in Idaho, the legislators of the Gem State have countered with a new bill.  The state Senate Transportation Committee introduced a bill that would create legal guidelines for drone use by Idaho law enforcement agencies, including establishing probable cause, or obtaining a warrant.