said municipal spokeswoman [Public Misinformation Officer] Susan Morgans. She said officials worry about inflaming those opposed to the culling and don't want them to “put themselves in harm's way” to protest or disrupt the program.In Matt Santoni's Mt. Lebanon to avoid daily reports on deer culling because of contention, is Susan denying us of our First Amendment Right? Now Benner is blaming protestors. Please explain, Mr. Benner and Mrs. Stroyd Morgans, how is protesting in front of the Municipal Building or along Connor Road interfering with or disrupting the program?
Cori Vipperman, who supports a deer management program, said she understood why municipal staff are cautious about releasing information.Seriously, Ms. Vipperman? The three police officers who approached residents on Sunday walking by Bird Park were told there was $1500 of damage to the deer corral in Bird Park.
“If they came out with too much information, there are some — I'm not saying all in the opposition, but some — who might use that information to sabotage the program,” Vipperman said.
"Lauth said police logged no incidents or accidents, although a contractor suspected people of trying to disrupt or damage corrals. Police found no suspicious or illegal activity, Lauth said."Who is lying? ACLU, are you getting all this?
Update March 17, 2015 2:23 PM
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| 160' from corral to Connor Road |
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| Photo hint as to location of accident |
KDKA-TV on Facebook Could turkeys be the next animal to be rounded up in the Mt. Lebanon area? Love this comment: Run Turkey run! You will be the next victim of the Mt. Lebo Kill Force!
Boy, is Mt. Lebanon getting a bad reputation! Thanks, John Bendel, Dave Brumfield, Kristen Linfante, and Steve Silverman.
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| To order, click here http://www.zazzle.com/respect_mt_lebanon_fawn_stickers_square_sticker-217441227608281773 |
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Any ambitious Lebo Citizens reader want to print these out on card stock and distribute to Mt. Lebanon businesses who are willing to display it? Don't be pushy and please be respectful.
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105 comments:
From the Trib: "Contractors told staff the low deer count may be because protesters interfered, although Fraasch said warmer weather may have allowed deer to find food elsewhere and avoid the corrals."
Or, there just aren't that many deer in Mt. Lebanon. I thought there were 100/sq. mi. Or thousands per the PG. Only 6 deer tells me the contractor is either incompetent or the deer numbers are much close to 150 than 600. Everyone who relied upon their "opinion" of the deer number rather than hard evidence had an inherent bias in supporting a higher deer number.
How Mt Lebanon works:
Conceal information, lie, and label opposition as fringe minority group with labels like "protestors" or "animal rights activists" etc
Result:
Suppression of dissent and betrayal
Long-term impact:
Lack of trust, weak economic growth, high stress, corruption, divided community
If there was $1,500 worth of damage to the corral in Bird Park then I would assume that Benner filed a police report to document the damage. However, the police have nothing - right?
In the meantime the pro-cull people use hyperbole to whip up fear of traffic injuries because of deer; while a kid injures himself on his motorcycle due to a bunch of wild turkeys making their way to the free corn left out for the deer, courtesy of the municipality. This would be funny were it not for the injuries sustained by the kid.
So, we pay $75k for "deer management", but the Ministry of Truth has determined that "no value" exists in providing an accounting of spent funds/program progress to the very plebians who paid for it? And said plebians also pay her salary? Two Legs Good, Four Legs Bad! Thou shalt not question authority, said the Pig.
If either party in the turkey accident is reading, I would absolutely provide the cull information/location to your respective insurance carriers.
If anyone lives on Crescent Drive and reads this, please, please inform your neighbors that the Bird Park Corral (and perhaps other killing sites) and its fermented corn and apples has attracted RATS to the site. This is a serious public health issue. The Allegheny Health Depth. Must be called so that they might be able to tell the municipality that the kill sites are drawing rats. RATS, RATS, RATS. No laughing matter.
What a bunch of idiots! This is ludicrous. If I bought a car and it performed as poorly as Benner and the nitwits have I would have returned it and demanded my money back. Obviously, this isn't working and it is doing more damage to the community's reputation every day. Lebo has become a laughing stock not just locally, but nationally. Why are peaceful protester being blamed for Benner's screw ups? Benner has the police and his henchmen protecting the traps, corn police to ensure that we don't feed the deer too much, and stopping us if we even walk near the park. This is what Mt Lebanon's high taxes are paying for??? Benner should be fired and his compensations should be stopped. What doesn't the leaders get? HE IS FAILING TO PERFORM! If this happened in the business world, he would have been gone a week ago. He is a joke! What concerns me is that Benner must getting pretty desperate. He is loosing money by the day. Desperate people do desperate things and there is not telling what Benner will do.
There must be some smart lawyer who can find a way to throw Benner's butt out of here. With all he has screwed up, there must be a violation that negates his contract. Also, don't tell us we can't protest. It is a right that our forefathers fought for. Remember the Tea Party ( not the ones in D. C.) I think we need more protests, not less. Taxpayers are throwing good money after bad. This has to stop NOW.
9:41 - I have to say, it's not just in Mt. Lebo that things work that way. So next time you see "animal right activists" being demonized anywhere, nay "protesters" in general, question it...
Straight from Roy, Animal Control, this morning:
Animal control in the South Hills in run by "Mt Lebanon Officers", and Roy is the main man.
Roy says that Animal Control, through SHACOG, covers 13 municipalities in the South Hills.
Last week, the 3 dead deer found in Mt Lebanon, not in corrals, were taken to the South Hills Dump.
He states that Animal Control takes 300 dead deer to the dump per year.
Statisticians, I know you need more info. But start thinking about the chances that 3 dead deer are found in Mt Lebanon, not hit by cars, in one week, given the size of Mt Lebanon in comparison to the entire 13 municipalities within the South Hills area. Remember, there are 52 weeks in a year and corn is toxic to deer when introduced in late winter and eaten in large amounts.
A couple of frightened dog walkers approached me separately this morning while I was walking my dog.
They all said that last week they were approached by police at the entrance of Twin Hills Park, where there are no corrals. They were asked if they had seen any seen any "suspicious activity" in the park. They both said "no" but were told that "out of towners" were vandalizing corrals used in the deer cull and spraying "cat urine". They were both asked to contact police immediately if they see anything suspicious.
When asked where this culling was occurring, the police officer told one walker "everywhere". She was not told the details on the method so she imagined there were "snipers". She stopped walking her dog in parks for a week. This morning, she dared to go to the park but her husband told her to "keep her head on a swivel" with her "phone in hand" ready to report anything suspicious.
Does anyone know if the turkeys that caused the accident on Connor rd were headed in the direction of the corral. I do not think this was a coincidence. In my humble opinion the turkeys were going for the bait or done eating and leaving.this definitely should be investigated. I see a law suit.
This is the clown who claimed to be in awe of Ben Bradlee during her brief tenure as a junior gofer at the Washington Post.
Public Obstruction Officer.
I thought that Merlins contract said the corral gates would not be closed unless there were 4-6 deer in the corral. How then did we have nights when only 1 deer were killed?? My gut feeling is that in this epic failed plan they just shot those deer that were found on various streets outside of the corrals and the deer ran away and died. How can we find out if they were shot? I doubt anyone will admit to that. Just a feeling.
interesting info on Mrs. Logan.. we are new to Mt Lebanon and thought we were moving into a progressive animal friendly area,, but this type of deer culling is very disturbing to our family ..
i know this a countrywide problem and also up in Canada,, but using the 8feet corrals and baiting them with corn,, seems very..barbaric
Very possible that Benner has given the go-ahead for his "experts" to shoot deer anywhere they see them.
ZERO oversight by the MTL PD gives him free reign to do whatever he wants.
For all anyone knows, he is taking roadkill deer to the mystery processor. His "reputation" is on the line and $500 a deer is a powerful incentive.
Do I think that Deacon Benner has the moral fiber and personal integrity to engage in this sort of behavior? Well he has already lied about protesters breaking the law.
Does anyone know How many rats are dispatched each year in the here in the bubble? How many turkeys? Info on skunks, racoons, coyotes and unlicensed dogs are caught/killed might help put this deerlima into perspective.
Benner is certainly not managing his own interests very well (project won't pay out). But the town manager is doing an even worse job. Needs to go. Commissioners, you can at least start to save your own reputations by making a change...
The corral on Connor road is 160 feet from the street.
Does anyone know of *any* place in the US that a) permits baiting and b) allows it so close to the road?
The smallest distance I have found is in New Hampshire and their distance with a permit is 300 feet from dwelling, roadway, path or trail.
Just was reading about how deer digestive tracts change during the year based on available food supply. Quotes by the PGC state that feeding deer corn during late winter can cause acute acidosis and death within 72 hours. So maybe Merlin cannot corral the deer so he has poisoned them instead. Probably the ones we are finding dead on roads now. The article also states that the deer become lethargic etc. and risk crossing roads because they become disoriented.
What does it mean that clover traps are now permissible? Does it suggest that Benner is now placing additional traps in undisclosed locations? So now even if you read this blog, which has the most information about the cull, we don't know where the clover traps. For example, I'd recommend avoiding any roads that have corrals near them - McNeilly, Connor, etc. But with the new clover traps, which could be on personal property, nobody knows where the next turkey flock is going to cross the road.
2:36: yes that is what that suggests… That would also explain all these single deer who are being caught. Which is strange for a corral...
It takes very little effort to end the deer cull. Simply take down the traps! http://www.e-know.ca/news/vandalism-ends-deer-cull-cranbrook/
This barbaric cull was put into place to appease a small group, against the wishes and pleadings of the Mt. Lebo residents, as well as residents from surrounding communities. The large number of deer doesn't exist. The small prokill group, commissioners and Benner need to save face. I don't trust Benner to not hunt deer in surrounding communities. He apparently has few, if any rules placed upon him. He wants his $75,000. Now there is even less transparency. The public is being kept in the dark. This is a sick, barbaric and horrific thing. All over insensitivity, narcissism, complete selfishness and greed of the few. Everyone has to go through this for the next 4 years as well. Believe me, the secrecy will be worse in the years to come and it won't be enough for this small group of residents.
3:11. That is illegal and would paint everyone in a very negative light.
Benner is screwing up perfectly well on his own. Don't damage stuff that would give him an excuse.
Susan Morgans, Benner, Commissioners, AND Mt. Lebo PD are LIARS!
Wasting our tax dollars on this ridiculous program and stopping hikers?? Then blaming people for your pathetic numbers on deer?
Now causing traffic accidents because you are PUTTING FOOD OUT FOR THE DEER and turkey are coming for it.
These idiots have no respect for wildlife, nature, community or laws (yes even the gestapo MLPD)
I looked at the Trib article, but not at the KDKA FB site. I didn't see any mention of the corn bait at the Connor road corral killing site being thought of as the potential cause for this site? Why no coverage or question of this being the cause - that's the real news story? So instead of Mt. Lebanon corral killing program being the likely cause of this accident, most readers will think that, yes, wildlife is a problem in Mt. Lebanon and this confirms the purpose of the cull. Why don't reporters do their friggin jobs!!!!
3:49, because the reporters appear to be in the commissioners' pockets somehow? Just guessing.
Does anyone have Matt Santoni's email address? He would likely report that residents are concerned there is a bait site 160 feet from the road.
First of all - I weep for humanity when I read public Facebook comments. Especially on KDKA's and Marty Griffin's page. Second - you can't tell me this isn't going to have some kind of economic impact on Mt. Lebanon down the road. The reputation of this town appears to be that we are a bunch of rich, elitist snobs who either just want to shoot and kill our problems away, or that we are too rich and have too much time on our hands to worry about things that really matter. Will this affect our shops, our restaurants, the new hotel? Will people choose to live somewhere else because of the reputation this town now has because of this? Deer or no deer - people should be concerned about this. If businesses in this town suffer - we all suffer. Has this crossed any of the commissioners' minds?!
As one of the Sunday "Bird Park Three" and upon reading that Deputy Chief Aaron Lauth indicated that "Police found no suspicious or illegal activity" (Trib.), I felt compelled to call the Station to find out WHY we were the subject of such interest that THREE officers and TWO cruisers had been dispatched to check on us. After leaving my message with an officer, I was contacted by his Lieutenant who said that Benner's worker had called in to report that WE were harassing HIM and that the simple answer to my question is that they have to go out to investigate any time a complaint comes in. Anyway, I am also assured that the Police are in the middle; they're just doing their jobs; and they haven't taken sides. We can all sleep better tonight.
Where is Marty Griffin on this?
5:43 PM, he and the Mrs. want to see the deer killed. On Sunday, I saw the Mrs. at Panera after our legal tour of Robb Hollow. She left rather quickly after she spotted us. You're not going to get any help from Marty.
Elaine
Lots of male politicians have been found with abnormally high testosterone levels which leads to making risky decisions. Maybe this is what the problem is with the 4 male commissioners!
Anonymous.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131210259.htm
This is my second time living in our exceptional community, for a total of 34 years of my life! Somehow, the Commission has gotten seriously confused and has mistakenly concluded that these are THEIR deer that they've decided to kill. THEY'RE NOT THEIR DEER--THEY'RE OUR DEER!!! I no longer recognize this community and have to agree with Dorothy: "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." Neither are we in Mt. Lebanon anymore, either!
Don't shoot the messenger (The Almanac), but does anyone comprehend the nonsense in their report.
"Instead of daily updates on the controversial deer culling operation in Mt. Lebanon, officials will release weekly reports as contentions over the program may be interfering with it.
The news comes as Wildlife Specilaists, LLC, the contractors hired through March 31 to kill up to 150 deer, reported six deer had been killed as of March 16.
According to township officials, the contractors fear protestors or heightened activity in the areas with baited corrals may be interfering with the cull operation. Mt. Lebanon police reported no incidents over the weekend, and nothing since the contractors’ cameras caught people spraying the corrals with deer repellent or animal urine between Feb. 21-28.
http://www.thealmanac.net/article/20150317/NEWS/150319951
The municipality is going to give weekly reports instead of daily reports because of the contentions over the cull.
But two paragraphs later, the police state that no incidents have occurred since cameras caught "people" (unknown people since no one has been charged with anything and do we know that urine or deer repellent was sprayed. May it was a disguised Benner associate spraying attractant!)
spraying something.
So the municipality goes into defensive mode once again without justification, to protect a hired consultant and keep residents in the dark.
Nice real nice commissioners... way to look out for your constituents and keep them informed.
How about telling cry baby Benner to quit whining and do the job he said (we paid him $12,000 for his advice) he could do or get out of town.
Let's see...we've got an autocratic group making irrational decisions on our behalf; ever-so-subtle police intimidation; lies and rumors of lies; and now a black-out of information. What are we missing for a Totalitarian State?
So, the Public Information Officer, whose job is to disperse information relating to all things Mt. Lebanon, sees no value to Mt. Lebanon residents in dispersing information regarding a controversial program reported upon daily from other news sources. Wtf exactly does this lady do all day and who is she to make the determination of what information is valuable to taxpaying Mt. Lebonites? If you aren't going to tell us how our tax dollars are being spent regarding the deer "management" program, then resign immediately so that a better qualified candidate can perform the basic elements of the job. Seriously, I am asking for your resignation by the end of the week, Ms. Morgans.
- Zack Morris
Ms. Morgans salary would be better allocated to pedestrian safety.
What possible use is a PIO who does not release information to the public?
LOVE the Wildlife-friendly stickers.
Any business displaying one I will patronize. Will even try ones I might never have thought about checking out.
No sticker? No business.
March 17, 2015 at 6:51 PM, "Never pegged Marty as a hater. Sad."
Marty Griffin has a very controversial history regarding journalistic ethics and sensationalism. He also appears to hate all wildlife, and I believe was ranting for the slaughter of Canada geese at different locations, and I guess now deer. However, I think his biggest local controversy was with the suicide of Pastor Brent Dugan.
CRISIS OF A FAITH
http://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/crisis-of-faith/Content?oid=1334853
"I save my rancor for Marty Griffin," she says. "His aim was the glory of Marty Griffin. Marty Griffin knew he was going to destroy a person. [KDKA] hired him to be a scumbag -- that is his function."
MORE ON MARTY GRIFFIN
http://2politicaljunkies.blogspot.com/2006/12/more-on-marty-griff
"Does KDKA have any other defense? Becuase if they don't it looks an awful lot like they set up a lonely closeted gay pastor for a ratings bonanza"
"KDKA can't fire Marty 'The Killer' Griffin because to do so would be an admission of their part in this mess. KDKA and their lawyers will protect themselves and maybe even Mr. Griffin for a while. But eventually they will throw him under the bus just like they did with Steve Hansen."
"Griffin has no decency. He would do anything to chase down a story. Even if it isn't there."
"Griffin's an ass. He was run out of Dallas for similar behavior. I wonder who it was that Dugan was having a relationship with? I also wonder if KDKA-tv paid that person for the information/setup at a bookstore. Pathetic journalism at its finest."
"Marty is a blowhole. He has been raising hell on his talk show about the South Butler teachers' strike. Whether you are against the issues or not, all I ask is report the facts and report both sides of the story. He cut off or hung up anyone supporting the educators and distorts/twists the facts for sensationalism. A true unprofessional at its finest!"
Pastor takes his life in wake of TV probe/stories
http://www.post-gazette.com/neighborhoods-north/2006/11/04/Pastor-takes-his-life-in-wake-of-TV-probe/stories/200611040135
Any thoughts about starting a petition to have Susan Morgan, Steve Feller, and the Chief fired. How many signatures would be needed?
I think the T-shirts, stickers, and placards are great!!! I'm just not sure how they are being marketed, and how people can buy them.
So a media personality that lives in MtLebo drove a minister to suicide?
Where is my rosary...
I had heard a story about something happening when he was in Dallas, but this pastor story is new to me. What a horrible person. I guess that explains how he can hate animals.
Anyway, thank you for the inside story.
Don't want to hijack the effort, so back to the important subject: our deer!
Halfway there to the end of the month. Don't let up.
Keep checking the parks, keep going for a ride after 9 when the killers start their night's work.
If you are eating an apple, be sure not to drop it somewhere far enough away from a corral where it might confuse deer from going to the commissioner-approved death corrals.
HALF.WAY.THERE.
You guys rock!
Keep up the GREAT work!!!
Speaking of urine filled super soakers, how long ago was Bendel accused by an SAB member of having "pissed it all away", with "it" being money spent on sidewalks? Sidewalks.
So spending money on sidewalks is "pissing" in a community that is experiencing an epidemic pedestrian/cyclist/vehicular accident rate... but so is defending the state animal from a cruel and unnecessary slaughter.
I wonder if Albert Turfstein has that video clip hidden somewhere.
https://www.google.com/fusiontables/DataSource?docid=19fRINm3LAiefCo_hAXUdnXWvkKaVzC_ZbzNHmNJU#map:id=4://
8:46 I agree that petition is long overdue. I personally have experienced their corrupt tactics. But would the spineless commission majority be afraid to fire all 3 at the same time?
Came home and turned on the radio and on kdka radio Mangiono was soooooo against this cull. Still on radio now. I only hope some of the commissioners were listening to this.the majority of the callers were against this barbaric slaughter as he called it as well. Mangiono called it an epic failure. We are winning!!!!!
9:16 PM, the commissioners can only fire Feller. Only Feller can fire Morgans. The chief has already announced his retirement. I don't know the effective date.
9:25 PM, I missed that segment on KDKA radio. I am hoping someone can find the podcast. I understand it was excellent! I heard that this blog was mentioned too. Sorry, Dave Brumfield and Susan Morgans. I know that upsets you. If anyone can locate the podcast, please share it here. Thanks!
Elaine
It's still ok now on kdka 9:45 pm
Called kdka just now. Show still on. No podcast available
I heard he KDKA radio interview tonight with the leader of the save the deer initiative. She was great. I've heard her before but don't remember her name. Anyway, she mentioned on the show that the deer kill corrals are attracting rats. I want to say that I saw three rats (maybe more) at the Connor Road corral. This was a couple days ago. I don't know what to do about it. I know that reporting it to Mt. Lebo would be useless. Any suggestions?
The wildlife stickers are beautifully done.
But add the © symbol so it isn't ripped off!!!
Doesn't cost a dime, but do it ASAP.
7:31 pm
"I am asking for your resignation by the end of the week, Ms. Morgans."
CLASSIC! If only................................
8:51 pm
PRINT THEM! Or email Elaine for files..... full color, 4 to a page would look best. Businesses should stick in window*********
Who the hell is Marty Griffin?
KDKA - podcast will be available after show is over......
I just hope Merlin and his gang are listening now to kdka radio. They got blasted!! Bye Merlin!!
On KDKA did I hear that the Mt Lebanon police killed a healthy mother deer when her fawn had been hit by a car... couldn't there be another answer. What kind of cruel society is this!?!?
10:36 kdka told me no podcast was available. How do you know otherwise???
"these are peaceful, graceful animals" - commenter on KDKA
Mt Lebanon NEEDS TO GET A GRIP.
Summary of KDKA's "Lori" commenter.
Could someone please let us know what we should do about the rats that have been spotted at Connor Road and Bird Park? I this this is a serious public health issue. We already know that kids play very near the corral in Bird Park.
Its my understanding the police have know legal authority to shoot any deer, hit by car, stuck in a fence or sitting on your couch. They are violating Pa game laws. A trespasser shot a deer in my yard with a crossbow which the police gave to me to process. The game warden investigating the shooting said the police had zero authority to do anything with that deer. You see a cop shoot a deer or any other animal, report it to the game commission!
10:18 Call the Allegheny County Health Department. 412.350.4046 and ask for Sandra. That's the community environment branch.
A police officer shooting an injured deer is pretty common practice. It is more humane than letting the deer suffer. That being said, many police departments have no training on how to quickly and humanely dispatch a downed animal. There are videos, but not really necessary to post them. No idea if MTL PD has any specific training. A good question for the chief.
11:09 Video tape and provide footage to Elaine and media.
There are no deer dying from "corn" in Mt Lebanon. Feeding STARVING deer corn will kill them. There are no starving deer in Mt Lebanon.
There are still NO PHOTOS of herd migrations to any of the corals by any media or individual. There ARE NOT 150 deer in Mt Lebanon.
I have personally witnessed deer in this area traveling 5 MILES in 24 hours to different habitats. These clowns think they have the deer trapped in these small woodlots.
I'm certain a lot of hunters in adjoining Mt Lebanon communities that have access to deer cover, are feeding deer for the month of March ..... they are against this culling just as much as you are and yes most respect and value the whitetail more than you think.
Why aren't the huge numbers of deer eating the coral corn instead of the rats and mice? There will be an increase of foxes, cats and birds of prey dining on the long tailed short legged creatures.
Please call the allegheny co health department regarding rodent issues at the corrals. 412-350-4046
This includes mice, rats, and raccoons.
I believe they answer the phone 24/7
Seriously, if you think you see something, report it. Take a photo or video is you can.
Even within the same day, a newspaper can carry widely divergent stories.
http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/7994215-74/deer-lebanon-contractor#axzz3UhGzUNY8
"Mt Lebanon has a people problem"
http://www.huntingpa.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3531896&page=
I sent this to KDKA in 2007 regarding Marty Griffin's media attack on Pastor Brent Dugan based on what I knew about Pastor Dugan:
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2007 10:06 AM
To: Adams, Marshall
Subject: Contact KDKA
I have been a lifetime listener to KDKA who has been wounded by Brent Dugan's desperate suicide in an attempt to avoid media sensationalism about his personal life. My experience as a Presbyterian elder has made me aware of the many connections within our church community across the city of Pittsburgh and beyond. A member of Brent's congregation happens to be a former Pitt classmate of mine and our kids play bagpipes in a band together. My friend's high school aged daughter piped for Brent's memorial service, a sad call to duty for her beloved pastor. I have many other friends including ministers who have been deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of Brent, many who knew him personally and loved him like a brother. My way of coping with this terrible situation has been to offer assistance and prayer to those, including Brent, who have been affected by this tragedy and to boycott KDKA completely - on the air as well as the television. What has been a mainstay in my life, KDKA radio, is no longer welcome in my home. I feel that I can no longer trust the integrity of any information from KDKA. I am bitter about the reckless damage Marty Griffin's intentional actions have caused so many good people that I know and respect, people who work to make a positive difference in our world.
Charlotte Stephenson
.I heard Marty and his sarcastic remarks and I will NEVER listen to his show again except to get the names of his sponsors. He loves to hear his own voice and IMHO is a jerk. He was making fun of the "deer lovers" and spoke of "Bambie getting killed" 1n a sarcastic, crying voice before declaring that the people in Lebo should find something better to do with their time. I am writing his advertisers letting them know that I will not buy any of their products as long as they are sponsors on the air in his time slot. I suggest that others who heard the show do the same. Conversely, I will listen to the podcast when it is ready and send a thank you note to them.
On a separate note, I have had many occasions to deal with Roy from Animal Control and have nothing but good things to say about him. He has saved many animals and has worked tirelessly on their behalf. He is one of the good guys
Call Allegheny Health Department about the rats!
My family and I are planning to have a "memorial" for the deer who have died a horrible death @ Benner's hands. No time yet exact location, but a place visible to the public. perhaps near the entrance to one of the parks where traps are set up. Just a peaceful and respectful event to focus on the fact that innocent animals are being destroyed in a despicable manner and to say a prayer or sing a song for the declining state of Mt. Lebo. If you are interested in joining us, please post "Yes" to the memorial and I will post the e-mail to where you an link to the details.
We may even invite the media. Details to follow later.
Ghandi said " A country can be judged by the way it treats it's animals." pay attention commissioners.
Bravo. !!
You are do right. Many folks have have started a boycott already and it will get worse if we don 't get this stopped. I and many of my friends have stop shopping , eating at the restaurants and refuse to go back to their favorite salons and other services How sad. I always look forward to my shopping trips to Mt Lebo but no more !! I am done !!
http://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/1997/march/media-did-marty-griffin-get-conned
I won't listen to Marty after this, but I will boycott his advertisers if anyone wants to start a list. He may be as big a jerk as Benner.
Thought you might want to know if you weren't already aware that when I went to check on the "original" golf course property corral last night (the one that in the woods between the Shop N Save parking lot and the end of Thornwood Drive's dead end) was no longer there.
It was last seen on Mon night at 7:30 pm and then when I went to check on it last night (Tues) at 7:00 pm it was gone without a trace. I did not see it anywhere in that stretch of woods.
Not sure where it went...
Charlotte Stephenson
March 18, 2015 at 12:05 AM
Excellent Letter to KDKA. I think this story sums up the moral and journalistic character of Marty Griffin and KDKA for keeping him on the radio and TV.
If someone finds his advertisers, please post to this blog, and we should all send emails. Also, if someone know the current director of KDKA radio and his/her email address, please post too, so that we can email them too.
8:58 maybe they are baiting other areas to condition deer, then moving the corrals at the last moment?
Spreading corn in more areas. Getting rid of the rats will cost more than the deer.
March 18, 2015 at 8:58 AM
I emailed the superintendent of Keystone Oaks, and the principal of Myrtle Elementary School, with pictures of that Shop & Save corral site, with my concerns that it violated the 1,000 ft. federal safety zone around schools. Maybe Keystone Oaks followed up and had the corral site shut down.
12:29 am Why don't you make the service non-denominational and invite leaders from various churches/synagogues etc to say a brief prayer/comment? I've seen this done in other communities going through difficult times and/or after a terrible event. The religious leaders don't have to be from Mt Lebanon either -- if they are wary of involvement.
http://diopitt.org
http://www.pts.edu
http://www.ppi-online.org
http://www.sunnyhill.org
http://www.stbernardchurch.com
http://www.sistersofmercy.org
http://sistersoftheholyspirit.com
http://www.first-unitarian-pgh.org
11:43 pm
I was listening to some speakers from universities who study white tailed deer and literally, one said, "deer are likely to be as smart as dogs".
So.. my smart dog would probably avoid those corrals... I wonder if some of the deer are too.
I went to check out the corral at the end of Thornwood on Monday and first thing i noticed was there were no cameras in the trees. Also this crudely constructed corral didnt appear to have a gate??
Were Background Checks done on any of Benners crew?
This argument was made to commissioners before the cull started. People said other wildlife wojld be attracted to eat the food near corrals. The turkeys were right outside of the conservation area on Connor road where the corral is. So yes this is what likely happened. There are also rats the BP location because of fermented corn.
I was the "woman who had a brief confrontation with the consultant" I told him he was trespassing in the church lot and called police. I was called back and told the same. They're doing their job and he called to report harassment. They told me if I did it again I could be arrested for stalking and trespassing. Oh and "don't try to be a vigilante"
11:17 am I don't think so... if you are 'in' with the commission and muni, you can do as you please.
and what about the absence of liability insurance someone mentioned on this blog for tenner. is it possible that he got new insurance beginning feb 1?
9:27. You would prefer that Benner's people continue to throw corn all over the place and attract even MORE rats???
could it be possible that Benner is going to replace the traps with clover traps?
Clover traps are much smaller and easier to conceal.
They are also triggered by trip wires, so they catch other animals. They work without people being present, so deer can be caught any time of the day.
There could well be deer trapped in them right now, and they will be in there until Benner's crew shows up at night to shoot them.
PGC uses clover traps for tagging and releasing.
They are NOT used to hold deer to be shot by rifle.
PGC has let Benner break every other rule, so using clover traps outside their purpose is no surprise.
This is the PGC's own video of using a clover trap to catch, tag and release deer:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wob4CWTs7iY
Cornell has an excellent overview with more pictures:
http://wildlifecontrol.info/TickStudy/Pages/DeerStudy.aspx
Take a quick look and understand what you are looking for.
These are small and readily concealed.
A video of deer caught in clover traps waiting execution would be very useful.
Expect the corn police and Benner's men (hi Gene!) to monitor these and discourage people from getting close to them.
Will the clover traps be protected by warning signs?
Great question for the Chief. Great written question for the commissioners, Feller, the PGC and everyone else on a big cc list. Document, document, document.
The ground is still soggy, so there may be tracks leading to clover trap sites, but unless you know what to look for, it can be a challenge.
Best bet is to familiarize yourself with what clover traps look like and go for a walk in all the officially sanctioned kill zones.
Read up on Griffin's past and his behavior. I found a quote atributed him: "objectivity is a journalism class myth".
So this wannabe reporter screws up and costs a station some money in a legal settlement, moves back to Pittsburgh and chooses Mt. Lebanon. Well, aren't we the lucky ones. I was listening to his ridiculously childish show last week and he was reading something that mentioned the ACA. He didnt know what it was. I understand that for a lot of people, the ACA might not immediately trigger "obamacare" but it was sort of a big story for a while. You would think, hope, someone working for a news organization would be more attuned to current events. But I guess if your schtick is acting like an asshole, you dont need to be very bright.
How does this relatr to deer? Do your reasearch on the clown. Then ask:
1. Does he have all the facts?
2. Is anyone paying him to slant the story?
3. Does he stand to personally gain from any of this?
4. What would it take to convince him to stop trying to buy his way into class and just move(ok, that was more snark than inquiry)?
Controversy drives Marty's talk show ratings, which determines the advertising rates KDKA can charge.
"Thoughtful discourse" or "intellectual honesty" are terms which I have never heard associated with Marty.
In essence, he is a radio troll.
Since stirring the pot is Marty's true cause célèbre, I would submit that cataloging the list of his advertisers is appropriate. For those so inclined, a boycott of same, is entirely appropriate.
"Public Misinformation Specialist"
Susan Morgans, PMS
I was talking to an established PIttsburgh attorney about municipal fraud here in the bubble last week and guess what he told me to do!?
He told me to contact MARTY GRIFFIN.
OH MY OH MY OH MY I AM GLAD I DIDN'T!
6:09, there's a reason there are so many lawyer jokes.
You ask a question about govt fraud and they advise you to contact a radio talk show host.
6:34. Not even a good talk show host.
6:09 ..... ten bucks your lawyer buddy golfs with Brumfield.
Anybody feed him lately?
Benner's webcam caught him eating corn. That's why they won't show the videos!
No information on where all the corrals were moved is going to get someone killed. Smart move!! NOT!!
They were either going to the Corrals or coming from them when this motorcycle crashed.
9:51 pm That is possible - he knows him -- but he said, "i am not impressed". This guy is not my friend - it was a cold call to see if he was a good fit for the issue. He also told me I need a criminal attorney but for real, he told me another option was to "work with the media" and "call Marty Griffin".
So to those of you that have your heads on swivels: call a criminal attorney if you see or experience fraud in this municipality. Do not call Marty Griffin.
Call MERV Griffin. Oh, wait a second, he might be dead. Still better than calling Marty Griffin.
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