*The familiar static crackle of the channel switching over to AP local 68 once again solidifies into the familiar faces of Ariana Bening and Raymond Wages at the news desk. Both today for some reason wearing the exact same sports coat, though Ariana seems to be wearing a low cut blouse underneath while Raymond has his dark blue power tie.*
Raymond: “…at this time the initial appearance of the gentleman has sparked some debate as he has entered a plea of ‘Not guilty’ to all charges of possession of sexually explicit material of a minor. The man is being held without bail, local officers at the township say that is due to several threats made against his life by concerned citizens. The trial is scheduled to begin this July.”
Ariana: *Shakes her head and frowns* “And we will have more on the aspects of this case from our…legal consultant Mary-Ann Ratering later on in the hour. But for some other news concerning minors we go to Jeannie Webb at the Bay Area Public School District. Jeannie?”
*The camera cuts to Jeannie Webb standing in the lobby of the District Administrative offices of the Bay Area Public Schools. Behind her somewhat camped out or standing in line or milling about are numerous adults. Some chatting, some just standing there checking the time.*
Jeannie: “thank you Ari, As you can see there’s a crowd already gathering for today’s School board session. Today is the first open session since the budget for the district was submitted for approval, which means that today and most of the sessions in the upcoming weeks will revolve around determining what percentage of this budget will be paid by individual townships in the district.”
*Jeannie turns and motions to the crowd, some of whom wave back, some ignore her and others make faces and ham it up a bit for the news, before overlaid on the screen is a map of the school district.*
Jeannie: *Voiceover* “The people here are representatives of various townships in the Bay Area who are looking to provide their input on just which townships should pay which percentage. As you know all the individual townships in the district send public students to the same schools rather than having individual schools for each, what the district now needs to decide is how much of the money requested in the budget submission will come from each district.” *As she speaks the various townships highlighted on the map show several lines and pie chart percentages which have been previous years data. The Camera then returns directly to Jeannie.*
Jeannie: “The main issue that usually comes up is percentages of the cost being funded from wealthier communities against those who have more children of school age. Not to mention transportation costs for both busing and ferry passes. Sometimes the debate meetings can last all day and well into the evening as various community representatives state their cases and counter-arguments as to why they should pay a different amount. Considering just the High School is slated for a Two point Eight Eight Million budget for the upcoming year, it’s almost guaranteed to be a bit of a tooth and nail fight. From the bay Area School District, I’m Jeannie Webb”
*The camera cuts back to Ariana and Raymond at the news desk*
Raymond: “Thank you Jeannie. Sounds like it’s going to get pretty heated over there. “
Ariana: “Parents and money usually ends up that way Raymond.” *She turns to face the side camera as it cues up on her* “Speaking of things getting heated, Wilbert Woods has what you can expect from Mother Nature this week. Wil?”
*The camera cuts to Wilbert Woods standing in front of the radar tracking screen. As he stands there a plastic (obviously) dinosaur wiggle-moves it's way onto the screen behind him and then looks like it's trying to beat him with it's open mouth. Little word bubbles appear above it's head going "RAWR" And "OM NOM!" Till Wil starts moving and the Dino disappears.*
Wilbert: "Thank you Ari. Wel have a remarkably beautiful weekend ahead of us. Today, sunny clear skies with highs in the near eighties. Dropping down to the mid Sixties tonight. Tomorrow, more of the same..." *As he says this the image behind him shows a "chibi" Anime version of Wilbert in a Speedo standing on a beach flashing the Peace sign.* "...Temperatures reaching low Eighties in the afternoon and dropping back to high sixties overnight. Sunday night this storm front moves in and clouds thicken up, making Monday start out overcast with little sun, that keeps the temperature fairly steady in the low Seventies till the afternoon storms arrive and it drops to the upper sixties. Overnight it'll drop into the low sixties as rainstorms continue."
*He indicates the front of rainstorms moving through on the projection map. The front "grows" a pair of googly eyes and a word balloon stating: 'Don't touch me there!' As Wil motions to various parts of the front*
Wilbert: "Tuesday we have cloudiness with continued showers, this cold front pushing the rain into the area starts to move in and our temperatures drop into the low sixties to upper fifties for the morning and evening. Showers mostly drift on out as the cold weather hits, with a few lingering and scattered over the area going into Tuesday night. Wednesday we continue with intermittent showers starting out the morning, becoming a steady rain storm later on in the afternoon. The high only being about Sixty three as that cold wind keeps moving through the area. Wednesday night and Thursday look about the same with intermittent rain storms lingering here and there and popping up all across the map as temperatures linger in the cold range."
*The weather map behind Wilbert shows a half-dozen cartoon images of generic people wearing bathing suits with icicles hanging off various body parts and teeth chattering*
Wilbert: "Friday is still overcast in the morning with light rain showers here and there, remaining cloudy but the ran letting up in the evening, the temperature sticking in the middle sixties as the cold front moves onward out of the area. Saturday the clouds keep lingering heavily overhead, but this does push the temperature back up into the low seventies as they slowly decrease going into the evening, So Sunday the Twenty-eighth as this cold push is out of the area we are back to partly cloudy skies and Upper Seventies for the temperature. "
*The camera cuts back to Raymond and Ariana at the news desk*
Ariana: "Ugh, looks like a final push of cold air from our lovely Canadian neighbors."
Raymond: "Looks like we should have had them build that giant Space Heater huh?"
*They both laugh a bit remembering the story from a while ago about the giant Space heater to stop Canada from sending their cold fronts.*
Raymond: "Well tourist season is upon us, and once again local municipalities are looking for a way to cash in on the boom in transient travelers by way of taxes. That's right once more a seasonal local tax option is being considered by numerous townships around the bay area and state itself. Currently there is local tax on restaurants and lodging and other generally considered tourist fares, this option would adjust the tax rate for such during those peak activity months if enacted by the local municipality. Some would begin in March and go till September, others would start in April and go till October, it all depends on the local ordinance and would cover such things as Hotel lodging, car rental, Boat rental, Eating in a restaurant, getting take out or Delivery of food and grocery services."
Ariana: "Currently the adjustment rate is legally not allowed to exceed two percent during the busy season and proponents say that with all the extra traffic and tourists flocking to the area it would be a real boost to offset the costs of upkeep and utility usage. As you recall we already covered the water and sewer companies seeking a proposal for a seasonal hike in costs during the peak months earlier in the month. Detractors state that this tax only benefits industries and areas with more specialized hotel and restaurant facilities and doesn't really assist communities with national parks and open beaches nearly as much which also see a high rise in wear and tear of facilities due to increased tourist traffic. Also hotels and restaurant owners state that such an adjustment causes problems for book keeping and changes in the way they handle their accounts to make certain that the proper amount is paid from the month under such a seasonal tax to a month not."
Raymond: "Another group who is opposed to this are the so called 'Snow birds' or persons who spend the warmer months residing locally, and travel to southern climates during the winter. Claiming that they are local residents, but that utility hikes and raised local taxes during their time here is unfair. The proposal goes to the state next month, and if enacted could show up on the local ballots for enactment this summer and take effect as early as March twenty eighteen. As usual if you have some insight or opinion to share on this there is a link on our website to Bay Area community speaks forums where you can provide your opinion and read what others are saying about important legislation. Also restaurant and shop reviews, upcoming events and even a garage sale section where you can buy and sell items with other locals. "
Ariana: "On the subject of tourism, there's a new term being spread around. Glamping. Now I know what you think, it sounds like some new kind of thing local youth are getting into you have to listen and intervene in."
Raymond: "In fact when the erm came up at the News topic meeting our producers made it very clear that we were not sending Dean under-cover into the Red Light District again..."
*Both he and Ariana can't help but grin and chuckle a bit at that remembered debacle*
Ariana: "But a Internet search and some discussion later the issue was cleared up and Kaylynn Garcia has that story on just what Glamping is and how it's coming to Maine this summer. Kaylynn?"
*The screen cuts to Kaylynn Garcia sitting on a large 4 poster bed in what looks like a fairly nice furnished cabin*
Kaylynn: "Summer is a time for camping, fires, marshmallows, sleeping bags and tents. Roughing it out in the middle of the woods or beach, or even trekking out to the middle of nowhere with your recreational vehicle, not so much with delivered fresh lobster and seven-hundred thread count Egyptian cotton sheets."
*She stands up and walks across the floor and pushes on the "wall" to open the flap on a...tent!?!? and steps out in front*
Kaylynn: "Glamping, or 'glamorous camping' is coming to Maine this summer. Sandy pines, Willow Brook and Bear-trails campgrounds will be furnishing between fifteen and a hundred of these glam tents on their facilities this summer for nightly or weekend rentals. All are professionally decorated, and feature amenities such as room service, electricity, some will even have local cable channels on high def televisions and improved wifi access."
*She walks down along the rows of large spacious tents spread around, several with various designs indicating a difference*
Kaylynn: "All the tents have themes, Arabian nights, Nomads, Nautical journey and so on. Also included are mini fridges, fans, some even have rear decks with grills and five or seven of them in a pod will share a communal bathouse with hot water and internal plumbing facilities, including a steam room. The tents themselves have been equated to being in a luxury hotel room, only inside a tent. As a bonus for June renters at the start of the season fresh Lobster can be delivered either cooked or live for your own cooking as part of the menu. The owners of the campground say that this program may continue if there's enough interest in having it on the menu."
*She reaches a central area with a large firepit and numerous benches stools and tables all around arranged like a old theater area*
Kaylynn: "The rentals start at around one fifty a night on up to two ten depending on the date and availability, they suggest you check out the camping site website for booking arrangements. and for those who still want to do things the old fashoned way, there are still hundreds of primitive and RV sites still at the individual campgrounds. Though for some the expanded wifi is well worth the additional luxury. This has been Kaylynn Garcia for Glamping."
*The camera cuts back to Raymond and Ariana in the news room*
Raymond: "Hrm, interesting. From what I understand the Glamping trend started in Europe and has recently made it's way over to the US in the past year or so. Also we'd like to remind our viewers that although Glamping may sound amazing, these are still primitive campsites and thus don't have safety or other standards set by building inspectors or the like the same way you would at a actual hotel facility. You are effectively renting someone else's tent and sleeping in it, so keep that in mind before you book."
Ariana: "Good thing you bring that up ray, as another facility is having health and safety problems of it's own going into the busy season. For that story we go to Dean Knopinski at Seal Cove Rustic Cabins. Dean?"
*The camera cuts to Dean standing amid what looks like several dozen log cabins that have been demolished, though on closer inspection it's obvious they are still in the construction phase. and haven't finished being assembled*
Dean: "Thank you Ari, the owners of Seal cove Rustic Cabins who were looking to expand their facilities this spring by erecting nearly fifty new single cabins and thirty doubles have run into a bit of a hiccup as the permits they had for the old buildings didn't cover the new, and the land they purchased to expand on was in violation of local zoning ordinance for such facilities. Enforcement officers arrived today to issue a cease and desist order for the construction crews. This spells some bad news as it may close the entire facility for most of the summer and the owners are already ~BLEEEP!!~"
*He exclaims as one of the state police officers comes rushing by on a four-wheeler. causing Dean to step off the dirt path, and trip over something. Stumbling a couple of feet to fall head-first into a large concrete foundation still being poured. landing in the liquid concrete and splashing around like some kind of swamp thing rising up from the murky depths flailing about covered head to toe in the gray fake stone as the camera cuts back to the news desk.*
Raymond: “I’m sure he’s okay.” *He adjusts some papers and turns back to the main camera* “After the break, bridges and ramps for the main byways, which are being delayed on repair and construction and how will this affect your commute? Communities all around the bay area have allocated funds and accepted bids for landscaping, what this means for your taxes and neighborhood. A table saw was reported stolen Friday, where police say it ended up and why.”
Ariana: “All those stories and more after these commercials.”
~Cut to Commercials~
Raymond: “…at this time the initial appearance of the gentleman has sparked some debate as he has entered a plea of ‘Not guilty’ to all charges of possession of sexually explicit material of a minor. The man is being held without bail, local officers at the township say that is due to several threats made against his life by concerned citizens. The trial is scheduled to begin this July.”
Ariana: *Shakes her head and frowns* “And we will have more on the aspects of this case from our…legal consultant Mary-Ann Ratering later on in the hour. But for some other news concerning minors we go to Jeannie Webb at the Bay Area Public School District. Jeannie?”
*The camera cuts to Jeannie Webb standing in the lobby of the District Administrative offices of the Bay Area Public Schools. Behind her somewhat camped out or standing in line or milling about are numerous adults. Some chatting, some just standing there checking the time.*
Jeannie: “thank you Ari, As you can see there’s a crowd already gathering for today’s School board session. Today is the first open session since the budget for the district was submitted for approval, which means that today and most of the sessions in the upcoming weeks will revolve around determining what percentage of this budget will be paid by individual townships in the district.”
*Jeannie turns and motions to the crowd, some of whom wave back, some ignore her and others make faces and ham it up a bit for the news, before overlaid on the screen is a map of the school district.*
Jeannie: *Voiceover* “The people here are representatives of various townships in the Bay Area who are looking to provide their input on just which townships should pay which percentage. As you know all the individual townships in the district send public students to the same schools rather than having individual schools for each, what the district now needs to decide is how much of the money requested in the budget submission will come from each district.” *As she speaks the various townships highlighted on the map show several lines and pie chart percentages which have been previous years data. The Camera then returns directly to Jeannie.*
Jeannie: “The main issue that usually comes up is percentages of the cost being funded from wealthier communities against those who have more children of school age. Not to mention transportation costs for both busing and ferry passes. Sometimes the debate meetings can last all day and well into the evening as various community representatives state their cases and counter-arguments as to why they should pay a different amount. Considering just the High School is slated for a Two point Eight Eight Million budget for the upcoming year, it’s almost guaranteed to be a bit of a tooth and nail fight. From the bay Area School District, I’m Jeannie Webb”
*The camera cuts back to Ariana and Raymond at the news desk*
Raymond: “Thank you Jeannie. Sounds like it’s going to get pretty heated over there. “
Ariana: “Parents and money usually ends up that way Raymond.” *She turns to face the side camera as it cues up on her* “Speaking of things getting heated, Wilbert Woods has what you can expect from Mother Nature this week. Wil?”
*The camera cuts to Wilbert Woods standing in front of the radar tracking screen. As he stands there a plastic (obviously) dinosaur wiggle-moves it's way onto the screen behind him and then looks like it's trying to beat him with it's open mouth. Little word bubbles appear above it's head going "RAWR" And "OM NOM!" Till Wil starts moving and the Dino disappears.*
Wilbert: "Thank you Ari. Wel have a remarkably beautiful weekend ahead of us. Today, sunny clear skies with highs in the near eighties. Dropping down to the mid Sixties tonight. Tomorrow, more of the same..." *As he says this the image behind him shows a "chibi" Anime version of Wilbert in a Speedo standing on a beach flashing the Peace sign.* "...Temperatures reaching low Eighties in the afternoon and dropping back to high sixties overnight. Sunday night this storm front moves in and clouds thicken up, making Monday start out overcast with little sun, that keeps the temperature fairly steady in the low Seventies till the afternoon storms arrive and it drops to the upper sixties. Overnight it'll drop into the low sixties as rainstorms continue."
*He indicates the front of rainstorms moving through on the projection map. The front "grows" a pair of googly eyes and a word balloon stating: 'Don't touch me there!' As Wil motions to various parts of the front*
Wilbert: "Tuesday we have cloudiness with continued showers, this cold front pushing the rain into the area starts to move in and our temperatures drop into the low sixties to upper fifties for the morning and evening. Showers mostly drift on out as the cold weather hits, with a few lingering and scattered over the area going into Tuesday night. Wednesday we continue with intermittent showers starting out the morning, becoming a steady rain storm later on in the afternoon. The high only being about Sixty three as that cold wind keeps moving through the area. Wednesday night and Thursday look about the same with intermittent rain storms lingering here and there and popping up all across the map as temperatures linger in the cold range."
*The weather map behind Wilbert shows a half-dozen cartoon images of generic people wearing bathing suits with icicles hanging off various body parts and teeth chattering*
Wilbert: "Friday is still overcast in the morning with light rain showers here and there, remaining cloudy but the ran letting up in the evening, the temperature sticking in the middle sixties as the cold front moves onward out of the area. Saturday the clouds keep lingering heavily overhead, but this does push the temperature back up into the low seventies as they slowly decrease going into the evening, So Sunday the Twenty-eighth as this cold push is out of the area we are back to partly cloudy skies and Upper Seventies for the temperature. "
*The camera cuts back to Raymond and Ariana at the news desk*
Ariana: "Ugh, looks like a final push of cold air from our lovely Canadian neighbors."
Raymond: "Looks like we should have had them build that giant Space Heater huh?"
*They both laugh a bit remembering the story from a while ago about the giant Space heater to stop Canada from sending their cold fronts.*
Raymond: "Well tourist season is upon us, and once again local municipalities are looking for a way to cash in on the boom in transient travelers by way of taxes. That's right once more a seasonal local tax option is being considered by numerous townships around the bay area and state itself. Currently there is local tax on restaurants and lodging and other generally considered tourist fares, this option would adjust the tax rate for such during those peak activity months if enacted by the local municipality. Some would begin in March and go till September, others would start in April and go till October, it all depends on the local ordinance and would cover such things as Hotel lodging, car rental, Boat rental, Eating in a restaurant, getting take out or Delivery of food and grocery services."
Ariana: "Currently the adjustment rate is legally not allowed to exceed two percent during the busy season and proponents say that with all the extra traffic and tourists flocking to the area it would be a real boost to offset the costs of upkeep and utility usage. As you recall we already covered the water and sewer companies seeking a proposal for a seasonal hike in costs during the peak months earlier in the month. Detractors state that this tax only benefits industries and areas with more specialized hotel and restaurant facilities and doesn't really assist communities with national parks and open beaches nearly as much which also see a high rise in wear and tear of facilities due to increased tourist traffic. Also hotels and restaurant owners state that such an adjustment causes problems for book keeping and changes in the way they handle their accounts to make certain that the proper amount is paid from the month under such a seasonal tax to a month not."
Raymond: "Another group who is opposed to this are the so called 'Snow birds' or persons who spend the warmer months residing locally, and travel to southern climates during the winter. Claiming that they are local residents, but that utility hikes and raised local taxes during their time here is unfair. The proposal goes to the state next month, and if enacted could show up on the local ballots for enactment this summer and take effect as early as March twenty eighteen. As usual if you have some insight or opinion to share on this there is a link on our website to Bay Area community speaks forums where you can provide your opinion and read what others are saying about important legislation. Also restaurant and shop reviews, upcoming events and even a garage sale section where you can buy and sell items with other locals. "
Ariana: "On the subject of tourism, there's a new term being spread around. Glamping. Now I know what you think, it sounds like some new kind of thing local youth are getting into you have to listen and intervene in."
Raymond: "In fact when the erm came up at the News topic meeting our producers made it very clear that we were not sending Dean under-cover into the Red Light District again..."
*Both he and Ariana can't help but grin and chuckle a bit at that remembered debacle*
Ariana: "But a Internet search and some discussion later the issue was cleared up and Kaylynn Garcia has that story on just what Glamping is and how it's coming to Maine this summer. Kaylynn?"
*The screen cuts to Kaylynn Garcia sitting on a large 4 poster bed in what looks like a fairly nice furnished cabin*
Kaylynn: "Summer is a time for camping, fires, marshmallows, sleeping bags and tents. Roughing it out in the middle of the woods or beach, or even trekking out to the middle of nowhere with your recreational vehicle, not so much with delivered fresh lobster and seven-hundred thread count Egyptian cotton sheets."
*She stands up and walks across the floor and pushes on the "wall" to open the flap on a...tent!?!? and steps out in front*
Kaylynn: "Glamping, or 'glamorous camping' is coming to Maine this summer. Sandy pines, Willow Brook and Bear-trails campgrounds will be furnishing between fifteen and a hundred of these glam tents on their facilities this summer for nightly or weekend rentals. All are professionally decorated, and feature amenities such as room service, electricity, some will even have local cable channels on high def televisions and improved wifi access."
*She walks down along the rows of large spacious tents spread around, several with various designs indicating a difference*
Kaylynn: "All the tents have themes, Arabian nights, Nomads, Nautical journey and so on. Also included are mini fridges, fans, some even have rear decks with grills and five or seven of them in a pod will share a communal bathouse with hot water and internal plumbing facilities, including a steam room. The tents themselves have been equated to being in a luxury hotel room, only inside a tent. As a bonus for June renters at the start of the season fresh Lobster can be delivered either cooked or live for your own cooking as part of the menu. The owners of the campground say that this program may continue if there's enough interest in having it on the menu."
*She reaches a central area with a large firepit and numerous benches stools and tables all around arranged like a old theater area*
Kaylynn: "The rentals start at around one fifty a night on up to two ten depending on the date and availability, they suggest you check out the camping site website for booking arrangements. and for those who still want to do things the old fashoned way, there are still hundreds of primitive and RV sites still at the individual campgrounds. Though for some the expanded wifi is well worth the additional luxury. This has been Kaylynn Garcia for Glamping."
*The camera cuts back to Raymond and Ariana in the news room*
Raymond: "Hrm, interesting. From what I understand the Glamping trend started in Europe and has recently made it's way over to the US in the past year or so. Also we'd like to remind our viewers that although Glamping may sound amazing, these are still primitive campsites and thus don't have safety or other standards set by building inspectors or the like the same way you would at a actual hotel facility. You are effectively renting someone else's tent and sleeping in it, so keep that in mind before you book."
Ariana: "Good thing you bring that up ray, as another facility is having health and safety problems of it's own going into the busy season. For that story we go to Dean Knopinski at Seal Cove Rustic Cabins. Dean?"
*The camera cuts to Dean standing amid what looks like several dozen log cabins that have been demolished, though on closer inspection it's obvious they are still in the construction phase. and haven't finished being assembled*
Dean: "Thank you Ari, the owners of Seal cove Rustic Cabins who were looking to expand their facilities this spring by erecting nearly fifty new single cabins and thirty doubles have run into a bit of a hiccup as the permits they had for the old buildings didn't cover the new, and the land they purchased to expand on was in violation of local zoning ordinance for such facilities. Enforcement officers arrived today to issue a cease and desist order for the construction crews. This spells some bad news as it may close the entire facility for most of the summer and the owners are already ~BLEEEP!!~"
*He exclaims as one of the state police officers comes rushing by on a four-wheeler. causing Dean to step off the dirt path, and trip over something. Stumbling a couple of feet to fall head-first into a large concrete foundation still being poured. landing in the liquid concrete and splashing around like some kind of swamp thing rising up from the murky depths flailing about covered head to toe in the gray fake stone as the camera cuts back to the news desk.*
Raymond: “I’m sure he’s okay.” *He adjusts some papers and turns back to the main camera* “After the break, bridges and ramps for the main byways, which are being delayed on repair and construction and how will this affect your commute? Communities all around the bay area have allocated funds and accepted bids for landscaping, what this means for your taxes and neighborhood. A table saw was reported stolen Friday, where police say it ended up and why.”
Ariana: “All those stories and more after these commercials.”
~Cut to Commercials~
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