Incomplete list of job loss announcements and shutdowns.

California: In Canoga Park, after only a few months ConfeXion Cupcakes shutdown without warning.  News reports say its the first business in the new Village at Westfield Topanga plaza to shutdown, and other businesses are considering leaving as well.  A co-owner of ConfeXion Cupcakes blames outrageous rent.   In Napa, the Scientopia Discovery Center shutting down and in search of a better location.  They also hope to renovate a school bus for mobile exhibits.

Colorado: In Denver, after 48 years iconic Andre’s Confiserie Suisse dessert restaurant shutting down because the A-hole city jacked up the taxes: “The city basically doesn’t want us here anymore. We got priced out.”-Bruno Gegenszhatz, owner

Connecticut: In New Milford, after 24 years restaurant Salsa shutting down next week.  The owner sold it so he could retire.

Idaho:  The city of Chubbuck has admitted that after at least five years their recycling program is a money loser.  It’s essentially for the same reason coal, oil, steel and aluminum operations are going down; crashing commodity prices.  Chubbuck administrators said the recycling contractor is reporting that the price per ton of mixed recyclables has dropped so low that they must now charge the city for the use of what were once free roll-off containers located at City Hall and elementary schools. That ended up causing Chubbuck to suffer a net loss of $2,474 USD in the month of October (even with residents paying for their own individual recycling containers), and as such the city is canceling the use of those roll-off containers.   (Once again people, no glass or styrofoam recycling in southeastern Idaho!) (No Glass or Styrofoam Recycling in SE Idaho?)

Massachusetts: The Hopkinton based company, EMC Corporation, which took over Texas based computer company Dell, revealed they will eliminate $250-million USD in jobs during 2016 as a result of the Dell takeover!

Michigan:  In Davison, the Farmer’s Daughter Country Store shutting down at the end of the month.  City administrators are now foaming at the mouth over the prospects of major redevelopment in the area, now that most of the old businesses are gone.

Minnesota: Globe University (Minnesota School of Business) announced it will shutdown its Moorhead campus sometime during the 2016-17 school year: “As with many colleges across the country, our Moorhead location has seen a continuous decline in enrollment….”  

New Jersey:  God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ 113 years old (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Our Lady of Assumption church in Bayonne.

New Mexico:  The city of Santa Fe can no longer afford to pay the rent on the city parking lot on Canyon Road and threatened the property owner to pay them instead, lest they shut it down!  As a result the property owner called bullshit on them and is shutting it down himself!  It’s the only ‘city’ parking lot in the area.

New York: Pier 1 Imports shutting down their Watertown store.  In Nyack, popular Hartell’s Deli shutdown.  Hartell’s has operated in Nyack since the 1970s, no word on why they shutdown.  Too Big to Jail TrustCo Bank shutting down one of two Schenectady offices this month.

Ohio:  In Mansfield, after 29 years Lee’s Ancient Wok shutting down, the owners want to retire but their adult son has no plans to continue working the popular restaurant.

Oregon:  In Portland, after 114 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) grocery store Strohecker’s shutting down by the end of the month.  Local news reports say no reason was made public (the corporate owners, Lamb’s Markets, refused to talk). Indications are that the store’s pharmacy operations will continue in a different location.   What’s that about Goodwill creating jobs? In Salem, it was revealed that seven years old Thai Beer Restaurant was forced to shutdown when the property owner sold-out to Goodwill Industries.     In Lake Oswego, mental health clinic for children Youth Villages Oregon (aka Christie Care, Christie Campus) being shutdown after complaints of abuse and sexual contact.  Investigators blamed it on lack of supervision.

Pennsylvania:  In Bridgeville, after 30 years restaurant Tambellini’s shutdown.  The building was sold.

South Dakota: In Sioux Falls, DN Nails shutdown by state inspectors.  The inspection was the result of three customers complaining of severe pain and bleeding.  Inspectors found unsanitary conditions like plumbing that didn’t work (sinks backed up with water) and evidence that banned implements were being used.  A local news source called the conditions in the pedicure shop “gross”.

Virginia:  In Richmond, after 1-hundred years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) chain store Pleasants Hardware shutting down its flagship store by February, and selling off the remaining seven stores!   The stores employ about 1-hundred people each!

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

https://youtu.be/WeK3jszNf6Y

National Association of Realtors says pending home sales dropped for the third time in four months.  It’s blamed on high prices and low inventory.

Arizona: In Sierra Vista, after 20 years Peacock Restaurant and Z Bar shutdown, the owners blaming many things but especially a crazy hike in rent.  Tucson based Carondelet Health Network laid off 1-hundred people!

California: Drugs maker KaloBios Pharmaceuticals now chapter 11 bankrupt busted after two of its administrators quit when their former CEO (infamous for jacking up cancer drug prices astronomically) was arrested for frauding investors!   More proof internet based businesses are not recession resistant; a day after grocery delivery service Instacart (once valued at $2-billion USD) revealed it laid off 12 employees, administrators announced they are jacking up their delivery fees by 50%!  In San Diego, after 38 years Pacific Beach Community Garden shutdown after selling out to a property developer.

Connecticut: Hartford Health Care eliminating 120 jobs at Windham Hospital!  

Idaho:  The state Public Utilities Commission has accepted monopoly Idaho Power‘s 20 years operation plan.  The plan includes shutting down a coal fired plant and passing on the shutdown costs to captive customers.  The ‘lawmakers’ of The Gem State allow Idaho Power to operate as a monopoly.

Illinois: In Bloomington, Kep’s Country Kitchen shutting down after selling out to a competitor.  God refuses to stop ObamaCare from forcing ‘his’ Hospital Sisters Health System to end inpatient healthcare services at Saint Mary’s Hospital, other services are being consolidated to other hospitals, 3-hundred jobs affected!   Winter Storm Goliath has shutdown historic sites Fort de Chartres, Fort Kaskaskia and Pierre Menard Home with record floding from the Mississippi River.

Indiana: In South Bend, Yummy Cupcakes shutting down Gregorian New Year’s Eve: “Unfortunately traffic hasn’t been….what we hoped it would be. It just came to the point where there’s not enough coming in.”-Larry Katz, owner

Iowa: Bridgepoint Education-Ashford University moving ahead with shutting down its Clinton campus in 2016, at least 50 jobs lost.  In 2011 the university had 959 full time students, in 2015 full time enrollment dropped to 418!    Pier 1 Imports shutting down their 20 years old Crossroads Center Mall store, no further details given, the mall manager told local news that he only just found out himself.   In Ames, after less than two years Julieann’s home decor shop shutdown: “I just can’t compete with what’s going on out there now.”-Julie Brooks, owner

Kentucky: In Bowling Green, after 25 years the Shake Rag Restaurant shutting down after Gregorian New Year’s Day.

Massachusetts: Partners HealthCare System shutdown their Spaulding Hospital for Continuing Medical Care North Shore, 3-hundred jobs lost! 

Michigan: In Eaton Rapids, Davidson’s Old Mill Yarn shutting down their retail operations after 94 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions).  Wholesale operations will continue, at one point they employed 75 people.

Minnesota: In Minneapolis, the Burnet Gallery shutting down.  It’s located in the Le Meridien Chambers Hotel, which was sold-off in August and the new owners apparently don’t like art galleries.

Missouri:  Winter Storm Goliath has shutdown the Smartt Field Airport with record flooding from the Mississippi River.

Montana: A guest writer (and dairy producer) in The Missoulian has revealed that a state regulation is forcing local dairy producers to shutdown.  It’s called Amended Rule for Milk Inspection Fees.  The writer warns even more dairy ops, like his, are about to be shutdown and he wants the public to take action.

New Jersey: More proof internet/high-tech jobs are not recession resistant; Mercer County Community College announced it is eliminating as many as 24 IT jobs.  After 33 years J&G Pet Food and Supply shutdown after the owner was kidnapped and beaten.  To add insult to injury the owner wasn’t even the guy the retarded kidnappers wanted!

New York:  In Albany, after 56 years restaurant Justin’s being shutdown by the A-hole State Liquor Authority.   In Village of Lyons, no more village police department due to the Village merging with next door Town of Lyons.

North Carolina: In Greensboro, after 66 years Cashion’s Furniture and Decorating shutting down in January 2016.  The current owner will continue as an interior design consultant.

Ohio: In Columbus, after 40 years Bernies Bagels & Deli shutdown due to property re-development in the University District.

Oklahoma: Drysdales Western Wear laid off at least 20 people from its Tulsa warehouse.  It’s part of the company’s plan to shift to more internet sales.

Oregon:  In Eugene, after 56 years Serv-U Market shutdown, the owners sold-out to a big grocery store chain and the sale forbids them from saying which chain.

Pennsylvania: No more Manny, Moe and Jack? Philadelphia based auto parts chain store Pep Boys being sold for $1-billion USD to Icahn Enterprises, expect layoffs and shutdowns.

Texas:  Dallas based phone service AT&T ending its two years contract because it can’t afford to continue subsidizing it.  Starting in January 2016 potential customers will have only two choices of plans.  In Wichita Falls, the last full service Shell fuel station (on Taft and Midwestern Parkway) shutting down.  The owner sold the property, which he admitted had “environmental issues”.

Washington: Illinois based KapStone Paper & Packaging laying off 25 people at its Longview operations, blaming crashing demand for paper products.

Washington DC: Restaurant Mio shutdown, supposedly a new “concept” will take its place.

West Virginia: Murray Energy laying off more than 1-hundred coal miners due to the crashing coal market.   State ‘lawmakers’ shutting down the National Guard Armory in Keyser.  The ‘lawmakers’ are trying to save money by consolidating armories.

Wisconsin:  Pastiche Bistro and Wine Bar shutting down its Bay View location in favor of its Milwaukee location.   News reports say Jefferson County suffered at least 1-thousand 42 job loss WARNs, making it the hardest hit of Scott Walker’s Right to Work you over counties in 2015!

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Alabama:  Yet again, Walter Energy eliminated hundreds of jobs, this time 319!  Earlier the bankrupt coal miner eliminated 794 jobs between July and November!

Arizona: After 46 years Oasis Bedroom shutting down all four furniture stores, blaming competition from national chain stores.  In Prescott, Hooligan’s Pub and the bar Swagger shutting down after Gregorian New Year’s Eve.  The owners blame health problems for forcing them to retire early.

California:  More proof internet based businesses are not recession resistant; grocery delivery service Instacart (once valued at $2-billion USD) laid off 12 employees. Administrators also stated they “no longer need to maintain such an aggressive hiring pace”  in 2016.   Cupertino based Apple computers has essentially admitted to tax evasion charges in Italy.  Apple wil pay the equivilant of $347.7-million USD to settle unpaid Italian taxes from 2008 to 2013.

Colorado: In Colorado Springs, after three years Lucha Cantina shutdown.  The operators are consolidating their food ops to fewer restaurants.

Hawaii:  The Fresh Cafe Downtown and Fresh Cafe Kakaako shutdown with little warning.  It’s blamed on a dispute between the co-owners.

Now employee owned Norco in Chubbuck, Idaho

Idaho:  More rebellion against the 30+ years old Right to Work you over laws as yet another company is taken over by its employees.  Boise based Norco, “the nation’s largest privately owned welding, safety, medical and gas supplier”, is now 35% owned by its employees under the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)!  Utility company Idaho Power begging wealthy customers to make donations to Idaho Power’s privately funded Project Share, which helps low income people pay their winter heating bills.  Between October 2014 and September 2015 a measly $200-thousand USD has been raised for Project Share.  The Gem State does not have taxpayer funded social programs to help people pay their utility bills, yet taxes in the Right to Work you over state are unusually high for so few social programs.

Illinois: Overpriced (at least here in Idaho) Big Lots! shutting down their Rockford East State Street store in January 2016.

Kentucky:  A building collapse has shutdown several businesses in Brooksville, some permanently.   Local news reports say the vacant building along Miami Street had a history of problems, and was last listed as being worth a piddly $1-thousand USD.  City administrators are working with the current owners of the building to figure out what to do.  The owner of next door Carota’s Pizza says “This is devastating to us and other businesses. I hate being closed. We have been trying to shift around employees, but I may lose some employees because they need the work.”

Louisiana:  Department of Wildlife & Fisheries ending deer hunting season early due to radical weather causing record flooding from the Mississippi River.

Minnesota: After 43 years Borgstrom’s Hallmark gift store sutting down in 2016 because “We’re not seeing any growth.”

Mississippi:  Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks ending deer hunting season early due to record flooding from the Mississippi River.

Montana: Signal Peak’s Bull Mountain Mine under threat of shutdown due to state permit problems, 320 jobs threatened!

New York:  NYC based ‘investment’ fund Seneca Capital Investments being shutdown by its owner, all investments supposedly being returned to the investors because 2016 is looking to be a bad year for investments: “I am no longer able to continue making the commitment and sacrifices required to run outside capital. Despite negligible redemption requests and increasing market opportunities that are the result of a challenging year in event-driven investing, I cannot in good faith start next year with the dedication required to manage your capital.”-Doug Hirsch  

North Carolina: DAL (Delta Air Lines) Global Services (aka DGS) laying off 56 employees contracted to work for American Airlines at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.  In Charlotte, after 18 years Cosmo Cafe shutting down in January 2016.  The owner decided he could make more money renting out the property.

North Dakota: In Grand Forks, after 47 years locally owned auto parts store H.E. Everson shutting down, blaming the encroachment of national chain auto parts stores since the oil boom.  At one time there were 19 H.E. Everson stores across two states.

 Pennsylvania:  Once again, God not as powerful as ObamaCare as Saint Joseph’s Hospital is shutting down, at least 675 people unemployed by March 2016!  Because of ObamaCare hospital services are being consolidated into fewer locations.

South Dakota:  Veterans Affairs wants to shutdown the Hot Springs VA Medical Center, 418 jobs lost by 2020!  Analysts say it’ll result in the regional economy losing $55-million per year!

Tennessee: In Memphis, Kroger shutting down their Hickory Hill Road grocery store, blaming 10 years of low sales. Administrators say the 17 years old store has not made a profit since 2006.

Texas:   The second largest U.S. rail company, Fort Worth based and Warren Buffett owned BNSF, laid off 1-hundred people in North Dakota and Minnesota, blaming crashing freight shipments!

Utah: In Logan, the Golden Corral all you can eat buffet shutdown.  According to local news reports this followed a ten week span that saw Gold’s Gym, Dunkin Donuts and Sports Authority shutdown in Logan.  The city’s Economic Development office told local news sources that based on tax revenues the economy is still good there in Logan/Cache County!

Wisconsin: Door County Rubber Stamp & Scrapbooking shutting down their 22 years old Egg Harbor store.  Like many other businesses the owners are consolidating retail operations into fewer stores.

U.S. Job Losses & Closings 29 December 2015: “We were blindsided….It’s like a funeral here.”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Japan based Toshiba concluded an internal investigation into book-cooking and discovered that past corrupt administrators ripped off the company by at least $1.3-billion USD.  The result is that 7-thousand 8-hundred people around the world will lose their jobs!  This affects Toshiba ops in the United States, such as the South Texas Project (Toshiba owns 87% of Pennsylvania based nuclear power plant maker Westinghouse).

California: In Newark, bio-company StemCells warned 25% of its employees of impending layoffs due to “restructuring” caused by legal tangles involving the state stem cell funding agency CIRM.    In South San Francisco, drugs maker Threshold Pharmaceuticals announced layoffs that would leave it with only 20 employees! It’s blamed on their Phase 3 failed drugs.  Another drugs maker, KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, in big trouble after two of its administrators were arrested for frauding investors!  The company now faces NASDAQ de-listing.

Connecticut:  Failed golf TV network Back9Network now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  Back9 went off the air in February and laid off most of its employees.

Georgia: In Decatur, after 39 years the 17 Steps gift shop shutting down by the end of January.

Idaho: State ‘lawmakers’ decided to give state employees a 3% pay raise, yet the Idaho Press-Tribune says state employees are still paid 22% below the ‘market average’ for state government employees across the U.S.  My own short experience working with state employees at Idaho State University revealed that the pay disparity gets even worse when you break it down by region, yes, state employees are not paid uniformly across The Gem State.  It was also revealed that the state Department of Health and Welfare experienced a 15% employee turnover rate in 2015, blamed mainly on low pay rates!  So much for Right to Work you over laws!  For more news on the sad state of Idaho, the U.S. Department of Education says Idaho’s High School graduation rate is 41st out of the 50 states and Washington DC!

Indiana: What automotive industry recovery?  New car parts maker Indiana Marujun (IML) shutting down its Winchester factory, 750 jobs lost by the end of 2016!  It’s blamed on the planned shutdown of the Honda factory.

Kansas: In Topeka, the non-profit health care Marian Clinic shutting down affecting at least 4-hundred low income patients.  Local news reports say the Shawnee County Health Agency is experiencing a steady increase in patient inquiries since the announcement that Marian Clinic was shutting down.

Maryland: In Westminster, after 25 years the Hickory Stick bangle shop shutdown: “Expenses are up, and the sales are not following suit.”-Sandy Scott, owner

Nevada: Proof government doesn’t want ‘green’ businesses and there is no such thing as ‘free market economics’ in the United States; California based solar panel maker SolarCity leaving The Silver State because the state Public Utilities Commission jacked up fees charged to people who put solar panels on their homes, and reduced how much electric power companies have to pay those home owners for extra power generated by the solar panels.  The net result is that people who put solar panels on their homes will actually see their electricity bill go up by about $40 per month!  Up till now analysts say Nevada homeowners with solar power panels had reduced their electricity bill by a measly $15 per month.  Evil utility companies demand that even people who go off the power grid should still have to pay to support that evil grid!  SolarCity’s exit from The Silver State could affect at least 2-thousand jobs!

New York:  In Manhattan, restaurant City Hall shutting down on New Year’s Eve.

North Carolina: Morrison Healthcare Food Service shutting down their Pinevale operations, 80 jobs affected by February 2016.   Morrison lost their contract with Carolinas Healthcare System.

Ohio: God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ 1-hundred years old (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Saint Matthew Lutheran Church in Mansfield.  Supposedly it’s being taken over by a competing version of christianity.

Oklahoma: The state Board of Equalization predicts $900.8-million USD less in tax revenues for next fiscal year due to the collapsing oil industry.

Texas: In Austin, it was revealed that Mijos Tex-Mex Cantina shutdown without warning, back in November.

Utah: In Orem, after 53 years the Vineyard Garden Center shutdown, the owner said “Too old, too tired.” 

Virginia: In Alexandria three local mom-n-pops shutdown; Bradlee Shoe Repair, Monroe’s Shoe Repair and Mancini’s Cafe & Bakery.

Wisconsin: In Wausau, after 51 years Hadley Office Products shutting down.  The retiring owners found a buyer for the business, hoping to keep the employees employed.    Reports say the new owner will keep on ten employees.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

What housing market recovery?  The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that sales of existing homes crashed in November, down 10.5% from October (which, by the way, were revised downward from previous reports), and down by 210-thousand sales compared to November 2014!  By region: NorthEast down by 9.2%, South down by 6.2%, MidWest crashed by 15.4% and the West also crashed by 13.9%.

California: Emeryville based Jamba Juice announced it is shutting down 30 stores in Illinois and New York, 104 jobs lost!  Administrators said the stores “are cash flow negative”.  The evil city of Oakland spent $72-thousand tax dollars evicting homeless people from 162 homeless camps!  That’s a lot of homeless people, gee I thought there was an economic recovery Barack Obama?   A famous ‘Hollywood’ junkyard that nobody knows about is shutting down.  The Aadlen Brothers Auto Wrecking (aka U Pick Parts) junkyard has been used in dozens of TV shows, especially police/crime shows, over the years but is now shutting down due to crashing revenues.  Another problem is that the junkyard is also an unofficial abandoned cat refuge estimated to have dozens of homeless cats.  Efforts are being made to capture the cats and find homes for them.  In Santa Monica, restaurant Cadet shutting down after the Gregorian New Year’s Day: “…it was not financially viable and will be doing their best to reposition the staff…”-official statement

Florida:  MV Transportation issued a WARN saying 80 people in Orlando will lose their jobs by mid-February 2016.

Idaho:  More proof public school systems are covert Concentration Camps! The evil and corrupt School District 25 (aka Pocatello/Chubbuck school district) fired a food service worker for giving a starving child a free lunch valued at a measly one dollar and 70 cents!  On top of that the A-hole District 25 administrators sent the good samaritan (now former) employee a letter stating they consider her act of charity “theft”!  The former food service employee told new sources she offered to pay for the meal herself but that offer was rejected by her supervisor: “…what are you supposed to do when the kids tell you they are hungry and they don’t have any money?”-Dalene Bowden, hero District 25 food service worker fired for trying to feed starving children

More proof Idaho’s version of ObamaCare is meant to kill you.  The state Department of Health and Welfare is slashing Medicaid payments for in-home care of mentally disabled people.  Already, in-home care operation A New Leaf, in Meridian, is shutting down and eliminating 39 jobs as a result.  Many more in-home care operations will be shutdown as the draconian state ‘lawmakers’ want to warehouse disabled people in institutions.  (better do your research to find out what happened the last time people were warehoused in institutions, it not pretty)

For more proof your Gem State ‘lawmakers’ are out to get you, a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals court judge ruled that your ‘elected’ lawmakers act with extreme hatred (“animus”) regarding things like animal rights: “The overwhelming evidence gleaned from the legislative history indicates that (the statute) was intended to silence animal welfare activists, or other whistleblowers, who seek to publish speech critical of the agricultural production industry….a review of the (statute’s) legislative history leads to the inevitable conclusion that the law’s primary purpose is to protect agricultural facility owners by, in effect, suppressing speech critical of animal-agriculture practices.”-B. Lynn Winmill

Wild turkeys seen near Inkom, Idaho

Did you pay too much for your holiday turkey?  Producers blame a shortage of the big birds for high store prices but the state Department of Fish and Game claims there are so many wild turkeys in eastern Idaho that they’re asking for a special “expanded” hunting season.  Turkeys are not native to Idaho and their growing population is considered a threat to native game birds.

Now to northern Idaho where the city of Dalton Gardens wants to spend local taxpayer funding on birth control, not for humans but for deer!   Despite the fact the deer were there first city administrators say there are too many and they’re destroying property values, so they want to spend tax dollars on a vaccine that will prevent pregnancies for at least two years.   This is the same animal-people hating city that gave us politician “…Vito Barbieri, who famously asked a physician during a February House committee hearing if doctors could perform gynecological exams remotely by having patients swallow tiny cameras.”

Indiana: The girls prison called Muskegon River Youth Center, in Ladoga, shutting down 20 jobs threatened.  News reports gave this ominous reason; “….will close for a few months and will re-open as a slightly different type of facility.”

Kansas: News reports say Overland Park based cell phone company Sprint has begun its planned $2-billion USD in layoffs/cost cutting a month early!    The layoffs were originally to take place by the end of January 2016, now Sprint administrators say the undisclosed number of massive layoffs will be “largely completed” by the end of January.  Don’t forget, Sprint administrators claim they’re hurting for money so much that for employees laid off after January 2016 the severance package will be cut in half!

Montana: State ‘lawmakers’ are shutting down the Montana Developmental Center.  State representative Denise Hayman (who is opposed to shutting MDC down) says mentally handicapped patients are already being transferred to prisons!     

New Jersey:  The Tenafly Swim Club chapter 7 bankrupt busted.  The New Jersey Pool Manager’s Association says it’s proof there ain’t no economic recovery: “This is absolutely a trend.  We’ve gone from having 54 pool clubs to 45 in our association in about 10 years.”-Ray Roig

New Mexico: In Farmington, after five years the SNS Skate Shop shutting down when the inventory is gone: “The year’s been very slow for everyone that I’ve talked to. I just decided that it was time to pack up.”-Daniel Diswood, owner

Ohio: Forrester’s on the River shutdown after a quagmire of lost business and legal battles.   Railroad operator Norfolk Southern shutting down one of its coal docks, blaming crashing demand for coal, 30 jobs lost as soon as the coal is gotten rid of.

Pennsylvania:  After 43 years of feeding hundreds of hungry families every week the Chester County Food Kitchen shutdown.  The operators blame crashing donations and skyrocketing costs of operation.

Texas: In Fort Worth, after 25 years Shelton’s Barber Shop shutdown.

Virginia: In Fredericksburg, after 11 years Hop & Wine shutting down in January 2016.  The owner blamed many factors including state booze laws.

Wisconsin: Chieftain Sand & Proppant Barron revealed it laid off 63 people.  It’s connected to the oil industry’s fracking operations.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Alabama:  In Tuscaloosa, after 24 years Rug Gallery shutting down, the owner said under these economic conditions “…it’s the right thing to do.”  

California:  Los Angeles based clothier Kitson shutting down all 17 stores in California, Nevada and Oregon!  Also in Los Angeles, Runway Two Five claims they’re temporarily shutting down in January 2016, 73 jobs lost.    In Costa Mesa, 3M division Ceradyne shutting down in February 2016, 65 jobs lost.  In City of Industry, Bay Valley Foods issued a shutdown WARN, 62 jobs lost in February 2016.  In Pleasanton, YP Advertising issued a layoff WARN, 68 jobs lost in February 2016.  Oil service company Brinderson revealed it eliminated 207 jobs last week!

Delaware: In Newark, after 65 years Abbott’s Shoe Repair up for sale.  The owner lamented none of his heirs wanted to learn the craft, he also joked about being a slave laborer for his father: “Back then, there were no child labor laws about a father paying his son. He could pay me whatever he wanted, and if you weren’t his son, you made a dollar an hour.”-Phil Abbott

Florida:  34 years old Miami based gun dealer Samco Global Arms now chapter 7 bankrupt busted and liquidating.  Too Big to Jail American Express issued a WARN for its Saint Petersburg insurance ops, 124 jobs lost in February 2016!

Idaho: College of Southern Idaho revealed that 30% of its student body are still in High School!  The imbecilic Idaho Board of Education realizes that it’s a sign of a ‘significant’ change in college student body demographics (you think?).  What this really shows is a mass exodus of traditional college age students from Idaho!  A federal court has ordered the sale of Saltzer Medical Group.  Corrupt Boise based Saint Luke’s Health System took over Nampa based Saltzer, but a federal judge ruled the takeover violated anti-trust laws.  Saint Luke’s has 12 months to sell-off Saltzer.   New York (get a rope!) based New Media Investment Group has taken over the Idaho Business Review.

Illinois: US Steel eliminating 2-thousand jobs as it idles its Granite City foundry after Xmas!  Administrators blame unfair competition in the global economy.  Food giant General Mills shutting down their West Chicago factory, 444 jobs lost by Summer 2016!  Gate Gourmet lost its contract with United Airlines at O’Hare International Airport, 821 jobs affected!  Black Hawk College warned it must eliminate jobs to cover a $1.5-million shortfall.

Maryland: Calvert Investments eliminating 41 jobs just so it can double its assets over the next five years.

New York:  God refuses to stop ‘his’ College of Saint Rose from laying off 23 people after Xmas.  NYC based Allure magazine warning its employees of pending layoffs. Publics New York (formerly Kaplan Thaler) warned employees of layoffs to hit right before Xmas. Administrators said they’ve had a “good year” but admitted they think the U.S. economy is only getting worse, thus the layoffs.  In Utica, Too Big to Jail Bank of America issued a WARN for its Shared Service Operations Unit, 234 jobs lost by July 2016!  Too Big to Jail Morgan Stanley issued a mass layoff WARN for all its New York locations, 358 jobs lost starting in March 2016!  Capsys issued a shutdown WARN for its
Brooklyn Navy Yard ops, 54 jobs lost in March 2016. In Batavia, the Müller Quaker Dairy shutdown and sold-off, 2-hundred people laid off!  Local news sources hope the new owner (Dairy Farmers of America) will get operations going again soon.

Pennsylvania: In Pottstown, after 94 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) The Very Best hot dogs-hamburgers-steaks  joint shutdown.  In Sharon, after 70 years the Army-Navy surplus store shutdown.  In Carmichaels, oil company Halliburton laid off 21 people.  FMC eliminating 74 jobs in Erie, administrators blame the petroleum industry.  After 20 years, Mapes Manoa Hardware shutting down by the end of January 2016: “I hate to close. It’s a nice area, nice people. I was happy, but what can you do? It’s not profitable.”-J. Raymond Benner

Utah: In Logan, Sports Authority shutting down the day before Xmas.  It’s part of the company’s plans to shutdown dozens of stores across the U.S.

Virginia:  In Bluefield, Mitt Romney co-creation Staples shutting down, mayor Don Harris bemoaned “It’s certainly going to make an impact on the whole area. It’s going to be devastating for us. Hopefully, somebody else might move in.”

Washington: In Seattle, Aramark Sports & Entertainment issued a shutdown WARN, 71 jobs lost after Xmas.

Wisconsin: Iconic Harley Davidson motorcycles laying off 250 people by the end of the month!  It’s blamed on the suck-ass economy.  Mil-3 Precision Machining being liquidated, the last of the employees were laid off in November.  Owner Rich McNett blames the suck-ass economy: “There was just no way I could even make break even anymore…It just got slower and slower and slower…”

09 -10 December 2015: “We’re leaving because we have to.” Internet company loses “90% of our revenue”! 

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”