Category Archives: Idaho

“Help us…” “We are ramping down…experiencing a massive reduction in staff.”: U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 01 – 02 August 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Colorado: After 12 years con artists, I mean investment company Curian Capital stopped accepting new suckers, I mean accounts, and said they will shutdown sometime in 2016, at least 3-hundred jobs lost!  Here’s their official reason for shutting down: “Given the industry-wide changes in technology, product offerings and market size, Curian has determined that it is no longer commercially positioned to provide clients high value investment programs over the long term.” (in other words they see the economy getting so bad that even the stock market is going to crash, for real this time)

Florida: Keolis Transit Services issued a shutdown WARN for their Naples ops, 103 jobs lost by the end of September!  At Kennedy Space Center, InoMedic Health Applications issued a WARN saying 172 people will become jobless by the end of September!  ObamaCare medical device taxes, and changes to Medicare, forced home medical device provider Univita to quit!  According to WARNs, 785 people in Miramar are now unemployed!  Last week Univita employees were told “We are ramping down our operations and will be experiencing a massive reduction in staff.”  It should be noted that the privately run Better Business Bureau said Univita was a terrible company.

Georgia: California based bankrupt busted Anna’s Linens announced they’re shutting down their less than two years old Augusta store. It’s the result of the company totally crashing & burning, 2-hundred stores across the U.S. will shutdown!  

Hawaii: No more dinner cruises?  After a month of being idle 102 employees of Roberts Hawaii were laid off with only three days warning!  #Roberts Hawaii No Aloha

Idaho: In Boise, Supervalu grocery store announced they will shutdown in October, 115 jobs lost!  What housing market recovery? Recently KPVI reported on Pocatello housing projects that have sat unfinished for years.

Illinois: In Pontiac, after eight years Joanna’s Floral Creations & Gifts shutting down.  The owner blames the bad economy for destroying her American Dream: “…I have two small children, a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, and it’s just too hard to run a business full time and raise them…If the economy were a little bit stronger…It’s just hard times.
It’s difficult to run a small business the way the economy is right now, especially this type of business.”-Joanna Von Rhein

Kansas: After less than ten months Take Five Coffee + Bar shutdown due to the lack of customers: “We don’t have a choice. There is no option to press forward.”-Lori Chandler, co-owner

Kentucky: Liquor Barn in Saint Matthews shutting down, it might have something to do with their ongoing lawsuit against a local rival.  In Louisville, Target is shutting down their only store on the Dixie Highway, just in time for Xmas.

Maryland: ObamaCare forcing Laurel Regional Hospital to become an outpatient clinic only!  News reports say hundreds of people will be laid off over the next year!  The hospital will be remodeled (at a cost of at least $25-million) and re-open around 2018 as an ambulatory care clinic (walk-ins only).  Many hospital administrators say they cannot make enough money under ObamaCare as a full hospital service, so they are either merging with other hospitals, reducing services to walk-in only clinics, or shutting down all together.

North Carolina:  Administrators with Legacy Paddlesports announced that due to crashing sales they are merging with a rival, and then they laid off 25 employees without warning.

New York: Addiction treatment center Narco Freedom issued a shutdown WARN for all locations in The Empire State, 513 jobs lost by the end of September!  The owners of the non-profit were accused of frauding the government and customers of billions of dollars.

South Carolina: ObamaCare medical device tax killing off medical products maker Hill-Rom, 70 jobs lost.  That’s a huge drop from the number of employees they had in 2008, according to local news reports Hill-Rom at one time employed 4-hundred people in that location.  Hill-Rom is consolidating their manufacturing and call center ops.

Tennessee: After 16 years Rhythm & Brews shutting down in September.

Virginia: After 28 years toy store Quilts ’N’ Treasures shutdown, the owner has stage 4 lung cancer.   Collapsing Bristol based coal miner Alpha Natural Resources is making it official and going chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  A Cardinal Camera store shutdown with no warning in Richmond.  No explanation, but a sign taped to the door said “Help us stay in Richmond…..and look for a new home…” implying they lost their lease.

31 July 2015: “…a catastrophic event…”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

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.”

“…a catastrophic event…” “…it had a domino effect.” “It has to come to an end…”: U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 31 July 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

“…it’s unfortunate for employees that are put into this situation when it occurs, and you hate to say it, but typically investors reward stocks for these types of layoffs. Stocks react favorable to big announced layoffs.”-Brian Yarbrough, Edward Jones retail analyst

British Petroleum (BP) claims it lost $6.3-billion USD, and as a result “…significant headcount reductions in upstream and downstream as we progress through the year and I think you’ll see more of that before we get to the end of the year.”-Brian Gilvary, cfo

Alabama: Bankrupt coal miner Walter Energy revealed it will eliminate as many as 739 jobs!  US Steel shutting down their Fairfield Works blast furnace next month, the company just posted a $261-million USD loss (more than twice their loss for the same time last year)!  County commissioner Jimmie Stephens calls the Fairfield Works shutdown “…a catastrophic event for western Jefferson County.”

California: News reports say Burbank based visual effects company Stereo D laid off about 225 people!  Work is being shifted to Canada.  In Berkeley, after 40 years Nabolom Collective Bakery shutting down on Sunday. News reports say the operators refuse to explain.   More Haggen grocery store fallout: “When we met with Haggen management prior to the store conversions, they assured us that they were committed to making this takeover a success and that they would do everything possible to keep the customers. It is now apparent that they have not followed through on those commitments and, in fact, have done nothing to assure that customers’ first impressions would be positive. We know that many of you have offered positive suggestions that have been disregarded. Haggen’s failure to live up to their commitments is extremely disappointing.”UFCW Local 770

Colorado: Switzerland owned Diamond Materials Tech laid off 46 people in Colorado Springs in order to “further optimizing the cost structure and production capacity.” They laid off 43 people in January, and 105 people in October 2014!

Connecticut: Stone House Restaurant shutdown after being bought out by the non-profit Rothberg Institute: “We were just going about our day-to-day operations when a realtor said someone was interested in buying this building. We weren’t actively thinking about selling, but this was an opportunity for us to get out before another storm hit and we were left with nothing.”-Peter Hamme, co-owner

Delaware: Casino Dover Downs revealed it eliminated 48 jobs over the past three months, twice what it originally claimed: “When we cut those table games, it had a domino effect. We ended up not needing food and beverage workers, valet operators and other jobs that provided services during that same time period.”-Denis McGlynn, ceo

Idaho: The city of Coeur d’Alene (population about 45-thousand) must layoff four employees to meet their new budget.  The state Department of Labor reports that personal farm income fell 18%, and profits crashed 23% from the end of 2014!  Economists say expect more crashing & burning: “We’re looking at soft prices for every crop in the state basically, except for beef. Cash receipts will be way, way down this year.”-Garth Taylor, University of Idaho

Maryland: In Joppatowne the only marina is about to shutdown. Gunpowder Cove Marina told boat owners to ship out by November.  Residents are pissed: “They lost the pool, they lost this place, the neighborhood is changing!”-Bill Moore, Joppatowne resident since 1965

Michigan: Five Port Huron firefighters forced to retire early as part of budget cuts.

Ohio: Remke Markets announced they will not renew their lease on their Westwood neighborhood grocery store, 63 jobs lost by October.

Utah: Despite recently announcing the shutdown of their fitness machine factory in Logan (eliminating 400 jobs), ICON Health & Fitness administrators posted a “Now Hiring” sign on the very same factory.  They claim they need to hire 1-hundred temp workers to meet demand before they officially shutdown the factory in October. ICON Health & Fitness is moving production ‘overseas’.

Tennessee: After 42 years shoe store The Athlete’s House shutting down in August: “It has to come to an end sometime….it’s just time while everything is good. It’s best to go out on top.”-David Graeflin, owner

Texas: In Dallas, World of Beer on SMU Boulevard shutdown.  Black-eyed Pea in Preston Center shutdown, employees blame lack of parking for customers.  In Arlington, Olenjacks restaurant shutdown.   In Deep Ellum, BBQ joint Mama Faye’s shutdown. Here’s one reason why the construction industry is not recovering; Gander Mountain retailer shutting down its Corsicana store due to an incompetent building contractor: “Based on the recent recommendation from independent engineering experts, it is apparent that the Corsicana Gander Mountain building has certain significant defects. These defects resulted from mistakes made by contractors during the construction of the building.”

30 July 2015: “…taxpayers were…underwriting a vast criminal enterprise…”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

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.”

Mormon dominated Idaho makes big money off Beer!

31 July 2015 (03:24 UTC-07 Tango 01 )/09 Mordad 1394/14 Shawwal 1436/16 Gui-Wie (6th month) 4713

“In the last year, our sales have gone up at least 50%!”-Taresa James, Pub New Harmony in Pocatello, interviewed by KIDK

According to a 2013 National Public Radio report, 25% of people in The Gem State are Mormons, oh, I mean members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

My brother is a Mormon, and the overwhelming majority of my neighbors are Mormons.  In fact if you based your perception of which religion is the dominant religion in Chubbuck on the number of churches, you’d have to say LDS,  because in a city of about 18-thousand residents there are three LDS ‘Wards’.  The Catholic Saint Paul’s church died several years ago, and still sits vacant on West Chubbuck Road (my mother used to go there whenever she visited).

There is a church called Gate City Christian, and a recently built University Bible Church on the western outskirts of the city, and supposedly there is a very small Baptist Church.  But that’s it, no Synagogues, no Mosques!

Now realize that Mormons are not supposed to drink booze yet Idaho’s beer business has become worth $1.2-billion USD!  The Beer Institute and National Beer Wholesalers Association also says Idaho’s beer industry has paid out at least $10-million in wages!

I’ve had many co-workers who call themselves Jack Mormons because they love their beer (and they refuse to go to church and pay their extortion, I mean tithe. “Mormons believe that paying tithing brings peace”).  When I was in the Idaho National Guard I knew several prominent high level LDS Ward members who used their weekend and summer training as an excuse to justify drinking beer!

In the city of Pocatello, which is overwhelmingly Mormon (75.4% according to Census Bureau data!), a massive malting operation is taking place.  It’s Great Western Malting, and recently they got a $75-million USD investment from their Australia based parent company GrainCorp to massively increase production.  Pocatello’s Mormon  mayor even took part in a ground breaking ceremony to expand the Great Western malting operation.  Mormons tout their family values but when it comes to making money, anything goes (in direct ignorance of 2 Nephi 9:30 “..wo unto the rich….they despise the poor and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god……”)

The Chalk Horse

Mormon bank caught violating U.S. sanctions against Iran!

By the way, I’m not anti-beer, I’m anti-money: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”-1 Timothy 6:10 King James Version

“…taxpayers were…underwriting a vast criminal enterprise…”: U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 30 July 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) has revealed that Washington based grocer Haggen has drastically reduced working hours for hundreds of cashiers.  It’s part of Haggen’s drastic cuts eliminating 8-hundred California jobs after taking over 83 California Albertsons-Safeway stores.  Another Golden State tech company in trouble, Santa Ana based Ingram Micro lost $34.3-million USD in its 2nd quarter, prompting administrators to warn of $100-million worth of mass layoffs!  Cetera Financial Group shutting down their J.P. Turner & Company operations, 3-hundred “advisors” affected!  Is it the result of $1-million USD in fines by FINRA? 

Florida: ObamaCare forcing Southeast Homecare to eliminate 217 jobs by September!  Layoffs have already begun.  In Lake Park, the only Dunkin’ Donuts with waitresses is shutting down.  The 53 years old uniquely rebelious Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant also served burgers-n-hot dogs and other things the other Dunkin’ Donuts joints don’t serve, but corporate communist weenie heads cracked down and are forcing it to turn into a plane ol’ boring Dunkin’ Donuts shop. In Tallahassee, after 30 years Tally’s Grille shutdown without warning, loyal customers lamented “We just came here for regular breakfast and saw the sign on the door. …don’t know what we’re going to do now!”

Idaho: Once again, in the land of Republicans, Idahoans ripped off! Despite taxpayers shelling out $180-thousand on an anti-distracted driving campaign, the Idaho State Police report a 61% spike in deaths by car accident compared to the same time last year (from Memorial Day weekend through July 29)!  Gov’na Butch Otter spending big taxpayer dollars on a new Cyber Security Task Force, claiming that “We have seen dozens of cyber attacks that seem to be increasing in frequency and boldness, costing our businesses and taxpayers untold billions of dollars each year.”  But that’s at the national level, not state level, you numbskull!  The Idaho Falls Regional Airport is spending money on a new website in an attempt to attract more customers.  They claim it will show how much money you can save by using a smaller airport.  Also in Idaho Falls, the 135 years old (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) Post Register newspaper is up for sale.  The president of the family owned newspaper told employees “…I have nothing more to add to the welfare of the company.”  Turns out the newspaper has been for sale for quit some time, but nobody wants to buy it.

Illinois: Deerfield based food conglomerate Mondelez International announced it will eliminate 6-hundred jobs in Chicago, as part of a new round of $130-million USD in ‘investments’ into “…four state-of-the-art manufacturing lines — ‘Lines of the Future’ — at….Salinas, Mexico.”  In other words, automated bakeries.

Indiana: Pennsylvania based Too Big to Jail PNC will shutdown the only bank in Monroeville!

Louisiana: After four years satirist Mid-City Theater shutting down.

Maryland: The Baltimore City Detention Center being shutdown, after investigations proved the prison employees were corrupt gangsters (“…guards ran a criminal conspiracy inside vermin-infested, 19th-century walls and thwarted decades of attempted reforms.”-Associated Press).  However, the real reason for the prison shutdown is ostensibly to save taxpayers $15-million per year (or protect the ‘lawmakers’ from big lawsuits?): “…taxpayers were unwittingly underwriting a vast criminal enterprise run by gang members and corrupt public servants. Ignoring it was irresponsible and one of the biggest failures in leadership in the history of the state of Maryland.”-Larry Hogan, gov’na

Massachusetts: The Boston Globe revealed it will eliminate more jobs in an effort to attain a “modest profit”.

Michigan: ObamaCare forcing HealthPlus to begin “voluntary separations”.  So far 250 people will be let go! Outright layoffs will begin at the end of September, company administrators reportedly have a goal of eliminating 5-hundred jobs!  In May the insurance company got out of the Medicaid business by selling off its Medicaid and MIChild operations.

Nebraska: In Lincoln, after almost nine years The Yarn Shop shutdown.

Nevada: Grocer Fresh & Easy shutting down three stores in the Las Vegas metro area, by the end of next week.

New Jersey: Home to 425 race horses, Showplace Farms shutting down in October.  Elitist supporters want taxpayers to bail the horse racing industry out!

North Carolina: A National Public Radio report revealed a booming business; new cemeteries for the thousands of veterans allowed to die by the evil hands of the Veterans Affairs; As Cemetery Building Booms, Veterans Hope To Be Buried Close To Home

Pennsylvania: Non-profit Channels Food Rescue shutting down because “it is not a viable, sustainable business model any more”, according to executive director Vicki DiSylvester.

Oklahoma: Colorado based natural gas supplier QEP Resources announced it is shutting down its regional office in Tulsa, 70 jobs lost. QEP joins dozens of other U.S. companies consolidating operations due to the bad economy.

Texas: Despite reporting “better than expected” profits, Houston based oil company ConocoPhillips stated they will continue eliminating jobs.  Since 2014 the “World’s largest independent E&P company” has eliminated 1-thousand 5-hundred jobs, but says that because they expect oil prices to crash they want to cut another $1-billion in costs (mainly jobs) over the next two years!

29 July 2015: “…economic conditions dire…”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

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.”

West Nile Virus hits U.S.! Idaho girl a carrier?

31 July 2015 (19:05 UTC-07 Tango 01, 30 July 2015)/09 Mordad 1394/14 Shawwal 1436/16 Gui-Wie (6th month) 4713

California‘s Los Angeles County revealed that a “young male” is now at home recovering from West Nile.  One person died of West Nile in Nevada County.  More and more counties in The Golden State are reporting mosquitoes found carrying the virus, it’s being blamed on the drought.

Colorado reports one woman and one horse infected with West Nile.  Boulder, Denver, Jefferson, Larimer, Mesa, Pueblo and Weld counties reporting mosquitoes carrying the virus.

Volusia County, Florida, reports one man infected. Walton County reports three chickens infected.

In Washington and Payette counties, Idaho, two women and one horse have been confirmed to be infected with West Nile.  One woman is hospitalized.  West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in the counties of Adams, Washington, Valley, Gem, Payette, Canyon, Ada, Owyhee, and Bingham.

In Emmet, Idaho, a 14 years old girl found out that what she thought was influenza is really West Nile.  She’s been sick for more than a year!  To show you how dumb the local doctors are, not only did they not diagnose West Nile but they prescribed her antibiotics for a viral infection (antibiotics have no effect on viruses)!  According to local news reports the doctors finally ordered a blood test when her symptoms worsened, after more than a year had gone by!

The Boston Weak state of Massachusetts declared the following communities to be at moderate risk of West Nile: Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Newton, Revere, Somerville and Watertown.

Mississippi reports two people infected.  In Lincoln County a fire fighter lost his battle with West Nile, he got infected two years ago!

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reports two people infected.

In Lakewood, Ohio, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health announced a possible human case of West Nile.

In Pennsylvania, Allegheny County Health Department is spraying new bug killer called Zenivex after finding mosquitoes loaded with West Nile.  Venango County confirms one woman infected with the virus.

Lubbock, Texas, reports mosquitoes carrying the virus.  At least one person infected in Dallas County.

Most U.S. states are reporting mosquitoes found carrying West Nile Virus.

Standing water claim a myth?

Blood donors with no symptoms are carriers!

“…economic conditions dire…” US Airways officially dead! “Home Depot has killed us…”: U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 29 July 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Arizona: The University of Arizona issued another warning about mass layoffs saying the new state budget is forcing them to cut $25-million USD in operating costs!  (this is actually less than the $43-million they were warning about earlier this year)

Arkansas:  Employee recruiting firm Cameron Smith & Associates revealed they are prepping for “a surge of phone calls, emails and resumes” as Walmart initiates mass layoffs.   It’s expected that Walmart will layoff 1-thousand people just from its Bentonville HQ!

California: Torrance based grocery store chain Fresh & Easy announced it will shutdown 14 stores! Administrators said “…progress was not enough to bring their performance in line with the rest of the business.” This is on top of the 55 Fresh & Easy stores closed across several states earlier this year.  In Newark, Raley’s grocery store shutting down on Saturday, blaming “…decreasing number of customers and decreasing sales.”  In San Jose, the owners of Palo’s said they’re being forced to close both their restaurants because “…our landlord has chosen not to extend our lease.”   Eliteland based (Beverly Hills) Relativity Media now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  Administrators say 75 people have been let go, but some news reports say as many as 1-hundred people have been laid off!  More proof high-tech is not recession proof; San Francisco based video game maker Kixeye laid off an undisclosed number of employees.

Georgia: Darley Stables at the Aiken Training Track is being shutdown by its oil rich owner from Dubai, who is also the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates.  Local news reports failed to explain why the elitist oil man is shutting it down by September.

Idaho: In Ketchum, after less than five years Main Street Market grocery store shutting down in August.  The operators blame escalating rent: “The original five-year lease term is ending, and it did not make sense to extend the lease for the required seven-year commitment.”

Illinois: After 40 years Jo-Ann Fabrics shutting down their DeKalb store in November.

Iowa: Tax collector IRS announced they are shutting down their Waterloo Taxpayer Assistance Center on Tower Park Drive, due to more taxpayers using the internet to get help paying taxes.  No word on how many jobs will be lost.

Kansas: After less than one year the new owners of two years old YOLO Grill shutting it down because “…YOLO Grill hasn’t had the volume to support itself…” 

Maine: A 45 years old Arby’s roast beef sandwich shop shutting down in Bangor, 20 jobs lost.  There are now only five Arby’s in Maine.

Michigan: The Wayne Community Center shutting down on Sunday, due to the lack of a new lease with any contracted operator.

Minnesota: Cliffs Natural Resources announced it is shutting down its United Taconite mine, and its pellet operations, 480 jobs lost!  It’s blamed on oversupply and competition.  However, it should be noted that Ohio based Cliffs Natural Resources has just reported a profit for its 2nd quarter. Administrators admit those profits all came from mass layoffs as their sales were down 33%!

New York: What construction industry recovery?  One of the oldest architecture companies in the U.S., WASA Studio, now bankrupt busted.  After 12 years, art gallery Wallspace shutting down in August.  In Lockport, Donna Eick’s Restaurant shutting down, the family will focus on catering only.  In Horseheads, appliance store  Werninck’s shutting down after 42 years: “Home Depot has killed us….Lowe’s has beat us….It is not a secret that independent family businesses are dying.”-Lionel R. “Dick” Werninck, owner

North Carolina: In Research Triangle Park (RTP), news reports say the Massachusetts based drugs maker Parexel is about to layoff the 2-hundred former GlaxoSmithKline employees it hired-on earlier this year!  Apparently this is part of their bigger plan to eliminate 850 jobs!  Philips Lighting shutting down their Philips-Optimum factory in Henderson, 50 jobs lost.  URS shutting down their Elizabeth City factory, 96 jobs lost (possibly due to URS being taken over by AECOM).  California based Avery Dennison shutting down their Lenoir/Greensboro factories by the end of August, 225 jobs lost!  What automotive industry recovery?  Fan belt maker DAYCO shutting down their Fayetteville and Red Springs ops, 135 jobs lost by October!

Pennsylvania:  California based “specialty pharmaceutical” (oxycodone-OxyContin) company Impax Labs shutdown their Pittsburgh ops, 86 jobs lost.  Sears Holdings issued a shutdown WARN for the Brookhaven Kmart, 89 jobs lost by September.   US Airways issued a shutdown WARN for their Corapolis ops, at least 6-hundred jobs lost by the end of August!  News reports also say US Airways shutting down its Moon dispatch center, about 50 jobs lost. It’s due to American Airlines taking over US Airways.  In York, after nine years Amish owned Gish’s Furniture and Amish Heirlooms shutting down as soon as they can get rid of $2-million worth of inventory, no reason for the shutdown given.  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette trying to bribe 120 employees to voluntarily quit (voluntary buyouts)!  Administrators blame “…weak revenue and a difficult advertising climate have created economic conditions dire enough to require thinning the newsroom.” 

South Carolina: What automotive industry recovery? Ohio based Parker Hannifin ’s Engineered Materials Group continues its crash, this time they will shutdown their Beaufort County Racor Division vehicle filter factory, 75 jobs lost by December.  They are consolidating their filter production to fewer factories.

Tennessee: Electronic company TS3 Technology suddenly shutting down this Friday, 81 jobs lost.  Teddy Bear Portraits by Nationwide Studios laying off 69 people.  Paper and packaging company WestRock ending their Tullahoma operations, 50 jobs lost.

Texas: Fort Worth based American Airlines announced it is ending all US Airways operations, thousands of jobs lost!  Fort Worth based oil service company Range Resources reported that despite eliminating 11% of its jobs they still lost $118.6-million during its 2nd quarter 2015!

Virginia: Colorado based canning supply company Ball announced it will shutdown its Bristol factory by the first half of 2016, about 230 jobs lost!  Ball Corporation joins dozens of other companies consolidating their operations in preparation for more economic crashing & burning.

Washington DC: Yet another hardware store going down; Brookland True Value Hardware shutting down, the owner blames a doubling of rent in the past three years.

Wisconsin: After nine years Tulip Restaurant shutting down on Friday.

28 July 2015: “It’s not a good thing, Lord o’mercy!”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

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.”

Chupacabra attacking goats in northern Idaho?

29 July 2015 (20:51 UTC-07 Tango 01, 28 July 2015)/07 Mordad 1394/12 Shawwal 1436/14 Gui-Wie (6th month) 4713

In Coeur d’Alene, a goat herder reported that three of his goats were attacked.  Two were alive with stab wounds, the third was found dead with its head almost cut off.

The goats were being used by the city for weed control and were found near a local water well.

Is this a case of chupacabra, or alien dissection, or animal sacrifice, or some idiot running around high on ‘speed’?

Amphetamines, it’s what Islamic State does!

“It’s not a good thing, Lord o’mercy!” Puerto Rico ordered to destroy all schools!: U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 28 July 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Alabama: What housing market recovery? Crown Columns and Millwork shutting down, 1-hundred employees being forced to move 182 miles away or become unemployed!   The mayor of Attalla freaked out at the news: “It’s not a good thing, Lord o’mercy! Usually, in the town the size of Attalla, a hundred jobs is a lot of jobs!”-Larry Means

California:  In San Jose, after 33 years Sousa’s Restaurant shutdown, the 73 years old owner sold out to property developers.  The city of Garden Grove shutting down Joe’s Italian Ice by August.  The city owns the land has has sold out to a hotel developer!   Chevron announced it will eliminate 5-hundred jobs in San Ramon! Chevron says it need to cut costs by $1-billion USD!   Cisco Systems revealed they laid off 192 people in San Diego!   The drugs company formerly known as Actavis, now known as Allergan, is prepping to be sold off again this time to Israel’s Teva.  A layoff WARN has been issued for September, 45 jobs lost in Corona.  Highland Hospital Substance Abuse Treatment Center shutting down, taxpayer funded Alameda Health System says ObamaCare makes it not worth it to renew their contract to operate the treatment center.  Utility company Southern California Edison continues to replace U.S. citizens with migrant workers, this time 138 people will become unemployed in September, that’s on top of the 4-hundred laid off since the beginning of the year!  In Carlsbad, Taylor Made Golf shutdown, 64 jobs lost.  Bus contractor First Transit issued layoff WARNs, 198 people across California to be unemployed by the end of August!   ProCourier issued several WARNs saying 115 people will be unemployed by September!  ObamaCare forcing Aramark Healthcare to shutdown their Support Services in Culver City, 53 jobs lost by October.   Tax-sucking military contractor IAP Worldwide Services laying off 67 people in Mountain View.  Is it connected to the company administrators being caught bribing Kuwaiti officials: “IAP Worldwide Services Inc. (IAP), entered into a non-prosecution agreement and agreed to pay a $7.1 million penalty to resolve the government’s investigation into whether the company conspired to bribe Kuwaiti officials in order to secure a government contract. A former vice president of IAP also pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for his involvement in the bribery scheme.”

Colorado:  Tax-sucking Lockheed Martin eliminating 270 Colorado Springs jobs due to losing a GAO contract!

Idaho: North Dakota’s Industrial Commission fined Alturas Energy $900-thousand for massive wastewater spills that have yet to be cleaned up.  News reports said the Hailey based oil service company’s phone number is no longer in service.  North Dakota’s Department of Mineral Resources also accused Idaho’s Alturas Energy of abandoning oil wells: “I think it’s important, especially with the lower oil price paradigm that we’re in, that we send a message to companies that we mean business.”-Lynn Helms

Kentucky: Green Market Regional Food Co-op shutdown in Glascow: “…there’s just not enough people who are interested in this who are willing to pay the little extra it is to get it here in Glasgow. The people who have the money drive to Nashville or to Louisville and go to Whole Foods.”-Mary Stockler, co-op volunteer

Louisiana: Too Big to Jail Capital One revealed it will shutdown five New Orleans branch offices in October.  In Monroe, after 64 years Simmons Exxon and Hitch Center shutdown.  The founder, Reubin Simmons, lamented “I remember selling it [gasoline] for 26 cents a gallon!”

Massachusetts:  Intel selling off their shuttered Hudson chip factory. Intel shut it down after 2013, killing 7-hundred jobs!

New York: Restaurant Associates issued a shutdown WARN saying 32 people will become unemployed by September due to loss of food service contract with The Brooklyn Museum.  NYC based Quirky finally revealed how many New Yorkers will lose their jobs by August, 111!  Korea based Samsung issued a WARN saying they’ve terminated their NYC based “PX Project Research and Development Team”, 42 jobs lost.  In Staten Island, newspaper Advance Publications is outsourcing 45 jobs in October.  Depalino Restaurant Corporation is shutting down their City Crab and Seafood Company in August, 73 jobs lost.  Too Big to Jail Sterling National Bank laying off 18 employees in October.

Ohio: After two years Crazy Mango Bar and Bistro shutdown.  The restaurant was located in a plaza known as The Greene, which has become a revolving door for dozens of failed restaurants.  University of Akron shutting down their Multicultural Center and UA Press, all 161 employees to be laid off!  That’s apparently on top of the 213 jobs that have yet to be eliminated!

Oregon: California based Chevron is not only killing oil industry jobs but mom & pop burger joints as well!  In Hillsboro Baker’s Burgers shutdown because fuel station operator Cain Petroleum Chevron needs the land.

Pennsylvania: Swimsuit maker to the stars A&H Sportswear shutting down their Upper Nazareth factory by September: “We can no longer afford to responsibly make garments in the Upper Nazareth area.”-Jack Waldman, vp

Puerto Rico: Global strategic and policy advisory firm  Centennial Group advises the U.S. territory to start shutting down its schools, and a group of 34 ‘investor’ hedge funds are now demanding Puerto Rico comply!  The Puerto Rican education system spends only 79%  of what is spent in the 50 states, yet the capitalist hedge funds declared that to be “overspending”!  The evil A-hole ‘investors’ also want the U.S. territory to sell off $4-billion worth of public property!

Texas: California based Chevron announced it will eliminate 950 Lone Star State jobs!

Virginia: Department store Belk shutting down its 20 years old store in Culpeper, 25 jobs lost.

Washington: After 80 years moving company Blue Bird Transfer shutdown.

West Virginia: Century Aluminum shutdown its smelter in Ravenwood, without warning.  Administrators blame competition with Chinese companies.

Wisconsin: Yet another Ace Hardware store shutting down, this time it’s 65 years old Olson’s Ace Hardware in Waukesha.

26 – 27 July 2015: “How I’m going to make it anymore?”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

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.”

“We’re going to go down.” U.S. Food Crisis, July 2015: Obama steals your water! Grocery store admits to stealing your Whole Paycheck!

Incomplete list of announced United States food supply shutdowns for the month of July, 2015: Many food suppliers/distributors are consolidating operations and killing jobs due to the collapsing grocery store and restaurant industries, as well as rising costs of food production, spread of disease and extreme weather.

The Greek debt crisis will affect olive oil and wine exports to the United States, which will result in higher prices.

13 states are now suing the Obama regime over the right to access their own water.  The federal Clean Water Act’s Waters of the U.S. rule allows the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prevent farmers and municipalities access to water and goes into effect in August. The 13 states challenging the Obama regime are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Arizona: In Tucson, after eight years On a Roll Sushi restaurant shutdown. The landlord put the building up for sale and the restaurant owner is sure any new landlord will jack up his rent, so he’s getting out now as his lease is almost up.  Haggen announced an undisclosed number of layoffs at their Grand Canyon State operations, due to “unprecedented” competition.

California:  Torrance based grocery store chain Fresh & Easy announced it will shutdown 14 stores! Administrators said “…progress was not enough to bring their performance in line with the rest of the business.” This is on top of the 55 Fresh & Easy stores closed across several states earlier this year. In Newark, Raley’s grocery store suddenly shutdown, blaming “…decreasing number of customers and decreasing sales.” In San Jose, the owners of Palo’s said they’re being forced to close both their restaurants because “…our landlord has chosen not to extend our lease.”  Albertsons-Safeway issued yet another layoff WARN for Pleasanton, another 14 people being let go in September.   Beverage delivery company DS Services of America issued shutdown WARNs for Los Angeles and Pasadena, 320 jobs lost by the end of September!  After 71 years of “Made with Love & Lard” Oakland’s La Borinquena Mex-icatessen shutdown. The owners also shutdown their La Snackeria operation. They said they need to retire to “catch our breath”.   In Berkeley, after 18 years popular Pyramid Alehouse shutdown. The building is being sold-off and the owners of the Alehouse will focus on ops in Oregon and Washington.  Even the rich and famous are cutting back spending. In Beverly Hills the upscale Hakkasan restaurant shutdown, the owners also admitted that their Las Vegas operation is losing money as well.  In Oakland, after 40 years the owners of Bay Wolf restaurant announced they will shut it down in August. They want to retire, so they’re selling the property.   In Los Angeles, after ten years Sushi Central shutdown due to the greedy landlord selling the property.  In West Hollywood, after 41 years the French Quarter restaurant shutting down ‘officially’ for remodeling, but local news reports say the new owners might actually be tearing the whole thing down for some unknown construction project.  Amy’s Baking Company shutting down. The owners blame the landlord for complaining about “weird odors”.    In Wilmington, State Fish Company shutting down by September, 76 jobs lost.  Washington based Starbucks shutting down two Bay Bread operations in September. The closure of Bay Bread’s South San Francisco and San Fernando bakeries will result in 171 people becoming jobless! In Brentwood, it was discovered by local newsies that Cafe Röckenwagner quietly shutdown.  In Fullerton, after 20 years Steamers Jazz Club & Cafe shutdown. The owner admitted he’s been trying to sell the place for the past four years, apparently he finally sold it to a brewery.  In Oakhurst, popular Grocery Discount Center shutting down in August. It’s blamed on the death of one of the owners. Locals say the business will be missed: “I have watched them feed the poor, pray for the hurting … it’s like a family here …”-Debra Burnett

Haggen began laying off 8-hundred employees and cutting work hours for the rest, after taking over 83 California grocery stores from the recently created Albertsons-Safeway (a total of 146 Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Safeway stores across the country were sold to Haggen as part of the Albertsons Safeway merger)! Grocery industry analysts say get ready for more changes from Haggen: “This is the biggest conversion in Southern California or anywhere else in the last 15 to 20 years. It’s going to be evolutionary to go through the transition and correct the pricing and everything else that comes up.”-Burt Flickinger 3rd, Strategic Resource Group

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) has revealed that Washington based grocer Haggen drastically reduced working hours for hundreds of cashiers.  In San Jose, after 33 years Sousa’s Restaurant shutdown, the 73 years old owner sold out to property developers. The city of Garden Grove shutting down Joe’s Italian Ice by August. The city owns the land has has sold out to a hotel developer! In Berkeley, after 40 years Nabolom Collective Bakery shutdown without explanation.

Connecticut: In East Hampton, popular restaurant Governor’s Tavern shutdown due to water problems that an uncoperative landlord won’t fix.   After 32 years the Red Barn Restaurant shutdown, no explanation.  After two years the owner of S&S Sweet Treats shutting down her Torrington ice cream shop in September: “Essentially there is a lack of support for small businesses and a small business simply cannot exist without its community’s support.”-Tina Pesillo

After 15 years The Stone House restaurant shutdown due to “Recently, we lost one of our dearest shareholders. This loss has affected some of us greatly, and between the hardships we suffered and this loss, the opportunity that was presented by the unsolicited offer came at a time when some of us needed to rethink our lives and priorities.”-Dolores and Jim Quinlivan, owners

Stone House Restaurant shutdown after being bought out by the non-profit Rothberg Institute: “We were just going about our day-to-day operations when a realtor said someone was interested in buying this building. We weren’t actively thinking about selling, but this was an opportunity for us to get out before another storm hit and we were left with nothing.”-Peter Hamme, co-owner

Delaware:  Pike Creek Coffee Roasterie announced that “Due to increasing health concerns of the owner, we are scaling back our business…”.  The now bankrupt A&P grocery chain will shutdown two Delaware stores.  Casino Dover Downs revealed it eliminated 48 jobs over the past three months, twice what it originally claimed: “When we cut those table games, it had a domino effect. We ended up not needing food and beverage workers, valet operators and other jobs that provided services during that same time period.”-Denis McGlynn, ceo

Florida: In Miami Beach, the restaurant L’echon Brasserie ended its Hilton Cabana Hotel operation.  After 70 years Fox’s Lounge (aka Fox’s Sharron Inn) shutting down, property speculators are tearing it down to build a hotel.  Restaurant Dockside Dave’s on Gulf Boulevard in Saint Pete Beach shutdown. Reports say the bad economy was making it difficult for the owners to run two restaurants.  Vizen sushi restaurant shutdown. Critics said it was good but too expensive. Moore’s Stonecrab shutdown, reports say a new restaurant will open, a year and a half from now!  In Lake Park, the only Dunkin’ Donuts with waitresses shutting down. The 53 years old uniquely rebelious Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant also served burgers-n-hot dogs and other things the other Dunkin’ Donuts joints don’t serve, but corporate communist weenie heads cracked down and are forcing it to turn into a plane ol’ boring Dunkin’ Donuts shop. In Tallahassee, after 30 years Tally’s Grille shutdown without warning, loyal customers lamented “We just came here for regular breakfast and saw the sign on the door. …don’t know what we’re going to do now!”

Georgia: In Columbus, after 20 years Millie’s International Market shutting down due to the owner’s health problems.  Restaurant Timone’s shutdown: “Unfortunately, we’ve arrived at a tough crossroads, and I’ve decided to close Timone’s.”-Ron Eyester

Idaho: “We dodged a bullet last year. But we’re not going to dodge it this year. We’re going to go down.” so says southeast Idaho economist Ben Eborn who warns that the strong USD and 15 years long drought might finally kill off Idaho’s farmers.   In an unprecedented move, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared more than 90% of Idaho’s 44 counties to be food production disaster areas because of the 15 years long drought! Never has the USDA declared an entire state a disaster area!   Clearwater County declaring a state of emergency as the 15 years long drought has killed off 66.67% of the local wheat crop!  The Idaho Barley Commission is asking other barely production states to unite to fight growing problems with the growing, selling and transportation of the crop.  Idaho is the largest producer of barely in the United States.  Idaho sees growing transportation costs hindering the competitiveness of U.S. barely and wants investments to “ensuring a more competitive transportation infrastructure to move barley and malt more competitively to markets across the country and in neighboring markets in Latin America.”  In eastern Idaho participating farmers (a little more than 20) in the Thresher Artisan Wheat sustainability program reporting good results; 17% more bushels of winter wheat per acre than farms not in the program. 18% less energy used (fertilizer, electricity, fuel). Improved water efficiency by 17% and reduced greenhouse gases by 19%.  General Mills started the program and reports say corporate farmer Simplot will join the program.  In Meridian, after 26 years Miss Tami’s restaurant shutting down. The owner said the economy is forcing them to scale down to a catering/drive thru operation only.  In Ketchum, after less than five years Main Street Market grocery store shutting down in August. The operators blame escalating rent: “The original five-year lease term is ending, and it did not make sense to extend the lease for the required seven-year commitment.”

The state Department of Labor reports that personal farm income fell 18%, and profits crashed 23% from the end of 2014! Economists say expect more crashing & burning: “We’re looking at soft prices for every crop in the state basically, except for beef. Cash receipts will be way, way down this year.”-Garth Taylor, University of Idaho

Illinois:  Decatur based container shipper Trans Coastal Supply blaming GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) corn for forcing it into chapter 11 bankruptcy. Last year massive shipments of GMO corn from the U.S. were rejected by China, costing Trans Coastal Supply big money. They tried to sue the Switzerland based company that made the GMO corn. The 2014 lawsuit alleged that U.S. farmers, who grow corn for China, were sold the GMO corn by Syngenta even though China bans GMO corn.  Farm vehicle maker Deere (formerly known as John Deere) continues to eliminate jobs. This time 160 people in Moline were rendered jobless without warning! It’s being called an “inventory adjustment shutdown”. Administrators say sales continue to crash, and they expect sales to continue to crash for the rest of the year. In Chicago, events organizer Red Frog Events laid off 29 employees. It’s connected to their takeover of D.J. National Food Service.  General Mills shutting down their West Chicago food factory by 2017, at least 5-hundred jobs lost! This will be the 3rd General Mills factory in West Chicago to shutdown! It’s part of their Project Century plan to deal with crashing sales. Unionized employees said “…it’s all about money now.”  Cyrano’s Farm Kitchen has been sold and will shutdown in August, the now former owner saying “I just need to move on.”  In Peoria, “After more than 30 years of creating ‘smiles made from scratch’ for central Illinois, our last day of operation will be July 11.”Apple’s Bakery   In Skokie, after 50 years Jack’s Restaurant shutdown, the property is being sold so the owner can retire.  The Bunge North America grain elevator in Fulton shutting down by the end of the month: “Fulton requires a significant investment in its barge loading equipment to keep it operating effectively. It would not be cost effective to make the upgrade based on market conditions…”-Deb Seidel

Deerfield based food conglomerate Mondelez International announced it will eliminate 6-hundred jobs in Chicago, as part of a new round of $130-million USD in ‘investments’ into “…four state-of-the-art manufacturing lines — ‘Lines of the Future’ — at….Salinas, Mexico.” In other words, automated bakeries.  In Joliet, Glasscock Farm shutdown their corn growing ops. The owner said he had to sell most of the property as a matter economic survival: “…I sold the land at 125 times what my father paid for it back in 1959, and now I have an inheritance to put food on the table.”-Scott Glasscock

Indiana:  In South Bend, pasta restaurant Ciao’s shutting down, the owner doesn’t know what he’s going to do.  In Fort Wayne, after 39 years Abby Brown’s Candy Shoppe shutting down in August, due to the death of one of the co-owners. Dean Foods (aka Dean’s) issued a WARN saying it will shutdown its Rochester factory, 138 jobs lost in October!  58 years old Double 8 grocery chain shutdown its four grocery stores without warning: “…got a phone call at 6:09 telling me there was no need to come to work.”-Janice Anderson, former employee

“…we have Closed All of our Stores today, Thursday, July 23, 2015……Unfortunately, our declining revenues was too much of a challenge to overcome.”-Double 8 statement

Iowa: News reports out of Des Moines report skyrocketing egg prices, and turkey shortages, due to the H5N2 bird flu. Grocery chains Hy-Vee and Fareway report that while turkey prices are steady supply is crashing, forcing them to ration: “We just receive a percentage of what we normally get, then we allocate that out to our stores.”-John Turner, Fareway Stores

The price of eggs in grocery stores have tripled, and at restaurants diners are paying an average of 25 cents more per egg. One restaurant owner said the high price of eggs has jacked up the cost of making pancakes by $1,200 USD, per week: “It’s really starting to get pricey. We hope it will be a short-lived situation.”-David “Stoney” Stone, Waveland Cafe

Kansas: After less than one year the new owners of two years old YOLO Grill shutting it down because “…YOLO Grill hasn’t had the volume to support itself…”  In Manhattan, the country’s oldest Pizza Hut shutdown after 55 years due to crashing sales. The franchise owner lamented “…in 1960….No one here even knew what a pizza was! Imagine that! But I don’t think I would have guessed how big Pizza Hut ….would get either.” 

After 22 years Bella Luna Cafe shutdown. It’s being blamed on a recent death in the family and trying to run three restaurants at one time: “It’s not about money for me. It’s about being happy, and I’m not happy…”– Matteo Taha 

Kentucky: Bankrupt food producer Gourmet Express was sold off, and now their Muhlenberg County factory is shutdown, at least 81 jobs lost.  In Benton, after 40 years the King Brothers grocery store shutdown. Green Market Regional Food Co-op shutdown in Glascow: “…there’s just not enough people who are interested in this who are willing to pay the little extra it is to get it here in Glasgow. The people who have the money drive to Nashville or to Louisville and go to Whole Foods.”-Mary Stockler, co-op volunteer

Maine: A 45 years old Arby’s roast beef sandwich shop shutting down in Bangor, 20 jobs lost. There are now only five Arby’s in Maine. In Bath, after 57 years Gilmore’s Seafood shutdown, the owner forced to sell the property and blames the bad economy: “…it’s not been as good was it was in the late 80′s early 90′s….nowadays, it’s not the same. A two month gig in July and August, and the rest of the year isn’t that great.”-Ben Gilmore

Maryland:  In Gaitherburg, Largent’s restaurant shutdown, the chef blamed “a variety of reasons”.  After seven years restaurant Clementine shutdown. The co-owner said she’s focusing on catering only because it’s not a good time to run a restaurant: “…is the toughest business ever. It’s really, really, really hard. There are just so many moving parts, and we’re working so many hours. And our events schedule has really been picking up. You start to ask yourselves, ‘What’s going to give?’”-Cristin Dadant

Massachusetts: In Wayland, J.J. Mckay’s restaurant and Beyond Beans bakery shutdown.  In Hamilton, after six years Winfrey’s Fudge & Chocolates shutdown “…due to the lack of parking and foot traffic.”  In Somerville, after 46 years Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant and Music Club shutting down by 2016. The owner wants to ‘repurpose’ the property as a mixed retail-residential building.

Michigan: In Kalamazoo, sandwich shop Panini Express shutting down their City Center drive thru window because it “was hindering opportunities to expanded production for larger groups.”  The Royal Park Hotel’s 11 years old Brookshire restaurant shutdown, because it became “passé”. 

Minnesota: Golden Valley based food producer General Mills revealed Project Century, a plan to shutdown dozens of factories and eliminate 2-thousand 5-hundred jobs! General Mills also runs Project Catalyst, which has eliminated 8-hundred ‘white-collar’ jobs! Just last month General Mills announced a new Project Compass which will eliminate 725 jobs over the next 12 months, and is in edition to the other two projects!  In Saint Paul, after 30 years the 7th Street Tavern shutting down by the end of the month. It’s blamed on crashing sales due to crashing customer traffic at the mini-mall location. Near Hastings, after about 60 years The Point restaurant shutdown. It’s been sold to convenience store/gas station operator SSG, who already owns the surrounding land.

Mississippi:  In Hattiesburg, after 30 years restaurant Cuco’s shutting down in August. The owner blames a 2012 shooting incident which scared off customers, plus increased competition: “The shooting completely destroyed my business…..The other reason is that there’s so many other Mexican restaurants in town….I haven’t made any money on this place in a couple of years….I’ve been putting my retirement money in it, too.”-Ricardo Mussiett

Missouri: Canadian news reports revealed that Kansas City based Kansas City Southern Railway will layoff at least 110 people!  It’s blamed on crashing shipments for the oil and agricultural industries.  Bermuda based Bunge shutting down its cooking oil packaging factory in Bradley by 2016, about 210 jobs lost! Administrators are consolidating operations.  General Mills shutting down their Joplin food factory, 120 jobs lost! It’s part of their Project Century plan to deal with crashing sales.

Montana: The USDA designated 15 counties as disaster areas due to the drought.

Nebraska: Be’ne Pizza and Pasta shutting down after 14 years.   Canadian news reports revealed that Omaha based Union Pacific Railroad will furlough at least 1-thousand employees! Union Pacific is the largest U.S. railroad operator by sales. The Canadian news reports said it wasn’t just Union Pacific but several railroad companies across North America will be eliminating jobs due to crashing sales caused by the oil and agricultural industries: “The whole market is surprised at the rapid plunge….The challenge is trying to align the size of the network in real time with demand that’s shifting in surprising ways.”-Keith Schoonmaker, Morningstar railroad analyst

Nevada: Haggen announced an undisclosed number of layoffs across their Silver State operations, due to “unprecedented” competition.  Grocer Fresh & Easy shutting down three stores in the Las Vegas metro area, by the beginning of August.

New Jersey: Dale and Thomas Popcorn issued a WARN saying they will shutdown their Englewood popcorn factory in August, the remaining 53 jobs lost. 56 employees were laid off a few months ago, the company is moving operations to Indiana.  37 years old Park and Orchard restaurant sold off and will eventually be shutdown by new owner.  Food flavor additive maker Frutarom shutting down their North Bergen operations by August, 50 jobs lost. It’s blamed on the millions of dollars spent taking over British empire United Kingdom company FoodBlenders and Belgian company Taiga International.  The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) issued multiple WARNs saying eight Pathmark grocery stores will shutdown by September, a total of 867 jobs lost!  Montvale based Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) now chapter 11 bankrupt busted (again) and will shutdown at least 25 stores and sell-off at least 120. The Montvale HQ building was put up for sale back in January.

New York:  The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) issued multiple WARNs saying two Pathmark and three Waldbaums grocery stores will shutdown by November, a total of 472 food jobs lost in time for Thanksgiving!  Gold’s Pure Food Products has sold-off its assets in Hempstead Village, 55 people laid off.   After creating 40 jobs in the Rochester area, booze seller Constellation Brands laid off at least 11 people.  In Canandaigua, Wade’s Market Center issued a shutdown WARN for September, 133 grocery jobs lost!  In Brooklyn, after seven years the owner of restaurant Char No 4 announced they will shutdown, but didn’t explain why.  After 13 years the Lit Lounge will shutdown by September, one co-owner blames Millennials who “don’t go out”.  Turns out one grocer in The Big Apple is a Big Liar, but finally admitted to overcharging customers.  Whole Foods Markets had gained the nickname Whole Paycheck because of their outrageous prices (it’s amazing that sheeple NYCers shopped there at all) and the executives in charge revealed that yes indeed they were overcharging  customers.  But don’t give those A-Holes a break, they called the overcharging “mistakes” and would have never admitted to it if it weren’t for the fact they were being investigated by the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs, who called it “the worst case of overcharges that they have ever seen.”  And to top things, those evil Whole Foods Market execs went as far as to imply blame on their employees by saying employees will be retrained in proper pricing of food!  The Department of Consumer Affairs also revealed that 77% of grocery stores in NYC are overcharging customers in some way, but since 2010 NYC has chalked up 8-hundred violations against Whole Foods Market, way more than any other grocery chain.  Yeah right Whole Paycheck-Whole Foods, overcharging customers since 2010 is not the result of “mistakes”.   The Commerce restaurant shutdown due to legal battles with the landlord. Seafood restaurant Barchetta shutdown. The Whiskey Soda Lounge shutdown due to “the fact it never really caught on”.  In Staten Island, after 54 years restaurant supplier Twin Supply blaming the internet for the demise of their last brick-n-mortar store. The owners should know, they began switching to internet sales in 2000: “In 2002 we took our trucks off the road, we sold two buildings and began to concentrate on the web. A lot of major corporations, and major hospitals are our customers.” 

Restaurant Associates issued a shutdown WARN saying 84 people will become unemployed by September due to loss of food service contract with Credit Suisse due to “Building Renovations”.  Restaurant Associates issued a shutdown WARN saying 32 people will become unemployed by September due to loss of food service contract with The Brooklyn Museum. Depalino Restaurant Corporation is shutting down their City Crab and Seafood Company in August, 73 jobs lost.  In Lockport, Donna Eick’s Restaurant shutting down, the family will focus on catering only.  In Manhattan, Bis.Co.Latte shutdown their brick-n-mortar store, blaming greedy property owners jacking up the rent by more than 35%! Their handmade biscotti is still available over the internet.  In Bushwick, the owners of Cain’s Tavern say they have to shutdown due to greedy landlord ( Cayuga Capital Management) jacking up the rent by an amazing 500% (something the landlord denies)! In NYC, after 23 years ‘biker bar’ (some reports call it a honky-tonk bar) Hogs & Heifers shutdown by the greedy landlord who jacked up the rent: “That is just not tenable for a business like Hogs and Heifers. I sell Pabst Blue Ribbon for $3. I still sell beer for $5 or $6. I am not a business that can sell a bottle of beer for $12 and margaritas for $15.”-Michelle Dell, owner

North Carolina: Harris Teeter shutting down their Monroe grocery store before the end of August, administrators calling it a “strategic” decision.

Ohio: Remke Markets announced they will not renew their lease on their Westwood neighborhood grocery store, 63 jobs lost by October. The two Canton Walmarts are ending their 24 hours shopping experience and will close for six hours every night. Overnight cashiers will be looking for new jobs.  On Buckeye Lake, both The Copper Penny and the Sailor Joe’s restaurants shutting down. The owner blames it on crashing water levels in the channels that feed the lake, caused by state administrators who supposedly did it to make repairs to a dam. The owner regrets buying the restaurants just a few years ago: “They didn’t take away just the boating; they’re messing with people’s lives!….80% of our business is boats…”-Jeff Reed

After two years Crazy Mango Bar and Bistro shutdown. The restaurant was located in a plaza known as The Greene, which has become a revolving door for dozens of failed restaurants.  In Cleveland, the owners of Indigo Imp Brewery announced “After months of analysis and discussions, we have decided to close Indigo Imp Brewery. … As many fans have noticed, bottles of Indigo Imp have been difficult to find for the last few months. … We have determined that the personal effort and investment required to sustain and grow the business is increasingly in conflict with our family life and personal goals.”

Oregon: In Hillsboro, Baker’s Burgers shutdown because fuel station operator Cain Petroleum Chevron needs the land.  The USDA designated at least seven counties as disaster areas due to the drought.  State administrators banned fishing of sturgeon, salmon, steelhead and trout due to dozens of mystery deaths.  Researchers suspect the deaths are caused by low oxygen in the water and an explosion of the bacteria columnaris, both caused by the drought.

Pennsylvania: Non-profit Channels Food Rescue shutting down because “it is not a viable, sustainable business model any more”, according to executive director Vicki DiSylvester.  The now bankrupt A&P grocery chain will shutdown eight Pennsylvania stores. A local TV station interviewed people about what they thought, many said they thought the A&P grocery prices were too high. In Berwyn, the Pathmark grocery store is shutting down. In Kennett Square, the Super Fresh grocery store is shutting down.  After 32 years Dunning’s Grill shutdown. Restaurant Isabela shutdown due to family health problems.  In Reading, Giant Food Stores shutting down its Rockland Plaza store in August, 90 jobs lost. Administrators say the crashing economy cannot support all their Reading area stores.  It’s been revealed that at the end of June Mondelez International quietly shutdown their Roosevelt Boulevard and Byberry Road bakery, eliminating 350 jobs overnight! Mondelez International makes iconic products for Nabisco, Standard Brands and Kraft. The massive bakery is now for sale. In Lansdowne, after 85 years the Mar-Win Market grocery store shutdown, 35 jobs lost: “It’s definitely the economy. Everybody’s trying to watch their pennies…..It’s a multitude of everything.”-Kirk Fuessinger, owner

Rhode Island: After 39 years restaurant Rue de L’Espoir up for sale so the owner can retire.  In Woonsocket, J’s Deli shutdown due to lack of employees, despite the fact the owner pays more than minimum wage: “Due to our repeated unsuccessful efforts to hire a full team of quality associates to join us at this location of J’s Deli, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend operations at this location only.”-sign on door

South Carolina: The Myrtle Beach Walmart is ending it’s 24 hours shopping experience and will close for six hours every night. Overnight cashiers will be looking for new work.  In Charleston, after eight years Social Restaurant & Wine Bar being replaced by a restaurant targeting old fogy tourists: “The dynamic of this neighborhood has changed drastically. We’ve lost our late night. We’ve lost the younger crowd that helped keep the lights on. East Bay now has an older demographic that’s more touristy.”-Brad Ball, owner

Tennessee: After 36 years the Stock-Yard restaurant shutdown.  In Hermitage, after 65 years Benson’s Market shutdown: “It’s just time that I got out of the business. It’s a tough business to be in right now.”-Richard Benson

Texas:  In Dallas, World of Beer on SMU Boulevard shutdown. Black-eyed Pea in Preston Center shutdown, employees blame lack of parking for customers. In Arlington, Olenjacks restaurant shutdown. In Deep Ellum, BBQ joint Mama Faye’s shutdown. In Plano, after 117 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) Vincent’s Seafood restaurant shutdown. The owner blames steadily declining sales over the past few years.  After 26 years Austin based restaurant chain Z’Tejas now chapter 11 bankrupt busted. The company is in debt by $9.3-million, and even owes the city of Austin more than $17-thousand for utilities! Administrators say they hope to sell-off their Cornbread Ventures, if they can’t then they’re shutting it all down forever! Canadian news reports revealed that Forth Worth based Warren Buffet owned BNSF Railway laid off an undisclosed number of employees, due to crashing sales caused by the oil and agricultural industries. BNSF is the second largest U.S. rail operator by sales.  In the wealthy area known as North Dallas, The Dog Stop hot dog joint shutdown: “My lease is up and the landlords want to tear down this building. I don’t know where I am going to go after this. I put a sign in the window and people are very sad. They love to drive through with their kids. I didn’t know how much they cared until now.”-Yon Kim, owner of 13 years old hot dog eatery

Vermont: In Shelburne, Archie’s Grill shutdown, the owner sold out to Dunkin’ Donuts saying “It’s about me and my family, that’s what’s first.”

Virginia: Colorado based canning supply company Ball announced it will shutdown its Bristol factory by the first half of 2016, about 230 jobs lost! Ball Corporation joins dozens of other companies consolidating their operations in preparation for more economic crashing & burning.

Washington: The USDA designated 18 counties natural disaster areas due to the drought.  Ag experts with Washington State University‘s agricultural program are warning that the extreme dry heat is shriveling the grains of wheat and barely, which will force farmers to sell their crops at a loss.  Penryn Farm U-Pick berry farm shutting down because the evil insurance industry (specifically State Farm) threatened to cancel their home insurance. State Farm has labeled the hobby farm (which doesn’t make enough money to cover the actual costs of growing the berries) a “business” and wants the owners to pay for more costly business insurance. In West Seattle, Eats Market Café being shutdown by Westwood Village Mall management: “The mall management has decided not to renew my lease. This is a huge loss not just for me but for my wonderful staff and for all of you, my favorite customers. We have all become a family over the last 10 years and it truly breaks my heart to have to say goodbye.”-Toby Matasar

Wisconsin: In Superior, after 16 years Joe’s Pagoda restaurant shutdown.  And Too Big to Jail banks forcing Norm’s Beer & Brats to shutdown by refusing to renew the mortgage (debt financing). The owner hopes to find a new location.  Once again food producer ConAgra killing jobs, this time they’re shutting down one of their two Ripon cookie factories, 285 jobs lost by the end of the year! In Greenfield, Doctor Dawg restaurant shutdown.  After nine years the Tulip Restaurant shutdown.

“If we weren’t a food desert before, we certainly are now!” 

Farmers told to “dispose” of crops if hit by floods! Against federal law to sell flooded vegetables! 

Drought turning fresh water poisonous, lake water killing pet dogs! 

U.S. Food Crisis, June 2015: “…there’s not a light at the end of the tunnel anymore.” 

U.S. Food Crisis: USDA declares Idaho a food production disaster area! Montana, Washington & Oregon close behind!

17 July 2015 (18:22 UTC-07 Tango 01, 16 July 2015)/26 Tir 1394/30 Ramadan 1436/02 Gui-Wie (6th month) 4713

In an unprecedented move, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared more than 90% of Idaho’s 44 counties to be food production disaster areas because of the 15 years long drought!  Never has the USDA declared an entire state a disaster area!

For those weenie-heads back in the New England states Idaho is a large state, encompassing several New England states (the biggest Gem State county, Idaho County, is 8,485 square miles or 21,980 square kilometers).  In other words one of the United States’ major food growers cannot meet demand!

The USDA also designated 18 counties in Washington and 15 counties in Montana as disaster areas!  Oregon has at least seven counties designated natural disaster areas.

Idaho wheat crop dying!