Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 04:46:17 pm

Title: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 04:46:17 pm
Well it looks like I may have an issue. On new years day just as the cold spell was hitting SoFla I  had some old comb from a cut out that I decided I would let the bees have just to make sure they had plenty of stores.

Well a feeding freenzy ensued. And my neighbor got stung. He came over and threatened to kill me and was verbally abusive. I didn't do anything to react to him. He called the police. The police told him he could be arrested for assault for verbal abuse(in Florida that is the case). So now he is upset that he got stung and the police won't cooperate with him.

So he called the local media. I was just  coming back from a county meeting which means I have been dealing with governement officials. So I was ripe for this. I come home and and am working in the yard for a few before I head down to Plantation for work. Well there is channel 12 van in my street. The cameraman was one who came over when I had done a cut out in the neighborhood. The reporter was someone who I had never dealt with before.

We talked a for a bit about the incident. We talked about bees and how they help. We talked about how I got into bees. The reporter than asked if I wanted to do any of this on camera. I thought about it. I don't want to start a war with my neighbor. I was sorry he got stung but I wasn't thrilled with his reaction to it. I also knew they would air this story with or without me. They could edit whatever way they wanted also. The odds did not look good. So I did what any good person would do. I called my spouse.  Janel answered and we discussed it. We asked for a few simple conditions. Not that they have to abide by them but we at least asked.
And we decided to do the interview. Basically that meant me. Janel was at work.

So I did the interview. We spent more time talking about bees than the actual incident. We talked about CCD. We talked about pollination and how the bees help the neighborhood. We talked aboiut how having bees that were supervised helped deal with aggressive bees. We also mentioned the neighbor got one sting.

I am not sure how the editing will turn out. But I hope for the best. It is going to be interesting.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: randydrivesabus on January 08, 2008, 04:58:14 pm
what station is this? most of them have their stuff online after its broadcast.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: LocustHoney on January 08, 2008, 05:03:23 pm
Understudy, man you sure are having some issues lately. First the stolen honey and now this!! I wonder what he would do if he was at a gas station or something and got stung? That fellow has some problems. Good luck and let us know how the story turns out.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 05:10:23 pm
It is WPEC 12 (http://www.news12now.com/).

I also realized today is super Tuesday. My story may not even get air.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: CBEE on January 08, 2008, 05:12:53 pm
Yup.. You are between the proverbial rock and hard place :roll: Had my dealings with the media before and none of it has ever came out right due to editing ,and you have no control as to how they put it together or what they couple it with. Maybe not but they will probably portray the guy that got stung as barely clinging to life from being chased down and attacked by a entire hive of africanized bees  :shock:
I wonder if they interviewed the stingee ?
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: randydrivesabus on January 08, 2008, 05:14:32 pm
super tuesday is Feb 5. this is just the NH primary. but i think even if the story is not on the air it might be online.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Kathyp on January 08, 2008, 05:15:16 pm
how did your neighbor know that it was one of your bees?  are there no others in your part of Florida?
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 05:18:00 pm
Your right I meant the NH primary. I was just thinking because it was Tuesday.

It could have been another bee than mine. I am just not trying to start a war with the neighbor.

Sincerely,
Brendhan
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: BeeHopper on January 08, 2008, 05:19:14 pm
Your neighbor has issues, threatening someone over a bee sting is not justified. I'd be wary of him for now on .
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: CBEE on January 08, 2008, 05:20:24 pm
give him a peace offering.. a jar of honey
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 05:23:41 pm
give him a peace offering.. a jar of honey


The issue with the neighbor has some history to it. He has a dog that leaped his fence and killed one of my cats in front of my wife. I wasn't happy about that. My wife really has no dealings with the neighbor and I really don't want to either. I don't think they would take the honey.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: LocustHoney on January 08, 2008, 05:25:49 pm
Aren't you out of honey??
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 05:27:10 pm
Actually I am out of honey too. I hadn't even thought of that.

 :)

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: NWIN Beekeeper on January 08, 2008, 05:41:20 pm
[He came over and threatened to kill me...]

You have to be on the offensive!

Get him before he gets you!!
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 05:44:00 pm
[He came over and threatened to kill me...]

You have to be on the offensive!

Get him before he gets you!!

He was upset that he got stung. He definitely overreacted but I have to remember that not everyone deals with stings like I do.

Sincerely,
Brendhan


Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: NWIN Beekeeper on January 08, 2008, 05:49:41 pm

I'd dig a tiger pit on the property line and then call him over until he falls in it.

I'd spray him with the hose (like silence of the lambs) until he agrees he can be nice!

 Sounds like the police don't like him too much either, maybe you can call them over to take turn with the hose too!!
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Kathyp on January 08, 2008, 05:51:49 pm
Quote
but I have to remember that not everyone deals with stings like I do.


no.  you  have to remember that people who overreact like that and make threats, are dangerous.  they usually have other issues and you don't want those issues bleeding into your life.

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 05:52:49 pm

I'd dig a tiger pit on the property line and then call him over until he falls in it.

I'd spray him with the hose (like silence of the lambs) until he agrees he can be nice!

 Sounds like the police don't like him too much either, maybe you can call them over to take turn with the hose too!!

I like the way you think. I won't do it. But I like the idea.  :)

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 05:53:59 pm
Quote
but I have to remember that not everyone deals with stings like I do.


no.  you  have to remember that people who overreact like that and make threats, are dangerous.  they usually have other issues and you don't want those issues bleeding into your life.



I agree but I don't want to pour fuel on to his emotional fire.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Gail Di Matteo on January 08, 2008, 06:01:29 pm
I think it was a fortunate turn of events, that you could take a negative situation and make it  positive; possibly getting one more person interested in beekeeping. I hope the station doesn't edit out the piece to beyond recoginition. Please keep us informed when/if it will air.

I wouldn't make eye contact with the neighbor. Avoid that situation as best as you can. Get a nanny cam to watch your hives. I've got no problems with that here. The neighbor's kids see me come out and they shriek and run away screaming "its the bee lady". Hmmm, maybe its the dowager's hump.

Gail
Ps, I have extra honey if you change your mind.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Jerrymac on January 08, 2008, 06:05:33 pm
Perhaps you should have also made a recording of what traspired and then told them if they edit it in such a way that you didn't like it you would go to another station with another story..... One about them.

I don't do media for any reason.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 06:06:47 pm
I am getting ready to run to Plantation.  The five o clock news on 12 has a breaking story of a helicopter crash on the beach. I may not even make the news. <--- I view that as a good thing.
I don't bleed so I don't lead.


Sincerely,
Brendhan



Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Kirk-o on January 08, 2008, 06:11:42 pm
I have noticed if a person gets stung by a Ant,Bee,hornet,wasp,The IRS,The Local Policed,or other critter it was your Bee.
I have had touble with people and my bees before it is a tuff one.I moved a Hundred Beehives to Northern Utah once.The neighboor said they were chaseing his ducks and chickens.Moved them about a mile away.He then didn't like me parking in front of his house on the street.I parked somewere else.He then didn't like my choice of Religon.I realized it wasn't the bees.The guy was a How would you say oh yeah.A gob of Caca you know poop.That winter his pipes froze why he was away for Christmas they leaked through the whole house.Ruined his floors sheetrock everything.
The Chinese say it always works out the Yin and the Yang I guess he got the Yang I got the Yin
kirko
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: sean on January 08, 2008, 06:12:42 pm
hope that things turn out ok for you. Hopefully having vented he will avoid any further confrontation.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: tig on January 08, 2008, 06:21:26 pm
first he has to prove it was your bee that stung him....a little hard considering the feral colonies around.  but tread softly because your neighbor sounds like a troublemaker.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 06:23:37 pm
I just called Plantation and cancelled. The news truck is bad they are going to do a live feed from the corner. I may not be made out to be a villian. We shall see.

Sincerely,
Brendhan
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: NWIN Beekeeper on January 08, 2008, 06:25:28 pm
[The five o clock news on 12 has a breaking story of a helicopter crash on the beach.]

If your bees don't stop wrecking stuff, we might have to exercise a military action.

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 06:37:11 pm
 :-D

I will tell the bees to stop messing with air traffic. That will be tough since I am right next to the airport. I have been told I will make the 6 o clock news.

Sincerely,
Brendhan
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 07:15:27 pm
It was short it was simple. Not to good not to bad. I deal with it.

The simple fact is zoning doesn't care.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: NWIN Beekeeper on January 08, 2008, 07:53:10 pm

[The simple fact is zoning doesn't care.]

If they aren't going to try to zone against you, that itself is a huge battle to win.

Though I live in a rural area, I am not technically zoned a farm.
I worry that someday they may zone bees as livestock and require a minimum acreage to keep bees.
My county already does such with horses.
The argument however is horses/cows need ground space for healthy living, bees obviously do not.

I would check and make sure that there isn't a blog space on the networks homepage where you could face any public smear.

PS. You still going to dig that hole?
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 08, 2008, 08:07:39 pm
No hole digging.  :)

I am not worried about the blogs saying anything about me. I am simply not that important.
Not that Victor would know how to blog.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: CBEE on January 08, 2008, 08:39:25 pm
OK. After some more thought .. I take back the peace offering post and say you tell him if he doesn't watch his step you will sick your trained killer bees on him and his dog :-D
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: JP on January 08, 2008, 10:33:11 pm
Brendhan, I wish you much luck with your jerk of a neighbor, can't stand people like that. What were you supposed to do about him getting stung, kiss it? I think you are handling things correctly, but I do like the idea of the tiger pit, and last but not least you could always place a swarm in his mail box. Good luck to you and your wife, and Kirk-o, you are a riot!

Wishing you lots of positive karma, JP
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Brian D. Bray on January 09, 2008, 02:07:26 am
Threatening with words or jesters is third degree (simple) assault.  I've dealt with people like your neighbor when on the police force--I've arrested a good number of them.  I agree with Kathyp, agitating the neighbor without cause will only make things worse, however, trying to placate him will also make things worse.  Bullys keep pushing until pushed back--so next time the makes a threat of any kind call the polilce and fil a complaint.  If he runs true to type he will try to retaliate with more threats so fill more complaints.  In the end he should opt to leave you alone in order to stay out of jail.  If necessary you can also get a protection order that prohibits him from contacting you. If you have police reports that show his threats it is almost a slam dunk.  Violating the order can put him in jail.

That might sound extreme, but believe me, it may be necessary.  Here In Washington we just had a person, who was emotionally unstable, kill his neighbor over an alledged $50 debt. 
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: BMAC on January 09, 2008, 08:39:07 am
That is an interesting story Brian.  You will always have mentally unstable people killing other people. 

My retarded neighbor threatened to kill me one day this past spring cause I woke him and his wife up at 6am working on my truck.  I tried being simpathetic with the retard until he threatened me.  I told him if he ever gets the notion to kill me again, it would be best to keep it to himself, otherwise we may fight to the death.

Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

Of course my neighbore is the bully type and thought I would back down from him cause he likes to yell and cuss and carry on like a 2 year old.  I am just biding my time waiting for him to die of a stroke or heart attack.

 :evil: Brendhan,  I say go buy some super cheap honey from the store and accidently fling it all over his house and cars after dark one night.   :evil:
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Bennettoid on January 09, 2008, 02:22:54 pm
I told him if he ever gets the notion to kill me again, it would be best to keep it to himself, otherwise we may fight to the death.

Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

Of course my neighbore is the bully type and thought I would back down from him cause he likes to yell and cuss and carry on like a 2 year old. 

I do not tolerate a bully, and my neighbors know it. I had a neighbor who is a State Trooper try to get me arrested for shooting his dog when I finally caught it killing my chickens. I had warned him after losing a half dozen to his dog and I suspect it was also responsible for knocking over my rabbit hutches. I also reported him to animal control. He showed up in my driveway screaming that I was on my way to prison. He ended up with a riprimand for harassing me, and fined for letting his dog run. He hasn't spoken to me since, which I think is a good thing. You make a threat at me or mine you better be prepared to back it up, or back down, because I'll call your bluff. This includes your dogs and kids.

Of course, I always have a 357 strapped to my hip if I'm outside, so that cuts down on the idiots giving me trouble.



Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: BMAC on January 09, 2008, 02:39:03 pm
I told him if he ever gets the notion to kill me again, it would be best to keep it to himself, otherwise we may fight to the death.

Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

Of course my neighbore is the bully type and thought I would back down from him cause he likes to yell and cuss and carry on like a 2 year old. 

I do not tolerate a bully, and my neighbors know it. I had a neighbor who is a State Trooper try to get me arrested for shooting his dog when I finally caught it killing my chickens. I had warned him after losing a half dozen to his dog and I suspect it was also responsible for knocking over my rabbit hutches. I also reported him to animal control. He showed up in my driveway screaming that I was on my way to prison. He ended up with a riprimand for harassing me, and fined for letting his dog run. He hasn't spoken to me since, which I think is a good thing. You make a threat at me or mine you better be prepared to back it up, or back down, because I'll call your bluff. This includes your dogs and kids.

Of course, I always have a 357 strapped to my hip if I'm outside, so that cuts down on the idiots giving me trouble.





Amen to that.  I considered wearing my .40 pistol on my side when outside.  Unfortunately I live in the city limits.  Even though it is not illegal to do it, I think someone would call the police on me and then i would have to deal with them. 
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: KONASDAD on January 09, 2008, 03:55:24 pm
My neighbor when i lived in a condo came into my home late at nite(forgot to lock door!) and threatened to kill my wife w/ a pair of scissors in her hand.
I'll give you the same advice a room full of lawyers gave me when i told them the above:


MOVE, MOVE ,MOVE.

These things dont get beter w/ time. The best you can hope for is a lull between ever increasing frequency of episodes. Only moving will give you true piece of mind. All other remedies are just a band-aid.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 09, 2008, 06:06:00 pm
Ancient Chinese Curse:
May you live in interesting times.

Never bored that is for sure.

So there has been a small aftermath. He(the neighbor) did file a complaint with zoning. Now the problem is my code enforcement officer is on our neighborhood commitee. So he sent me an email explain that it is correct that I cannot have bees in my neighborhood. Bees are considered farming livestock.

He asked me to give him a call. And he was really cool. Since there was complaint he does have to do something. Now he said he just needed to see the yard one day without the bees in it. However he did mention that if had to come back and there were bees in it he would have to act again. He then gave me a list of places right near my house that want bees. #1 on the list was Mounts Botanical Garden. This is where the association meets. It is also technically about 100 yards from my house.

So i went and meet with the the assitant director who is helping me setup the beekeeping course and explained my situation. He said he would be honored to have my bees at the garden.  He must pass it through the director. Now this has hit or miss and the director and I have had to butt heads politically (there was a funding issue last year and I felt sidetracked by the episode). However the assistant has lots of clout and I think it will go well.

My bees already work the garden because of where they are located. I believe this will go well. Also if it doesn't the airport has the vacant land between the garden and my house. My code enforcement officer has already said that will be okay because he asked the airport.

What is really wild is I may end up with something better than what I had and only have to go a hundred yards further.  :evil: :evil: :evil:

And best of all my bees will still sting my neighbor.(sarcasm, a little)

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: NWIN Beekeeper on January 09, 2008, 06:32:14 pm

[Bees are considered farming livestock.]

This is where I thought this was going to go.... sucks!


[Also if it doesn't the airport has the vacant land between the garden and my house. My code enforcement officer has already said that will be okay because he asked the airport.]

Well, I wouldn't be flying anymore helicopters out of that airport, I heard what they did to the last guy.

--------------
How much land do you have and what do you need to be zoned agriculture?
--------------
I'd buy to get the zoning just so I could park a chicken coup next to his bedroom with about 50 roosters.
--------------
Variances.... could you scoot around the law with something like research, or a 'pets' classification?
they might as well classify birdhouses as agriculture... then again, you don't eat bluejays do you?
-------------
How about a religious exemption? Are you Mormon?
-------------
How about a medical exemption? Apitherapy? Just need a doctors note?
-------------
Send Honey to the governor, maybe you can get a pardon - wait, that's just when they execute you, you're not there yet.
-------------


Start feeding your dog rubber bands, it gives you nifty little loops to flip the tootsie rolls in his pool.

I'm still wondering why good things happen to bad people.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 09, 2008, 06:54:55 pm

[Bees are considered farming livestock.]

This is where I thought this was going to go.... sucks!


[Also if it doesn't the airport has the vacant land between the garden and my house. My code enforcement officer has already said that will be okay because he asked the airport.]

Well, I wouldn't be flying anymore helicopters out of that airport, I heard what they did to the last guy.

The airport is more than 400 yards away. They just own this section of land. They want to in 5 years put a warehouse there.

Quote
--------------
How much land do you have and what do you need to be zoned agriculture?

It is the amount of land so much as it is the entire neighborhood.
Quote
--------------
I'd buy to get the zoning just so I could park a chicken coup next to his bedroom with about 50 roosters.
--------------
There is the possiblity that the area in a few years my get rezoned to a mixed res/ag. if that happens I can have 300 hives and he can't say anything.
Quote
Variances.... could you scoot around the law with something like research, or a 'pets' classification?

Talked with my code enforcement officer about that. It really would not happen. But I am not opposed to looking into it.
Quote
they might as well classify birdhouses as agriculture... then again, you don't eat bluejays do you?
-------------
Don't know about that.

Quote
How about a religious exemption? Are you Mormon?
-------------
Pastafarian. I do not believe the county has been touched by his noodly appendage.

Quote
How about a medical exemption? Apitherapy? Just need a doctors note?
-------------
Now that may be an idea.
Quote
Send Honey to the governor, maybe you can get a pardon - wait, that's just when they execute you, you're not there yet.
-------------

 :-D :-D

Quote
Start feeding your dog rubber bands, it gives you nifty little loops to flip the tootsie rolls in his pool.

I'm still wondering why good things happen to bad people.


No reason to put my dog through that.
 :)

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: buzzbee on January 09, 2008, 07:05:18 pm
--------------
Variances.... could you scoot around the law with something like research, or a 'pets' classification?
they might as well classify birdhouses as agriculture... then again, you don't eat bluejays do you?
-------------

He didn't eat the bees either!! :-D :-D
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Kathyp on January 09, 2008, 07:07:26 pm
every time you go buy his place, squirt some lemmongrass oil on his car or anything else handy  :-)

think i told the story of the neighbor who let his dogs run loose on my horses.  the guy had a bad case of LDS, which for those of you who need a hint, is a syndrome associated with a smaller than usual male body part.  even after much official intervention he caused problems for the whole area.  i ended up carrying a shotgun outside with me just so he had no doubt about my resolve.  i always carry the .45, but i knew he couldn't see that.

one day not to long ago, he and his family disappeared.  turned out there were drugs involved and relatives with B&E convictions hanging around.  wife left and took the kids....

point is, people who react the way your neighbor did, usually have something else going on.  caution is always a good thing.  caution backed up with fire power is an excellent idea.  especially with your wife at home alone so much.

one other thing i learned with the whole episode.....if you let the air out of a big truck tire, wear gloves.  the freeze burn you can get is painful for days   :evil:
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 09, 2008, 08:16:18 pm
Someone mentioned going to another network. I thought it was a nice idea but without a bit of an angle I really didn't have reason to and there was no reason to fan the flames.

Fate has a dark sense of humor and I appreciate it.

I was watching the other network news WPTV 5. And on the air comes a story about this poor women in bad health in Port St. Lucie with bees in her house. She can't afford to have them removed. Now for the best part. She has seen my story on the other network and was looking to get in contact with me. To see if I could help. They didn't air that part. But the reporter got in contact with me.

Asked me if I would be interested in helping her. I said sure I just watched the story. They asked if they could do a follow up story on the removal. Now coming to the rescue of this woman can only make me look good for helping her and sympathetic to those who watched the channel 12 story.  :evil:

Sure it's slightly subversive but the success is best revenge.

I should hire a PR agent. How much should I charge for autographs. (sarcasm)
I need a good name for this soap opera. Something about bees in the title. :)

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Kathyp on January 09, 2008, 08:40:26 pm
when they do the story, make sure you mention that you are not sure what you will do with the poor bees that you have rescued.  you have a neighbor that, having been stung once by some stinging insect, now wants your bees removed from the neighborhood.  who knows? you may get the offer of some great place to keep your bees and make your neighbor look like a jerk at the same time!
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: JP on January 09, 2008, 08:46:02 pm
Brendhan, someone or something has taken your lemon and made lemonade for you. I believe in what goes around comes around and you are being lavished with good things from that one bad thing. Good for you! From the onstart of this whole episode, you have handled yourself like a true gentleman. Your neighbor hasn't a clue how nice of a guy you are. Now, no offense Konasdad, but why on earth would Brendhan move? He's not the bad guy here. Brendhan you stay right where you are, if the idiot neighbor wants to move, I say let the door hit him where the sun don't shine. Good luck with everything Brendhan!

Sincerely, JP
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Frantz on January 09, 2008, 08:58:14 pm
Holy Cow!! I just read all 56 odd pages of this thing. I love it, I love that it is turning out good! Did you ever find a way for us to see the news cast stuff, maybe I missed that? Let me know.
I think that you handled everything very well by the way. I agree about the lemonade for sure.
PS If you need help with the Mormon thing, I can help with that. Just take a few seconds next time you are in SLC. Then (BAM) you are a Mormon and yep you can claim the right to have bees by your faith, I can back you up on that... I will give my buddy Mitt a quick call and see if he can make a few calls and get you out of trouble if needed. I know that he is good friends with your govenor... So let me know if you want me to make a few calls and round up the Mormon malitia!!!
Frantz
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 09, 2008, 09:19:12 pm
Holy Cow!! I just read all 56 odd pages of this thing. I love it, I love that it is turning out good! Did you ever find a way for us to see the news cast stuff, maybe I missed that? Let me know.
I think that you handled everything very well by the way. I agree about the lemonade for sure.
PS If you need help with the Mormon thing, I can help with that. Just take a few seconds next time you are in SLC. Then (BAM) you are a Mormon and yep you can claim the right to have bees by your faith, I can back you up on that... I will give my buddy Mitt a quick call and see if he can make a few calls and get you out of trouble if needed. I know that he is good friends with your govenor... So let me know if you want me to make a few calls and round up the Mormon malitia!!!
Frantz


Thanks I would have to become one of those poligamist type mormons with several wives. So I may not even fit in at SLC. And I would have to see what my wife said about those "other wives."

Right now I stick with letting the event flow where they may. I haven't been to concerned since it all started. I am not going to be now. It just enough drama to be interesting.
I will see if I can find the broadcast.


Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Jerrymac on January 09, 2008, 09:53:17 pm
I know.... this ain't Florida.

BEES MAY BE KEPT IN CITIES and VILLAGES: In April, 1901, the
council of the city of Rochester, N.Y., passed an ordinance
prohibiting the keeping of bees within the city limits. W. R.
Taunton, who refused to remove his apiary, was arrested and brought
before a police court. The judge set aside the ordinance and the
defendant was discharged. The latter was defended by the counsel of
the National Beekeepers' Association. In the Butchers' Union Co. vs.
Cresent City Co. (111 U.S. 746), Justice Fields says: "The common
business and callings of life, the ordinary trades and pursuits,
which are innocent in themselves, and have been followed in all
communities from time immemorial, must therefore, be free in this
country to all alike on equal terms. The right to pursue them
without let or hindrance, except that which is applied to all
persons of the same age, sex, and condition, is a distinguishing
privilege which they claim as their birthright." In the same case
Judge Gradley says: " I hold that the liberty of pursuit, the right
to follow any of the ordinary callings of life, is one of the
privileges of a citizen of the United states, of which he can not be
deprived without invading this right to liberty within the meaning
of the constitution." It may be well to state in this connection
that the National Beekeepers' Association frequently undertakes to
defend its members in a court of law where the circumstances warrant
the assistance of this influential body.
1. Bees are a hobby which can be helpful to the community.
2. When a bee keeper is allowed to keep bees (limited to no more
than 2 hives) on his or her property there is a significant result.
3. Honeybees will drive hornets and un-wanted bees from the village.
4. Villages without an ordinance against beekeepers have a notable
major downsizing of hornets in the community.
5. It is the right of any citizen to engage in his or her hobby if
they can show they are not infringing on their neighbors right and
or property.
6. Honeybees do not invade houses or harass neighbors but stick to
the business of pollinating and collecting for the hive. They do not
act like hornets that will sting for no apparent reason.
7. Honeybees have to be provoked to sting by a serious threat to
their hive.
8. Placing a 6 foot fence around a hive setting will keep all bees
in a flight path above any pedestrian traffic and keep neighbors out
of the hive.
9. If a limited amount of bees (be it hobby) are not allowed due to
the danger (and I question danger) , then many of the other business
ventures or hobbies in a village should be considered as well,
otherwise there is a discrimination violation which can be up-held
in court.
10. Hobbies not limited to the use of spray varnish, dusting garden
plants with toxic chemicals, hobbies that produce noise pollution,
hobbies and businesses which alter the natural ecology would need to
be closed or halted. Many hobbies and business ventures do cause
harm to the environment and if bees are not allowed many other
hobbies need to be closed as well or there would be a discriminatory
case involved.
11. Gardens would not need to be dusted with a hive placed by them.
The honeybees would remove pests and significantly increase the
gardens output.
In closing,
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Brian D. Bray on January 09, 2008, 11:20:47 pm
What Jerrymac sites is true everywhere.  There is also grandfathering--the continuance of something that has been restricted because it existed previous to the restriction.  It's unconstitutional to enact any law that allows prosecution prior to its enactment.  So, if Brendhan had bees prior to any statute (zoning or otherwise) the restricted beekeeping in his area any law restricting it is unenforceable in his case.

I always carry a pistol, if I'm awake I'm armed. 

Threats only work if they frighten you--I once had a guy I had arrested threaten to harm my family because I couldn't protect my home when I was working.  I backed him up against the wall, looked deep into his eyes, and told him that, if, at anytime in the future, anything were to happen to my family, even if it appeared to be an accident, I would assume he was the cause and would come looking for him.  He moved away.

Brendhan has the right idea, use the media and the little old lady to put the entire thing into perspective.  Also, the garden club sounds good.  Having your bees a hundred yards away from your house is no big deal, and being located at the garden it can be shown that they are providing a public service.  The necessity of having bees in a garden should trump any restrictions.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Jerrymac on January 10, 2008, 12:24:19 am
Having your bees a hundred yards away from your house is no big deal,

I didn't even think about it until I read that. My hives are 100 yards from the house. Ain't no thang.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: KONASDAD on January 10, 2008, 11:07:12 am
The state of NJ recently had a Supreme crt ruliong saying beess are not livestock for purposes of farming tax abatements.

Also, in seeking a variance, play up the "biological void" argument regarding Africanized Bees. By you keeping EHB, you are making the neighborhood safe from AHB. You are doing a noble service for the neighborhood!

Invariably, you will need the consent for a variance of all your neighbors. He will not consent and a hearing will occur. You need to have all the prior incidences w/ your neighbor documented to attack his credibility and motives. You are also unlikely to be grandfathered in. I would imagine you moved into your neighborhood after the zoning ordinance was passed.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: BMAC on January 10, 2008, 11:21:07 am
bottom line is, city living sucks at best. :-\
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: bassman1977 on January 10, 2008, 02:51:12 pm
Quote
bottom line is, city living sucks at best.

A wise man once said, "City living is great for everyone, except me".  I'll take the boonies any day.

Great story by the way.  I'd also like to see the news report.  Maybe you can ask the news station to send you a copy of the tape.  If they refuse, tell them that you request it under the Freedom of Information Act.  Try doing that without opening another can of worms    :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: TapStoneBees on January 10, 2008, 11:49:37 pm
You need to tell Donald to just settle down....
Doesn't he have enough to worry about with the failing show, his new son and Milania.....
Those West Palm types can be very tight.

I guess he must have been upset cuz it made him swell too much, oh no i'm sorry he Always looks that way!
Oh well!!
Keep Keeping the Bees, and definitely Keep on Smiling!!!!
Cheers,
JT
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Michael Bush on January 11, 2008, 07:38:43 am
>Also, in seeking a variance, play up the "biological void" argument regarding Africanized Bees.

With everyone including the media and the neighbors as well as the zoning commision etc.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 11, 2008, 10:59:44 pm
I don't think I would get the variance without a medical need.

The soap opera continues.
They called the state to make sure my bees were registered.
Bud the inspector called me and said he got a complaint about the bees. I asked him what happens from here. He says nothing really your registered. He said they have to take samples so I told him to come on down and have at it. Today he took samples from two of my hives. I asked him to make sure that FABIS was not given consideration because I run small cell. He agreed. It I will take a while for the results and we will see what happens.

Mounts looks like they are onboard for my hives. This opens some great oppurtunities and creates some new problems. I will have to make sure my bees have certified queens since they are basically in a park. Which I can understand. And I will need to make sure someone is avaliable if there is an issue. That is understandable.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: rdy-b on January 11, 2008, 11:24:45 pm
whats that mean certified queen -disease free or pedigree -RDY-B
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: randydrivesabus on January 12, 2008, 07:57:33 am
i think it means not africanized.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 12, 2008, 08:55:14 am
Certified quees come from registered queen breeders.

Sincerely,
Brendhan
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: BMAC on January 12, 2008, 10:19:48 pm
I am glad I live in Missouri and not in Florida.  Sounds kind of ridiculous to me...
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Brian D. Bray on January 12, 2008, 11:20:16 pm
whats that mean certified queen -disease free or pedigree -RDY-B

In Florida, if the queen isn't marked they assume it is an AHB queen and require requeening.  Time to get a queen marking kit, Brendhan.
Title: Re: The media smells blood
Post by: Understudy on January 12, 2008, 11:47:24 pm
whats that mean certified queen -disease free or pedigree -RDY-B

In Florida, if the queen isn't marked they assume it is an AHB queen and require requeening.  Time to get a queen marking kit, Brendhan.

Actually there is an out on that. If my samples come back with less than 50% AHB genetics. I pass with flying colors. I think a queen marking is fine. I just haven't done it.

Sincerely,
Brendhan