Latest news with #Eckhoff
Otago Daily Times
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments — they end in quarrels
The Otago Regional Council gospel according to Gerrard Eckhoff demands a response, Tim Mepham writes. Congratulations to Gerrard Eckhoff for his entertaining "King James"-styled creative writing published in the ODT (Opinion 16.4.25) It requires a response. Here are a few facts to add some balance and perspective to his yarn. Otago is the second-largest region in New Zealand geographically, covering a land area of 32,000sqkm with 7500sqkm conservation estate and protected area and 24,500sqkm of developed land The population of Otago, referred by Eckhoff as "the people of the land", is 255,000 (from 2023 figures). . The urban population of Otago's main centres is about 200,000 (Dunedin and Mosgiel, 130,000; Queenstown, 27,700; Oamaru, 14,350; Balclutha, 4430, and Central Otago, 27,000). The rural population is about 55,000. There are 440 dairy farms, 100 arable crop farms, 200 deer farms, 910 sheep and beef farms, 190 horticultural units and 235 vineyards (ORC industry advisory group, 2022). Both rural and urban populations have environmental interests which need representation by the elected members of the Otago Regional Council. There is a significant responsibility and focus by the council on the quality, allocation and use of water for the purposes of farming, drinking water and recreation. The challenge for the current and future elected councils is how do we respond to the environmental challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and water quality while looking after the economic, social and cultural life of our regions? Things are not as black and white as they may appear to Eckhoff. A great deal of time during this triennium has been spent consulting on and developing the land and water regional plan (currently shelved while awaiting a new national policy statement for freshwater). The notification version of this plan was informed by the many hours of engagement from our community, which included agricultural, horticultural and forestry representatives. Other plans designed to deliver outcomes are the long-term plan and annual plans. Yes, "Rules to protect the wildlife of the fields". We all agree, "a great rate increase has been imposed" on the ratepayers of Otago in the past two years, but does anyone remember Covid-19? During periods of national lockdowns, the New Zealand economy was protected with vast amounts of cash from fiscal injection to prevent widespread panic. This was followed by the inevitable spending spree, and the economic mechanics caused inflation to leap out of its containment. At the same time the ORC sustained millions of dollars of deficits, particularly in its provision of public transport. The biggest contributor to rates increase has been the need for the ORC to recover the $10m deficit accrued against the public transport rating pool. No doubt "the people are weary and greatly burdened" but we are all still feeling the impact of the Covid era. Eckhoff has referred to the ORC headquarters as the great temple of the council, which is an interesting comparison. This much-needed facility for the ORC staff has been at least 20 years in the making. If previous councils had had the courage to make a decision, which might have hindered their chances of re-election, the staff of the ORC would have been provided with a modern, functional, single-site place of work years ago at half the cost. If the cost to a councillor of being decisive and making hard calls is not being re-elected, that is fine. It is up to the electorate to decide the type and character of leadership they want on their council. The enduring chairmanship of Gretchen Robertson has been a miracle of biblical proportions and needs to be acknowledged as such. She has proven to be hard-working, resilient, persistent and human. It is not an easy job to wrangle a group of people with such diverse views into a council that has been, at the least, functional. In conclusion, and in keeping with Eckhoff's scriptural references, as it says in the good book: "A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a man who has discernment sees through him." — Proverbs 28:11. ■Tim Mepham is an Otago Regional Council councillor.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Indianapolis remains at high flood risk Saturday. Here's how to check road conditions
Indianapolis drivers are advised to exercise extra caution Saturday as rain continues to pour into central Indiana, inundating roads and swelling local waterways. Much of central Indiana, including the capital city, remains under a flood warning from the National Weather Service in Indianapolis through 1 p.m. Saturday. A flood watch will also remain in place until 8 a.m. Sunday. "Given all the rain we've had recently, it won't take much additional rain to create more flooding conditions, or to exacerbate those existing flooding conditions," NWS meteorologist Matthew Eckhoff said. Over the last 24 hours, Indianapolis has received about three and a half inches of rain, Eckhoff said. The north side of Indianapolis got a bit less rain than the city's south side, but drivers in the area should still exercise caution, especially in low-lying areas or near rivers. Flooding is the most common reason for thunderstorm-related deaths, and about half of all fatalities occur in cars, according to the National Weather Service. It takes as little as 6 inches of floodwater to knock an adult off their feet, and cars can float away in about 12 inches of water. Trucks and SUVs can be swept away with about 2 feet of water. If you approach a flooded intersection while driving, play it safe and turn around. The water could be much deeper than it appears, and it could be hiding potholes, live wires or even a caved-in section of street. The community-based navigation app Waze provides traffic updates and road condition information. Drivers can see what others are reporting before hitting the road. Check highway conditions, including closures, crashes and live webcams using Indiana's online Trafficwise map at or visit our gridlock guide page for live traffic cams and more. INDOT's CARS Program provides information about road conditions, closures and width and weight restrictions. The website has a color-coded map of Indiana's highways and highlights hazardous road conditions and travel delays. The interactive map also shows road work warnings, closures, roadway restrictions and other information helpful to drivers. Citizens Energy Group reviews complaints about sidewalk and road flooding. Call (317) 924-3311 to report standing water. If you encounter a downed tree or broken traffic light, contact the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622 or online at When calling after hours, press "2" to be connected. Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@ This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana road conditions: Drivers urged to be cautious on roadways
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Indianapolis remains at high flood risk Saturday. Here's how to check road conditions
Indianapolis drivers are advised to exercise extra caution Saturday as rain continues to pour into central Indiana, inundating roads and swelling local waterways. Much of central Indiana, including the capital city, remains under a flood warning from the National Weather Service in Indianapolis through 1 p.m. Saturday. A flood watch will also remain in place until 8 a.m. Sunday. "Given all the rain we've had recently, it won't take much additional rain to create more flooding conditions, or to exacerbate those existing flooding conditions," NWS meteorologist Matthew Eckhoff said. Over the last 24 hours, Indianapolis has received about three and a half inches of rain, Eckhoff said. The north side of Indianapolis got a bit less rain than the city's south side, but drivers in the area should still exercise caution, especially in low-lying areas or near rivers. Flooding is the most common reason for thunderstorm-related deaths, and about half of all fatalities occur in cars, according to the National Weather Service. It takes as little as 6 inches of floodwater to knock an adult off their feet, and cars can float away in about 12 inches of water. Trucks and SUVs can be swept away with about 2 feet of water. If you approach a flooded intersection while driving, play it safe and turn around. The water could be much deeper than it appears, and it could be hiding potholes, live wires or even a caved-in section of street. The community-based navigation app Waze provides traffic updates and road condition information. Drivers can see what others are reporting before hitting the road. Check highway conditions, including closures, crashes and live webcams using Indiana's online Trafficwise map at or visit our gridlock guide page for live traffic cams and more. INDOT's CARS Program provides information about road conditions, closures and width and weight restrictions. The website has a color-coded map of Indiana's highways and highlights hazardous road conditions and travel delays. The interactive map also shows road work warnings, closures, roadway restrictions and other information helpful to drivers. Citizens Energy Group reviews complaints about sidewalk and road flooding. Call (317) 924-3311 to report standing water. If you encounter a downed tree or broken traffic light, contact the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622 or online at When calling after hours, press "2" to be connected. Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@ This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana road conditions: Drivers urged to be cautious on roadways
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alderwoman beats mayor in Pontiac primary, according to unofficial election night results
Republican alderwoman Kelly Eckhoff has won her mayoral challenge of Bill Alvey, according to unofficial election results posted on the Livingston County elections website. Eckhoff received 58% of the vote to Alvey's 43%. It was the only race on the ballot with 833 ballots cast. "I want to say a huge thank you to all of my supporters, my husband, the people who encouraged me to do this and the community," Eckhoff said Tuesday night. Eckhoff said she was looking forward to getting to work to make Pontiac a better place to live and "bring a little pride back to our community." Eckhoff has been representing Pontiac's second ward since May 2007. She chairs the city's committees for finance and administration and housing study and is a member of the infrastructure and community service committees. She also served with the Citywide Heart & Soul community engagement process and Pontiac's 175th birthday celebration. Alvey has been Pontiac's mayor for the past six years. He was appointed to replace Bob Russell and was elected to the position in 2021. Alvey also served as a zoning board commissioner and an alderperson, as well as a board member for the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce, PROUD and the Downtown Merchants Association. This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Pontiac alderperson wins mayoral challenge in primary election
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Winter weather advisory issued ahead of ice storm for parts of Indiana
The National Weather Services in Indianapolis issued a winter weather advisory for counties north of the capital city, including Hamilton and Tippecanoe counties. The advisory predicts freezing rain will accumulate to concerning levels for evening commuters. Meteorologists from the National Weather Services of Indianapolis noted that during the first few hours of the freezing rainstorm, temperatures in parts of northern Indiana will be below freezing, which could lead to slick roads. "This could be isolated, ground temperatures are about 35 degrees, so the ground is warm enough not to allow for ice (accumulation)," said Matthew Eckhoff, a meteorologist with the NWS Indianapolis. The winter weather advisory will be in effect from 5 p.m. this evening to 4 a.m. tomorrow, but meteorologists believe conditions should normalize through most of northern Indiana by 2 a.m. tomorrow. "Pockets of ice could still remain up until 4 a.m.," Eckhoff said. "By the morning commute of Thursday, it looks like everyone should be above freezing and experience regular rain, and things should be mostly fine." With NWS Indianapolis meteorologists expecting Indiana to be hit with notable weather conditions soon, here are the criteria the National Weather Service uses to determine when winter weather-related issues ought to be considered an advisory, watch or warning. NWS will place a winter weather advisory when the weather is wintry but does not showcase any other severe weather elements. For example, if the NWS expects light amounts of precipitation or snow that could cause slick driving conditions. A winter weather watch will be alert if the NWS determines that conditions could indicate a winter storm is expected to hit a region. Severe weather conditions that meteorologists might highlight are heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain, which could cause significant impacts to travel. The NWS will alert a winter storm warning if meteorologists believe weather conditions will be significantly severe and expect hazardous conditions to hit an area. In the case of ice storms, the NWS will alert an ice storm warning if meteorologists expect ice accumulation of 1/4 inch or more on all surfaces. Other notable advisories, watches or warnings may alert people about: Sleet advisory: If a region is expected to have up to 2 inches of sleet on the road. Sleet warning: If a region is expected to have more than 2 inches or more of sleet. Freezing rain advisory: If a region will receive less than one-quarter of an inch of ice. Freezing rain warning: if a region will receive a quarter of an inch or more of ice. The NWS notes that these criteria are just one component when determining if a regional NWS station should issue watches, warnings and advisories. The NWS also looks at the timing, impacts and duration of an event in addition to criteria for making its decision. 🚨 Indiana Weather Alerts: Warnings, Watches and Advisories. ⚡ Indiana power outage map: How to check your status. 💻 Internet outages: How to track them. 🚫 What you should and shouldn't do when the power is out. 🐶 Your neighbor left their pet outside. Who you should call. AES Indiana customers: 317-261-8111 Duke Energy customers: 1-800-343-3525 If you encounter a downed traffic signal or a limb blocking a roadway, contact the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622 or online at When calling after hours, press "2" to be connected. Check road conditions, including road closures, crashes and live webcams using Indiana's online Trafficwise map at or visit our gridlock guide page for live traffic cams and more. INDOT's CARS Program provides information about road conditions, closures and width and weight restrictions. The website has a color-coded map of Indiana's highways and highlights hazardous road conditions and travel delays. The interactive map also shows road work warnings, closures, roadway restrictions and other information helpful to drivers. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Winter weather advisory issued ahead of ice storm for parts of Indiana
