Livingston Reporting - page 36

Understanding Construction Bond Claims

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Experienced contractors generally make a conscious effort to avoid claims situations, while being proactive about understanding the process. Utilizing the perfect surety gives those contractors the knowledge and power they need for their claims team. For any contractor to take on bonded jobs, basic comprehension is essential.  

The three main types of construction bonds are: bid bonds, payment bonds, and performance bonds.

Bid Bonds
These bonds stem from situations when the principal is the successful bidder but cannot enter into the contract or provide final bonds. In bid bonds, the principal and surety are required to pay a specific sum to the obligee. The bond form caps liability at a particular amount (the difference between the principal’s bid and the next highest bidder’s bid) instead of exceeding the penal sum of the bid bond. The responsibility of this task is between the principal and surety. 

Payment Bonds
When the principal fails to pay subcontractors, laborers, and/or suppliers, payment bonds give the surety the right to assert all of the principal and surety’s defenses, which sometimes include limitations on notice and time. Only proper “claimants” can benefit from these bonds, so the principal and surety need to confirm the claimant can pursue the claim. 

Performance Bonds
A performance bond claim arises when the obligee defaults or terminates the principal for non-fulfillment regarding their contractual obligations. Handling a performance bond claim has various levels of importance, including cooperation, agreements, and challenges. One of the most trying decisions is to admit or deny liability. After analyzing contract documents, bond forms, factual issues, and possible defenses, the surety has to eventually decide whether to perform. 

Surety partners will typically work in conjunction with contractors to avoid claims or mitigate the damages. Selecting the ideal surety with a good track record of minimizing legal fees while resolving claims is paramount for any contractor. 

If you are seeking a construction bond, contact the specialists at Construction Bonding today. 

At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a distinct surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we work to discover surety solutions for all types of cases ranging from ordinary to challenging. Call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Construction Bonding Specialists

Particle Accelerators Create Potential Cancer Treatment in Lansing

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A Lansing company called Niowave has begun producing actinium-225, a silvery metal isotope that barely exists on Earth, with a superconducting linear accelerator. The reason? This isotope is a promising cancer treatment; however, researchers don’t know its full potential due to the absence of clinical trials. 

Niowave has secured a $5 million deal with Fusion Pharmaceuticals to start production in 2024.  Between Russia, the United States, Germany, and Canada, there are only two curies (unit of measurement for radioactive materials) of actinium-225. Niowave plans on making one curie per week. 

In 2019, the federal government gave Niowave $15 million, and another $13 million last year, to produce molybdenum 99, which is used for medical imaging. Since other countries subsidize its production, making a profit from molybdenum 99 is tricky. 

After working with uranium for years, the federal government determined Niowave could function safely with another highly radioactive element, radium, to create actinium-225. 

Cancer therapy isotopes emit beta particles, which can destroy cancer cells but also kill healthy cells around them. Actinium-225 delivers more targeted alpha particles, which can emit more energy at a shorter distance.

Justin Wilson, an associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Cornell University said, “If you can get those alpha particles to the cancer cells, they have the capability of doing more damage but in a more confined region. Which, in theory, could prevent hitting healthy cells that maybe aren’t part of the small metastatic lesion.” 

Eric Burak, chief technical officer at Fusion Pharmaceuticals, states that they are working on formulating three separate drugs that use actinium-225. He said the isotope is “One of the rarest elements in the entire planet, and, with more companies interested in its therapeutic potential, everyone is scrambling for actinium supply.” 

Fusion Pharmaceuticals are investing $5 million to help Niowave create actinium-225 in exchange for a guaranteed share of the end result. 

Niowave’s superconducting linear accelerator has been moved to a concrete room as radium is extremely radioactive. 

Acceletronics is an industry leader in delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from CT Scanners and Linear Accelerators across all major brands and models. Call 610-524-3300 to learn more.


Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Acceletronics

Toxic Chemical Spill in the Huron River

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As of August 2nd, the State of Michigan is advising people to avoid the Huron River downstream of the city of Wixom. Chemicals from Tribar Technologies, an auto supply factory manufacturing chrome plating, were accidentally released into the sewer system, which discharges into the Huron River.

The release of several thousand gallons of Hexavalent chromium, was discovered by Tribar on August 1st; however, they indicated that the spill could have occurred as early as Saturday morning, July 30th. 

Hexavalent chromium, or hex chrome, is a carcinogenic chemical used in plastic finishing. It can cause numerous health problems through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. Because it is so hazardous, companies generally use other harmful chemicals such as PFAS or “forever chemicals” to coat plating baths to help protect workers from chromium inhalation.

The Huron River runs through multiple counties before flowing into Lake Erie. Ann Arbor is the largest city on its banks, which draws its drinking water from. Experts believe the contaminants should not reach the city’s water intake for several weeks.

In the meantime, the Michigan Department of Health (DHHS) advises all people and their pets to avoid contact with the Huron River between North Wixom Road in Oakland County and Kensington Road in Livingston County. Norton Creek, Hubbell Pond (aka the Mill Pond) in Oakland County, and Kent Lake are included in this advisory.

People should not wade, play, or swim in the water. People should not drink from, water their plants, or consume fish caught from the Huron river.  

How these chemicals were spilled is still unknown. Authorities are continuing their investigation and assessment efforts. Liesl Clark, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) says, “Our teams are in the field now assessing the situation. We will stay on the job as long as it takes to ensure residents are safe and impacts to the ecosystem are minimized.”

DHHS is urging people with questions regarding potential hex chrome exposure to call the MI Toxic Hotline at 800-648-6942, between 8 am-5 pm.

This is not Tribar Technologies first mishap. The current “Do Not Eat” fish advisory is still in place for the Huron river, largely due to their release of PFAS chemicals. In February 2022, parts of the Huron River were shut down in Wayne County due to the discovery of an oil spill traced back to Flat Rock Metal Inc.

Toxic contamination in our drinking waters unfortunately is still an issue that requires more oversight and protection from all. More and more members of Michigan and federal government are starting to take notice.

For pure, clean, quality drinking water, contact Reynold’s Water Conditioning today.

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Reynolds Water

All About Rust in Water

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What is rust? Is drinking rusty water dangerous? What does rust in your water mean? How do you treat rust in water? Read on to discover the answers to these questions and much more. 

The most telltale sign of rust in your water supply is when appliances such as dishwashers become dirty more quickly, laundry transforms white fabric to yellow, or when toilet bowls, sinks, and showers turn an orangey brown color. 

Rust is the byproduct of oxidizing iron or other metals, causing well water to become corrosive and destructive toward fittings, fixtures, and pipes. Moreover, it can be dangerous for humans to consume.

While humans need a minuscule amount of iron to survive, excess iron can be detrimental to human health. Water can appear rusty when levels are above .3 mg/L. Large chunks of iron can cut your internal organs, and high concentrations of microscopic iron can cause iron poisoning. 

The symptoms of iron poisoning are fever, headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, fast/weak pulse, shortness of breath, fluid in the lungs, grey/blueish/jaundice skin, and/or seizures. Iron poisoning can eventually cause death by liver failure or circulatory system shock. 

Add a water softener to your system to remove rust in your water, which will help make your water crystal clear. Some softeners can be improved by using an enhancement product, which specifically targets iron and removes it from the water softener’s regeneration process. Rust filters are fantastic options to remove this pesky sediment as well.

Since rust can be so damaging, it might be a good idea to replace your plumbing system to ensure there are no traces of rust in your drinking, bathing, or cleaning water. Additionally, adding alkaline minerals such as magnesium oxide or calcium carbonate can improve the pH of corrosive water. 

Sometimes, rust is trickling in through the municipality’s water supply, which would require your local government to replace their pipes. Most pipe replacements can be astronomically expensive, though many municipalities are already heading in that direction. 

If you have rust in your water, contact Reynolds Water Conditioning today – we can help your home be rust-free. 

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Reynolds Water

Clarifying the Worldwide Computer Chip Shortage

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Game consoles, graphics cards, processors, and so much more have been hard to come by lately. The consumer technology industry has suffered a shortage of computer chips, which has impacted the entire global supply. The chip drought has resulted in issues through hundreds of markets such as automotive, cryptocurrency, smartphone, vehicle, television, and a multitude of other technological advancements. 

Samsung CEO DJ Koh forecasted “A serious imbalance in supply and demand of chips.” 

Limited supply, combined with huge demand, created the chip shortage of 2021. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, at-home entertainment boomed. Working from home caused laptop sales to reach their highest in decades. Cryptocurrency started booming, resulting in high demand for a multitude of high-end processors. 

Though gadgets and other technological handhelds have felt the impact first-hand, the automotive industry has been credited with igniting the shortage. In the beginning of the pandemic, automakers ceased orders for processors, anticipating a drop in sales. However, this decision was premature, and vehicle sales rebounded almost immediately. To compensate for the discrepancy, the automotive market attempted to buy back manufacturing, but it was too late. Other sectors were also pushing more production due to high demand. With a maxed-out production capacity, both markets were competing for chip assembly.

Gigantic technology companies such as Microsoft, Sony, Nvida, AMD, Apple, Qualcomm, and more do not actually produce their own processors. TSMC and Samsung build a majority of the world’s cutting-edge semiconductors. Intel is a unicorn in the market, as it manufactures its own processors and has not experienced shortages like its competitors. 

Trying to catch up with production is not as easy as it sounds. Extending production lines can drag on for months, and constructing new facilities can take years, not to mention cost billions of dollars. 

Forecasts show that chip shortages will continue throughout 2022. According to Xiaomi company president Want Xiang said, “The chip supply crunch is still challenging, but the situation will significantly improve in the second quarter, and such supply woes will be fundamentally solved and even revert in the second half of 2022.” 

Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Creative Programs and Systems

The How and Why of Electrical DIY

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Homeowners across the country are accomplishing DIY projects to either save money or learn how to do something new. When it comes to electrical work, is it better to DIY or hire professionals? If there are any doubts, absolutely contact a licensed electrician. If you’re fairly confident in your learning or electrical abilities, keep the following in mind: 

The safest way to start any electrical DIY project is to turn the power off at both sources: the wall switch, and the electrical panel breaker. Always double – no, triple-check that the circuit is off before doing any electrical work. If not, you will risk the chance of being shocked or shorting other appliances by improper wiring.

Start with some basic tools such as a circuit tester, lineman pliers, wire strippers, and wire nuts. If you are swapping out a light fixture or outlet, take photos and look carefully at how the old one was put together. When it’s time to put everything back together, an effortless trick is to look at the photos to ensure it’s all correct. 

DIY projects should not include any of the following: 

  • Main electrical panel
  • Sparking outlets or appliances
  • Main service feed
  • Spliced, damaged, or burned wires
  • Ungrounded systems
  • Wire stripper

Electrical DIY can save you time if you know what you’re doing. If not, however, it could turn into a long, drawn-out process. The good news about learning how to DIY electrical jobs is that you will eventually be confident enough to do it again. 

Sound engineering, such as proper grounding, solid wire connections, and safe circuits is imperative for a successful DIY electrical project. Electrical permits and inspections are always required before selling a house, and if your wiring is off, it could impact the sale of your home. Start small, and work on the simpler electrical projects before working your way up to bigger, more complex projects. 

Did your DIY project turn hire-it-out? State Electric Company is licensed, bonded, and insured to provide electrical contract work for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.  

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

State Electric Co.

Surviving Climate Change Projections, Repercussions

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Survivalist schools are scattered throughout the country and used to be focused on learning how to drink water out of a vine or set rabbit traps. Now, these schools are focused on more serious scenarios brought on by climate change, such as urban-disaster preparedness, drought and storm readiness, etc.

Shane Hobel, the founder of the Mountain Scout Survival School, now charges per family, whereas before, he would charge per person or couple. He said, “It [family attendance] was never like that before.” 

Hobel suggested that the uptick in interested families is a result of “50 percent climate change and 50 percent the ‘political stuff.’” Despite different overall concerns, the answer is the same: learn how to adapt to change and survive by foraging, hunting, reading maps, building shelter, and more. 

These survival skills are crucial to learn and can benefit multiple circumstances. Without modern technology, society rests on a fragile foundation. 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change anticipates a rise in temperature between 2.5- and 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the next hundred years. However, some scientists say that is a low expectation. Either way, the repercussions of rising temperatures are already in our midst. 

Last year, an astounding 4.3 million acres burned in California, a record for the state. 

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the global mean sea level is anticipated to rise at least one foot above 2000 levels by 2100. Roughly 40 percent of Americans live along the coasts and could lose their housing indefinitely. 

Fire and floods aren’t the only threat; hurricanes and cyclones are increasing by size and frequency. In the 1980s, six hurricanes totaled roughly $38.2 billion (2020’s dollars)  in damage, while seven hurricane disasters from 2010 through 2018 brought a whopping $335 billion in damages, according to the Associated Press. In Central America, 30 cyclones ripped through 2021, causing a climate migration crisis.

Jason Smerdon, a professor at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, said, “What we’re seeing through these impacts is what climate change is going to do: the drought out West, the forest fires out West, the heat wave that we’re experiencing, the hurricanes that are getting stronger and moving differently, the hurricane seasons that are extending in length. All of these things have strong climate change fingerprints. And this is very much the kind of things we can expect more of moving forward.” 

Are you prepared for a natural disaster? Grab the gear and supplies you need now – before you’ll need them later. Check out our online store today.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Wolf Survival Gear

Improving Eye Health with Nutrients

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Healthy, strong eyesight is vital to our everyday lives, though many of us take extra precautions against eye damage. To help improve eye function, shield against harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays, and minimize the chances of developing degenerative diseases, check out the following nutrients. 

Vitamin A
One of the most common causes of blindness throughout the globe is Vitamin A deficiency. Essential for sustaining photoreceptors, a deficiency of Vitamin A can result in night blindness, dry eyes, or worse, blindness. Vitamin A is found in liver, egg yolks, dairy products, kale, spinach, and carrots.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Yellow carotenoid antioxidants, these macular pigments are concentrated in your retina and act as a natural sunblock. They protect your eyes from harmful blue light. Ingesting these nutrients can lower the chances of macular degeneration by as much as 43 percent. Lutein and zeaxanthin can be found in spinach, Swiss chard, kale, parsley, pistachios, green peas, egg yolks, sweet corn, and red grapes. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA are essential for optimal eye health. DHA helps to optimize eye function and is crucial for eye development in infants, so a deficiency can impair vision in children. The combination of EPA and DHA can increase tears, thereby reducing dry eyes. They also prevent other eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. These nutrients can be found in oily fish.

Vitamin C
This antioxidant is indispensable for eye health, as the levels of Vitamin C have been found to be higher in the eye than any other bodily fluid. People with cataracts generally have decreased antioxidants; those taking vitamin C supplements are less likely to develop cataracts. Fruits and vegetables, including bell peppers, citrus fruits, grapes, kale, and broccoli are high in vitamin C.  

Zinc
This nutrient is an essential enzyme and is suspected to be involved in the formation of visual pigments in your eye. Those who are night blind might suffer from zinc deficiency. Macular degeneration can be slowed by supplementing zinc, and visual sharpness can also be improved. Zinc can be found in oysters, meat, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts. 

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Michigan Lasik

Tips for Hiring a Landscaper

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Landscape contractors have many responsibilities, some of which include installing and maintaining outdoor elements. Depending on the client’s budget, timeline, and size of the project, landscape professionals should have the correct licensing, insurance, and qualifications. 

Landscape architects clear and level land, construct hardscape elements (water features, pavers, decks, retaining walls, etc.), manage irrigation systems, install lighting, and apply pest treatments as necessary. 

Check out our tips below to hire the right landscaper for your project. 

Plan Ahead
Do you need full-service landscape assistance or simply maintenance? Full-service landscape companies typically employ designers, account managers, and a full crew to plan, design, construct, install, and maintain your lawn. Maintenance landscape businesses provide basic lawn services such as mowing, weed control, edging, leaf cleanup, pruning, etc., and are typically owned and operated by a smaller team.

Research
It’s important to do your homework before choosing a landscape contractor. Thoroughly examine online reviews and look for long-term experience in the field. Ensure the business is licensed and insured. Referrals are also a surefire way to find an experienced landscape contractor. Check with close family, friends, or local online community boards for solid leads. 

Choose Wisely
Vet and interview your top prospects by contacting them directly. Ask them how long they have been in business, whether they use subcontractors, what their warranty policy is, payment expectations, etc. Compare your results and pick the landscape professional that suits your needs. 

Set it in Stone
Once you are ready to hire, collect estimates from your top three contractor options. Ensure they send you an estimate in writing, with everything included, such as company contact information, total cost, maintenance schedule, terms and conditions, warranty details, and more. 

Total cost, company experience, budget goals, testimonials, and much more are huge factors in determining which landscape company is best for you. 

Need help for your commercial property? Call T&T Property Maintenance to schedule a consultation!

T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Call or e-mail us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

T&T Property Maintenance

Adding Sustainability Into Your Home

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Want to reduce your environmental impact, reap financial benefits, improve the comfort in your home, and more? Make your home more sustainable with some ideas to make a big difference in your house’s energy use and longevity. Keep reading to learn how. 

Plants
Native plants can easily be incorporated into your landscape, where you can reap the environmental benefits. Plants naturally contribute to the larger ecosystem as a whole by providing food and shelter for wildlife and drawing in beneficial insects such as pollinators.

Lighting
When at all possible, opt for energy-efficient LED lights to lower electric bills and reduce your home’s overall energy consumption. These bulbs use between 25 percent and 80 percent less energy than incandescent. Additionally, adding switch dimmers can reduce energy usage. 

Off-gassing
Plant-based materials and low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are fantastic ways to improve indoor air quality. Off-gassing is the airborne release of a vapor chemical, especially from new products. These toxic vapors are detrimental to human health, causing many diseases. Instead, opt for products that are low in VOCs and do not off-gas for years to come. 

Local
Support local businesses and reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing materials sourced nearby. 

Recycle
Renewable resources are an easy way to add sustainability to your home. Aluminum roofing, for example, can be recycled entirely. Choose materials that are recyclable to maintain sustainability. 

Insulation
Ensure your windows and wall insulation are air-tight and not leaking air in or out of your home. By reducing leaks, you will naturally increase energy performance throughout the house. 

There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint throughout your home while simultaneously reducing toxins throughout the premises, protecting you and your family from potential harm. 

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call or email us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Jason Foldenauer Construction