Updates from Organizations - Government agencies - Advertise Various Artists

Semblance

Exclusively Premieres Debut EP 

I Love You

With PopDust

 

Listen HERE

 

Philadelphia, PA - February 16, 2018 - Semblance, the alternative/electro-rock duo made up of 17-year-olds Maeve Gorman and

Connor LeFevre, has teamed up with PopDust to exclusively stream their debut EP I Love You today! Listen HERE. The EP, features their singles "Angel" and "Sex."

 

The 5-track EP was produced by Carl Bahner (ex-member of Cheerleader). The band's goal was to write songs that hit the listener's emotions, while simultaneously wanting to make them rock out.

 

On the EP, vocalist Maeve Gorman shares, "I Love You as a whole touches on what it's like to feel haunted and victimized by your own thoughts while telling a love story that progresses track by track. However, the title isn't actually being used to profess love, but more in an ironic way because 'I love you' is a phrase that gets tossed around so much that it's lost some of its weight and meaning."

 

Semblance is 17-year-olds Maeve Gorman (vocalist, guitar, keys), and Connor LeFevre (drums). Maeve is native to the Philadelphia suburbs, and Connor hauls from Montclair, NJ. After lack of inspiration from their peers in either of their hometowns, they both turned to the magical World Wide Web, where the two met, and began trading demos back and forth, despite living 100 miles apart. Within their first in-person meeting, they wrote the first cut of their upcoming EP.

 

Maeve and Connor are both in stages of their lives where they are facing the struggle of self-discovery, and their music is an expression of that inward journey toward self-love and acceptance, despite social conditions. Their hope is that their listeners can hear Semblance's music and feel the courage to be themselves, and know that they are accepted and loved.

 

I Love You is set to be released February 16, 2018. For more information, please visit:  https://www.semblanceisaband.com/.

I Love You Tracklisting:

01. Sex

02. Angel

03. Two Hearts

04. Ghost

05. Hell

 

 

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Check out more on Semblance, here:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/semblanceisaband/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/semblanceisabnd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semblanceisaband/

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Agriculture Secretary Announces Softwood Lumber Board Appointments

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2018 -- Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the appointment of eight members to serve on the Softwood Lumber Board.

Seven members newly appointed to serve three year terms are:

• Fritz R. Mason, Peachtree City, Ga. (U.S. South)
• Caroline M. Dauzat, Miramar Beach, Fla. (U.S. South)
• Adrian Blocker, Seattle, Wash. (U.S. West)
• Eric J. Cremers, Spokane, Wash. (U.S. West)
• Ted Seraphim, B.C. Canada (Canada West)
• Don Demens, B.C. Canada (Canada West)
• Hugues Simon, Quebec, Canada (Canada East)

One member was appointed to fill a vacancy for the term ending in December 2018:

• Jack P. Jordan, Sr., Mt. Gilead, N.C. (U.S. South)

“I appreciate the time and expertise that these individuals have agreed to provide,” said Perdue. “The work these boards accomplish in maintaining and expanding existing markets and developing new markets are vital to their industry, as well as to the general economy of the United States.”

The Softwood Lumber Board is composed of 19 members, including 12 domestic manufacturers and seven importers. Of the 12 domestic manufacturers, six represent the U.S. South, five represent the U.S. West, and one represents the Northeast and Lake States. Of the seven importers, four represent Canada West, two represent Canada East, and one represents all other importing countries besides Canada.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized 22 industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. The Agricultural Marketing Service provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.

More information about the board is available on the Softwood Lumber Board page on the AMS website and on the Softwood Lumber Board website.

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SECRETS

Release New Single "Strangers"

 

Watch The Music Video Here

Self-Titled Album Out 2/23

 

San Diego, CA - February 16th, 2018 - SECRETS have released a new single "Strangers" ahead of their self-titled album, out February 23rd via Made in the Shade records. Fans can watch the music video here: https://youtu.be/D8_1EoKspVo

 

Secrets Track Listing:

1. Sixteen

2. Fourteen

3. Incredible

4. Strangers

5. Five Years

6. Mouth Breather

7. Lost Cause

8. Last Time

9. Chemical Reaction

10. 03.17.16

11. The End

12. Let Me In

 

Late last year, the band released "Incredible", followed by "Five Years". Fans can watch the official music video for "Incredible" here: https://youtu.be/ThQc7ANRJu0

 

Secrets is the follow-up to 2015's Everything That Got Us Here.

 

In addition to the album announcement, SECRETS will kick off a world tour on February 22 in San Diego, CA. 

 

Upcoming tour dates:

2/22 - San Diego, CA @ Soma

2/23 - Mesa, AZ @ Underground

2/24 - Anaheim, Ca @ Chain Reaction

2/25 - Henderson, NV @ Eagle Aerie Hall

2/27 - Berkeley, CA @ Cornerstone

2/28 - Sacramento, CA @ Holy Diver

3/1 - Portland, OR @ Analog Cafe

3/2 - Spokane, WA @ The Big Dipper

3/3 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon 

3/4 - Vancouver, BC @ 333

3/7 - Edmonton, Canada @ The Starlite Room

3/8 - Calgary, Canada @ The Gateway

3/9 - Saskatoon, Canada @ Amigo's

3/10 - Regina, Canada @ The Exchange

3/11 - Winnipeg, Canada @ The Good Will

3/12 - Saint Paul Park, MN @ Amsterdam Bar & Hall

3/13 - Berwyn, IL @ The Wire

3/14 - Ferndale, MI @ The Loving Touch

3/15 - Windsor, Canada @ Windsor Beer Exchange 

3/16 - London, Canada @ Rum Runners

3/18 - Hamilton, Canada @ Club Absinthe

3/19 - Kingston, Canada @ Overtime

3/20 - Montreal, Canada @ Bar Le Ritz

3/21 - Ville De Quebec, Canada @ L'anti Bar & Spectacles

3/22 - Ottawa, Canada @ Maverick's 

3/23 - Toronto, Canada @ Hard Luck 

3/24 - Dayton, OH @ Rockstar Pro Arena

3/25 - Wichita, KS @ Rock Island Live

3/26 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater

3/27 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Loading Dock

3/29 - Tijuana, Mexico @ You Revolution

3/30 - Monterrey, Mexico @ Cafe Iguana

3/31 - Guadalajeara, Mexico @ Palindromo

4/1 - Cuauhtemoc, Mexico @ Gato Calavera

4/13 - Johannesburg, South Africa @ Sundowners

4/14 - Pretoria, South Africa @ Arcade Empire

4/21 - Zonnebloem, South Africa @ Mercury Live

5/5 - Manila, Philippine @ Pulp Summer Slam

5/11 - Adelaide, Australia @ Crown & Anchor Hotel

5/12 - Melbourne, Australia @ The Evelyn Hotel

5/13 - Sydney, Australia @ The Bald Faced Stag

5/17 - Islington, Australia @ The Small Ballroom

5/18 - Brisbane, Australia @ The Brightside

5/19 - Auckland, New Zealand @ Whammy Bar

5/20 - Wellington, New Zealand @ Valhalla Tavern

 

SECRETS is composed of Richard Rogers, Wade Walters, Michael Sherman and Connor Brannigan. 

 

Follow SECRETS:

Website:  http://secretsofficial.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/secretsofficial/  

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SECRETSofficial  

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofficial/ 

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Governor appoints Troy Little to the Fifth District Juvenile Court

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 12, 2018) – Gov. Gary R. Herbert has appointed Troy Little as a judge for the Fifth District Juvenile Court.

“I believe Troy Little will be an exceptional addition to the Fifth District Juvenile Court,” Gov. Herbert said. “His hardworking nature and dedication to the law will serve him well in his  capacity on the bench.”

Little graduated from the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah in 2000. He also holds a Masters in Public Administration and a degree in nursing, both from the University of Utah. He has been chief deputy at the Iron County Attorney’s Office since 2003, and was an adjunct professor at Southern Utah University until 2014.

“I am humbled and honored to be appointed by Gov. Herbert to serve as a Fifth District Juvenile Court judge,” Little said. “I have great respect for this judicial office. I have a special interest in the welfare, protection, and success of our children and youth. One of my deepest desires is to preserve, strengthen, and fortify families. I appreciate the sensitive nature of juvenile court cases and how decisions from the bench have real consequences, in real people’s lives. If confirmed, I will diligently perform my judicial duties with integrity, fairness, and compassion.”

This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

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USDA Secretary Announces Infrastructure Improvements for Forest System Trails

Focused work will help agency reduce a maintenance backlog and make trails safer for users

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the selection of 15 priority areas to help address the more than $300 million trail maintenance backlog on national forests and grasslands.

Focused trail work in these areas, bolstered by partners and volunteers, is expected to help address needed infrastructure work so that trails managed by USDA Forest Service can be accessed and safely enjoyed by a wide variety of trails enthusiasts.  About 25 percent of agency trails fit those standards while the condition of other trails lag behind.

“Our nation’s trails are a vital part of the American landscape and rural economies, and these priority areas are a major first step in USDA’s on-the-ground responsibility to make trails better and safer,” Secretary Perdue said. “The trail maintenance backlog was years in the making with a combination of factors contributing to the problem, including an outdated funding mechanism that routinely borrows money from programs, such as trails, to combat ongoing wildfires.

“This borrowing from within the agency interferes with other vital work, including ensuring that our more than 158,000 miles of well-loved trails provide access to public lands, do not harm natural resources, and, most importantly, provide safe passage for our users.”

This year the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Trails Systems Act which established America’s system of national scenic, historic, and recreation trails. A year focused on trails presents a pivotal opportunity for the Forest Service and partners to lead a shift toward a system of sustainable trails that are maintained through even broader shared stewardship.

The priority areas focus on trails that meet the requirements of the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act of 2016 (PDF, 224KB), which calls for the designation of up to 15 high priority areas where a lack of maintenance has led to reduced access to public land; increased risk of harm to natural resources; public safety hazards; impassable trails; or increased future trail maintenance costs. The act also requires the Forest Service to “significantly increase the role of volunteers and partners in trail maintenance” and to aim to double trail maintenance accomplished by volunteers and partners.

Shared stewardship to achieve on-the-ground results has long been core to Forest Service’s approach to trail maintenance, as demonstrated by partner groups such as the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

“Our communities, volunteers and partners know that trails play an important role in the health of local economies and of millions of people nationwide, which means the enormity of our trail maintenance backlog must be adequately addressed now,” said USDA Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke. “The agency has a commitment to be a good neighbor, recognizing that people and communities rely on these trails to connect with each other and with nature.”

Each year, more than 84 million people get outside to explore, exercise and play on trails across national forests and grasslands and visits to these places help to generate 143,000 jobs annually through the recreation economy and more than $9 million in visitor spending.

The 15 national trail maintenance priority areas encompass large areas of land and each have committed partners to help get the work accomplished. The areas are:

• Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Adjacent Lands, Montana: The area includes the Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Areas and most of the Hungry Horse, Glacier View, and Swan Lake Ranger Districts on the Flathead National Forest in northwest Montana on both sides of the Continental Divide. There are more than 3,200 miles of trails within the area, including about 1,700 wilderness miles.
• Methow Valley Ranger District, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington: Methow Valley is a rural recreation-based community surrounded by more than 1.3 million acres of managed by the Forest Service. The area includes trails through the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas and more than 130 miles of National Pacific Crest and Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trails.
• Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and Eagle Cap Wilderness, Idaho and Oregon: This area includes more than 1,200 miles of trail and the deepest river canyon in North America as well as the remote alpine terrain of the Seven Devil’s mountain range. The area also has 350,000 acres in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, the largest in Oregon.
• Central Idaho Wilderness Complex, Idaho and Montana: The area includes about 9,600 miles of trails through the Frank Church River of No Return; Gospel Hump; most of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness areas; portions of the Payette, Salmon-Challis, Nez Perce and Clearwater national forests; and most of the surrounding lands. The trails inside and outside of wilderness form a network of routes that give access into some of the most remote country in the Lower 48.
• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico: The trail’s 3,100 continuous miles follows the spine of the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Canada, including more than 1,900 miles of trails across 20 national forests. The trail runs a diverse route with some sections in designated wilderness areas and others running through towns, providing those communities with the opportunity to boost the local economy with tourism dollars.
• Wyoming Forest Gateway Communities: Nearly 1,000 miles of trail stretch across the almost 10 million acres of agency-managed lands in Wyoming, which include six national forests and one national grassland. The contribution to the state’s outdoor recreation economy is therefore extremely important in the state.
• Northern California Wilderness, Marble Mountain and Trinity Alps: There are more than 700 miles of trails through these wilderness areas, which are characterized by very steep mountain terrain in fire-dependent ecosystems that are subject to heavy winter rainfall and/or snow. As such, they are subject to threat from flooding, washout, landslide and other erosion type events which, combined with wildfires, wash out trails and obstruct passage.
• Angeles National Forest, California: The area, which includes nearly 1,000 miles of trails, is immediately adjacent to the greater Los Angeles area where 15 million people live within 90 minutes and more than 3 million visit. Many of those visitors are young people from disadvantaged communities without local parks.
• Greater Prescott Trail System, Arizona: This 300-mile system of trails is a demonstration of work between the Forest Service and multiple partners. The system is integrated with all public lands at the federal, state and local level to generate a community-based trail system.
• Sedona Red Rock Ranger District Trail System, Coconino National Forest, Arizona: About 400 miles of trail provide a wide diversity of experiences with year-round trail opportunities, including world-class mountain biking in cooler months and streamside hiking in the heat of the summer.
• Colorado Fourteeners: Each year, hundreds of thousands of hikers trek along over 200 miles of trail to access Colorado’s mountains that are higher than 14,000 feet. The Forest Service manages 48 of the 54 fourteeners, as they are commonly called.
• Superior National Forest, Minnesota: The more than 2,300 miles of trail on this forest have faced many catastrophic events, including large fires and a major wind storm downed millions of trees in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in 1999. A similar storm in 2016 reached winds up to 85 mph and toppled trees on several thousand acres and made the western 13 miles of Kekekabic Trail impassible.
• White Mountain National Forest Partner Complex, Maine and New Hampshire: Approximately 600 miles of non-motorized trails are maintained by partners. Another 600 miles of motorized snowmobile trails are adopted and maintained by several clubs. Much of that work centers on providing safe public access to the mountain and valleys of New Hampshire and Maine.
• Southern Appalachians Capacity Enhancement Model, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia: The more than 6,300 miles of trails in this sub region include some of the most heavily used trails in the country yet only 28 percent meet or exceed agency standards. The work required to bring these trails to standard will require every tool available from partner and volunteer skills to contracts with professional trail builders.
• Iditarod National Historic Trail Southern Trek, Alaska: In southcentral Alaska, the Southern Trek is in close proximity to more than half the state’s population and connects with one of the most heavily traveled highways in the state. The Chugach National Forest and partners are restoring and developing more than 180 miles of the trail system, connecting the communities of Seward, Moose Pass, Whittier, and Girdwood.

 

For more information about the USDA Forest Service, visit www.fs.fed.us.