Window Cleaning News

Cleaning up: The number of window cleaners has risen by 73 per cent, to 47,000.

Britain is a nation of shop assistants, cleaners and restaurant staff despite increasingly better educated and skilled professionals, according to a new report. The top five largest single occupational groupings include 1.1 million sales and retail assistants, 600,000 cleaners and domestics and 450,000 kitchen and catering assistants, said the Jobs Economist consultancy.

The 10 occupations which have expanded most over the past three years are taxation experts (up 88 per cent to 34,000), advertising accounts managers and creative directors (up 75 per cent to 33,000), window cleaners (up 73 per cent, to 47,000), planning process and production technicians (up 72 per cent to 44,000), paramedics (up 62 per cent to 22,000), psychologists (up 59 per cent to 39,000), collector salespersons and credit agents (up 59 per cent to 24,000), process and production engineers (up 58 per cent to 66,000), town planning officers (up 55 per cent to 24,000) and bakers and flour confectioners (up 54 per cent to 40,000).

The kids at Levine Children's Hospital got a big surprise on Monday.

Superheroes swoop in at Levine Children's Hospital (CHARLOTTE, N.C.): A group of window washers weren't wearing work uniforms or rain gear in Monday's weather. Instead, they wore superhero costumes: Batman, Superman, Spiderman and the Incredible Hulk were at Levine Children's Hospital. One of the patients, 5-year-old Fredy Toj couldn't believe his eyes as he watched Superman hanging from outside his window. Megan Sides, who has a 2-year-old daughter at the hospital, says she was caught off guard, too. "We were kind of surprised," Sides said, "I pulled up this morning and they were climbing the side of the building."

Many moms like Sides spend far too much time at the hospital with their sick kids. That's where the guys at the contracting company Joffie come in. "They love it," said crew leader Jesse Eason, "They love it seeing the faces on the kids, a lot of them are family men of their own so they have kids, so they really enjoy it." The four window washers don't speak English, but Eason says they're always talking about their trips to the children's hospital, which they make every six months. "They're usually arguing about who wants to be who, who wants to be Superman and Batman and all of that good stuff," Eason said.

When the job was done, the men came inside to meet some of their biggest fans, like 7-year-old Demaria McClure, who has a clear favorite. "Spiderman," McClure said, "Because he's so cool and he flies." He also has one which he'd prefer to keep his distance from because of his scary mask: The Incredible Hulk. In the end, the kids and their parents appreciate the nice gesture from this fun group of window washers. "There's not a lot for them to look at whenever they're stuck in the rooms," Sides said, "When they get to the point where they're able to get out and able to experience some of these things, it makes their day."Eason says the window washers do work all over the area, but the only place they dress up in costumes is at the children's hospital.

Child Cuts Construction Worker’s Safety Rope Because Noise Interrupted Cartoons: A construction worker in Guizhou, southern China, was left dangling 100 feet in the air after a 10-year-old boy cut his safety rope while he was working on his building. The unnamed child was reportedly annoyed because the construction noise was drowning out his cartoons on Monday. The worker, Mr. Liu, says he saw the boy do it and pleaded with him not to cut the rope. “When I was using the electric drill, I felt my lower rope shaking. Then I saw the boy cutting the rope with a knife,” he said, according to Shanghaiist. “I shouted at him to stop but he didn't listen and soon after, the rope was broken. That's when I called to my workmate for help,” he said. Lui was left hanging eight stories up for about 40 minutes. Firemen had to pull him up to an 11th floor balcony because residents on the ninth and 10th floors weren’t at home. Police spoke with the boy, who eventually admitted to cutting the rope. His father apologized on behalf of his son and bought Lui a new safety rope as compensation.

Window cleaner Oliver Plowman won his parking ticket appeal.

Window cleaner wins his parking ticket appeal: After spending 30-hours working on an appeal against a parking ticket issued by Worthing Borough Council, window cleaner Oliver Plowman has won his case. Mr Plowman, 60, was originally issued a ticket for £70 for parking in South Street Square, while cleaning windows in Chapel Road. He said: “I think it should never have been given in the first place and I think common sense prevailed. I spent about 30 hours on this case, it’s ridiculous. I have had great support from everyone. Everyone has been so nice. I couldn’t have done it on my own. “The adjudicator said the signs were ambiguous. He said ‘If I found it ambiguous then Mr Plowman must find it ambiguous as well. “I could feel it was going my way. I feel us window cleaners, we don’t take the mickey, we are always polite. I don’t park there now, I keep well away.”

Following the decision, the council has asked for a review of the adjudicator’s decision. A spokesman for the council said: “The adjudicator thought the signs were ambiguous at the location, and possibly made an error in law regarding what the restrictions were where the appellant had parked. “We have made it clear that we do not wish for payment from the appellant even if the review overturns the original decision, it is merely to clarify points raised by the adjudicator.” Before receiving the ticket, Mr Plowman believed he was allowed to park on the precinct while working. He said if that was not the case the council should have written to all window cleaners informing them.

Nonprofit Finds Work for Persons with Disabilities in New York: One group is New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID), an Albany-based nonprofit that provides job opportunities for nearly 7,000 New Yorkers with disabilities. The skills training and contract bids range from janitorial duties to window cleaning, industrial laundry work, and even taking care of plants. According to NYSID, 70 percent of the disabled in the state are without work.

Marjorie Engle had a moment of clarity after talking with a window washer at the Epic Center. She asked him if it was scary. “He said, ‘Well, it’s scary when you step off the edge.’” Engle said. The analogy stuck because she was considering a change in her career. She felt the success she had achieved gave her the courage to step off an edge. “I think past successes and a really strong belief that it was the right thing to do based on where I was and where I felt like I needed to be,” Engle says.

A man who died just weeks after making a dream move to Dubai has been described as “adorable” by his family. Max Carrington, from Monkseaton in North Tyneside moved to the Middle East only last month to join his best friend Gareth Hunter and take up a job in sales for hotel resort The Heart of Europe. But the 23-year-old former Whitley Bay High School and Newcastle College student died suddenly on August 12. Max previously worked at JD Sports in Cramlington before training as a technician at Shoreland Access in Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, where he learnt how to reach difficult to access locations with ropes to carry out tasks like industrial painting, building restoration and window cleaning.

Gelinas will now leave window washing to the window washers.

Calgary Flames assistant coach Martin Gelinas banged-up after taking tumble: Although Martin Gelinas is still fit enough to try a return to the NHL, any potential comeback is on hold following a terrifying window-washing accident. Well, it was an attempted window-washing endeavour, anyway. "I'm an idiot," smiled the Calgary Flames personable assistant coach, flashing that infectious grin of his. "Typical man -- I was trying to be brave and do things myself by washing windows on a beautiful day last Saturday. I was on the ladder trying to take that last step up onto the roof and the ladder gave out. I grabbed the gutter, but it's so sharp it just sliced me open, I had to let it go."

Gelinas fell more than 10 feet to the ground, landing on his back. Somehow he managed to bounce right back up as veteran hockey players are trained to do. "I got lucky, and I got up and I'm thinking, 'OK, everything's good,' " said the 44-year-old hero of the Flames 2004 playoff run. "I'm trying to put the ladder back up and get going again, and a neighbour comes over and says I'm leaking everywhere. My (left) hand and my leg were pouring blood. The ladder fell on me and did some damage to my leg. It was a big kerfuffle." The result: 11 stitches across four fingers on his left hand and seven more on his leg. "Man, I thought I was done with stitches -- that's the worst thing," Gelinas said with a laugh, holding up his gnarled paw. "My stickhandling has never been really good, but now it's even worse."

Gelinas' mother-in-law witnessed the fall and was ashen-faced as she rushed out to see if the man nicknamed "The Eliminator" was OK. "I was very fortunate," said Gelinas, who insists his back is fine and all wounds are superficial. "I got to the hospital, and looking around I see this lady with a broken back from a ladder accident. It could have been much worse. Luckily, I feel good." Gelinas said he will soon dig out footage from the video surveillance system in and around his southwest Calgary home to see the fall from a different perspective. And now that the story is out, Gelinas is bracing himself for the ribbing he's sure to take from everyone in the dressing room. "I've got all the tools - I just don't know how to use them, I guess," he shrugged.

"Lesson learned: Make sure your ladder is well-secured at the bottom, and maybe have somebody else hold the ladder." Or maybe have a professional do your windows. "That's exactly what (Craig) Conroy said!" For what it's worth, his windows are still dirty.

The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff being cleaned with jet washers.

Don't look down! Fearless workers hang upside down 300ft above ground as they clean Millennium Stadium: Cleaners with a head for heights have begun washing the giant Millennium Stadium in Cardiff – hanging from ropes 300ft off the ground. The fearless washers were strapped into harnesses to jet clean the massive white corner masts as they dangled above the Welsh capital. The gravity-defying cleaners dressed in overalls and hard hats were seen suspended upside down under the giant metal masts as they blasted away green scum growing on the paintwork. Mark Doyle, from Summit Rope Access, said it took a team of three men three weeks to clean each of the four masts at the stadium.

Fearless workers are strapped into harnesses as they use jet washers to blast the white corner masts clean.

Mr Doyle said their cleaners were experienced high-rope workers with a definite head for heights. He said: “There is about 2km of ropes and rigging involved in cleaning each mast – it takes a lot of equipment and gear. “The jet washer is down on the ground and the tubing reaches all the way up to the guys up on the masts. “The guys up there have a great deal of expertise but I wouldn’t say it is a straightforward job – you need a good head for heights.” Mr Doyle said a lot of different people work their way into high rope work – from window cleaners and electricians to ex-forces servicemen.

Nick Levens, owner of the Squeegee Squad, a window washing company in Tower and based throughout Minnesota, was recently awarded the Patriotic Award. The award is given to those who recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed and Reemployment Rights Act. It is meant to show appreciation for the valued leadership and unique skills members brings to the workforce and to encourage opportunities to hire guardsmen, reservist and veterans. Levens is also the owner of a painting business.

Army Guard Sgt. Cade Gornick, with Able Troop 1-94 CAV, nominated Levens with the Patriotic Award. Gornick said that Levens had always been supportive of the military. “And no matter when or for how long I have to go to drill or a military school, he never asks questions. He always thanks me for my service. I never get penalized for leaving or looked down upon. He is no doubt the best employer I’ve had,” added Gornick. Gornick is currently deployed at this time. ESGR is a United States Department of Defense organization that works to gain and maintain employer support for the National Guard and Reserve members. The Patriotic Award is also awarded to continually recognize and support the country’s service members and their families in peace, in crisis and in war.

Window Genie Receives Multiple National Accolades: Window Genie, a national franchise that offers window cleaning, residential window tinting and other services, has received attention from many national publications over the course of a year. The 20-year-old company was most recently included in Money Magazine’s recent article, “13 Things to Do with $100,000 Now” as a recommended low-cost franchise opportunity. The company was referred to Money Magazine by the CEO of Franchise Business Review, Eric Stites. Window Genie’s minimum investment is $89,000.

Erin McDermott, communications specialist for Window Genie says there are a few reasons for the low start-up costs. “You can run the business from home! This cuts out overhead costs like paying rent and utilities at an office,” she says. “Also, our owners carry an extremely low inventory of products, tools and supplies. Plus, while it costs money to market to new customers, Window Genie’s success is built on establishing and keeping relationships with long-term, loyal customers … With a number of various affordable services, Window Genie has something for every home at every budget!”

Additional national recognition includes the company’s first-ever inclusion on INC Magazine’s “INC 5000” on which the company was ranked the 2,241st fastest-growing business in the country after experiencing a three-year growth of 174 percent.  The company was also ranked on a few lists by Entrepreneur Magazine including #195 on the Franchise 500, #72 fastest growing franchise and #51 of top 100 home-based franchises.

Fish Window Cleaning owner recognized for top sales (ST. LOUIS, Mo.) - Peter Hays, owner of the local Fish Window Cleaning, was recognized for top sales at the annual Fish Window Cleaning Convention in St. Louis, Mo. on Aug. 2. "I attribute my success to the hard work of my trained team of window cleaners who reliably perform good work so our customers are happy and give referrals," said Hays, a Hudson resident. "This good reputation with our customers has helped us grow our business."

Hays was recognized for adding over 500 accounts to his customer base in 2013. He also received the Navigator Award for his work with prospective franchisees. "The top sales recognition identifies franchise owners who are committed to growing their business," said Mike Merrick, CEO, Fish Window Cleaning. "Success doesn't happen overnight, and meeting people daily and building relationships in the community is what makes FISH owners so successful."

Steve and Renee Brown, owners of the local Fish Window Cleaning, were recognized for top sales at the annual Fish Window Cleaning Convention in St. Louis on Aug. 2. Opened in 2009, the Browns' franchise is based at 3771 Sky King Blvd. and serves Kalamazoo, Portage, Plainwell and Battle Creek. It was recognized for adding more than 500 accounts to its customer base in 2013. It was also recognized with membership in the Pinnacle Club for increasing its annual production at least $100,000 more than the previous year. The national franchiser presented the business with its Navigator Award for its work with prospective franchisees.

Terry and Juice Jenson, owners of Fish Window Cleaning in Colorado Springs, were recognized for top sales at the annual Fish Window Cleaning Convention in St. Louis this month. They were recognized for adding over 500 accounts in 2013. It's the fourth consecutive year that the Jensons have grown at such a high rate. The Jensons opened their business in 2007.

A window washer works at the newly constructed Cougar Village II at the University of Houston. A plan to require University of Houston freshmen to live on campus may be stalled after the university received "mixed feedback" from the community, including an angry state senator.

Living Smart: Do contractors charge to estimate a job? How much should you expect to pay, if anything, for an estimate, inspection or other kind of contractor consultation? The answer depends on the nature of your project and the policies of the companies from which you solicit bids.

But a few rules of thumb apply:

If you want to know how much it will cost to get something fixed, a free estimate is more likely. If you want a service provider to determine the source of a problem, you'll probably have to pay for the diagnosis. For instance, if you know you're missing roof shingles and want an estimated replacement cost, you probably won't have to pay for a bid. But if you have no idea what's causing a leak, you'll need a roof inspection, which can cost $200 or more, depending on where you live.

Free estimates are more typical for smaller, uncomplicated jobs, such as window-washing. Larger, more elaborate projects - like a kitchen remodel - may require a consultation, which could carry a cost if more is involved than a remodeler talking to you by phone, visiting and then offering suggestions based on the visit. But if the consultation includes detailed design work, multiple plans and revisions, a contractor may ask you to pay for a full design, which can range from $150 to $1,000.

Because companies' policies on estimates differ, be sure to ask questions. Find out what a quote entails, what form it will take, how soon you'll receive it and if there will be any associated charges. Even if you're told the actual bid is free, there could be a trip charge to cover fuel and vehicle expenses. Ask if a service provider might waive charges if he or she ends up with the job.

When getting estimates, seek as much written detail as possible, including:

• The basic scope of the project, including who's responsible for each aspect of the work
• Start and completion dates
• Payment terms
• Cost of labor and materials
• Cost for permits to be pulled
• Proof of licensure, if necessary, as well as workers' compensation, liability insurance and bonding

When evaluating bids, go through them item by item. Ask contractors any questions you have. When you make your final choice, be sure to read through and adjust any aspects of the contract before signing. Don't neglect to promptly update the unsuccessful bidders. It's a simple courtesy, especially considering the time some spend compiling detailed estimates. A short handwritten letter, brief email or a quick phone call should suffice. Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie's List, a resource for local consumer reviews on everything from home repair to health care.

Many service companies offer them, but how do you know that bid won't come with a price tag? In Angie's List report, what to expect when you ask for a free estimate. "Typically we always offer free estimates," said Window Cleaning Company Owner, Mike Angle. "Sometimes we can talk to a couple of customers about the price on the phone by giving them a price of per window of what we charge and the type of windows they have. If they feel more comfortable with us coming out and giving an estimate, we can certainly do that." 

Seagulls wreak havoc on bayside suburbs, leave massive council clean up bill(Melbourne): They hunt in large numbers, stealing food out of your hands and leaving piles of filth behind. Shocked victims stand helpless, chipless, as the marauders squark off into the distance. A protected species they might be, but the seagull scourge is wreaking havoc in bayside suburbs. Stallholders at the Frankston Farmers Market said the bold birds strike in the flash of an eye. While it is easy to enjoy the lighter side, bird poo does have serious consequences. Aaron Johnstane from BAM Window Cleaning said the issues are more prevalent the closer you get to water. “We find issues more so around balconies and balustrades in bayside areas,” he said. “It is an issue as it takes a long time to remove and can damage surfaces. It can stain and corrode and it soaks in to paint.” Pictured - Seagull poo marks a window in Frankston.

They were a bit of a nuisance when they first appeared on streets. Our window cleaner was knocked off his ladder by a badly driven one. Some raced silently past you on the pavement, like kids on BMX bikes. Now there’s so many battery-charged scooters – along with all-purpose pushchairs – they block busy pavements. However, they have also revitalised life for many users. Some users also have a cute, little dog aboard. However, there are also abuses. I’ve seen a couple of scooters racing two abreast down the carriageway, obstructing motorists like some thoughtless horse riders. There are younger, often obese, users who appear nippy enough when they get off but, like some golfers, prefer wheels to their own feet. However, it’s worth those few exceptions for the joy scooters bring to so many otherwise cruelly restricted.

Window cleaner scoops photography prize: Window cleaner and amateur photographer Carl Welsby of Crymych has struck lucky with his photo of the family cat, collecting £500 as overall winner of International Cat Care’s competition for 2015 calendar photographs. Carl, Owner of Red Dragon Window Cleaning, entered the competition at the suggestion of his wife. He said: “I didn’t think I’d stand much of a chance as the entry field was nearly 3,000 strong.” His image of tabby Holly looking through the lounge window framed by a houseplant caught the judges’ eye and was selected as overall winner.

Carl added that winning the prize has given him the push needed to create his own website of photographs of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion “We live in a beautiful part of the world here in Pembrokeshire and I’m hoping that people will enjoy seeing my interpretation of the region’s landscapes, history, wildlife and spirit through the images on my new website.” Holly is loving the limelight. Carl added: “There’s no talking to her now! We’ve had to change her food to a premium brand and the fleece blanket has had be replaced with a goose-down pillow.”

Your Voice: Windows are being left filthy - I would be interested to know if Dundee City Council has a policy concerning window boxes. I have suffered with dirty windows for a few years through the owners above my flat mounting these boxes. They do not hold water when it rains or they are watered. The dirty, earthy liquid just runs through and down to my windows which, incidentally, I pay a window cleaner to keep clean. I was under the impression that when you bought a council flat you only bought the inside. A housing officer told me the outside walls still belonged to the council and you could not do any alterations or mount anything without council permission.

I am a tenant and am sure the council would not allow me to hang window boxes. If someone gave my upstair’s neighbour permission to mount these boxes, please will you pay my window cleaner as I hold you responsible for my filthy windows! If permission was not obtained — and permission is indeed needed — I wish the council would inform these neighbours to remove the boxes. I’m not a spoilsport and do not want to cause upset, but getting rid of the boxes would be the best answer. Unhappy Pensioner, Dundee.

You might expect window cleaners to come swinging past your high-rise hotel guestroom — but, aerial gardeners? Such a notion makes more sense when you consider that Singapore’s Parkroyal on Pickering is a garden hotel — not in the sense of, say, a country estate with lawns and flowerbeds, but a leafy urban oasis where almost every centimetre of spare space has been dedicated to vertical plantings, water channels and the thorough integration of nature.

The 367-room property, on the perimeter of lively Chinatown and overlooking Hong Lim Park, Singapore’s first public garden, opened in January last year and has already picked up environmental and design accolades, including being named joint hotel of the year last year (with The Raas in Jodhpur, India) by World Architecture News. There have been major accreditations for its energy-saving initiatives. Forbes has called it a “hotel of the future”. Management reckons that annual energy savings could power 680 Singapore households and the volume of 32.5 Olympic-sized pools a year is saved through water conservation.

Sedgwick County Zoo’s chimpanzee Marbles dies at 44: One of the Sedgwick County Zoo’s most beloved and recognized animals died Sunday morning from an apparent heart attack. Marbles, an African chimpanzee, artist and charismatic lady-charmer, died at age 44. He had been at the zoo since 1972.  “He formed the original basis for our chimp troop: Audra, Harriet and Marbles,” said Mark Reed, director of the Sedgwick County Zoo. “He was the iconic animal that was featured on all our posters and cups from our 25th anniversary. He was highly intelligent and learned how to undo the locks on the chimpanzee padlock doors, squeegee windows, rake and use a broom.” Once, he opened the cages and let all 11 chimps out, Reed said. “It took a lot of Pepsi and ice cream to get them lured back,” Reed said. “He was always full of antics.” The suspected heart attack Sunday morning quickly took his life, Reed said.

A window washer works on the Art Gallery of Alberta windows in downtown Edmonton, Alberta: One of Alberta’s oldest cultural institutions celebrated its 90th birthday Sunday. The Art Gallery of Alberta invited the public to the pay-what-you-may event for cake, crafts and discounted memberships. Executive director Catherine Crowston said the gallery has transformed over the years into a place where people can engage in art through tours, classes and workshops.

Barrow window cleaner was ‘too ill’ to work community order: A window cleaner whose booming summer business left him too ill to perform unpaid work for a criminal conviction has narrowly avoided jail. Martin Louis Jackson admitted breaching the community requirements of a suspended prison sentence at Furness Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. The 23-year-old, of Longway, Barrow missed an appointment on July 29. Mr Mike Graham, for Jackson, told the court he had been working longer hours due to the summer weather and had fallen ill. Jackson had completed 67 of his 80 hours. District Judge Gerald Chalk gave Jackson an extra 15 hours and one last chance. He said: “This isn’t some sort of casual arrangement where you do the hours you want to do. You do the hours you’re told to do or you go to prison.”

Bird’s eye view as window cleaners tackle 2,000 panes of glass at CMHR: Blink – and you might miss them. Just ahead of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights’ grand opening next month, window cleaners work 100 metres above the street, to make the glass shine. “The first cleaning we’re doing is a post-construction, so it’s a lot of work. You’re cleaning off a lot of residual debris from building the museum,” cleaner Silas Chipelski said. And it’s a big job, requiring rappels from various points and a cherry picker for those hard to reach places. Chipelski says it’s sometimes hard to imagine it all gets clean with just a brush and a squeegee.

More than 2,000 glass panes require cleaning inside and out – taking the team of eight two months to complete the entire project. “You can see the shape of it is pretty out of this world,” Chipelski said.

Museum construction began in 2009, and the final pane of glass was set in 2012. And while heights are certainly a factor for the group, the cleaners say they’re not scared at all , and that something else bugs them more. “As nice as the sun is, that’s really the number one thing – the hotter it gets, the water dries, so we’re starting really early in the morning before the sun comes out,” said Toban Reimer, operations manager. Reimer said while it’s not certain yet how often window cleaning will take place, a building the size of the CMHR usually will be cleaned twice a year, in spring and fall.

New gallery space opens in Price Hill –  The neighborhood has a new art gallery and gathering space for the community. The gallery, named @ 3506, celebrates its grand opening during Price Hill Will’s Illuminating the Arts event Saturday, Aug. 23. The gallery space is at 3506 Warsaw Ave., in the United Window Cleaning Co. Inc. building. “The arts are very important in our family and we wanted to open a space for the community,” gallery owner Diane Reinshagen said. “We decided to stay in Price Hill because of all the exciting things happening here. We wanted to create a space that the community could use, and an art gallery seemed the perfect use of our historic headquarters.”

Reinshagen’s husband, Doug, is a co-owner of the family window cleaning business, which has been in operation since 1919. The Green Township resident said they worked for about a year – in between running the business – to renovate a room in the building into a gallery space. “I definitely like to recycle and reuse,” she said. “I believe there is a use for everything.”

Several lights in the gallery have been reconfigured from old dome lights she found in the building, and she said artworks will hang along the walls from an old cable once used in the window cleaning business. The cable is stabilized in place by antique scaffolding weights which were also used years ago by window cleaning crews, she said.

One of the North East’s largest independent contract cleaning and facilities management companies has this week announced its second acquisition within only a matter of months. Maxim Facilities Management Ltd, based in Sunderland, has announced the acquisition of Glasgow based Ross Cleaning Services, a commercial cleaning and window cleaning contractor - as part of its growth strategy to position the company as a nationwide business. Maxim has grown at a considerable rate since being established in 2010, now employing over 500 staff and making it one of the largest employers in the Sunderland area. The acquisition of Ross Cleaning Services firmly establishes the company’s operations in Scotland and further expands the firm’s already impressive client base to include local authorities and housing associations north of the border.

Undocumented immigrants eager for new driver's license (Danbury): Rosendo Bollis wants to apply in advance for the driver's license the state will begin issuing to undocumented immigrants next year, but said he doesn't know how. "It will be good for me," said the native of Mexico, who would like to drive to his window-washing job. "But I don't know where to go." Bollis is not alone is his confusion about issuing so-called "Drive-Only" licenses to immigrants. "People come in every day to ask me what documents they need, where to find information," said Melissa Michala, who works at a Main Street variety store that caters to the Latino community.

Last year, Connecticut became the 11th state to allow undocumented immigrants to apply for driver's licenses. The idea was to make it easier to register their cars, obtain insurance and open bank accounts, thereby making them more financially independent and less of a potential burden on the public.

Jorge Salazar is a window cleaner from east Salinas who knows what it's like living in a small space, but he was still amazed when he took a tour of the Tiny House and Engineering Statics Project at Hartnell College last Friday afternoon. The house is on a 7-by-18 foot trailer and has a livable space of 98 square feet. It was built by 15 Salinas High Mission Trails ROP Mill Cabinet students and three students from the college as part of a summer internship at Harnell's Alisal Campus. "I live on this east side of Salinas, so this is like wow to me. I'd love to take it there and live in it," Salazar said. "I've been thinking about buying a motor home, but this is way better."

Tiny homes have grown in popularity thanks to FYI's "Tiny House Nation" television show. Hartnell student Heidi Rojas, who also took a tour of the tiny house, said she can't get enough of the show. Salazar said he hopes to see more being built in the future. "It would be nice if they had things like this for low-income families," he said.

Baptism in front of 50,000 people a 'wonderful experience', says young Jehovah's Witness: For Joe Lucas, of Ealing Common, it was his fifth year at the convention in Twickenham, though he had previously attended similar events elsewhere in the UK. "It was great to listen to all the reminders from the bible about how we can improve ourselves but also to meet people from around the world. I'm still buzzing from it," said the 24-year-old window cleaner and freelance photographer.

A couple finally tied the knot – nearly two years after bagging £5,000 of goodies towards their dream wedding as part of an Echo competition. Shane Hanby, 24, and Josephine Duggan, 22, from Thundersley, delayed their big day as they wanted daughter Violet, now 18 months, to be a flower girl. The couple said becoming husband and wife had made their family, which includes three-year-old Leo, complete.

A judging panel from the Echo and the Westcliff Hotel unanimously voted the pair top in the Win a £5,000 Wedding competition in October 2012 because of their sense of humour and genuineness. Mr Handby, a window cleaner, proposed on Christmas Eve, 2011. The couple met six years ago at the Paul Pry pub, in Rayleigh. They impressed judges by talking about how attractive they found each other when their eyes first met, and answered 18 gruelling questions about their life together, to beat nine other couples to the top prize. The other finalists each received a gift of 20 per cent off their wedding and free room hire.

Man given 14 years for smuggling cocaine in through Portsmouth’s ferry port: A man who helped to smuggle millions of pounds worth of cocaine into the country through Portsmouth’s ferry port has been jailed for 14 years. Mark West, 36, (pictured), of Purley, in Surrey, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court for his part in a conspiracy to import the drugs from Spain between April 2011 and October 2012. It follows a 15-year sentence handed down in July to Michael Ebanks, 33, of Sevenoaks Road in Orpington, Kent, for the same crime. But West pleaded guilty to the charge, whereas Ebanks was convicted after a trial. West was involved in buying materials used to pack and conceal the drugs and distributing the consignments after they arrived in the UK.

The court heard West had made trips to Malaga in Spain, sometimes with Ebanks, to organise the importation of the drugs. In giving the sentence, Recorder John Trevaskis said it was clear that West had a ‘management role’ in the conspiracy. He said: ‘You are someone who has been actively and fully involved in this conspiracy. You had substantial links to and influence on others in the chain of the supply and distribution of drugs. ‘I find that you had a financial motive for doing this. ‘This was clearly a highly profitable operation.’

West and Ebanks were arrested following the seizure of 52kg of high-purity cocaine at Portsmouth International Port on October 18 last year. The load had a street value of between £4.8m and £10.4m. Police believe that consignment followed more than 30 similar importations brought through Portsmouth and other ferry ports by unsuspecting couriers. The drugs were hidden in crates of rubber, which Ebanks claimed were imported for sale to tyre companies Pirelli, Goodyear, Dunlop and Michelin. The crates were sent to Lower Cousley Wood Farm in Wadhurst, East Sussex, where West and Ebanks unpacked the cocaine and prepared it for further sale. West used a van from his window cleaning business to transport the drugs onwards from the farm. National Crime Agency senior investigation officer Tim Fleming said he was pleased with the sentence. He said: ‘The sentence handed down today reflects the serious nature of the drug smuggling enterprise that Mark West was involved in over an 18-month period.’ He said the agency would now focus on seizing the assets of West and Ebanks

Cannabis-growing window cleaner walks free from court: A window cleaner who tried to set up a cannabis-growing business in a unit on a Stourport industrial estate has walked free from Worcester Crown Court. Simon Cooper admitted cultivation of the drug but claimed he had intended to set up a legitimate hydroponic business and did not intend to sell cannabis commercially. Cooper, 45, of Hodfar Road, Sandy Lane, Titton, Stourport, was given a 12-month jail sentence suspended for 12 months. He was ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work and to pay £1,200 costs.  Prosecutor Paul Whitfield said police raided the unit on January 20 this year and found 13 cannabis plants being grown hydroponically. There was also a quantity of dried plant and it was estimated that it could have been sold for between £3,500 and £10,000.

Jason Patel, for Cooper, said he had built up a successful window cleaning business over 12 years but had resorted to the use of cannabis and alcohol after domestic trouble. After a frightening experience in Birmingham, he had decided to grow his own. Judge Michael Cullum said he rejected the argument that Cooper was growing for his own use. He intended to profit so that he could recoup a business debt of £8,000 when a prospective partner dropped out. A combination of alcohol and cannabis had clouded his judgement.

Window washer was wanted man: Police say a man trying to sell his window-washing services in Brandon was actually wanted by Winnipeg police. Officers were called to the Willowdale Crescent area, near Ashgrove Boulevard, just past 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, where someone called to report that the window-washer's cart was creating a traffic hazard in the street. The 20-year-old man was selling window-washing services door-to-door. Police say he was wanted by the Winnipeg police for failing to comply with his probation. He was held overnight in Brandon jail, and was to appear in court Monday morning.

Derbyshire street drunk's 'IRA' chants after threat to kill window cleaner: A drunken 50-year-old man with an "extensive history of offending" threatened a kill a window cleaner and then, days later, waved a knife around in the street chanting "IRA all the way" to passers by and residents. Derby Crown Court was told that Daniel Magee had approached window cleaner Lee Ellis in Cobden Street, Long Eaton, on June 10 this year and threatened him and told him he would "kill him". Magee then took off his top and clenched his fists before following Mr Ellis down the road. Mr Ellis managed to get away from Magee, who then started chanting "IRA, IRA".

Sonal Ahya, prosecuting, said that, three days later, Magee was again drunk in the same road and was waving around a kitchen knife, threatening to harm a cyclist who was riding past. The court was told that Magee and Mr Ellis had known each other for 20 years and Miss Ahya said that there had been "difficulties between them". She said: "Mr Ellis was in Cobden Street on his way to clean windows at a public house when the defendant approached him and was heavily drunk. "He threatened to knock Mr Ellis out before saying to him 'I am going to kill you'. "He then clenched his fists and took off his top. Mr Ellis managed to walk away and the defendant was left in the street chanting 'IRA, IRA'."

Bogus window cleaner steals cash from 94-year-old woman; A 94-year-old Long Eaton woman had cash stolen from her home by a distraction burglar who had been posing as a window cleaner. The victim was at home in Wellington Street, Long Eaton, when a man knocked on her door and asked if she wanted her windows cleaned. She declined and later went out but, when she returned home, she found a note saying the man had carried out the job. He later returned to collect payment and, as the victim was taking his details, the offender walked into her house. The victim later discovered that cash had been stolen from her purse.

The offence happened between 4.30pm and 5pm on Monday, September 1. The man first visited the area to ask about window cleaning at about 12pm the same day. He was white, aged between 20 and 24, about 5ft 2in to 5ft 8in, of slim build and with short, tidy brown hair. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing black trousers. He did not appear to have window cleaning equipment such as a bucket or ladder. Anyone who saw a man matching that description in the area, or who may have information on the offence, should call Derbyshire police on 101, quoting crime reference 36809/14. The incident has prompted a reminder of security steps people can take to protect themselves from distraction burglaries.

Elderly woman 'traumatised' by window cleaner theft con: Bogus window cleaners tricked their way into an 81-year-old woman's home and stole a jewellery box. Police are urging residents to remain vigilant after two men are thought to have pretended to be window cleaners to get into the property in Banstead on Friday (August 15). The woman answered the door at her home in Winckworth Road, between 3.20pm and 3.40pm, and was confronted by a man saying he was cleaning windows in the road and asked for some washing liquid before forcing entry into her home. A second man then appeared at the door and distracted the resident while the other man went upstairs into the elderly victim's bedroom. She went upstairs to investigate and challenged the suspect, who is believed to have taken a box containing jewellery. The two men are then believed to have run away from the scene in the direction of Sutton Lane.

Detective Constable Lewis Flanagan, from East Surrey CID, said: "This was an appalling incident where an elderly lady was targeted by these shameful suspects who conned their way into her home. "Although, thankfully the victim was not physically harmed during the incident she has been left incredibly shaken and traumatised by the ordeal. "She is particularly upset at the loss of one of the rings, which may not be of great financial worth but is of extreme sentimental value to her."

One suspect is said to be white, very thin, in his early 20s, around 5ft 9ins tall with collar-length dark hair and wearing black trousers, a thin black jacket or black long-sleeved shirt and was carrying a black satchel type bag. The second suspect is described as being a black man with light skin and a small round-shaped face, in his early 20's, around 5ft 3ins tall, with a medium build and having short black hair. It is believed that he was wearing an orange or red-coloured jumper. Rings taken include a gold band engagement ring with two sapphires on top with a diamond in between, a gold band with single diamond on the top and a white metal ring with an imitation diamond on top.

Fake window cleaners steal £1,200 worth of jewellery from 95-year-old woman in Carshalton, Sutton: Two thieves pretending to be window cleaners stole £1,200 worth of jewellery off a 95-year-old woman. A man knocked on the door of the lady's house in Strawberry Lane, Carshalton, and told her he had cleaned her windows at 6.45 that morning. He then asked for £8 as a payment for the job. The woman said she not asked for her windows to be cleaned and refused to pay. She then went off into her living room to find her phone after the man encouraged her to call his boss. When she got back a different man was at the door, who told her his colleague had gone elsewhere.  She refused to pay once again and shut the door. Later that day she realised the jewellery had been stolen and her rear window was open. The theft took place on Thursday, August 21 at 10am, and the fake window cleaners have been described as white and in their early twenties. Sutton police say they have received two other reports of men pretending to be window cleaners.

'Erratic' East Lancs dad brandished foot-long carving knife at mother of his child: A father who brandished a foot-long carving knife at the mother of his child has been spared jail. Burnley Crown Court was told how part-time window cleaner Martin Carroll, 32, told his on/ off partner Jordan Greenwood that he would stab her if she did not let him in. When officers arrived they found Carroll covered in blood alone in the home, with Jordan having fled. It was unsure if he had cut himself. He was unco-operative with police, who thought he was under the influence of drink, drugs or both because of his erratic behaviour and threatened to Taser him.

When he was arrested, he threatened: “Tell Jordan I will smash her face in for this.” Despite that, the hearing was told the pair may reconcile. Carroll – who has 58 offences on his record, including violence, and has had drink and drug problems – admitted possessing a blade in a public place on May 28. The defendant, of Longton Road, Padiham, was sentenced to 10 months in custody, suspended for two years, with two years’ supervision, the Building Better Relationships programme and 100 hours’ unpaid work. Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said Ms Greenwood thought her life was in danger. The defendant had threatened her before, but he had never waved a knife and she was very scared.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to identify in connection with an attempted robbery in Chelmsford. The 19-year-old male victim, from the Rayleigh, was walking through a car park from Coval Lane in Fairfield Road at around 8.30pm on June 13 when he was approached by two men who demanded that he hand over his belongings. Nothing was taken from the victim. Window cleaner Mark Collins, 43, has already been charged with attempted robbery in relation to this incident and will appear before Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Wednesday, September 3.