Avoid Overheating This Summer
July 12, 2012 | Adriel B. VillarrealWhen its -25 degrees in mid-January most of us Minnesotans long for the days of Summer. Well, according to recent weather records and the length of time it takes my vehicle to cool off, summer is here. We have already had a few days when mercury has been at or near 100 degrees. Add the wind, humidity and you can get a heat index that can be dangerous. The heat is most dangerous to the elderly, children and anyone exerting a lot of energy outdoors. The following tips offer a good review of how to avoid heat exhaustion / stroke. Drink plenty of water. It is important to drink fluid, especially if you are out in the sun. Water is your best option. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine and sugar. They may sound good, but can actually speed up dehydration. Use a fan to circulate the air. Even if you have air conditioning, a fan which keeps the air moving, will let you set the thermostat several degrees higher and still be comfortable. Use your basement during the hottest hours. If you do not have air conditioning but you have a basement, set up housekeeping there for the duration. Basements are usually 10 degrees…
Read MoreBGS Attorney Elizabeth A. Schading named Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
July 11, 2012 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Barna, Guzy and Steffen Family Law Attorney Elizabeth Schading was recently named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. The American Bar Foundation works to advance justice through research on law, legal institutions and legal processes. Some of their current research covers topics such as: end-of-life decision making, the value of early childhood education and tort reform issues. The Fellows is an honorary organization of attorneys, judges and legal professors whose professional, public and private careers demonstrate outstanding dedication to the welfare of their communities and the principles of the legal profession. The Fellows encourage and support the research program of the American Bar Foundation. Liz celebrated this honor at a recent summer event at the home of Barbara J. Gislason, Esq., on July 8th, 2012. She is pictured here at the event with Lisa Kallemeyn, Esq. of Kallemeyn and Kallemeyn, Coon Rapids. Established in 1938, Barna, Guzy & Steffen provides a variety of legal services for individuals, companies and governmental agencies and has worked with thousands of clients in the metro area. For more information about the firm, visit www.bgs.com. A Tradition of Service since 1938
Read MoreLabor/Employment Law Attorney Scott Lepak to Present Free Webinar
June 21, 2012 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.BGS Attorney Scott Lepak will be presenting a free webinar hosted by the League of Minnesota Cities. This webinar on “City Employees and Off-Duty Conduct” will take place on Thursday, July 12, 10-11 am and is free and open to the public. According to Scott, regulating off duty conduct in the age of social media has become one of the most difficult issues for employers to deal with as courts and regulatory agencies attempt to fit the conduct of today’s tech savvy employee into laws that were passed over 50 years ago. The webinar will focus on issues regarding what actions a city can take when its employees engage in off-duty conduct that is illegal, unethical or could harm the reputation of the city. Listeners will learn the answers to questions/problems such as: • What type of off-duty conduct can a city regulate or use as a basis of discipline? • What rights and limitations do cities have to consider when it comes to regulating employee conduct or speech? • Questions and issues regarding social media guidelines and discipline for negative Facebook postings. • How arbitrators in labor cases have rules on cases involving off duty conduct. People interested in attending such a webinar may include city managers, administrators, HR staff, city attorneys,…
Read More